PROVING GROUND XVIII: WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE

♫ 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 Proving Ground’s Hell on Earth Pay Per View flash across the screen. A number of new faces are highlighted, such as the victorious Ulf Hednir and Tara Fenix, to others who made their debuts with varying degrees of success. John Blade, Daniel Ackerman, Victoria McKenzie, Will Riley, and Mark Kelly all get their moment in the intro, before we eventually see Larry KaChow laid out in the ring by his unscheduled guest, the masked man known as Redd.

♫ 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 ♫

When it came to incredible one-on-one action, Hell on Earth delivered as Arata Asakura made his debut against MYOJIN in one of the closest matches of the night, and Elena DeDraca showed everyone that she’s ready to regain the Legacy Title in an impressive contest with Pixie Sloan. Highlights from both matches dance on the screen, ultimately revealing the winners as we see MYOJIN and Elena with their arms raised high.

♫ ♫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 ♫

While the concept may have resembled something from a fever dream, the effort put forth by the eight competitors inside The Gates of Hell was no delusion. From Cadillac Jackson’s impressive performance, the teamwork of TJ Thompson and Yung Sauce, and the blood shed by everyone from Brandon Hendrix to Valkyrie, fans get a glimpse of what the match showcased during the intro. Battered and bruised, this segment of images ends with Emmanuelle still holding the Warrior Rising Championship in her platinum grip.

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

We once again bear witness to Lance Williams staking his claim on The X-Factor Championship at the expense of Proving Ground’s General Manager, Indy Darling, before the timely intervention by Mark Hunter. Then scenes of the Pay Per View’s main event are shown; from Lil’ Petey knocking Ozymandias through a table with a Thesz Press to Mark Hunter’s springboard clothesline from the ringside guardrail. Finally the intro nears its conclusion with the image of a victorious Ozymandias claiming the Grand Championship as his own.

♫ 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 Lima, Peru 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.

“THERE’S ONLY ONE OZYMANDIAS”
“MS. MAINSTREAM”
“DICKIE’S BACK BITCHES”
“ESSENCE OF EGOTISM”
“FREE GERALD!”

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 another exciting episode of Proving Ground!

TREY BOOKER: Welcome to another heart-stopping episode from pro wrestling's most unpredictable brand...welcome to Proving Ground! I’m your host, Trey Booker, joined as always by the man with the million dollar observations, J.T. Price!

J.T. PRICE: We’ve got an unbelievable show coming up tonight, Trey, featuring a series of random tag team matches in the Friends Like These competition to determine a new contender for The Warrior Rising Championship!

TREY BOOKER: And speaking of friends like these, former friends will go to war for a chance to compete for the Legacy Championship in tonight’s main event! It’s X-Factor Champion, Lance Williams, meeting former Grand Champion, Mark Hunter, inside of a steel cell!

J.T. PRICE: All that plus Big Drip taking on the Gold and Platinum combination of MYOJIN and Emmanuelle, the double debut of Jordan Bishop and Victoria McKenzie, Arata Asakura in action, and the return of the incomparable Dickie Watson!

TREY BOOKER: Don’t you dare go anywhere! Our opening contest is coming right up!


Backstage… Parking Garage.

Ulf Hednir is spotted with his duffel bag, having just arrived at the Coliseo Amauta. You can already hear the crowd cheering at the sighting of one of Project: Honor’s new arrivals, but by his expression, it’s easy to tell that he’s all business tonight. The camera angle shifts to one on the other side of the door for the parking garage and Ulf walks through; he shifts his glance back and forth after walking in when his expression suddenly paints a very different image…

?: Pappa.

The voice said. It was more of a low growl than an actual voice, and Ulf just seemed… in disbelief. The camera panned around to see a little girl that looked more like a monster than a little girl, the same size as his daughter Thea, standing in front of him.

THEA: Pappa--

She repeated, this time reaching out. She tilted her head back and forth, and chattered her teeth together several times as Ulf seemed completely frozen in place, in absolute shock and horror. The camera panned back in on Ulf as the monster’s arm reached toward him-- and the moment it touched his arm, he shook his head, and the camera panned back out and the monster was not there. Rather, Crystal Ward was in her place, with a hand on Ulf’s arm.

CRYSTAL WARD: Ulf. Ulf! ULF!!!

She shouted his name several times as if to get him out of what was a trancelike state of mind. He finally blinked his eyes several times, and answered back.

ULF HEDNIR: Hei! How may jeg hjelpe du?

He said with a will to maintain focus, and handle his business for the evening.

CRYSTAL WARD: I was just hoping I could get some of your thoughts on your tag team match this week. You are going to be stepping into the ring with Cadillac Jackson and Valkyrie tonight, and the Project: Honor audience already knows that you are good friends with Valkyrie, so is that going to affect your presence in the ring?

Ulf merely shook his head.

ULF HEDNIR: Nei, nei. Jeg ha quite a bit to say in min latest promo about de situation, og der is nei vei det Valkyrie’s presence is going to stop min selv from going ute to de ringe og doing everything det jeg must do to gå ute as de vinner, alongside Will Riley.

CRYSTAL WARD: So, you have the full intent of winning tonight… What about your next step? Is there anything that would concern you and stop you from becoming the number one contender for the Warrior Rising Championship?

ULF HEDNIR: Nei, der is nothing. Hva ever Chad can throw in de direction of de Proving Ground roster, jeg vil be ready for it! Jeg vil become de number en contender for de Warrior Rising Championship, og… believe me--

Ulf gave a slight smirk.

ULF HEDNIR: --it vil be de first of many championships det er going to come min vei. Jeg have min eyes on Lance Williams, to take de X-Factor at en point. Jeg ha min eyes on Ozymandias to take de Grand Championship at en point. Og jeg ha min eyes on becoming de LEGACY Champion. Disse is en mountain det jeg er just finding min footholding to scale-- disse is en mountain det jeg ville conquer. Det jeg ville stå at de top of. Jeg vil cement min legacy not just in Project: Honor, but also throughout de industry… det is why jeg do hva jeg do, det is why jeg step into de ringe every opportunity det jeg ha! To prove to min selv, og to prove to everybody, det jeg er one of de best. To challenge min selv. Jeg answer all challenges. Disse is just another challenge, og disse is a challenge det jeg vil conquer.

CRYSTAL WARD: These fans absolutely adore you, and for good reason! Good luck tonight, Ulf!

ULF HEDNIR: Takk.

Ulf gave a quick nod to the camera before walking toward the locker room.

CRYSTAL WARD: And now, out to the arena where we are about to see the debut of Victoria McKenzie and Jordan Bishop in what should be an exciting contest!



HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… weighing in at two hundred and seventy five pounds… from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England… VICTORIA MCKENZIE!!

Victoria smirks as she saunters down to the ring to Little Mix's 'Power', the cocky and plus sized Geordie looks at the fans up and down with a mocking look of contempt; she even gets in the face of a few fans to jaw jack with them before she hops onto the apron and shows off her size by swinging her hips and grinding in a teasing way. Victoria then enters the ring through the middle rope and swaggers around, again showing off her size as she starts to talk trash to the booing fans, giving them the double middle finger or spinning around, bending over and slapping her own rear to show them what she thinks of them.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent… weighing in at two hundred and forty five pounds… JORDAN BISHOP!!

AMP Bomb Squad hits around the speakers in the arena as Jordan Bishop walks out on stage, he flexes his muscle as the lights reflect off his huge gold chain. The pyro goes off behind him as he does a punch in the air, then starts making his way down the ramp with his manager Dwayne Dealz. Jordan approaches the ring and jumps effortlessly on to the apron before entering the ring, he lets out a huge roar as pyro goes off around the ring. He bounces in place until the match begins.

DING! DING! DING!

Victoria Mckenzie stares Jordan Bishop down defiantly as he walks to the middle of the ring. She walks to meet him. The two jaw at one another for a moment before Victoria hauls off and goes for a haymaker only to have it deftly blocked by Bishop. He laughs in his opponent's face. Victoria responds by swinging another fist only to have it blocked as well. Victoria literally chases Bishop around the ring, swinging wildly only to have each hit either blocked or evaded. She eventually goes for a clothesline only to have it ducked and be nailed with a neckbreaker.

TREY BOOKER: Jordan Bishop showing impressive speed and ring savvy for such a big man.

J.T. PRICE: Be really interesting to see if Victoria's actual ability can equal the ability of her gob to talk shite every minute of every day.

Jordan leisurely gets back to his feet. Victoria remains on the ground a moment, holding the back of her head. She rolls onto her stomach and pushes herself up to her hands and knees only to have Jordan drop a knee on the back of her head. He follows this up by locking her in a modified kimura lock. He wrenches hard around for Victoria to scream, but it’s a scream of resolve as she manages to roll onto her back and break Bishop’s grip.

TREY BOOKER: McKenzie breaking Bishop’s hold.

J.T. PRICE: I personally hope she loses, having to be called out by senior roster members for sexist comments before your debut is poor even by my standards.

TREY BOOKER: She’s young, people screw up, she apologized.

They both scramble to their feet where Victoria hits Jordan with a thrust kick. He gets back up quickly only to eat another one. Victoria runs and bounces off the ropes and as Jordan gets vertical, she hits him with a running avalanche body attack. She then locks Bishop in a side headlock and begins to rain blows onto the side of his head. Jordan pushes to his knees though with McKenzie holding onto the hold. Jordan however gets to his feet and widening his base he lifts Victoria up and nails her with a back suplex.

J.T. PRICE: Jordan Bishop has an answer for everything Victoria McKenzie is laying on him right now.

TREY BOOKER: It’s true, but you gotta admire Victoria’s heart.

J.T. PRICE: No I don't.

Jordan rolls on top of Victoria and begins to choke her with both hands. The referee gets to four before he releases, holds his hands up and then dives right back in with the choke. He begins bashing Victoria’s head into the mat but breaks once more at four and stands, pulling McKenzie with him. He lifts her up and nails her with a seriously impressive chokeslam. He goes for a pin.

J.T. PRICE: Here we go!

ONE!!

TWO!!

T… NO!!

Victoria gets her shoulder up! Jordan rises to his feet. He waits for Victoria to get to her knees and charges in, nailing a running knee into her face. He goes to her and presses a boot on her neck. He presses down as Victoria grabs his ankle and kicks desperately. Bishop removes his boot at four, smirking confidently. He begins yelling at Victoria to get up! She does it slowly, using the ropes. Bishop waits and as she stumbles forth, he goes for a roundhouse kick but Victoria evades and sweeps Jordan’s leg out from under him.

TREY BOOKER: it’s felt like Jordan Bishop has controlled most of the match but Victoria McKenzie. Won’t. Die.

J.T. PRICE: Shame.

She runs and bounces off the ropes, nailing him with a senton straight to the chest. She gets to her feet and bounces again, nailing a second senton. She bounces to her feet practically and then off the ropes. She nails a leg drop across Jordan’s throat! She rolls on top of him and goes for the pin.

J.T. PRICE: She’s on top, he’s dead!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

Jordan kicks out, instantly sitting up. Victoria gets to her feet and goes for a shining wizard but Bishop evades it. She gets to her feet as Jordan is getting up as well, charging in for another attack but Jordan ducks her clothesline. She turns around into a sickening overhand punch, followed by another! The two of them both fall over. Jordan grasping his throat and trying to right his breathing, Victoria holding the side of her head.

TREY BOOKER: I couldn’t call a winner on this one if I had to!

Jordan sits up first, getting to his feet as Victoria struggles to find her footing. He measures her up and waits for her to throw a punch before ducking it, spinning her around and trying to get her set for a full nelson suplex, but McKenzie manages to slip his grasp and rolls Bishop up with a small package!!

J.T. PRICE: OH MY GOD… THAT’S THE BIGGEST SMALL PACKAGE I’VE EVER SEEN!!!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!! VICTORIA MCKENZIE WINS!!!

DING DING DING!!

TREY BOOKER: She’s pulled it off!

Victoria quickly rolls out the ring and begins backing up the ramp celebrating. Jordan Bishop and Dwayne Dealz are left staring at each other in disbelief.

HOLLY PEREZ: And the winner… via pinfall… VICTORIA MCKENZIE!!


Backstage…

Tara is wandering down the hallway with her cell phone held to her ear. The background noise makes it impossible to hear the person on the other end, but the crew is gathering as much intelligence as they can.

TARA: Listen… I know that they’re looking into what happened, but that was a work stunt! It was an accident--

She seemed trying to convince the person on the other end, although the tone suggested she may have been telling it to herself enough times that she had actually grown to believe it.

TARA: Neither my son, nor I, wanted to harm him like that. I was told to go out there and do a job, and I did it. … … … How much longer do they want to look into this? … … … Two months? … … … Okay, so-- two months, and then I get visitation?

She had a smile on her face from ear to ear.

TARA: Yes. I may get visitation. Thank you so much!

She was too giddy to even say a proper farewell, biting her lip and still just cheerful over the situation. As the phone clicked, she turned and accidentally bumped into someone.

TARA: Oh, sorry--

The camera panned up to reveal that she had bumped into Mark Hunter. Mark turned to face her, seeming a bit more… intense… he knew that she meant no harm, so he gave a brief smile back to her.

TARA: Hi, Mark!

She said, still a bit giddy over the news she received whilst she tucked the phone back into her pocket.

MARK HUNTER: Hey-- Tara, right? I never got round to it before, but welcome to Proving Ground. Was that Christian you were talking to?

TARA: What? No, that was my lawyer. Why would you think it was Christian?

MARK HUNTER: I mean, we all saw you exchange numbers with him, and… well, yeah, he’s unpredictable, be careful.

TARA: I barely know him! No, no, no. That was my lawyer.

Mark nodded his head, but still was rather expressionless as he thought of the match that he had ahead of him.

TARA: I guess I should… probably get out of your hair…

She said, and she gave off a nervous chuckle, as she began to brush past Mark Hunter, and continue down the hallway, but she turned toward him whilst still walking backwards now. Not watching where she’s going, she’s bound to run into someone else.

TARA: Knock him, dead, Mark! I’m rooting for you. He said some very unkind things to me on Twitter!

MARK HUNTER: I plan on literally killing him.

A few more steps, and Tara turned and bumped into another person.

TARA: Oh! Hey, Will!

Will stumbled forward a few steps, and seemed to have spilled his bottle of water.

WILL RILEY: Hey, Tara. Did Christian just call you? Is that why you’re so giddy?

TARA: NO!

The scene goes back out to the arena.



HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first to the ring… Weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… Standing at five feet, eleven… From The Hip House… "The Drip Sensation", "All Gas, No Brakes", "One Hip Wonder", "Mr. Clout", "Mr. Hydration", "The MILF Hunter", "Big Booty Bandit"... Liiilll Peeettteeeyyy!!!

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 next to the ring… Lil Petey’s tag partner... Weighing in at two hundred and seventy pounds… Standing at six feet, four inches… From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… The Commander of Drip, The Precipitation Plug, Scotty Wet-Wet, The Vanilla Gorilla, The Versace Villain, The Brand, The IceMan… Scccoootttttt Oaaasssiiisss!!!

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. To make his entrance more grand he'll at times come out with a whole team of people which include his trainers and advisers, adding to the presentation by sporting a hoodie with the name of his brand on it and tights adorned with all of his different sponsors.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing their opponent to the ring… Weighing in at two hundred and thirty seven pound… Standing at six feet, six inches… From San Antonio, Texas… Don Dada… Brrraaannndddooonnn Heeennndddrrriiixxx!!!

"POWER" by Kayne West plays as Brandon Hendrix walks to the ring, up the steel steps and enters the ring ready for the match.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing Brandon Hendrix's tag partner to the ring… Weighing in at one hundred and sixty five pounds… Standing at five feet, eight inches… From Interdimensional Universes Within The Galaxy… Space Shaman ,Galaxy Guru… ACCCEEE SKKKYYY!!!

A countdown preceding his titantron video is shown as a fans count down with it from 5

a rocket drops from the bottom of the titantron to the stage and the pod door opens

Ace Sky walks out in an aviator jacket and his usual in ring attire, he salutes a peace sign and jogs down the aisle way high-fiving as many fans as possible on both sides then he dashes forward leaps upon the apron and flings himself in with a front flip followed by a series of three front handsprings and a rolling savate kick.

DING! DING! DING!

Scott Oasis has decided he’ll be the one to start the match off between him and Lil Petey as they fist bump before Lil Petey gets out of the ring to stand on the apron. Whereas Brandon Hendrix and Ace Sky seem to be arguing over who is starting but it’s Ace who ends up stepping out of the ring and standing on the apron. Scott and Brandon meet in the middle of the ring as they both lock up in a test of strength. It’s Scott who gets the better of it though as he pushes Brandon away sending him on his ass. Lil Petey and Scott laugh as Ace just looks on at him shaking his head.

Brandon punches the mat before getting to his feet and gets into Scott’s face who just yells at him before Headbutting him square on the nose. Scott follows it up with a Waist-Lift Spinebuster that shakes the ring. Scott then Deadlift picks Brandon up trying to go for an Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex but Brandon chops the ears of Scott who releases the hold he has straight away. Brandon follows it up with a Clothesline that makes Scott stumble, as he runs at the rope to build more momentum Ace Sky tags himself in. Brandon stops in his tracks turning to face Ace with an angry glare on his face.

TREY BOOKER: Brandon Hendrix wasn’t a fan of that.

J.T. PRICE: Ace Sky is just being smart.

Ace points to Scott and as Brandon turns around he is taken down by a Clothesline as Ace runs at Scott hitting him with a Jumping Knee Strike that rocks him. Ace follows it up with a Springboard Tornado DDT taking the big man down finally. Lil Petey is on the apron now trying to get the crowd behind Scott as he starts clapping. Ace decides he is having none of it though as he runs over hitting a Dropkick on Lil Petey sending him to the floor. Scott has managed to get back to his feet already and Ace turns around to then end up being on the receiving end of an Exploder Suplex.

Scott looks over to make sure that Lil Petey is okay as Lil Petey is starting to get to his feet and nods at Scott. Scott turns his attention back to Ace who is now starting to crawl to the ropes to get to his feet. Brandon is now out of the ring standing at the apron calling for the tag though as Scott helps Ace to his feet. Ace hits Scott with a kick to the mid section and goes for a DDT but Scott pushes him back into the corner giving Brandon the chance to tag himself in. The slap as he hits Ace’s back rings out through the arena as Ace falls to the mat and rolls out of the ring to the floor.

TREY BOOKER: Ouch!

J.T. PRICE: You can say that again.

TREY BOOKER: Ouch!

Scott is calling for Brandon to get into the ring as Brandon just smirks as he drops from the apron to the floor. Brandon walks around the ring trying to find an opening to get in the ring but he isn’t paying attention to Lil Petey who is now back up on the apron. Petey runs along the apron and jumps off hitting Brandon with a Hurricanrana as the crowd start cheering for Lil Petey. Lil Petey gets to his feet and does a Drip Check dance before heading back up to the apron. Scott gets out of the ring, helps Brandon to his feet and rolls him back into the ring and Scott gets back into the ring as Ace has finally managed to get up on the apron as well.

Walking over to Brandon, Scott Deadlifts him up showing off his strength as he locks in a Bearhug in the center of the ring. Scott squeezes harder and harder but still Brandon refuses to quit so Scott just hits him with an Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex and tags in Lil Petey. With Brandon down on the mat, Lil Petey goes over and pins him.

ONE…

TWO…

KICKOUT BY BRANDON HENDRIX!!!

TREY BOOKER: Brandon is not done yet.

J.T. PRICE: Nearly was.

Lil Petey gets up to his feet and walks over to Ace Sky doing some silly TikTok dance that ends up with Ace punching Lil Petey knocking him on his ass. This gives Brandon enough time to crawl over and tag in Ace who jumps into the ring. Ace runs across the ring hitting a Dropkick to the legs of Scott causing him to fall from the apron and smash his face on the apron sending him to the floor. Ace then runs over to the turnbuckle jumping up onto the top of it, looking down at Petey before hitting the Galaxy Leap (Shooting Star Press) on him and going for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

KICKOUT BY LIL PETEY!!!

Ace is shocked that Petey managed to kick out but is quick to get back to his feet helping Petey up to his feet too. Suddenly, Lil Petey hits MP3/Micro Penis 3in (Jumping Cutter) and goes for the pin!

ONE…

TWO…

KICKOUT BY ACE SKY!!!

TREY BOOKER: Lil Petey is on fire!

J.T. PRICE: Better grab the fire extinguisher then.

Lil Petey is quick to his feet going to help Ace back up, only Ace manages to push Petey on his ass and then is blindsided by a tag from Brandon who gets in the ring telling Ace to get out. Petey takes that opportunity and dropkicks Brandon, knocking him into Ace which then sends Ace out of the ring through the ropes. Lil Petey jumps up onto the turnbuckle and jumps off hitting the Freaky Bomb (Swanton Bomb) on Hendrix and goes for the pin!

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match by PINFALL… Liiilll Peeettteeeyyy and Scccoootttttt Oaaasssiiisss!!!

TREY BOOKER: Lil Petey picks up the win for his team!

J.T. PRICE: Lil Petey and Scott Oasis deserved it for sure.

TREY BOOKER: Ace Sky and Brandon Hendrix were just not on the same page. That’s a risk the other teams have to be aware of in these random tag team matches!


The Shining Star, MYOJIN, walks into the building, a confident smile on their face as they carry their bag over their shoulders- heading toward their locker room as they continue walking down backstage.

CRYSTAL WARD: MYOJIN! Can I get a few words?

They stop at the sound of the familiar interviewer's voice as she comes walking over with a microphone in her hands, the blonde gives Crystal a small nod and a friendly smile as she comes walking forward. MYOJIN takes their shades off, hanging them down the collar of their tee.

MYOJIN: Yes, Crystal?

CRYSTAL WARD: Following you becoming number one contender to the X-Factor Championship, tonight you're going to be partnering again for the second time with Emmanuelle against Big Drip Productions- What are your thoughts?

Crystal then holds the microphone toward them, who tilts their head slightly with their smile growing.

MYOJIN: Is there really much to say? We all know what the outcome of tonight will be, Emmanuelle and I are going to give a performance of a lifetime like usual- and win. As for the fake champion, Williams, well- I'm sure he's hoping to win tonight so he can dodge defending against me- but that's alright.

The blonde turns toward the camera. Their smile fading into a serious, determined glare.

MYOJIN: I can be patient for as long as I need to be.

TARA FENIX: I see someone's feeling confident.

Tara Fenix walks into view, her arms crossed as she walks toward the Shining Star. MYOJIN seems a bit surprised at the sudden appearance of the newer arrivals to Proving Ground.

TARA FENIX: ...I know we don't know each other, but I just wanted to say congratulations on the big win at Hell on Earth AND becoming X-Crown Champion in XHF. You've been doing pretty well for yourself, keep it up and good luck out there tonight.

MYOJIN: Thanks! Good luck to you too.

Tara simply grins and gives a playful wink.

TARA FENIX: I don't need luck.

She then turns, heading back down the hallway as MYOJIN turns toward Crystal with an amused expression on their face.

MYOJIN: Tonight has been fun already. Anyways, I gotta go- Wouldn't want to come to the ring without deciding on what shade of eyeliner will match my gear.

And with that, the blonde flashes a bright, charismatic smirk before giving a peace sign as they walk out.



“Time is Now” begins to play as John Blade walks out on stage. He talks to the camera man and bounces a little. He holds up his “Never Give Up” logo flag and tosses it to the fans. He salutes and runs straight down towards the ring. He bounces off the ropes side to side and he holds up his “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” shirt. He takes off his hat and tosses his shirt to the fans and hands his Chain to the ref to begin to fight.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from Boston, Mass and weighing in at two hundred and sixty pounds...Big Match John...JOHN BLADE!!!!

Every light in the arena shuts off… moments later, a single blue spotlight shines to the curtain as the opening melody for “The Eagle Flies Alone” by Arch Enemy plays over the PA system and the crowd is giving their mixed reactions… The longtime fans have cheered, and overpower the ones who do not know whether to cheer or not; some join in just out of peer pressure. Fog has filled the stage. The first verse comes and goes. The chorus comes in.

I, I go my own way!
I swim against the stream!
(Forever) I will fight the powers that be!

Tara emerges from behind the curtains; her head is covered by her hood. Tara stands at the top of the stage with a sneer on her face as her eyes scan the crowd as if to find her supporters. Some of the crowd has gotten louder in her favor, while others are still mixed. Tara flings the hood back, and takes a better look at the crowd. The legendary Tara strides down the ramp; the stride turns to a brisk walk about halfway down the ramp. The crowd along the front row is bowing down to her. As she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she goes around to the camera side of the ring, leaps onto the apron with one knee and straightens out her other leg while looking at the crowd and the camera.

I, I go my own way!
I swim against the stream!
(Forever) I will fight the pοwers that be!
The eagle flies alone!

Tara crawls between the middle and lower ropes, and crawls to the middle of the ring. After standing up, she walks to the nearest turnbuckle and goes to the second turnbuckle; she just stares out at the crowd, and shouts out inaudible words. After several seconds of basking, she does a one-eighty off of the second rope and landing. She hands her coat to the referee, then proceeds to wait for the match to start.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his partner, hailing from Hartford, Connecticut and weighing in at one hundred and forty three pounds...She is The Phoenix Queen...TARA FENIX!!!

With the Project Honor fans ready for what’s to come next, the starting riff of 'Boneshaker' by Airbourne kicks in over the PA system. After a few moments from the back out jogs Mark Kelly, running to one edge of the stage and doing two finger-guns at the fans with a smirk. He then moves to run to the other side, repeating the gesture, before finally coming to the center of the entryway. Pausing for a moment, he finally throws his hands up high, then brings them down in the same way finger guns, 'shooting' at the ring before blowing away the smoke from his fingertips. With the theatrics over, Kelly now races to the ring, diving in under the bottom rope, and rolling forward and to his feet. Springing up to the middle rope, he throws his arms wide and roars, letting out a sign of exhilaration to get the fans on his side, before hopping down and slowly turning to face the ring. Now ready for battle, as he moves to his corner and kneels, running fingertips across the mat to get a sense of the ring, while awaiting the opening bell.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, introducing first from Perth, Australia and weighing in at two hundred pounds...The Australian Ace...MARK KELLY!!!


As the beginning intro to “The Plan” by Travis Scott rings out through the arena’s P.A. System as the house lights simply bring it’s focus towards the entrance curtain, the crowd - though not visible - are on their feet and awaiting the arrival of The Captain, the voice of Travis Scott being heard as a figure steps through the curtain with their head held down.

“Last time I wrecked it, last time I whipped around
Last time I did the whippets (yeah), last time I live reverse (yeah, yeah, ooh)
Pour the brown, hit the reverend (yeah), last time I hit your crib (yeah)
Last time there was no tenants”

All of the house lights within the arena begin to flash, like a strobe light, as the beat dropped through the first verse. The figure continued to stand in the same position as he was beforehand, taking slow steps forward until he’s just at the edge of the stage from the ramp that leads to the ring below. A slight movement from the figure as he brings his head into a viewable position and shows his face. Daniel Ackerman had arrived.

“Not a vibe (Yeah) but a wave, with the sound by the way
Count it down, by the days (Ooh)
To myself, know they wicked, with the moves (Ooh, ooh)
I'm drinkin', off the juice, know I'm drinkin'
I be smooth, then I lose it, yeah, yeah now”

The One Winged Angel began to make his way down the ramp, slow nonchalant steps as he looked out to the crowd and the spotlight following his every move, and with these steps he takes- he gives the opponent time to evaluate what they’re to expect. Daniel makes it to the ring side area and again, continuing his nonchalant walk, he circles around the ring until he’s made a full path around before hopping onto the apron where the hard-cam is facing.

“Close the opera
Hear the red and blue outside, I think our option's up
I recrossed it 'round the map, I had to line it up
I be swervin' on the waves, it's like a line of us (Yeah, yeah)”

Pointing up to the hard-cam and then back to himself as if telling it to zoom in on just himself, Ackerman gently steps into the ring and looks across the ring to his opponent, giving off the cocky smile we’re used to seeing resting on his face before heading into the corner and tapping the point of his right foot on the ring mat as Holly Perez gives him his introduction.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his partner… Wrestling out of Waterford City, County Waterford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at one hundred and ninety-eight pounds… he is “The One Winged Angel”... DANIEL AAAAACKERRRRRMAAAAAANNNNN!!!

Upon hearing the name of The One Winged Angel, Daniel climbs to the second rope and with the spotlight shining down onto him, pulling his black leather jacket open to show his pectoral muscles with that same cocky smirk on his face, the hard-cam picks up him mouthing something off but with the fans cheering loudly and the music continuing to play over, his voice becomes inaudible. Ackerman drops down to the ring mat with a loud thud as he turns to face his opponent, bringing his hands behind his back and once again, he mouths something that’s inaudible, but this time it’s right into the face of the opponent just to rile him up.

DING! DING! DING!

On one side of the ring, it looks as if Mark Kelly and Daniel Ackerman are having trouble deciding which of them will begin the contest. Ultimately, Mark Kelly wins out by simply shoving his way past Ackerman towards the center of the ring. Meanwhile, John and Tara are having a similar problem, but The Phoenix Queen has a much different solution as she grabs John by his jean shorts and suddenly hurls him between the middle and top ropes! John is clearly unhappy about this, but there’s little he can do as Tara charges towards Mark Kelly for the lock-up! It’s clear that Mark has the strength advantage as he pushes Tara back against the ropes, but when the referee orders a clean break, he obliges!

TREY BOOKER: These two teams may be having trouble seeing eye to eye, but at least we’re seeing some sportsmanship between opponents!

J.T. PRICE: I get the feeling this is gonna be a weird one, Trey.

Tara and Mark meet back up in the center of the ring, but this time instead of a lock-up, Mark attempts to stun Tara with a European Uppercut! She dodges the blow at the last second, hooks both of Mark Kelly’s arms in response, and then maneuvers him to the canvas with a backslide!

ONE!

KICKOUT!

Mark scrambles back to his feet, but this time Tara meets him with a drop toe hold to immediately put him back down. She then leaps on top of him to apply a side headlock, but her attempt is short lived as Mark begins to push himself to a standing position. With Tara still holding onto his head, Mark lifts her off the ground as if to counter with a back suplex, but Tara kicks her legs and pulls him back toward the canvas with a headlock takedown! Mark is quick to kick out of the wear-down hold and get back on his feet, but Tara immediately slaps on another headlock to flip him onto the mat! Frustrated by the opening back-and-forth and eager to get into the ring for himself, The Captain chooses that moment to rush into the ring, kicking Tara hard in the ribs to break her hold on his partner. It is a move that doesn’t sit well with Mark Kelly, who gets in Daniel’s face for interrupting their fair contest. The brief disagreement gives Tara another opportunity to surprise Mark, this time rolling him to the mat with a school boy!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

This time when Mark gets back on his feet, Tara begins to unload a series of stiff kicks at him, targeting both of his legs and his midsection. Mark manages to eventually catch Tara’s foot, who tries to counter with an enziguri only for Mark to duck underneath it! Kelly then executes a beautiful dropsault, catching Tara unaware and sending her back towards her corner! This gives John Blade the chance to make a blind tag and enter the match, much to Tara’s dismay. Big Match John charges towards Kelly with fire and determination, but The Australian Ace meets his charge with a sudden Belly to Belly Suplex that he calls The Greetings From Kings Park!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Big Match John gets back to his feet, but Kelly is already scouting him and ready to strike with another offensive maneuver! He cracks John right on the jaw with his knee, effectively executing Such Is Life! The hard hit sends John backwards, allowing Tara to bring herself back into the match with a blind tag of her own! Instead of waiting for John to exit the ring, she once again grabs him by his jean shorts and hurls him between the ropes, determined to handle this tag team match on her own!

TREY BOOKER: Tara Fenix is having none of Big John’s attempts to be a part of this match!

J.T. PRICE: It’s like her song says, “This eagle flies alone”!

Tara runs towards Mark Kelly and ducks under his clothesline attempt, coming back towards him with a running crossbody! The strength of Kelly wins out again as he tries to catch Tara in his arms, but the move is a psyche out as she turns it into spinning headscissor takedown! The momentum of the move sends Kelly staggering forward, this time allowing Daniel Ackerman to make the blind tag! The Captain charges into the ring hitting Tara with a hard series of palm and elbow strikes! The blows are enough to stun Fenix long enough for Ackerman to follow up with his Stardust Kick, sending Tara down to the canvas!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

At this point, both Big Match John and Mark Kelly re-enter the ring as the series of blind tags seems to have worn thin on both sides of the match. Blade and Kelly exchange a series of punches until John finally shoves Kelly away with all his strength. The push sends Kelly right into Ackerman, interrupting his planned attack on the dazed Tara Fenix. The Captain responds by sending a clothesline towards Kelly, who ducks underneath! Ackerman collides with John Blade, sending the Big Match playa out of the ring! When The Captain spins around, he’s met by the Such Is Life knee strike from his own frustrated partner! Kelly then leaves the ring to take out his frustrations on John Blade, as Ackerman pulls himself back up, just in time for Tara to leap off the top with Heaven’s Fury!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match...JOHN BLADE AND TARA FENIX!!!

J.T. PRICE: What a clusterfuck. Can I say that on TV?

TREY BOOKER: That’s what the seven second delay is for, partner. It’s clear that the random pairings did not work out well for either team tonight, but that hasn’t stopped Tara Fenix from getting the pin and advancing closer towards a shot at Emmanuelle!


One of the cameras takes us backstage just in time to witness the fashionably late arrival of Project: Honor’s owner, the media mogul known as Rock Johnson. With a lovely lady on each arm, Mr. Johnson makes his way through the arena hallways in search of his private viewing room, when he is suddenly approached by a familiar member of the staff. It is none other than Larry KaChow, who approaches Mr. Johnson with a big smile and his hand held up as if he’s expecting a high five from the owner. Instead, Johnson slowly removes his sunglasses and looks at Larry curiously.

ROCK JOHNSON: Is there something I can help you with, little man?

LARRY KACHOW: Um...not really, Mr. Johnson. We just haven’t had many opportunities to talk since I came on board and I’ve been wanting to tell you how much I respect and admire you. Your dignity and grace, your dashing good looks, your impeccable business acumen...it’s a real honor to be working for you, sir.

A smile begins to come across Rock’s face as he soaks up Larry’s attempts at brown-nosing.

ROCK JOHNSON: What was your name again?

Larry chuckles as he sheepishly shrugs his shoulders.

LARRY KACHOW: It doesn’t matter what my name is, sir. Most people call me Monsieur KaChow, but you can call me Larry if you want.

Rock takes a moment to consider something while quietly repeating the journalist’s name to himself.

ROCK JOHNSON: Larry...Larry...Larry....

It’s clear that the Project: Honor owner has no clue who KaChow is, but that doesn’t stop him from treating Larry like an old friend.

ROCK JOHNSON: You know something, Larry? This company could use more men like you; men willing to show the proper respect to their superiors. A guy like you could really go far around here. In fact, I have an offer for you that may be of interest.

Larry’s face lights up as if he were a kid in a toy store.

LARRY KACHOW: Oh? I’m already flattered, whatever it may be.

ROCK JOHNSON: Proving Ground’s General Manager isn’t here tonight. He has a sprained ego or some kind of cramps. The assistant GM is awol, I think we may have left him behind in Greece. The bottom line is, even an underling like you can see how busy I am.

Johnson gestures towards the women on either side of him by moving his head from one side to the other.

ROCK JOHNSON: I just don’t have time to pick up Indy Darling’s slack tonight, so I’m looking for the kind of person who’s willing to step up and take charge for the evening. You follow me, Harry?

Larry ignores the fact that Johnson got his name wrong as he responds.

LARRY KACHOW: Oh, absolutely sir! Are you sure I’m qualified for such an important job? I’d hate to let you down.

Johnson laughs to himself, clearly amused by the flattery and subservience that KaChow has heaped upon him.

ROCK JOHNSON: If that Make-A-Wish kid could cover for DeMarco, I’m pretty sure you can cover for Darling. Just make sure I’m not bothered tonight, and don’t do anything to embarrass me. Can you do that, Barry?

Still ignoring the mispronunciation of his name, Larry nods his head enthusiastically.

LARRY KACHOW: Absolutely, sir! Unlike some people who can’t be bothered to show up for work, you can count on me!

ROCK JOHNSON: That’s what I like to hear, now if you’ll excuse me…

Johnson continues on his way with his two female friends, leaving Larry KaChow alone in the hallway as he beams from ear to ear. Once the owner is out of earshot, the interim GM begins to laugh, starting with a soft chuckle until it morphs into the cackling of a madman.

LARRY KACHOW: Heh...hehehe...Ha...HA HA...BWHA HA HA HA!!!!



The arena goes pitch black as the sound of a pack of wolves howls hauntingly can be heard over the speakers.

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.”

The picture of a pair of glowing golden wolf eyes appears out of the darkness (on the tron).

“I am a.. Warrior.
I will never stop.
Yeah!”

The lights begin to flash with the music and standing in the center of the stage is a woman dressed in what appears to be Norse tribal attire made of Wolf pelts. A black and grey wolf pelt wrapped around her shoulders and held in place by a silver chain connected via 2 wolves heads. Covering her face is a Wolf mask as golden blonde hair spills down her back in various braids decorated with beads and other “trinkets”. She’s wearing a pair of black leather pants that clings to every curve, a pair of knee-high black heeled boots with fur around the top. Clinging to her upper-body is a black leather corset with various buckles, fur and spikes.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m falling.”

Black Feathers start to fall all around her as she stands and sways slightly in the center of the stage.

“So fast from the sky.
From the weight of my life.
Sometimes I feel like I’m hunted.”

The woman raises her head up and looks as if she’s stretching/popping her neck and rolling her hands into fists.

“Attack me with knives.
Cut me up in the night.”

At the next verse, she lifts her head up and lets out what could only be considered a battle cry.

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.
I am a.. Warrior.
I will never stop.”

As the lights brighten the arena, everyone now sees that she’s surrounded by a group of both men and women dressed much like herself. Two of which held the chains to very large black wolves.

“What doesn’t kill me,
Makes me stronger.
I am the Wolf.
I am the Hunter.
I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.”

She then pushes away from where she stands and starts down the ramp towards the ring. The man and woman holding the two wolves follow behind her. The Wolves following.

“No, I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
I leave behind all the lies.
I taught myself to survive.

I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.

I am a.. Warrior.
I will never stop.”

She comes to a stop as she reaches the end of the ramp and stands before the ring.. In silence.

“What doesn’t kill me,
Makes me stronger.
I am the Wolf.
I am the Hunter.”

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.
I am a…”

As the drums begin to beat over the speakers, she then climbs onto the apron and slips between the ropes.

“I am a…”

She moves to the middle of the ring and takes a stance.

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.”

She then raises her fist up into the air.

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.
I am a.. Warrior
I will never stop.
What doesn’t kill me,
Makes me stronger.
I am the Wolf
I am the Hunter.”

“I am a.. Warrior.
I walk with the Gods.”

She then raises both arms up, throws her head back and lets out another battle cry.

“YEAH!”

By the time the song ends, she's standing in the center of the ring ready to do battle.

TREY BOOKER: And here we are with our THIRD tag match of the night in the Friend Liked These set of matches, starting with Valkyrie coming out- and she looks ready.

J.T. PRICE: I bet she is, she's been looking to make an impact and has had her eyes set on the Warrior Rising Championship- if she gets through this and manages to be a team player, she'll be able to get a chance to fight her partner for a chance at the title.

ALL OF THE LIGHTS.

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

TREY BOOKER: Speaking of her partner, here comes Cadillac Jackson! This could be leading to his chance to a breakout performance leading to an opportunity for the title.

J.T. PRICE: I mean, if he and Valkyrie do win this match.. Are you honestly betting your money on him to win a fight against her?

The opening introduction for “Raise Your Horns” by Amon Amarth plays over the PA system, and the crowd goes into a frenzy! The music can barely be heard over the sound of the fans. Ulf Hednir quickly shoves the curtains aside, dressed in his wolf headdress, and marches out onto the stage with his drinking horn held high over his head.

Ulf Hednir: SKÅL!

Crowd: SKÅL!

Ulf drinks from the drinking horn, and after, turns it upside down to show the crowd that there is nothing left. Ulf attaches the drinking horn to a strap hanging off his belt, and marches down the ramp to shake hands or high five many of the fans along the ramp; fans scramble to get as close as they can and he takes an extra moment to ensure he greets as many as he can. Ulf goes around to the right side of the ring, still greeting as many fans as he can until he reaches the timekeeper’s table, where he removes the headdress and the drinking horn, placing them on the table. He walks up to the apron and leaps up, grabbing the ropes, and leaning back to let loose a mighty howl.

Raise your horns, raise them up to the sky,
We will drink to glory tonight!
Raise your horns for brave fallen friends,
We will meet where the beer never ends!

The chorus plays over, and Ulf steps between the middle and top ropes before parading around the ring a bit, raising his arms from each side of the ring. He stands by and waits for the match to start.

TREY BOOKER:And one of their opponents for the night, Ulf Hednir! A competitor who has steadily been making his name known on Proving Ground with every fight he's been in.

J.T. PRICE: What's up with all the Norse types here recently? Does anyone else find it kind of weird? Either way, I'm curious to see what kind of performance he'll give tonight.

The Lights dim to black as guitars strum dark surf chords drowned in reverb. As the walking bass and clattering drums come to the fore white lights center on the middle of the walkway.

Will Riley stands there. Wearing a Black Ring Jacket emblazoned with "Snake Pit Fight Club" on the back.

As the hazy singing begins, Riley's black wrestling boots move confidently down the ramp towards the ring. He slaps the offered hand keeping his eyes on the ring. Reaching the apron he slaps it with both hands, before hopping up on to the apron as the song takes on more speed and urgency.

Wiping his boots on the apron, he ducks between the second and third ropes, raising both of his in exultation before moving to his corner and removing his jacket.

TREY BOOKER:And finally, Will Riley, undoubtedly a fearsome man to go against. One of Proving Ground's technical types, catch-as-catch-can, he undoubtedly can bring the fight. He and Ulf are definitely not two people you want to find yourself ending up against.

J.T. PRICE: Isn't that the truth, both of them look like they'd happily tear someone's head off and mount it like a trophy.

Both teams stand in the middle of the ring. Valkyrie and Ulf stare toward each other, a bit of uncomfortable tension as the Berserker seems unsure of how to proceed, while Valkyrie has a sinister stare in her eyes as she simply paces back and forth. Riley calmly steps in front of Hednir, lightly pushing him back toward the corner. Cadillac happily steps out of the ring, not eager to get into the ring so soon- especially against either of them. Valkyrie stares Riley down, Riley stares back unphased as the bell rings.

TREY BOOKER: And it seems we're starting with Valkyrie and Riley!

J.T. PRICE: Leading into this match, Valkyrie said there were no depths she wasn't willing to go to in order to get what she wants. Riley has made it clear that he's a PROFESSIONAL- and isn't here to play games or be flashy, but to get the job done.

Moving forward to each other, Riley reaches out- going for a collar elbow tie-up. Valkyrie seems to be going for the same thing- BUT SUDDENLY HITS RILEY A KNEE TO THE ABDOMEN! He stumbles backward into the ropes with a grunt, and she goes for an irish whip- Riley reverses it, pulling her arm behind her into an hammerlock, and sweeps her off her feet- bringing her to the mat as he keeps her arm locked in a unnatural position, she angrily grits her teeth in pain!

TREY BOOKER: And here we are, getting to see the technical prowess of the PROFESSIONAL Wrestler.

J.T. PRICE: He's got that hammerlock on tight, it's not smart to grapple with a man who can bend you like a pretzel.

As he pulls her back up, he begins twisting her arm over his shoulder blade- VINTAGE ARMBREAKER! She yells and swings her free arm for a clothesline, Riley ducks under her armpit- THE ARM TRAP GUILLOTINE SUPLEX, DROPPING VALKYRIE RIGHT ON HER SHOULDER! Riley stands up, dusting his hands off as the crowd cheers in appreciation of his ability. Grabbing that same arm of hers, he puts her in an elevated wristlock-! She punches at his waist multiple times , but Riley tries to push her toward his and Hednir's corner! He gives her a few stiff knee lifts, before reaching over to tag Hednir in! Cadillac yells over, trying to get her attention! Hednir tags in!

TREY BOOKER: There must be some serious damage done from that Hungry Wolf of Fate Valkyrie just took!

J.T. PRICE: I'm surprised it isn't hyperextended… Did I use that word right?

Riley nods to Hednir as the two of them drape her arms over their necks, looking for a double team vertical suplex- THEY LIFT HER UP- SHE FLIPS OUT OF IT AND LANDS ON HER FEET, RILEY TURNS AROUND AND SHE BACKFLIPS- PELE KICK TO RILEY THAT SENDS HIM OUT OF THE RING!

TREY BOOKER: FREYJA KISS! FREYJA KISS OUT OF NOWHERE!

J.T. PRICE: QUICK THINKING BY VALKYRIE! SHE SHOULD CONSIDER PLAYING SOCCER WITH AN OVERHEAD KICK LIKE THAT!

Ulf turns but she grabs him in a front face lock and turns him over- SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Valkyrie GOES FOR A PIN!

ONE!- ULF KICKS OUT! Valkyrie sits up with an enraged look on her face.

TREY BOOKER: Harsh neckbreaker by Valkyrie! These two know each other rather well, but that sure isn't stopping Valkyrie by any means from trying to win!

J.T. PRICE: Relationships don't matter in the ring, Booker. This is competition, not a team effort.

TREY BOOKER: I mean.. This is a tag team match, JT.

J.T. PRICE: Shut up, Booker!

She lifts him up and sends him toward the ropes- the Son of Thor rebounds off of them- AND IS NEARLY FOLDED IN HALF BY A SUDDEN, VICIOUS SPEAR BY VALKYRIE! HE GOES DOWN, HOLDING HIS RIBS!

TREY BOOKER: LIKE A BULLET TRAIN, VALKYRIE NEARLY TORE HEDNIR IN HALF!

Cadillac reaches out for a tag excitedly, Valkyrie simply gives a death stare toward him and he sinks back. She climbs up to the top rope- JUMPS OFF LOOKING FOR A FLYING FOREARM- NO, HEDNIR CATCHES HER BY THE WAIST, BELLY TO BELLY RELEASE SUPLEX THAT SENDS HER INTO HER CORNER! Riley begins stirring on the apron, still dazed from that Pele Kick to the temple- as Cadillac tags himself in while Valkyrie drags herself up as Hednir recovers from that massive spear to the abdomen!

TREY BOOKER: CADILLAC IS IN!

J.T. PRICE: FINALLY, THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE IS HERE TO MAKE THIS MATCH A FIVE STAR CLASSIC!

Jackson begins stalking Hednir, who hasn't realized the tag as he takes a deep breath. Riley tries to warn the Berserker by pointing toward Jackson- Ulf turns around, AND GETS LIFTED UP- AND SLAMMED DOWN FACE AND CHEST FIRST!

TREY BOOKER: CADILLAC FLAPJACK!

J.T. PRICE: THAT'S IT, THE MATCH IS OVER, NO ONE KICKS OUT OF THAT!

Jackson grins, patting himself on the back as the crowd boos while he hooks Ulf's leg.

ONE!

TWO!

T- KICKOUT!

HEDNIR KICKS OUT! Jackson stares in annoyance, he hooks BOTH legs this time!

ONE- KICKOUT! WITH AUTHORITY THIS TIME!

TREY BOOKER: Hednir refuses to go down that easily.

J.T. PRICE: How the hell did he survive the legendary Cadillac Flapjack? Jackson has PERFECTED that move!

Jackson pulls Hednir into a gutwrench- GUTWRENCH SUPLEX THAT SENDS HEDNIR DOWN! He holds his side and abdomen in pain, but Jackson isn't done yet- HE DROPS A FIST ACROSS ULF'S FACE! He then disrespectfully kicks Hednir across the face lazily, with a sleazy grin!

TREY BOOKER: Oh, come on! There's no need for the disrespect!

J.T. PRICE: Oh be quiet, he's showing his dominance over the beta male!

TREY BOOKER:...Excuse me?

J.T. PRICE: You wouldn't get it, you're not a sigma.

Jackson backs up into the corner, getting ready for his spear- Hednir begins slowly getting up, turning to see the Luxury Experience- JACKSON RUNS AT HIM BUT HEDNIR WAS PLAYING POSSUM, HE PULLS JACKSON UP INTO A FIREMAN'S CARRY- LOOKING FOR THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, BUT JACKSON ESCAPES IT AND GOES FOR A LARIAT- HEDNIR DUCKS AND PULLS HIM IN WITH A SPINNING SIDE SLAM THAT PLANTS HIM!

TREY BOOKER: BERSERKER BULLDOZER!

Breathing heavily, he begins going for a pin- VALKYRIE RUNS IN BUT RILEY INTERCEPTS AND CATCHES HER WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT SENDS HER STUMBLING BACK OUT! While the referee is distracted as Hednir goes for a pin, JACKSON TAKES THE CHANCE TO HIT A LOW BLOW ON HEDNIR- THE AUDIENCE BOOS AS JACKSON GETS UP AND HITS RILEY WITH A POUNCE, SENDING HIM BACK OUT OF THE RING!

TREY BOOKER: NO! EJECTION! THAT WAS A BLATANT LOW BLOW!

J.T. PRICE: I didn't see anything… *whistles*

Jackson points to the side of his head with a shit-eating smile as Hednir writhes in pain, pulling himself into a corner- JACKSON RUNS IN WITH A LARIAT IN THE CORNER, THEN PULLS HIM OUT- RELEASE FISHERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! He then drags Hednir into the corner, tagging in Valkyrie who simply glares toward Jackson who backs away with his hands raised- she's clearly not interested in being cooperative with beyond what's necessary to win. Pulling the hurt Hednir, who's clutching his abdomen from the damage done to his torso- and the feeling of getting dick punched, Valkyrie DROPS HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER!

TREY BOOKER: The gameplan seems to be tearing Hednir's midsection to shreds- but that low blow was uncalled for!

J.T. PRICE: Jackson's just using his genius mind, Booker.

TREY BOOKER: You call this genius?

J.T. PRICE: It's Sneaky Wrestler 101!

Instead of going for the pin, Valkyrie has an idea- to go for the spear again, she gets Hednir up- who's barely able to stand and tosses him back toward the ropes- HE JUMPS ONTO THE SECOND ROPE, SHE TRIES TO RUN IN BUT GET CAUGHT WITH A SPRINGBOARD ROUNDHOUSE KICK!

TREY BOOKER: WOAH! HEDNIR IS BACK IN THIS!

J.T. PRICE: NO!

VALKYRIE GOES DOWN! JACKSON TRIES TO RUN IN, BUT HEDNIR PUTS HIM INTO THE BJORN HUG! JACKSON YELLS IN PAIN, TRYING TO ESCAPE- BUT THEN SUDDENLY HEDNIR LIFTS HIM OUT OF THE BEAR HUG INTO A FIREMAN'S CARRY- DEATH VALLEY DRIVER THAT SPIKES JACKSON AND HE COLLAPSES, ROLLING OUT OF THE RING!

TREY BOOKER: VALHALLA DRIVER! HE DROPPED CADILLAC RIGHT ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD WITH THE VALHALLA DRIVER!

J.T. PRICE: BUT LOOK, VALKYRIE IS STARTING TO MOVE!

Hednir is gassed, holding his stomach with gritted teeth and a pained expression- Valkyrie pulls herself up unsteadily, using the ropes for support- she's seems a little out of it, Hednir turns back to his corner- RILEY IS BACK UP, HE'S REACHING OUT FOR THE HOT TAG- YELLING TOWARD HEDNIR! VALKYRIE SEES IT AND TRIES TO INTERCEPT, BUT HEDNIR HURLS HIMSELF FORWARD- THE TAG IS MADE, THE CROWD ROARS AS RILEY GETS IN!

TREY BOOKER: THE PROFESSIONAL, WILL RILEY IS BACK IN- AND HE LOOKS READY!

J.T. PRICE: HE'S ALREADY LOOKING AT VALKYRIE'S HURT ARM!

Valkyrie screams with frustration before charging at Riley- he ducks and rebounds off the ropes, moving to beside her- INTERCEPTING HER WITH A MINORU SUZUKI-STYLE SLEEPER HOLD!

TREY BOOKER: SHE'S FADING!

J.T. PRICE: BUT SHE'S STILL THERE!

Valkyrie wildly throws back elbows, attempting to escape the hold- a few of them knock Riley silly, but HE MANAGES TO COUNTER ONE LAST ELBOW WITH A SLEEPER SUPLEX, DUMPING HER ON THE NECK!

TREY BOOKER: ROSE CITY SUPLEEEXXXX!

VALKYRIE IS OUT, LAYING STOMACH FIRST! Riley gets up, sensing the opportunity and takes her injured arm into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! HE HAS IT HIGH ANGLE, SHE'S SCREAMING OUT!

TREY BOOKER: HE'S GOT THE ARMBAR IN!

J.T. PRICE: BUT THERE'S NO WAY SHE'LL TAP OUT!

The referee drops down to ask her, but she refuses! Violently shaking her head as Riley tightens his grasp around her arm, bending it as far as it can go- SHE'S SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, BUT SHE STILL REFUSES- OH WAIT, RILEY HAS HER WRIST AND HER FINGERS, BENDING HER DIGITS ALMOST SO FAR BACK THEY'LL TOUCH THE BACK OF HER HAND- THE REFEREE HAS SEEN ENOUGH AND CALLS THE MATCH BEFORE SHE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED! RILEY LETS GO!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winners by referee decision, ULF HEDNIIIIRRRRRRRR AND WILLRILEEEEEYYYYY!

The crowd cheers as Riley begins to stand, panting as Hednir makes his way back into the ring! The referee walks over to raise both of their hands in victory.

TREY BOOKER: What a hard fought match- it was severely close at points, but at the end of it all it's settled- Ulf Hednir and Will Riley are the winners!

J.T. PRICE: Cadillac was robbed! He had the match won! After he hit the Flapjack, the ref should've called it like he did just now!

TREY BOOKER: Speaking of that, Valkyrie refused to tap out- She is extremely tough, but you have to wonder about the damage done to her because of that- She and Jackson gave a good fight, despite Jackson's cheating, but the more important thing is that Hednir and Riley will be facing each other for a chance at the Warrior Rising Championship!

Once the referee lets their hands go, Riley turns to Hednir with a stoic look- he responds with the same as they walk into each other's faces. For a few moments, the crowd is quiet at the tension- until Hednir offers a handshake, Riley looks down- and SHAKES HIS HAND! The two nod to each other with a sign of begrudging respect before leaving the ring.


Lurking in the backstage area is interim General Manager, Larry KaChow, who is grinning from ear to ear while rubbing his hands together as if he’s a starving man ready to dive into a 5 course meal.

LARRY KACHOW: It’s mine...it’s mine...it’s all mine!

Just then, he is interrupted by the approach of Serrano Poblano as the Heater makes his way towards Gorilla for his upcoming match.

SERRANO POBLANO: Larry! My man! How’s it hanging, broski?

The delighted expression on KaChow’s face quickly fades as Serrano barges into his personal space.

LARRY KACHOW: Oh...it’s you.

SERRANO POBLANO: Rumor has it, you’re the big man in charge tonight! Congratulations, bro! I can’t wait to see how you fix things around here with that dork, Indy Darling, gone for the night!

LARRY KACHOW: Yeah, well, the card was already booked and Johnson isn’t letting me make any changes to the line-up…

SERRANO POBLANO: Pffft! Whatevs! You’re the GM tonight! You can do whatever the hell you want! Even if you can’t change tonight’s line-up, that doesn’t mean you can’t book the next show. Serrano and Ozy in the main event for that Grand Championship? Are you feeling it as much as me?

Larry’s expression turns to one of deep thought, as if something Serrano said has begun to sink in.

LARRY KACHOW: Yeah...right...

SERRANO POBLANO: I’ll go take care of that bum, Arata Asakura, just to show you how worthy I am! Sit tight, KaChow! This will only take a minute!

Serrano continues on his way toward the Gorilla Position, leaving the interim General Manager alone with his unspoken thoughts...



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Currently in the ring, weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds and hailing from Osaka, Japan...he is The One Real Shogun...ARATA ASAKURA!!!

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


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, hailing from Flavor Town and weighing in at three hundred and twenty pounds...he is The Sultan of Spice...SERRANO POBLANO!!!

DING! DING! DING!

There is an absolute look of disgust on the face of Arata as he stares across the ring at Serrano, who is still gyrating his body despite his music being off. It would seem as if The Heater is more concerned with taunting the ringside fans than the actual task ahead of him, which only succeeds in compounding the annoyance of Arata Asakura. Finally, Serrano turns his attention to the ring, where he is immediately met by a Roaring Elbow from The Gaijin Killer! The blow nearly takes off Serrano’s head as he drops flat on his back in the center of the ring!

TREY BOOKER: Holy shit! Something tells me Arata is not pleased about having to face someone like Serrano Poblano here tonight!

J.T. PRICE: Really? What was your first clue?

With a shake of his head, Arata reaches down to grab Serrano in a double wrist lock, slightly pulling him off the mat in the process. He then delivers a devastating knee strike to his helpless prey before allowing him to fall back onto the canvas!

TREY BOOKER: Ayatsuri by Arata! I think Serrano was already out, but if not he’s definitely dreaming now!

J.T. PRICE: Jesus...that dude really doesn’t like fat white boys…

It would seem as if Arata could pin Serrano and be done with the match at this point, but The One Real Shogun has not released all of his frustrations just yet. He makes his way to the corner and ascends to the top turnbuckle, taking his time as Serrano has yet to move from his prone position. He then launches himself off the top with the picture-perfect splash known as The Golden Dragon, adding insult to injury on his outmatched opposition. Arata then rises to his feet, and instead of making any concentrated effort to pin Serrano, he simply places his foot on top of The Heater’s chest.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by pinfall...ARATA ASAKURA!

The official attempts to raise Arata’s hand, but he pulls it away and gives the referee a death glare for his efforts. He then looks down to glare at Serrano’s lifeless body one last time, spits at the unmoving heap of flesh, and finally walks toward the ring ropes.

TREY BOOKER: Something tells me they’re going to have to find some stronger opponents for that man! It was almost as if he couldn’t be bothered to put any effort into his domination of poor Serrano!


Following the utter decimation of Serrano Poblano by the impressive Arata Asakura, we once again go backstage where Larry KaChow remains in deep thought. Just then, an unnamed intern rushes into the scene with some papers clutched in his hands.

INTERN: Mr. KaChow! Boy am I glad to see you! We just got a fax from Indy with the complete line-up for the next card and someone needs to announce it to the live audience. Indy specifically asked for Crystal to deliver his announcements, but I can’t seem to find her anywhere…

Larry looks at the intern, and then his eyes slowly fall on the papers clutched in his hand.

LARRY KACHOW: The line-up for the next show, you say?

INTERN: Yeah. And it’s Proving Ground’s twentieth episode so it’s a pretty big deal. You should see some of the matches he’s lined up. We’re talking about Pay Per View quality stuff. Big stuff for Ozymandias and Emmanuelle, part two of the Friends Like These Tournament, MYOJIN’S title shot...this card is gonna be huge!

LARRY KACHOW: Wait...MYOJIN’S title shot?

INTERN: Yeah, but that’s just one match. You should see the rest of this stuff! It’s ground-breaking! It’s the kind of forward-thinking that could change the face of the business forever! I mean...I don’t want to jinx us...but this could land Proving Ground a Prime Time Emmy award.

Larry’s eyes light up as if he’s found the final piece to a complex puzzle.

LARRY KACHOW: I’ll tell you what, I don’t have an interview segment scheduled tonight, so why don’t I take this and announce it to the crowd.

The intern considers Larry’s offer for a moment, unsure if he should deviate from Indy Darling’s orders.

INTERN: I don’t know man...this is important stuff. We’re talking about the twentieth episode…

LARRY KACHOW: Come on, man. Crystal’s been running all over the place doing interviews. There’s no way she’ll have time to make these announcements. I’ve got all the time in the world, and Rock Johnson named me interim GM for a reason. I’ve got this one.

INTERN: Well...I suppose…

Larry snatches the papers away from the intern before he can change his mind and gives the young man a big grin.

LARRY KACHOW: Good man! Now how about you get me a nice cup of KaCoffee while I go over these before I make the announcement?

Still unsure that he’s made the right decision, the intern wanders off in search of the nearest coffee machine. Once he’s gone, Larry begins to look over Indy Darling’s booking plans.

LARRY KACHOW: Ugh...garbage...crap...double crap...I could book way better than this!

Just then, Larry remembers the words Serrano Poblano said to him earlier in the night. A thought bubble appears above Larry’s head, with Serrano’s face planted squarely in the middle.

DIGITALLY INSERTED MEMORY OF SERRANO: Even if you can’t change tonight’s line-up, that doesn’t mean you can’t book the next show….book the next show….the next show….

The thought bubble fades from the screen as Serrano’s words echo through the hallway, and an evil smile begins to emerge on Larry’s face. Then, with devious precision, he begins to rip Indy Darling’s notes in half, his own ideas for Proving Ground’s twentieth episode forming in his twisted mind...



HOLLY PEREZ: The following match is scheduled for one fall… introducing first… already waiting in the ring… weighing in at four hundred and sixty nine pounds… from Dildo, Canada… Pat The Postman!!!

Pat raises an arm to the crowd who greet him with a decent chorus of cheers.


DING! DING!

Pat and Dickie circle each other before Pat The Postman raises his left arm up as high as it can go, wanting a Test of Strength. Being over a foot taller than Dickie, he does this mostly to get into his head. He smirks confidently at his much-smaller opponent... right before Dickie jumps up and cracks Pat right in the chin with a leaping knee strike! The force of the blow causes the bigger man to turn a full one hundred and eighty degrees around, and he holds his jaw in pain before nodding, whipping around, and immediately trying to hit Dickie with a discus clothesline! Dickie ducks it quickly, but Pat follows through on his momentum and bounces off the ropes! Pat lunges at Dickie with a running start, but Dickie blasts him with a corkscrew roundhouse kick! The crowd comes alive as Dickie Watson hits Pat The Postman with stiff shot after stiff shot!

TREY BOOKER: Dickie Watson isn't taking any disrespect tonight! He's fighting like a man possessed!

J.T. PRICE: Knowing him and his crazy ass, he might actually be possessed!

Dickie gets up off of his bigger opponent and readies his next move. Just like you would expect, Dickie is trying to get his work done early tonight, because as soon as Pat gets back to his feet, Dickie runs at him, ducks under him, goes behind him, and locks in a rear naked choke with his legs locked around the body of Pat! Pat struggles in surprise and crashes into the turnbuckles in desperation, but the always tenacious Dickie keeps the hold applied as the crowd goes wild! But the match has barely started, and Pat's strength hasn't faded at all! In an impressive display of raw power, Pat uses the one arm he has free to grab Dickie by the back of his neck and pulls him completely over his own head!

TREY BOOKER: Safe to assume Dickie wouldn’t have enjoyed that.

J.T. PRICE: Wouldn’t assume anything about Dickie, he’s the guy that said, and I quote, “When I’m off my suspension… I’m working from the bottom up. I’ll prove I earn my shit, regardless of what everyone wants to say. I have my rematch, but earning things has always been a part of my mantra.”

TREY BOOKER: And?

J.T. PRICE: Interrupting and stealing a new champion's special, well earned moment wasn’t exactly in line with that was it?

TREY BOOKER: Oh behave… wrestlers are human… they all say and do things like that.

Dickie Watson is sent flipping over Pat, landing outside on the ring apron, where he catches a clubbing blow to the back of his neck! Pat The Postman doesn't waste any time and suplexes Dickie from the ring apron back into the ring! He then quickly hauls him up and lifts him high, nailing an impressive Gorilla Press Slam, dropping him right to the mat while running towards the ropes! Dickie hits the mat on his stomach so hard he bounces a little and goes to his back, clutching his stomach in pain, right as the postman rebounds off the ropes and jumps up, crashing into Dickie's prone body with a senton! He goes for the pin!

On… Dickie Watson kicks out with authority before the ref even completes the one count!!

TREY BOOKER: Wow, Dickie really is intent on making a point tonight.

J.T. PRICE: The count not reaching one is ridiculous.

Pat goes to pick up Dickie, but when Dickie gets to a kneeling position he cracks Pat in the abdomen with a hard shot! Pat doubles over and Dickie gets him again with another shot to the abdomen! Frustrated, Pat grabs the back of Dickie's neck and blasts him in the chest with a side knee strike! Dickie is whipped around by the blow and goes to his knees, struggling to get up. Pat walks up to and stands over Dickie as he's on his knees, Pat reaches down, and in another display of raw power, lifts him up by his waist and hits him with a Deadlift German Suplex! He manages to keep his arms locked around his waist, and he brings him right back up and sends him crashing right back down with a second Deadlift German Suplex! And he's still going! Pat attempts a third Deadlift German Suplex, but Dickie plants both feet and jumps up, springing up and over the seven foot tall Pat in an amazing show of agility! When Pat turns around, Dickie catches him with a brutal Step-Up Enzugiri!

TREY BOOKER: God damn! Dickie with that surprise enzugiri, Pat went down like he’d been shot.

J.T. PRICE: Dickie Watson’s got a spirit inside some can only dream of. Always has.

Dickie takes a look at the fallen Pat and springs himself up to the top turnbuckle, the crowd roaring in excitement as he takes off… DICKIE NAILS PAT WITH THE ADRENALINE!!!

TREY BOOKER: Phoenix Splash!!!

Dickie Watson covers Pat…

ONE

TWO

THREE!!! DICKIE WATSON WINS IN DOMINANT FASHION!!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: He’s back and he hasn’t missed a damn step.

HOLLY PEREZ: THE WINNER BY PINFALL… THE MOLOTOV… DICKIE WATSON!!!



HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time would you please welcome internationally renowned investigative reporter and tonight’s interim General Manager, Monsieur Larry KaChow!

As the lights in the arena are dimmed, “The Man” by the Killers begins to play. It is a drastic change from Larry’s normal entrance, one we can only assume has been orchestrated due to his temporary position of authority. Considering the man in question, it should come as no surprise when he makes the audience wait an annoyingly long time before making his entrance. It isn’t until the song hits its first chorus that there is an eruption of pyrotechnics upon the stage. At that moment, the lights return to normal and we see Larry standing at the edge of the entrance ramp, his arms outstretched to his sides and his head tilted back. He holds the pose for a few moments like a true diva, before finally lowering his gaze towards the ring and taking his first steps down the ramp.


Upon reaching the ring, Larry steps between the ropes and soaks up the boos from the crowd as his new entrance music slowly dies down. Once the unusually elaborate entrance is complete, KaChow raises a microphone to his lips to address the live audience.

LARRY KACHOW: How do you like me now, bitches?

The crowd responds with chants of “Larry Sucks” but the interim GM isn’t bothered by them in the least.

LARRY KACHOW: I knew you morons wouldn’t show me the kind of respect I deserve, but that’s okay! If I wanted to, I could shut this show down right now and send you all home without refunds, but I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’m going to show you how a real General Manager handles things!

The crowd continues to boo Larry relentlessly, causing him to glare at them with disdain.

LARRY KACHOW: Screw Indy Darling and screw Christian DeMarco! All of their crazy stipulations and competitive matches are nothing but garbage compared to what I can come up with! Just to show you how brilliant Lucky Larry is, I have trashed the original plans for Proving Ground’s twentieth episode and came up with my very own line-up!

The crowd is interested enough to allow the negative chant to fade away, as Larry prepares to unveil his master plan for the next episode of Proving Ground.

LARRY KACHOW: Fallout has announced a special edition for their own tenth episode, and quite frankly, I don’t think Indy Darling’s plans were up to par. Now according to the booking sheet, I have twenty competitors scheduled to compete on the next episode, and since it’s also the twentieth show, I’m betting the house on that same number! I’ve got the number 20 picked on my Powerball ticket...I’m gonna play roulette and put all my chips on 20...And at Proving Ground Twenty, all 20 competitors are going to fight in a single match!

Larry pauses, as if he expects the crowd to pop at his genius announcement, and when that doesn’t come he continues to elaborate.

LARRY KACHOW: For the first time ever, Proving Ground will have an over-the-top-rope gauntlet match with participants entering at random every two minutes! The twenty available superstars are Ace Sky, Arata Asakura, Cadillac Jackson, Daniel Ackerman, Dickie Watson, Emmanuelle, John Blade, Lil’ Petey, Mark Kelly, MYOJIN, Ozymandias, Scott Oasis, Serrano Poblano, TJ Thompson, Tara Fenix, Ulf Hednir, Valkyrie, Victoria McKenzie, Will Riley, and either Lance Williams or Mark Hunter depending on the outcome of tonight’s main event! The last person standing will earn a shot at The Grand Championship and if the current champion, Ozymandias, wins the match, he’ll have the opportunity to determine the stipulation in his first Grand Title Defense! It’s a little something I like to call ‘Lucky Larry’s Lethal Limbo’ and it’s better than anything Darling or DeMarco could ever hope to come up with!

Despite the interest in the match he’s proposed, Larry continues to be booed by the audience. He does his best to ignore the negative response as he tosses the microphone aside and begins to make his way out of the ring.

J.T. PRICE: Wait...he basically just announced a 20 person Royal Rumble, didn’t he? Can we legally use that name? Why not just call it The Grand Gauntlet?

TREY BOOKER: I don’t know, but it’s a lot better than Lucky Larry’s Lethal Limbo. No matter what we call it, opportunity will knock for one competitor at Proving Ground XX!

J.T. PRICE: That’s it, Trey! You’re a genius! It’s the first ever Opportunity Knocks Match in Project: Honor history!





HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first to the ring… Standing at five feet, four inches… From Pacific Palisades, California… "The Platinum Standard", "The Silver Starlet"... EMMMMMMAAANNNUUUEEELLLLLLEEE!!!

"Cash Flow" by Ace Hood ft T-Pain/Rick Ross plays as Emmanuelle makes her way to the ring, Once she is at the ring and inside it, the music fades out.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next to the ring… Emmanuelle’s tag partner... Weighing in at one hundred and sixty five pounds… Standing at five feet, nine inches… From San Diego, California… “The Shining Star”, “The Technical Aristocrat”, “Prince of the Constellations”, “Osaka's Golden Sun”... MYYYOOOJJJIIINNN!!!

“Please chill out, baby got all the labels like tweaking, now

Yeah, I just set a standard they all have to allow

Yeah, I'm sure I got some years left, watch me keep to my sound

I'm gon' deem myself the man of the year”

Sauce rolls under the bottom rope and leaps to his feet, running into the corner to climb up to the second rope and allowing the fans to cheer as loud as they can as the music fades and his opponent makes his way to the ring.

DING! DING! DING!

As the bell rings for the start of the match, Emmanuelle is the one who gets out of the ring as MYOJIN is going to be the one who starts the match for their team. It’s going to be TJ Thompson who stays the match for Big Drip Productions so Yung Sauce gets out of the ring. MYOJIN and TJ meet in the center of the ring and TJ isn’t messing around as he throws a Punch at MYOJIN who side steps the punch and hits TJ with a Spinning Backfist that sends him stumbling into the ropes and on the rebound MYJOIN takes him down with Tai-Otoshi locking in a Cross Armbar too. Luckily for TJ though he is close enough to grab the ropes as MYOJIN breaks the hold straight away.

MYOJIN gets TJ up to his feet and whips him into the corner where Emmanuelle is and walks over, tagging her in. Emmanuelle and MYOJIN hit a Double Suplex, MYOJIN then gets out of the ring as Emmanuelle hits TJ with an Elbow Drop to the midsection. Emmanuelle then goes to help TJ to his feet but he responds by rolling her up into a Small Package Pin.

ONE…

TW… KICKOUT BY EMMANUELLE!!!

TREY BOOKER: Sneaky by TJ there.

J.T. PRICE: Still he isn’t going to get Emmanuelle with that.

Both Emmanuelle and TJ are back up to their feet and start to trade punches in the center of the ring. Emmanuelle connects with a Liver Punch that doubles TJ over as Emmanuelle drops TJ with a Dropkick to the side of TJ’s head. Sauce is trash talking Emmanuelle trying to get her attention and when he does she walks over to him and gets in his face. This distraction gives TJ enough time to recover and get to his feet. Sauce eventually points out to Emmanuelle that TJ is up to his feet as she turns around in time to be on the receiving end of a Superkick from TJ. The Superkick sends Emmanuelle into the corner as TJ tags in Sauce and TJ Irish Whips Sauce towards Emmanuelle and Sauce hits her with a Clothesline, causing Emmanuelle to fall to a seated position in the corner.

As TJ Thompson gets out of the ring, Sauce backs up and runs at Emmanuelle going for a Corner Senton, but Emmanuelle moves out of the way as Sauce crashes into the turnbuckle back first. Emmanuelle is back up to her feet as she drags Sauce over to the corner where MYOJIN is and tags in MYOJIN before getting out of the ring. MYOJIN walks over to where Sauce is and hits him with a Standing 450 Splash to the Leg and follows it up with a Standing 450 Splash to the Midsection too before going for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THE REF NOTICES SAUCE’S FOOT ON THE ROPES AND LETS MYOJIN KNOW!!!

TREY BOOKER: Smart by Yung Sauce there.

J.T. PRICE: More luck than intelligence.

MYOJIN follows it up by getting Sauce in an Elevated Boston Crab applying the pressure to his back. Sauce is screaming out in pain trying to reach for the ropes but they’re out of reach and as much as Sauce tries to crawl towards them he can’t as he is in too much pain. TJ notices this and gets in the ring hitting a Dropkick to the back of MYOJIN who breaks the hold to the relief of Sauce. MYOJIN isn’t happy, TJ is still behind MYOJIN who ends up dropping TJ to the mat with a Pele Kick. MYOJIN gets TJ up to his feet and Irish Whips him out of the ring before turning the attention back to Sauce who has managed to crawl to the ropes. Using the ropes to get to his feet, Sauce sees MYOJIN coming his way and manages to slide through the legs of MYOJIN.

Sauce goes to try and tag in TJ but of course TJ isn’t there as he is still laying on the outside of the ring. MYOJIN turns around to be met by Sauce who is on the top rope, Sauce jumps off going for a Crossbody on MYOJIN but MYOJIN manages to roll through. MYOJIN has managed to keep hold of Sauce as MYOJIN is now standing, then hits a Fallaway Slam on Sauce and goes for the pin!

ONE…

TWO…

TH… YUNG SAUCE HAS MANAGED TO KICK OUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: Damn! Sauce has heart.

J.T. PRICE: Still stinks more than a fart!

MYOJIN gets Sauce up to his feet again and Irish Whips him into the corner where Emmanuelle is and tags her in before getting out of the ring. Emmanuelle hits Sauce with an Arm Drag keeping hold of the arm as Sauce’s back hits the mat. Emmanuelle locks in an Armbar pulling hard on the arm of Sauce. TJ has managed to get back to his feet and as he slides in the ring, he goes to try and break the hold. Only this time MYOJIN gets into the ring and nearly takes TJ’s head off with a Running Knee Strike sending him to the mat. MYOJIN pushes TJ out of the ring before heading back to the corner and gets out of the ring.

Sauce, even though Emmanuelle still had the Armbar locked in, is doing everything he can to not tap out. Eventually Sauce gets close enough to the ropes to grab hold of it forcing Emmanuelle to have to let go of the Armbar. Emmanuelle gets back up to her feet and gets Sauce up to his feet too. Only Sauce isn’t on his feet long before Emmanuelle takes him down with the Pasadena Bomb (Double Underhook Sitout Powerbomb) and goes for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match by PINFALL is the team of EMMMMMMAAANNNUUUEEELLLLLLEEE and MYYYOOOJJJIIINNN!!!

TREY BOOKER: Hell of an effort there by Big Drip Productions, but this team of Gold and Platinum would not be denied!

J.T. PRICE: You’ve got to think both teams wanted to make an impression on management with vacant tag titles hanging around, but the flawless execution from MYO and Emmy was just too much for Sauce and TJ tonight.




J.T. PRICE: Welcome back from our ad break, and just in time. Looking towards the next match here, we are expecting a blowout. These two stars have made waves in this game for so long now, but we always knew them as friends.

TREY BOOKER: And now Hunter and Williams are putting aside that friendship in lieu of a bitter rivalry. We can only assume this match is going to pull out the wilder, more vicious side of both men.

J.T. PRICE: Two former friends, splitting hairs over a belt. No, an opportunity for a belt! It’s sad to hear… speaking of, do you hear that Trey?

TREY BOOKER: Hear what?

J.T. PRICE: Sounds like hissing, or rain? I’m not sure what it could be… oh crap!

Before J.T. can even finish up the sprinkler systems for the arena go off, showering everyone in the area in a fine sprinkling of water. Screams and screeches of pandemonium start up in the fans, some thinking there is a fire when suddenly the lights go off, and the arena is plunged into darkness.

TREY BOOKER: Is there a fire? Should we be evacuating??

J.T. PRICE: I don’t know but my suit is going to be ruined!

That’s when the screen comes on, the only light source in the building now. It shows a mid-night rainstorm, much like the state of the current arena. And through the dark imagery and the sound of the rain fall an image walks forward. His metal mask and concealed voice make it clear who it is.

OZYMANDIAS: You panic and cower at the mere drop of rain, water falling from the skies that makes you fret. The essence of our life, yet to feel it is to ponder if the skies themselves are falling… you are weak.

The sprinklers in the area slowly taper off, their damage done already.

OZYMANDIAS: This world is decaying, rotten from the core outwards. The inhabitants of it’s surface are cowards, afraid to do what is necessary to save themselves. You are mutton to the slaughter, and you fail to even acknowledge that.

The fans in the arena boo the harsh words of Ozymandias, as his tone sets them off. Not to mention they are wet and pissed off now too.

OZYMANDIAS: I have proven to hold strength above all, power above all, unbreakable and unstoppable. My mishaps have been corrected in my warpath, my failures have been buried under my triumphs. Heed my words, Project Honor… the storm is here, the rains fall. But soon this land will be awash with fire. Cleaning, rebirthing fire.

Again more boos from the crowd, more jeers and heckles too.

OZYMANDIAS: Mark Hunter and Lil Petey were admirable foes, strong and suited to testing my abilities. But like all else, they are not warriors. Not contenders, not champions. Only one could leave that ring as the true Champion, and it was foolish to think against me.

Boos again, growing louder and harder as Ozymandias besmirches the names of Hunter and Petey.

OZYMANDIAS: And now Hunter, a failed champion, is honored with a shot at the greatest throne in Project Honor? Lance Williams, a man I broke on my climb to the top, slingshots past me to the great peaks? The blasphemy and ignorance of this place is stifling, and I will not stand for it.

More boos, more yells, more spite.

OZYMANDIAS: It seems even with this Grand Championship in my grasp you people do not recognize true power, true leadership… so be it. I will watch this fight to come, I will consider our future Legacy champion. Elena DeDraca, Mark Hunter, Dickie Watson, Lance Williams… it matters not. If it means I must sit on that throne to make you all kneel, then so be it.

The crowd pops for each of the names listed, but the boos return just as quickly.

OZYMANDIAS: For now I am your Grand Champion but soon… the Legacy of this place will be mine. Feel the rain… recognize my reign… for those of you that the sea rejects, the inferno will feast.

Ozymandias turns to walk away on screen, the imagery of the rain falling spreads back to the arena as the sprinklers go off once more but only in a burst. Enough to cause a bit more chaos in the crowds. As soon as he is off screen the lights and arena return to normal.

J.T. PRICE: Couldn’t he just have mentioned this in an email? Did he have to come out here and soak us all like rats!

TREY BOOKER: Ozymandias likes to prove his point and get his point heard… but at what cost? My suit? My new iPhone that is now floating around in my water-filled pocket?? The man is merciless!

J.T. PRICE: It looks like the maintenance team are here with mops and buckets to dry off this ring… we’ll take a quick break here, and maybe even a change of clothing! We’ll be right back.


Following the unexpected indoor rainstorm, courtesy of Ozymandias, we go backstage where Larry KaChow is wandering the halls, still proud of his big announcement and oblivious as to what has happened in the arena. Suddenly, Larry’s aimless wandering is interrupted as Rock Johnson storms up to him.

ROCK JOHNSON: What...in the beautiful blue hell...was that?

Assuming that he’s talking about his announcement for Proving Ground XX, Larry is momentarily at a loss for words.

ROCK JOHNSON: I give you one job, to make sure that I’m not disturbed by any of the inmates in this asylum, and now I’ve got the local fire marshall burning up my phone and threatening me with fines for tampering with the building’s sprinkler system!

LARRY KACHOW: Oh...I...uh…

ROCK JOHNSON: You had one job, Gary. One goddamn job…

LARRY KACHOW: I’m so sorry, sir. I’m not sure what any of that was about but I promise to get the bottom of it! I won’t let you down, sir! I’ll find the person responsible and deal with them personally!

The Project: Honor owner pauses for a moment as he gives Larry a befuddled look.

ROCK JOHNSON: What are you talking about? We know who was responsible! It was that big bastard, Ozymandias!

Upon hearing that name, all of the color drains from Larry’s face.

LARRY KACHOW: Oh! Uh...Ozy...Ozymandias...The Butcher of Reine…

Johnson continues to give Larry a bug-eyed glare.

LARRY KACHOW: I’ll...uh...I’ll have a talk with him right away...I guess...

As he stammers and mumbles, it’s clear that Johnson has had enough of Larry’s management style.

ROCK JOHNSON: No, no, no. I think I’ve had enough of your incompetence for one night, Jerry. Just stick to doing those cute little interviews. I’ll have Darling handle it when he’s back in two weeks. Now that kid...that kid is a damn fine General Manager! Did you hear about that Opportunity Knocks Match he came up with for Proving Ground XX? Such good shit...damn good shit…

With nothing left to say, Johnson pushes past KaChow and continues on down the hallway, leaving the announcer unsure if he should cry or celebrate.



HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it will be held inside of a twenty foot steel cell for the opportunity to compete for The Project: Honor Legacy Championship!

"Bulldozer" by Machine Head graces the ears of those in attendance as it plays throughout the arena. The crowd reaction is clear to hear that they hate Lance Williams as they boo and shout abuse at him. The lights dim down, enough to just see the frame of a mountain of a man, the lights come back on after "The Essence Of Egotism", "The Bulldozer” Lance Williams lets out a ferocious primal roar. Lance stands there flexing his biceps, holding his guns with The X-Factor Championship over his left shoulder for all to see. Once he has soaked in the boos and abuse, he starts to head down towards the ring with an arrogant smirk on his face. The crowd still maintains the booing and abuse, Lance Williams smirking smugly at those who boo him, he even stops to abuse the crowd back as well as even making it known to all that he is the X-Factor Champion. 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 pyro shoots up from each turnbuckle. He then gets into the ring, the focus and determination clear to see as he stands there showing off his 315 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 and takes the X-Factor Title from around his waist and hands it to the ref.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at three hundred fifteen pounds, The Essence of Egotism...LANCE WILLIAMS!!!

“Feel Invincible” by Skillet suddenly sounds throughout the building and the crowd erupt into an undeniably positive response. After a few second’s 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 a few fans with fist bumps as he wanders down the ramp, he continues to receive the great 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 slowly fades away.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, hailing from San Jose, California and weighing in at two hundred eleven pounds, The Straight Shooter….MARCUS HUNTINGTON!

The steel cell begins to lower over the ring, but before the ring bell can even sound, Mark charges across the ring towards an unsuspecting Lance Williams! He takes Lance’s legs out from under him and the two men immediately roll under the bottom rope, each of them struggling for control! Holly Perez dashes out of the ring as the referee calls for the bell, the steel cell still not fully over the ring!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: My god! There is such hatred between these two men that they didn’t even wait for the bell to ring or the cage to be lowered in place!

J.T. PRICE: Not only that, Trey, but did you hear Holly’s announcement? Mark isn’t fighting as Mark Hunter here tonight, he’s fighting as Marcus Huntington! That’s how personal the issue between these two men has become!

Laying outside of the ring, Marcus has the advantage over the surprised Lance Williams, as he grips both hands around The Bulldozer’s neck and squeezes for everything he’s worth! The cell drops lower and lower, yet Marcus still refuses to release his chokehold, almost as if he’s determined to trap Lance’s head underneath the steel structure! As the cell gets dangerously close to Lance’s throat, he raises a knee in-between Huntington’s legs, desperately racking him to avoid having his head trapped under the steel! Lance then rolls away to one side of the cage, leaving Marcus on the other, a thin layer of chain link fencing separating them. Marcus grabs the fencing with both hands and shakes it violently, to which Lance responds with an arrogant smirk. The referee orders Lance to enter the cell, but as he makes his way towards the door, Marcus follows him on the other side like a caged tiger. Upon reaching the door, Lance begins to protest about Marcus waiting for him on the other side, but when the official attempts to convince Huntington to step back, Lance suddenly gives the door a violent kick! The door swings in, catching Marcus against the head! As Lance steps through the doorway to officially start the match, we see that Marcus is already bleeding from the forehead!

With a wide grin, Lance hammers at his former friend with stiff forearms and punches, looking to widen the cut on his head and blind him with his own blood. Huntington does his best to cover up, but Lance’s blows come too fast for him to block them all. With a firm advantage, Lance then grabs Marcus by the head and drags his face across the chain link fencing, effectively covering the former Grand Champion’s face with a crimson mask. Lance then hoists Marcus onto his shoulder and points at the nearest steel ringpost, making his intention of ramming Huntington’s head into the steel obvious. Lance takes off toward the post, but Marcus slips out of his grip at the last second, giving Lance a shove to send him into the post instead! The crowd is firmly behind Huntington as he not only fights for the honor of his family, but also for an opportunity to compete for the most significant championship in the company. Marcus wipes some blood from his eyes as Lance rolls into the ring in an attempt to put some distance between himself and his former friend. Huntington is right after him however, leaping onto the ring apron and then springboarding off the top rope, colliding against Lance with a high crossbody!

Despite being stunned by the ring post and caught off guard by the crossbody, Lance immediately rolls back to his feet while still holding Marcus in his arms! He then drops Marcus across his knee with a backbreaker, lifts him back up to hit a second backbreaker, and finally delivers a third backbreaker as well! Still holding onto Marcus, Lance then flings him over his head and onto his shoulders, looking to drop him with his Touch of Class F5! He spins Huntington in the air, but before he is able to drop him against the mat, Marcus hooks Lance’s head and drives him to the mat with a DDT instead!

TREY BOOKER: This is incredible back and forth action we’re seeing, and I didn’t expect anything less going into this one!

J.T. PRICE: Huntington wants revenge and Lance wants to prove he’s the better man than his former friend! Something’s gotta give, Trey!

With Lance momentarily down and stunned from the DDT, Marcus slides under the bottom rope and begins to dig under the skirt of the ring apron. After a few seconds, he produces a steel chair and immediately slides back under the ropes. He takes a big swing as Lance gets back on his feet, but The Bulldozer lets loose with a thunderous punch, knocking the chair back into Marcus’ face! The former champ drops to the mat, and with a sick grin, Lance picks up the dented steel chair for his own use. He drives the edge of the chair into Marcus’ midsection a few times for good measure before ultimately sliding it over his head so that his former friend’s neck is wedged between the folded steel! Lance then makes his way up the turnbuckles, looking to stomp on the chair and finish Huntington off once and for all. He leaps off with a big stomp, but at the last second Marcus rolls away, pulls the chair off his own head, and swings it against Lance’s knees!

The Essence of Egotism crumples to the mat while clutching at his leg, but that isn’t about to stop Marcus from unleashing his fury. He slams the chair down over Lance’s knee again and again and again, as if he’s more determined to cripple The Bulldozer than simply defeat him! Lance’s face is twisted into an obvious expression of pain when the abused chair simply falls apart in Marcus’ hands. Still, Huntington is not done as he takes hold of the metal support bar from the chair and presses it down against Lance’s throat!

TREY BOOKER: Joseph, Mary, and Uncle Moses! Mark’s trying to kill him in there!

J.T. PRICE: That’s Marcus Huntington! Get it right, Trey!

If there’s one thing Lance has going for him, it’s his superior strength. Grabbing the chair’s steel rod with both hands, he presses it away from his own throat and then lunges his head upwards, slamming his own skull against Huntington’s! The blow is enough to knock Marcus away and give Lance a chance to hobble back to his feet with the assistance of the ropes. Lance has just reached a standing position when he sees Marcus charging back towards him, and The Bulldozer dips his shoulder to send Huntington sailing over the top rope and crashing into the side of the steel cell! Marcus collapses at ringside in a heap, while Lance desperately tries to shake some feeling back into his leg. He then joins Marcus at ringside, helps him back to his feet, and starts to slam him against the steel mesh of the cell! Huntington’s body bounces off the cage again and again until Lance finally catches him in his arms, pivots on his feet, and drives him to the floor with a vicious spinebuster!

The bloody and winded Huntington remains motionless, giving Lance the opportunity to dig under the ring skirt for himself. Only Williams does not find something as simple as a steel chair; he finds a red toolbox most likely used to aid in the construction of the ring. He sets it on the ring apron and throws open the lid, smiling at the devilish tools that lay inside. For a few seconds, the crowd is left to wonder what he’s selected, until Lance slowly raises his hand to show off the screwdriver in his grasp. He then kneels over Marcus on the floor and aims for his former friend’s eye socket, but Marcus finds the strength to lift both hands and block the sinister attack. Still, Lance’s strength is greater and it looks as if it’s only a matter of time before Marcus will lose an eye. This time it is Huntington who is desperate, as he drives his knee upward into Lance’s groin, payback for earlier in the match. Lance rolls to the side, clutching his nether regions, as Marcus grabs the screwdriver for himself and crouches over his fallen enemy.

Without taking the time to consider the consequences of his actions, Marcus presses the sharp edge of the screwdriver against Lance’s forehead and then drags it to the side, opening The Bulldozer’s head wide open! With his mission accomplished, Marcus tosses the weapon aside and begins to land punch after punch against Lance’s open wound until he’s satisfied that he’s knocked The X-Factor Champion into unconsciousness. He then rolls Lance under the bottom rope and back into the ring, but instead of following after him, he takes a long look at the cell and then begins to climb…

TREY BOOKER: What the hell?! These men are not going to be satisfied until one of them is dead!

J.T. PRICE: As if the screwdriver wasn’t enough, I shudder to think what Huntington has in mind now!

Using all of his remaining strength, Marcus pulls himself upwards until he’s reached the top of the cell. He then begins to cross over the top as if the steel bars were part of a child’s jungle gym until he’s directly over the top of the prone Lance Williams. Marcus then uses all the muscles in his arms to launch himself into the air, swinging himself into a shooting star press from the top of the cell! He plummets downwards right on target, but the beautiful move is spoiled when Lance pulls up both of his knees to give Marcus a painful landing! With the former Grand Champion gasping for breath, Lance rolls over on top of him for the first pin attempt in the match…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

No! At the very last second, Marcus kicks out and saves himself from defeat! Now wondering what it’s going to take to finish off his rival once and for all, he pulls Marcus back to his feet and lifts him onto his shoulders in the torture rack position! He bends Huntington’s body with all of his strength, but before Marcus has the opportunity to tap out, Lance spins him off his shoulders and to the mat with a sick Torture Bomb! It takes all of Marcus’ sense and perhaps a little bit of luck for him to roll after the impact, depositing himself outside of the ring. Visibly cursing his old friend’s tenacity, Lance joins him at ringside and begins to motion for him to get back on his feet. Marcus does just that with the aid of the steel cell, and Lance suddenly charges forward, determined to hit his Raging Bull! The soreness in Lance’s knee manages to slow him down just enough to allow Marcus to leapfrog over his charge, and Williams crashes into the side of the cell head-first!

With such mass and force behind the charge, even the steel cell cannot hold and Lance bursts through the wall and onto the floor. It’s clear he’s been dazed by the move as he gets back to his feet, which Marcus is quick to take advantage of, grabbing him in a cradle position and lifting his feet off the ground for The Mercy Killer! The piledriver sends Lance’s skull down to the steel fencing on the concrete floor, and as his body slumps, it’s all Marcus can do to lay an arm over his chest for the cover…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match, and advancing to Gold, Guts, and Glory for a shot at The Project: Honor Legacy Title...MARCUS HUNTINGTON!!!

TREY BOOKER: My god, what a match! Marcus Huntington has avenged his family and now Mark Hunter will face Elena DeDraca at Fallout’s next Pay Per View!

J.T. PRICE: He may have won tonight, Trey, but there’s no way in hell this thing can be over! These two men hate each other with such passion, I can’t imagine them ever being done with each other!

TREY BOOKER: That’s all the time we have for tonight! We’ll see you in two weeks for Proving Ground XX and Gold, Guts, and Glory! Goodnight everyone!