PROVING GROUND XX: A YEAR IN THE MAKING
Jul 31, 2021 23:34:06 GMT -5
Project: Honor, gothmother, and 2 more like this
Post by Indy Darling on Jul 31, 2021 23:34:06 GMT -5
JAY CROWLEY VS. GUY
To say that this was a one-sided affair would be to insult those who have had affairs by themselves. Upon entering the match, Guy was clearly timid, inept, and out of his league. Crowley on the other hand, was more than eager to show the fans how he managed to catch the eyes of Project: Honor management to earn a contract. He started the match by nearly ending it with a sick piledriver to Guy’s skinny neck, and then followed that up with his Sliding D forearm strike. From there, he locked in his Black Abyss submission hold, to which Guy immediately submitted.
WINNER: JAY CROWLEY BY SUBMISSION IN 1 MINUTE AND 2 SECONDS
ANGELO CAITO VS. RAPTURE
There were no blades hidden up Rapture’s sleeve as he ventured away from Fallout to face the debuting Angelo Caito. While obviously more proficient in the ring than Guy, Rapture was still unable to put a significant dent in “The Voice of the Underground”. A series of forearm and kick combinations put Rapture on the mat for Caito’s flying elbow drop from the top rope, and from there, the veteran’s Honor Roll GTS put the lights out on Fallout’s undercard masked man. It was an impressive debut for Angelo, who likely hopes to continue this streak of success on the main card very soon.
WINNER: ANGELO CAITO BY PINFALL IN 2 MINUTES AND 13 SECONDS
TREY BOOKER: Previously on Proving Ground, after creating The Opportunity Knocks rumble, Larry KaChow made his future intentions known…
LARRY KACHOW: ...now that I’ve had a taste of power I’m not about to let it slip away. If your job isn’t an option, what about Caden Young’s? That dude hasn’t been here in months because he’s too busy sucking up to Joe Spicerack out in Hollywood. I demand that he be demoted and that I be promoted to Assistant General Manager, effective immediately!
Indy pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger, as if talking with Larry has given him a sudden and painful headache.
INDY DARLING: Caden Young has been here longer than me. He’s always done amazing work, and I’m sure he’s got a great reason for not being at the shows. Even if I wanted to give you his job, I couldn’t. That’s a Rock Johnson call, and if I have anything to say about it, the last show is the closest you’ll ever get to management.
Larry’s eyes narrow as he considers his options for a few moments.
LARRY KACHOW: Fine...but this isn’t over, Darling! I’ll have Caden’s job one way or another, and then I’ll just be one step away from having your job too! You haven’t heard the last of me, Darling! Bwha ha ha ha!!!
TREY BOOKER: ...and a number one contender for Ozymandias’ Grand Championship was determined in a match full of twists, turns, and Friends Like These...
OZYMANDIAS AND LIL’ PETEY STARTED THE MATCH
If it weren’t for the psychedelic mushroom hangover, it’s somewhat likely that Petey would simply leap over the top rope based on his previous encounters with The Butcher of Reine. Instead, he shows an impressive amount of either bravery or foolishness, as he strikes a defensive pose to prepare himself for the onslaught to come. On the opposite side of the ring, The Grand Champion seems somewhat amused with the first challenge that has been set before him. The two men stare across the ring at each other for several moments, then, without explanation or clear reason, Ozymandias turns towards the ropes, steps over the top to the apron, and drops to the ringside floor, effectively eliminating himself from the competition before the first punch has been thrown!
OZYMANDIAS WAS ELIMINATED AT 0:25
J.T. PRICE: Wait...what the hell?!
TREY BOOKER: Ozymandias has just eliminated himself from the match! I don’t understand this at all!
LARRY KACHOW: Yeah, Petey! That’s my boy right there!
With Petey watching on from inside the ring, his mushroom-addled mind allowing him to present a confused expression, Ozymandias moves to the side of the announcer’s table. The champion crosses his arms in front of him, as if he’s content to watch the Opportunity Knocks rumble unfold to satiate his own curious pleasure.
TREY BOOKER: It’s clear to me that Ozymandias is less interested in choosing his stipulation than he is in finding a worthy challenger! This thing has just become survival of the fittest with nineteen potential contenders battling under the watchful eye of the man who represents their prize!
J.T. PRICE: But as the Grand Champion, he had to be the odds-on favorite! With Ozymandias out of the running, this thing is anyone’s to win now more than ever!
The crowd pops huge for another of their countrymen as The Australian Ace rushes toward the ring! If Cadillac was hoping for salvation, those hopes are dashed as Mark Kelly immediately focuses his attack on Lance Williams and Will Riley, giving his fellow Australian a much-needed break in the corner! Kelly clocks Lance with a punch and then gives one to Will, back and forth to keep both men off balance. Mark then hits Lance with a dropsault to knock him away before focusing a series of European uppercuts on Will Riley. The timely save has given Aiden the chance to get back on his feet, and when Lance rushes back towards him, The Wolf greets him with a snap powerslam! Will Riley fares no better as Mark Kelly unloads his bicycle knee strike, Such is Life, right to the jaw! With Lance and Riley both down, the two Australians finally come face to face, measuring each other up in a moment of uncertainty. Finally, there is a handshake between the two of them, much to the delight of the pro-Aussie crowd!
While some may consider the number 13 to be unlucky, The Son of Thor seems to have no qualms about charging into the ring! He immediately takes Emmanuelle and Cadillac off their feet with a double clothesline, then charges across the ring to drop TJ Thompson with a running kick! Aiden takes a swing at the newcomer, but Ulf catches his arm and responds with a few trapped headbutts! After releasing Reynolds and allowing him to stagger away, Ulf spots Will Riley trying to collect himself on the other side of the ring. Without hesitation, Ulf charges towards Riley and connects with The Thor Punch! The impact catches Will off guard and sends him tumbling over the top rope, eliminated by his former partner from The Friends Like These Tournament!
WILL RILEY WAS ELIMINATED AT 22:32
Valkyrie meets Dickie as he jumps between the ropes and the two start exchanging shots back and forth! It’s a battle that Dickie wins as the fresher competitor forces Valkyrie to the ropes and knocks her over the top with a clothesline...No! Valkyrie manages to save herself by landing on the apron, but Dickie has already turned his attention to TJ Thompson, taking him off his feet with a clothesline before moving on to Cadillac Jackson! He’s met by a superkick from The Molotov, who then notices Lance Williams’ predicament at the hands of Tara Fenix. Dickie considers the situation for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders and continues on his way, leaving Lance trapped in the Phoenix Lock! He instead focuses his attention on Emmanuelle, stunning The Platinum Standard with a couple of strikes before lifting her off her feet for a Michinoku Driver! Clearly on a roll, Dickie pops back up and immediately feels a hand on his shoulder. He spins around, ready to strike, when he sees the familiar face of his best friend and tag team partner, Aiden Reynolds!
For a moment the crowd doesn’t know what to expect, but the two men finally exchange a pair of smiles and a quick fist bump. The in-ring reunion of The Commonwealth is short-lived however, as Ulf Hednir charges into Aiden with a running big boot and Valkyrie grabs Dickie for a reverse DDT! Meanwhile, Lance Williams has managed to reverse The Phoenix Lock, giving Tara no choice but to break the hold. Fortunately for Tara, Ulf sees Lance’s escape and is immediately on him with a battering ax handle! The brief alliance between TJ Thompson and Emmanuelle has come to an end, as TJ has the Warrior Rising Champion on his shoulder and is doing his best to force her over the top rope! All of this action leaves Valkyrie to continue focusing her attention on Dickie Watson, as she grabs his legs and attempts to turn him over into The Fenrir’s Bite! Just when it looks like she’s going to apply her signature hold, Cadillac Jackson rushes from behind, grabs Valkyrie by the head, and hurls her toward the ropes! She tries to break her fall but her injured wrist betrays her and she’s unable to avoid elimination! Cadillac not only saves Dickie from punishment but avenges his tag team loss during The Friends Like These Tournament in the process!
VALKYRIE WAS ELIMINATED AT 29:47
THREE…
TWO…
ONE…
“EEEEEEEEEYAHA! YOUR TIME IS UP, MY TIME IS NOW!”
JOHN BLADE ENTERED AT 36:00
TREY BOOKER: JOHN BLADE! JOHN BLADE! JOHN BLADE! That’s my pick right there! Big Match John is number 20!!!
J.T. PRICE: Get ready for 10 fast-paced eliminations!
LARRY KACHOW: Wait...where is he? I can’t see him! Scoot over, Ozy! You’re blocking my view!
John steps through the entrance curtains, gives a big salute to the Australian crowd, and charges towards the ring! He slides under the bottom rope and the first person to greet him is Cadillac Jackson! Caddy, feeling the effects of the time he’s spent in the rumble, takes a big swing at Blade! Big Match John ducks under it, lifts Caddy onto his shoulders, and hits an Attitude Adjustment that sends Caddy rolling to ringside! John immediately turns his attention towards the members of The Commonwealth following that big entrance, but they seem to be prepared for him as Dickie grabs him for a Ripcord, followed by Aiden’s Running Yakuza Kick, and then a Ripcord Knee Strike by Dickie! Once Blade hits the mat, Dickie executes a standing moonsault with a mid-air shove from Aiden!
TREY BOOKER: Rule Breaker by The Commonwealth on Big Match John!
Aiden and Dickie have Blade in serious trouble, but suddenly Arata Asakura charges at both of them with a double mule kick! As Dickie hits the mat, Arata leaps on top of Aiden to continue his assault! Shaken and unsure of where he’s at, John Blade pulls himself back up, leaving himself wide open to a Xanadu Clutch from Swindle Shelldrake! With Big Match John completely out of it, Swindle pulls him back up and hurls him over the top!
JOHN BLADE WAS ELIMINATED AT 37:13
As Dickie takes a moment to breathe following the elimination of Arata, The Gaijin Killer is back on his feet and shouting in Dickie’s direction. It takes every ringside official to keep Arata from leaping back onto the apron, but the commotion is more than enough to capture Dickie’s attention. That’s when Cadillac Jackson, having been laying low outside of the ring since being hit by John Blade’s Attitude Adjustment, rolls back under the bottom rope. Fully rested and with nearly no one aware of his presence, Caddy rushes across the ring and gives Dickie a big shove, sending him off the second turnbuckle and over the top rope! The Molotov doesn’t even realize what’s happened as he hits the floor, and back in the ring, Cadillac Jackson falls to his knees…
DICKIE WATSON WAS ELIMINATED AT 58:20
TREY BOOKER: Wait...that can’t be right...
J.T. PRICE: Was he ever eliminated? I don’t remember seeing him go over the top rope...
LARRY KACHOW: Yes! I had fifty bucks on that guy!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match and now with a future shot at The Grand Championship...CADILLAC JACKSON!!!!
TREY BOOKER: ...but despite the impressive efforts of competitors like Cadillac Jackson and Arata Asakura, tonight the focus will be on some of Project: Honor’s original stars...
HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is part of our Trials of Time series. Entering first, hailing from Celebration, Florida, coming in at 5’11’’ and 180 lbs, Lil Petey!
“Welcome to Chilis” by Yung Gravy hits to a raucous ovation as Lil Petey comes strutting out, followed closely by his entourage.
HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, currently residing in Haven and st-
The mic feed cuts out as the lights die in the arena. As soon as they flicker off, they come back to life, revealing Phoenix LeStrange already in the ring and standing behind a horrified Lil Petey. Without turning around, Petey reaches over his shoulder and feels LeStrange’s twisted, smiling face. He slowly turns to face her with reluctance, only to fly backward on his ass as LeStrange jumps at him. The ref calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
LeStrange circles Petey as he crawls backwards on the ground like a victim in a slasher film. It doesn’t take long until Petey finds himself backed into the corner. Phoenix rushes him, looking for a penalty kick on her trapped prey, but Petey rolls to the outside and right into the waiting arms of Barry Johnson as LeStrange’s boot eats the turnbuckle pad.
J.T. PRICE: An Officer and a Gentlethug over here reliving “The Bodyguard” at ringside as Lil Petey clings around his buddies neck for dear life.
TREY BOOKER: One dated reference at a time, friend.
Caden shakes his head! He looks to the referee, damn near pleading to hear that last word stated out loud to make it real, but he gets no such luck! He wipes beads of sweat from his forehead, looks down to MYOJIN’s damn-near lifeless corpse, and tugs his head with both hands before deciding the nail in the coffin. He takes a few steps back and starts sizing up Myo… and once again, he raises one foot in the air in a tight kung fu stance, and starts plotting the final string to seam this into a wok of beauty! It takes a few seconds, but MYOJIN slowly comes to his senses and starts turning to Caden… once again, Caden leaps with all the force he can summon and starts spinning in a 360…
J.T. PRICE: Is this the real thing?
TREY BOOKER: FLYING DRAGON TIME!
...but he only gets about a full 270° before both of MYOJIN’s arms wrap around his shoulder, clasp around his neck, and MYOJIN’s legs wrap around one of his to use his own momentum to drag the two to the ground, into a SICK MYOJIN SPECIAL!!!! HIS LEGS HOLD CADENS BODY FIRMLY, SO HIS ARMS CAN TRY RIPPING CADENS SPINE OUT OF PLACE IN THIS DEMENTED TWISTER SUBMISSION! CADEN TAPS! CADEN TAPS!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner, MYOJIN!
TREY BOOKER: Exactly. EXACTLY. MYOJIN SPECIAL DOES IT AGAIN. In the ring, in the cage, all it takes is one mistake, and MYOJIN WILL make you pay for it. Caden’s got a ton of heart and put on one hell of a show, but if all you’ve got is a spine to stand up to him, MYOJIN’s gonna rip it to pieces.
Dickie’s going for the guillotine choke again! He's got it locked in and Colton is in trouble. Colton pulls back and tightens the hold! Colton is crawling for the ropes right now. He stops right near the ropes! He's about to tap and Dickie might have this won off of a simple guillotine choke! He looks at the time while applying pressure on the hold!
The time of 7:52 shows on the clock.
Dickie uses one arm to drive his elbow down onto Colton’s shoulder blades, BUT THIS GIVES COLTON THE CHANCE TO MOVE AND REACH JUST AS HE DOES! HE’S GOT THE ROPES!
TREY BOOKER: He finally releases the hold and Colton is in a very bad position right now! Dickie reaches down, BUT COLTON ROLLS HIM UP!
ONEE!!
TWOOO!!
THR--
J.T. PRICE: Colton almost got the pin!
Colton rises to his feet and lifts Dickie up with him! DICKIE PUSHES COLTON OFF OF HIM THEN CHARGES WITH A CLOTHESLINE! COLTON COUNTERS BY GRABBING HIS ARM AND CONNECTING FOR KIMBERLY, WITH LOVE! CROSS RHODES DRIVES DICKIE DOWN ONTO THE MAT AND HE’S GOING FOR THE COVER! BUT HE CAN’T! DICKIE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING BEFORE HE CAN!
The time of 9:40 shows on the clock.
TREY BOOKER: We’re cutting it close to the other times now! Someone’s gotta do something quickly!
HE SLIDES OUT AND GRABS DICKIE, THROWING HIM BACK IN THE RING! HE GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONEE!!
TWOOOO!!!
Dickie reverses the pin into his own pin! The ref starts counting the pinfall for Dickie now!
ONE!!
TWOO!!
THREEE!!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner with a time of nine minutes and fifty-six seconds… DICCCKIIEEEE WATTSONNNN!!!
TREY BOOKER: ...and it’s most dominant champions.
Emmanuelle nails Oasis with a thrust kick out of nowhere, sending the big man back. She follows up with another thrust kick to the knee, dropping Oasis to his own knees, before she follows up with a knee strike to the jaw, another thrust kick, and then an Enziguri to top off the three piece combination! Oasis hits the canvas, seemingly knocked out from the last salvo, but Emmanuelle’s not done yet, hooking both of his arms together and trying for the Pasadena Bomb, but Oasis manages to counter and dump Emmanuelle back! He takes a few steps forward-but Emmanuelle comes at him from behind with a MASSIVE SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO SEND HIM BACK INTO THE CORNER! She follows up with the Platinum Dynamic to the back of Oasis’ head, and rolls him out before diving on him for a cover!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
NO!!! SOMEHOW OASIS KICKS OUT AGAIN! Emmanuelle staggers over to the ropes and tries to pull herself back up, looking to come at Oasis for the Palisades Bomber!
-AND SHE GETS IT! She hits the Palisades Bomber, and hooks both legs!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match and NEWWWW Warrior Rising Champion… “The Platinum Standard”...EMMANUELLE!!!
Williams slumps off the side of MJOYIN, in disbelief that he kicked out, and the big man is holding his ribs and trying to regain his energy. Meanwhile MYOJIN may as well be cartoonishly flattened into a 2 dimensional shape after being attacked off the top rope. MYOJIN gets up and gets to the ropes as Williams is getting up as well.. MYOJIN turns around and rushes for a spear-like move but Lance jumps, so MYOJIN crashes into the turnbuckles!
TREY BOOKER: THE ATHLETICISM ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He’s too big to do shit like that!!
MYOJIN stumbles back and turns into LANCE’S VERSION OF THE GORE!!
TREY BOOKER: THE RAGING BULL… THAT’S IT!!!
Lance makes the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! LANCE WILLIAMS WINS!!!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner via pinfall… advancing to the X-Factor Tournament Final… LANCE WILLIAMS!!!
Ozymandias presses Petey off of his chest to break the pin with impressive strength and immediately begins to get back onto his feet! Petey is at a loss for what to try next as Ozymandias corners him and throws a series of stiff fists and forearms at Petey’s head! He then pulls him back out of the corner and sets him up in a military press, looking to hit his World Ender knee to the spine!
TREY BOOKER: No! Don’t do it! You could end his career!
Suddenly Mark Hunter uses what little strength he has left, knocking Ozy’s legs out from under him with a chop block! Petey falls to safety on top of Ozymandias, but instead of going for the immediate pin, he decides to try his luck with another Freaky Bomb off the top! This time Petey is not quick enough, as Mark joins him on the turnbuckles and begins to set him up for The Mercy Killer piledriver off the top! The champion has Petey lifted and in position, but as he starts to come off the buckles, Ozymandias grabs Mark from underneath and turns it into a tower of doom! Mark is driven to the mat by Ozy’s powerbomb with Petey falling on top of him, and it’s all he can do to roll out of the ring in order to avoid a pinning predicament! Petey is not so fortunate however, as Ozy pulls him back to his feet and sets him up for The Sinking Faith! The move connects! Petey is out of it, Mark is slowly returning to the ring, and Ozymandias goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Mark Hunter dives toward Ozymandias at the last second, but he’s not quick enough as the referee’s hand hits a third time with The Butcher of Reine covering The Drip Sensation!
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match...and NEW Project: Honor Grand Champion...OZYMANDIAS!!!
TREY BOOKER: Tonight is a night of champions and contenders, of familiar faces and new arrivals, of friends, enemies, and rivalries both established and on the horizon. It is a night...one year in the making...
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen...will you please welcome your Proving Ground and Fallout staff and rosters!
Just as Holly suggested, the entrance stage begins to fill up, not only with faces from the brand that is hosting the show, but their Fallout contemporaries as well. From Elena DeDraca to John Blade...Mark Hunter to Havoc...Alara Adams to Crystal Ward...nearly every member of the roster make their way onto the wide stage underneath the Honor-Tron. Leading the charge is Rock Johnson himself, with a proud smile on his face.
As the crowd rises to their feet at this unexpected display, the Tron comes to life with an opening video montage. It isn’t the normal sound of “This is War” but something far more relaxed, and perhaps more fitting for the moment. Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” begins to play, as images of stars from the past come across the screen, some to a round of cheers and others to a chorus of boos...
♫Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time♫
From Rock Johnson’s opening statements to fans worldwide on the debut of Proving Ground, and then to images of stars in action; familiar faces like Ryan Young, Jacob Steele, Euan Hill, and Contessa Floran cross the screen to the surprise and delight of the fans. From fallen tyrants to tamed outlaws, each gets their turn for better or worse.
♫It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life♫
We see the team of Johnny C and Jay Vaughn, along with the antics of their friend and former Project: Honor janitor, Charlie. Then there is Kimberly Chase, attempting to steal her precious Maxwell back from its rightful owner, Indy Darling. Even the images of Colton Saint locking Zane in the trunk of a car bring back memories of days past.
♫So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while♫
The strange man known as Caliban debuts backstage in an attempt to free us from our chains, while Red Riot makes her own debut at the expense of Daniel Horror. Even the masked man known only as Predator who was in the company for a cup of coffee makes an appearance. There are flashes of Zack Tyler and his incompetent Left Hand, quickly followed by Jason Long holding two titles overhead.
♫It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life♫
A Halloween costume contest won by Pat the Postman’s portrayal of Barney the Dinosaur, Thanksgiving wishes that devolve into a food fight, and a brutal parking lot attack that turned a champion into a General Manager. Nothing is held back and nothing is omitted from the history books, as even a gaggle of Straders receive a negative response from the sold out crowd. Those boos are quickly replaced by cheers at the sight of Caden Young’s advertisement for Juul...
♫It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life♫
From Terry Marshall and Space Lord, entertaining the millions of their SEXmaniacs, to Alex Slayer and Sarah Roberts who had varying degrees of success in the company, the song continues as the past year flies before their eyes. From Gladiator contests where men like Mark Hunter made their debut, to James Edgebrook on the set of The Edge and Julius Fairweather on The F Word...on to the inaugural Draft show...the death of a Nazi at the hands of Alastar the polar bear...the abs of James Raven as he fights off a legion of Cthulhu Cultists...a stalker in a red mask...and an egotistical Asian announcer billed from France. Some images leave the fans asking “Who was that?”, while others cheer and smile as memories of a forgotten moment reemerge.
♫It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life♫
As the song reaches its conclusion and the images begin to fade, the fans come alive with a thunderous round of applause and chants of PROJECT-HONOR...PROJECT-HONOR…
In response, Rock Johnson and the staff and performers applaud in kind, showing their appreciation to the fans around the world...
A YEAR IN THE MAKING
The staff and roster return backstage as the live audience in The Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand show their excitement for another live episode of Proving Ground! With this being the one year anniversary show of Project: Honor, it’s clear that Rock Johnson has spared no expense in making it a spectacle like no other! Pyrotechnics erupt all around the stadium’s perimeter as we see the sold-out crowd from multiple camera angles, along with many of the homemade signs they’ve brought with them.
“THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE HAS ARRIVED”
“FREE GERALD’S KIDS”
“3X THE PETEY = 3X THE RATINGS”
“ARATA ELIMINATED ME TOO”
“R.I.P. JASON LONG”
Finally, one of the cameras settles on the announce team of Trey Booker and J.T. Price as they welcome viewers from around the world to the twentieth edition of Proving Ground!
TREY BOOKER: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the twentieth edition of Proving Ground! Tonight we celebrate one year of Project: Honor and we’re glad you’re here for the party!
J.T. PRICE: We’re sold out in New Zealand, we’re being watched by fans worldwide, and my sources tell me that there may be an unexpected face or two in attendance for this landmark episode as well!
TREY BOOKER: We’ve got a huge main event featuring our current Proving Ground Champions against three competitors who were on the debut episode! We’ll also see the end of the Friends Like These tournament to crown a number one contender to Emmanuelle’s Warrior Rising Championship!
J.T. PRICE: Don’t forget about the Proving Ground debut of Kayla Richards, Big Drip taking on the Australian duo of Aiden Reynolds and Mark Kelly, and what could be a show-stealer when Arata Asakura meets Daniel Ackerman!
TREY BOOKER: All that along with Mark Hunter’s return to Proving Ground after facing Elena DeDraca at Guts, Gold, and Glory, Valkyrie attempting to take the steam out of Mr. Opportunity Knocks, Cadillac Jackson, and Rock Johnson appearing on KaPow with Larry KaChow! This show is loaded from top to bottom, and it’s going to be one you won’t soon forget!
J.T. PRICE: Last but not least, FX has given us special permission to bring you tonight’s episode commercial free! Instead of those normal plugs, we’ll be revisiting some of Project: Honor’s biggest moments from our first year, courtesy of Snickers! Not feeling like yourself? Grab a Snickers!
Dickie tries draping an arm across Kasey and going for the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
Kasey throws an arm up at 2.9999999 seconds, but Dickie doesn’t waste a millisecond in diving over to Jason Terrance for a pin.
ONE…
TWO..
THREE…
TERRANCE BARELY MANAGES TO THROW HIS ARM UP, BUT IT'S UP NONETHELESS! Dickie clutches his hair and shakes his head, as dumbfounded as the crowd is as it roar with bloodthirst, but with a hand on Jason’s trunks he slowly drags the big man to his feet. Dickie pulls him towards him, SWEEPS HIM CLEAN OFF OF HIS FEET, AND DROPS JASON TERRANCE ON HIS FACE WITH DICKIE’S REVENGE! MODIFIED LIFTING REVERSE STO TO DRIBBLE JASON'S HEAD ON THE CANVAS! KASEY'S STIRRING AS DICKIE GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE…
KASEY DRAGS HERSELF ON HER FISTS OVER TO THE OTHER FIGHTERS.
TWO…
KASEY JUST MANAGES TO GET HER KNEE BENEATH HER, SO SHE CAN MAKE THE DIVE!!!!!
THREE…
…
DING DING DING
HOLLY PEREZ: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND THE FIRST EVER PROJECT: HONOR GRAND CHAMPION… THE MOLOTOV, DICKIE WATSON!!!!!!
KASEY LAYS APPROXIMATELY A FOOT AWAY FROM WHERE DICKIE WATSON’S SPRAWLED ACROSS AN UNCONSCIOUS JASON TERRANCE!!! Disappointment hits her as the referee reaches for Dickie’s hand to raise it to the heavens as the winner!
TREY BOOKER: ...The homicidal maniac did it. Dickie called his shot, and he hit it out of the PARK! Hoooooooooooooooooly hell I don’t know what got him through this match, but he’s carved his name into stone with his name as the first Grand Champion!
'Wire Rot' by Mega Drive begins to blare through the arena, its swirling and unrelenting synthesised timbre beckoning the entrance of The Kraken, Swindle Shelldrake. He bends down slightly has he emerges through the curtain into the roaming grid of neon lights that scan over the audience and himself, bathed in colours of bright pink, white and blue. A wry smirk plastered on his face underneath a black octopus tentacle mask, he throws a middle finger gesture from both hands to the camera in a taunting manner. Despite the serious presentation of himself, Shelldrake has a different level of enjoyment in his eyes. An enjoyment for the bout that lays ahead. His tall frame walks down the ramp towards the ring, hopping up to the apron and wiping his boots long it before stepping through the top and middle ropes. He remains hunched over, looking down to the mat and removing his octopus mask as the announcer reads through his details, correcting his posture up tall with an "up yours" "V" gesture to the hard camera and the crowd, pulling out his tongue and showing that devious smile.
TREY BOOKER: And here we are with the first singles match of Swindle Shelldrake on Pricing Ground!
J.T. PRICE: The kid is undoubtedly one of the most versatile wrestlers Project: Honor has seen and maybe will ever see.
A countdown preceding his Honor-tron video is shown as a fans count down with it...a rocket drops from the bottom of the Honor-tron 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.
TREY BOOKER: And here is Ace Sky, he hasn't been doing exactly the best in recent memory but he's hoping to get a win here tonight.
J.T. PRICE: Let's see if those acrobatics pay off for him tonight.
The two move into opposite corners. The referee tells them that he wants a clean match between them both- SHELLDRAKE WASTES NO TIME AND BLASTS SKY INTO THE TURNBUCKLES WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKCK! THE BELL HASN'T EVEN RUNG YET AS HE THROWS OFF HIS JACKET.
TREY BOOKER: WOAH! What the hell?!
J.T. PRICE: The Kraken isn't here to play games! He's looking to leave a better impression than he did at the Rumble last show!
The referee attempts to admonish Shelldrake but he isn't listening, a confident grin on his face as he grabs a dazed Sky by the hair- he LIFTS HIM UP AND THROWS HIM OVER THE ROPES, SHINBREAKER ON THE APRON- ACE SKY LANDS AWKWARDLY ON HIS KNEE ON THE APRON AND FALLS OUT OF H RING!
TREY BOOKER: SHINBREAKER! THE MATCH HASN'T EVEN BEGUN, COME ON!
J.T. PRICE: He's playing smart here. He knows Ace Sky is a high flyer tonight who relies on leg-based offense, he's simply taking that offense away!
TREY BOOKER: Are you condoning this attack?
J.T. PRICE: I'm just admiring the handiwork, Booker.
The Space Shannon writhes on the ringside floor as the referee yells at Shelldrake to back away, but he isn't finished ashe rolls out of the ring. He stalks Sky from behind, eyes focused on him like prey as he slowly gets up- CHOP BLOCK, CHOP BLOCK TO THE BACK OF HE HURT LEG! HE GOES DOWN, YELLING IN PAIN AS SHELLDRAKE SIMPLY SMILES- IN SADISTIC GLEE!
TREY BOOKER: CHOP BLOCK! THIS MATCH ISN'T EVEN GOING TO BEGIN!
J.T. PRICE: Then Shelldrake will win by forfeit, this is a win for him either way!
Shelldrake grabs Sky and throws him back into the ring. The crowd is booing now as the Kraken takes his time getting in as well, continuing to ignore the referee as Sky, in visible pain, tries to stand, but can only sit- clutching his knee. Shelldrake runs to the ropes, he REBOUNDS OFF LOOKING FOR A PENALTY KI- NO, SKY CATCHES IT AND PULLS HIM IN WITH A LEG-HOOK FIREMAN'S CARRY AND SPINS AROUND, SPIKING SHELLDRAKE ON THE BACK OF HIS NECK WITH THE LIGHTNING SPIRAL!
TREY BOOKER: WOAH! ROTATION ROVER!
J.T. PRICE: WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM!
The crowd is alive as Sky falls over, pulling himself over to the corner, gritting his teeth! Shelldrake is out cold, lifeless from that sudden head drop! The referee asks if Sky is able to compete, he nods his yes and the bell finally officially rings!
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: After a chaotic beginning, the match has officially started!
J.T. PRICE: Thats no fair, he attacked Shelldrake before the match started!
TREY BOOKER: It was in self-defense-! Wait, look at Sky!
The Space Shannon slowly and gingerly goes between the ropes- climbing up the turnbuckles as Shelldrake is still laid out! The crowd grows louder with anticipation, he nearly slips off in agony, but he makes it to the stop! Staring down at Shelldrake with a wild look in his eyes from the adrenaline rush- HE JUMPS OFF GOING FOR THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
TREY BOOKER: GALAXY LEA- NO!
SHELLDRAKE BRINGS HIS KNEES UP AT THE LAST SECOND AND SKY CRASHES STERNUM FIRST INTO THEM! SHELLDRAKE ROLLS OVER, HOLDING HIS OWN LEGS NOW AS SKY WHEEZES- GASPING FOR AIR ON THE MAT! Shelldrake gets up first, Sky runs at him AND GETS CAUGHT WITH A SAITO SUPLEX!
TREY BOOKER: SAAAITOOOO!
J.T. PRICE: HE THREW HIM ON HIS HEAD! Payback's a bitch, isn't it?!
Sky begins to sit up- SHELLDRAKE WASTES NO TIME AND RUNS TO THE ROPES, HE REBOUNDS OFF AND DELIVERS A DEVASTATING PENALTY KICK TO SKY THAT LAYS HIM OUT!
TREY BOOKER: PEEE-KAAAY!
J.T. PRICE: If this was soccer, that would have been a home run!
TREY BOOKER: You.. Mean a goal, right?
J.T. PRICE: ...Shut up, Booker.
SHELLDRAKE GOES FOR PIN, HOOKING SKY'S INJURED LEG!
ONE!
TWO!
THR- KICKOUT!
J.T. PRICE: That was smart! He hooked Sky's injured leg, knowing it'd take a lot more effort to kick out with it!
TREY BOOKER: But it wasn't enough!
Shelldrake has grown irritated, glaring down at his opponent as Sky has to use the ropes to stand. He slaps Sky across the back of the head mockingly again, and again, and again- and Sky grows angrier by the second. He turns around and delivers a chop! Shelldrake shrugs it off- and hits Sky with a European uppercut that sends him off his feet
TREY BOOKER: Sky still has fight in him!
J.T. PRICE: He needs to give up, for his own sake.
Sky gets up again and delivers another chop! This one causes Shelldrake to wince- but he uppercuts Sky again! Sky staggers and falls to his knees, but yells in defiance and stands again! Another chop! Shelldrake stumbles, snarling through the pain! He gives another uppercut! This one causes Sky to simply buckle, but he's still standing! ANOTHER CHOP, SHELLDRAKE'S CHEST IS BLEEDING AND HE ALMOST GOES DOWN!
TREY BOOKER: SKY'S FIGHTING SPIRIT, HE'S STARTING TO WIN THE BACK AND FORTH!
J.T. PRICE: I can't believe it!
Shelldrake, holds his chest, Sky tells him to bring it on- pointing to his own jaw! He wants Shelldrake's best shot! Shelldrake looks at him, and RAISES HIS ARM FOR ANOTHER UPPERCUT- HE FAKES HIM OUT AND GOES FOR A STRAIGHT RIGHT HOOK INSTEAD, THE IMPACT CAN BE HEARD AROUND THE ARENA AND SKY DROPS LIKE THE SACK OF ROCKS! THE REFEREE YELLS AT SHELLDRAKE BUT HE DOESN'T CARE!
TREY BOOKER: THAT WAS A CLOSED FIST! THAT'S ILLEGAL!
J.T. PRICE: Get over yourself, this is wrestling- not ballet!
Shelldrake wastes no time pulling Sky back up. The Hybrid Hunter puts both of his arms in a double underhook, lifts him up high- DROPS HIM STRAIGHT ON HIS HEAD WITH THE TIGER DRIVER '98!
TREY BOOKER: VIOLENT SALVAGE!
J.T. PRICE: THAT'S IT! THE REFEREE CAN COUNT TO ONE HUNDRED!
Ace Sky is limp, and Shelldrake lazily places his knee on his chest for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREEEEE!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner is… SWINDLEEEE SHELLDRAAAAAWKE!
The crowd boos as Shelldrake stands, an almost evil smile on his face as his hand is raised by the referee. Sky still isn't moving, eyes open but glazed over.
TREY BOOKER: Swindle Shelldrake with a dominant performance in his first singles match in Project: Honor.
J.T. PRICE: What a cold-blooded killer, Booker. He's going to make it big here.
Nothing lasts forever, right? In the end all the promises meant nothing, or even less. Hannah Morrison formerly known as Hannah Watson knew everything about loss. This wasn't the first time she had to start over, but that didn’t mean that it ever became easier. It was hard to say what hurt more in this moment, the result or the path that led them here. Of course when asked she would say no hard feelings, but that wasn't a hundred percent honest.
The rainbow coloured female had already said her goodbye to the few people that mattered. Staff, Make-up artists and the few roster members she took the time to know. In one hand she carried a box with gears in the other her stuffed lion. Leo. Yeah, very creative.
Fuck you!
Backstage for the Proving Ground 1-Year Anniversary show, Hannah turns a corner with the box of stuff in her arms. Not paying attention in front of her because her eyes are locked on the stuffed lion, she runs into a familiar face, but one she’s barely had any contact with.
??: Oh shit girl, my bad! I didn’t see you there, I was too busy scrolling through Tik- damnnn though I like your hair!
When you hear the voice, you immediately recognize it to be Lil Petey. Of course he wasn’t aware of what was going on around him, but now… Hannah’s got his full attention.
HANNAH MORRISON: Well, thank you. I like your… sunglasses.
Hannah always had been socially awkward, even more in the past years. She was so used to having certain people around her, that she forgot about the rest of the world. Even now, when speaking to Petey, her eyes remained on the floor.
HANNAH MORRISON: Big night ahead, huh?
Noticing her eyes locked on the floor, Petey looks down to make sure he put on pants today and then realizes that he’s dripped out like normal.
LIL PETEY: You like my kicks, yeah? These shits are fire! What did you ask again? Oh, right… yeah big night ahead. As if taking the belt from me wasn’t enough, Indy’s got me double booked, but I’m here for it and going to put my best effort in and catch this Warrior Rising Contendership, you feel me?
Even though she didn’t want to, she giggled. For the first time she looked up, noticing that he had been looking at her for the whole time. In the back of her mind she tried to remember if they had ever talked. Or for that matter, if she really had interacted with anyone from the Proving Ground roster.
HANNAH MORRISON: I can’t say that I feel you, but I know what you are talking about. You know what they say? Great stars don’t need big titles. They only need a crowd.
LIL PETEY: The crowd loves me too! It’s a dope feeling having people cheering and chanting my name, which is why I’m tryna get better for them! Gotta catch these dubs and put on a show.
Even though he seemed slightly delusional, he somewhat seemed honest. He was believing his own words, which kinda impressed Hannah. Because the only way to better yourself was to believe that you can. She gave him a little smile, probably the first in weeks.
HANNAH MORRISON: Not that you need to hear it, but never change. You are precious, Petey.
It was almost simultaneous with her words that Petey’s face turned tomato red. It wasn’t often a beautiful woman like Hannah would compliment him like that. Most of them just think he’s weird and want nothing to do with him, but that’s their loss.
LIL PETEY: Shiiiiit, I never will. I am who I am and if someone doesn’t like that, they’re just a hater and I don’t vibe with them. We’re vibin’ right now, though!
HANNAH MORRISON: We have to work on your way of talking though. Half the time I don't understand what you say.
She laughed. This time a real laughter.
LIL PETEY: I was raised in the skreets, girl!
Petey stopped for a second and thought to himself how good the opportunity would be to work with Hannah for this.
LIL PETEY: I won’t change for anyone, but I suppose I do talk like an idiot sometimes. That’s just who I am, though, you feel me?
HANNAH MORRISON: You know what I think? You're not an idiot at all, you just want people to think that. Because they will underestimate you. It's a good tactic to say the very least.
The blushing continued, but something caught Petey’s attention at that moment and his entire demeanor changed.
LIL PETEY: Wait, you were Dickie’s girl, right?
For a moment she looked sad again, but tried her best to hide it. Instead of letting it get to her, she straightened her shoulders.
HANNAH MORRISON: Yeah. I was his wife. Now ex-wife I guess.
It took Petey a second to realize Hannah’s mood change, but he noticed which is a once in a blue moon occurrence.
LIL PETEY: I didn’t mean to upset you, I just had to make sure. You never know anymore, you feel me? Anyways, sorry to hear about that. Probably better off now anyways, but I’m sure it’ll take time to heal and bring the good vibes back.
HANNAH MORRISON: I will be fine, but it's nice you even care.
She put down the box and seemed in her own thoughts for a moment. She then looked at the lion in her hand. Leaving a puzzled Petey standing on his own, as she walked towards a trash bin. With a deep sigh she dropped it, then returned to him.
HANNAH MORRISON: You know what, I just wanted to leave. But since I am already here, I might watch the show. You feel me?
She said, trying to remain serious. Petey’s eyes lit up when he heard Hannah take his phrase.
LIL PETEY: SHEEEEEESH, you’re already learnin’, Hannah! Maybe I gotta teach you how to talk like me.
The two shared a laugh. Petey then takes the box and carries it for Hannah in one arm, then places his other arm across her shoulders as the two walk through the hallways.
TREY BOOKER: FUCKING HELL! THEY JUST WENT TWENTY FEET ABOVE THE CELL, THROUGH THE CELL, TO THE RING AND THROUGH A TABLE! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST THIS IS CRAZY!
J.T. PRICE: BOTH OF THEM ARE UNRESPONSIVE! THERE ISN’T EVEN A GLIMMER OF LIFE COMING FROM THEM AT THE MOMENT!
The crowd all rise to their feet in shock and awe of what just happened. Silence has struck the entire arena. Moments go by without a single sound before the camera cuts to the announcer table.
TREY BOOKER: What we just saw was both exciting and horrifying. The cell itself is twenty feet tall. Add another fourteen to fifteen feet from where they were on the ladder… then falling through a table… absolutely insane.
HOLLY PEREZ: This match is the debut of our newly signed wrestler from Fallout. On her way to the ring… Standing at 5 foot 9 inches tall… Weighing in at 135lbs… Dreamkiller… KAAAYYYLLLAAA RIIICCCHHHAAARRRDDDSSS!!!
The start of "Deep" by Nine in nails hits, green and purple lights dance along the entranceway in tune with the song as the first verse kicks in.
Blank stare, Disrepair, There's a big black hole
Gonna eat me up someday, Someday fades away
Like a memory
Or a place that you'd rather be
Kayla Richards steps out wearing a black leather coat with no sleeves and instead black mesh replacing it. She moves down to the ring ignoring everyone around her before moving up to the ring steps and climbing in under the middle rope.
HOLLY PEREZ: Next up to the ring is her opponent… Standing at 7 foot exactly… Weighing in at 469lbs… The Postman… PAAATTT!!!
The large man comes out from the back, the earth shaking with every step. His cat Jess on his shoulder, he makes his presence felt as he enters the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Pat The Postman towers over Kayla Richards and outweighs her too. Pat looks at her smirking as Kayla looks back at him with her usual resting bitch face. It’s Kayla who gets the match under way as she runs at the giant of a man Pat. Unfortunately for Kayla though, Pat lifts her off her feet, hitting a ring shaking Spinning Sidewalk Slam on Kayla. This even makes the ref wobbly on his feet as he grabs onto the ring ropes looking on in shock at what has Pat just done. The ref goes and checks on Kayla who manages to nod her head before Pat lifts her back up to her feet. Pat gets Kayla in position for a Powerbomb but Kayla has other ideas. She rakes the eyes of Pat before taking him down with a Hurricanrana. As Kayla is back to her feet, Pat has managed to get up to one knee already. Kayla just smirks before nearly kicking Pat’s head off his shoulders. As the ref is distracted by checking on Pat who has a little blood coming from his mouth. Kayla walks over to the turnbuckle and removes the top cover now exposing the steel of the top turnbuckle.
TREY BOOKER: Kayla clearly can’t get Fallout out of her mind, despicably cheating.
J.T. PRICE: Trey. Shut up. Look at her marvelous tits! They’re almost as big as Pat’s!
Pat isn’t done though as he gets to his feet as Kayla stands there waiting for him. Once Pat is on his feet, he charges at Kayla as quickly as he can before Kayla trips him and sends Pat head first into the exposed top turnbuckle. Pat hits the ring with a thud as the blood now starts to flow from his head. Kayla isn’t done as she gets on top of him in a mounted position and just unloads punch after punch to the cut on Pat’s forehead. With every punch that Pat doesn’t manage to block, Kayla sends splatters of blood everywhere. Eventually without warning, Pat manages to deliver by pushing Kayla off with force. As she is thrown from him, Pat gets to his feet and with the ref distracted by putting the top turnbuckle cover back on, Kayla kicks Pat so hard in the balls that it sends him cross eyed. It also sends Pat to his knees as Kayla follows it up with a Shining Wizard and goes for the pin. Thankfully the ref has finished what he was doing, only to see Kayla hit the Shining Wizard and go for the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT BY PAT THE POSTMAN!!!
TREY BOOKER: Pat letting Kayla know with that kick out that she can return it to the sender!
J.T. PRICE: I’ve never wanted to facepalm so hard right now.
Shocked that Pat The Postman has kicked out, Kayla Richards goes back to unleashing punches to the busted open forehead of Pat from a mounted position. Pat is trying his best to block the punches but Kayla is having none of it as the punches turn into elbows now that rain down on Pat’s forehead. Eventually Pat somehow manages to use his strength to roll and grab onto the ring ropes. The ref starts his count as Kayla breaks the hold in time so she doesn’t get disqualified. As the ref and Kayla start arguing with one another, Pat crawls to the turnbuckle and sits there with his back perched against it. Kayla notices this and gives up arguing with the ref and hits a running Dropkick on Pat. With Pat laying on the ground now, Kayla climbs up onto the top turnbuckle. Kayla then jumps off landing with her Knees to the gut of Pat The Postman who lets out a loud gasp for air.
TREY BOOKER: Kayla is really out to prove a point in this match.
J.T. PRICE: Yeah! Fuck you FALLOUT!!!
Kayla isn’t done yet though, she doesn’t give Pat anytime to recover as she locks in the Ghost Lock (Dragon Sleeper With A Body Lock) as Pat starts to struggle to get out of the hold. The ropes are too far away for Pat to reach them as Kayla still continues to deny Pat to gain any momentum back at all. No matter what Pat tries, he can’t move from the spot where they are as Kayla has the hold locked in perfectly. Pat The Postman has started to fade now, blood starting to come from his mouth again as his face is covered in blood from his busted open forehead. The brutality from Kayla now is showing that she means business as the ref starts to check on Pat. Pat isn’t responding and just as the ref goes to turn around and ring for the bell, Pat manages to grab hold of his trouser leg. The ref shakes his leg trying to get it free as he turns around to see there is still a bit of fight still left in Pat The Postman. Kayla has had enough, she gets to her feet and backs up to the other side of the ring. Once Pat has used the little bit of fight he had left, Kayla runs at Pat The Postman and hits him with the Dreamkiller (V-Trigger) and goes for the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match by PINFALL… KAAAYYYLLLAAA RIIICCCHHHAAARRRDDDSSS!!!
TREY BOOKER: That was one hell of a debut on Proving Ground for Kayla Richards! Fallout’s loss is our gain!
J.T. PRICE: Children in the audience are crying at the sight of their beloved Pat in such a state. I love it!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Slayer finally hears the words of his advocate, and dives forward, but is just a split second too late to break the pin as the bell sounds and the fans erupt in cheers!
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner and the NEW Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion.. TJ THOMPSON!!!
TREY BOOKER: What an incredible victory here tonight for TJ Thompson and it looks like he’s the most shocked one in the arena!
J.T. PRICE: Well deserved here too, despite the change, he was able to adapt and overcome. Looks like he won’t be celebrating alone either Booker!
TREY BOOKER: Is that a giraffe?! Oh no, please for the love of everything holy, cut to the next part of the show!
J.T. PRICE: But Big Drip?!
TREY BOOKER: Big Drip can be a web exclusive! Production, do your job! Why is there a damn GIRAFFE in the building?! What the FU-
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time would you please welcome internationally renowned investigative reporter, the creator of Opportunity Knocks, and the self-proclaimed future Assistant General Manager...Monsieur Larry KaChow!
As Larry makes his way toward the ring, accompanied by “The Man” by The Killers, the crowd shows their obvious dislike with a chorus of boos. Unfazed by their reaction, Larry enters the ring and takes the microphone from Holly Perez while giving her an overly emphasized wink. The disgusted ring announcer exits the ring as quickly as possible, making Larry the center of attention.
LARRY KACHOW: I’ve never seen so many sheep herders packed in one place. You idiots could have at least dressed up for the occasion! Don’t you realize this is Project: Honor’s one year anniversary?
The New Zealanders continue to boo as Larry shakes his head in a disappointing fashion.
LARRY KACHOW: I’m not going to waste anymore time addressing you idiotic Kiwis, because tonight I have the greatest guest in the history of KaPow with KaChow! I’m talking about a man who pulled himself out of mediocrity to become a multi-millionaire. A man with vision that far exceeds what mortal men are supposed to be capable of! He is not only a visionary, but he is an entrepreneurial genius with his finger so far up the ass of pop culture that he tickles its beating heart! He is so handsome and virile that he’d be capable of repopulating a planet if he were the last man alive! I’m talking about the creator and founder of the greatest wrestling organization in the world today...the media mogul responsible for everything you’ve seen in Project: Honor over the past year...he is the one...the only...ROCK JOHNSON!!!!
“This Is War” by No Resolve hits the PA as the crowd erupts into cheers. Rock Johnson steps out onto the stage wearing a sleek grey suit and slowly makes his way to the ring, interacting with the fans along the way. When he gets to the ring, he walks up the steel steps and then quickly slides between the middle and top rope to get into the squared circle. He is handed a mic from a PH official and then stands at the ropes looking at the crowd while they continue their standing ovation.
CROWD: PROJECT: HONOR! PROJECT: HONOR! PROJECT: HONOR!
The sold out Forsyth Barr Stadium is making some noise right now and Rock Johnson is feeling it. Larry starts getting annoyed because he didn’t get that type of reaction, but Rock is soaking it all in. So much that he holds the mic up in the air while the crowd continues their chanting.
CROWD: ONE YEAR! ONE YEAR! ONE YEAR!
Rock then pulls the mic down and signals for the crowd to simmer down some. As they do, he doesn’t even pay attention to Larry, but the sold out stadium around him instead.
ROCK JOHNSON: What a feeling, coming out here to hear such an exhilarating sound like your cheers. Really brings me back to our first ever show when I came out here to about half - if not less - of you cheering us on. Throughout this past year, we’ve grown to a level I didn’t expect to be at so soon. You’ve seen us expand to two shows, buying out towns to destroy them, roster members come and go… the journey has been wild, but one thing has stayed consistent; you.
Sounds of clapping take over the arena as the New Zealand crowd applaud Rock Johnson.
ROCK JOHNSON: For that, we cannot thank you enough and hope that you continue to grow with us, because we’re just getting started!
Larry leans against the ropes while Rock continues to ignore his very existence.
ROCK JOHNSON: On this very special event of Proving Ground, we celebrate our continuous growth over this past year. We celebrate what’s to come. We celebrate what we’ve been through. Tonight is one big celebration and to do that properly, we have to show throwbacks of various moments. What would an anniversary show be without flashbacks? AM I RIGHT?!
The cheers continue and Rock forms a big grin on his muscular face.
ROCK JOHNSON: Throughout the night there will be random video packages, as you’ve seen already, of moments in this last year that were most memorable. We only have so much time on Television so we can’t show every single detail, but the moments that stuck out to you as the fans and the moments that stuck out to us as we performed in them.
ROCK JOHNSON: This night is about sharing our story during the past year and preparing for the next chapter which begins after Night of Honor. We have a jam packed show for you tonight between the competition, segments and the video packages. You all are in for a fun night and I hate to stall you in enjoying it, but I know this little twig next to me has some questions he wants me to answer.
Larry is playing with his fingernails right now, not even realizing that Rock is talking about him. Finally feeling the stare of the boss upon him, Larry snaps to attention and gives Rock Johnson a huge smile.
LARRY KACHOW: I couldn’t have said it better myself, boss! Everyone give it up again for Rock Johnson!
The crowd cheers and applauds for the owner again, although less enthusiastically with Larry asking them to do so.
LARRY KACHOW: Now Mr. Johnson, I know you’re a very busy man and there’s no one in this company who respects you more than I do, but before you go I just want to handle one little piece of business. As you may have heard, I recently petitioned for a permanent job within Project: Honor management, but that idiot, Indy Darling, treated my request like a joke. Now, since we’re here in the ring together, I was hoping, in your generous grace and wisdom, that you might hear me out...
ROCK JOHNSON: Spit it out, little man. These fans want action, not ass-kissing.
The crowd cheers again, and Larry does his best to hide his contempt for each and every one of them.
LARRY KACHOW: It’s just that Proving Ground’s Assistant General Manager has been absent for so long, that I thought we should have a new and innovative presence in that spot.
Johnson considers Larry’s words for a moment as he rubs his chin.
ROCK JOHNSON: And that new and innovative presence would be…?
LARRY KACHOW: It’s me, Mr. Johnson! It should have been me all along! I created the Opportunity Knocks rumble, I drive ratings with my segments, and unlike Caden Young, I’m actually here every week! That bum didn’t even show up for your amazing and spectacular anniversary show!
Again, Rock Johnson considers Larry’s words despite the fact that the crowd is clearly against his suggestion.
ROCK JOHNSON: I’ll tell you what, Gary…
Larry nods his head enthusiastically even though Johnson has gotten his name wrong.
ROCK JOHNSON: Your argument does have...merit. I respect someone with the drive and moxie to approach me like this, even if these people seem to think you’re a horse’s ass.
The crowd pops again, and Rock gives them a few moments to cheer before continuing.
LARRY KACHOW: Actually sir, I don’t have moxie. I’m pretty sure I’ve had a vaccination for that...
ROCK JOHNSON: Shut up and listen to what I want you to do, Barry. I want you to go to the members of the Proving Ground roster, the staff and the talent, and I want you to get their signatures on a petition to replace Caden Young with yourself. If you can do that, if you can bring me enough signatures, I will consider....CONSIDER...granting your request.
Larry grins from ear to ear as he bounces up and down like a child on Christmas morning. He then gives a couple of bows to Johnson, as if he were royalty, to which the owner shrugs off. Finally, feeling that he’s sucked up enough, Larry raises his microphone back up.
LARRY KACHOW: Ladies and gentlemen...let’s hear it one final time for the most brilliant and attractive man in professional wrestling! RO-CKY, RO-CKY, RO-CKY!
Rock Johnson shakes his head out of pure disbelief, wondering if he’s just made a terrible decision. Finally looking away from the overly excited Larry KaChow, he makes his exit and waves to the crowd as we go to commercial break.
MATTHEW KNOX: Who the fuck double-knotted this bitch???
Mark slides his way across the wire behind Knox. He lets go with his arms and dangles...but he grabs Knox’s legs.
ALARA ADAMS: What...is he...doing?
Hunter lets go with his legs, hooking them onto Matthew’s shoulders. Matthew Knox loses balance and falls, both men spinning in the air...before crashing down onto the ring...and THROUGH the ring.
SMASH!!!
CROWD: HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT!! HO-LY SHIT!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: MARK HUNTER MANAGED TO SPIN KNOX AROUND INTO A CRADLE PILEDRIVER POSITION...PUTTING HIM STRAIGHT THROUGH THE RING WITH THAT FIFTEEN FOOT DROP INTO THE MERCY KILLER!!!
ALARA ADAMS: I know we watched Alistair carry off what seemed like a dead body earlier...but did we just witness ANOTHER death? This truly is the Purge, isn’t it?
The ring, partially collapsed and with a hole in it now, can’t support the metal structure and the two twenty-foot towers collapse, dropping all three briefcases to the mat. Hunter is the first one to pull himself out of the crater in the ring. Favoring his right leg, he stumbles over to the first briefcase he sees and grabs it, clutching it to his chest.
DING! DING! DING!
CLARA OLSON: And your winner of the PURGE MATCH BRIEFCASE, MARK…HUUUUUUNTTTEEERRRRRR!!!
HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Currently standing in the ring, weighing in at 220 pounds: THE ONE! REAL! SHOGUN! ARATA ASAKURA!
TREY BOOKER: Arata Asakura has been on absolute fire. Last week, he was third-place in the rumble event and he looked like he could have won the whole thing. But it just wasn’t meant to be.
J.T. PRICE: He was close, and what he and Dickie did was truly astounding. He had the most eliminations. You have to imagine that he’s still frustrated with not winning, and he’s going to take it out on-- oh, here he comes! THE CAPTAIN!
“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. 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 gives off the cocky smile we’re used to seeing 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: Introducing first...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 brings his hands behind his back.
TREY BOOKER: Daniel Ackerman is an incredibly talented individual, but he has just had a string of bad luck but you have to imagine he could bounce back in a serious way with a victory over the Shogun.
J.T. PRICE: It would do absolute wonders! He looks fired up inside of the ring now, and there’s the bell! We are off!
Arata and Ackerman both search for an opening against each other. Arata opts to charge forward and Ackerman answers for a spinning hook kick; Arata gets an arm up to block the kick, and grabs his leg before shoving him to the mat. Ackerman lands on his back, and Arata leaps up to go for a jumping double foot stomp but Ackerman is able to roll out of the way and spring back to his feet. Arata shoots a spinning kick aimed for Ackerman’s midsection as he is standing up; Ackerman catches his foot, and Arata goes for a quick enzuigiri! Ackerman ducks, and still has Arata’s ankle held but tosses it down. Arata is off-balance, and Ackerman goes for a full nelson to set him up for a dragon suplex but Arata is able to get an arm free just in time and takes Ackerman over with a snapmare. Arata goes to kneel behind Ackerman for a sleeper, but Ackerman falls onto his back and connects with a stiff kick that connects with Arata’s head! Arata stumbles back, holding his head, but is still standing.
TREY BOOKER: These two are answering each other quite well, but The Captain finally gets a well-timed, and well-placed kick that staggers Arata.
J.T. PRICE: He needs to get back to his feet, and there he goes.
Ackerman gets up and advances toward Arata. Arata goes for an elbow strike as Ackerman closes in, but misses his mark; Ackerman answers with a series of palm and elbow strikes as Arata does everything he can to just cover himself up. Ackerman finishes with a knee strike into Arata’s midsection then drags him from the ropes before sailing him over for a snap suplex. Ackerman rolls over and makes the first quick cover of the match.
One!
Two!
Kickout!
Ackerman springs back to his feet, and as Arata is sitting up, Ackerman fires in with a running kick that sends him back down. Ackerman drops for a second cover but Arata is able to roll his shoulder from the mat before the count of one. Arata finishes rolling over onto his stomach to push himself up but Ackerman is over him the whole way, and as he gets up, Ackerman sails him over with a northern lights suplex! He keeps the bridge for the cover.
One!
Two!
Kickout!
TREY BOOKER: A series of pin fall attempts from The Captain, and he looks like he has a good grasp in this match. He’s really taking it to Arata, and Arata seems surprised and just looking for an opening.
J.T. PRICE: I’m shocked by what I’m seeing, but damn it! Keep fighting, Daniel! Don’t let up now!
Ackerman is the first to his feet, but Arata is soon behind him. Ackerman shoots for an elbow, but Arata deflects; Arata connects with a European Uppercut that staggers Ackerman. Arata shoves Ackerman back against the ropes and sends him off for an Irish-whip, meeting him in the middle and leapfrogs over. A second leapfrog on the rebound, and as Ackerman is coming back for a third, Arata connects with a well-timed dropkick! Arata makes the cover.
One!
Ackerman gets his shoulder up!
Arata stands up and jumps up to come down with a double knee drop that hits its mark. Rather than going for another quick cover, Arata picks Ackerman up, keeping him in control with a clinch before hitting a double knee strike. Arata circles behind Ackerman and hooks both arms under him then sails him back for a tiger suplex. Arata keeps the bridge held for a pin.
One!
Two!
Kickout!
TREY BOOKER: The Shogun is starting to get some more offense into this match, which is what we’ve been seeing him do consistently. It’s why he had such a strong outing at the rumble.
J.T. PRICE: The way that Daniel Ackerman hit his neck after that tiger suplex, I’m surprised he found it in himself to kick out.
Ackerman rolls backward and back to his feet, and Arata gets back up. Ackerman is holding the back of his head as Arata closes in and begins with a well-placed strike, but Ackerman fires back with one of his own! The two battle back and forth, starting slow, and picking up the pace, until the crowd is out of their seats in anticipation for who is going to gain an edge over the other. Ackerman drives in for a double leg takedown, but Arata is able to reverse it into a front headlock trying to drag Ackerman down to the mat. Ackerman is able to push Arata back into the corner to give himself a firm footing but Arata is still wrenching with the front headlock trying to angle it to choke Ackerman out. Ackerman gets both of his hands on Arata, and manages to get his head loose just enough to then toss Arata across with a biel toss!
TREY BOOKER: A beautiful counter! Ackerman is able to break free from a front headlock and just throw Arata across the ring.
J.T. PRICE: I think we’re starting to see what Daniel Ackerman is truly capable of doing. We saw a strong debut by him against Tara Fenix and John Blade, and despite the loss we saw a lot out of him that night! And we’re seeing that fire back in him tonight!
Arata rolls through and is back to his feet rather quickly; both Arata and Ackerman go toward each other but Ackerman stops a moment early and leans down to catch Arata into a fireman’s carry position! Before Arata has time to react, or reverse, Ackerman drops him with INVICTUS!
TREY BOOKER: INVICTUS! He just hit him with one of his patented trademark moves, and that could be it!
J.T. PRICE: Cover him! COVER HIM!
Ackerman makes the cover, hooking the far leg as the referee goes down for the count.
One!
Two!
Arata kicks out!
Ackerman gives a moment of shock, but doesn’t waste too much time in getting up and lifting Arata with him. Arata answers with a quick punch to his midsection, followed by a knee, before hooking Ackerman in and going over with a Flipping DDT! Arata quickly rolls over Ackerman for the cover.
One!
Two!
2.9! KICKOUT!
TREY BOOKER: Somehow! Some way! The Captain finds a way to dig deeper and kick out of one of Arata’s own trademark moves, and Arata looks a bit concerned that he couldn’t put him away with that.
J.T. PRICE: I thought that was it!
Arata now takes his turn to stand up, shaking his head as he does, and lifts Ackerman up with him; Ackerman suddenly scoops Arata up looking for SHATTERED VICTORY!
TREY BOOKER: He has him up! The Captain is spinning the Shogun out and looking to end it with this one!
J.T. PRICE: Arata is wobbling, he’s kicking, and The Captain can-- no! Arata is able to slide behind him.
Arata is able to kick his legs and waiver his momentum forward before sliding off of Ackerman’s shoulders and lands behind him. Arata shoots a kick to the back of Ackerman’s knee that drops him down to one knee before Arata rushes to the ropes behind him and comes back hitting RAIKIRI! Arata wastes no time making the cover, hooking the leg.
One!
Two!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner by way of pin fall! ARATA ASAKURA!
TREY BOOKER: Arata Asakura continues to impress, but what an amazing effort we saw from Daniel Ackerman!
J.T. PRICE: Even if defeat, this may have been the breakout performance Daniel was looking for. As for Asakura, I hope every champion on Proving Ground has their eyes on this guy!
With so much going on with tonight’s Anniversary Show, it’s no surprise to see Indy Darling hustling through the backstage area with his attention focused on the format sheets in his hands. He is so wrapped up in checking the documents to make sure that the show runs smoothly, that he nearly runs into someone making their way through the same corridor.
INDY DARLING: Oh! Sorry about….that…
Indy’s apology trails off as he realizes that he’s face-to-face with the General Manager of Fallout, Christian DeMarco. There is a moment of tense silence between the two rivals before Christian finally speaks up.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: You should really watch where you’re going. We can’t have anything bad happen to Rock Johnson’s golden boy…
Indy lowers his format sheets to his side as he returns Christian’s intent stare.
INDY DARLING: I don’t remember inviting you to the show tonight, Christian.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: You should know by now, I go where I want to go. Besides, this is Project: Honor’s anniversary, not just Proving Ground’s. No matter what you may believe, Fallout is just as much responsible for this company’s success as Proving Ground. It only seemed fitting that Fallout’s architect should be in attendance.
Christian allows himself a sly smile, to which Indy responds with one of his own.
INDY DARLING: You know, I think I liked you better when you had that brain tumor. You were more sane as Caliban.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Interesting. Almost like you having more backbone now that you have a crippled spine.
Indy’s smile fades as he takes a step forward.
INDY DARLING: I know why you’re really here, Christian. You just want to check up on all the talent that’s jumped from your brand to mine.
Now it is DeMarco’s smile that fades, as he steps forward as well, bringing the two General Managers nose-to-nose.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: The so-called talent that you’re driving out of the company permanently with your asinine booking?
INDY DARLING: That’s rich coming from the guy whose booking put someone in critical condition last night. Your need for chaos is out of control. You won’t be happy until someone’s killed, and I love this company too much to see that happen...
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: If you truly loved this company, you’d embrace the chaos instead of putting on one cookie cutter show after another. Yes, I saw your little comment on Twitter. How you’d like to see me held responsible for what happened to Jason Long. Well here’s your chance to do something about it personally.
The tension between the two men is palpable, as if we are mere moments from them coming to blows, when a booming voice distracts them from off camera.
ROCK JOHNSON: Whoa! This ends now!
The owner of Project: Honor enters the scene, forcing himself in between his two GMs.
ROCK JOHNSON: I love competition as much as the next man, but this thing between the two of you is getting out of hand. *In a nasally, whiney voice* “Proving Ground gets preferential treatment”, “Fallout is too extreme”! *Back to his normal voice* I’ve had enough of this “A Show/B Show” bullshit! You make snide comments toward each other like a pair of preschoolers on a playground! This is our one year anniversary, something we should be celebrating as a team, but instead I’m back here playing babysitter!
Indy and Christian exchange a glance toward each other, neither man pleased with being talked down to in such a manner.
ROCK JOHNSON: I could have Arik Holt and Larry KaChow running things tomorrow, but instead I’m going to give you two the chance to settle this once and for all! In just over a month’s time, you’ll be forced to co-promote our next Pay Per View event, Night of Honor!
Neither of the General Managers respond verbally, but as they resume staring daggers at each other, it’s clear that Johnson has their attention.
ROCK JOHNSON: I know neither of you are medically cleared, so since we can’t have Christian DeMarco versus Indy Darling, how about if you both create a team from your rosters and we put those two teams against each other in an elimination match! Indy Darling’s Team Proving Ground against Christian DeMarco’s Team Fallout, with the winner getting the bragging rights that both of you seem to want so badly! Then maybe...just maybe...you two will learn the kind of professionalism we need to make our second year better than the first!
Indy and Christian remain silent, but both men begin to nod their heads in the affirmative.
ROCK JOHNSON: Good! Now shake hands like gentlemen and bring me the best damn brand versus brand match in the history of the business!
The General Managers continue to glare at each other as they slowly raise their hands to meet in a tight and unfriendly handshake. Rock Johnson looks back and forth between the two men, a smile on his face.
ROCK JOHNSON: Damn. Now that’s good shit. You’ve still got it, Johnson….
Pleased with his actions, the owner walks out of the scene, leaving Indy and Christian grimacing at each other, neither man willing to blink or back down…
Timer 0:05
ONE!
Eli is up and eyes up Daniel Horror’s pin attempt!
Timer 0:04
TWO!!
He charges at Daniel, but trips over Zack as he rolled into his way, still trying to recover from his shoulder block into Amber.
Timer 0:03
THREE!!!
Eli stands to his feet as does the ref.
Timer 0:02
Daniel Horror jumps up off of Amber and looks towards the entrance
Daniel Horror’s face appears on the Titantron
Timer 0:01
Everyone stares at the timer.
Timer 00:00
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!
Horror’s eyes widen in shock.
CLARA OLSON: Ladies and gentleman...your winner AND FIRST EVER PROJECT: HONOR - FALLOUT ASCENSION CHAMPION...DANIEL...HOOOOORRRROOOORRRR!!!
The lights go out, then the pyro starts flashing blue and white and fireworks start to go off all around the arena. Then "Basic Thug-o-Nomics" hits the arena and John Blade walks out from the back and he heads for the ring. Blade then gets to the side of the ring and he slides into the ring. He then walks up to one of the turnbuckles and does the word life logo to the crowd as they start cheering his name. Blade then gets down and he walks over to the ring announcer, he then gets a mic and he starts to speak.
JOHN BLADE: Yo, yo, yo, yo, listen up. The Dr is in the house, so all y'all pretenders better watch out. John Blade's here and all of you are loving it. Now the other day, when Lil Petey took control of the Proving Ground, I went to his locker room, and I sat down for about 2 damn hours before he would see me, but it's ooooookkkkkk. Because after he saw me, I was officially in the locker room. And you know what that means for all of you pretenders, that I am gonna knock you down and take your damn Rap battle, because John Blade is here and that's the truth about that. I heard that Night of Honor is coming up, and it looks like all the Championships in this place are up for grabs. That’s what I love to hear, a free for all on Proving Ground. But y'all know what the results is gonna be, John Blade wins the Six Way Elimination that ain't no lie.
The crowd start chanting Blade's name and he lowers the mic. He then runs up the turnbuckle again and he taunts the crowd to a massive response. Blade then goes back to the center of the ring and he lifts the mic back up to his lips as he starts to speak again.
JOHN BLADE: Ok, ok, ok, now I know y'all excited to see me, but please, give me some hush hush to speak. Now I was told there are some lovely ladies here in the Proving Ground, and John Blade is always looking for a honey to put around his arm. So if any of those ladies wanna know what a real man is like, then come on out and look up John Blade, cause there won’t be no turning back. Now, at Night of Honor, I hope that I am giving a good match, hell Warrior Rising title main event. That sounds like fun to me, but I don't care if it's that match or not, hell I'd kick everyone's ass, all I want Lil Petey is a chance to kick everyone's ass, so whatever match you put me in, then I hope my opponent will be aware, there ain't no avoiding the F-U, so you might as well.......
Before he could get the crowd to say anything, “oops!!” by Yung Gravy ft. Lil Wayne blasts through the speakers and the crowd erupts into a roar of cheers. Lil Petey comes walking out onto the stage fresh to death and with a mic in hand.
LIL PETEY: Cut the music, fam. Cut the music!
The music slowly fades out and John Blade stands in awe of someone actually interrupting him.
LIL PETEY: I just wanna know one thing, because you sayin’ some stuff I’m not quite comfortable with. Like… you were in my locker room??? Broski, I never saw you, never talked to you and quite frankly you probably didn’t wanna be in there with what I had going on.
Laughter forms in the crowd.
LIL PETEY: Trust me, I was doin’ some… not suitable for TV things. So for you to come out here sayin’ you were in my room… that’s false, my g. I suggest you get yo facts straight before making a bigger fool out of yourself in front of the crowd than you do with that speech impeppermint. Wait, impediment. Yeah that’s the word.
The laughter continues and grows louder. Petey slowly starts walking to the ring while continuing to talk.
LIL PETEY: Also, before we get started… you think I run this place or something? Or have any say in what you are doing? If only Callmerobert was around to say something…
By this time, Petey slides into the ring and then leans against the ropes. John Blade attempts to say something, but Petey cuts him off again.
LIL PETEY: Hold that thought. Imma give you a rap battle, fam, but I want you to go first. Let’s hear your sick bars.
JOHN BLADE: Yo, yo I already did! I was rapping earlier on yo pretender ass.
Petey looks confused and stares out at the crowd.
LIL PETEY: That… was rapping? And they thought I was bad…
JOHN BLADE: Especially when I was talking about the lovely ladies in the Proving Ground. Where they at?
Shaking his head, Petey looks down at the ground and then at the official.
LIL PETEY: Drop the beat.
A sick beat drops and everyone in attendance claps to the rhythm of it.
♫You say you want some lovely ladies,
but always actin’ kinda shady.
Sayin’ you were in my room,
And now you just sound fuckin’ crazy.
I was clappin’ cheeks, fam
You don’t know what that’s like, BAM!
I’m already roastin’ your ass, damn.
Callmerobert reported you for spam!
I’m used to other types of six ways, but this will do
I got a lot of shit I gotta prove
Go back to where we can’t see you
Leave the wrestling to the pro’s, dude.
Hold up, I ain’t done with this fool yet
Let me finish then I gotta jet
Ran into Hannah in the back and we just met
Dickie ran off, soon we’ll all forget
My bestie Sav is goin’ through it right now
Her boo Jason got the pow pow
Stab stab, we all went WOW
That’s someone she can’t live without
Don’t worry I didn’t forget about Blade
I’m in a rhythm now, you know I just got laid
That’s more than he can say because all the girls evade
Call me Serrano, because this boy just got sauteed!♫
Petey drops the mic as everyone in attendance goes wild. The fans start throwing things all over the place and even the announcers are losing their mind right now. Before anyone could say anything, Petey rolls out of the ring and walks up the ramp without even looking back. Halfway up the ramp, he decides to jump over the barricade and then starts crowd surfing up the crowd and then back down.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT! ELENA DEDRACA HAS DONE IT!
DING! DING! DING!
“Revelation” by Black Veil Brides blasts through the speakers as her hometown of London, England all rise to their feet at the same time. Still barely able to move, Elena is handed the Legacy Championship as she pulls it close to her. Blood gets all over the belt.
CLARA OLSON: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND THE INAUGURAL LEGACY CHAMPION… ELENA DEDRACAAAAAA!!!
ALARA ADAMS: ELENA IS AT THE TOP OF PROJECT: HONOR NOW! FALLOUT PEOPLE, REJOICE!
TREY BOOKER: I’m bummed that Proving Ground couldn’t pull through, but congrats on a well deserved victory, Elena!
J.T. PRICE: She continues her tear through the Project: Honor roster and is now at the very top. Who’s going to step up first to challenge her after seeing the showing here tonight?!
"ALL OF THE LIGHTS!"
HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, wrestling out of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire and weighing in tonight at two hundred and seventy-four pounds… he is the winner of the Opportunity Knocks Battle Royal… The Luxury Experience… CAAAAAADILLLLLLAAAAAAAACCCC JAAAAAAACKSONNNNNNNNNN!!!!
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.
Black Feathers start to fall all around her as she stands and sways slightly in the center of the stage. The woman raises her head up and looks as if she’s stretching/popping her neck and rolling her hands into fists. At the next verse, she lifts her head up and lets out what could only be considered a battle cry. 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. 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.
HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, wrestling out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and weighing in tonight one hundred and forty pounds… THIS… IS… VAAAAAALLLLLLLKYRRRRRRIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
She comes to a stop as she reaches the end of the ramp and stands before the ring.. In silence. As the drums begin to beat over the speakers, she then climbs onto the apron and slips between the ropes. She moves to the middle of the ring and takes a stance. She then raises her fist up into the air. She then raises both arms up, throws her head back and lets out another battle cry. By the time the song ends, she's standing in the center of the ring ready to do battle.
DING! DING!
With the bell ringing to begin this contest, Valkyrie makes her first move of the match and takes down Cadillac with the kick right to the shins that knocks him down face first, before changing direction and rebounding off of the ropes to drive her right foot into the side of Cadillac's head with a Basement Dropkick. Valkyrie is on smoke tonight as she springs to her feet and looks out to the crowd, mouthing off to the crowd--being as cocky as she could. Valkyrie watches as Cadillac makes it up to his hands and knees before she could charge in and land the Step Up Axe Kick- but missing upon bringing her foot down to Cadillac's head. The Grand Championship contender sweeps the leg of Valkyrie and springs to his feet, he's coming off of the ropes and standing variation of his Swanton Bomb finisher. The crowd are surprisingly behind Cadillac in this match as he begins to gain some motivation from the crowd's reaction.
J.T. PRICE: Well the crowd are slowly beginning to get behind Cadillac right now, and it's no surprise they are, just look at him in that ring right now absolutely killing it with what he can bring to the ring.
TREY BOOKER: Precisely, and I'm sure they're definitely behind him heading into his match with Ozymandias very soon, because it's going to be huge for him and even this match is huge for him as he looks to keep himself on his toes for this match.
Cadillac was looking for a early finish, heading into the corner and crouching down to spot Valkyrie bringing herself up to her hands and knees and then to her feet as Cadillac charges in--but it's Valkyrie that is able to counter with that Step Up Axe Kick she tried earlier in the match, bringing the heel of her foot down with force to knock down Cadillac. With little to no hesitation, she begins to make the climb to the top rope and look down to the fallen Cadillac Jackson. She finally makes it to the very top rope and fixes her posture to be standing up straight before leaping down and driving both feet- into the ring mat! There was nobody home to connect the move as Cadillac was able to move out of the way to bring himself into the corner and attempt the Jack 'Em Up- but again it's Valkyrie that answers back with a massive kick right to the head of Cadillac! The Luxury Experience is standing there stunned, feeling a little bit groggy from the kick before she could answer again with a Running Knee Strike to the head of Cadillac, allowing herself to fall down onto her opponent for the cover and the count.
ONE!
TW-
J.T. PRICE: Cadillac just manages to get a shoulder up and judging by the looks of how Valkyrie is right now, she's extremely pissed off with how she didn't even come close with the pinfall attempt- but you know she'll be trying to find a way to pick up some kind of win here, she's in desperate needs for one during this stint here in the company.
TREY BOOKER: That she does but she's definitely bringing a different kind of fire here tonight that I've not seen before from her, and that's something to be invested in, she wants to prove herself tonight and doing it against the contender to the Grand Championship? What a massive upset that'll be, J.T. It would be huge for her.
Valkyrie slides under the bottom rope and looks to bring herself out onto the apron as she keeps her eyes on Cadillac who's beginning to stand up on his two feet in the middle of the ring and that's enough for Valkyrie to spring onto the ropes and leap forward for the Springboard Forearm- but Cadillac steps out of the way but Valkyrie was able to land on her feet, she adjusts herself and looks behind her to see where Cadillac is--FREYJA'S KISS! THE PELE KICK AND IT'S STUNNED CADILLAC ENOUGH FOR HIM TO REMAIN WHERE HE STANDS, VALKYRIE'S GOING FOR THE FINISH AS SHE SPRINGS TO THE ROPES AGAIN... VALKYRIE'S VENGEANCE-- JACK 'EM UP! CADILLAC CAUGHT HER ON HIS SHOULDERS, PUSHED HER OFF AND REBOUNDED OFF OF THE ROPES AND LANDED THAT ROLLING SPEAR! Cadillac has found a second wind from within and is going to make sure he can finish this the only way that he can, heading out onto the apron and making his way up to the top rope. He's going to go for broke, he's going to head for the finish line as he has Valkyrie lined up and leaps... Nobody home for the Swanton Bomb! Valkyrie dashes up to the top rope and makes sure she's got Cadillac right where she needs him--ROPE AIDED GAMENGIRI FROM CADILLAC AND NOW HE'S GOT HER HOOKED INTO THE VERTICAL SUPLEX POSITION! SHE'S HELD OVER HIS HEAD AND THE BLOOD IS RUSHING RIGHT TO HER HEAD! STOMPING TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AS THE CROWD KNOWS THE END IS VERY MUCH NEARBY!
J.T. PRICE: The strength of Cadillac Jackson right now, able to hold a human being above his head for that long- I think he's reaching a minute of her held up like that! He's been stomping around the ring and just toying with her right now!
TREY BOOKER: But I think he's going to be going for the finish her very soon... LOOK OUT!
AND CADILLAC DROPS HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE FULL FORCE OF THE TEST DRIVE! THAT VERTICAL SUPLEX SITOUT SIDE SLAM HAD MUCH FORCE TO CAUSE VALKYRIE'S HEAD TO BOUNCE UPON THE IMPACT OF THE MOVE! Cadillac looks out to the crowd and smiles, looking to the closest camera that's near him and telling it to zoom in before mouthing off-
CADILLAC JACKSON: Ozymandias, I hope you're watching...
Cadillac then hooks the leg of Valkyrie as the referee begins the count.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
CADILLAC JACKSON: ...because this'll be the same fate you meet when I come for that Grand Championship.
'All of The Lights' begins to play as Cadillac Jackson brings himself to his feet and has his hand raised in victory before rolling out of the ring and heading to the back, leaving Valkyrie a flattened mess in the ring.
J.T. PRICE: A message sent directly to the champion and that's the only thing on the mind of Cadillac Jackson right now, but the question is if he can keep it up until the championship match that's coming up very soon.
The following was pre-recorded. The scenery fades in to show Tara Fenix sitting at a table with a logo replacing the Project: Honor one at the bottom-right of your screen; she is wearing a pair of sunglasses, and a plain black shirt with a fitted faux leather jacket over it, with her hands folded together on top of the table. On top of the table is a plaque with her name, along with several logos representing the number of companies that she is currently employed at, as well as the same logo in the bottom-right of the screen sitting above all of them.
TARA FENIX: Good evening, everyone! It is my absolute pleasure to announce to you, and to announce to the world, that this October there will be an event taking place… hosted by… yours truly.
Tara gives a small gesture as if to present herself.
TARA FENIX: It sparked as an idea to celebrate my birthday on October 30, but grew into something that has been taking the industry by storm. I have reserved a cruise ship to take us on a voyage for THREE DAYS, and THREE NIGHTS through the Caribbean while there will also be WRESTLING and other forms of entertainment on board! All of the proceeds from the cruise will go to a good cause, and I will be booking a number of matches in which I will let the winners of each match decide which approved charity is going to receive a lump sum of cash.
TARA FENIX: The event begins on my birthday… OCTOBER 30, and will run October 31… we will be having a costume party to celebrate Halloween! Be sure you bring your costumes with you! And the final night will be November 01. To any competitor in the industry: you are more than welcome to bring your dream matches to me, and I will give you the stage to finally get your hands on whoever it is you want to! If you do not have anyone in particular you want to fight, but would still love to compete, then you just have to get in touch with myself or my agent, and we will do our best to accommodate you. To the fans: tickets are selling out quite fast, but don’t fret… There will be local contests to get remaining seats that will include packages of meet and greet with a number of your favorite stars.
TARA FENIX: The main event will consist of a five-on-five elimination tag match which will set two captains to choose their teams! The captains will be announced at a future date, and do your best to impress them if you want to be picked! So what we’re looking forward to is three days and nights of fun, adventures, comedy shows, live music, exquisite cuisine, and of course: WRESTLING. Get your tickets before they sell out! And I look forward to seeing all of you onboard! Bon voyage!
The commercial fades into a final image.
ALARA ADAMS: HO-LY-SHIT!!!
The flames erupt across the entire ring, engulfing the remaining wrestlers in fire as Pyro releases his grip, drawn to its chaotic nature as he realizes that he is on fire himself.
KAYDEN ELLIS: WE NEED SOME EMERGENCY PERSONNEL OUT HERE, PRONTO!!!
Drago stills himself as he fights the urge to leave the ring, Julius doesn’t seem inclined to leave the area, but is hesitant on stepping into the ring either. Contessa merely laughs as she crawls backwards into a corner, feeling her act justified as Pyro turns into a kick to the gut from Drago…
ALARA ADAMS: WHITE WEDDING BY DRAGO...NO!!! PYRO REVERSED IT!!!
Pyro manages to reverse it around, grabbing Drago and hitting a spike DDT on him into nearby flames. Meanwhile the ref is on the outside, trying to justify getting in.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Contessa looks a little out of it...while Julius is still trying to debate between getting into the fight, or not getting burned.
Pyro see his moment for the Pyro Massacre. He turns and runs towards the ropes...rebounds off of them...but stumbles up as he turns around into a plume of smoke from Contessa holding the fire extinguisher, which inadvertently clears a path for the ref. Pyro stumbles back…
ALARA ADAMS: PYRO JUST FELL BACKWARDS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND LANDED ONTO JULIUS FAIRWEATHER!!! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!
Drago takes the moment to grab hold of Contessa, flipping and setting her up…
KAYDEN ELLIS: WHITE WEDDING AND CONTESSA IS OUT!!! DRAGO COVERS HER...HIS PANTS STILL ON FIRE!!!
The ref slides in from the outside, trying to gingerly avoid the flames as he counts!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
CLARA OLSON: And your winner…
The ref quickly grabs the dropped fire extinguisher and puts out the fire on Drago’s pants.
CLARA OLSON: ...AND STILL FALLOUT PRIME CHAMPION...DRAAAAGOOOO...SAAAANNNNTTIIIIAAAGGGOOOOO!!!
HOLLY PEREZ: The following match is scheduled for one fall… introducing first… SERRANO POBLANO!!!
The stage remains empty as the sound of a guitar playing can be heard over the sound system. Moments later, the opening lyrics to “Fire Water Burn” can be heard…
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
We don't need no water, let the motherfucker burn
Burn motherfucker, burn
At that moment, the music picks up its tempo and the curtains fly apart to reveal “Spicy” Serrano Poblano. With his bleached blonde hair spiked up and his sleeveless flame theme shirt unbuttoned, Serrano headbangs toward the ring. After rolling under the bottom rope, he tosses his shirt aside and throws his hand up with his fingers giving the metal sign.
HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… from San Jose, California… “THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER” MARK HUNTER!!!
“Feel Invincible” by Skillet suddenly sounds throughout the building and the crowd erupt into an undeniably positive response. After a few seconds' pause Mark Hunter strolls out onto the ramp area, he smirks in a self-satisfied and confident manner at the reaction from the fans and begins his walk down to the ring. Mark acknowledges 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.
TREY BOOKER: Be interesting to see how Mark Hunter copes tonight, this is his first one on one match since losing to Elena DeDraca.
DING! DING! DING!
Serrano Poblano and Mark Hunter slowly start to circle each other before Poblano makes a move and charges at Hunter, Mark simply sidesteps the charge and watches as Poblano hits the turnbuckle chest first. Serrano turns around looking flustered and runs for Hunter again, this time Mark takes him over with a simple hip toss. Mark makes no effort to continue the attack and just backs up to a neutral corner waiting for Poblano to rise. Once back on his feet as if not learning from his first two efforts, Serrano runs again, Hunter this time drops him head first on the bottom turnbuckle with a drop toe hold. Hunter kips up to a decent response from the crowd.
TREY BOOKER: The fans really have taken to Mark Hunter in recent weeks, he seems to be reborn and these fans are all for it.
J.T. PRICE: Like him or not, he’s proven he belongs amongst the elite. He called himself the heartbeat of Proving Ground, hard to argue against really.
Hunter leans over Serrano to pick him up but eats a strong back elbow that sends him reeling, now back to his feet Serrano tries for a fourth time to charge at Hunter who is still holding his jaw, again Serrano fails though, Hunter sees him coming and using the momentum he sends Poblano flying over the top rope and crashing to the floor at ringside.
TREY BOOKER: Where have I seen Serrano do that before?
Mark doesn’t bother following his opponent and just leans back first into a far corner as the crowd chant his name. After a short while Serrano finds his way up and re-enters under the bottom rope, obviously deciding a charge toward Hunter isn’t likely to work, the heavier man approaches the centre of the ring and puts his hands up asking for a test of strength. An amused Hunter shrugs his shoulders and walks toward Poblano, however instead of accepting the test of strength he ducks behind and nails a beautiful dragon suplex.
J.T. PRICE: EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE SUPLEX!
Hunter, seemingly enjoying himself, drags Poblano to his feet; he however sends him straight back down with a michinoku driver.
J.T. PRICE: EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE DRIVER!
Hunter hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Serrano Poblano gets his shoulder up, Hunter nods almost in appreciation.
TREY BOOKER: HE KICKED OUT… DAMN, I didn’t see that coming. Nice to see Mark paying homage to our boss out here too.
Mark rises to his feet pulling his larger opponent up with him, almost on instinct Serrano swings an arm at Hunter, Mark however sees it coming and nails a side effect. Mark returns to his feet quickly.
?: HEY GOLDEN BOY!!
Mark turns his head toward the voice on the ramp and sees Larry Kachow staring at him, mic in hand.
LARRY KACHOW: If Indy won’t give me what I want, I’m gonna annoy his golden boy and that Mr Hunter is clearly you.
Hunter simply looks at Larry with a seriously bemused expression and can be clearly seen mouthing “what the fuck?”.
TREY BOOKER: Larry just can’t help himself.
J.T. PRICE: Some people are a good idea to target, I’m not so sure Mark Hunter is someone to rile up or target though.
Serrano has stirred and sneaks up behind the distracted Hunter, he rolls him up and grabs a huge handful of tights.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE… NO!! Hunter kicks out at literally the last millisecond.
J.T. PRICE: HOLY SHIT! SERRANO POBLANO NEARLY FUCKING PINNED MARK HUNTER!
Both men rise to their feet but a now more serious looking Hunter instantly nails Poblano with an Instant Karma superkick. Stepping over his fallen opponent Mark asks for a microphone, upon getting one he turns to Larry, who is now at ringside.
MARK HUNTER: I’m a nice guy and for that reason Larry, I'm gonna let you decide what happens next. You can get involved in my business and suffer OR you can fuck off, I suggest you choose wisely.
Larry puts up both arms in a defensive manner and takes a step back, signalling he may just choose to fuck off. However as Hunter goes to turn back toward Serrano, Larry tries to reach in and grab at the foot of Hunter, Mark however sees him and stomps on Larry’s fingers.
J.T. PRICE: That’s gonna hurt…
Larry Kachow starts jumping around at ringside screaming about possible broken fingers while Mark looks on, at that time Serrano starts stirring again and slowly moving toward Mark Hunter, Hunter senses him coming this time but doesn’t even turn toward him.
MARK HUNTER: Serrano, if you try sneaking up behind me again I’m gonna launch you back over that top rope with enough force that the local air traffic controllers have you on their fucking radar screens.
With Larry still screaming and borderline crying, Hunter places the mic in the waistband of his wrestling gear before turning to face Poblano. Serrano swings wildly at Mark and fails again, he eats his second Instant Karma superkick of the match. With Serrano completely lifeless, Hunter again uses the mic.
MARK HUNTER: Larry you stupid bastard, I’m about ready to drop Serrano here on his head with a Mercy Killer, I then plan on covering him for the three… If you’re still here when I’ve done that you may just wish you weren't. You see, these fine fans may just make it clear they want me to kick your ass, and if they do such a thing, who am I to disappoint them?
Mark smiles before throwing the mic at a rather unimpressed Kachow. True to his word, Mark pulls Serrano up and HE NAILS HIM WITH THE MERCY KILLER!! He covers…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! MARK HUNTER WINS!!! The crowd pops and instantly starts chanting “kick his ass”.
DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner via pinfall…. MARK HUNTER!!!
Mark pats Serrano on the shoulder in an almost respectful manner before getting to his feet. Hunter looks directly at Larry and takes just one step before Larry literally shits himself and bolts up the ramp at the speed of light. Mark simply smiles at the departing back of Larry.
TREY BOOKER: Mark Hunter made light work of Serrano tonight even despite the actions of Larry Kachow.
J.T. PRICE: And all because Mark has a strong respect for our boss.
The ref looks on and is looking to see if Indy would tap out but Indy is completely out of it. Mark Hunter starts shouting at the ref “STOP THE MATCH!!! INDY’S FUCKING OUT!!!”
That’s when the ref checks to make sure that Indy is out cold and he receives no response. The ref calls for the bell as Mark instantly gets up and into the face of the ref yelling at him for not stopping the match sooner like he could’ve done.
HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match by referee stoppage… The Grand Champion… MAAARRRRKKKK HUUNNNTTTEEEERRR!!!
TREY BOOKER: Thankfully this one is finally over! Indy clearly had no business being in this match!
J.T. PRICE: Maybe not, but what’s wrong with wanting to give your fans one last fight? Not that you’d know anything about fighting, Trey.
Extra officials have entered to separate the lumberjacks, and once the ringside area is clear, two officials begin helping Indy Darling back up the entrance ramp. While the limp wasn’t present during his entrance, it now seems as if it’s all he can do to put one foot in front of the other. When Indy and the officials reach the middle of the ramp, they are forced to pause as the voice of Mark Hunter rings throughout the arena. The camera shows Mark sitting in the middle of the ring with the Grand Championship, a microphone in his hand.
MARK HUNTER: Stop! I said stop! Turn that son of a bitch around to face me!
The officials attempt to talk Indy into ignoring Hunter’s taunts, but he refuses to take another step, instead looking back over his shoulder at The Straight Shooter.
MARK HUNTER: Indy, I really fucking hate you and I know you hate me, but right now I have something you need to hear! You are the toughest son of a bitch I’ve had to deal with in Project: Honor, and you should know that no matter what issues we’ve had, I am one hundred percent Proving Ground! This is my home, and whether we hate each other or not, any issue you have with DeMarco and Fallout going forward is not a fight you’ll have to face alone!
Despite the searing pain in his back and the obvious numbness in his extremities, Indy forces himself to smile and nod his head in recognition of the champion’s comments. Mark returns the gesture with a nod of his own before tossing the microphone aside and rising to his feet, The Grand Championship slung over his shoulder.
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: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Perth, Australia and weighing in at two hundred pounds… “The Australian Ace”...MARK KELLY!!!
The opening riff of Parkway Drive's "Vice grip" hits. The high speed gives way to Aiden Reynolds stepping out onto the stage, a fist in the air and a black leather jacket with "The Aussie Wolf" spray painted on the back. He moves his way down to the ring and as the refrain of the song hits he throws his arms out to the side as he and the crowd both chant.
"YEAAAH YEAH YEAH"
He leaps onto the apron and takes a few steps backwards before sling shoting himself into the ring and spinning around, he then stops and drops to one knee slamming his fist into the mat
HOLLY PEREZ: And his partner...from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and weighing in at two hundred twenty seven pounds… “The Australian Wolf”...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!
The piano intro of “Drip Like Me” by Kenndog starts playing. Yung Sauce runs out onto the stage with TJ Thompson close behind him
DRIP
The second the lyrics of the song start, Sauce puts the mic up to his mouth and raps along to the lyrics while TJ adlibs and hips up the crowd.
I’m sorry for drippin’, but drip is what I do.
And one of these days i’m gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I’m that fly young hitta.
Lil baby can’t you see?
Your style is old my fashion colt tell me who drip like me? Oh!
Yung Sauce lowers his mic while TJ continues to hype up the fans. They both slowly start to walk down the ramp, high-fiving the fans on their way down. Sauce raps the entire next verse with TJ hyping him up. TJ dances up the ramp and almost falls into the crowd before Sauce grabs his arm and pulls him back.
Sauce and TJ step onto opposite sides of the ring apron. They have their backs turned to the ropes, facing the audience. Sauce puts the mic up to his mouth. TJ throws t-shirts and hats into the crowd as they cheer.
I'm sorry for drippin' but drip is what I do.
And one of these days I'm gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I'm that fly young hitta?
Lil baby can't you see?
Your style is old my fashion cold tell me who drip like me? Oh!
TJ and Sauce step into the ring. Sauce keeps the mic up to his mouth while TJ is bouncing up and down with his hands in the air.
I'm the flyest in the room but you already knew that.
You're lying with those fake ass clothes, so where the truth at?
You say you big drip with the fit but it don't match.
I kill him with the drip (Finishem!) mortal kombat.
Big old sauce, I be drippin' when I'm dressing.
You're trying with them weak ass fits, you need a lesson.
I got too much sauce, hitta thinking that I'll be chiefing.
But I study dripology hitta class is in session.
Don't sleep when I'm drippin' high fashion.
I dripped on a scene.
But I spilled by the gallon.
And they're telling me I'm fly,
So I think that I'm blasting off,
In a spaceship through the stratosphere.
While Sauce was rapping the last line, both him and TJ got onto the top turnbuckle and held the mics in the air, wanting the crowd to do the last verse with them. The second the verse started, not all, but a majority of the audience joined in.
I'm sorry for drippin' but drip is what I do.
And one of these days I'm gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I'm that fly young hitta.
Lil baby can't you see?
Your style is old my fashion cold tell me who drip like me? Oh!
Sauce and TJ drop the mics and the audience goes wild! Feeding into the energy from the crowd, they stand in a corner waiting for their opponents to try and top that entrance.
HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents hailing from The Hip House at a combined weight of three hundred eighty two pounds...YUNG SAUCE...TJ THOMPSON...BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS!!!
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: It looks like there’s a bit of a disagreement between Aiden and Mark as to who will start this match, but on the other side of the ring, there’s no question that TJ and Sauce are on the same page!
J.T. PRICE: TJ is starting things off for Big Drip and it looks like Aiden is getting the nod of approval from his partner! Let’s get it on!
With Mark giving Aiden his blessing, The Australian Wolf turns toward the ring just in time to eat a pump kick from TJ Thompson! Aiden is clearly caught off guard as he hits the turnbuckles, and even more thrown for a loop when Mark Kelly hits a blind tag! Reynolds immediately questions his partner as he holds his jaw, which ends up distracting Mark long enough for TJ to grab him in a belly to belly suplex! As Aiden steps to the apron, shaking his head out of frustration, TJ continues to press his attack by lifting Kelly onto his shoulders! TJ then charges across the ring, dropping Kelly back-first in the opposite corner with a buckle bomb! With Kelly stunned, TJ reaches for the tag to bring Yung Sauce into the fight!
Saucey Boy drives his shoulder into Mark’s midsection a few times, then backflips out of the corner, and finally charges back in with a picture-perfect Pele Kick to the back of Mark’s head! Sauce makes another quick tag to TJ, who begins to climb to the top turnbuckle. Before leaving the ring, Yung Sauce nails Mark Kelly with his Femboy Sauce omega driver and then TJ leaps off the top with his Hip With The Dip coffin drop! TJ goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: What in the hell just happened? It’s...It’s over already!
J.T. PRICE: I guess that not only answers the question of whether all Aussies know each other, but also whether they automatically make good tag team partners!
As Sauce and TJ celebrate the record-setting time of their tag team victory, Aiden Reynolds looks on from the apron in disbelief. Big Drip Productions hop to ringside and then leap over the barricade, continuing to celebrate with the crowd as Aiden steps between the ropes. Mark Kelly is slowly getting back to his feet, still unsure of what’s happened. Before he can gather his senses, Aiden lifts him onto his shoulders and hits The Gold Coast Cutter for good measure!
TREY BOOKER: Ouch! I’m not sure Mark Kelly deserved that...
J.T. PRICE: Nah, but it probably made Aiden feel better for eating a loss in New Zealand of all places.
Drago leaps down into the ring, but Long’s quick to catch him with the ICONKICK! Santiago staggers, and Long grabs him by both arms, looking for the Inception, but Santiago counters with rough elbows to the head that force Long off of him! He drills Long with a pump knee strike to the head, before leaping and trying for a DDT-but Long catches Santiago and HURLS HIM BACK WITH A HAMMERLOCK SUPLEX INTO THE ROPES! Santiago’s lower back hits the cables hard, and Long drags him up next to the ladder. He gets a running start-VANITY KILLER INTO THE TUBES AND THE SIDE OF THE LADDER! Blood sprays from Santiago’s head, but Long’s not quite content to let him die just yet! He drags him back up to his feet, laying him on top of the ladder before going to the top rope! He leaps!
-AND NO ONE’S HOME! Santiago escapes one more time as Long crashes down hard into the light tube ladder! There’s glass and blood everywhere from both Drago and Long, as Drago falls onto Long and covers one more time!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
NO!!! UNBELIEVABLY, LONG MANAGED TO KICK OUT ONCE MORE! Drago grits his teeth, and slides out of the ring, collecting two more chairs and two thick sheets of glass. He also retrieves, from his boot, a bottle of lighter fluid! He dumps the fluid onto the glass, and with a flick of a match from his boot-he lights it! He grabs Long and pulls him up onto the top rope for the Deus Ex Machina, trying to drive Long down through the glass with the deadly Air Raid Crash-but Long manages to counter! He drives boots into the side of Drago’s head, causing him to drop him-but Long’s able to use his athletics to power back into place! He hooks both of Drago’s arms in a double underhook-AND LEAPS FOR THE THRONEBREAKER THROUGH THE GLASS AND FLAMES! HE HITS IT! JESUS CHRIST! HE PINS DRAGO SANTIAGO!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
CLARA OLSON: Your winner...AND NEW FALLOUT PRIME CHAMPION...JASON….LOOOOOOONNNNGGG!!!
The ref helps Jason to his feet and hands him the Prime Championship Title. Jason quickly limps over to the nearest ropes and climbs up to the middle rope...holding the Prime Championship title up into the air.
Meanwhile, some of the fans have reached into the ring and grabbed the unconscious Drago Santiago. Slowly they pull him out and begin to pass his limp body over their heads, through the crowd. Drago’s arms hang straight out to the side, blood dripping from his hands. His legs are kept together as not to lose balance, his feet covered in blood as well. With care, ease, and a respect for what he has done for the Fallout brand...the fans pass him head over head, away from the ring.
Our final view of the night is a wide shot of Drago Santiago being carried to safety in a savior pose, by the fans...and Jason Long celebrating in the ring, while holding the Prime Championship into the air.
HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is the final match in The Friends Like These Tournament and will determine the number one contender for The Warrior Rising Championship! In this battle bowl match, eliminations can occur by pinfall, submission, or by throwing an opponent over the top rope! Introducing first…
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.
HOLLY PEREZ: ...hailing from The Hip House and weighing in at one hundred eighty pounds… “The Drip Sensation”...LIL’ PETEY!!!
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 comes 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: Next...fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and weighing in at two hundred seventy pounds… “The Commander of Drip”...SCOTT OASIS!!!
“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: Their opponent...hailing from Boston, Mass and weighing in at two hundred 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 fighting out of Hartford, Connecticut at one hundred and forty three pounds… “The Phoenix Queen”...TARA FENIX!!!
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.
HOLLY PEREZ: Their opponent...residing in Las Vegas, Nevada and weighing two hundred forty three pounds… “The Berserker”...ULF HEDNIR!!!
The Lights dim to black as guitars strum dark surf chords drowned in reverb. As the walking bass and clattering drums comes 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.
HOLLY PEREZ: And the final participant...from Portland, Oregon and weighing in at two hundred twenty five pounds...WILL RILEY!!!
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: And here we go! Just a few short weeks ago, these six competitors were placed in random tag teams, but tonight it’s everyone for themselves!
J.T. PRICE: With a shot at Emmanuelle and The Warrior Rising Title, how could we expect anything less?
As the match begins, it looks as if Lil’ Petey is targeting Scott Oasis early on as he leaps toward him, but then The Vanilla Gorilla presses Petey into the air and hurls him toward Ulf Hednir and Tara Fenix! The assisted crossbody block takes both competitors to the mat, where Petey tries to capitalize by delivering a series of mounted blows to Ulf’s cranium! Following that brief display of teamwork, Oasis charges forward toward John Blade, taking Big Match John off his feet with a hard lariat! Meanwhile, Will Riley targets Tara as she’s getting back to her feet, immediately taking her back to the mat with a release German Suplex! With The Phoenix Queen on the mat, Riley is quick to pounce on her and apply a surfboard lock, a clear sign that he’s looking to eliminate his competition through submission tactics. Those are not the kind of tactics Oasis is employing however, as he lifts John Blade into his arms and carries him toward the ring ropes. Big Match John manages to wrap his legs around the top rope, saving him from a potential elimination at the hands of The Vanilla Gorilla!
While momentarily surprised by the high flying attack of Lil’ Petey, Ulf Hednir has managed to absorb The Drip Sensation’s attacks, firing back with a few of his own! The crowd is audibly torn between the two fan favorites as they exchange shots, until Ulf eventually hooks both of Petey’s arms and blasts him with a trapped headbutt! As Riley continues to keep Tara tied up on the mat, John Blade has escaped Scott Oasis’ grasp and fires back at him with a punching combination! Blade appears to be on a roll as Oasis is rocked by one punch after another, but suddenly he ducks down, wraps his arms around John’s waist, and flips him overhead! Big Match John sails over the top rope, but he reaches out with both hands to save himself at the last second! Back inside of the ring, Ulf Hednir sees Oasis across the ring, and he charges at him with his Thor Punch! The impact rocks Oasis and knocks him backwards against the ropes, but with John holding onto them, there is nothing to stop Oasis from toppling out of the ring!
SCOTT OASIS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
TREY BOOKER: No! I can’t believe The Commander of Drip is out of this one already! The combination of Ulf’s punch and Blade bracing himself with the ropes has led to a surprising elimination!
J.T. PRICE: As a former Warrior Rising Champ, he had to be one of the odds-on favorites!
As Oasis looks on with dazed surprise from the floor, Ulf reaches over the ropes towards Big Match John. Instead, John drives his shoulder between the ropes into Ulf’s midsection, and then catapults himself over the top! Blade rolls Ulf to the mat in a sunset flip!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Hednir rolls back to his feet and catches John charging towards him, the momentum sending both men against the corner turnbuckles. As they start to battle for supremacy, Lil’ Petey targets a new opponent, hitting Will Riley with a basement dropkick to the side of his head! The surprising strike forces Will to take his attention off of Tara and focus on Petey, but The Drip Sensation meets him with a series of chops and a swinging neckbreaker! With Wll on the mat, Petey stands near his head and slowly pulls off his elbow pad, throwing it into the crowd! He then looks at Tara Fenix to give her a wink before bouncing off the ropes and running back towards Riley with The Petey Elbow! The move hits its mark and he goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
While the kickout seems to shock Petey, no one else in attendance is that surprised. He yells a few choice words at Riley, who is still prone, and then hits the ropes again to deliver his Can’t See This! Instead, Will trips Petey up with a drop toe hold, grabs hold of his leg, and immediately twists it into a half Boston Crab! Will is once again looking for an elimination through submission, but before Petey can reach that point, Tara runs forward to grab Will’s head and drive him to the mat with a face slam! Petey scoots away with lustful eyes for his savior, as Tara continues to focus on Riley with a series of shoot kicks! The blows have Will stunned for a moment, until he’s able to catch Tara’s foot, take her to the canvas with a dragon screw, and then quickly apply an Indian Deathlock!
Back in the corner, Ulf has maneuvered John into a Tree of Woe and he drives his knee into the midsection of The Big Match Player. With Blade temporarily inconvenienced, Ulf notices Petey sitting in the opposite corner and he charges across the ring to hit a face wash boot to the side of Petey’s head! He then grabs Petey by his legs and pulls him out of the corner, before going into a spin that lifts Petey off the mat! Despite their love for Petey, the crowd counts along as Ulf swings him in The Flight of the Valkyries, easily hitting a couple dozen rotations before he finally releases a very dizzy Lil’ Petey. Ulf himself is not immune to the effects of dizziness, as he visibly staggers on his feet for a few seconds. With Tara still down on the mat, Will spots this and decides to take advantage! He charges at Will to send him over the top with a big clothesline, but Ulf ducks at the last second to counter with a back body drop! There is enough power behind the move that Will is thrown too far to grab the ropes, resulting in his elimination!
WILL RILEY WAS ELIMINATED
TREY BOOKER: We’ve got another elimination at the hands of Ulf Hednir, but this time it’s Will Riley!
J.T. PRICE: People had to appreciate Will’s chances after his showing in the Opportunity Knocks rumble, but I guess this wasn’t his night!
While Ulf may have been able to dodge the charge of Will Riley, he is not so lucky as John Blade runs into him like a runaway train! The spear from Big Match John takes Ulf off his feet and sends him rolling under the bottom rope, yet still safe from elimination. John then turns his attention toward the partner who helped him get this far in the tournament, Tara Fenix. He charges toward her as she gets to her feet, but Tara spots his approach and turns to grab his head before dropping down to her back, nailing The Fallen Phoenix! Blade bounces off Tara’s knees and falls to his back in the center of the ring, perfectly lined up for a Freaky Bomb out of nowhere! The top rope dive is on target and Petey hooks John’s leg…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHN BLADE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
Petey rolls off of Blade and gets back to his feet, coming face to face with The Phoenix Queen. It is clear that Petey is stricken like a lovesick schoolboy, despite his claims that he would not fall victim to Tara’s charms at the expense of the match. In return, Tara rolls her eyes as Petey does his best to vibe with her.
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!
Tara lights up Petey’s upper body with a series of hard chops, forearms, and elbows, not only driving some sense back into him, but also driving him back against the ropes. She then blasts Petey with a roundhouse kick, and if it were not for Ulf climbing onto the apron, it very well may have eliminated The Drip Sensation. Instead, Ulf hits Petey in the back of the head with a clothesline, leaving Petey dazed near the ropes. The Son of Thor steps between the ropes, grabbing both of Petey’s arms and holding them behind his back before lifting him into the air, putting a ton of pressure on both of Petey’s shoulder sockets! Seeing Petey in such a vulnerable state, Tara hits the ropes and rushes back for a perfect dropkick, but somehow Petey slips away from Ulf at the last second and the strike hits The Son of Thor on the chin! Not expecting to be hit, Ulf stumbles backwards and flips head over heels, landing on the ringside floor!
ULF HEDNIR HAS BEEN ELIMINATED
TREY BOOKER: After eliminating two others, Ulf has now been eliminated as well! We’re down to the final two!
J.T. PRICE: Will it be Tara Fenix or Lil’ Petey who goes on to face Emmanuelle?
Tara shoots Ulf an apologetic expression as he recovers at ringside and waves off the miscommunication. She then turns back, finally realizing that she is left in the ring with Lil’ Petey. Trying to bring some circulation back into his arms, Petey nods in Tara’s direction to indicate that he’s ready to throw down. The fans wait in anticipation to see who will emerge victorious, but then they are taken aback as Tara begins to move towards her opponent, almost in a seductive wave. Not only are the fans unsure of what’s happening, but Petey is clearly shaken by this approach as well. He shakes his head “no” to tell Tara that he won’t fall victim to her milfish ways, yet she continues to approach him with a devilish grin on her face. When they are finally close enough, she slowly reaches out with one hand and places it on Petey’s bare chest, her fingers tangled with the occasional chest hair. At that moment, Petey is frozen and completely at The Phoenix Queen’s mercy.
Then, with thousands of fans watching on, Tara slowly lowers her body toward the mat, coming to rest on her knees in front of Lil’ Petey. It looks like the poor Drip Sensation is about to blow a gasket, when suddenly Tara lunges upwards with a low blow between Petey’s legs! Like a mighty redwood falling toward the forest floor, Petey drops backwards onto the mat. Then, still smiling, Tara begins to apply her Phoenix Lock! The hold is cinched in and Petey is trapped, his legs bent in an unnatural direction!
TREY BOOKER: The Phoenix Lock! Tara has literally manipulated Petey right into position and there’s nowhere for him to go!
J.T. PRICE: This one is as good as over! Ring the bell!
Despite J.T. 's proclamation, Petey refuses to immediately tap to Tara’s signature submission move. Instead he twists his body back and forth, desperate to roll over and reverse the hold! Tara will not give up that easily however, as she holds her position and continues to apply as much pressure as she can to Petey’s lower limbs! Finally realizing that he won’t be able to turn her over, Petey instead starts inching himself toward the ring ropes! The pressure looks to be unbearable as the look on his face is one of excruciating pain, yet still The Drip Sensation reaches for the ropes! He’s almost there...within a fingertip of breaking the hold...when Tara starts to scoot her body backwards, dragging Petey with her! It isn’t long before she’s pulled him back to the center of the ring, and he is once again at the mercy of the devastating hold! Still, somehow, the young man who has vowed to give this tournament everything he has, refuses to relent. He shakes his head furiously and tries to pump himself up, but to no avail! Tired of his tenacious attitude, Tara leans back to apply as much pressure as possible on Petey’s legs! The referee is in position to not only see if Petey submits, but also to notice Tara’s shoulders on the mat! He immediately begins to count…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BUT PETEY TAPS!
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: Petey taps out! Tara Fenix has done it!
J.T. PRICE: Whoa! Hold up there, Trey! He may have been tapping but that ref was counting Tara’s shoulders on the mat! I think Petey has won this thing!
Tara releases the hold and gets back to her feet, raising her arms triumphantly as Lil’ Petey rolls away and clutches at his knee. Meanwhile, the official confers with Holly Perez so that she can give her official announcement…
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen...the winner of the match as a result of a submission…
The referee begins to shake his head, interrupting Holly so that she gets it right.
HOLLY PEREZ: My apologies...the winner of the match by way of pinfall…
Again, the referee stops Holly’s announcement, trying to make his decision as clear to her as possible.
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen...as a result of Lil’ Petey tapping out while the official counted Tara’s shoulders on the mat...the CO-WINNERS OF THE FRIENDS LIKE THESE TOURNAMENT ARE... Lil’ Petey and Tara Fenix!
Tara brings her arms down and begins to question the official, as Petey leans against one of the corner turnbuckles and looks around in complete confusion.
TREY BOOKER: Co-winners? So he tapped and she was counted down...but who is the number one contender? Who’s going to get the shot against Emmanuelle?
J.T. PRICE: Screw it. Give it to John Blade.
TREY BOOKER: That’s...not an option. All I can say is that our GM has a big decision ahead of him!
As he begins to topple, TJ leaps from the ladder to the cage wall, gripping it with both hands! The ladder bounces off the side of the cage as TJ continues to climb upwards, careful not to wrap his hands around a strand of barbed wire. With no other choice, Emmanuelle starts to follow him, the strength of her arms doing most of the work as she ascends. With TJ in the lead, Emmy throws caution to the wind and climbs faster, clutching the barbed wire if need be while TJ continues to tread more carefully. Once he’s near the top of the domed cage, TJ reaches out for the suspended championship title, but his fingertips only brush against it before Emmanuelle is by his side.
They are forced to turn their attention to each other instead of the title, but it is Emmy who strikes first by slamming TJ’s head against the cage! He responds in kind, slamming the champion’s head against the cage as well, while both of them remain clinging to the cage wall. Finally, both Emmy and TJ grab each other by the head and push forward, bouncing each other’s heads off the cage wall! This forces both of them to lose their grip, and as they are launched off the side of the cage, they both reach out for the gold hanging a mere few feet from them! TJ and Emmanuelle crash on the fallen ladder below, but the championship belt is no longer hanging above their heads! One of them managed to grab it as they fell! Finally, raising the championship in their hand from the wreckage, we know who has survived The Seven Gates of Hell...
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of The Seven Gates of Hell and still Warrior Rising Champion… “The Platinum Standard”...EMMANUELLE!!!
TREY BOOKER: My god, she’s done it! Somehow, someway, Emmanuelle has retained The Warrior Rising Title in the most bizarre and obscene match the division has ever seen!
HOLLY PEREZ: Our main event of the evening is The Champions versus Originals Six Person Tag Team Match and it is scheduled for one fall!
♫ WHOA-OH-OH-OH. ♫
The aggressive guitar riff opening of “FØØL” by GHØSTKID takes its place as the lights in the arena shut off entirely. The edges of the entryway flash the lime green color that Dickie has used frequently in the past, and his trashed script of his name appears up on the entryway screen, along with images of highlighted moments from his tenure in Project: Honor. The lights flicker and strobe on the stage as the opening continues to play, rhythmic and angry. As the music pauses for a second, a symbol crash signaling for it, Dickie Watson’s silhouette appears at the entryway with the strobing light behind him, dropping out entirely as the pause lingers for just over a second.
As the reckless guitar plays again, combined with the rest of the aggressive instruments of the band, the lights on the stage turn on, casting Dickie in the same green from the floor of the stage upwards, the lights from above strobing over the The Calamity as he surveys the crowd, a smirk upon his lips as he crouches down to the floor.
♫ A SITUATION UNPLEASANTLY
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE MAKES ME FEEL THIS WAY
YOU PUSH AND PULL TO FEIGN YOUR TRUST IN ME
TIL MY DEPENDENCY BECAME YOUR GUN AGAINST ME ♫
Dickie doesn’t take his time in heading for the ring. He crosses to one side, doing as he always has done and high-fiving a few select fans with a smile on his face, then doing the same to the opposite side, using both hands to do so. He shares a few, select words with them, pausing as one heckler decides to put him down. He purses his lips, pointing at him, and then turns his finger around and flips off the heckler themselves with a wide smile.
HOLLY PEREZ: From London, England...weighing in at one hundred and seventy six pounds...DICKIE WAAAAAAATTTTSSSSSSSSSSOOOOONNNNNN!!!!
♫ STUCK IN YOUR CAGE LIKE AN ANIMAL
YOUR GREATEST PLEASURE MEANS I’M LOST IN HELL
YOU WANNA KEEP ME LOW
WANNA SEE ME BURN
BUT NOW IS THE TIME WHERE THE TABLES TURN ♫
Dickie moves towards the ring then, grabbing hold of the bottom rope and using it to propel him up to the top of the apron. Without hesitation, he moves swiftly onto grabbing the top rope and launching himself over it, landing smoothly in the center of the ring. He grins widely as he looks out on the crowd, almost as if it’s still a humbling experience to be standing in front of so many people week in and week out.
♫ YOU ALWAYS TOOK THE BEST OF ME
BUT I NEVER MEANT TO BE YOUR ENEMY
YOU JUST MADE ME LOOK LIKE FOOL
SO HUSH AND DON’T MAKE A SOUND
YOU’RE THE RABBIT
I’M THE COTTONMOUTH ♫
Dickie dashes to the southeast turnbuckle closest to the cameras and leaps up to the second rope, leaning on the top with his knees. He needs no assistance and doesn’t grasp the ropes as he stands against the turnbuckle, staring out among the crowd. He leaps down back down, jumping to the floor with his combat boots meeting the canvas heavily. With a grin, Dickie enters his corner, smirking slightly at his opponent. He grasps the ropes at the turnbuckle and rams his back into it, squatting down as he puts his weight on the ropes to support him. He launches himself upwards as his music fades out.
HOLLY PEREZ: And his partner, currently at ringside from our previous contest...from The Hip House and weighing in at one hundred eighty pounds… “The Big Booty Bandit”...LIL’ PETEY!!!
Lil' Petey rolls under the bottom rope, both hands cupping his junk as he is still in obvious pain from the low blow he received at the hands of Tara Fenix. From his corner, Dickie scowls at his partner while Petey does his best to pull himself up with the assistance of the ropes.
Are you ready?
The lights dim down while the catchy, fast paced rock of RAINBOWS by A9 echoes as a spotlight suddenly appears on a figure on the ramp, with his back turned and begins kneeling. Once the beat finally kicks in, MYOJIN explodes with energy- wearing a masquerade-style mask over his eyes, and turns around with a confident smile on his face, raising his arms to soak in the positive reaction from everyone around.
With his blonde locks hanging over his face. He then whips his head back, flipping his hair out of his face before excitedly running down the ring before performing a cartwheel and a jump, landing on his feet near ringside!
He climbs up to the apron, grabs a hold of the top rope, and slingshots himself into the ring. MYOJIN performs a somersault roll, landing on his side with a hand on his hip. The other, taking off his mask to reveal his piercing blue eye contacts. He tosses it aside nonchalantly before climbing up the top turnbuckle, tilting his head upward as if he’s looking toward the sky- while the lights mimic stars above. He backflips off, back onto his feet while taking off his flamboyant coat and moving to his corner. The lights go back to normal as he checks his wrist tape. His charismatic smile fading to a more focused expression as he paces back and forth, ready for action.
HOLLY PEREZ: And their partner...hailing from San Diego, California and weighing one hundred sixty five pounds… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!
“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood begins to play as purple strobe lights flash around the arena, finally settling on the stage where Emmanuelle stands, the Warrior Rising Championship held high over her head. She slowly lowers her title and keeps her eyes on the ring as she makes her way forward, keeping her attention on the three opponents who await her arrival.
HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents...first, from Pacific Palisades, California, she is the Warrior Rising Champion of Project: Honor… “The Platinum Standard”...EMMANUELLE!!!
"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 up for the world to see 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, while Lance Williams smirks smugly at them, even stopping to abuse the crowd back as well as to make 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 while 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 from around his waist and hands it to the ref.
HOLLY PEREZ: Her partner, from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at three hundred fifteen pounds…He is The X-Factor Champion of Project: Honor... “The Essence of Egotism”...LANCE WILLIAMS!!!
As the slow, creeping sounds of Heilung start to play the lights around the entrance dim down to bare visibility. The drums of the song beat, as small glimpses of a rainstorm can be seen on screen. The stage itself begins to billow out a thick fog, a cold mist curling its way along the platform and down the ramp. Quickly, the stage itself is engulfed in the fog, as much of the ramp is also. A small light shines its weak glow from the entrance, shining against the figure of a man. His silhouette, huge in size against the soft light now moves as he does, down the ramp and through the curtain of mist. He emerges towards the end of the ramp, his form now fully visible… Ozymandias.
He pauses before the ring, staring into the squared-cage before slowly removing his jacket and placing it under the apron. He stands upright, cracks his neck in both directions then power-squats onto the apron, before entering through the ropes.
HOLLY PEREZ: And finally their partner, fighting out of Old Harbour, Alaska and weighing three hundred fifty seven pounds...He is the reigning Grand Champion of Project: Honor… “The Butcher of Reine”...OZYMANDIAS!!!
TREY BOOKER: Well this is going to be one hell of a unique contest. I can’t imagine there’s any love lost between these competitors, which is only going to make things more volatile.
J.T. PRICE: Speaking of love lost, was Petey trying to hit on Dickie’s ex earlier in the show?
TREY BOOKER: God, I hope not. Let’s just hope MYOJIN can be the glue to keep their team together. Although he may have his mind set on Lance Williams and nothing else.
J.T. PRICE: Speaking of Lance, how’s he going to get along with Ozymandias? Those two have tussled before. Then you have Emmanuelle, who watched Petey earn a shot at her title just moments ago!
TREY BOOKER: This one has more combustible elements than Pyro’s back pocket. Let’s see how it all plays out!
DING! DING! DING!
Despite the individual agendas at play, it is agreed that Lance Williams will start things off for his team while Dickie Watson kicks things off for the originals. During the opening seconds, Dickie dances around Lance to look for an opening, while The Bulldozer responds with a smug smirk. Finally, Dickie sees his opening and dives in, but when Lance attempts to meet the grapple with his own, Dickie ducks behind him and wraps his arms around the bigger man’s waist! Before The Molotov can execute a move from there, Lance throws a back elbow that clocks Watson on the side of the head! Freeing himself from the grapple, Lance spins around with a clothesline that Dickie is barely able to duck under. Watson then fires off a spin kick that almost succeeds in staggering Lance before he then bounces off the ropes, hits a back handspring, and pops up with a backflip kick! The impact forces Lance to take another step back, as Dickie continues the fast-paced attack with a series of open handed chops and then another rebound from the ropes. This time he flies back with a crossbody in the hope of taking Williams off his feet, but The Bulldozer catches him in mid-air! Lance doesn’t hesitate to turn the move into a fallaway slam, depositing Dickie hard on the mat!
Lance backs up as if he’s looking to hit his spear, when his concentration is suddenly broken by Emmanuelle tagging herself in! Despite the protests from The Essence of Egotism, Emmy rushes forward to catch the unsuspecting Dickie with a rana to put him back on the mat! The Warrior Rising Champion quickly follows up with a series of elbow strikes before Dickie has the wherewithal to shove her off of him. Emmanuelle does not let up however, as she hits Dickie with a jumping knee strike to stagger him, then bounces off the ropes and comes back with a big boot to the face! On the apron, Petey begins to jump up and down with words of encouragement, but this catches Emmy’s attention instead of Dickie’s and she suddenly gives Petey a big boot of his own, knocking him off the apron to ringside! While the tactic may not have worked out for Petey, it does give Dickie the chance to shake the cobwebs, and he drops Emmanuelle with a superkick as soon as she turns her attention back to the ring! Still feeling the effects of what he’s endured, Dickie reaches out for the tag to bring MYOJIN into the action!
TREY BOOKER: Fast paced stuff so far and...oh boy...we’ve got MYOJIN and Emmanuelle in the ring at the same time!
J.T. PRICE: Gold and Platinum against each other? This I’ve got to see!
As Emmanuelle gets to her feet and sees her occasional tag team partner across from her, a smile comes over her face. She then nods her head as MYO watches her stoically, before they finally begin to circle one another. Quick as a cat, MYO suddenly lashes out with a low kick, which is immediately answered by a low kick from Emmy! The Shining Star throws out another kick, this one to The Platinum Standard’s rib cage, to which Emmanuelle answers with a sudden sidekick to MYO’s midsection! MYO throws another kick...blocked...Emmy returns the kick with one of her own...blocked! The legs and feet are flying faster than the crowd can follow, and they show their appreciation as the two warriors continue to level their best strikes at each other!
THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Finally Emmanuelle catches MYO’s foot, to which he answers with an attempted enzuigiri that Emmy ducks under! Still, MYO lands on his foot and immediately springs back, this time with his foot connecting to Emmanuelle’s jaw! The stalemate is finally broken as The Platinum Standard is staggered and MYOJIN follows up with a low sweeping kick, but Emmy leaps over it and plants a dropkick to The Shining Star’s face! With a rare second to act, Emmanuelle hooks MYOJIN’s head for a snap DDT, but MYO immediately counters with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex! There’s no time for the ref to count as Emmanuelle rolls to her feet, bringing MYOJIN with her. Still grappled, The Platinum Standard attempts a suplex, but MYOJIN shifts their weight and lands behind her, locking on a rear naked choke and dragging her down to the mat! The hold is locked in and the back-and-forth has come to an end as Emmanuelle now struggles for freedom!
TREY BOOKER: What an exchange! It’s no wonder these two make such an amazing team! I can’t even talk fast enough to call the action!
J.T. PRICE: Then step aside, old man, and let me take over! Kick...DD...Sup...Nope. I can’t do it either.
As J.T. practices his terrible comedy routine, Emmanuelle continues to reach out for the ropes. With MYO holding on tight, it seems like an impossible effort, so instead she resorts to stiff back elbows! After a few shots, The Shining Star is convinced to release the hold, and when both competitors leap to their feet, Emmanuelle immediately goes for a swing that’s meant to take off MYO’s head! Instead, MYO pulls a move out of the Matrix to dodge the blow, and is back on his feet to find himself behind Emmanuelle once again! This time MYOJIN attempts to lock in a Dragon Sleeper, but as if she knows what’s coming, Emmy reaches out for anyone to make the tag. It is an offer that Lance Williams cannot refuse!
The Bulldozer leaps into the ring with that impressive athleticism before MYO can release their hold on Emmanuelle, and he wastes no time in attempting to take The Shining Star’s head off with a sick lariat! As Emmy rolls to safety and MYO lays stunned on the mat, Lance flexes his pecs to get a chorus of boos from the crowd. He then pulls MYOJIN to his feet, only to send him crashing back down with a hard spinebuster! Instead of attempting a pin, he pulls MYO up yet again, this time to send him back down with a thunderous powerbomb! Finally, with an arrogant smile, Lance attempts a pin…
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Not deterred, Lance gives The Shining Star a few stiff forearm shots to the head before getting back on his feet and dragging MYOJIN with him. This time Lance lifts MYO into his arms to execute three consecutive backbreakers and then a huge overhead belly to belly suplex! Despite that punishment, MYO shows the kind of spirit that has carried him through a full year in Project: Honor as he slowly gets back on his feet! With a look of disgust, Lance responds with a one-handed chokeslam, but as he has MYOJIN high in the air, The Shining Star grapples his arm and forces him to the mat!
TREY BOOKER: Fujiwara armbar from MYOJIN out of nowhere! How did he come back with a move like that!
J.T. PRICE: Showing off with the one-handed chokeslam didn’t do The Bulldozer any favors!
Despite having the hold expertly locked in, Lance only stays on the mat for a few moments, as he struggles to find his base with MYOJIN locked onto him! Finding it harder and harder to hold on to Lance as he fights with impressive strength, MYOJIN finally leaves his feet to wrap both legs around Lance’s head and take him to the mat with a headscissor. Getting him back down gives MYOJIN the opportunity to reach out for a tag, but much to his chagrin, it is accepted by Lil’ Petey. Thinking that he was tagging in Dickie, MYO does his best to hold Lance down while Petey springboards off the top rope and brings all the weight of his body crashing down on The Bulldozer! Finally, The Shining Star makes his exit as Petey throws every kick in his arsenal at the kneeling Lance Williams, ultimately hitting him with a shining wizard! With the crowd behind him, Petey goes for the pin!
ONE!
KICKOUT WITH AUTHORITY!
Lance nearly throws Petey across the ring with his kickout and as he gets back on his feet, he starts to smile when he sees who he’s up against. With surprising quickness, Lance charges at Petey, who leapfrogs over his head to send Lance crashing into the buckles! That’s an opportunity that Emmanuelle cannot resist as she tags herself in, springs to the top turnbuckle, and flies into the ring to hit Petey with a huge missile dropkick! As a frustrated Lance begrudgingly steps onto the apron, Emmanuelle goes for the pin on one of her number one contenders!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Petey isn’t about to let the champion put him away that quick, but he’s still at Emmanuelle’s mercy despite getting his shoulders off the mat! Having already been in one match and an epic rap battle, Petey does not have the same gas left in his tank that The Platinum Standard does, and it shows as she throws him into the corner! Emmy quickly rushes in after Petey, positions herself on the top buckle, and spins toward the mat with Petey in her grasp, hitting the Malibu Shine! She goes for the pin…
But the referee pats her on the back to inform her that Ozymandias tagged himself in while she was perched on the top! Stepping over the ropes and into the ring for the first time, The Grand Champion gives Emmanuelle a look as she hesitantly leaves the ring and glares in his direction. Petey, meanwhile, struggles to get back on his feet, using whatever is near to help him. He pulls himself back to a standing position until he’s looking into the massive chest of Ozymandias, finally realizing that he’s pulled himself up with the assistance of Ozy’s very own ring gear!
Without thinking twice, Ozymandias lifts Petey over his head into a gorilla press and begins to walk around the ring as if The Drip Sensation’s weight means nothing to him. Then, before Ozy can decide where to throw Petey, a roar emerges from the crowd…
TREY BOOKER: It’s Big Drip! TJ and Sauce are running to ringside to save their teammate!
J.T. PRICE: Shit’s about to get hip, yo!
Hearing the reaction from the crowd, Ozy turns to see the approach of Big Drip, which only gives him a clear target. He charges toward the ropes and flings Petey over the top as Dickie Watson desperately reaches up to slap Petey’s hand! While he may no longer be legal in the match, Petey still crashes into Sauce and TJ at ringside, easing his fall but doing little to save his friends from the impact. Back in the ring, Dickie springs over the ropes to plant a foot against Ozy’s chest, then hops back onto the ropes to spring back with a meteora! The move knocks Ozy off balance and sends him to the mat with Dickie on top of him! The Molotov begins to rain down punches on the Grand Champion before getting back on his feet for a series of rapid fire stomps! That is followed by several consecutive elbow drops, and lastly a standing corkscrew moonsault! Dickie stays on top for the pin…
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Much like Lance did to Petey, Ozy hurls Dickie across the ring with his kick out and gets back to his knee as quickly as possible! That’s the opening Dickie needs to hit his Rise to Glory curb stomp, further dazing The Butcher of Reine! Hoping that he’s got the big man on the ropes, Dickie measures him as he gets up to hit Dickie’s Revenge! Ozymandias is down!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Dickie has a look of shock as the champion kicks out of one of his best moves, and the simultaneous gasp from the crowd shows that he’s not the only one surprised by the outcome! Back outside of the ring, the three members of Big Drip have regrouped, but they have little time to enjoy the reunion as Lance Williams and Emmanuelle charge to take all three of them down with a triple clothesline! Laughing at the misfortune of Big Drip, Lance is completely unaware that MYOJIN has climbed to the top rope...FALLING FROM HEAVEN EX ON THE STANDING WILLIAMS AND EMMANUELLE!
Back in the ring, Dickie hopes to put the finishing touches on Ozymandias with his rarely used move, The Calamity Insurance! Instead, Ozymandias is able to snatch Watson out of the air and turn the attempted cave-in into a sickening powerbomb! The move rocks Dickie’s spine but The Molotov has no time to rest as Ozymandias pulls him back up for Sinking Faith! He hits it and Dickie Watson is laid out in the center of the ring! It’s clear that Ozy could go for the pin, when suddenly he feels a tugging at his leg! Lil’ Petey is desperately trying to stop him from the ringside floor! All that manages to do is distract Ozy from the action, allowing Lance to jump onto the apron and tag himself in blindly!
The champion looks from Lance then to Petey, finally deciding that there is little he can do except take his frustrations out on the members of Big Drip. As Ozy leaps to the floor with a punch for Sauce, an elbow for TJ, and a headbutt for Petey, Lance enters the ring and takes full advantage of the opportunity by covering a downed Dickie Watson…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Lance pulls himself to his knees over the fallen Dickie Watson with a huge smile plastered on his face. Meanwhile, Ozymandias is literally chasing TJ Thompson toward the backstage area while MYOJIN and Emmanuelle trade shots with Sauce and Petey!
HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match by pinfall...EMMANUELLE...OZYMANDIAS...AND LANCE WILLIAMS!!!
TREY BOOKER: The Champions have defeated The Originals, and as surprising as it may be, the original Grand Champion is the one who took the fall!
J.T. PRICE: That was Ozymandias’ moment of glory, even if Lance Williams did steal it like a thief in the night...whoa...I don’t think he’s done yet!
Lance exits the ring on the opposite side of the brawl between Big Drip, Emmanuelle, and MYOJIN, grabbing a steel chair from the time keeper. With all four of them preoccupied, they are left wide open as Lance hasn’t had enough for one night! He brings the chair down overy MYOJIN’s head before slamming into the midsection of Emmanuelle! He then turns to slam it across Sauce’s back, nearly killing him in the process! Lance takes one final swing at Lil’ Petey, who ducks at the last second and scrambles away from the monster as if his life depended on it.
As bodies lay at ringside and others give chase far from the ring, Dickie Watson is left alone between the ropes. Still stunned and unsure of what’s happened, The Molotov slowly pulls himself to his knees and looks out to the sold-out crowd. In response, many of the fans come to their feet with chants of Watson’s name echoing out. As if the fans sense the end along with him, Dickie raises one hand from his kneeling position to show his appreciation, not only for the cheers they’re giving him tonight, but for one year of memories. With that final farewell to one of the company’s originals, Proving Ground’s Anniversary Show reaches its end...
