6CWF Presents Proving Grounds Results - 19th June 2023 (Episode 5)

*Johnny Oko is the first to arrive. He is, as usual, flanked by his guards. His two “geishas” present his Katana before he makes his way down to the ring and climbs inside. The commentators are talking about Oko’s potential wrath following the disappointment of not leaving “From the Ashes” with championship gold.

*We are then treated to to the elaborate entrance of 6CW’s newest recruit who enters to “One of a kind” (RVD’s old theme music). Cody “Air” Walker is presented to us by the commentary team as Alex Walker’s son. Cody was a standout at the WWE Performance Center and was doing great on NXT but given his connections with the 6CWF Board he decided to sign for the company after he met with JJ & Brandi Johnson during their last trip to the USA.

*Jeff Thadeus gives us the lowdown on Walker’s style and says we should brace ourselves for one of the most exciting young talents in the business. Johnny Oko looks less than impressed by his opponent’s arrival and just stares across at him from the opposite side of the ring.

*We get a look at the brackets of the “Road to Royalty” tournament as the commentators talk about what a huge opportunity this is for everyone involved and a world championship opportunity at Beachfront Brawl in Florida at the beginning of September.

*The bell sounds and there is a small feeling out process before they engage in a lockup centre ring. Oko quickly twists the arm of Walker and looks to manipulate the joints but Walker runs to the ropes and springs onto them before flipping off into an armdrag takedown. They get back up and Walker forward rolls into Oko’s path before leaping into him with a spinning back elbow takedown that knocks Oko onto the apron. Walker runs to the corner and springs off the turnbuckle before twisting back with a heel kick to Oko’s jaw, sending him collapsing off the apron.

*Walker works the crowd and then he runs off the opposite side and returns with a front flip over the top rope but one of Oko’s guards pulls him out of the way so Walker collides against the solid floor instead. The crowd are booing as Oko grabs Walker by the arm and pulls him up, dragging him into the ring-post, really cracking his shoulder. Oko then scoops Walker onto his shoulder (running powerslam style) before running him into the ringpost again, shoulder first.

*Oko throws Walker back in the ring. He climbs in himself and he beckons Walker up before drilling him with a jumping armbreaker. He quickly tries to roll over and apply a “Fujiwara” armbar but Walker grabs the back of his trousers and pulls him into a schoolboy for a very close two count.

*They get back up and Oko lashes a furious martial arts kick to the stomach of Walker. He then grabs the injured arm and wrenches it again before whipping him to the corner. He follows but Walker leaps onto the top rope and he backflips, landing on Oko’s shoulders and twists back into an amazing poisonrana. Oko rolls toward the corner as Walker runs toward the turnbuckle and uses the top rope to propel himself up into an imploding 450 splash for another two.

*The crowd are clearly sold big on Walker’s performance thus far, chanting his name. Walker tries to pull Oko up into a “falcon arrow” but his arm is causing him issues. Oko is able to slide out the side and he aims another brutal martial arts kick to the side of Walker’s shoulder before he runs off the ropes and returns with a throwback neckbreaker (ala Charlotte Flair) to his kneeling opponent. Walker kicks out on two.

*Oko stands in the corner and he motions of Walker to stand. He runs out for the “K-Oko” but is met by an incredible dropsault. Walker follows up with a standing 450 for a two. Walker heads to the corner and he walks along the ropes before reaching the middle and he corkscrews off, landing the heel of his boot across the top of Oko’s head as he tries to stand. Oko shows his toughness again to get the shoulder up.

*Oko’s guards pull their “Oyabun” from the ring to try and help him. Walker runs to the ropes and he front flips over the top rope, this time taking out one of the guards. The second tries to nail a superkick but Walker ducks it and springs off the ringside barrier before flying back with a double knee strike to the chest that sends him crashing back against the steel steps.

*Walker throws Oko back in the ring and then nails a springboard leg lariat (ala Matt Cardona) for a two count. They rise and Oko tries for a snap kick but Walker catches and nails a stepover heel kick. Walker heads for the corner and he launches for “coffin drop” but Oko moves and Walker lands heavy. Oko nails the “Ode to Taka” (Michinoku Driver) but Walker kicks out.

*Oko ushers Walker up and he scoops him up for a shoulderbreaker but Walker kicks his legs and drops behind. He pushes Oko off the ropes and floors him with a spinning heel kick as he returns. He drags Oko up and looks for an Irish whip but Oko reverses. Walker handsprings into the ropes and returns with a moonsault takedown. Walker then hits “rolling thunder” but only gets two.

*Walker looks down on his opponent and then changes tact and tries to apply an STF. Oko turns out on his back and kicks at the bad arm of Walker, repeatedly, until he releases. Oko scrambles back up and he looks for the “K-Oko” but Walker ducks it again before going low with a leg swipe heel kick. Walker backflips into a double foot stomp.

*Diablo is running things in the “Talent Relations” office when Marty Helms enters. Helms’ face is still bruised from his encounter with Tyler Roth but he seems in good spirits with the 6WF Championship over his shoulder. Helms cuts Diablo off and says he wants to get a few things straight as the world champion. He isn’t playing second fiddle to the “Make a Wish” Champion, Uryu Ishida….if they expect him to go out there for his “title celebration” first then they can forget it. He either gets main event billing or nothing at all….Diablo says he’ll pass it on. Helms then wants to know the deal with the “Road to Royalty” because it is clear he is the only “King” around here. Diablo tells him that the tournament runs to “Against The Wall” and the winner will receive a world championship match at “Beachfront Brawl”. Helms says he wants in...Diablo says those decisions are out of his hands but Helms isn’t interested. Helms says he wants in and he wants the title shot. Helms promises to become “Undisputed” by time they leave Florida. Diablo admires Helms’ confidence but there is the small matter of his next challenger….Helms says he doesn’t give a (beep) and whoever it is will be mangled just like the rest.

*Scene change and Cody Walker is given applause in the back by some of the workers. He looks disheartened by his loss but then Alex Walker heads into shot. Cody doesn’t look particularly pleased to see his father. Alex Walker is trying hard to bond with his son but we find out that their relationship is fragmented and that Cody has spent most of his life growing up with his mum, who is separate from Alex. Alex asks how Cody’s mother is but he shuts that down and tells his father not to ask questions he doesn’t care about. Cody says he’s here to create his own legacy and not live in the shadow of his father. Walker looks disappointed and hurt as Cody walks away. Walker then asks a backstage worker if Drake Cabowers has arrived yet but they haven’t seem him

*Liam Wood is backstage with Jack Reynolds. Wood is clearly in a fired up mood and he once again reiterates that Daniel Reilly and The Callihans are going to pay for this vendetta they have started against him. Wood dismisses the notion that he is overlooking tonight and assures everyone that winning “Road to Royalty” is his priority. Wood says it’s another accolade missing from his resume and he will do whatever he can to become “King” of 6CWF and move a step closer to getting back to the summit of this business. But if Callihan or Reilly get between him and his goal, he will end them.

*We see Cassidy in his locker-room and he is admiring himself in the mirror before turning to a side-table where get a glimpse of a number of different branding irons, each of which carries the name of one of the “deadly sins”.

*We see a car arrive in the parking lot and Drake gets out. He is unshaven and looks worse for wear as he closes his car door and we get a shot of his right hand, where it becomes apparent that his fourth finger is missing, He looks up at the Birmingham Bowl and sighs as he sees two of Oko’s “guards” coming toward him.

*Geoff Steel arrives and is met by Rex Adamson. The two men stare one another down and Rex reminds Steel that he had a chance at “From the Ashes” to call it quits but now fate has thrown them together and Steel will have to find out the hard way. Steel tells Rex he “can’t wait” before shouldering past

*Back out at ringside and the crowd are hyped for another “Road to Royalty” qualifying match. Cassidy makes his brash entrance to begin and is met by tumultuous boos. We get a recap video of Cassidy’s debut at “From the Ashes” and his win over Daniel Reilly. We then see the heinous attack on Finlay in the backstage area and the branding iron being put to use. The commentators talk about Cassidy’s impact in such a short space of time and wonder if he can add to that tonight by taking a step closer to becoming “King of 6CWF”

*Liam Wood then makes his way to ringside and is met by a mixed review. There are still audible boos but it is clear that Wood’s fanbase is growing once more. Jeff Thadeus believes the returns of Drake Callihan and the blindsides from Daniel Reilly have helped to get the fans back on track. The commentators talk about Wood’s quest to achieve accolades he never has before and that the “crown” on offer will certainly be of appeal to him.

*Wood and Cassidy stare across at one another and Cassidy is wearing an arrogant smile. They then lockup in the centre of the ring. Cassidy quickly tries to twist the arm of Wood but Wood kicks out to the gut, doubling his opponent over, and then bounces back off the ropes and returns with a big clothesline. Cassidy gets back up and Wood grabs his wrist and pulls him forward into a flapjack...Wood holds Cassidy in the air and shifts his feet so that he can really slam his opponent down into the mat.

*Wood quickly hooks the arms of Cassidy and tries for the “Manson Driver” but Cassidy counters with a backdrop. They get back up and Cassidy looks for the “Judas Effect” but Wood sidesteps and then chokeslams his foe into a backbreaker for a two count.

*Wood grabs the legs of Cassidy and prepares for a “giant swing” but Cassidy grabs his head and pulls him over into a cradle for a nearfall. They scramble back up and Wood rushes forward but Cassidy drops and pulls down the ropes, sending Wood tumbling to the outside. Cassidy follows and he clubs Wood from behind. He drags him toward the announce area and looks to suplex him onto one of the tables but Wood kicks his legs and then counters. He lifts Cassidy up before front suplexing him on top of the Spanish announce table

*Wood is thinking of taking more action but he hears the referee’s count at six and he returns to the ring. The count reaches nine before Cassidy is just about able to throw himself under the bottom rope. Wood stalks his opponent and then runs in for the “Psycho Crusher” but Cassidy moves and then snaps off a “side effect” neckbreaker for a two count!

*Cassidy beckons Wood up and the he forward rolls into a blockbuster takedown. He laughs off the boos of the crowd and then attempts a “lionsault” but Wood avoids. Cassidy lands on his feet and then runs at Wood for a spear but Wood sidesteps and sends him against the turnbuckle before nailing a snap dragon suplex. Cassidy rolls over onto his knees and Wood nails a superkick for a two count.

*Wood heads for the top rope and he beckons for Cassidy to stand before leaping off for a flying lariat, only to be met in mid-flight by a dropkick to the face. Wood staggers back up and is drilled by a leaping STO for a two count. Cassidy has some choice words for the referee and then he drags Wood up. He looks for a package piledriver but Wood swipes his legs and catapults him into the turnbuckle. Wood chases in and lands a dropkick to the back of his opponent. He lifts him up high and nails a top rope back suplex but again it only gets a two.

*The commentators talk up Cassidy’s resilience as Wood signals for the end. He drags Cassidy up and whips him off the ropes before popping him up for the “World Eater”. Cassidy, somehow, manages to catch Wood’s knee on the way down and he spins him around and nails a “zigzag” neckbreaker from nowhere but it is only good enough for a two count.

*Cassidy stalks Wood’s every move and then tries to synch in a sleeper hold but Wood drops to a knee and throws Cassidy over his shoulders. They get back up and Wood pops Cassidy up and catches him in a powerbomb position before dropping backward and guillotines him across the top rope. He drags Cassidy away from the ropes and heads for the corner. Wood lands with a huge elbow drop but it is only good for the nearfall.

*Even Wood seems surprised by the toughness of Cassidy but he refuses to rest on his laurels. He drags Cassidy up and whips him across the ring. Wood lowers his head for a backdrop but Cassidy stops short and nails a facebuster across his knee (ala Triple H). The impact staggers Wood back into the ropes but then he shoots forward with a huge lariat that spins Cassidy inside out and leaves both men down.

*The crowd are behind Wood as both men struggle up. Cassidy leaps quick for an RKO but Wood pushes him away and then lands a boot to the stomach. Wood attempts the “Manson Driver” but Cassidy struggles free and then pulls Wood in close. He boots him in the gut and then attempts a “Downward Spiral” but Wood elbows his way free. Cassidy staggers into the corner and Wood lands a huge yakuza kick (ala Sami Zayn). Cassidy stumbles and drops to his knees in the middle of the ring. Wood runs out and looks for the “Psycho Crusher” again but Cassidy moves and then rolls Wood up for a two count. They get back up and Cassidy runs at Wood but is backdropped over the top rope onto the apron. Wood is unawares that Cassidy landed out on his feet. Cassidy is mocking the crowd from the apron.

*We start off with a recap of all the history between these two men since the first episode of Proving Grounds. It documents the countless attacks from both sides and then Mike Hill winning the European Championship after Lex accidentally took out Geoff Steel with a steel chair. The commentators are hyping up what promises to be a great championship match.

*Lex is the first out to big cheers from the Birmingham crowd. Hart’s cuts and bruises from “From the Ashes” seem to have healed and he looks in a focused mood as he makes his way to ringside. RJ reminds us of Hart’s glittering career where he has reigned supreme as both a singles and tag team competitor. But at this later stage of his career, does he still have the fire to compete at the top level?. Robin Reborn is shown again at ringside and he has his eyes locked on Hart as the Canadian walks around the outside.

*Lex is pacing the ring as Mike Hill makes his entrance, the music drowned out by the boos of the crowd. Hill looks pleased with himself as he swaggers across the rampway and then leaps into the ring. Hill unstraps his championship and holds it in the air, staring at Lex as he does so. The commentators talk about how Mike Hill is one of the most decorated stars in professional wrestling history. He may want his respect from the fans, and in some ways he deserves it, but it is his ego that lets him down

*Hill turns to the corner and is taking the belt off his shoulder when Lex spins him around and unloads with right hands to get the match underway. Hart then tees off with huge knife edge chops to the chest, leaving the skin reddened, before he whips Hill across the opposite turnbuckle. Hill staggers back out and Lex knocks him down with a dropkick.

*Lex immediately tries to pull Hill up into a “jackhammer” but Hill floats over the back and shoves Hart into the ropes before knocking him down with a spinning heel kick on the return. He attempts a lionsault but Hart moves. Hill lands out on his feet and chases Hart but he sidesteps and sends the champion against the turnbuckle before landing a big back suplex driver for a two count.

*Lex beckons Hill up and attempts the “Flatline” (RKO) but Hill counters into a backslide for a two count. They scramble back up and Hart sidesteps and pushes Hill off the ropes before popping him into the air but Hill counters with a “hill-can-rana”. They get up again and Hill lands a front dropkick that sends Hart into the corner. He chases in and lands a stiff dropkick again before he lifts Hart up high. Hill attempts a top rope hurricanrana but Hart throws Hill off the ropes to the outside.

*The referee begins to count as Lex climbs down and goes to the outside. He bashes Hill’s head off the steel steps and then off the Spanish announce table. He grabs Hill’s arm and whips him back toward the steps but Hill leaps over them. Hart comes forward and Hill dropkicks the steps into his ribs, causing him to buckle in pain.

*Hill backs off and then runs up the steps and leaps into the air before drilling Lex with a tornado DDT on the solid floor. He gets back in the ring and demands the referee count. The fans look concerned but Lex makes it back on the count of eight. Hill stomps on him and then drags him up before nailing a a front faceplant suplex. He heads for the corner and then leaps into “Mike Time” (450 splash) but lands across the knees of Lex. Hart staggers back up and he nails a hat-trick of German suplexes for a two count.

*Lex gives a signal to the crowd and then runs off the ropes for the “Canadian Destroyer” but Hill counters with a backdrop. They get back up and Hill ducks a clothesline before springboarding off the ropes but Hart catches him on the comedown and spins him into a sambo suplex for another nearfall. Lex grabs Hill’s legs and attempts to lock in the sharpshooter but Hill thrashes and kicks out until Lex is sent staggering back into the ropes. Hill scrambles back up as Lex sprints at him and he drop toe holds him before trying for the liontamer. Hart uses his hips to sway from side to side and then launches Hill across the ring.

*Both men get back up and a slugfest ensues. Hart’s punches carry more weight and he rocks Hill back before whipping him across the ring. Lex lowers his head for a backdrop but Hill leaps over him and runs the opposite side and drills Hart on the comeback with a one-handed bulldog. This time Hill scores with the lionsault but Hart shows guts to kick out.

*Hill argues with the referee before screaming at Lex to get back up. Hart rises and Hill plants a backheel kick into his gut and attempts the “Over the Hill” but Lex catches him on his shoulders and then runs him into the corner and drops him across the top rope with “snake eyes”. Lex tears across to the adjacent ropes and returns with a huge leaping high knee which lands flush on the jaw of Mike Hill.

*O’Callaghan is the first out at ringside and is met by a vociferous response from the 6CWF crowd. He really plays up to the crowd as they sing along to his theme music. He swaggers across the stage and the commentators talk about how it has been a couple of years since we last saw him in action. Jeff Thadeus goes on to tell us how he was once the “next big thing” of professional wrestling and even won the “Fight for the Right” briefcase in 2017 but became the first man to unsuccessfully cash in the contract. Since then it has certainly changed from a when to an “if” he ever wins a world championship.

*OC continues to work the crowd and we get a recap of his return at “From the Ashes”. RJ wonders if the self-proclaimed “King of Dublin” can become the “King of 6CWF”. Jeff Thadeus says that tonight is a battle of “kingdoms” as the “King of the Streets” is up next. The crowd boo to the rafters as Daniel Reilly saunters out onto the stage. There is no love in Reilly’s own hometown following his actions at “From the Ashes” and his subsequent alliance with The Callihans. Jeff Thadeus reminds us that Reilly is a former 2x 6CW World Champion so he must have been offered something substantial to sign up for the war against Liam Wood.

*Reilly slowly paces the ring, staring up at O’Callaghan, as the commentators hype this “first time ever” contest. Reilly then climbs inside and the referee checks both men over for concealed weapons before turning to signal for the bell. Reilly takes a step forward before “Revival Mode” crashes out of the speakers. Every fan inside the Birmingham Bowl is on their feet as they await the arrival of Liam Wood. Reilly spins toward the stage, an angry and surprised expression lingering on his face. Jeff Thadeus says “it was only a matter of time” until Wood came hunting the man who cost him at “From the Ashes”.

*All eyes remain on the entranceway but Liam Wood is not forthcoming. Reilly holds his arms up and the cameras pick up on him saying “I knew you were a damn coward. O’Callaghan is still lounging in the corner and looks bored before finally removing his fur coat. He looks at the fans and rolls his eyes before rushing forward with a flying double knee strike to the back that sends Reilly tumbling against the ropes, leaving him sprawled across them.

*OC laughs and then he runs the ropes and returns with a “619” as the crowd go wild. He watches Reilly rolling back to the centre of the ring and then he springboards in and lands a picture perfect frogsplash in the centre of the ring.

*Reilly stumbles back up as Liam Wood walks out on the stage. Reilly is clearly hurting but his eyes immediately lock on Wood, bringing anger and fire…

*We go back to ringside and there is an almighty ovation for Uryu Ishida. Ishida milks the reception of the crowd as he walks around ringside and climbs up on all of the announce tables. He poses with the 6CW Championship and he is clearly emotional at the reception he is receiving. Uryu climbs up into the ring as a huge “You deserve it” chant strikes up. Uryu gets on the mic and he’s thankful for the support. He goes on to thank the fans and everyone throughout his career that has helped him realise a dream. He makes a speech about Christy James and how she never gave up believing in him and how that belief drove him on to become champion. He wants the crowd to start a “thank you Christy” chant and they oblige, although some seem reluctant given their love for GazzyD.

Uryu says he will be a fighting champion and he welcomes all challenges. He knows what it takes to fight and claw to the top and he wants to give back opportunities that he never received. Uryu says the floor is open and then Marty Helms interrupts, sparking huge boos from the audience. Helms makes his entrance and he tells Uryu to “(beep) off” because the “real champion” is here now. Helms tells Uryu he had no intention of playing second to this “mongo menagerie” and he’s out here to give everyone what they want. If Uryu wants to be a fighting champion then how about he does the right thing and puts his belt on the line right now against Helms….the crowd seem wild for the idea but Uryu says he’s been told there’ll be no “unification” until Night of Glory. Helms says there’ll be a “unification” if he (beeping) says so and Uryu isn’t going anywhere. Helms says if Uryu doesn’t have the balls then he’ll win the “Road to Royalty” instead and he’ll force the match…

*A fight looks imminent when Tyler Roth comes striding out. Roth says he isn’t here to talk, or clap or congratulate. He says Helms beat him at “From the Ashes” but he couldn’t do it without cheating because he knows he can’t beat Roth one on one. Next week they’ll clash in the “Road to Royalty” but Roth doesn’t want to wait….he wants to fight right here, right now and if Helms is as bad as he says then he’ll have no problem.

*Helms pushes Uryu aside and he beckons Roth down to the ring. The atmosphere is electric as the two men go toe to toe and begin brawling in the centre of the ring. Roth smashes Helms back against the ropes and then delivers a discus lariat that takes him over the top rope. Helms lands on his feet and he drags Roth under the ropes as the brawl continues to the outside and then they smash one another through the ringside barrier into the crowd. Security are pouring down now as Helms and Roth get back up and continue to fight through the audience, chairs are flying and fans are being pushed all over as the two behemoths run rampage.

*The commentators are hyping up what we have seen as we then watch Roth drive Helms backwards and they crash over a railing down by the side of the stage. Security and more officials pour in to keep them separated as we get a graphic for next week’s “Road to Royalty” quarter final.

*Uryu is still in the ring at this point, kind of astonished by what he has seen, as Eddy Kent comes through the crowd. The fans are booing as Kent slides in behind Uryu and spins him around before decking him with the “Mic Check”. Boos ring all around as Kent picks up the 6CW Championship belt and poses with it.