SOS: Proving Grounds

Society of Sim Proving Grounds
http://img203.echo.cx/img203/5673/sosprovinggrounds6ah.jpg
Federation Name	Society of Sim (SOS)
Show	SOS Proving Grounds
Aired	February 2005 - October 2005 (Syndication)
Based in	USA
Website	SOS.com

SOS: Proving Grounds was a Sim wrestling television show from 2005, hosted in the United States by Society of Sim. The event was aired in syndication on many small, local stations throughout the United States and internationally. 10 events were held, from May 2005 to October 2005.

History

The show was originally supposed to be a developmental show, titled "School of Sim". Starting on Episode 6, the events were treated as a legitimate Society of Sim event, rather than a developmental show. However, it retained the title "Proving Grounds". Also on Episode 6, SOS crowned a World Champion, Derek Mayfield. On Episode 8, A one-show Pay-Per-View deal was announced. The show, titled "Save Our Souls", was built up for the next two events. It was scheduled to air after Episode 11, but the PPV (as well as Episode 11) never happened, as SOS merged with NGSW following Episode 10, which was the final episode. The name of the PPV was eventually used by SOS for an event in April, 2007.

The play-by-play commentators for the show were Eric Richardson and Tony Capone. Both men remained with SOS until it officially went out of business in 2008. Richardson stayed on the commentary booth throughout its entire run. Capone was only on commentary for Proving Grounds. In subsequent eras, Capone served as a top-level member of the backstage production crew.

SOS, 5/14/2005

This event was simply titled "Society of Sim" or "SOS". It originally aired on May 14th, 2005. It only featured two complete matches, but both were considered relatively long for TV matches.

Quick Results:

1: The Buck defeated The Mercenary by pinfall with a sunset flip off the top rope **.

2: Derek Mayfield defeated The Buck by pinfall with a Total Impact *.

3: Zach Zero defeated Ray Clapton by pinfall with Zero Darkness *.

4: Derek Mayfield defeated Zach Zero by pinfall with a double arm DDT **.

* = This match was filmed at an SOS example event prior to this actual event. The match aired in clipped form on the television airing, but the match is available in its entirety on the SOS Website.

** = This match was filmed at the SOS TV taping, and it aired in its complete form.

SOS Proving Grounds #2

This was the first event to air with the name "Proving Grounds". It originally aired on May 28th, 2005.

This event featured the debuts of G-Unit, Meiko Marufuji, and Shinsuke *.

Quick Results:

1: The Buck defeated G-Unit by pinfall following a sunset flip powerbomb off the top rope.

2: Zach Zero defeatued The Mercenary by pinfall following Zero Darkness **.

* = Meiko Marufuji and Shinsuke debuted in a non-wrestling role. They appeared in an on-screen promo.

** = This was the first time in SOS where paramedics were called to the ring to stretcher a wrestler out of the arena. Zero's Zero Darkness injured Mercenary's neck. Mercenary departed from the company thereafter, not returning until the "Rebirth Era".

SOS Proving Grounds #3

Proving Grounds #3 originally aired on June 13th, 2005. It featured the first tag team match in SOS's history. All four wrestlers made their debuts in that match. Josh Outland, Mike Kirkland, Twist, and Pete D'Ville. Two of those wrestlers (Outland and Twist) would eventually become SOS World Champions. Outland and Kirkland would eventually become SOS Tag Team Champions. Y72 also made his debut on this event.

Quick Results:

1: "The Brush with Greatness" Josh Outland and "The Joker" Mike Kirkland defeated Twist and Pete D'Ville when Kirkland pinned Twist following a Royal Flush/Flying RKO Combination double team maneuver.

2: T.H.G. User vs. G-Unit went to a double count-out *.

3: Derek Mayfield defeated Y72 by pinfall with a Total Impact.

* = This was the second show in a row in which a wrestler left the arena on a stretcher. T.H.G. User relentless assaulted G-Unit following the match, and paramedics had to be called.

SOS Proving Grounds #10

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