PromoSlam 2020 may have been the biggest assembly of promos to date, with feature-length epics and first-time showdowns, it was truly a memorable event. But the promo bouts also came with their share of surprises as we approach the second half of promo season in September. To begin with, following his return to promo work against fellow judge Mike Larkin, Daniel Crimmins has declared himself for the PromoBowl, stepping down as a head judge - the post now held by promo veteran Robert Davis. Larkin also confirmed his own next challenge as he ended his promo against Crimmins by ripping a photo of Brittney Savage - the two Pop Culture History co-hosts will square off at Promo Series 5: Enemy Lines.
In the much anticipated co-main event between The Shape and Travis "The Walker" Anderson, three challenges were made in one bout! In the first promo of the exhibition, The Shape revealed his next dance partner with sheet of paper displaying "El Jefe", which was then burnt in his hand - and the ashes rubbed into his chest - spelling out the name "Phoenix". The Shape declared once he is done with El Jefe, The Phoenix will rise at PromoMania VI next March. Travis followed up by dropping his fiery promo, which ended with the culmination of weeks of mysterious "hacking" from shadowy newcomer Aleksandr Rowen. As Aleksandr had already vowed to hack a promo at the event, and seemingly targeted Anderson, the promo ended with Travis daring him to hack in. Aleksandr obliged and challenged him to a promo exhibition in two weeks on the opening day of the PromoBowl - a day where Travis is also tipped as the Promo Order's choice to challenge for the Promo Championship.