BRUTALISM 2021

Sunday January 31st, 2021

The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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Following the OATH signature “Little Thing Gone Wild” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club kicked up. We got a sexy little montage of all of OATH’s heavy hitters -- everyone featured on tonight’s card.

Cut to the arena and we do the standard pass over the audience before the shot landed at ringside with your announce team for the evening. Matt Mears appeared to be in much better condition following the attack he suffered at the hands of Allen Chaney a few weeks ago. Ben Petrie, well he looked as run down as ever.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to OATH Pro Wrestling’s first iPay-Per-View offering of 2021...Brutalism! My name is Matthew Mears and by my side as always is “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie.

PETRIE: Winter ain’t comin’ Mears, it’s here. It’s been here. Tonight we have four championship matches plus some matches that really live up to the name Brutalism. There will be blood tonight.

MEARS: Prophetic as always Bad Mood. Let’s run it down. Johnny Draco has been chasing “The Burning Heart” James Edwards and his Tabula Rasa Championship for months now. A sort of friendship has developed between the two but tonight that all falls by the wayside with the title on the line in a Submissions Count Anywhere Match!

PETRIE: Two guys who have been in that orbit are Finale and Jonathan Cage. Both Finale and Cage failed to beat Jim Eddy for the TR Title and now they have their sights set on each other. Rivals who go way back will add another chapter to their story tonight.

MEARS: The Intrepid Championship will also be up for grabs this evening when “The Day One Pledge” Stephanie Matsuda makes her first defense of the title against “The Comedian” Allen Chaney. A man who laid his hands on me and caused me to miss Conviction for the first time in the program’s forty six episodes…

PETRIE: I ain’t a Matsuda booster but I hope she buries that fat fuck tonight. Maybe I’m maturing because I’m also stoked to fuck to see our Tag Team Championship Match tonight. Sweet Treats and SKTLS are without a doubt the two most dominant teams in OATH so it’s only natural that they’d eventually go at it. I can’t pick a winner. Not many people can.

MEARS: That one has all the makings of a Match Of The Year Contender, an award that was won by a Tag Team Championship Match in 2020. The match that will follow that contest will not be for the squeamish. “The Knightmare King” Match Shields has had his issues with ONI for months now and tonight he gets one step closer to Reo Ojima when he faces “The War Queen” Leah Aguero in an Inferno Match. The winner will be the Number One Contender for the OATH World Championship.

PETRIE: And in the main event the top dogs of OATH’s two most prominent factions will go to war over the World Championship. “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima has been OATH World Champion for over two hundred days but “The Chairman Of Chaos” Locke Helms is coming for him. After making the World Champion submit last week on Conviction there are a lot of people who think that tonight Helms will end Ojima’s reign.

MEARS: It is very possible. Tonight is going to be quite the event and it all kicks off with a tag team grudge match. The Crawfords look to end their dealings with the Social Elite in a Cage Match to kick off Brutalism. Wrestling fans, let us begin.

ERIKA: Come on Nicky! We gotta record this video!...

The camera panned back to see The Crawfords looking at a projection, which was screening an old video. In the video Nicky didn’t have any face tattoos and Erika's hair was still her natural colour of a deep brown.

NICKY: Jesus… look at how young we are in this video, sis.

ERIKA: It’s like looking at two different people. This is insane…

The camera panned back to the screen, where we could see a younger Nicky and Erika Crawford seated on the front steps of a house.

YOUNGER ERIKA: Hello there, future Nicky and Future Erika! We’re past you, and we’re here to remind you about your goals and aspir… aspira…

YOUNGER NICKY: Aspirations. So… you decided to leave your home after the bills got too much for you, Nicky. Too much that you couldn’t keep up with your past life. So you had to leave, had to for your little sister here.

Nicky ruffled Erika’s hair as he said that. Erika looked at him with a death stare and fixed her hair. Nicky chuckled before getting back to talking.

YOUNGER NICKY: But you managed to get a once in a lifetime chance to wrestle in Canada for a promotion called OATH. This is your chance to shine! Hell, you get to go there with your best friend, Kasey Haste…

Nicky looked down at the ground, thinking about his relationship with Kasey and how it soured over the stupidest things.

YOUNGER ERIKA: Isn’t he going by Kasey Kash in OATH?

YOUNGER NICKY: I think he is, too. This is gonna be awesome, E!

YOUNGER ERIKA: But that isn’t the only thing that’s cool. We have decided to go at it alone! We are gonna try our hands at singles competition, but we’ll always have each other’s backs, won’t we, Nicky?

YOUNGER NICKY: You’re damn right we will.

The camera cut to Nicky and Erika in the present. Erika wiped a small tear from her eye and Nicky ruffled her hair like he did in the video.

NICKY: And we still do have each other's backs. I’ll always be here for you, sis.

Erika smiled and rested her head on her older brother's shoulder as they continued to watch the video.

YOUNGER NICKY: Hell… you know what? I reckon we could even go for the tag titles. What do you say, Sis?

YOUNGER ERIKA: I reckon we could do that! The Crawford’s, OATH Tag Team Champions. That sounds good to me.

YOUNGER NICKY: Sounds good to me too, Sis. Now… Future Nicky and Erika. By the time you’re watching this you should’ve already made Mum and Dad proud… we believe in you guys.

Younger Nicky then reaches up and turns the camera off. The camera panned back to Nicky and Erika in the present. Erika wiped away another tear and sat up, Nicky just looked around at the room, then at his sister, then at the camera.

NICKY: Look. While we haven't had the best of starts here in OATH, with me going 5 and 4, and Erika going 4 and 6… but we’re here now, and we’ve got ourselves in a prime spot to start working up the ladder again, and work our way towards the Tag Team Championships…

ERIKA: But standing in our way… we have The Social Elite. Angel Kash and Summer Page… greeeeeaaaaaaaaat.

NICKY: Seems to me that we’re gonna be destined to do this forever. But holy fuck I hope we don’t. I’m sick of the pair of you interfering in our lives. So this will be it. After tonight… we’re done. I don’t want to hear from you ever again after we kick the shit out of you two tonight. You’ve messed with us and our plans for too long now.

ERIKA: So this is your final warning. Cause the second you step into the ring will be the end of you and we can promise that.

NICKY: Because blood is thicker than water.

ERIKA: And you two will be spilling buckets of it after our match tonight.

With that, Erika and Nicky walked out of frame and the scene faded to black.

CRYBABY: The following contest is a tag team Cage Match! The only way to win is by pinfall or submission. Introducing first, at a total combined weight of 284lbs., the team of Erika and Nicky, The Crawfords! "The Final Episode (Let's Change the Channel)" by Asking Alexandria kicked up and The Citadel was on their feet for the Dingley Village Darlings. Nicky and Erika both came through the curtain to a chorus of cheers but were immediately jumped by Angel Kash and Summer Page! The Social Elite sent The Crawfords flying down the ramp toward the ring, the siblings coming to a stop in unison.

The Social (Elite) Media Manager Mercedes White and the team’s professional manager Tiffany Lynn Page followed behind their charges, laughing all the white. Mercedes was live streaming the whole thing via her phone. Toronto booed the shit out of them.

Angel and Summer stuffed both Erika and Nicky into the ring through the cage door before entering themselves. The referee scolded them but they demanded that he ring the bell. Nicky and Erika both composed themselves and gave the referee the signal -- they were not going to quit before the match even started.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Angel and Summer went after Nicky immediately, fearing that he would be the difference maker in this contest. Angel helped Summer with a launch pad and she hit Nicky with a missile dropkick that sent Nicky face first into the cage wall.

MEARS: We should have expected some underhanded tactics from The Social Elite.

PETRIE: It’s a cage match! Anything goes!

MEARS: Attacking your opponents before the bell!

PETRIE: ANYTHING!

The Social Elite turned their attention to Erika and set her up for the Silver Spoon (Spike Double DDT) and they nailed it. Erika was laid out and Summer immediately covered, with Angel sitting on her back! 1..2..! Nicky flew across the ring and broke up the pin.

The Mean Girls screamed with frustration as Tiffany and Mercedes paced around the ring. Mercedes was still live streaming and providing her own commentary as Nicky gathered Summer up and planted her with a flatliner! Nicky couldn’t go for a cover because Angel blasted him with a running knee to the side of the head.

MEARS: I don’t think that there is any team better at skirting the rules in OATH.

PETRIE: Skirting!? Because they are women? MEARS: You know that’s not what I meant.

PETRIE: I don’t know anything!

MEARS: You said it.

PETRIE: Fuck.

Angel helped Summer up to her feet and the two of them hoisted Erika up and attempted to run her face into the side of the cage like a battering ram but just before Erika’s face hit the cage she slipped off of their shoulder and hit both women with a dropkick that sent them face first into the cage wall!

Tiffany let out a scream! “Their perfect faces!” Erika fed Angel to Nicky who kicked Angel in the midsection and then lifted her up for a powerbomb. Nicky spiked Angel into the mat and Angel sat right up only to get hit with a shining wizard from Erika! Erika made a cover 1..2..! Summer jumped on top of them to break up the pinfall.

Nicky took hold of Summer as Tiffany tried to get their attention from the outside. The Crawfords didn’t fall for it and Nicky planted Summer with a twist of fate as Erika climbed to the top rope! Erika looked skyward and Nicky gave her a disapproving glance.

MEARS: She’s not going to do it...is she?

PETRIE: Of course she is! These Crawfords are poor as fuck and they want a money making moment.

Ignoring her brother, Erika started climbing the side of the cage. Once she reached the top she looked around the arena, took a deep breath, and then jumped from the top of the cage with a swanton bomb! Unfortunately, Angel pulled summer to safety and Erika crashed into the canvas.

Nicky went to check on his sister, who was almost convulsing on the mat. This distraction allowed Angel and Summer to take hold of Nicky and hit him with All About Us (Spike Package Piledriver)! Nicky was all alone and Social Elite tried to keep him down with another stacked pin! 1..2..!

MEARS: They nearly did it! Nicky barely kicked out of All About Us!

PETRIE: I’m pretty sure that was a three count!

MEARS: ...it wasn’t.

Unbelievable! Somehow Erika found the fortitude to get up and break up the pinfall and The Citadel exploded! Angel and Summer were irate, screeching at Erika but Erika responded by screaming right back! Nicky reached up and pulled Summer back with a small package that sent the back of her head right into the cage wall!

Both Tiffany and Mercedes tried to unlock the cage door but the referee on the outside wasn’t having it. Nicky placed Angel on the top rope and Erika climbed up there with her. Erika hit Angel with a frankensteiner from the top rope right into a cutter from Nicky! Call It A Day! Erika made the cover and the referee made the count. The audience drowned out Tiffany and Mercedes’ protests by counting along with the referee. 1..2..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners, Erika & Nicky, The Crawfords!

"The Final Episode (Let's Change the Channel)" by Asking Alexandria cued up and The Citadel cheered for The Crawfords! They had finally felled the Social Elite! The siblings embraced in the ring as Tiffany and Mercedes went ballistic outside the cage.

A bundled up James Edwards spied a magnificent Canadian sunset from The Citadel's parking lot. He tapped his foot and waited, not sure how much longer he could endure the cold.

EDWARDS: Let's give him another minute. Thanks for waitin' with me guys.

The camera crew responded with a mumbled response, one that made Edwards smirk.

EDWARDS: Y'all kiss any of your moms with those mouths, man?

The Burning Heart's opponent for the night walked into the frame.

DRACO: Got to love the respect they give us eh James? Sometimes this camera crew can be your worst enemy.

Edwards took on a more professional demeanor.

EDWARDS: Don’t worry about it, Johnny. Listen I’m gonna make this short and sweet. I asked a lot of you just to get to this point, more than I should have honestly, but I’m gonna ask one more thing.

DRACO: Oh yeah? What might that one thing be you want ask of me James? I have done everything you have wanted up to this moment. Yet there is only so much I can do for you tonight.

Edwards took a deep breath and sent a plume of white fog drifting into the Toronto dusk.

EDWARDS: No Tiffany tonight, just leave here in the back. I want this fight to be about who the better man is and the only way to do that is one-on-one. Will you promise me that’s the way tonight is gonna be?

DRACO: I can ask her to stay in the back but in the end Tiffany is a smart manager who works for the betterment of her clients. Which means, even if I was to ask her to do something like this she may not listen. It just wouldn’t be right of me not to share this moment with her if I win. However, in a way you might be right. This match should be about the better competitor. It shouldn’t encourage interference from people who aren’t me and you. So, you have my word I will at least promise to ask her not get involved.

Edwards looked relieved.

EDWARDS: Good.

He offered Draco his fist. At that moment Draco raised his fist to press it against the champion’s hand in front of him. A nod of respect being shared between the two, the men had grown to be great friends. Yet it would have to come down to only one of them being champion. A hard fought match between the two surely living up to the hype of the first. A night both men could find enjoyment in. The fact that Jonathan Cage wouldn’t be there to try stealing the spotlight -- it would mean that night the two competitors got the best of each other.

CRYBABY: The following contest is a Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the OATH Tabula Rasa Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 215lbs., Johnny Draco!

"Kumbaya" By Hopsin soon began to play over The Citadel’s Speakers. Johnny Draco walked out through the curtain and began Listening for a second to a mixture of their boos and chants for him. He crossed his arms in front of him and a second went by before a succession pyro shot up through the metal grating. Without his manager Tiffany Lynn Page, Draco made his way down the ramp and slapped hands with the willing fans before entering the ring to continue his warm up.

CRYBABY: And his opponent, from Lexington, Kentucky, weighing in at 208lbs., he is the OATH Pro Wrestling Tabula Rasa Champion, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards!

The house lights went down and the arena stayed black during the garbled opening guitar riff of "My Name is Human" by Highly Suspect, then, "Okay." Strobe lights moved with the easy beat of the song. James Edwards appeared at the top of the ramp with the hood on his ring jacket up. He took a few moments to survey everything before him. The hood went down with the opening lyrics. Moving with the meandering pace of the music, his eyes never left the ring and Johnny Draco. He lapped the squared circle, slid under the bottom rope and bows martial arts style to all four corners before settling into his own.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The two friends circled the ring and with each step they got a little closer to the center. The tension lifted when the two competitors locked up. Draco forced Edwards down into a headlock but Edwards shoved him into the ropes and then tested the waters with a roundhouse kick. Draco stopped short and back peddled a little bit.

MEARS: The story that we have seen develop between these two men has really been something. James wants to retain his title but he really sees something in Johnny Draco.

PETRIE: Draco needs to stop listening to Edwards and listen to Tiffany. She is an incredible manager and knows a lot more about this business than Jim Eddy.

MEARS: I highly doubt that.

The two came to the center of the ring again and locked up but this time Draco shot Edwards into the ropes with an Irish whip and caught him on the chin with a high angle flipping dropkick. Edwards dropped to the mat but instantly got up to a knee and clapped for his challenger.

Draco shot in on Edwards again and feigned a collar and elbow tie up. Edwards tried to defend against it but Draco unleashed a flurry of lightning quick blows to Edwards’ midsection. The champion tried to cover up but Draco was motivated and each shot was finding its mark.

MEARS: We’re seeing the boxing background of Johnny Draco shining through right now.

PETRIE: Damn for a striker Edwards is having trouble blocking these blows!

The Burning Heart retreated to a corner but Draco sprinted after him and hit a running back elbow. Draco whipped Edwards down to the mat and then lifted himself up to the top rope. With a quick deep breath, Draco came off the top rope looking for a diving elbow drop but Edwards caught his arm and countered it into a Fujiwara armbar!

The challenger was able to get to the bottom rope to break the hold and Edwards did not hold on to it. After releasing the hold Edwards darted toward the challenger but Draco hip checked him over the top rope to the floor! Edwards landed on his feet but seemed to tweak his perpetually injured knee.

PETRIE: There it is! That’s your opening Johnny! Edwards’ knee is always fucked up, you need to target it and that’s how you’re going to finally win this championship!

Edwards stumbled sideways and caught himself on the barricade but Draco flew through the ropes with a suicide dive. The combined weight of both men slammed into the barricade with Edwards taking the brunt of the impact. Draco gathered Edwards up and without a moment’s hesitation he planted Edwards with a brainbuster on the outside!

The referee exited the ring to check on Edwards after that nasty bump and Draco let him do just that. His friend was hurt and Draco had sympathy for that -- for a moment. Seemingly coming to the sudden realization that there are no friends in wrestling, Draco shoved the referee out of the way and applied a cobra clutch!

PETRIE: Cobra Clutch maggot!

MEARS: Maggot?

PETRIE: You know what I mean.

MEARS: I don’t. Perhaps I need bootcamp.

PETRIE: Okay that was brutal Mears. Jesus.

Draco had the hold locked in perfectly and the Tabula Rasa Champion was in deep trouble. Draco wanted the title so badly, he had wanted it for some time and he could see it within his grasp now. The referee asked Edwards if he wanted to quit and got an emphatic “NO!”

It was clear that Edwards’ fighting spirit was not going to allow him to submit, not just yet. He struggled and started to get out of the hold so Draco went to Plan B and planted Edwards with a Cobra Clutch Driver! The champion was laid out and Draco went about applying another submission.

MEARS: I have to say that I did not expect Johnny Draco to control the majority of this contest. He has really shown improvement over the last few weeks.

PETRIE: That is because of Tiffany, not because of Jim Eddy.

MEARS: He was not this good before he started working with Edwards.

PETRIE: It’s his desire to beat Jim Eddy that has helped him improve. Tiffany has molded him into a real contender!

The challenger took hold of Edwards’ arms on the floor and applied a double wrist lock. Edwards let out in pain as Draco wrenched on the hold but seeing his title slipping from his grasp, Edwards ripped his hands from Draco’s grip and cracked Draco with a rebound wheel kick!

The Burning Heart had gotten his much needed reprieve but the fans were booing! Booing! But why? Well Tiffany Lynn Page had taken it upon herself to ignore her client’s wishes and she was marching down the ramp toward the ring.

MEARS: Johnny Draco specifically asked Tiffany to stay backstage for this match.

PETRIE: She knows what is best for him. She is out here to share this crowning moment with him!

Tiffany reached the bottom of the ramp and she was armed with a champagne bottle. She moved to attack Edwards but he cut her off. Edwards asked her if this is really what Draco wanted and she simply said, “He wants the title! And he’ll get it!”. With those words Tiffany brought the bottle down like a warhammer but Edwards darted out of the way and the bottle smashed over Draco’s head!

MEARS: Oh no! Tiffany what have you done?

PETRIE: This is Edwards’ fault! He knew that this would happen! What a fuckin’ prick!

She could not believe it! Tiffany had just shattered a champagne bottle over Draco’s head! Edwards just shook his head, he did not want to win this way. The champion moved over to check on his challenger but Draco was blinded by the glass, the bubbles, and now his own blood. In his groggy state, Draco grabbed Edwards and forced him down to the floor with a surprise Lights Out Lock (Crippler Crossface)!

PETRIE: He’s still going to do it! He’s going to finally win the Tabula Rasa Championship!

It was all Draco could do, he would not fail again. Through the blood on his face and the glass that was all over the floor Draco wrenched back as hard as he could! But that proved to be his undoing because Edwards used that force to slip out of the hold and applied the Foxfire (Heel Hook)! There was no escape and Tiffany moved to help Draco but he shot her a look that said “Don’t”. Draco struggled, he tried to roll onto his side, but Edwards had perfected this hold and Draco had no choice but to submit.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and STILL OATH Pro Wrestling Tabula Rasa Champion, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards!

“My Name Is Human” by Highly Suspect kicked up but the champion did not celebrate. He had released the hold and was handed his title but he was disgusted with how all of this went down. Edwards limped up the ramp shaking his head as Tiffany did her best to apologize to her client.

Saturday, January 30th, 2021.

New York City.

Upper East Side.

The camera opened to OATH’s very own “Day One Pledge” and Intrepid Champion Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda sitting inside what was known as Dangerfield’s Comedy Club. The club was opened in 1969 on 1st Avenue and East 63rd Street by Rodney Dangerfield and Anthony Bevacqua. Over the years, it has hosted the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Bill Hicks, Chris Rock, Roseanne Barr, and Jay Leno. Unfortunately due to the events of 2020, the club had to close down. Matsuda placed her feet on the table as she sighed and shook her head. She’s dressed in her street clothes: a Run the Jewels shirt with blue jeans and a pair of Timbs.

MATSUDA: The late and legendary Rodney Dangerfield used to say “I don’t get no respect.” He used to echo those words throughout this establishment up until his final days. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, there are those who think you don’t deserve the accomplishments you’ve obtained. Like for example, Allen Chaney and his attack on me right after I won the Intrepid Championship. This is a man who thinks bullying me into a title match is going to work out for him in the end. You think your actions were the setup and beating me will be the punchline, huh? Well, I have a joke for you, sweets.

Stephanie picked up a glass of gin and tonic to take a sip.

MATSUDA: There was once a guy who thought he was untouchable. He walked around like he couldn’t catch these hands, that there wouldn’t be consequences to his actions. He thought he was the funniest guy in the room and the smartest guy in the ring. He thought he was the draw, that he was the most important snowflake in the world. But what he failed to understand was this…

Stephanie put down her feet and leaned forward.

MATSUDA: It’s winter and he fights in Canada - there’s snow everywhere! In other words, he’s just one of many snowflakes that exist on the ground...waiting to be stepped on!

Matsuda stomped her feet on the ground.

MATSUDA: Because that’s what happens to funny people who think they can’t get their head rocked! You go around just spewing enough bullshit until you believe the words that are coming out of your mouth. You think your own pedestal is a stage and the world is the audience laughing and applauding your every move. Well, Chaney, I think you got into the wrong line of work. You see, in this business when you call out the champ, they have to reply in kind. And if you fucked with said champ, there’s a little thing called “receipts”. If you get out of line, I get to dispense justice how I see fit. You see, you claim that nobody cares if I’m Intrepid Champion, but my multiple contracts in multiple places say otherwise. The social media activity and followers say otherwise. It seems like the only person who doesn’t respect me is YOU, Allen Chaney. But hey, I get it. Snowflakes don’t like to be overlooked. You and your kind want to be the center of everyone’s universe. But, here’s the thing. Being intrepid is about being fearless and adventurous. In other words, you can’t be a little bitch. What you did two weeks ago where you attacked me? That was a bitch move, sweets. Unfitting for a future Intrepid Champion if you ask me. But never fear, Chaney because I’m going to help you out with this ongoing issue of disrespect. What I need you to do is go online and sign-up for my OnlyHands account. That’s OnlyH-A-N-D-S for cats who need a lil bit of that “act right”. In the immortal words of Chris Rock, “ain’t nobody above an ass whooping”, and when I drive up to the Great White North, the only Northern Exposure that’s going to happen is the revelation of how much a fraud you are.

Stephanie took another sip from her glass.

MATSUDA: Set’s over. See you soon, sweets.

CRYBABY: The following…

Crybaby was cut off because the feed switched to backstage where Jonathan Cage and Finale were already going at it. The two were exchanging strikes back and forth until Cage got the upper hand and caught Finale with a Shadow Kick (Superkick) that sent him reeling into a wall.

CAGE: Rory. I have a surprise for you.

Cage gestured to someone off screen and then a young woman walked into frame, arms crossed, with a disappointed look on her face.

CAGE: It’s been a while hasn’t it? You two haven’t seen each other in well over a year...right?

Finale collected himself and his eyes went wide upon realizing who was standing before him.

FINALE: ...Ramona?

The woman was Finale’s ex-wife, Ramona Holiday. A former competitor in her own right, the woman known once as “The Wicked Witch” clocked her ex-husband with a stalling roundhouse kick that dropped Finale to the cement floor. Ramona fathered Finale up and lay him on a nearby table as Cage climbed up on top of some road cases.

CAGE: You should have stuck to announcing Rory.

And with that word Cage came off the road case and came crashing down on Finale and the announce table with Darkness Falls (Swanton Bomb)! The table snapped in half and Finale’s body with it (not literally). Cage needed a moment but he was helped to his feet by Ramona. Cage composed himself and smiled. He and Ramona took their leave with Finale out cold on the arena floor.

The scene opened up inside the Sweet Treat's locker room. Both Kallie and Alex had finished getting themselves dressed and ready for their big match. They smiled brightly at one another and Alex gave Kallie a playful shove.

ALEX: You ready?

Kallie nodded.

KALLIE: Yeah, I believe I am. I just have this..nervous energy thing going on.

That made Alex laugh.

ALEX: That's just a small case of nerves, you'll be fine. Just save it and use it out there. We are going to need it.

Kallie nodded and tried to shake herself loose a bit, bouncing in place.

KALLIE: Can you believe it? We are finally here! After all the crap we have gone through together, we've made it to this point. We just have to make sure we don't mess it up and lose focus so close to our goal.

Alex nodded big time, inhaling then letting it go, exhaling.

ALEX: I know! The OATH Tag Team Championships are so very close. Almost in our hands, all we have to do is secure that one more win. And this time, we don't have those icky Sweet Boys to distract us. We can do this. I know it!

They nodded to one another.

ALEX: This might just be the biggest match of our careers. But no pressure, right? Just gotta keep doing what brought us to the dance. Speed and grit.

Kallie smiled brightly.

KALLIE: Speed and grit. And playing it smart. Minoru and Tiggy won't make it easy. But we won't either. Sweet Treats for life!

This makes Alex laugh and nod in agreement. She brought her forehead up against Kallie's, looking her directly in the eyes.

ALEX: Sweet Treats for life.

And with that, the scene faded to black.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from Kansas City, Missouri, weighing in at 375lbs., “The Comedian” Allen Chaney!

The opening of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” played and after the quote from Richard Pryor “The Comedian” Allen Chaney emerged from gorilla. He looked around The Citadel a bit before walking to the ring with all the enthusiasm of someone who just clocked in at work. He climbed up on the apron and motioned to the ref to come over to him. He said something to the ref that we couldn’t hear over the music. The ref responded and Allen rolled his eyes. Chaney dismissed what the ref has to say with a wanking motion before entering through the middle and top rope, having a bit of a stretch and threw a few punches at the air before his music died down.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 132lbs., the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Champion, “The Day One Pledge” Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda!

"Oh La La" by Run the Jewels cued up and the fans exploded as “The Day One Pledge” stepped out onto the stage with the Intrepid Championship dangling from her shoulder. Matsuda walked down to the ring with the intense focus that she had come to be known for. Chaney sat on the middle rope and pushed the top rope open for Matsuda to enter. The champion opted to walk around the ring post and enter from the opposite side. Once in the ring Matsuda handed off the title and had her sights set on Chaney.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The twenty minute timer appeared on the tron and started counting down. Instead of having his eyes on his opponent, Chaney walked over to the side of the ring opposite the announce table and called out to Matt Mears -- the man that he brutally attacked a few weeks ago.

MEARS: I do not understand his fixation with me.

PETRIE: He’s a fuckin’ nut job. His sitcom failed and it broke him. Fuck you Chaney!

Mears did not give him a response and Chaney simply blew a kiss in the announcers’ direction. Chaney didn’t even seem to care that the match had started. Matsuda, not interested in being overlooked, approached Chaney only to eat a back elbow from The Comedian.

Chaney peppered Matsuda with some quick jabs to the midsection and then applied a side headlock. Matsuda did her best to fight out of it but Chaney ground her down to the mat. Chaney dropped some elbows onto the back of Matsuda’s neck and then positioned her in a camel clutch.

MEARS: The weight disparity between these two is…a lot.

PETRIE: He’s a fat fuck. Say it.

MEARS: I do not care for body shaming.

PETRIE: I do. He’s a fat fucking pig and I hope he dies soon.

Matsuda was able to push herself off of the mat just enough to crawl backward out of Chaney’s grip. Once up to her feet, Matsuda caught Chaney with a high flipping dropkick that sent him staggering into the ropes. Matsuda rushed Chaney but he lowbridged the top rope and Matsuda flew over onto the apron.

While on the apron, Matsuda grabbed the top rope and cracked Chaney with a gamengiri that sent him stumbling into the center of the ring. Matsuda called out to her supporters and then launched herself into the ring via a springboard and took Chaney down to the mat with a hurricanranna.

MEARS: Here is a masterclass in lucharesu from The Day One Pledge.

PETRIE: Tag Champion, Tabula Rasa Champion, Intrepid Champion -- Stephanie Matsuda has won sixty percent of the available titles in OATH. More than anyone else. This fat fuck is about to get a lesson in what championship calibre competition means in OATH.

In an effort to put some distance between himself and the champion, Chaney powdered out of the ring and fell back into the announce table. Realizing where he was, Chaney spun around and slammed his fists on the hood of the announce table, snarling. Both Bad Mood and Mears jumped and that earned a smirk from The Comedian.

Chaney turned to get back into the ring but Matsuda flew to the outside with a suicide dive! Chaney’s lower back slammed into the announce table and Matsuda started peppering his knees with alternating kicks! Chaney dropped to a knee and Matsuda went for another hurricanranna but Chaney stood up straight, pivoted, and slammed Matsuda down through the announce table with a powerbomb!

MEARS: Goodness me!

PETRIE: My beer! Fuck you Chaney I HATE YOU!

The champion lay in the rubble of the announce table and Chaney could not look more pleased with that result. The Comedian gathered Matsuda up and slipped her into the ring. Chaney looked back over at Mears and gave an antagonizing “Sorry!” before he rolled his ample frame into the ring under the bottom rope.

Chaney perhaps took too much time to catch his breath and Matsuda, being in much better physical shape, was able to surprise him with the Last Surprise (Sling Blade)! Both competitors were down, Matsuda still reeling from that powerbomb but she had the entire Citadel on her side. Matsuda pulled herself up using the ropes -- invigorated by the support she was receiving.

MEARS: Get him Stephanie! Put him in his place!

PETRIE: What do you always tell me? Be impartial!

MEARS: To heck with that. He needs to learn a lesson!

The Comedian was seeing stars as Matsuda charged in and blasted him in the face with a basement dropkick. Chaney stumbled around the ring and Matsuda hit him with another dropkick that slammed him into the corner. Chaney stumbled out of the corner and Matsuda rushed him again but Chaney blasted her with the The Set-Up (Short Arm Lariat)! Matsuda was turned inside out and Chaney quickly gathered her up and then planted her with The Punchline (Omega Driver)! The fans booed like you wouldn’t believe as Chaney made the cover and secured the three count with six minutes left on the clock.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and NEW OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Champion, “The Comedian” Allen Chaney!

“Shimmy Shimmy Ya” kicked up and the fans booed the shit out of Chaney as he was handed the Intrepid Championship. Chaney flopped it over his shoulder and then laid on the mat beside Matsuda. A bird’s eye view showed The Comedian laughing hysterically as he laid next to the former champion.

In the halls of The Citadel, we saw Minoru Tanahashi strolling along, decked out in his special entrance attire, helmet tucked under his arm. He waved to a few crew members, fists bump a few that are close by, slipped one a twenty, then he casually opened up one of the locker room doors and headed in, surprising Super Tiger as well as Volta. Volta leaped back slightly as Tiger quickly turned away from the camera and put her mask on. Minoru ran over and apologized. After a hard smack to the side of his head, Super Tiger straightened her mask, nodded, and smiled at her friend and tag team partner

SUPER TIGER: Well this is a first. We normally always have to find you. At least you’re not berating crew members or hanging out with strippers.

MINORU: Nope, saving that for after the show. The strippers part, not the berating crew members.

SUPER TIGER: Good, soooo, why are you here now? We already know the strategy, got our gear, figured we would do the usual and meet up just a little before we go out there.

Tiger and Minoru sat back down with Tiger still smiling as Minoru took a breath, looked up at her, and returned the smile.

MINORU: Here to talk. I know you had a rough night Friday. This isn’t a, “I wanna make sure your head is in the game” talk Tiggy. I know that when the bell rings, you will be good to go. This isn’t a match where we have to worry about our opponents scheming or cheating or any of that.

SUPER TIGER: No, and I am very happy about that.

MINORU: So am I. We do still need to be concerned, but at least it’s for different reasons this time. Hell if I would have waited a few weeks to pull my head out of my ass and agree to team with you, maybe it would be us challenging them tonight. They’ve been rising up the ranks right behind us for a while now.

SUPER TIGER: They have, but you said this meeting wasn’t about them.

MINORU: I did. I wanted to remind you of a very important thing. Before we became tag champions, before we became tag partners, we were friends. I know Friday didn’t go how you wanted. I watched the show Tiggy. So why not reach out? I know I am not your best friend or family, but remember I am always a call away, and if needed, I will be there as quick as I can. I have relied on you to talk me through quite a lot of shit, so don’t hesitate to make me repay the favor.

Super Tiger nodded, then stood and started to stretch.

SUPER TIGER: I will remember, but for now, we should focus on this match. Tag title defense three, and this may be the most difficult one.

Minoru nodded and stood as well.

MINORU: I actually feel kind of bad we’re gonna have to beat them. Especially the hot one.

SUPER TIGER: I am sure Alex will be okay.

MINORU: You mean Kallie, right?

Minoru and Super Tiger looked at each other for a second, both a bit unsure of how to respond. The tension was finally broken by Volta crunching a big piece of popcorn. They both looked to the third member of The SUPER KAWAII THUNDER LIGER SQUADRON! And just started laughing before Minoru gave him a little scratch behind the ear, then grabbed some of his favorite sports drink from back home out of the small cooler, tossing one to Tiggy along with a bag of sour Skittles, definitely hoping to get the sugar buzz rolling in the tiny stick of human dynamite that called herself Super Tiger.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the OATH Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, the challengers, at a total combined weight of 265lbs., the team of Alex Andrews and Kallie Reznik, The Sweet Treats!

"Hypa Hypa" by Eskimo Callboy blared over the PA system and the lights around the stage strobed pink and blue alternating colors to the beat. A few seconds later, out ran Kallie Reznik and Alex Andrews. This time wearing slightly different gear than their usual attire, Kallie wearing a red cut off top and her baggy shorts, with a belt dangling. Alex herself wore a blue cut off top and slightly longer cargo pants to her knees. The both of them wore fishnet arm sleeves, pink and blue colored. They were looking, dare we say, somewhat extreme. They bobbed to the music and went to opposite sides of the stage to bring the fans into it, trying to pump them up. Soon, they met back up at the middle of the stage, exchanged a knowing nod and a fist bump and headed toward the ring.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, at a combined weight of 345lbs., being accompanied to the ring by Volta, they are the OATH Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions, the team of Minoru Tanahashi and Super Tiger, the Super Kawaii Thunder Liger Squadron!

There was a sudden burst of lightning on the screen and in the arena as Bradio's "Flyers" started to play throughout The Citadel, the lights dimmed as the arena filled with fog. As it slowly dissipated, the members of SUPER KAWAII THUNDER LIGER SQUADRON rose up from below the ramp with rainbow colored lights flashing along to the music. As the platform reached the top of the ramp, several bursts of pyro fired off and they did their team pose.

Tanahashi, Tiger, and Volta headed down to the ring, high fiving and fist bumping a few fans as Volta sort of danced towards the ring. Volta was put on the apron as Tanahashi and Tiger each picked out a fan to give a replica mask to. Tiger then rushed the ring and slid in under the bottom rope right beside Volta, giving him an ear scratch as she passed by while Tanahashi hopped up onto the opposite side, wiped his boots and stepped inside. Tiger went to one corner with Tanahashi going to the other as Volta stood in the middle. They posed once more as rainbow pyro shot off and t-shirt cannons launched out a few SKTLS shirts into the crowd.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

All four competitors were in the ring and they met in the middle. After a moment of reluctance, the champions extended their hands. The challengers each cocked an eyebrow before sharing a nod. The handshakes were accepted and once released they all tee’d off on one another. Strikes were exchanged back and forth before Sweet Treats got the upperhand!

Kallie shot Tiger into the ropes and Alex did the same to Minoru -- or at least she tried to. Minoru was able to reverse the momentum and followed Alex into the ropes, taking her over the top to the floor with a clothesline. Tiger pushed off the middle rope with a springboard and took Kallie down with a moonsault.

MEARS: This may be the biggest OATH Tag Team Championship Match we have ever witnessed. Who do you think comes away with the titles tonight Bad Mood?

PETRIE: Fucked if I know. I’m not a fan of either particular team but fuck me if they aren’t both world class tandems. I can’t call it, really can’t.

Tiger gathered Kallie up and sent her into the ropes with an Irish whip of her own! On Kallie’s return Tiger leap frogged over her and Kallie ran right into a belly to belly suplex from Tanahashi. With Kallie prone on the mat, Tanahashi called to Tiger and the latter took off toward her partner. Tanahashi popped Tiger up into the air and she came crashing down on Kallie with a frog splash! Tiger covered but Alex was back in the ring to break up the fall.

Tanahashi tried to engage Alex but she caught him on the chin with a dropkick that put Tanahashi down and saw him roll under the bottom rope to the outside. Tiger surprised Alex with a reverse waist lock but Kallie yanked her away and Sweet Treats levelled Tiger with Double Elysiums (Double Running Bicycle Kicks)!

MEARS: Sweet Treats are rolling! The tandem offense so far has been spectacular!

PETRIE: These combinations -- how do these teams come up with this shit?

MEARS: Video games?

PETRIE: Fucking video games.

Alex took her place on the apron as Kallie attempted to keep Tiger grounded on the mat with a front chancery but the firecracker Tiger fought up to her feet and shoved Kallie into the ropes. On Kallie’s return Tiger caught her with a high roundhouse but Kallie fell backward into the ropes and Alex was able to make the blind tag.

Alex vaulted over the top rope but Tiger caught her with a high flipping dropkick to stun her and then put her on the mat with a hip toss. Tiger took off for the ropes and came back with a basement dropkick to Alex’s face and was quick to cover. Alex kicked out and roughly half the fans sighed.

MEARS: For my money Super Tiger is the most underrated talent in all of OATH.

PETRIE: Yeah I mean I used to think that Tanahashi was weighing her down but their run so far has proved me wrong. Helluva team. Good champions.

MEARS: What has happened to you Bad Mood?

PETRIE: Mid-life crisis. I don’t fuckin’ know.

Tiger gathered Alex up and tried to lead her over to the SKTLS corner but Alex pulled Tiger into a belly to back suplex! Tiger landed high on the back of her neck but was right back up to her feet out of instinct only for Alex to plant her with Broken Wings (Backstabber)! Alex made a cover but Tanahashi slipped into the ring and kicked her in the back of the head to break up the fall.

Before Kallie could get into the ring, Tiger and Tanahashi hit Alex with a double hip toss and then when Alex sat up SKTLS blasted her in the mush with a double superkick. Tiger tried to cover but Kallie had made her way into the ring and she came down on Tiger’s back with a mushroom stomp and stepped off of Tiger’s prone body to crack Tanahashi with a step up enziguiri that caught him right in the left ear! Tanahashi dropped and found himself draped across the middle rope.

MEARS: The Black Lion finds himself in a bad way right here!

PETRIE: For all of his bullshit Tanahashi loves this company and loves being a champion. Too bad that it looks like he’s about to leave without his title.

Kallie helped Alex to her feet and she could be heard saying softly to her partner, “Speed and grit.” The two shared a nod and then took off toward Tanahashi, hitting him with stereo tiger feint kicks! Tanahashi was shot onto his back. Alex held both of her hands cupped in front of her, Kallie put a foot into Alex’s hands and was then propelled up into the air and came crashing down on Tanahashi with a moonsault!

Sweet Treats played to the crowd after that incredible move but Tiger came out of nowhere and hit both of them with a double dropkick! Kallie was sent through the ropes to the outside but Alex fell forward throat first into the top rope! Alex staggered back and soon fell victim to Tiger’s Spicy Dragon Roll (Hammerlock Eat Defeat)! Tiger made the cover and nearly got the three count but Alex kicked out at the last second!

MEARS: How many near falls are we going to see in this contest?

PETRIE: It’s like Dragon versus Macho in there right now.

MEARS: Are we allowed to mention them?

PETRIE: Mention who?

The Black Lion was now back in his corner and Tiger made the tag that she desperately needed. SKTLS went back on the attack, gathering Alex up. Tanahashi called out to Tiger, “Squadron Maneuver Number Seven!” and then set Alex up for a powerbomb. Tiger climbed to the top rope and came off with a meteora as Tanahashi completed the powerbomb. Tanahashi covered Alex and the referee made the count. 1..2..! Kallie was back in the ring just in the nick of time to break up the fall.

Kallie sent Tiger sailing over the top rope onto the apron and when Tiger tried to re-enter the ring Kallie blasted her with Elysium (Running Bicycle Kick)! Tiger flew backward off the apron and slammed into the barricade. Alex was back to her feet and exchanging blows with Tanahashi when Kallie hit him with a chop block. With Tanahashi on one knee Sweet Treats hit him with stereo superkicks!

The Wolfcub was quick to get back on the apron so that Alex could make the tag. Kallie was quickly back in the ring and she hit Tanahashi with a sliding dropkick to the face! Tanahashi was positioned diagonally on his back in front of a turnbuckle and Kallie hoisted herself up to the top rope and suddenly came crashing down on Tanahashi with Split The Styx (Split-Legged Moonsault)! Kallie hooked his leg and the referee made the count. 1..2..! Half The Citadel groaned in disappointment as Tanahashi just barely kicked out.

MEARS: I do not know how much more of this our fans can take! These teams are so evenly matched! This contest could end at any moment.

PETRIE: I’ll admit it, I don’t want it to end. This fuckin’ rules.

Her resolve was unflinching. Kallie applied a front chancery to help her get Tanahashi up to his feet but he broke her grip and hit her with a thumb to the eye! The audience en masse booed and Tanahashi just shrugged, saying “Gomen’nasai!” to Kallie. That moment of regret lasted for about two seconds before he levelled Kallie with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat)! Instead of covering, Tanahashi dragged Kallie over to the SKTLS corner and tagged in Tiger.

PETRIE: Haha! I didn’t think that I’d ever really pop for something that Minoru did but here we are!

Super Tiger vaulted over the top rope as Tanahashi tied Kallie up in the Keimusho Saifu (Paradise Lock). Super Tiger called out “Megasandāroketto!” and SKTLS hit Kallie in the rear end with a double shotgun dropkick! Super Tiger immediately pounced into a cover and the crowd counted along with the referee. 1..2..! Alex was swiftly in the ring to break up the fall.

MEARS: Goodness me! Who is going to win this match?

PETRIE: These fans Mears. They are winning.

Tanahashi rushed Alex but she low bridged the top rope and Tanahashi flew to the outside...again. Alex took hold of Super Tiger and lifted her up for a powerbomb of her own. Alex took a few steps as Kallie hopped over the top rope, landing on the apron. Alex sent Tiger crashing into the corner with a buckle bomb as Kallie caught Tiger in the back of the head with a gamengiri!

MEARS: Tiger is rocked! Sweet Treats are closing in!

Tiger was still vertical but she was out on her feet when Kallie was back in the ring and along with Alex they put Tiger down with Candy Land (Thunder Express)! Tiger was out and Alex made the cover. 1..2..! Tanahashi just made it back into the ring to break up the fall but Kallie was there to immediately hit him with a poisonrana that propelled him right into a backdrop driver from Alex!

MEARS: Are you kidding me? How did Alex just do that? Tanahashi has nearly one hundred pounds on her!

PETRIE: Momentum. Technique. Wrestling. Who cares? It happened.

Minoru was down and Super Tiger was left all alone with Sweet Treats. Alex hit Super Tiger with the Broken Wings (Backstabber) that sent her right into the Threads Of The Morai (Eclipse) -- The Skittle Scramble! Tiger’s eyes were closed, she was prone on the canvas, and Alex made the cover. Kallie stood guard and the crowd counted along -- 1..2..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners and NEW OATH Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions, Alex Andrews & Kallie Reznik, The Sweet Treats!

Sweet Treats sat there on opposite sides of the ring in shock for a moment. As the ref handed them the OATH Tag Team Titles, they found each other, and gave each other the biggest hug, almost on the verge of tears (but not quite). They held up the titles to one another in disbelief and just smiled wide. From there they managed to get to their feet and found the nearest turnbuckles to raise their titles high above their heads as they hyped the crowd even more.

MEARS: Sweet Treats have reached the top of the mountain! Through all of the trials and tribulations that they have faced they are now the OATH Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions!

The new champions came down from their respective corners and found Tanahashi comforting Super Tiger. The former champions stood and this time it was Sweet Treats who were there to extend their hands. Disappointed, upset -- SKTLS accepted the show of respect. Tiger and Tanahashi raised Kallie and Alex’s hands and the fans loved it. Fucking loved it.

There was a faint click heard and then a bit of flame illuminated the screen, showing full teeth inside of a blood-red maw. The flame went out and a few small lights came on overhead revealing the mask of Matt Shields as he sat inside a small room on a simple black folding chair. He was clad in a pair of black patchwork wrestling tights and a dingy blood, paint and who knows what else splattered spiked shredded straight jacket. He raised the mask and smirked as he flicked the lighter on again.

SHIELDS: Hey war princess, do you like watching me play with my Bic?

He laughed and stuck his tongue out, then made a rather vulgar motion with the said tongue as he thrusted his hips forward. He then pushed the jacket off his shoulders, sitting there shirtless as he grabbed a cigar and lit it up.

SHIELDS: Is this triggering your daddy issues with Ojima? The difference is that I don’t smoke the cheap pieces of shit he does, and Blanche loves me. She’s just angry because you kept us apart. I’m a generous man though. I will give you the chance to call this off. All you have to do is not walk out when your music plays. You don’t come out, I will know that you have realized Reo Ojima and ONI mean nothing, I am the only rightful number one contender, and that you have decided there’s a better way to pay me back for the atrocities you have committed upon me. If you do come out though…

Shields shook his head, then took the cigar and put it out on the palm of his hand. He forced himself to hold a fist until it started to bleed a bit.

SHIELDS: I will make you suffer like you never thought possible. See I can burn myself, I can do this...

He raised the lighter, flicked it on, and put his hand right over the flame.

SHIELDS: This is nothing compared to the agony I have suffered for the last 84 days. I thought that perhaps giving her a beautiful display of violence and securing a big win against one of her former captors would possibly revive her feelings for me, but she has continued to ignore me. Until I have set right the wrongs inflicted upon both of us that night, I can never hope to have her attention. If you come out there tonight, you have decided to answer for your crimes with your blood, your flesh, your life, and your fucking soul. I will burn you to the fucking ground. When we are finished, the citizens of Pompeii will come back from the fucking dead, just to feel pity for the horrible way in which your existence was extinguished.

He blew the fire out, then grabbed the kendo stick with his scorched hand, he lit it on fire and started laughing as he waved it around like a madman.

The show went to an unknown location backstage. Leah Aguero was sitting near the bottom steps of a dark stairwell. The inevitable encounter between Matt Shields and Leah was just around the corner and she was ready for a fight.

AGUERO: Matt Shields, you started this months ago when you thought you were the big dog. You thought you could do what no one else could and that’s end the record long reign of Reo Ojima as OATH World Champion. Whether I was involved or not, you wouldn’t be able to do it. Whether FM Young was involved or not, you wouldn’t be able to either. In this business you’re either at the top or you’re sitting on the sidelines being a dreamer. All you are is a dreamer, Shields. You had no right to even challenge Reo for his title. Still, because our champion is an honorable and gracious champion, you were granted a title shot. You lost, you were done, you went to the back of the line where you belong. That’s where you should have stayed.

Leah looked down at her arm and wrist which was still heavily bandaged from the fire Matt Shields started a few weeks back.

AGUERO: But no, Shields. You’re a lot dumber than I thought. What you couldn’t accomplish in 2020 you took aim to follow suit in 2021. Clock struck midnight and you were right back at it trying to coerce your way into the title picture. After months of keeping quiet, you were back at it trying to start shit on Twitter with ONI. How foolish of you. You’re the one that started this, Shields. You’re the one that didn’t know your rightful place. You are not on the same level as Reo Ojima so I took it upon myself to remind the world that you don’t belong. Ever the moron, you still didn’t learn your lesson. You’ve always got to try to play a game of one upmanship don’t you. Now I wear the scars of your biggest mistake.

Leah began to unwrap her wrist and hand, revealing her still healing wounds a deep red, slightly scarred.

AGUERO: You think you’ve got me, Shields? You think you have an advantage because you “do shit like this for fun”? Shields, you insult my intelligence. You wanted this match and yet you know not what you speak of. I suggest you go back to your rightful place in line before you end up hurt. You think I’m scared of a little fire, Shields? Need I remind you that you won’t be the first person I toss to the flames. Finale thought he was ready to fight the Queen and he ended up getting tossed straight into the fire.

Leah raised her burnt hand in front of the camera and drew it tight into a closed fist.

AGUERO: You’re driven by some false prophecy of getting your “Blanche” back. I’m not even going to entertain your wild eyed misguided fate of reuniting yourself with an inanimate object that you never held before. I’m sure there’s more of a story there but quite frankly… I don’t give a fuck what your dim witted mind conceives to give you purpose. The truth of the matter is you don’t matter. Not one bit. You’re nothing more than a means to an end. You are a pest to ONI. A pest that needs to be eliminated. Reo told me it was time to prove I’ve still got it. You see, the old man isn’t going to be around forever. He’s getting up there in age and the inevitable retirement could be looming sooner rather than later. That’s why this match literally has nothing to do with you, Shields. You concoct this false visage to try and fill your false image but you’re nothing more than a pawn. You are nothing more than an example to be set. You asked for an Inferno Match. You got it. You demanded it be to determine the next contender to the OATH World Title. You got it. You’ve signed your fate, Shield. You’ve marked your grave. I could give two shits about walking out the number one contender to Reo’s title because this match is about proving I got what it takes. It’s to show that when ONI encounters a pest, it can be dealt with swiftly and fiercely. My total annihilation of you, Shields, is nothing more than to prove that I have what it takes to assume command of ONI when and if Reo eventually retires. It will show that ONI will be left in good hands.

Leah looked down at her hand one more time before looking back at the camera. Even through her mask, a grin could be seen developing.

AGUERO: If you haven’t come to realize it just yet, I get things done by any means necessary. You picked the venue. You picked the stip. This is now your second chance of being relevant in OATH and, just like before, you’re about to be sent to the back of the line. I’ve only got one question left for you. Do you prefer medium rare? Or well done? Either way, things are about to become downright savage as I burn it all down.

Leah reached out to the lens of the camera with her hand, grasping the front and shoved it forcefully away as the scene cut back to the ringside area.

CRYBABY: The following contest is an Inferno Match for the Number One Contendership to the OATH World Championship. The only way to win this match is to set your opponent on fire! Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 132lbs., representing ONI, “The War Queen” Leah Aguero!

As the opening chords of “Killing In the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine echoed throughout The Citadel, smoke begins to billow out from the entryway. Leah Aguero emerged from out of the smoke with a black hoodie covering her face up. She paused at the top of the entrance ramp as the fans yelled out at her in disapproval of her disregard of everyone.

Eventually, she pulled back the hood and looked out at the crowd with her black ONI mask covering the lower half of her face. The faintest grin could be seen under the mask. She let the chorus of boos take over the building as she slowly walked down the entrance way toward the ring. Rolling into the ring under the bottom rope, Leah immediately sat down in the corner, letting her arms drape across the bottom ring ropes as she awaited Matt Shields.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, from Dallas, Texas, weighing in at 235lbs., “The Knightmare King” Matt Shields! The lights in the arena went black and stayed out for a good ten seconds until "Faith" by Ghost began playing. The gold lights started flashing to the beat of the song as smoke began rising up from the ramp. As the first verse began, Matt Shields stepped out and looked at the crowd. Shields pointed the kendo stick down at the ring as several large bursts of fire shot up on either side of him. He stalked down to the ring, carrying his kendo stick in his right hand, dragging it along the ramp behind him, while he had a balloon in his left hand. As he reached the bottom of the ramp, he let the balloon go, flying off into the rafters. He then went to the steps and slowly climbed them. He stopped as he got to the ring apron, went to the middle of the ropes, turned towards the crowd and pointed the kendo stick out at them before he wiped his feet and stepped inside. He went to the middle of the ring, hit the mat with the kendo stick and all the lights went out for a few seconds as the lyrics repeated.

I am all eyes

I am all ears

I am the wall

And I’m watching you fall

Because faith is mine!

As the bridge hit, the lights all came back on with an almost blinding burst as Shields stood with his arms outstretched in the middle of the ring. He handed off his kendo stick, Knightmare King mask, and ring jacket over to a production assistant before he turned toward Leah.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The lights in The Citadel dimmed once more and then the rigging that surrounded the ring burst into flames. Both competitors took a step away from the flames but Matt Shields opted to charge Aguero, smashing her in the ribs with his kendo stick.

PETRIE: Is he allowed to have that?

MEARS: The ring is on fire Bad Mood. I do not believe anything is off limits.

Leah had the wind knocked out of her and Shields placed the kendo stick across her throat, Shields threw himself backward and took Aguero down to the mat with a side Russian leg sweep. The flames jumped on impact and their was a collective sense of dread prevalent throughout The Citadel.

Aguero lay on the mat gasping for air, no doubt the fire surrounding the ring was eating up it’s fair share of oxygen. Shields put his kendo stick into the fire and it instantly went up in flames! Shields stalked toward Leah as she got to his feet and he tried to beat her in the head with it but Aguero kicked it out of his hand and it flew to the outside of the ring.

MEARS: It seems that Plan A has just gone out the window for Matt.

PETRIE: You think this guy doesn’t have Plans B through Z?

MEARS: I’m certain that he does and it fills me with worry.

With no weapon, Shields opted to use his own two hands to lay a beating on Leah and he did just that. A hard jab to the midsection doubled The War Queen over and Shields started hammering on her back, targeting her spine. Shields took Aguero down to the mat with a tiger suplex.

Pressing his knee into Aguero’s spine, Shields tried to push her face into the far. The War Queen fought and was able to turn onto her back, push her feet into the stomach of Shields and shoved him back. Leah kipped up but Shields met her with a boot to the midsection and put her on the canvas with a spinning neckbreaker.

MEARS: A master of neckbreakers. Do you think that will be the only one that we see tonight Bad Mood?

PETRIE: I fuckin’ doubt it. Shields love spamming neckbreakers.

Again Shields tried to drag Aguero over to the ropes and push her into the fight but Aguero kicked his head away, sprung up, and went for a leaping thrust ddt but Shields popped her up into the air and on her way down caught her with another modified neckbreaker.

The Knightmare King was dominating the contest and the fans decided that he deserved their support. Leah clearly didn’t. Shields hauled Aguero up and whipped her hard into a corner. The flames licked at Leah’s arms and she was quick to take a step forward. Shields darted toward her but Leah caught him with a drop toe hold that sent him face first into the middle turnbuckle.

PETRIE: Yeah! Get him War Queen! He’s gonna lose again to ONI.

MEARS: Is there really a winner in a match like this?

PETRIE: I guess not but there will be a new Number One Contender.

Leah pounced on Shields’ back and tried to push his face into the fire but Shields was far too powerful. She applied a rear naked choke in an attempt to keep him on the mat but Shields got up to all fours, then to both feet, and finally tossed all of his weight backward to crunch Leah into the canvas.

The Knightmare King went back on the attack, hefting Leah off the canvas. Shields grabbed her by the hair, shouting in her face, “You will NOT keep HER from ME!” and then set her up for Frailty (Ripcord Elbow) but on the come around Leah popped up and took Shields down with a hurricanranna! Shields was right up to a knee but Aguero came out of nowhere and destroyed him with an Axe Kick!

MEARS: Matt’s confidence got the better of him and Leah has exploited it. Now she needs to find a way to get the big man toward the fire.

PETRIE: This is such a fucked up match type but now seeing it live, I’m in love. It’s insane.

Shields was down and Aguero tried to drag him toward the ropes. It took some doing, given his size, but she slowly got him over to the bottom rope engulfed in flames. With his eyebrows starting to get singed, Shields shoved Aguero away. He retaliated with a step up enziguiri that staggered her but before she fell she caught Shields with one of her own! Both of them were down on the canvas as the fire raged around the ring.

MEARS: Both of them are down and the temperature in The Citadel is becoming very hard to deal with. I can only imagine how hot it is in the ring.

PETRIE: Bout to get a lot hotter...for one of ‘em.

The fans turned their attention to the ramp as ONI member King Kong Seto came down to the ring with a bottle of Woodford Reserve. A celebration? No! An evil plot! Shields was getting to his feet when Seto took a big swig of whiskey and spit it in Shields’ face through the fire! Shields was blinded and Leah was up to her feet.

The War Queen took two paces and nailed Shields in the side of the head with The Endgame (Punt Kick) and his face was sent right into the flames! The alcohol that coated his mug accelerated the fire and his face was engulfed! The referee immediately called for the bell as Shields began screaming in agony.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and Number One Contender to the OATH Pro Wrestling World Championship, “The War Queen” Leah Aguero!

Shields was screaming as the rigging was shut off and he was free to roll out of the ring. Shields extinguished the fire and collected his mask to cover his burns. He ran through the crowd, a trail of smoke following him. Leah, covered in sweat, did not celebrate but just watched as Shields disappeared into the guts of The Citadel.

CRYBABY: The following contest is your Brutalism Main Event and it is for the OATH Pro Wrestling World Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 235lbs., representing The Hell Realm, “The Chairman Of Chaos” Locke Helms!

"Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG started playing and triggered a mixed reaction from the audience. The man who made the World Champion submit a week ago walked through the curtain and had his eyes fixed on the ring. Locke Helms paced to the ring, Astaroth trailing behind him. Once in the ring Helms started warming up, readying himself for the coming war.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 210lbs., representing ONI, the OATH Pro Wrestling World Champion, “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima!

“The Real Man” by Seatbelts started playing as The Citadel lights took on a deep red hue. Reo Ojima came out onto the stage with the OATH World Championship strapped around his waist. His left shoulder was heavily taped, thanks to Helms’ Witching Hour from just a week ago. This being a case of the greater of two evils, the fans decided to boo Ojima. The old bastard didn’t give a shit, he just stomped to the ring as usual with King Kong Seto walking far behind him. Ojima took his time entering the ring and one might think that he was savouring the moment. He paid no attention to Helms but stared out into the crowd.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Reo Ojima handed off the OATH World Championship to the referee and we were set to start the contest. Neither man moved, they stood in their respective corners and gazed across the ring at one another. Helms tossed some inaudible phrases at the champion but Ojima didn’t flinch. Ojima walked the length of the ring and slapped Helms right in the face.

MEARS: Welcome to the main event, says the champion.

PETRIE: Locke Helms has always been a bridesmaid. Sure, he is a two time Intrepid Champion but he has never been able to succeed at this level.

MEARS: Reo Ojima has defeated Helms before, you have to believe Helms has that loss playing through his mind right now.

The Chairman Of Chaos checked his mouth for blood and then responded with a slap of his own. Ojima absorbed it and with a smile he went to deliver another slap but Helms kicked him in the midsection and immediately went for an arm wrench on the champion’s busted wing. Ojima fought out of Helms’ grip with a jab to the midsection and caught him with a European uppercut that sent Helms reeling into the corner. Ojima looked to follow that up with a running clothesline but Helms slipped through and applied a reverse waist lock.

Helms tried for a German suplex but the champion grasped the top rope. Ojima would not budge so Helms released his grip but that left him open to receive a mule kick to the stomach. Ojima blasted Helms with a roaring elbow that put Helms down on the canvas for the first time in this match. As Helms tried to get to his feet Ojima measured him for a spear. The champion took off from the corner but Helms sidestepped him at the last second and sent The Stone Gargoyle head first into the middle turnbuckle. Ojima stumbled backward right into a German suplex from the challenger.

MEARS: What will win this match Bad Mood? What strategy?

PETRIE: Fuckin’ resilience. These two are going to beat the piss out of each other and I think that it’s going to come down to who is tougher.

There was a mild cheer from the fans as Helms surveyed the scene and then pounced, trying to lock Ojima in an arm bar. The World Champion fought, hammering on Helms clasped hands and that was enough to break the hold. Ojima stood and tried to stomp on the grounded challenger but Helms rolled out of the way, kipped up, and the two were at a stalemate. Ojima mocked The Chairman Of Chaos with a round of applause but that didn’t fire Helms up, he remained neutral.

For the first time in this match the two men locked up but Helms was faster and he doubled Ojima over with an arm wrench and then dropped some well placed elbows into Ojima’s left shoulder joint. The champion was forced down to the mat and Helms beautifully transitioned into a Fujiwara armbar. Ojima looked panicked. King Kong Seto tried to will the champion on from the outside, even pushing the bottom rope closer to Ojima’s outstretched hand. Astaroth intervened by running up the ring steps, diving off the apron with a blockbuster that took Seto down.

PETRIE: Yeah it was only a matter of fuckin’ time before one of these two tried to get involved. I’m honestly surprised that Astaroth was able to level the big fucker.

Ultimately Ojima made it to the bottom rope but the damage inflicted on his left arm had it hanging by his side. A one armed man in an ass...punching contest. Maybe not. Anyway Ojima wanted to brawl with Helms, throwing some right hands but Helms easily evaded them and pulled Ojima into Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam)! The champion was down and the challenger made the first cover of the contest, only able to get a two count.

Ojima took refuge in the nearest corner but Helms kept up the pressure. He darted toward the champion and caught him with a running high knee in the corner. Helms shot Ojima across the ring to the opposing turnbuckle and charged in to hit him with a second high knee. CRACK, he connected. It was Helms’ intention to take Ojima out of the corner with a running bulldog but the champion found the strength to lift Helms’ up and launch him into the corner. Ojima had to be quick, and he was, he pulled Helms out of the corner and sent him backward overhead with a German suplex of his own.

MEARS: The champion is looking to mount his comeback. He may be a little long in the tooth, a little banged up, but Reo Ojima is a warrior. There is no doubt about that.

PETRIE: He’s held the championship for like seven months. He has turned away some of OATH’s best. Warrior is an understatement.

The Chairman Of Chaos was in a daze when he got back to his feet and he found himself staggering right into the Ojima Spinebuster! Helms was planted and Ojima rolled over into a cover, using his good arm to hook Helms’ leg but The Hell Realm member was able to kick out. Undeterred, Ojima hefted him up and used the top rope to rake Helms’ eyes before he situated the challenger in the corner. There, Ojima held up one hand and then laid into Helms with One Thousand Cuts (Multiple Slaps to the face and a discus clothesline to finish it up)! Helms landed hard on the back of his neck and Ojima covered again and again he could only get a two count.

The audience in The Citadel was not pleased. Ojima was starting to get on a roll and they feared that his championship reign was going to continue. Astaroth pounded on the ring apron, trying to motivate Helms but the challenger was groggy as all hell. Ojima used his good hand to raise Helms up to his feet and Helms met him with a knife edged chop! Reo responded with a headbutt and took Helms down to the canvas with an Ojima Suplex (T-Bone Suplex)! Helms was down again and it appeared that all was lost for the challenger. Ojima covered again but Helms got his foot on the bottom rope -- much to the surprise of… well… everyone.

PETRIE: Gotta hand it to Helms, he’s gonna go out on his shield.

MEARS: Are you invoking the name of a man we saw set on fire earlier?

PETRIE: Little wordplay yeah.

The champion was clearly frustrated now. He kicked the bottom rope near Astaroth’s face, causing the spooky luchador to retreat some. Ojima hefted Helms up yet again and positioned him over his shoulder, ready for the Last Call (Running Powerslam)! At the last possible second Helms slipped out of Ojima’s grip and sent him face first into the canvas with a full nelson legsweep! The audience came to life as Helms transitioned into the Witching Hour (Bridging Arm Triangle Choke)! The champion had nowhere to go!

King Kong Seto was up again and he ran over Astaroth with a body avalanche! Seto grabbed for the referee’s feet while Ojima fought as hard as he could in the hold but from the back came Adrestia Nyx and Ryan Terror! Terror spun Seto around, lifted him up and with Adrestia planted him with The Protocol (3D)! In the ring Ojima was fighting for his life, looking for any way out of the hold but Helms had it locked in tight. The referee was down on one knee, asking the champion if he wanted to quit but Ojima screamed “NO!”.

Toronto hated Reo Ojima. No doubt about that. But there were pockets of the crowd that were growing to respect his resilience. His fortitude. No one had survived in Helms’ Witching Hour this long. Helms’ resolve did not fade, he could see the World Championship before him. With one final jerk there was a SNAP! Helms had broken Ojima’s arm! The old bastard was out cold from the pain and the referee had no choice but to call the match.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and NEW OATH Pro Wrestling World Champion, “The Chairman Of Chaos” Locke Helms!

Shock. Genuine shock. After two hundred and three days, Reo Ojima’s reign as OATH World Champion was at an end. Dr. Evelyn Ernest and her team came to ringside as the referee awarded Locke Helms the World Championship title. Adrestia Nyx, Ryan Terror, and Astaroth all entered the ring to celebrate with the new champion.

Terror and Astaroth lifted Helms up onto their shoulders as he raised the World Title high in the air. The Hell Realm now controlled the biggest prize in OATH Pro Wrestling and Brutalism came to a close.

---

Results:

• The Crawfords def. Social Elite

• James Edwards def. Johnny Draco; Still Tabula Rasa Champion

• Allen Chaney def. Stephanie Matsuda; New Intrepid Champion

• Sweet Treats def. SKTLS; New Tag Team Champions

• Leah Aguero def. Matt Shields; #1 Contender to the World Title

• Locke Helms def. Reo Ojima; New World Champion