CONVICTION: HELL AND BACK

Episode XXXV Sunday October 11th, 2020 The Barlow Estate in Hamilton, Ontario

The new OATH signature played and then we switched to a dark night sky. The clouds slowly moved across the glow of the moon. Eerie sound effects can be lightly heard as the shot tilted down to show the sprawling palatial estate of The Barlow Family. A literal castle, the shots slowly fade into one another and we see the various areas where matches will take place this evening; the grounds at the back of the estate where a ring is set up for the I Quit Match, the Sharpe Family home in Calgary for our remote Tag Team Title Match, the Ballroom that is set up for the Bloodsport Match, the ring in the forest on the edge of the property, the front grounds with a ring surrounded by thirteen coffins, and lastly a ring has been erected in the great hall for 3 Stages of Hell.

We go to the announce table which has been set up at the back of the main house, ready for the first contest of the evening. The main mouthpiece of OATH Matt Mears sits behind the desk and he is in the full Halloween spirit as he is dressed in full pirate garb -- Captain Jack Sparrow. Ben Petrie on the other hand looked like he just woke up in a gutter, his clothes were tattered and he wore a top hat of which the top was cut out.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to a very special episode of Conviction -- this is Hell And Back live from The Barlow Estate here in Hamilton, Ontario. I am "Captain" Matt Mears alongside the boxcar jockey "Bad Mood" Ben Petrie!

Petrie did not respond right away and it gave Mears cause for alarm.

MEARS: Something wrong Bad Mood? PETRIE: Boxcar jockey?

MEARS: You are dressed as a hobo, correct? PETRIE: Why the hell would you say something like that? Mears is embarrassed. Clearly Petrie did not get the memo about costumes -- this is just how he has chosen to dress for the event. Mears tried to quickly move past the awkwardness.

MEARS: Tonight we have an incredible card for you wrestling fans. In the first contest we will see a long running feud (hopefully) come to an end as "The Sinner" AJ Jenkynx takes on "The Black Lion" Minoru Tanahashi in an I Quit Match! PETRIE: If Tanahashi's last few matches are any indication of what is going to happen tonight then we are going to see Jenkynx pick up his first big victory. But if you want to talk about big fucking victories, tonight Tabula Rasa Champion Meg "Hands of Steel" Coleman takes on the biggest test of her OATH career as she defends her title against "The War Queen" Leah Aguero in a Bloodsport Match!

MEARS: Following the brutal attack that Leah perpetrated on Meg last week, you have to wonder how good Meg's chances are in such a brutal contest. She has to be hurting but this is a massive opportunity for her. Another massive opportunity is one that "The Resident Asshole" Kasey Kash has secured for himself. FM Young was set to defend her championship against a different competitor here tonight but said competitor was released. So Young put out an open challenge and Kash answered the call!

PETRIE: I'm calling it right now -- we're gonna see a new Intrepid Champion. Kash knows how much this opportunity is worth and I think he's gonna get one over on Young. Much like The Mancini Syndicate, he is going to seize his opportunity. Viola has set up an amazing trap for The Runaways and although she has to go to Calgary to spring it -- it's going to work.

MEARS: It is your belief that the Mancini Syndicate is going to defeat The Runaways at their family home in Calgary -- in the Sharpe Dungeon -- to become Tag Team Champions? PETRIE: Absolutely. They are going to leave the CWA Tag Team Titles there but leave with the more important gold. Viola has some tricks up her sleeve, she has made The Runaways and Bert Cocaine think that they have the advantage but they for sure don't. Speaking of advantages, there really won't be any in the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal! MEARS: Certainly not. Thirteen wrestlers will compete in an over the top rope contest to determine the next challenger for the OATH World Championship. We know the eight OATH representatives but five are a mystery! Any idea who is here tonight Bad Mood? PETRIE: I know who all of them are! But I ain't sayin' shit because I'm no spoil sport. You know who is? The OATH World Champion Reo Ojima. He is about to spoil James Edwards' whole career when he beats him two straight falls in their 3 Stages of Hell Match! MEARS: It is a first for OATH Pro Wrestling as we will see a Submissions Count Anywhere Match, A Dog Collar Match, and potentially a Cage Match to see who leaves The Barlow Estate with the OATH World Championship.

PETRIE: This is definitely going to be our most unique show yet and I am ready to get fucking to it. What do you say Captain?

MEARS: I say yes -- let us begin!

Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda was seen walking the halls of the Barlow mansion, alone. The other “War Queen” of OATH had a look of concern on her face as she walked throughout the estate, in search of a specific someone. Matsuda was dressed in gym-ready clothes with a backward turned hat. She still had her duffel bag over her shoulder as she walked around. The camera followed Matsuda as she walked through the parking lot, the makeshift press area, near the production truck, and even around the Ballroom ring itself. As Matsuda was seen walking out of the temporary locker room without her bag, she stopped walking and looked at her phone. Shaking her head, Cloud sighs to herself.

MATSUDA: Cuz, where the hell are you?

Stephanie looked to her left and caught a glimpse of a woman walking around a corner.

MATSUDA: Hey! Leah!

Stephanie jogged around the corner and caught up to her. When she pulled the woman around, it turned out to be a woman from catering, whose dyed blue hair had given her a look similar to The Inevitable.

WOMAN: May I help you?

MATSUDA: Uh, sorry! Thought you were someone else.

The woman shrugged Cloud off and started walking away. Stephanie was left by herself and looked down at her phone one last time, hoping for a message.

MATSUDA: Leah where the hell are you?

Matsuda sighed once more and walks back into the locker room.

In the halls of The Barlow Estate, Minoru Tanahashi paced back and forth in front of what looked like a small museum or perhaps an armory. He didn’t enter, just sat there pacing in front of it. He was dressed to compete, but definitely not in his usual way. He had on simple black tights, dark red boots, his hair hung down with blood red tips. He wore a simple black sleeveless Black Lion Bomb shirt and he had no mask, although it looked like he had one in his hand. He stopped pacing and peered into the room. He stepped inside and turned to a large ornate suit of armor staring at him in the corner. He then noticed one in each corner, differing in appearance with each having an array of weapons by them. One wall held the Barlow Family crest and what he could only assume was a family sword. He admired the collection of weapons and artifacts from all around the globe, the suits of armor all bearing the family crest, but the weapons ranging from all across Europe, Russia, Italy, Greece, some going back in BC times, those locked away very securely.

Minoru turned away and went back to the hallway. He pointed over his shoulder behind him.

MINORU: It’s a very impressive collection they have in there. Obviously some made specifically for the family, but many of those are genuine artifacts or absolutely beautiful works of art. I appreciate history, especially being from a country so rich in it, especially when it comes to weapons. The katana, everyone knows that. Samurai are popular in all kinds of movies. Some of it’s a bit bastardized, but you know what, the samurai died a long time ago and people were entertained. I appreciate that they didn’t just have some random set of katana and a samurai armor set.

Minoru gave a slight chuckle, then stopped, walked away, turned down a hall, then came back about ten seconds later with a wooden training katana over his shoulder.

MINORU: Would have made me jealous that I can only use this one on AJ tonight.

Minoru slid the training sword onto his back and raised up a half mask designed like a golden lion’s skull, with a black horn sprouting from its ear and a ragged mane of blood red fur.

MINORU: Make no mistake about this AJ, tonight will be a war like you have never been through. We’ve already had our battles. Inside the ring, outside the ring, interfering in my damn matches, we’ve both attacked each other. I’ve definitely got the advantage, beating you twice already. But tonight, this all comes to an end. The battles are over, the war is won or lost tonight. Maybe this is the night you get the job done AJ. Maybe you’re able to find that next level, and finally be as good as I once thought you could be. Maybe you find it and it’s still not enough, but you push me to my absolute limit and at the end of the night when I offer you my hand, to say, good job kid, you accept and know I’m not gonna attack you, and I expect the same from you.

Minoru stopped, took a deep breath, cracked his neck and slightly smirked.

MINORU: But AJ, you unleashed this lion. You brought out Jigoku no raion.

Minoru looked ahead as his smirk grew, and he slightly growls before marching ahead with clear purpose.

I QUIT MATCH

AJ Jenkynx vs. Minoru Tanahashi

Just a little ways behind the Barlow “castle” a ring was set up on the grounds, no padding around it, no commentary table or barricades to block the fans, just a ring, a referee and Minoru Tanahashi staring down AJ Jenkynx as he walked towards the ring with an arrogant swagger. Tanahashi stared straight ahead, his usual swagger replaced with cold determination. He hasn’t removed his mask or his shirt and he carries the wooden training katana with him.

MEARS: I fully expect this contest to be quite brutal Bad Mood.

PETRIE: Yeah on the part of Jenknyx. I don't think Tanahashi has it in him.

MEARS: Oh I wholeheartedly disagree.

As Jenkynx started to get a bit closer, Tanahashi jumped out of the ring, charged toward him and drove the wooden sword into his midsection. Tanahashi slammed the katana across the back of AJ causing the big man to stumble forward a bit. Tanahashi charged again, but this time he swung low, and drove the large red oak sword into the knees of AJ, bringing the bigger man down. Tanahashi took the Bokken and started choking AJ with it as the ref was yelling at the to get in the ring. Once AJ started to cough and a bit of spittle came out of his mouth, Tanahashi released the choke, grabbed AJ by his hair and started leading him toward the ring as he looked down at his rival.

MINORU: You did this AJ. You brought out Jigoku no raion.

MEARS: It seems that Minoru came to make a statement here tonight.

PETRIE: He doesn't really have a choice. Guy hasn't won a big match since he lost the Livewire Championship at Event Horizon II.

Tanahashi slung AJ into the ring, then went over to the steps, slowly walked up them, stepped onto the apron, wiped his feet and steped inside. AJ caught Minoru with a superkick as he entered the ring, but then went down to a knee. Both men slowly got to their feet and met right in the middle trading forearm shots. AJ couldn't get as much behind them because of his knees, but he kept firing and started to get the upper hand until Minoru delivered a hard kick to his left knee. Tanahashi followed with a few hard chops, then took AJ up and over with a snap suplex. Minoru floated over, but he doesn’t go for a pin obviously.

MEARS: I have to say that I am somewhat surprised that Minoru is dominating this contest.

PETRIE: He's finally showing some balls! I've wanted to see his balls for a long time.

MEARS: ...

PETRIE: You heard me.

Instead he brought AJ up to his feet, delivered a European uppercut and then grabs the leg. Minoru looks for a dragon screw, but AJ manages to push Minoru off into the ropes and then delivered a big spinning heel kick as Tanahashi returned. Minoru was rocked and Jenkynx pulled him in, then delivers some Wicked Sins. Unfortunately for AJ, it might have hurt him just as much as it did Minoru with the landing right on the knees. AJ tried to shake it off and rolls outside. He raised the ring apron and smirked as he pulls out a table, several chairs, a couple of kendo sticks and a trash can with all sorts of weapons.

PETRIE: Oh yeah here we go!

MEARS: The toy chest has opened!

AJ tossed the kendo sticks and a chair in, then pushes the table inside. AJ grabs one of the trash cans and slings the contents inside the ring, littering the canvas with a stop sign, a metal pipe, two more kendo sticks, a burlap bag, and four cookie sheets. AJ takes the trash can and looks to roll it into the ring, but Tanahashi is up and hits a baseball slide right into the trash can, crushing the metal bin between his feet and AJ Jenkynx’s chest.

MINORU: I am going to make you quit, bitch.

AJ was on wobbly legs, but not for long as a suicide dive from Tanahashi took Jenkynx off his feet. Tanahashi still had his mask on as he grabbed AJ by his hair and laid into him with three rapid heabutts. Tanahashi grinned as he pulled AJ up again and started hauling him toward the ring. Tanahashi slung AJ into the ring and again went to the steps, slowly walked up, moved along the apron to the apron, wipes his feet and stepped inside just in time to catch a stop sign right to the face. Tanahashi was rocked and AJ hit him with the large metal sign again, denting and bending it. AJ tossed it aside, looks down at the chairs he had thrown into the ring and smiled.

PETRIE: Explain to me why there is a stop sign under the ring.

MEARS: I literally can not.

PETRIE: More like won't.

AJ pulled Tanahashi to his feet and then planted him right on the chairs with The Bitter End. Tanahashi let out a low scream as his back collided with the steel and AJ quickly told the ref to ask him if he quits. Minoru didn't say anything, instead he looked up at AJ and flipped him off, then ate a low superkick. AJ looked around at some of the weapons and nodded. He grabbed the table and sets it up near one corner, then grabbed the other trash can and wedged it into the opposite corner. AJ sets up the stop sign in the middle of the ring then placed the cookie sheets on the table. He grabbed one and smashed it across the face of Tanahashi as The Black Lion slowly got to his feet. Tanahashi is rocked as AJ tosses the bent cookie sheet, grabs another and again drives that into the face of Tanahashi. A second cookie sheet was destroyed with the force AJ was using to drive them into the face of Tanahashi. AJ grabbed a third and this broke in half as he slammed it against the skull of Tanahashi. The Black Lion slumped down and AJ started to get a little cocky, kicking his rival in the head before he grabbed the burlap sack.

AJ: Only one bitch in this ring right now Tana. You said I did this, remember you asked for this match.

PETRIE: Alas, Tanahashi is doomed to fail again.

AJ went over to the table and dumped out the contents of the bag, hundreds of metal tacks, all over it. AJ signaled for the end and grabbed a now bloody Minoru. He looked for the tiger driver, but Minoru broke it, grabbed one of the kendo sticks that wass nearby and used it to deliver a low blow. Tanahashi then whipped AJ into the corner he had wedged the trash can in. As AJ stumbled forward, Minoru cracked the kendo stick over his head, busting The Sinner open. Tanahashi then hits Kabukicho Nights, following through to drive AJ down onto the bent stop sign, flattening it back out. Tanahashi slowly got to his feet, looked at the table with the tacks on it and started to laugh.

MEARS: The Black Lion seems primed to make a statement.

PETRIE: Good! Let's see those balls.

MEARS: You have to quit with that.

Tanahashi pulled AJ up by his hair, powered him up and drove him through the table with the Black Lion Bomb. The ref was quick to come to AJ, asking The Sinner if he wanted to quit, but AJ slowly looked up at Tanahashi and now it was his turn to flip off his rival. Tanahashi smirked and laughed at that, then hits a sliding version of Akihabara Dreams. With Jenkynx's back looking like a pin cushion, Minoru grabbed the chair and slammed it down across AJ’s bloody back. He then slammed it down right on to his knee, going back to his earlier focus. Tanahashi took the chair and wrapped it around the knee of AJ, went to the apron, then climbs the ropes. Before Minoru went to the top rope he looks down at AJ.

MINORU: Quit now and I won’t end your career.

AJ: FUCK YOU BITCH!

AJ was still defiant, despite lying in the wreckage of the table and tacks, a chair wrapped around his leg that he couldn't even removeand every movement caused him to wince in pain. Tanahashi shrugs and leaps off the top rope with the Osake Bomb, landing right on the chair he had wrapped around AJ’s leg. AJ screams out in pain as Tanahashi winced from the landing. AJ clutches at his leg, writhing in pain as Tanahashi slowly got to his feet. The ref was asking AJ if he wants to quit, but The Sinner shook his head no.

MEARS: You have to admire the resilience of AJ Jenkynx! PETRIE: It's gonna take a lot more than this to make The Sinner quit!

MEARS: I am inclined to agree!

Tanahashi stomped on the mat in frustration, grabs the wooden training sword and slammed that down onto the chair and more importantly, AJ’s knee. Tanahashi swung down again an AJ is almost passed out in pain. Tanahashi went to the middle rope, dove down and slammed the wooden sword into the chair, breaking it in half and elicited another scream form AJ as he suddenly sat up, wincing and clutching his leg. Tanahashi removed the chair, grabbed AJ’s leg and applied the Highball Hangover, right in the middle of the ring. AJ’s face showed the intense pain he was in as he tried to crawl towards a rope, but every movement ended with another tack stuck into his body. The ref looked down at AJ and he started to nod.

AJ: I quit!

The words came weakly and very quiet, but clear enough as the ref signaled for the end and waves the match off. Tanahashi released the hold and rolls to the ropes, using them to get back to his feet.

Winner: Minoru Tanahashi

Tanahashi finally removed his mask and looked down at AJ. AJ slowly sat up and tried to stand, but his knee just completely buckled and staff were called to help him. Tanahashi walked over and the ref tries to stop him, but he held his hands up and then simply offered AJ his.

MINORU: Shake my hand like a damn man this time. You earned it.

AJ was obviously not happy about the ending of the match, but he gave a slight head nod and then aggressively shook Tanahashi’s hand. Tanahashi gave him a slight head nod in return, then exited the ring as people have come to help AJ.

Numerous black Escalades trek through the wilderness of a forest in Calgary, as Viola Mancini and Janica Jayden were in the backseat of one of them while. Viola checked her contacts to confirm that the money was on site.

VIOLA: Well, they may be more cooperative than I thought. That's a lesson for you... always strike at what's closest to them.

She said flatly to Janica. The two were a very odd couple pairing, Viola was obviously the financier of the two and dressed the part. Janica was more modest, wearing flannel and leathers, given her biker roots.

JANICA: We shouldn't even be agreeing to this...

She said, as Viola scowled to her.

VIOLA: That's the problem with you. Yes, they are our enemy, but, there's also a code of honor to business... Obviously, you never have been around a proper family who believed in one... Maybe they wouldn't have left you to rot if they did...

Viola said, striking low, as Janica scowled at her and gave her a spiteful look.

VIOLA: Oh? Would you rather spend the next fifteen years behind bars? Because last time I checked, not only do I pay your salary, but, I gave you a second chance. I needed your wrestling expertise as a bodyguard, and so far, you've let me down time and time again...

She replied coldly, as Janica would ease up, given Viola had power over her.

JANICA: You're right... I'm going to make things right for us.

VIOLA: Good. I knew you were special, not some typical backwater trash like everything else that comes out of Georgia. Tonight, you're going to help me collect the OATH Tag Team Titles, and our assets will double, as well as our revenue. It's time for us to expand, and we'll have the numbers if they try anything funny.

Viola said, explaining why they have an entourage of other vehicles around them.

JANICA: Hmm. Guess you're scared of their family threatening yours.

VIOLA: Precisely.

Viola replied, as Janica meant it as an insult, but, she was going to spin it as wisdom.

VIOLA: Fear is a powerful force, that can bring people to their knees, as well as an intuition that can keep you two moves ahead of your opponent. After all, watching you fail to beat the Runaways the first time led to me taking these old things as collateral to ensure I'm not knocked back down again.

Viola said, patting a briefcase which held the CWA Tag Team Titles. She was honest on her end about the deal.

JANICA: This still feels like a lose-lose situation.

She said, knowing there was going to be hell to pay in the Sharpe's dungeon, whilst Viola tried to calm her down.

VIOLA: It may be their turf, but, they can't bring a lot of their tricks. After all, their family cannot interfere with the fight, else they forfeit. It may be a gamble, but, I'm stacking the deck in my favor as much as I can. I'm not leaving this home empty handed, and you're not going to fuck up again, capiche?

She said angrily, as her driver knocked on the window that separated them, and opened it.

DRIVER: Ey! We're almost here.

He said smacking his mouth while eating a meatball sub, as Viola was repulsed by it.

VIOLA: Yeah, thanks...

She said closing the window and quipped.

VIOLA: Fat guido fuck... disgrazia.

She said with a scowl, as the cameras faded out before their arrival.

BERT: Prestige. Glorious. National Treasures. These are just a few of the words used to describe The Sharpe Family Legacy.

Bert’s voice narrated footage old and new of the Sharpe family dungeon. Grainy, sepia toned fades into live color of pictures of Edmonton Sharpe standing with other older wrestlers and friends, their titles hanging and clanging on the walls. And what started as a shrine to Edmonton Sharpe soon grew to be a legacy to everything he created. All his accomplishments laid out soon piled on by his sons’ accomplishments from high school medals to tag team champions, to his grandchildren’s high school accomplishments with room ready to add everything they’ve been entitled to since their conception.

BERT: A simple man with a simple dream which turned into history. A roof to raise his family and work to put food on the table, Edmonton Sharpe only needed a simple place to hone his craft. Wall to wall wrestling mats, end to end walls of iron. The dungeon looks like a place only a simple man could enjoy.

The camera cut to Bert Cocaine who slammed a dirty gym bag on to a table. It sounded like a pile of bricks but Bert stared at the camera, a Runaway flanking each side, as he unzipped the bag and pulled out a stack of dirty, crumpled bills banded in stacks. Bert flipped through a stack before he handed off one to Rocco and one to Switchblxde. Their eyes lit up like Christmas Trees, their pupils as wide as saucers. Bert started to pile up the stacks.

BERT: Edmonton Sharpe was a simple man with a simple dream and he had some big shoes to fill. He earned every cent through blood and sweat and it tarnishes the reputation of everything this dungeon stands for putting up 20 grand for an “appearance fee”. He is turning in his grave at the thought of a nothing tag team like the Mancini Syndicate gaining the biggest pay day of their careers just by stepping foot in to this dungeon.

BERT: Bitch, that was a mistake.

BERT: You see like Edmonton, Rocco and Switch here have also poured their blood and their sweat into these mats. They call themselves the Runaways because at one point in time they disrespected their own family just like the Mancini Syndicate did by even leaving a finger print on the name plates of the CWA titles but with wrestling in their genetics they came back here to plant their roots. And to pay $20,000 for the opportunity to watch your blood, your sweat, but more importantly and something that the Sharpes never know how to shed, your tears soak in these very fibres is a privilege I am ready to fit the bill for. But MOST importantly…

Bert shrugged his shoulders for a second. The Runaways in one fluid motion pulled on Bert’s housecoat, revealing a very old school style of wrestling attire. He had a pair of khaki style flood pants with a black wrestling spandex underneath his pants, over top of a white t-shirt. His hands are taped up with boxing tape, he readjusts his straps with a snap of the bands. Bert Cocaine was ready to fight.

BERT: Boys lets go over the rules. There’s no mother, no brother, no sister and no fathers. No uncles, no aunts and no cousins. And no… former roommates. But y’all still ain’t done ya research just like always. Y’see Mancini… I have a key and am a current roommate to the Sharpe Family.

BERT: And last I checked, since I got jumped by you two little silly bitches…

Bert ruffled through his pockets before he pulls out a bottle of baby powder. He puts some on both hands and claps them together to make a cloud.

BERT: I owe you a couple of patented Bert Cocaine Pimp Slaps. Boys… let’s fucking do this.

Bert and the Runaways begin cracking their necks and their knuckles before they flipped the table spilling the cash and storming towards the door, waiting for the Mancini Syndicate to descend the steps.

OATH TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

SHARPE DUNGEON MATCH

Mancini Syndicate vs. The Runaways ©

Welcome to Calgary. The shot fell on The Sharpe House, on a decent sized plot of land. A caravan of black Escalades pulled into the front of the house. It was a fairly large house but it was clear that it needed some upkeep. Far and away less glamorous than The Barlow Estate. Viola Mancini and Janica Jayden both stepped out of one of the SUVs, Janica carrying both of the CWA Tag Team Championship belts. Numerous men in suits of varying color exited the cars and stood sentry. Viola indicated that they should stay put, as the wrestling duo ascended the front steps of the house.

MEARS: This should be interesting Bad Mood. I really have no idea what to expect.

PETRIE: Expect The Runaways to get embarrassed in their own house!

MEARS: They have yet to lose a single match in OATH. It is their home turf. I think this is going to be an uphill battle for the Mancini Syndicate.

The shot cut to the actual dungeon itself now. It wasn’t very big at all. The floor was lined with beat up, thin mats and there was various training equipment lining the walls. Machines, free weights, a heavy bag -- things of that nature. The Runaways were primed and ready to fight, with Bert Cocaine also dressed to fight. A referee stood in the corner, wondering just what the fuck he did wrong to draw this assignment.

PETRIE: What the fuck is Bert Cocaine doing there? They said no family or anything like that!

MEARS: Bert is not family.

PETRIE: Semantics! This is bullshit! Viola should pull her out right now!

MEARS: I feel like it is far too late for that.

Finally we could hear the stairs creak. Both Viola and Janica walked down the stairs, Janica out front. Bert picked up the shitty duffle bag full of money and tossed it at the foot of the stairs. Viola cocked and eyebrow and nudged Janica. Janica tossed the CWA Tag Team Titles on the floor. The show of disrespect enraged Switch and Rocco so they went on the attack. Janica and Viola came down the stairs and the fight was on. The referee picked up an antique ring bell and rang it, looking quite pleased with himself.

PETRIE: Hey! They got their belts back!

MEARS: For now at least. They want to end this night with both sets of Tag Team Titles.

Switch kicked the action off, hitting a wild combination of punches, forearms, and headbutts on Janica. Janica was clearly not ready for that insane onslaught and she got tagged with every single blow that Switch managed to throw. Bert just watched on, for now. Rocco approached Viola and talked all of the shit that he could muster. Viola simply spit in his face. Nice. Switch whipped Janica into a heavy bag but she slipped to the left and got behind it. She swung it back at Switch and it caught him in the face. Janica looked to the floor and found a weapon, a thirty pound weight. Janica went to bludgeon Switch with it but he caught her with a knee to the midsection and hit her with a tornado DDT, stepping off the drywall to plant her head into the thin mat with serious force.

MEARS: Switch and Rocco know the dungeon better than anyone. I said that this would be an uphill battle for The Syndicate and that is evident right from the get go here.

PETRIE: It’s a fucking basement. They’re all the same.

Viola and Rocco had been brawling but Rocco was quite aware of his surroundings, he had taken more bumps in this area than anywhere else. Wrestling bumps, that is. Viola tried for an elbow but Rocco slipped behind her and took her over with an incredible high angle German suplex! Rocco’s positioning made it so the back of Viola’s head hit the wall and put a giant hole in the drywall. Bert clapped with joy, sending a cloud of dust up into the air. This popped Rocco and he laughed, before calling to Switch. Knowing that Viola is the head of the snake that had been causing them so much trouble as of late, Rocco and Switch targeted her. The cousins doubled Viola over and then lifted her high into the air. Viola’s feet hit the ceiling and then she was brought down with a swift double brainbuster. Bert popped and told the referee to get ready as Rocco covered.

PETRIE: Jesus that could have killed her!

MEARS: I’d like to think that was not their intention but...I can’t be sure.

1..

2..

..!

Janica dove onto Rocco to break the hold and Switch immediately booted her in the back of the head. Switch whipped Janica into the wall and she put a body sized hole in the drywall. Switch charged in looking for a cannonball but Janica moved. Switch crashed into the hole and then landed on the top of his head. Rocco wanted to keep inflicting some retribution on Viola and he attempted to drop her on the back of her head again with a back suplex. As Rocco hefted Viola up she kicked her legs, and was able to bring him down onto the floor with a bulldog. Janica tried to hit Switch with a high kick but he dropped to a knee, lifted her up and planted her onto the floor with a powerbomb. Viola decided that she needed to cut her losses so she grabbed the duffle bag full of money and high tailed it up the stairs.

MEARS: Viola is leaving her partner high and dry!

PETRIE: Literally taking the money and running.

MEARS: Literally.

Not wanting Viola to get away, Bert felt that it was his time to shine. The dusty manager darted up the stairs toward the kitchen. When Bert moved through the doorway at the top of the staircase he was surprised with a frying pan to the face. Bert dropped to the floor like he had just been shot and he looked up through glassy eyes to see Viola standing there above him. Rocco was back up now and he went up the stairs to assist Bert. Rocco reached the top of the stairs to see Bert laid out, but Bert pointed in the direction that Viola went -- the front door. Rocco sprinted through the house and dove through the front door at the perfect moment to take Viola down by the legs. The bag full of money flew out onto the grass at the feet of Viola’s soldiers.

MEARS: Maybe Viola wasn’t leaving, maybe this is part of the plan!

PETRIE: Of course it is! She’s no coward!

Back in the basement Janica hit Switch with a kick to the midsection and then grabbed him by the back of the head. Janica screamed “I’m not the weak link!” and then proceed to put Switch’s face right into the drywall, leaving a face sized hole. Switch’s nose was busted open now and Janica decided that she would do this several more times to prove her point. The referee remained in the basement to watch this brutality but also because that was the only place that the match could end. Janica let Switch get to his feet only for her to flatten him with a Yakuza kick. Janica then proceeded to climb the stairs to go aid her partner but she glanced back at Switch and noticed that he was in quite the interesting position. If she could land a big move and pin him, then she would finally be able to show Viola that she was an integral part of their team. Janica took a deep breath and then jumped from the stairs and delivered a modified diving elbow drop! Janica hit it perfectly and Switch gasped for breath. Janica covered by hooking Switch’s leg.

MEARS: Janica is going to do it!

PETRIE: She’s not the weak link!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Switch saves the titles for his team.

As the referee counted, Switch reached back for anything he could use and he found a ten pound barbell. Just before the referee counted the three, Switch smashed Janica in the back of the head with the barbell. Switch got to his feet, nose bloodied, staggering. Janica was able to get back up but she was on spaghetti legs. Janica wanted to try and regain control and tried to grapple Switch but he was quicker and he hip tossed Janica onto the bench press! Switch, eyes full of malice, lifted up the bar that had about 150lbs on it and dropped it onto Janica’s midsection. Janica let out in pain and Switch turned his attention to the stairs. He had to go find his cousin.

MEARS: Switch is on the move!

PETRIE: Look out Viola! He’s coming!

MEARS: She can’t hear you.

PETRIE: Why THE FUCK not?

On the porch Viola and Rocco were exchanging shots. Rocco swung at Viola with a clothesline but Viola evaded and then took Rocco over the railing with a high angle back suplex, dumping him into the dead vegetation of the front garden! There was a pop from her soldiers and Viola flashed them a glare. They were to be seen, not heard.

MEARS: She is a scary woman.

PETRIE: I’m into it.

Viola went back into the house and Bert was there to meet her. Bert charged at Viola swinging the frying pan that she used on him earlier, wildly. Viola caught his arm and threw him over the kitchen table! Switch came up the stairs but Viola saw him and nailed him with a front dropkick that sent Switch tumbling backward down the stairs. Bert was back up and with his dusty hands, he cracked her in the face with his Pimp Slap! Bert looked quite pleased with himself but Viola just ate it. Bert became wide eyed, he had expected it to do more damage. At a loss for what to do, Bert jumped on Viola’s back! Bert tried to choke La Capa out but she had a plan of her own. Viola took one step forward, grabbed Bert’s forearm and then dropped her head to send him flying through the kitchen window! Bert landed with a thud on the back lawn, surrounded by shattered glass and wood.

PETRIE: That’s what you get Bert! Your little tricks aren’t gonna work on The Godmother!

MEARS: He could be seriously injured Bad Mood.

PETRIE: Good. He shouldn’t have gotten involved. You ain’t slick Bert!

Switch found himself at the bottom of the stairs, laying in a heap. Janica was there to meet him. Janica got Switch up but he cracked her with a shot to the jaw. The two started brawling back and forth. The shot changed to show that Viola was at the top of the stairs. Viola went to descend the stairs yet again to go help her partner but Rocco appeared behind her! Rocco grabbed Viola by the back of the head and yeeted her from the top of the steps down onto both Switch and Janica! Rocco shrugged, knowing that his cousin wouldn’t be mad. Rocco went to return to the dungeon but two figures appeared behind him.

MEARS: Was this part of the plan too? You’ve got to be kidding me!

PETRIE: Finally these two assholes are good for something!

MEARS: This is absurd.

PETRIE: This whole match is!

It was Tony Satriale and Silvo Aprile of Cosa Nostra standing behind Rocco! The two henchmen of the Mancini Syndicate bludgeoned Rocco with dual slapjack shots. Rocco’s eyes rolled back into his head but Satriale and Aprile stood on either side of him and lifted him up into a double crucifix. Cosa Nostra both took one step and then fell forward and sent Rocco through the kitchen table with a double razor’s edge! The table shattered and Rocco was laid the fuck out.

MEARS: Oh come on!

PETRIE: So Bert can get involved but these two can’t?

MEARS: I suppose you have a point.

In the basement, Viola picked up a weight plate and cracked Switch over the back with it. Switch let out in pain and Viola did it again. Viola backed up the stairs and called out to Janica. Janica nodded and then positioned Switch for a piledriver. Viola took a deep breath and then jumped from the stairs to hit Icepick Lobotomy (Assisted Spike Piledriver)! Switch’s head was driven into the floor. Janica covered and the referee seemed relieved to make the count.

1..

2..

..3!

Winners: New OATH Tag Team Champions, Mancini Syndicate

Viola demanded the OATH Tag Team Titles and the referee presented her with them. Viola took both titles, not handing one to Janica. The duo went to go up the stairs and Viola seemed to consider taking the CWA Tag Team Titles but thought better of it. Switch was down and out, all he could do was watch The Syndicate leave the dungeon with the titles.

MEARS: They have done it. It took an unconventional match but The Runaways have suffered their first loss here in OATH.

PETRIE: Now they can’t fight for the titles as long as Mancini Syndicate are the champions! That was the deal! What the fuck are they going to do now?

MEARS: That is a question for another day.

The Syndicate joined Cosa Nostra at the top of the stairs as Bert Cocaine was climbing back through the window. Bert shouted at the quartet but Viola just laughed and instructed her gang to leave. They left through the front door and headed toward their SUVs.

Outside of the Barlow Estate, an old yellow taxi pulled up past the front gates and parked in front of the main entrance. Emerging from the backseat was none other than The War Queen Leah Aguero. She stood for a moment, staring up at the top of the Barlow estate; which resembled that of a castle. She just scoffed at the sight.

AGUERO: Must be overcompensating for something.

Leah made her way up the front stoop toward the front door where a member of the house staff was already waiting for her.

HOUSE STAFF: Good day, Miss Aguero. Welcome to the Barstow Estate.

Leah just stared at the housekeeper as she passed through the front door. She stepped through, she looked around to a giant foyer. This time, she seemed a bit more impressed. At the other end of the foyer there were three maids waiting for her. Leah made her way towards them. The massive space, although quiet, echoed with the steps of Leah’s Timberland boots across the floor. As she approached the maids, she saw each one was carrying a tray. One maid was carrying coffee, the second a kettle of team, the third maid has a glass of whiskey sitting next to a bottle of Hillrock Double Cask Rye Whiskey.

MAID #3: We weren’t sure what you would prefer to indulge in tonight, Miss Aguero, so we brought options.

AGUERO: For real? That’s some good shit.

Rather than grabbing the glass of whiskey off the maid’s tray she, instead, grabbed the bottle and took a big swig. Rather than set the bottle back, Leah walked off with it. Walking around the foyer some more, she stared off at some of the stylized molding as she takes a few extra swigs.

O’NEIL: Leah, I see you’ve arrived.

Leah turned around mid swig and saw May O’Neil walking toward her, albeit sheepishly. She was pushing a cart with a box on it. May stopped a few feet away from Leah but still wanting to keep her distance after what happened last week between Leah and Meg Coleman. Leah finished her swig and swiped her hand across her mouth.

AGUERO: Hey May. How’ve you been?

May O’Neil didn't quite know how to take Leah’s jovial greeting.

O’NEIL: Please forgive me for being a bit standoffish. Especially after the last time I saw you.

Leah looks at May somewhat confused.

AGUERO: I don’t…

It all came rushing back to Leah as she remembered the attack on Meg Coleman.

AGUERO: I did do that, right? There’s no reason to be worried, May. It was Meg’s name that was called forth. She needed to pay for her sins. You, May, are a clean soul. Please, come closer.

May O’Neil slowly inched her way closer.

O’NEIL: I appreciate the honesty but I’ve got to know… WHY? No one has manhandled Meg Coleman quite like that. And for what? Because she beat your cousin, Stephanie Matsuda?

AGUERO: May, don’t be so simple minded. It goes deeper than JUST retaliation. Sure, she needed to pay for what she did to my Cuz but it was also coincidence.

O’NEIL: Coincidence? You said her name was drawn. Who drew the name? Who instructed you to target Coleman last week?

Leah looked around the foyer and saw the maids still standing there. In efforts to be a bit more quiet, she leaned in closer to May O’Neil and starts pointing to her temple.

AGUERO: (whispering) They told me.

It was becoming painfully clear that May O’Neil would not get a sensical interview out of Leah.

O’NEIL: Okay, whatever is the real reason behind the attack it got you a chance to face off against Meg Coleman tonight in her specialty, a Bloodsport Match, for the Tabula Rasa Championship. Please, hopefully coherently, can you provide us some insight going into this title match?

Leah finished another swig of the whiskey.

AGUERO: Last week was simply the warning, May. Hands of Steel has gotten too cocky. She believes herself to be impenetrable. One Superwoman Punch and the match is hers. But what happens when the ‘Knockout Machine’ gets a taste of her own medicine? She received a taste of that last week. When I was done with her and she lay there with her head in my lap. I caressed her hair and let her know that everything will be okay. Her punishment was over with. Or so I believed. The Hands of Steel was shown to have a Jaw of Glass. She was purified. Or so I thought. They called her name again. I thought we were done but they told me tonight at Hell and Back I am to finish the job. Meg, I am sorry for what you are about to endure. I wished your name would not be called upon but the decision is out of my hands. I don’t even care about your Tabula Rasa Title but it was your decision to choose the stipulation for your defenses. Knockout or Submission. I am sorry but that is the only way.

Leah paused, taking another swig of the whiskey.

AGUERO: There was a point in time in which I would have been consumed by the idea of a title shot. I’ve only ever held one singles title in my career. Not just OATH but in general. My eyes were opened up. My mind was opened up. Your greed for the consumption of gold ultimately leads to your downfall. Meg, I will try to make this quick for you. I will do my best not to leave any long term damage but it is not up to me. It is up to them. They make the decisions. Tonight, you will be purified and, in turn, so will your Tabula Rasa Championship. It will once again be a clean slate. IS THAT FOR ME?

Leah’s cold, stern voice quickly turned to a quirky, excited squeal. She looked over at the cart that May had rolled over.

O’NEIL: Um, yeah. I’m actually not sure who it is from. I was just instructed to bring it to you.

Leah was giddy; bouncing up and down as she eyeballed the package with her name on it. Leah pulled a switchblade out of her pocket and slices the side of the package. She opened the top of the box and let out an audible gasp. We’re unable to see what was in the box at the time but she has a grin stretching from ear to ear.

O’NEIL: Can we see what’s in the box?

O’Neil reached her hand out but Leah slammed the top shut. The quirky smile immediately went back to a cold stare.

AGUERO: NO! It’s mine. It’s all mine.

Leah grinned again, this time biting her bottom lip.

AGUERO: We’ve arrived. Soon, the bigger picture will become so clear, May. Can you feel it? Of course you can’t. You’ve yet to open up to yourself. You can be saved but today is not your day.

Leah grabbed the package and held it under one arm as she walks off with the bottle of whiskey in the other. As she passed by the three maids, she spoke up.

AGUERO: I’mma keep this.

With that, leaves the foyer and enters another room.

Megan Coleman and Cindy Coleman were seen sitting in a corner booth at a restaurant, some old fashioned diner of sorts. They were both eating their respective meals and drinking their respective drink. It was the day of Hell And Back for OATH and another big title defense for Megan Coleman. But, this title defense was a bit different, a bit more personal you could say after what went down at the last Conviction.

CINDY: How’s your food?

MEG: It’s you know fine.

CINDY: Short answer alright… You know Megan you have been rather quiet this entire plane ride here what’s up sis?

MEG: I mean I do have a lot of my mind obviously…

CINDY: Well do you wanna share what’s on your mind as we do have a little bit of time before we need to be at the OATH event.

Megan took a drink of her water then didn’t say anything at first as she just looked at her Sister.

CINDY: Are we playing the staring game suddenly like we are kids again?

Megan rolled her eyes at Cindy then took a bite of her food before setting her fork down and crossing her arms.

MEG: I have this title defense against Leah and it’s going to get crazy you know?

CINDY: Well yeah that bitch is nuts but you can handle nuts we both know this. Plus I got your back out there as always.

Megan sighed, kind of struggling with what words she wanted to choose next in regards to speaking to Cindy. Obviously something pretty big was on Megan’s mind besides the obvious title defense coming up on this day against Leah.

CINDY: You open your mouth and let words come out… You can do it there Megs.

MEG: Yeah I know I can open my mouth and let the words come out there you ass but the words I have to say you might not want to hear….

CINDY: Oh? Do tell.

MEG: I uh… How do I put this…. I do not want you to come to ringside with me during my match.

Cindy laughed, taking it as a joke from her older sister.

CINDY: That’s a good one there Megs.

MEG: I’m not kidding…

CINDY: Say what? What do you mean? I have been by your side for damned near every match you have had here in OATH.

MEG: I know and I am thankful to have you in my corner week in and week out. However this show I am just asking you to stay backstage please Cindy.

Cindy now had a very serious look on her face and even a bit of anger showed across her face.

CINDY: Oh so I get it you bring us to this public restaurant in hopes that I wouldn’t make a scene.

MEG: It’s not like that… I just kind of decided on not wanting you at ringside with me for this title defense of mine against that crazy bitch Leah like literally as I was finishing my meal.

CINDY: But I need to know why? Why do you not want me at ringside?

MEG: Because, this Leah chicl is not right in the head. I mean did you not see what she did to me last week? She attacked me from behind and then brutalized me with that two by four wrapped in barbed wire. She doesn’t care about anyone or anything and I’ll be damned if she somehow manages to do the same to you during my match against her today.

Cindy sighed and shook her head at her sister.

CINDY: Megs I get it you need to be totally focused out there to beat this psycho because she is possibly the most unpredictable opponent you have faced here in OATH. However I am a big damned girl and I can defend myself so I do not agree with you thinking I should not be at ringside damn it.

MEG: Leah is going for my throat Cindy and I am going for hers. I do indeed need to be completely focused. I can’t have you out there during my match and be worrying about you. Now as your big sister this is my way and just stay in the back.

CINDY: Big sister by a year in a half and this is just bullcrap that’s all I have to say.

MEG: I know you are pissed but look I have to beat this Leah bitch and not just beat her no no that won’t do… I have to make an example out of her and send everyone a message in the Oath locker room that if you piss me off this is what happens.

CINDY: …I have nothing else good to say right now to you in fact I just requested my own Uber and am going. Good luck out there Sis I hope you kick her ass but I again it’s bs about you not wanting me at ringside complete bs!

Cindy dropped some cash on the table to pay for her part of the lunch then walked out of the restaurant very angry. Megan put her hands over her face obviously not happy with how she just upset her sister but realizing for this match today against Leah it had to be done.

OATH TABULA RASA CHAMPIONSHIP

BALLROOM BLOODSPORT MATCH

Leah Aguero vs. Meg Coleman ©

We were in the grand Ballroom of The Barlow Estate now and we were ready for the Tabula Rasa Championship Bloodsport Match. The match can end one of two ways, submission or knockout. The bell rang, and both women wasted no time meeting in the center of the ring. “Hands of Steel” threw a couple of snap jabs into Aguero’s chin, snapping her head back. Leah responded by raising a fist as if she was going to throw a punch of her own. Meg weaved, noticing the grin on her opponents face too late as the feint by Aguero worked perfectly. “The War Queen” threw a vicious knee directly into the injured midsection of the champion, driving both the wind out of her, and dropping her down to her knees.

MEARS: Leah is targeting Meg’s midsection early.

PETRIE: A smart call given that she treated it to some barbed wire 2x4 shots last week.

MEARS: A sound strategy. Meg needs to find a way to defend her midsection.

Leah circled Meg as the champion gasped for breath before Aguero drove two more kicks into the woman’s stomach. The crowd in the Ballroom booed, and Leah soaked it in, spouting off her own response to those in attendance, though it couldn’t be heard due to the volume of the crowd. Even with roughly a hundred people in attendance, the fans made sure the “War Queen” knew exactly what they were thinking.

MEARS: It’s astounding how Leah Aguero has gone from a fan favourite to incredibly despised in only a few short weeks.

PETRIE: That Falls Count Anywhere Match with Erik Holland a few months ago changed Leah. Or at least...it started the change. And I’m not talking about menopause.

MEARS: Of course not.

PETRIE: I just wanted to clarify!

Aguero got a handful of Coleman’s hair, dragging her opponent to her feet. Meg wasn’t ready to quit yet though, throwing a thunderous European uppercut that landed solidly and forced Leah to back up a couple of steps. Meg backed up herself, looking for breathing room. She got her hands up, fists clenched as she began to circle, eyes locked on the Tabula Rasa challenger. Aguero was no slouch, and though her defenses didn’t look as perfect as the champion’s offensive stance, it was clear these women both knew how to fight.

PETRIE: Yeah it’s time to REALLY throw down!

MEARS: Hands are primed to be thrown.

Aguero suddenly shot in with viper-like speed as she closed the distance. She threw a lariat at Coleman, looking to take her head clean off her shoulders, but the champion weaved out of range before ducking in and throwing a brutal combination of left handed jabs into Aguero’s face. Coleman followed that up with a right hook that could be heard over the crowd noise as it landed just below the challenger’s temple. Leah stumbled, managing to catch herself on the ropes, but Coleman was on top of her now, the momentum having shifted in her favor. She set her feet, throwing a quick series of punches into Aguero’s midsection before she snapped off a short armed uppercut, her fist connecting with the bottom of Leah’s jaw, flush, which floored the challenger. The referee came in to check on Leah, but was waved off by the challenger who climbed to her feet. There was a trickle of blood and a look of rage on Aguero’s face as she spit on the mat, staining it red.

PETRIE: This is a war! They are literally beating the shit out of each other.

MEARS: You and I need to discuss the meaning of the world literal.

PETRIE: Nah I know what it means.

Coleman came in again, but this time Aguero was having none of it. She grabbed Meg by the hair, whipping the champion left before snapping her back to the right, throwing her off balance. Both hands on Coleman’s head now as the War Queen yanked her down, face first, into a rising knee strike right. Meg’s head snapped back, blood flowing from her nose. Aguero still had her hands on her opponent’s head, yanking her back into a Muay Thai style clinch before driving a series of absolutely brutal knees into the champions midsection yet again.

MEARS: Meg needs to find a way to protect her midsection.

PETRIE: She’s tryin’ but it ain’t workin’!

Coleman cried out in pain, barely able to get her hands down to block the strikes before Aguero pushed her back, only to ripcord her into an Irish whip. The champion hit the ropes, coming back as Leah slipped in, wrapping her arms around Coleman’s waist in a fluid motion before dropping her with a brutal snap German suplex. The champion crumpled, but it was clear that Aguero wasn’t done. She stood over her opponent, a sick grin on her face as she dove repeated sharp kicks into her prone foe’s injured midsection, working it over with a feverish devotion. The War Queen pulled Hands of Steel up to her feet before kicking her hard in the midsection again, doubling her over. Aguero followed up with a powerbomb, driving what little wind was left in Coleman right out of her body all over again.

MEARS: The referee made need to consider ending this contest. I do not know how much more Meg Coleman can taken.

PETRIE: Leah is taking it to her. Maybe Meg wasn’t ready to face this calibre of opponent.

MEARS: Not with a preexisting injury...perhaps.

Leah dragged Coleman to her feet, the lower half of the champion's face smeared with blood, ugly bruises began to bloom across her torso. Aguero slapped Meg across the face, hard, sneering at her. The crowd gasped, however, as Meg used the momentum from the slap to whip around, lightning quick, and laned a spinning back fist on the jaw of Aguero. Leah looked stunned, eyes a bit glassy as she stumbled back. Coleman took three steps forward, leaping into the air, looking for the Superwoman Punch, but Aguero ducked, hitting the ropes before coming back at full speed to nail the champion with a spear that dropped them both to the mat.

PETRIE: Fuck me! She might have broken ribs!

MEARS: The champion is in a bad, bad way.

PETRIE: She may suffocate! How the hell is she able to draw breath?

Coleman was screaming at this point, clutching her ribs as the War Queen slowly rose to her feet, stumbling backwards into the corner. She looked down at the champion, then out at the crowd before she stood, gripping the rope on either side of the corner with both hands, muscles taut as she waited. Meg had no idea where she was, rolling over on her hands and knees. She looked up just in time for Aguero to come in and deliver The Endgame, the punt kick connecting full force against the side of the head of Coleman. The crowd gasped again as the champion crumpled, face first into the mat, unmoving. Aguero turned, looking from her downed opponent to the referee, who went in to check on Coleman. He lifted her limp arm once, then twice, and finally a third time before calling for the bell.

Winner: New OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Leah Aguero

"Killing In The Name Of" by Rage Against The Machine cued up and the fans in the ballroom booed the new champion mercilessly. Trainers and referees flooded the ring to check on Meg Coleman. Aguero raised the title high in the air -- just another day at the office for The War Queen. Coleman’s eyes were glazed over but more than that, she was alone. Her sister was not there to comfort her and the fans could only watch on helplessly. Aguero stared down at Coleman and she looked almost regretful, but she took her new prize and left the ring.

Outside of the mammoth mansion at the center of the Barlow Estate. Matt Shields wandered around the grounds admiring everything.

SHIELDS: Apple orchard, full size tennis and basketball courts, olympic size pool, crazy ass indoor pool, biggest fucking kitchen I ever saw, stables, a god damn staff of like two hundred, and probably a blacksmith because it’s basically a fucking castle.

Shields smiled and looked around.

SHIELDS: I FUCKING WANT ONE!

He started to laugh as he raised his kendo stick on to his shoulder and began making his way towards the caskets that would house the competitors in the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal.

SHIELDS: Old man Barlow there, seems like he could have everything he wants, including a hot nineteen year old to give him wake up blowjobs.

As inappropriate and grotesque as ever, Shields mimed the blowjob motion and then spit on the camera.

SHIELDS: What he doesn’t have though, what he will never have, what so many of the sheep watching this on their screens will never have…

Shields looked around at the coffins, reading off the names.

SHIELDS: Jenna Sharpe, decent skills, great rack, could work with her for a little bit and then toss her. Might have the same plan though. Definitely a deceitful little… runt.

Shields almost chewed on the word, definitely thinking something else. He looked at two other coffins.

SHIELDS: Interesting placement. One of the big bastards right beside the smallest one, and they just fought. Can hopefully use that against them.

He moved around and saw the coffin with his name on it, but he turned to the one about twenty feet away, curious who it is. As he looked over it, a sinister smirk appeared on his face. He took his kendo stick and started tapping on it.

SHIELDS: YOU IN THERE YET FUCKO?!

Shields tapped it a few more times, then turned and smirked. The camera moved to see the name, but he grabbed it and puts the attention back on him.

SHIELDS: No, it’s not about whoever is over there. It’s not about Jenna Sharpe, Super Tiger Alex Pierce, Erik Holland, Mum-ra, Jack the ripper, Frankenstein’s monster, Bill, Ted, or even Jesus titty fucking Christ. No, tonight is about me. Tonight is about me rising up out of that coffin, whether it’s first, thirteenth or anywhere in between. I rise up out of this stupid fucking coffin, and resurrect my title hopes. I go through anyone and every god damn one of those stupid bastards that are either in the ring when I get in or come in after, because there is no single being on this planet that will stop me from winning this battle royal, becoming the number one contender, going to Violent Ends to face Ojima or Edwards, I do not give two fucks who it is, because I will murder them if that is what it takes for me to rescue Blanche. There is not an act I will not carry out in order to save my sweet golden girl.

Shields turned to his coffin and raised the lid as the camera caught #RESCUEBLANCHE scrawled across the back of his black vest in dark red scratch style writing.

SHIELDS: I’m not stopping until she’s in my arms where she belongs. Everyone in this battle royal better be prepared to give their lives trying to stop me. You step out of your coffin and then you either go out of the ring and back home, or you push me and go back in the damn coffin.

There was no more smirk or smile, no laughter, just a cold dead stare as he laid down in his coffin and pulled the lid closed.

We see one of the butler’s of the Barlow Manor, for the life of her FM couldn’t remember his name but he was a snooty fucker that was for sure. FM was, due to this being the Halloween special, dressed up as Yennefer of Vengerberg from the Witcher games. The outfit was an elaborate blue, purple and black corsetted jacket top with a wide fur-lined collar that just hid a puffy white shirt and beaded riding pants clinging to her legs. The butler was leading her and her manager Charlie Grace back to the woods behind the house, where a ring had been set up. FM didn’t know whether or not the ring was supposed to be spooky, or just dilapidated, given the threadbare and worn state of it. The entire area around it was just lousy with those huge halogen floodlights and the ring itself was overcast by so many tree branches you couldn’t shake a stick at any of it. The trio stopped in front of the ring and the butler did that huffing thing, that through the nose snort.

Charlie appeared to be ignoring him entirely, as she pulled the OATH Intrepid Championship out of a black carrying case that she had been hauling. FM took the belt, beaming with pride as she adjusted on her shoulder for a photo op if needed.

BUTLER: I’ll say, you don’t dress like a Champion.

FM: It’s a costume, you turnip. It’s a halloween event, I’m in a costume.

CHARLIE: You certainly have the intellect of a butler, sir.

FM snickered at that, but before they could retort Kasey Kash and the OATH Official rolled up, from the other side of the ring. If the Butler was astonished by FM’s state of apparel than he was beside himself several times at the sight of Kasey Kash.

Kasey was dressed like his usual self, but like it was turned up to 10. Wearing a pair of torn-up blue jeans, some clout shades (probably given to him by one of his mates), no shirt, with a spray painted suit jacket on over the top, with his spit dyed hair up in pigtails. Kasey also appeared to be carrying some kind of Boombox… for some reason.

Kasey nodded to Charlie, rolled his eyes at the Butler. FM reaches out, and took his hand, bumping arms with him and clapping him on the back happily.

KASEY: Sorry, didn’t get the memo that we were doing fancy dress.

FM: Halloween show, innit? Good to see you, alright kid, let’s get this done for better or worse yeah?

FM bounced on the balls of her feet and reached up undoing the fastenings on the corset jacket. Kasey wolf whistled, FM rolled her eyes, winked, and smirks.

FM: Hey, no ideas, now. I’m just not wrestling in this thing, the riding pants are fine but I can barely breathe as is in this jacket.

FM opened the top to reveal her usual midriff-bearing wrestling top as she picked up the belt again and hung the jacket and shirt on the ring post.

KASEY: You’re the one that dressed all fancy for this match, feel as though that one’s on you.

FM hopped into the ring, forgoing any kind of entrance, and leaned on the ring post, clearly content to let Kasey take his time and play up his championship match as much as he wanted. All FM did for the camera was march to the ring posts and hold her title belt high in the air for a moment, did the Wonder Woman pose and then went back to leaning.

As “RestInPeace” by Bones queued on Kasey’s boombox, Kasey walked out through the makeshift entrance that had been set up with a smoke in his mouth. Almost like a prime Sandman in ECW, he took a drag of his cigarette, before flicking it to the ground and stamping it out. Pulling the hair ties out of his hair, shaking his head to get all his hair down, he then walked down to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and sitting in the opposite corner from Young.

OATH INTREPID CHAMPIONSHIP

GRAPPLIN’ IN THE WOODS MATCH

Kasey Kash vs. FM Young ©

When Kasey was in the ring and the show was ready to go, FM stepped forward allowing the ref to hold the Intrepid Championship up in the air and reminded the pair that they have a 15 minute time limit. He started one of those old school wind up clocks set up for the spookiness on the side of the ring. FM offered Kasey a handshake, which the young lad quickly returned. Then FM took a step back, she put her arms up and goaded him into a lock-up. Kasey surged forward and the two of them briefly struggled, Kasey coming out the worse for wear on the size difference. The slim built flyer dwarfed by the burly Amazon. Young shoved Kash back with laugh, Kasey responds by smirking and running forward. He hits the worn-out mat with a baseball slide that took Young’s legs out.

MEARS: Kasey Kash took this match on very short notice… imagine if he was able to pull of the victory?

PETRIE: It would fit the them of this show. Stranger things and all that…

MEARS: Friends do not lie!

PETRIE: Fucking what?

Instead of tripping up, FM put her hands out into the fall and ended up hand springing up and over Kasey. FM cartwheeled, and hit her feet at the same time as Kasey was spin jumping to his own feet. Kash rushed Young again, this time springboarding off the rope for an assisted Yakuza kick that connected, the shot heard round the world style. Young hit her back on the mat with a startled woof, clearly not expecting Kasey’s speed and agility. Kash went for another rope-assisted move, this time a middle rope moonsault, but his gut met Young’s raised foot. Kash grunted and flopped over hitting the mat with a distinct thud, but the pain wasn’t stopping him for long. It was a photo finish on who made to their feet first, champion or challenger.

MEARS: Impressive start for The Resident A-Hole.

PETRIE: You can say it.

MEARS: I would rather not. It is not civilized.

PETRIE: They are wrestling in the fucking woods.

With both of them back on their feet, the pair exchanged chops, Kasey got the definite brunt of it, his chest burning a bright red under the floodlights in no time. But Kash was both quick and clever so he wasn’t going to stand there in a punch up with the Tiger of OATH, The Resident Asshole spun to avoid one of the chops and hit his Spinning Backfist Transitioned into a Ripcord Kappo Kick combo. It sent Young to the mat again, and Kasey tried to capitalize on it with a quick roll up.

1..

2..!

MEARS: Kasey Kash with the first near fall of this unique contest.

PETRIE: Hell if he keeps this up he may be able to take Young out!

Young kicked out so hard that Kash got flung off of her, and when the Tiger got up this time it was to whip Kash off of the ropes and plant him into the graying canvas with an AA spinebuster that rattled the Resident Asshole’s bones. She lifted his leg for a cover and similarly got a two count before Kasey kicked out with his own sort of rebellious authority.

PETRIE: Gonna take more than that it seems! Who-da thunk?

Despite the hard hits, the match continued with a friendly and playful tone. Though one could say it was anything but relaxed, what with the continual air of one-upmanship going on. Kash went whipping into the ropes again, this time coming off of them with a swinging neck breaker. Again, FM was down with a violent THUD! The Tiger was damn near immortal strong however and despite stopping to crack her neck, she was back and trying to come off the mat with a mule kick at Kash!

MEARS: Lord it’s almost like the environment is giving FM more resilience!

PETRIE: Like she needs it.

Kasey smirked right into the camera and proceeded to leap straight over Young! Dude just vaulted the rolling ball primarily made of feet aimed at his jaw! The dude is Athletic with a capital A and that is for damn sure. As Kasey lands on in a kneeling position, he looks back over his shoulder at Young who is just amazed, and confused as to what she’s just seen, only for Kasey to take advantage of the situation and nail her with a Pele Kick, staggering the champion!

MEARS: A brutal shot from Kasey Kash. You can tell that he wants the Intrepid Title badly!

PETRIE: As he should! That title is a starmaker.

MEARS: Without a doubt.

Kasey looks at Young, who is out on her feet at this point, and takes off on the ropes, running towards her, nailing her with a massive pump kick, sending Young crashing to the mat! Kasey looks around at this, knowing this was his chance to potentially put this match away, climbs up onto the turnbuckle and looks down at the prone Young… before looking up above him at all the sturdy looking branches above him… then back down at Young… then back up at the branches, before taking a giant leap and grabbing onto one of the branches!

MEARS: What is this maniac about to do?

PETRIE: Monkey boy in full effect!

Kasey shuffles his way across the branch, then onto the top it, shuffling himself so that he’s over Young, he starts to steady himself… looking down at the prone champion, who still hasn’t recovered… before looking up at the heavens, saying “This ones for you, old man.” before he leaps out from the branch, nailing Young with a massive Shooting Star Press! Kasey rolls off of Young and holds his ribs, Kasey might’ve hurt himself just as much as he hurt her there attempting a move like that! Young looks like she’s out for the count after that! She’s holding her ribs, rolling around in pain, eventually he crawls back over to her and attempts the cover!

1..

2..

..!

KICKOUT! A MASSIVE KICKOUT BY FM YOUNG!

MEARS: I can not believe this!

Kasey just sits there in shock, holding his head in his hands, Kasey doesn’t know what he needs to do. He’s in disbelief, looking down at her. He struggles getting up, pulling Young up with him, he signals that this is going to be the end, super kicking her in the knee, dropping her to a knee, before shooting off the ropes again… BUT YOUNG NAILS HIM WITH THE MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE (Discus Clothesline), SENDING KASH FLIPPING INSIDE OUT! Young scrambles over for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Kash is able to get the shoulder up, even after nearly being decapitated with that Discus Clothesline. Young looks down at Kash, and grins at him. She holds a hand out and helps him back to his feet. Young whips Kasey into the ropes again, this time he rolls outside to create some distance and gain a breather. Young stretches, and paces the ring for a moment, before running to the ropes! She jumps up, vaulting off a tree trunk and coming down on Kasey with a double ax handle! Kasey crashes to the ground, FM is on her knees breathing hard. Before the ref starts the count, FM grabs Kasey up and rolls him into the ring! Instead of going for the cover, she tosses him across the ring with an exploder suplex! Kash lands against the ring post, Young hot on his heels with a knee to those injured ribs! Kasey slumps out of the corner.

MEARS: Did you expect Kasey Kash to give FM Young this kind of fight Bad Mood?

PETRIE: I mean...a little? But like...this kid is blowing me away right now!

MEARS: I concur!

FM picks him up again and just bodies the resident asshole with another high impact power slam. The tiger is definitely targeting those aching ribs, even as her own back and midsection don’t seem to be in the best shape after a summer’s worth of injuries. Young pops her back, rubbing her side. Kash sits up, and Young goes to the ropes, climb up she grabs onto one of the branches overhead. Kash finally gets to his feet, just to be gut checked as Young swings out on the branch nailing him with some kind of tree limb assisted stomp! Again Kash crashes to the ropes, and Young hits the ground in a superhero landing that is definitely not good to her knees. This gives Kasey another short breather and he too starts climbing the turnbuckle, he comes off of it with a diving headbutt, Young takes the hit but somehow managed to stay on her feet, rocking with the movement!

MEARS: I do not care who FM was originally booked against, this is the match that we deserve!

Young slams Kasey down, shaking her head to get the cobwebs out and giving him a couple of stomps! Kasey hits a leg sweep that takes Young off her feet, he bounces up and uses the ropes for a desperation elbow drop! From there the resident asshole darts around the ring, and Young just can’t catch him! She goes for another clothesline, which Kasey ducks with that cocky smile. Kash darts in and out, on the slowing tiger, peppering her with kicks. Kash picks up his momentum, with a baseball slide into Young’s knee! From here he just drills his shins into her weakened midsection. Kash gets the opportunity to hit a blue thunder bomb that sends Young back across the ring near the ropes. Young lays groaning in pain and Kash is mounting the turnbuckle again, he takes a breath and comes off the ropes! Kash Out (Inverted Phoenix Splash)! KASEY KASH HAS HIT THE KASH OUT! He falls desperately into the cover and the official is right there.

1..

2..

..3!

MEARS: Are you kidding me?

PETRIE: Holy fuck the kid did it!

HE’S DONE IT, KASEY KASH DONE IT! Charlie Grace stands up from the camp chair she had the butler bring out, yelling at the official, waving her hands. Perplexed the ref walks over, and there are moments of heated conversation. Charlie seems to be saying that Young’s foot was on the rope during the pin, swiftly the manager holds up her expensive brand new Iphone for the official to see. The ref takes the phone, looks at the picture, and nods. Charlie smirks as she tucks her phone back into her suit jacket. The official waves his hands to indicate a restart.

MEARS: No! It doesn’t count!

PETRIE: The referee has reversed the decision!

REFEREE: FM Young’s foot was on the rope during the pinfall, Kasey Kash’s victory is null and void. The match will be restarted!

Kash leans over the ropes, down at Charlie, incensed and screaming at her. “THIS IS SOME BULLSHIT BITCH! THAT PICTURE’S FAKE I’LL BET YOU A MILLION BUCKS!” Charlie talks back at him, too soft for the camera to catch just yet but what she’s saying seems to just piss Kasey off more. Kash makes a grab for Grace who seems to know discretion is the better part of valor and ducks away.

MEARS: Get out of there Grace!

Instead Young catches his arm, she pulls him hard back upright and into the ring so he’s facing her. “Pay attention to me, the fight is here.” The camera catches her winded words this time. Kash nods, looking grim but determined, the bell is rung and SPEAR!...FM YOUNG DARTS INTO KASH’S RIBS WITH AN IMMEDIATE SPEAR! The bell almost hadn’t finished ringing! Kash gets driven into the old worn frame of the ring, and then he’s hefted up over Young’s shoulder! Kasey appears to be winded, gasping for breath and the Tiger seems more a bit ticked off herself as she climbs up the turnbuckle. Kash barely has time to register what’s going on as Young positions him onto her shoulders and TOP ROPE HUMAN ERROR PROCESSOR! Kash’s rib again just get driven into the canvas like so much tomato sauce on a pizza!

PETRIE: That’ll be it then.

This time Young makes damn sure to hook BOTH of Kasey Kash’s legs with that big solid arm. The official slides and Charlie appears in the corner, counting with him!

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, FM Young!

Young collected the title but she had been in a war and she knew it. Kash had nothing to be ashamed of...whenever he got his faculties back.

We were back inside the huge Barlow Estate as the events of OATH: Hell and Back continued. Specifically, we were looking down a long, red-carpeted hallway of this castle-like building, watching the massive man/monster Erik Holland stroll lazily up and down, admiring the paintings hung on the stone walls. He stopped, in front of one depicting an otherworldly looking skeleton -- in the art style known as ‘memento mori’. He approached it as he noticed the camera approaching him.

HOLLAND: 'Remember that you must die'. That’s the translation of ‘memento mori’. Long story short, to enjoy the life you have now because you can’t take it with you to the grave. At the end of the day, we can all do things to desperately hold on to what we’ve got now, but let’s not kid ourselves, OATH -- none of us are getting out of here alive. Even me; and all things considered I should -not- be here, and yet...yet I am. Yet I’ve done things I should not have done, yet I’ve accomplished things and been places that somebody like me has no excuse doing. All because I decided, long ago...that I wasn’t getting out alive, and that I wanted to be able to say at the end of my life that I used every last bit of talent I was given.

The camera stayed focused on the painting as Erik stood to its right, admiring it thoughtfully behind the welder’s goggles he often w when he’s not wrestling. It’s a fearsome sight, but Holland’s words were oddly inspiring.

HOLLAND: So of course, why -wouldn’t- I jump at an opportunity to regain the OATH World Championship at the same time that I’m trying to earn a shot at the Intrepid title? I’m two wins away from getting the title shot and Straker decides, since I seem to be his preferred -plaything-, that he is going to throw me into the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal for a shot at the World Title. A shot at making sure Reo Ojima knows who the real centerpiece of OATH is. Do not mistake me -- he’s been a great champion, and he beat me one-on-one, straight up, like the man that he says he is. But it is time that I get MY title back, and I’ll add the Intrepid Championship simply because I CAN, and because there hasn’t been anybody in weeks on the OATH roster that’s been able to stop me.

I don't think there’s an argument for that -- Holland has been at the top of his game ever since the end of Event Horizon, almost like nearly being swept out of the competition sparked something in him.

HOLLAND: I will lay in that coffin. I’ll feel the oppressive darkness. I’ll feel the weight. The weight... the weight of everybody that is counting on me. The weight of every decision I’ve made that has lead me full circle to this point. The weight of every win, of every loss, the fact that I alone have done the work to get back to where I need to be. I’ve chosen to love Lyric, and trust her, and count on her. I’ve chosen to trust MYSELF to succeed, not because I’ve got some kick-ass facepaint or some interesting viewpoints on the universe and what’s going on in my head. See, that’s why I love this ‘memento mori’ stuff..

The giant ran an open hand along the painting of the skeleton. For a few seemingly long moments he was silent, as if he’s just taking it in, drinking it all in, and we’re right there with him. Like we’ve always been.

HOLLAND: Because it reminds me that I had to die to myself to live again. I had to remember to die to come to life. Memento mori. And now that I’ve done that I truly feel more alive than I have in years. I found that life -through- death, OATH, and because of that? When I burst out of that coffin and join the battle royal? When I demolish and I dominate twelve other ghouls and goblins to win this match and get a step closer to OATH Pro Wrestling immortality?

Holland smiled confidently, the visual of him grinning with those hollow metal and glass eyes giving us the creeps.

HOLLAND: The Barlow estate will have twelve new burial plots to dig...

Holland laughed to himself as he wandered off out of the shot, and back to ringside we go.

Winner Receives A World Title Match at Violent Ends

THIRTEEN GHOSTS BATTLE ROYAL

Locke Helms vs. Erik Holland vs. Stephanie Matsuda vs. Alex Pierce

vs. Jenna Sharpe vs. Matt Shields vs. Ryan Terror vs. Super Tiger

vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

We traveled to the front yard of The Barlow Estate. A ring was set up about one hundred metres from the front entrances and there a low fog covered the grass outside of the squared circle. Surrounding the ring were thirteen caskets, some of them featured the names of competitors -- others didn’t. Fans were situated beyond the caskets, behind barricades. Crybaby stood near the makeshift announce table, ready to announce each competitor.

PETRIE: Well this is it Mears. This is the most unique match we’ve ever seen in OATH -- or at least, it seems like it will be.

MEARS: Thirteen caskets. We know eight of the competitors, five of them we don’t. I can not wait to see what is about to happen in the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal!

The fog continued to fill the ringside area, only the caskets were visible between the crowd and the ring. A competitor gets eliminated and they fall into the fog of death. They probably won’t die but just imagine if they did! Diabolical!

CRYBABY: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the Thirteen Ghost Battle Royal! The match will start with two competitors rising from their final resting place. Every two minutes a new ghost will enter the match. Eliminations occur by a competitor being tossed over the top rope and landing on the grass. Introducing the ghost that drew number one!

There was a moment of suspense until "Missile" by Dorothy cued up. A casket opened and “The Canadian Wildcat” Jenna Sharpe sat up. She was dressed completely in black, with some macabre face paint. Jenna stepped out of the casket and slowly stalked toward the ring.

CRYBABY: And the ghost who drew number two!

Again there was a moment of suspense because that’s what this fucking match is all about. Suddenly, "The Right Direction" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus cued up and the shot showed a casket open. Sitting up was the Blazenwing Wrestling Federation’s “The marVel” Gabe Shelley! There was a pop from the crowd as the five time World Champion (elsewhere) rose from his final resting place. Shelley hyped the crowd up before he slipped into the ring and the bell rang.

MEARS: Gabe Shelley is in OATH! Could you imagine if he won this match and got a slingshot toward the World Championship?

PETRIE: It would be a fucking travesty! A BWF guy fighting for our World Title? Get lost!

Jenna and Shelley circled one another, they had never faced off before. Shelley, with almost two decades in the ring against Jenna who has less than a year under her belt. The two locked up with Shelley whipping Jenna into the ropes. On her return she slid through Shelley’s legs, popped up behind him and went for a dropkick but Shelley rolled forward. Shelley paced around the ring, wagging his figure at Jenna. This didn’t deter the young Sharpe, she shot in on him again but Shelley ducked under a clothesline attempt and caught Jenna with a pele kick! Jenna fell back into a corner and Shelley dusted off his hands.

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number three!

"Legends Never Die" kicked up and the third casket opened to show Japanese sensation Super Tiger launched out of the box! She landed beside the casket and then darted towards the ring. Tiger jumped up onto the apron and hit a springboard into the ring where she took both Shelley and Jenna down with a springboard dropkick! Shelley tried to rally back quickly but Tiger took him down with an arm drag. Jenna shot in on Tiger and tried to pick her leg but Tiger kicked her off and then hit a shotgun dropkick that sent Jenna flying across the ring. Tiger called out to the fans and they showed her some love. This moment of showboating allowed Shelley the opportunity to grab Tiger in a waist lock and tossed her backward with a German suplex.

MEARS: Super Tiger came in and is looking to make a statement!

PETRIE: There is no way she can win -- can she?

MEARS: Anything is possible! I happen to believe that she is a very gifted competitor!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number four!

"Let 'em Come (Redux)" by Scroobius Pip, Sage Francis, & P.O.S. cued up and the casket lid flew open. The suplex machine known as “The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce stepped out of the casket and ran toward the ring. Pierce slid into the ring and Shelley looked to meet him but Pierce nailed him with a lariat. Tiger came out of nowhere and hit Pierce with a slingblade but Jenna was right there to grab Tiger. Jenna lifted Tiger up and planted her with a Michinoku driver! Shelley took refuge in a corner and Jenna charged in to hit him with a knee to the face. Jenna then turned to go after Pierce but he turned her inside out with a discus lariat!

PETRIE: Pierce is my pick. This guy can go and I think he is going to take this whole thing.

MEARS: He definitely has the ability.

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number five!

“Haunted” by Walls of Jericho cued up and a casket lid came clean off. “The Haunted” Erik Holland sat up, adorned in his signature welder’s goggles. Holland got out of his casket and hulked toward the ring. Pierce, Jenna, Tiger, and Shelley all watched as Holland hulked up the steps and entered the ring. As soon as he was inside, all of the other competitors attacked him. Pierce, Jenna, Tiger, and Shelley all started beating on Holland but he channeled the rage that he was known for and shoved them all backward. Jenna came at Holland but he hip checked her over the top rope, onto the apron. Shelley came at him next but Holland floored him with a bicycle kick. Pierce tried his luck but got blasted with a roaring elbow. Super Tiger was the only other competitor standing and she walked right up to Holland.

MEARS: Super Tiger is standing toe to toe with Erik Holland!

PETRIE: He’s gonna fucking eat her!

MEARS: She doesn’t care! She wants to show the world what she can do!

Holland removed his goggles and stared down at Super Tiger. He gestured for her to come and meet her doom -- and she obliged! Tiger charged in and evaded a clothesline. Tiger hit a springboard and came back with a flying cross body! Holland caught her in a fall away slam position but Tiger swung herself behind him into a crucifix and took him down with a crucifix driver. Tiger then noticed Jenna on the apron and went to knock her off but Jenna caught her with a rope hang kick to the face. Jenna reentered the ring and avoided elimination.

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number six!

“Half Lit” by Single Mothers cued up and the fans knew who this was. A casket opened...but no one sat up. He was milking it. Finally...Finale. “The Buffalo Butcher” sat up and looked toward the ring. He hopped out of the casket and ran toward the ring and who was there to face him but his perennial rival Gabe Shelley!

MEARS: Finale is here! And he is about to go toe to toe with his forever rival Gabe Shelley!

PETRIE: Get him Finale! Get this BWF scum out of here!

MEARS: Finale wrestles for BWF too.

PETRIE: WHO CARES!

Finale slid into the ring and the two men immediately came to blows. Shelley got the upperhand with an uppercut and then he set Finale up for Finale’s own hold -- Stripper’s Real Name (Jumping 180 Vertebreaker) but Finale slipped out of it and then he set Shelley up for Shelley’s The reVolt (Cradle Shock)! Shelley squirmed out of it but Super Tiger hit Finale with a dropkick that sent him over the top rope onto the apron. Jenna Sharpe hit Shelley with a leaping knee that sent him over onto the apron. Finale and Shelley were side by side on the apron and they started brawling again! Jenna and Tiger exchanged a glance and then both shrugged. They both darted forward and hit stereo dropkicks to both Shelley and Finale, knocking them both off of the apron to eliminated them.

CRYBABY: Gabe Shelley AND Finale have both been eliminated!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number seven!

“Faith" by Ghost cued up and Matt Shields’ casket cover flew open. Shields hopped out of the casket and ran toward the ring. He slid into the ring and immediately destroyed Pierce with a European uppercut. Jenna then rushed him and he blocked her clothesline attempted and dropped her with a swinging neckbreaker. Tiger flew through the air at him and he blasted her out of the air with a European uppercut. Shields and Holland then faced off. The two got in one another’s face and that lasted for all of two seconds because they just started beating the absolute piss out of one another. Holland sent Shields into the corner and hit him with a giant body avalanche.

PETRIE: Matt Shields! Who can stop this fuckin’ guy? Maybe my boy Pierce!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number eight!

"Rainy Days" by Boogie feat. Eminem cued up and Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda emerged from a casket. The former champion walked towards the ring but took her time walking up the ring steps. Holland and Shields brawled to the center of the ring and that was Cloud’s spot. Matsuda hit a springboard into the ring and took both Holland and Shields down with a flipping neckbreaker! Matsuda popped right up but got taken back down to the mat with a calf slicer from Jenna Sharpe! Super Tiger darted across the ring and hit a springboard lionsault off the second rope, landing on both Jenna and Matsuda!

MEARS: Super Tiger has been showing everyone that she is no joke! She is flying all over the place!

PETRIE: She needs to eliminate some people to win!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number nine!

"The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy cued up and the fans seemed somewhat confused. We closed in on the ninth casket and it opened. A figure sat up but was shrouded by fog for only a moment. When it cleared we saw the familiar face of Empire Wrestling’s David Blazenwing! Blazenwing smirked and then hopped out of the casket and walked toward the ring. He was about to enter...and then stopped. No rule saying that you have to get in right away! Blazenwing walked around ringside, kicking at the fog while tapping his temple to let everyone know that he’s smart as hell. Smart as he may be, Blazenwing didn’t look too smart when Super Tiger darted across the ring and flew through the middle and top rope with a suicide dive!

MEARS: David Blazenwing is here but he just got taken out by Super Tiger! She is all over this match and she is fighting everyone that she can!

PETRIE: He hadn’t even entered the ring yet! Cheater!

Tiger then got Blazenwing up and slid him into the ring. Holland went after Blazenwing but got blasted with The Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music)! Pierce tried to do the same but he got caught with The Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music)! Shields advanced on Blazenwing and Blazenwing tuned it up one more time before he unleashed The Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music) but Shields caught his foot, spun him around and dropped him with a ¾ cutter.

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number ten!

"Come and Get It" by I Prevail cued up and the fourth mystery entrant was revealed. The casket was opened and there sat Empire Wrestling’s Lacy Nelson! Nelson ran to ring, slid in under the ropes and blasted Blazenwing with Hollywood Split (Shining Wizard)! Holland and Shields caught sight of one another again and started brawling, with Holland getting the upper hand.

MEARS: Former Empire Wrestling World Champion Lacy Nelson is here! She is the fourth mystery entrant!

PETRIE: Thank god there is only one more.

Holland evaded a European uppercut from Shields and then blasted him with Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch). Jenna Sharpe was up to her feet and Blazenwing charged at her but Jenna lowbridged the top rope and Blazenwing spilled over the top rope to the apron. Sharpe backed up and then blasted Blazenwing with a superkick of her own and Blazenwing was taken off of the apron to the floor.

CRYBABY: David Blazenwing has been eliminated!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number eleven!

"Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG and the fans immediately starting to boo. “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms rose from his coffin...which was opened by his lackey Astaroth. Helms and Astaroth marched toward the ring but Helms pointed and Astaroth entered the ring...where he was cracked with a Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch) from Erik Holland. Astaroth staggered backward right into a Backfist to the Future (Spinning Backfist) from Alex Pierce! Astaroth then fell forward right into a Yahtzee! (Superkick) from Stephanie Matsuda! Astaroth fell and was draped across the middle rope. Super Tiger saw her opportunity and she darted toward him, hitting him with There And Back Again (Tiger Feint Kick)! Astaroth was blasted back up to his feet and Lacy Nelson sent him flying over the top rope to the floor. Astaroth landed in a heap beside Helms, which prompted “The Chairman of Chaos” to finally enter the ring.

MEARS: Locke Helms just sacrificed Astaroth!

PETRIE: He entered the ring of his own volition!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number twelve!

"Unsainted" by Slipknot cued up and Ryan Terror emerged from his casket. Terror walked to the ring and entered, to stand beside his Hell Realm cohort Locke Helms. The two men stood, surrounded by seven other people. The seven went for the two Hell Realm members but Terror blasted Super Tiger with Out of the Shadows (Superkick)! Lacy Nelson went to make her move but Jenna Sharpe grabbed her from behind and sent her sailing over the top rope to the floor!

CRYBABY: Lacy Nelson has been eliminated!

Erik Holland thought better about going after the Hell Realm and he attacked Pierce! Pierce tried to hit Holland with a back suplex but Holland slipped out of it, got Pierce in a fireman’s carry and then dumped The Fire Fist Ace over the top rope with the Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver)! Pierce landed with a thud onto the grass and the fog enveloped him.

CRYBABY: Alex Pierce has been eliminated!

MEARS: Here we go! The final countdown!

PETRIE: Do-do-do-dooo-do-do-dododo!

5..

4..

3..

2..

..1!

CRYBABY: And now the ghost who drew number thirteen!

PETRIE: Oh fuck...

“Forget to Remember” by Mudvayne cued up and the shot cut to the ring. Ryan Terror stopped wailing away on Jenna Sharpe because he knew this music. The shot cut back to the casket and “The Eternal” Jonathan Cage rose up from the coffin. Cage took his time getting out and then he sauntered toward the ring, locking eyes with the man that he trained...Ryan Terror. Cage walked up the steps and watched as Stephanie Matsuda sent Super Tiger flying over the top rope to the outside.

CRYBABY: Super Tiger has been eliminated!

Cage entered the ring and came face to face with Terror. From the outside, Alex Pierce was back up and he grabbed Erik Holland’s boot from the outside. Holland turned to face Pierce and that was the opportunity that Shields needed to hit Holland with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline) to send The Haunted over the top rope to the floor. Pierce immediately got Holland up and the two started brawling toward a coffin. Holland broke Pierce’s grip, kicked him in the midsection and powerbombed him on to the coffin, shattering it!

MEARS: Alex Pierce just caused Erik Holland’s elimination.

PETRIE: And he paid dearly for it.

Back in the ring, Cage and Terror started to come to blows but the teacher got the upper hand on his student. Cage blasted Terror with a Shadow Kick (Super Kick) that sent him flying back into a corner. Helms then hit Cage from behind with a running forearm smash! Helms then took Cage up and over with a half nelson suplex! Stephanie Matsuda rushed Helms but he hit her with a kick to the midsection and then planted her with Shadows Over Heck (Exploder suplex lifted and dropped into a modified scoop powerslam)! Helms took a bow in the middle of the ring but then was grabbed from behind and sent over the top rope by Jenna Sharpe!

CRYBABY: Locke Helms has been eliminated!

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe has been in this match since the beginning and she just eliminated a former two time Intrepid Champion!

PETRIE: Fuck she could go all the way.

MEARS: It looks quite possible!

Cage and Terror came to blows again but this time Terror got the upperhand on his mentor. Terror hit a bionic elbow to the crown of Cage’s head and then planted him with Ohio is for Killers (Kneeling back to belly piledriver)! Terror quickly ascended to the top rope and looked for Crash And Burn (Diving Cross Body) but Matsuda hit him with a step up dropkick to the face! Cage was back up and he tossed Terror of the top rope to the floor, with Terror landing on Helms!

CRYBABY: Ryan Terror has been eliminated!

We were down to the final four now; Jonathan Cage, Stephanie Matsuda, Jenna Sharpe, and Matt Shields. The four competitors squared off, all of them their eyes darting to one another. Cage, Matsuda, and Sharpe all glanced at one another and then turned their attention to Matt Shields. Shields told them to bring it on and Cage was the first one to oblige! Cage charged at Shields and started hitting him with some big strikes. Matsuda and Jenna decided to go at one another with Matsuda putting Sharpe on the mat with an arm drag. Shields then whipped Cage in Matsuda’s direction and Matsuda low bridged the top rope! Cage flew over the top rope and landed on the outside -- where Ryan Terror was waiting for him. Terror and Cage started brawling off into the fog. Some say they are still fighting to this day.

CRYBABY: Jonathan Cage has been eliminated!

MEARS: Student and teacher have both been eliminated. We have three competitors left.

PETRIE: I don’t know who to pick!

MEARS: Don’t pick! Just watch!

There were three competitors left. One of these three would earn a World Championship match at Violent Ends in November. Matsuda went to go after Shields but she ran right into a Michinoku Driver from Jenna Sharpe! Sharpe got Matsuda back up and Irish whipped her towards Shields who hit Matsuda with a back body drop over the top rope onto the grass! Matsuda landed with a thud on the outside and then disappeared into the fog.

CRYBABY: Stephanie Matsuda has been eliminated!

MEARS: It was not Cloud’s night!

PETRIE: Cloud became fog!

Down to two. Shields and Jenna locked eyes. Shields just laughed at the much smaller competitor. Jenna didn’t take kindly to that, she charged in and got behind Shields. She applied a waist lock and then impressively took him down onto his stomach. Jenna then flipped forward and applied her calf crusher! Shields reached for the ropes but that didn’t matter, no rope breaks! Shields pushed himself off the mat and kicked Jenna off. He then turned and went to level her with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline) but Jenna evaded it and hit Shields with Look Sharpe! (Flying Triangle Choke)!

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is gonna make Matt Shields pass out!

PETRIE: Holy fuck she’s gonna do it.

Shields was being choked out, dead center in the middle of the ring. If Jenna could make him pass out then she would have no trouble dumping him over the top rope. As Jenna wrenched back on the hold, a figure rose up from the fog. Locke Helms did not leave ringside! Helms slid into the ring and dropped a knee onto Jenna to break the hold. Helms got Jenna up and planted her with Shadows Over Heck (Exploder suplex lifted and dropped into a modified scoop powerslam)! Revenge for Sharpe having eliminated him.

MEARS: No! Goddamn you Locke Helms!

PETRIE: Matt Shields owes The Chairman of Chaos! He may have just helped him win this match!

Helms left the ring and disappeared into the night. Shields was up and he took hold of Sharpe. He pulled her in and dropped her with Greetings From Crystal Lake (Air Raid Crash)! Jenna was rocked as Shields got her back up and sent her sailing over the top rope into the fog!

CRYBABY: Jenna Sharpe has been eliminated!

Winner: Matt Shields

"Faith" by Ghost cued up through the outdoor speakers and Matt Shields got his hand raised. Shields let out a primal scream before biting the ropes and shaking them. Wide eyed, Shields stared into the camera and released his bite -- screaming “I’m coming Blanche!” over and over and over.

High up on one of the towers at the Barlow Family Estate, James Edwards gazed into a foggy night sky; the obscured moon taking on an apparition-like appearance.

EDWARDS: Tonight is a night of no excuses. I've fought once in the last month, so I'm going into this healthier than I have been for a long time. I've had time to focus on this fight and haven't had to maintain some bullshit character to play mind games. The Champ is hurt, and I've got the move, Foxfire, to make the bastard suffer all match long. I can't make excuses I lose tonight because I should be the OATH World Champion when the final bell rings. On paper, this should be one of the greatest nights of my career, but paper doesn't mean a damn thing in the fight game.

He clenched his jaw. In his mind's eye, the ghost moon reminded him of his past failures.

EDWARDS: I hate the Champ's guts. I hate his attitude. I hate the way he thinks he owns this place. I hate the fact that he thinks it's okay to have his runnin' buddies hurt people just because, as he put it on Twitter, it evens the odds. I really, really hate the fact that he's one of the best I've ever seen in the ring. You can dominate him all fight long, and he still finds a way to win. Hell, he doesn't cheat to win like most of the assholes around here do. Y'all don't know how frustrating it is to admit to yourself that you respect a man like the Champ; to know that even when he isn't at his best and that you are, that when the odds are in your favor, there is still a damn good chance he'll find a way to win. And if that happens, what should be one of the best nights of my career will turn into one of my greatest failures.

He slammed a fist, lightly, on the balcony, perhaps in an effort to scare away lingering ghosts.

EDWARDS: Dammit, none of that can matter when I step between the ropes. I can't be thinkin' about Event Horizon or what shape the champ is in. I can only care about what happens in the ring because I've gotta fight the match of my life. There ain't gonna be any middle ground. Either I raise the belt, or I go out on my shield. I'm gonna fight like a man—face to face and no cheatin'. No head games and I'm gotta hope like hell that there is a little luck on my side tonight. I'm sure as hell gonna need, but you know what? So will he.

He gripped the balcony hard with both hands. In the distance, a wolf howled. Whether it was a mournful howl or one of a creature on the hunt was left uncertain.

The scene cut to Reo Ojima’s personal house in Japan. The camera panned around Reo's house until it finally stopped at one end of a very long table. At the other end sat Reo with a glass of scotch on the right side of him and a lit cigar resting on an ashtray. The OATH World title lay in the middle of the table, right in front of Reo. Reo leaned back in his leather chair and stared at the camera. A slight grin crawled across his face, but it soon went away as he folded his hands together and softly spoke.

OJIMA: 90 something days I’ve held this title. Seems longer than that. Then again, compared to the other people that have held this title, their reigns were pretty short. Only a couple of defenses before they lost the title and either left in disgrace or moved down the card. I’m the best thing to ever happen to this belt and the company because I’m experienced. I know what needs to be done to make this company move in the right direction and anyone else at the head of the table would either burn this company to the ground or continue to be a mockery to the rest of the industry. And it’s a good thing that no one else is at the head of the table because most of the OATH roster should be sitting at the kiddie table picking their noses with the Sharpes or pulling Wales' hair.

Reo paused as he took a drag from his cigar and blew the smoke up into the air.

OJIMA: But instead of helping mold and teach some of the younger kids on the roster so that they can one day get a seat at the adult table, I have to deal with you again, James Edwards.

Reo nodded his head in disgust as he took a sip from his glass.

OJIMA: How many times do I have to beat your ass, huh? We’ve faced off against each other a handful of times now and each time I’ve gotten the best of you. It’s not like you’re going to bring anything new to the table that I haven’t seen yet. No hidden power that’s going to topple me. No secret technique that’s going to bring me to my knees. The only thing you got on me is that youth that’s going to help you out in our three matches.

Holding up three fingers, Reo leaned toward the table and raised his voice a little as he named all the matches the two would be facing off in later that night.

OJIMA: Submission, Dog Collar, and a Steel Cage. Just one of those matches is a pain in the ass to get through, but three in one night? I can tell you right now I’m going to need a month or two to recover from tonight. I’m old, my body can’t recover from shit like that anymore in a day or two.

Leaning back in his chair, Reo took another drag from his cigar before talking again.

OJIMA: But look at me James. You think I’m nervous? What do I have to be nervous about? I’m facing you. I own you. I hope you actually get a pin on me tonight because I’m actually starting to feel sad for you. But trust me when I say I’m going to make you work for that pin because it’s been forever since anyone in OATH has pinned me. Let alone pin me cleanly. So are you confident enough to beat me tonight James? You holding back some tricks on me or are you finally going to pull your head out of your ass and give me everything that you got? I guess we’ll see. But be warned, an ONI is present tonight, and it is going to devour your soul.

Reo let out a chuckle as he placed the cigar back in his mouth and enjoyed it while the screen went to black.

OATH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

3 STAGES OF HELL First Fall: Submissions Count Anywhere Second Fall: Dog Collar Match Third Fall: Cage Match

James Edwards vs. Reo Ojima ©

It was now time for the main event. James Edwards entered the Great Hall of the Barlow home and entered the ring, which was situated under a grand chandelier and a steel cage, should we need it. Edwards paced in the ring as about one hundred fans sat seated around the ring behind barriers. Reo Ojima made his entrance next, descending down the grand stone staircase with the OATH World Championship around his waist. Ojima’s face was hidden by his red ONI mask.

MEARS: I have been looking forward to this contest since it was announced. James Edwards has been seeking redemption since Event Horizon II. He won the Event Horizon Series but lost his Intrepid Championship in the process. Then he got to the main event of the biggest show of the year -- and he lost. Tonight it is all or nothing for The Burning Heart.

PETRIE: At least in the lead up to this match we have seen the real James Edwards. I don’t love the guy but going into Event Horizon II he was distracted and it cost him. If you aren’t 100% focussed on The Stone Gargoyle then you are going to get your ass kicked.

MEARS: I do believe that James is focussed here tonight. He wants to win the World Championship more than he wants anything else in his life. He feels that tonight is his night.

Ojima entered the ring and handed over the World Title. He removed his ONI mask and stared across the ring at Edwards. Ojima’s left leg was heavily taped and Ojima stretched it out some before the bell rang. Edwards was fixated on the injured appendage and Ojima knew it. The bell sounded and Edwards immediately shot in on Ojima, however, the veteran kicked his left leg back and back pedalled around the ring.

MEARS: Ojima’s left leg was severely damaged by Jenna Sharpe a few weeks ago. Should he even be wrestling tonight?

PETRIE: It’s either he wrestles or he forfeits the title. People can say whatever they want about Ojima but he is not about to hand over the title -- if he loses it then he loses it in the ring.

MEARS: The tough veteran will go down swinging.

Edwards was in a low stance, looking to pick Ojima’s leg again but the veteran threw a right cross that nearly caught Edwards in the ear. Edwards evaded and kept dancing, looking to get a good position to take Ojima down. The veteran kept circling, waiting for Edwards to try his luck again. And try he did, Edwards shot in on Ojima a third time but this time Ojima caught him with a haymaker to the ear. Edwards staggered backward and Ojima was on him as quick as he could be. Ojima started delivering heavy body blows to the challenger and landed about a half dozen before Edwards shoved him backward out of the corner.

PETRIE: That is your champion! An absolute beast!

MEARS: James is no slouch in the striking department but Reo is taking him to school right now!

It was evident that Ojima had a plan -- a plan that many of his smaller opponents had used on him in the past. He had to hit and run. Ojima darted toward Edwards again and looked for a lariat but Edwards sent the champion sailing over the top rope. Ojima landed hard on his feet but his left leg almost gave out. Ojima snarled and tried to walk it off but Edwards gave him absolutely no room to breathe -- he came through the ropes like a crossbow bolt and took Ojima down with a suicide dive.

PETRIE: Ojima you gotta watch out for that shit! Edwards is pure focus here tonight.

MEARS: The champion may have come into this contest taking Edwards a little too lightly. Edwards promised killer instinct here tonight and we are seeing it.

Edwards mounted the champion and tried to hit him with some descending palm strikes but Ojima was able to cover up. Ojima found his spot and hit a jab to Edwards’ chin that knocked the challenger back. Ojima bucked Edwards off, stood, and then sent Edwards head first into the guard rail. The champion walked toward Edwards, trying to shake some feeling back into his leg. Ojima took his good leg and started dropping some serious stomps on to Edwards’ chest. Ojima gathered the challenger up and started to walk him toward the grand staircase.

MEARS: This first fall is Submissions Count Anywhere -- they are going up the grand staircase!

PETRIE: I walked that staircase earlier today. It’s just fucking stone. Jagged, old, stone.

MEARS: Kind of like the champion?

PETRIE: Alright that was good.

The Stone Gargoyle walked Edwards up the steps, hitting him with shots to the midsection any time he tried to break free. Halfway up the winding stone staircase, Ojima descended down one step and set Edwards up for a suplex! The fans in the great hall held their breath as Ojima tried to take Edwards over but the challenger defended himself with some shots to Ojima’s kidneys. Edwards then finally picked Ojima’s leg and hit him with a dragon screw! Ojima tumbled down the rock hard stairs and found himself at the bottom. The shot showed the champion laying at the bottom of the stairs and Edwards coming down the steps to meet him.

MEARS: Oh no! Ojima’s left leg just got torqued!

Ojima forced himself to stand up but his left knee felt the full effect of that dragon screw. Ojima moved through the crowd, shoving fans out of the way but Edwards was hot on his tail. Ojima tossed a fan sideways and picked up the fans’ chair. Ojima turned and tossed the chair at Edwards but Edwards caught it and tossed it right back in the champion’s face! Ojima stumbled backward and Edwards shot in, picking Ojima’s right leg again. Edwards put Ojima down with another dragon screw onto the stone floor and then tried to apply the Foxfire (Heel Hook)! Ojima scrambled, grabbing the pant leg of a fan, and then he grabbed another chair. Ojima wildly swung the chair backward and the edge of the back of the chair caught Edwards right above his left eye!

PETRIE: The challenger is busted open! If you can’t see, you can’t win.

MEARS: Too true Bad Mood. That could be a game changer in this contest.

The camera closed in and we could see that a small cut had opened over Edwards’ left eye. Ojima scrambled through the crowd and went to hop the barricade but Edwards was on him again! As Ojima straddled the guard rail, Edwards grabbed Ojima’s dangling left leg. Ojima looked back at Edwards in horror. Edwards hit a third dragon screw and Ojima fell over the barricade into the ringside area. Edwards vaulted over the barricade and started mercilessly stomping on Ojima’s left leg. Edwards pulled Ojima up to his feet and then took him over with a capture suplex!

MEARS: James Edwards is relentless! I don’t think that Reo really expected this kind of maliciousness from the challenger.

PETRIE: This is sad. I think we are seeing the slow death of Reo Ojima.

Ojima had landed with a thud and the look on his face said it all -- he was getting his ass kicked. Ojima tried to pull himself up using the ring apron but Edwards kicked his left leg out of his leg. Edwards then dragged the champion over to the ring steps and sandwiched his leg between the steps and the post. Edwards took a few steps back and then darted in looking for a dropkick but Ojima rolled out of the way and Edwards just kicked the steps.

PETRIE: Yes! Amazing! I believed in you the whole time champ!

Trying to shake off the pain of kicking the steps, Edwards walked away from the champion -- turning his back on him. Ojima got up quickly and applied a reverse waist lock. Ojima lifted Edwards up and attempted the Ojima Special (Chaos Theory into an Armbar) but Edwards rolled through and applied the Foxfire (Heel Hook) on the outside! There were no ropes, not way to freedom! Ojima knew that the longer he stayed in this hold, the harder that the next fall would be so he tapped out!

First Fall: James Edwards

The referee separated Edwards and Ojima, demanding that Edwards get into the ring. Another referee appeared with the two dog collars, linked together by a sixteen foot chain. The first referee checked on Ojima and Ojima shoved him out of the way. The World Champion got to his feet and walked up the steps, staring across the ring at Edwards. The second referee did his best to patch up the cut above Edwards’ left eye as they prepared for the Dog Collar Match.

MEARS: Do you know what we just saw Bad Mood? James Edwards just made the World Champion submit. No one has ever done that in OATH.

PETRIE: It’s fine! Reo is going to come back and he is going to win two straight falls.

MEARS: He has no choice. Reo Ojima is one fall away from losing the OATH World Championship. James Edwards holds all the cards right now.

Both men were fitted with their dog collars and then the referee asked them if they were ready. Edwards nodded, his eyebrow now covered with a makeshift patch. The referee turned to Ojima and Ojima told him to “ring the fucking bell”. So he called for that to happen. Ojima immediately took hold of the chain and began wrapping it around his fist. Ojima gestured for Edwards to do the same and shockingly, Edwards obliged!

MEARS: You have to be joking.

PETRIE: What did you think they were going to do?

MEARS: I just didn’t expect it this early…

The two of them met in the center of the ring, Ojima hobbling to meet his challenger. Ojima held up his chain wrapped fist and smiled. Ojima smashed Edwards with a loaded right hand and then Edwards responded with one of his own. The two men went back and forth exchanging chain wrapped punches and the fans became unglued. Ojima got the upperhand when he hit Edwards with a loaded uppercut! Ojima then yanked the chain and pulled Edwards right into a spear!

MEARS: The champion with an excellent move after a series of insane shots.

PETRIE: If anyone can take chain loaded strikes and keep standing it’s Reo Ojima.

MEARS: We are about to see this contest ascend to a new level of brutality.

Ojima mounted Edwards and targeted the challenger’s busted eyebrow with heavy, chain wrapped shots. Edwards tried to cover up but it wasn’t long before Edwards was busted back up. Ojima tried to start wrapping the chain around Edwards’ neck but Edwards fought up to his feet, shot next to Ojima and took the champion down with a chain clothesline! Ojima dropped and Edwards immediately tried to transition into the Foxfire (Heel Hook) again but Ojima kicked him right in the chin.

PETRIE: Yes! That shit is not going to work Edwards! Not again!

MEARS: Reo knows that if he gets caught in that Foxfire again then it is game over. His knee is just too battered.

It appeared that Edwards had bitten his tongue due to that kick to the chin and he was bleeding from the mouth. Ojima threw his body onto Edwards and started laying into him with a flurry of shots. Fortunately for Edwards, Ojima had unwrapped the chain from his fist. Ojima wanted to make Edwards bleed as much as he could and the referee paced around them, looking quite concerned. Edwards rolled onto his stomach but Ojima grabbed him with a waist lock and amazingly dead lifted him up and tossed him overhead with a German suplex! Ojima covered.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: The champion is starting to get some momentum going.

PETRIE: It’s do or die for Reo Ojima right now and I’m pretty sure that he can’t be killed so...do what you will with that information.

MEARS: But he did submit here tonight. He can be beaten!

Edwards was able to kick out and he slipped to the outside. His face was a bloody mess and he was drooling more of it from his mouth. Ojima was standing in the ring and he yanked on the chain, pulling Edwards hard into the ring apron. Ojima then slipped to the outside, still hobbling. The corner ringpost was between the two men. Ojima smirked and then yanked on the chain again and Edwards was jerked face first into the ring post! Edwards fell backward but Ojima yanked the chain again! Edwards’ head went into the steel steps. Ojima then got into the ring and exited again on the side where Edwards lay.

PETRIE: See you can’t teach that shit. Ojima is a master of violence, he can hurt you in so many different ways. He chose this stipulation so you know he had ideas of what he wanted to do.

MEARS: A good observation. Reo wants to show that he chose this stipulation for a reason. James was able to win the stipulation that he selected and Reo has no choice but to do the same.

The Burning Heart was a bloody fucking mess as Ojima wrapped the chain around Edwards’ neck. Ojima put his knee into Edwards’ spine and then wrenched back with all of his might, choking Edwards out! The referee watched to see if Edwards went out but Edwards threw a desperate elbow backward and caught the side of Ojima’s left knee. Ojima dropped to one knee and Edwards was able to loosen the chain. Edwards gasped for breath but when he saw that Ojima was back up to a vertical base, Edwards used the chain to pull Ojima into a powerslam across the steel steps! Ojima screamed in agony and both men were down on the outside.

MEARS: Oh my god!

PETRIE: Edwards is all about dropping Ojima on stairs tonight. He’s trying to break his back!

MEARS: And his leg.

The challenger got up and the fans within the great hall showed him some love. Edwards wiped the blood out of his eyes and then grabbed the champion and slipped him into the ring. Edwards followed the champion in but Ojima surprised Edwards with a running knee to the side of the head. Ojima gathered Edwards up and took him over with the ONI Suplex (Tiger Suplex)! Edwards landed with a thud and the champion crawled into a cover.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Come on champ! You have to win this!

MEARS: You can see that every big move is taking a lot out of Reo Ojima. He has been in this business for thirty years. He himself said that wrestling three matches in one night was not something that he was looking forward to. He does not know if his body can take it!

PETRIE: He is a humble champion. A realist.

MEARS: I would not go that far.

Edwards kicked out and Ojima just stared blankly into the camera lens. The old bastard was gassed, he didn’t have much less but he could not stand the embarrassment of not making it into the third fall. The Burning Heart started to stand and then fell back into the ropes. Ojima was having trouble getting up, that last move took a lot out of him. Edwards got an idea...he started wrapping the chain around his boot! Edwards then paced towards Ojima and looked to stomp on Ojima’s left knee! Just as he went for it, Ojima used the chain to trip Edwards up!

MEARS: What innovation from the champion!

PETRIE: Edwards is down! You need to capitalize champ!

The Burning Heart was on his back and Ojima jumped into the air, coming down with a knees onto Edwards’ chest! Ojima then wrapped Edwards up in the chains -- hog tying him! Ojima pulled Edwards legs back above his head in a hog tied pinning predicament! Edwards had nowhere to go! Ojima looked like he was begging for this pin to work as the referee came down to count the fall.

1..

2..

..3!

Second Fall: Reo Ojima

MEARS: He did it! Reo Ojima has forced a third fall!

PETRIE: Thank God. I thought for sure he was done. Could you imagine losing two straight falls for the World Championship?

MEARS: Imagine booking a Cage Match that does not happen.

PETRIE: Wait...was that a meta comment?

MEARS: What comment?

Ojima unlatched his dog collar and then fell backward into a corner. The referees helped Edwards do the same and then made sure that he could continue. Again, a trainer tried his best to bandage Edwards up but The Burning Heart just shoved him away. Edwards stared up to the ceiling, past the obscenely expensive chandelier and beckoned for the steel cage to descend. Across the ring Ojima smiled, he was happy that the challenger still had some fight left. Ojima waived the cage down as well. It was time to see who was going to leave The Barlow Estate as OATH World Champion. Ojima pulled himself up using the top rope and gestured for Edwards to “bring it on”. Edwards wiped the blood from his eyes and got into his combat stance.

MEARS: This is it. Whomever wins this match wins the entire contest. Whomever wins this -- is the OATH World Champion!

PETRIE: Cage Match! Both men are already on their last legs! What a main event!

The two warriors came to the center of the ring. Ojima was hobbling, Edwards could barely see. Ojima patted Edwards on the chest, offering some respect. Edwards smirked and when the cage was fixed into place -- the bell rang. Edwards immediately tried to pick Ojima’s left leg but Ojima was ready for it and he dropped some sharp elbows onto the back of Edwards’ neck. Ojima tried to send Edwards face first into the cage but Edwards reversed the momentum and sent the champion in! Ojima staggered back and Edwards grabbed him by the back of the head again and sent him face first into the opposing wall! Ojima’s eyes were glazed over and Edwards pointed to a third wall, where he sent Ojima face first in again. Edwards then grabbed Ojima by the chin, slapped him several times in the face and then then sent Ojima off his feet face first into the fourth wall. It didn’t break but it fucked the champion right up.

MEARS: James Edwards is beating the absolute hell out of Reo Ojima!

PETRIE: This is the fight that we have been waiting to see from James Edwards. This is it! End of the line! All or nothing for The Burning Heart!

Ojima was busted open now and Edwards was done fucking around. Edwards started relentlessly stomping on the champion’s injured left leg. Ojima shoved him away and got up to his feet but Edwards blasted Ojima with a superkick, sandwiching the champion’s head between his boot and the cage wall. Ojima fell sideways but Edwards caught him and brought a knee up into Ojima’s chin. Edwards spit a glob of blood onto the mat and then put Ojima on his back with a leg sweep and then immediately jumped up into the air and came down on Ojima’s sternum with a double stomp ! All of the air was driven out of the champion and he was immediately gasping for breath. Edwards grabbed Ojima’s left leg by the heel and then delivered a series of quick stomps to the back of his injured knee!

MEARS: If Edwards can apply the Foxfire then this match is over. There is no escaping the cage. It is pinfall or submission.

PETRIE: Good! Escaping is garbage!

The champion was screaming in pain, as best he could. Ojima was fighting to get his breath back, his head was busted open, and his left leg was completely fucked. Edwards was in complete control and he started dropping knees onto Ojima’s knee! Edwards then tried to lock in the Foxfire (Heel Hook) again but Ojima sat up and punched Edwards as hard as he could in the cut above his eyebrow! Ojima then scrambled up to his feet and fell into a corner, wheezing. Edwards was back up and he charged in at Ojima only for the champion to move. Edwards collided sternum first into the corner, the ol’ Hitman bump. Ojima grabbed Edwards by the back of the head and sent him face first into the cage! Edwards rebounded and walked right into a lightning quick Last Call (Running Powerslam)! Even with a bad wheel, Ojima got all of his finish and covered Ojima.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?

PETRIE: WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE FUCK!

MEARS: JAMES EDWARDS KICKED OUT OF THE LAST CALL!

The Burning Heart kicked out! He kicked out of the Last Call! Ojima got up to his knees and could not believe it. The bloodied and battered World Champion just gave Edwards his best shot and Edwards kicked out. Ojima dove into a mount and started beating the absolute shit out of Edwards. These were not strikes done out of malice -- but out of desperation. Ojima screamed as he rained bombs on Edwards, giving these strikes everything that he could muster. With each shot, blood shot onto the mat in a fine mist from both men! Ojima then transitioned into an arm bar! Edwards clasped his own hands together so that the champion could not get full extension on the hold. Ojima ripped backward with all of his might but Edwards would not release his hands. Ojima screamed “Fuck you!” and then yanked back one more time and broke Edwards’ grip! Ojima laid back in the full arm bar but Edwards used that momentum to roll over and stack Ojima up into a pinfall!

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: That was almost it! How did the champion kick out?

MEARS: We have never seen Reo Ojima get beaten up this badly. James Edwards is showing everyone in OATH that he is the real fucking deal!

PETRIE: Mears! You swore!

MEARS: This match deserves it!

Ojima kicked out but Edwards immediately leaped up and came down with another double stomp to Ojima’s midsection! Ojima let out in pain again and pounded on the mat in frustration. What did he have to do to kill Edwards this time? Was it even possible? Edwards staggered on his feet and peppered Ojima with some stomps, but the champion started to rise. Edwards hit a few more but still the champion was getting up to his feet. Edwards spit more blood onto the mat and then shot in looking for a single leg takedown but at the last second Ojima blasted him in the chin with a knee! Edwards took it right on the button and staggered back into a corner. Ojima followed Edwards in and started hitting him with One Thousand Cuts (Multiple Slaps To the Face)!

MEARS: Good LORD!

PETRIE: He is slapping the piss out of James Edwards!

Each slap that Ojima laid in was worse than the last. Edwards was taking each one of them, he couldn’t get his guard up. Ojima hit a dozen hard slaps and then smashed Edwards with a lariat. Edwards head snapped back and then Ojima hoisted him up to the top rope. Ojima shook off the cobwebs and then climbed up to the top rope with Edwards. The two were standing on the top rope and Edwards pie faced Ojima, sending the back of the champion’s head into the cage. Edwards did that four times before Ojima grabbed the back of Edwards’ head and smashed the cut on his eyebrow with a headbutt! The two men were on shaky legs, standing on the top rope. Edwards drove the back of Ojima’s head into the cage again and then started punching Ojima’s bad knee!

MEARS: This is danger! This is heart! This is OATH PRO WRESTLING!

PETRIE: ONE OF THEM IS ABOUT TO FUCKING DIE!

They were still on the top rope but Ojima’s left knee looked ready to buckle. Edwards punched Ojima in the midsection but the old bastard responded by grabbing the back of Edwards’ head and began biting his sliced up eyebrow! Edwards screamed in pain and Ojima got his arm under Edwards’ midsection and then leaped off of the top rope with a modified Last Call powerslam! Both men landed with a bone crunching thud and Ojima found the strength to hook the leg.

1..

2..

..3!

Third Fall & Winner: Still OATH World Champion, Reo Ojima

“The Real Man” by SEATBELTS started playing. Both champion and challenger lay in the ring, both of them complete bloody messes. Ojima was gasping for breath, his eyes closed. Edwards just stared blankly up at the lights -- it’s unclear whether he was conscious or not. The referee tried to check on both men but they just lay prone.

MEARS: What a contest! Neither man can say that they didn’t leave EVERYTHING in the ring here tonight.

PETRIE: That was the best OATH World Title match ever. Easily.

MEARS: Reo Ojima barely survived James Edwards here tonight.

In a surprise turn, Edwards rolled over onto his stomach, blood dripping from his eyebrow. Edwards held his midsection in pain. The referee called for the cage to be raised...but it didn’t. The referee started panicking, demanding that the cage start to be raised but it remained in place.

MEARS: These men need medical attention! Raise the cage!

PETRIE: Who is in control? Get the cage up!

Edwards stood and then fell back into the ropes. He was clearly fucked up, likely only standing as a way to prove that he still had some fight left. That he was not finished. Ojima on the other hand, remained on the mat. The champion was seriously fucked up. The referee continued yelling at the ring crew to have the cage raised but they all looked baffled, they didn’t know why it wasn’t happening. One ring crew member got on his walkie talkie but it didn’t seem to be working…

MEARS: What is going on?

The Burning Heart was bloodied. He was disappointed...but he wanted to show respect to the champion. Edwards approached the referee and helped him get Ojima up. Ojima stood, being helped by both Edwards and the referee. The referee raised Ojima’s left hand and Edwards raised his right. Ojima shoved the referee away, showing that he could stand under his own power. Ojima stared at Edwards. Edwards extended his hand.

PETRIE: Hell I’d shake Edwards hand. That was incredible. He nearly beat Ojima. He gave him everything and Ojima barely survived. I am a James Edwards fan now -- if you aren’t then you are fucking mental.

Ojima accepted Edwards’ handshake and held it tight. The two men that just destroyed their bodies were now barely able to stand -- shaking hands. But then a bulge appeared in the mat and it started to rip open. A figure crawled out of the hole that formed and stood behind Edwards. The figure was wearing a long black coat, wielding a barbed wire 2x4, and their face was hidden beneath an ONI mask.

PETRIE: Who the fuck is this? Zeke Davis? Baz Jacobi?

MEARS: I do not think so. Look at what they are carrying...

The Stone Gargoyle pointed over Edwards’ shoulder and The Burning Heart released Ojima’s hand. Edwards turned his in time to take the barbed wire 2x4 to the midsection. Doubled over, Edwards was smashed in the back by the mystery person. Edwards dropped to the mat, face down. The figure backed up and then charged in -- delivering a punt to the side of Edwards’ head.

MEARS: COME ON!

Finally the cage started to raise and Ojima demanded his championship. The timekeeper obliged and Ojima picked up his title. Ojima approached the figure, slinging the title over his shoulder. The figure removed their coat to show that underneath they were wearing the OATH Tabula Rasa Championship. The title holder then removed their ONI mask to reveal their identity--

PETRIE: WHAT!? YES!

MEARS: I do not believe this...

-- Leah Aguero stood there smiling. Ojima started laughing, which turned into a cough, then back into a laugh. Ojima grabbed Aguero’s wrist and raised her hand in the air. ONI had a new member and they stood tall over James Edwards as Conviction: Hell And Back went off the air.

---

Results: • Minoru Tanahashi def. AJ Jenkynx

• Mancini Syndicate def. The Runaways; New Tag Team Champions

• Leah Aguero def. Meg Coleman; New Tabula Rasa Champion

• FM Young def. Kasey Kash; Still Intrepid Champion • Matt Shields won the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal

• Reo Ojima def. James Edwards (2-1); Still World Champion

Thirteen Ghosts Eliminations: 1a. Gabe Shelley eliminated by Jenna Sharpe

1b. Finale eliminated by Super Tiger

3. David Blazenwing eliminated by Jenna Sharpe

4. Lacy Nelson eliminated by Jenna Sharpe

5. Alex Pierce eliminated by Erik Holland

6. Super Tiger eliminated by Stephanie Matsuda

7. Erik Holland eliminated by Matt Shields

8. Locke Helms eliminated by Jenna Sharpe

9. Ryan Terror eliminated by Jonathan Cage

10. Jonathan Cage eliminated by Stephanie Matsuda

11. Stephanie Matsuda eliminated Matt Shields

12. Jenna Sharpe eliminated by Matt Shields