CONVICTION I

Episode I August 12th, 2019 Halifax, Nova Scotia

— Litigation This is it, the first episode of OATH Pro Wrestling’s Conviction. A sleek new intro played and then we got a shot from inside the arena in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The commentary team of Ben Petrie and Matt Mears welcomed us to the show and promised that this was going to be the best premiere of any wrestling program ever. A tall order. The shot switched from the commentary booth to the entrance ramp. A choir composed of two dozen singers were on stage, all singing in beautiful harmony. The Celestial Warriors made their entrance led by Agustin Gates.

Gates got on the stick and said that although he lost in the Event Horizon Finals, Finn Whelan’s World Championship victory would be forever plagued by an asterisk. Gates went on to say that his brother Carlos Cruz was unjustly attacked by Whelan during that match and that had Whelan maintained even a semblance of professionalism, the result would have been different.

Mears, on commentary, mentioned that Cruz clearly came to the ring in Austin to try and help Gates win. Petrie countered, saying that Cruz was simply there for moral support.

On the stage Gates continued, saying that at this point he, Cruz, Elijah Dynamite and Steven Maximum were all in fear for their safety because of Whelan’s actions. Gates said that no member of the Celestial Warriors would attempt to get a measure of revenge because their legal team was pursuing a restraining order against Whelan.

Gates continued by saying that he and his brothers came to OATH for pure competition. He said that if OATH was content with having a champion like Whelan, perhaps the Celestial Warriors might consider finding a way to legally escape their contracts. Gates ended by saying that doing something like litigation due to in-ring action was not in their character. He said that none of the Warriors would attack Whelan tonight but he promised that the issue between the “champion” and the Warriors, was far from over. Gates and Cruz went back through the curtain, leaving Maximum Dynamite to go to the ring for their scheduled contest. — Leah & Stephanie Matsuda vs. Maximum Dynamite

The first match on Conviction ever saw the nearly identical tandem of Leah and Stephanie Matsuda take on Celestial Warriors representatives, Maximum Dynamite. It seemed that both Maximum and Dynamite mocking their opponents, gesturing that Max D looked more like a team and thus ignoring the obvious physical similarities between Leah and Matsuda.

Matsuda and Maximum started the match. Maximum showed absolute disrespect to Matsuda when he pie faced her across the ring following a staredown. Matsuda was having none of that shit and she responded with a running snap hurricanranna that sent Maximum into his corner. Maximum looked slightly taken aback as he tagged in the beefier member of the team, Dynamite.

Dynamite rushed Matsuda but she easily evaded a clothesline attempt. Matsuda hit Dynamite with a dropkick to the lower back which sent him face first into the middle turnbuckle. Matsuda tagged in Leah and Leah shot over the top rope with a double stomp to Dynamite’s back as Matsuda hit him with another front dropkick to the posterior. Leah went for a cover and got a two count. In the opposite corner Maximum was losing his mind, not believing that the momentum wasn’t on his team’s side. Leah mounted Dynamite and laid into him with a series of shots. Leah then went for a springboard moonsault but Dynamite moved out of the way. Leah tried to keep the momentum and rushed Dynamite but got cracked with KABOOM! (Roaring Elbow).

At this point Dynamite tagged in Maximum and the brothers took turns beating Leah down. Every time it seemed that Leah was going to make it to tag in Matsuda, one of the brothers would drag her back to the Max D corner. The turning point came when Leah nailed Maximum with an enziguiri and then was able to take Dynamite off of the apron with a second enziguiri.

Leah went to tag in Matsuda but Maximum grabbed her from behind. Leah surprised Maximum with a palm strike the chin and then she pulled him in for Drop The Bomb (Dead Eye). Leah then tagged in Matsuda, who climbed to the top rope and hit Perfect Blue (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press). Dynamite tried to reenter the ring to stop the pin but Leah charged and nearly took his head off with a big boot. Matsuda hooked Maximum’s leg and got the three count.

Winners: Leah & Stephanie Matsuda

— 23&Us As Maximum Dynamite fled ringside in disgrace Stephanie Matsuda and Leah remained in the ring celebrating their victory. Leah made her way over to the production side to procure a microphone. She requested that the music be cut because she and Matsuda had something to say.

“We told Maximum Dynamite not to look through us. We told them when they come up against Stephanie and I it would be like hitting a brick wall. Tonight was the first time Stephanie and I have ever teamed up but I know what ya’ll are thinking. We look similar. We both carry The War Queen moniker. Hell, we just gel so easily. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?!” Leah said.

A beat. “Well, I’m here to break it down for you. Ever since I signed with OATHI couldn’t help but notice the uncanny likeness between Steph and I. It’s almost like we were a pair of doppelgangers, long lost twins, or mysteriously traveled here from somewhere in the Multiverse. So we did what anyone would do. We got a DNA test done. Whelp, guess what? The results are in.”

Leah pulleds a slip of paper out of her back pocket.

“According to Maury, turns out Steph and I are 100%… dem bitches. You see, everyone nowadays is running around calling themselves Kings and Queens, Gods and Goddess; even us. Well, the results are in. Kings and Queens die. Gods and Goddesses are the stuff of myths. Steph and I, however, are above that. We are the “uncrowned” tag team champions here in OATH. Ain’t that right Steph?” Leah said.

Matsuda took the mic to follow-up on Leah’s words.

“Yes. That’s the reality of the situation, Leah. heh…reality. That’s a word you don’t often hear these days. In today’s world of deep fakes and fake news, it’s hard to tell what’s real and fake in this business, Leah. But know, understand, and believe this! We are the War Queens running the show! We are the irresistible force with no immovable object in sight! Because what’s real is how there’s no team out there who can touch us. But then again, we’re more than what’s real, Leah. We…”

The camera closed in on Matsuda’s narrowed eyes.

“We are The Inevitable.”

Matsuda hit Leah on the arm.

“Come on, sweets. We have a legacy to forge.” Matsuda said.

Matsuda tossed the the mic over he shoulder as Leah’s theme music played. The two swiftly exited the ring to a chorus of cheers from the audience in Halifax.

— Everything Cut to a backstage room, understated in it’s decor but elegant in its simplicity. The shot pulled out to show OATH Correspondent May O’Neil seated. O’Neil introduced her guest as the shot widened to show Wildcard Finalist, Nina Stokes. O’Neil offered no pleasantries, she asked Stokes why she petitioned for this opportunity to speak.

Despite the abruptness of the question, Stokes’ demeanor was quite relaxed. Stokes casually leaned back in her seat. Stokes began by letting May know that the answer to that question is quite simple, “Everyone in OATH thinks that they are the best. And their basis of their belief? Blind faith. They don’t research; they don’t study. They choose to remain ignorant.”

Stokes continues by saying that she doesn’t operate that way. She hates ignorance and those who chose to wallow in it. Because of that, Stokes said that she was going to simplify things. She plans to enlighten everyone and let them know just who she is.

O’Neil asked Stokes what means by that. O’Neil said that Event Horizon seemed like the opportunity for Stokes to show the world who she is. “Why didn’t that happen in Austin?” O’Neil asked,

A small smirk crossed Stokes face. Stokes said, “That is the very problem―the wrestling world knows who Nina Stokes is. The wrestling world knows just how dangerous I can be. But the people of OATH? They act like I am nothing.” A beat, “That’s foolish on their part, and, it’s pretty perilous as well.”

In reference to the question, Stokes asked just what exactly O’Neil is getting at. Stokes stated that at Event Horizon she went out there a wrestled two amazing matches. Stokes said that those matches should indicate the type of wrestler that she is. Stokes then snapped her fingers and asked if O’Neil is trying to insinuate that because Stokes didn’t win the championship, that she didn’t impress.

“Is that your aim?” Stokes asked, leaning forward.

“What I and all of the OATH fans want to know is, what is next? You say that the wrestling world knows who Nina Stokes is but OATH is not the wrestling world. OATH is its own microcosm. So how does Nina Stokes achieve her goals in OATH? What does she do next?” O’Neil asked.

Stokes seemed amused by O’Neil’s perseverance.

“Close-minded people are always made out to be idiots in the end. Remember that, May.” Stokes folded her arms across her chest. “What happens now is this: I’m going to out-wrestle every single person that I step into the ring with. I’m going to to dismantle them all, piece by piece by piece. My talent will be undeniable. And I will claim what’s mine; you can bet on that.”

“You’re trying to claim what’s yours? What is that, exactly?” O’Neil asked, with minor hesitation.

“Everything.” Stokes responded.

— Carlos Cruz vs. Jake Archer Up next was yet another member of the Celestial Warriors competing as debuting member “The Jesus Freak” took on “The G.O.A.T.” Jake Archer. Archer suffered a loss to Levi Silvera at Event Horizon and was looking to come back from that.

The match began with Cruz trying to hit Archer with some quicks but Archer showed his agility and evaded each one. Archer got flashy and attempted hit Just Do It! (Handspring Enzuigiri) but Cruz kicked him right in the back of the head for a near fall. Archer was rocked when Cruz measured him and cracked him with a Divine Superkick for a second near fall.

Cruz took his time after this because it looked like Archer was seeing stars. Cruz peppered Archer with some body kicks and then put Archer face first into the mat with Amen (Scissors Kick). Petrie remarked that Cruz was dominating this match at that somewhere backstage, Agustin Gates was smiling. Mears added that alongside Gates, Maximum Dynamite were licking their wounds.

The Jesus Freak called for the end and that seemingly brought Archer back to life. Archer caught Cruz with an eye gouge that went undetected by the referee. Archer quickly rallied and smashed Cruz with The Touch! (Sweet Chin Music set up into a Spinning Backfist). Archer covered but was only able to get a two count. Archer started to get cocky at this point and that gave Cruz the opening to hit another big kick to Archer’s head. Cruz then hopped to and dropped Archer with The Ultimate Sacrifice (Springboard Cutter). Halifax booed Cruz en mass as he climbed to the top rope and went for The Solemn Truth (Ghetto/Double Foot Stomp from the top rope).

As Cruz came off of the top rope, Archer came back to life and cracked Cruz in the jaw, in mid-air, with a superkick! Archer then dragged Cruz to a corner and nailed the Negasonic Warhead (Starship Pain) for the pinfall and the victory.

Winner: Jake Archer

— The Table Undisclosed location, evening. “Ladies, gentlemen, and all living beings within the sound of my voice, my name is Declan Black. And for you non-Haligonians out there, this…”

The shot panned out to reveal an amazing view of Halifax, one that could only come from one place…

“…is Citadel Hill. Goes back to 1749 as a strategic location for battle. There’s no better views of the Harbour anywhere in the city. Go on, shoot the harbour, there.”

The cameraman dutifully shot the gorgeous harbour for a few long moments. The disembodied voice was unmistakable, it was that of hometown hero Declan Black.

“And there’s a reason I’ve summoned OATH’s erstwhile camera crew up here to listen to me talk. See, this match is of great importance to me. It’s not just the where, although that’s of huge importance to me, being back home in God’s Country. It’s not just the when, although that is important too…I’m one half of the first TV main event in this company’s history. The why and the how…closer to the point. See, we’re here because Devin Brando and I have collided two times…to two draws. And the big one is the who, Devin Brando. A man I’ve yet to beat.”

The shot was reigned in to show Black himself.

“Devin Brando is damned impressive. He’s a big strong guy, he’s got the wrestling skills to get very far in this business, and many a lesser man might cower in his presence. There’d be no shame in losing to a man of his talent…if only I wasn’t me.”

“You see, even before I was in wrestling, in school, I was the kid who always had the answer, who could always crack the code, figure it out. And that’s carried on to wrestling. My mind is second to none in this business, I can always find an angle, find something to leverage. But with Devin Brando, that hasn’t happened yet. That’s a source of great frustration for me…but it makes me realise what I have to do. Devin Brando is damn good…but he hasn’t been in this business for 12 years. His mind isn’t as sharp as mine is, not yet. Maybe he’ll get there someday, but someday is not today.

Devin, I hope you make millions of dollars in this business. I hope you achieve your dreams and realise everything you ever wanted to do. But kid…you’re going to need a whole lot more than dreams to knock the king off of this hill.”

“Tonight, you’re in Nova Scotia, and we’re always happy to welcome one more to the table. But Devin, don’t forget who sits at the head of that table.”

— Veronica Taylor vs. Casey Holliday Despite this next match being a debut affair for both competitors, the OATH fans in Halifax were already very aware of Veronica Taylor. Calling herself the “First Lady of OATH”, Taylor was banned from the Wildcard Series for attacking OATH Correspondent May O’Neil at Event Horizon Night Seven. Fair to say that Halifax didn’t give Taylor a warm response.

Casey Holliday on the other hand got a big ovation, mainly due to the fact that she is not Taylor. The First Lady did not seem pleased. As soon the bell rang, Taylor darted across the ring and smashed Holliday with a forearm. Halifax did not like that.

Taylor kept Holliday on the mat with some stiff boots. The audience booed with every shot and that seemed to make Taylor stomp harder each time. Holliday was able to fight up with an elbow to Taylor’s mid-section. Holliday tried for a forward Russian leg sweep but Taylor took Holliday over with a hair mare. Taylor kept Holliday grounded by putting a foot on her chest, pulling her hair. The referee allowed that for exactly four seconds.

It was at this point that the camera closed in on Holliday’s face and she went from in pain to extremely angry in a split second. Taylor stomped around the ring like she owned the sum bitch and when she went to grab Holliday, Taylor was treated to a palm strike to the face. Taylor went to fight back but Holliday blocked it, hit another palm strike and then drove Taylor head first into the mat with a springboard tornado DDT! Holliday covered for a two count.

Halifax was behind Holliday and she was loving every minute of it. Holliday tried for a single knee facebuster but Taylor slapped the living shit out of her and then pulled her into Exed Out (Roll Of The Dice). Taylor arrogantly covered, grinding her forearm into Holliday’s face for the three count.

Winner: Veronica Taylor

Following the bell, Taylor mounted Holliday and repeatedly punched her in the face. Taylor grabbed Holliday by the hair and screamed in her face, “I’m The First Lady. You don’t belong here!”. Taylor treated Holliday to a parting shot to the face.

— The Message Backstage the Agustin Gates was shown with Maximum Dynamite. Gates told his brothers that he was not upset with them for losing, that Celestial Warriors fight for God and that God was testing them. Gates said that not everyone is as naturally talented as himself and that they just need to work harder and they will be the top tag team in OATH.

At that moment Carlos Cruz walked into the frame, looking dejected. Gates put a hand on Cruz’s shoulder and said much of the same to Cruz as he did with Maximum Dynamite. Gates said that The Celestial Warriors are being faced with a roster full of fiends and liars. Gates said that Cruz’s brief stint in OATH has been marred by conspiracy and injustice. Gates said that he would put a stop to all of this nonsense.

Cruz seemed comforted by this words but Gates got closer, pulled his brother in. “Now I know that you couldn’t complete your first task and that is not your fault. But did you at least complete your second task?” Gates asked.

Cruz looked up and his expression changed to a devious smirk. Cruz slowly nodded and this brought a smile to Gates’ face. “Perfect, then tonight will not be a complete loss.”

— Catriona MacKenzie vs. Chastity Vice

The next match saw Wildcard Finalist Catriona MacKenzie take on Chastity Vice. Vice came out to a mixed reaction because the fans in Halifax…and OATH at large did not know much about her. Mears noted that Vice claims to be “Reborn in the Black” and that we are looking at a once good woman who has been corrupted by outside forces. Petrie said that after Event Horizon, both of these women need to be reborn in victory.

MacKenzie came out with a bicycle super kick that cracked Vice right in the jaw. Vice fought back and planted MacKenzie with a sidewinder suplex for a two count. Vice went feral, mounting MacKenzie she blasted her with a series of big head butts. MacKenzie fought out with a forearm shiver and then put Vice on the mat with a double handcuff neckbreaker for a two count of her own. MacKenzie wowed the crowd with a handspring stinger splash into the corner and then went for Beam Me Up Scottie (Fireman’s carry drop into knee lift) but Vice slipped behind MacKenzie and after a series of headbutts to the base of MacKenzie’s skull, Vice put her down with a pumphandle slam!

Petrie noted that MacKenzie had been involved with a war of words with Intrepid Champion Samantha Hamilton online and if MacKenzie wants a shot at the title, she was in a must win scenario here. MacKenzie must have heard that because she fought back and hit Vice with a leg feed spinning mule kick. MacKenzie took hold of Vice and this time she was able to hit Beam Me Up Scottie (Fireman’s carry drop into knee lift) for the three count.

Winner: Catriona MacKenzie

Following the match, MacKenzie got on the stick and she said that she wants a chance to show that she should have won the Wildcard Series. MacKenzie tossed out the challenge to Samanth Hamilton for the Intrepid Championship and she wants it to happen next week. MacKenzie left the ring and speculated as to whether the challenge would be accepted, or not.

— Scales The scene cut to show the exterior of a church, at night. The shot didn’t have the high end look that most OATH productions typically have, it appeared to be shot on a handheld camera. Inside the church, foyer was empty as the cameraman made his way through. Down a set of stairs and through another door we found a group of people sitting in a circle. The cameraman took care to somewhat conceal the camera but the room was still clearly visible. Some of the others in the room were drinking coffee, some were alert, some looked bored, some looked desperate, and one was speaking.

“And that’s why they left me. I lost everything.” said one woman.

The rest of the circle applauded. Not the subject matter but out of respect for the woman’s strength. A man dressed in jeans and a button down shirt nodded with a knowing expression. He was holding a clipboard and appeared to have the room.

“Thank you Jan. That was brave of you, this being your first meeting. We are all here to support you and I think I can speak for the group when I say that we know this wasn’t easy for you.”

The group nodded in approval as the man pointed to another person in the group. “Would you care to share next Alex?”

Alex collected his thoughts for a moment. “I didn’t grow up like this. I was raised somewhat normally. My parents were good to me and I was never abused. But it all changed a few years back. I met this girl and she was the love of my life. We were together for about a year. I caught her in bed with two other men. I left my apartment and headed straight to the bar. Started pounding them back. I spiraled quickly out of…”

Laughter came from another part of the circle which caused the others to whirl their head around in a disapproving fashion. They all stare at the man, known by OATH fans as TERROR.

“I’m sorry…continue on.” Said TERROR

“…control. I started with beer and then I progressed to liquor.” Alex said as the laughter from TERROR started again.

The man in jeans and button down shirt starred a hole into TERROR before clearing his throat.

He looked at his name tag which had the name “Ryan” on it.

“Ryan?” The man asked. “Since you find this all hilarious. Would you care to say something?”

TERROR stood up and removed his black leather jacket. He walked past the circle of chairs and dragged over a podium. He placed it in behind the man who had called him out. TERROR placed both his hands on the podium and sneered at the circle.

“I’m not an alcoholic nor will I ever be one. I came here to listen and observe. And to be honest, you guys are the biggest pussies I’ve ever met.”

The crowd gasped as TERROR continued.

“These substances that you placed into your bodies. It became the fuel that drove you to become who you truly were. Removing substances like that were the TRUE reason you lost everything.”

The circle didn’t know what to do with themselves as they clamored with inaudible chatter. TERROR took a breath deep in and out.

“Addiction is the fuel that brought your true selves to the surface. And for OATH, I am that addiction. I am the fuel that keeps OATH being what it truly should be.”

One circle member let out, “What the fuck are you talking about man?”

“I am the arm that holds the scales at balance.” TERROR said.

The cameraman moved in on the podium, revealing his presence to the group.

“Who the fuck is this guy?” The circle member said and TERROR shot him a glare that inspired the man to shut the fuck up.

“And no matter who you are or where you come from, if you tip MY scales I will be there to put you in check. For the balance must be maintained. I AM the Alpha and the Omega of OATH. I will maintain the balance by any means necessary.”

TERROR stepped out from behind the podium, grabbed his jacket and left the room. The circle was still in shock.

— Levi Silvera vs. Salvador Blanco

The penultimate match of the evening saw “The God of the New World” Levi Silvera look to build off of his victory over Jake Archer at the Event Horizon Finals. Salvador Blanco was looking to do the same after defeating and retiring Rob Sharpe from active competition in OATH at the same event.

Blanco offered a handshake off the bell. Silvera considered it for a moment before baking away, his gaze fixed on the luchador. The beginning of the match saw both men jockeying for position as Blanco went for a series of deep arm drags but Silvera rolled through all of them. Silvera took control after hitting the Hellish Rebuke (Sliding German Suplex) for a near fall.

The White Saviour fought back after catching Silvera off guard with a spinning back elbow. Blanco kept the momentum on his side after sending Silvera into a corner with a running monkey flip. Petrie remarked that this match would likely have big implications going forward, as both men are coming off victories.

Blanco set Silvera up for a turnbuckle crucifix powerbomb but Silvera fought out of it, landed behind Blanco, and smashed him in the back of the head with the No Shadow Kick (Shining Enzugiri). With Blanco rocked, Silvera got him up and nailed Outer Heaven (Modified Tiger Driver 98) an a matchbook cover for the victory. Winner: Levi Silvera

— You’re On

Backstage May O’Neil stood, microphone in hand and she stood beside newly minted OATH Intrepid Champion. O’Neil asked Hamilton if she had an answer to Catriona MacKenzie’s challenge from earlier. Hamilton said that she wouldn’t be much of a champion if she didn’t face deserving competitors.

Hamilton said that although MacKenzie is a loud mouth, she deserves an opportunity so next week she will get that opportunity but she will lose. Hamilton said that it is her duty to make the Intrepid Championship mean something and she will do that by defending it wherever and whenever she can.

— 30-Minute Broadway Match – Declan Black vs. Devin Brando

At this point it was time for the first ever Conviction main event as Declan Black and Devin Brando squared off for the third time in their OATH careers. In their first two encounters the matches ended in a draw. With this match being contested under Broadway Rules, the OATH officials promised a decisive winner.

The match began and Black tried to rush Brando right off the bell but Brando caught him with the Midnight Murder Scene (End of Days) out of nowhere! Brando covered and got a quick first fall.

Black: 0

Brando: 1

Time: 29:29

It took a second for Black to come to but when he did he was beside himself. Brando on the other hand gestured for Black to arise and meet his fate. Black did just that. Black charged at Brando and ducked under a lariat. Black then hit the Call of the Goal (Claymore) but targeted Brando’s left knee! Brando’s leg bent in an unnatural way which caused him to drop to the mat.

Black relentlessly stomped on Brando’s left leg and then dragged him toward a corner. Black quickly slipped out of the ring and applied a figure four leg lock, using the ring post! The referee tried to scorn Black but “The Pride of Nova Scotia” would not let go. His hometown fans were behind him but some seemed a little upset with his method.

The referee applied a five count and to everyone’s surprise, Black did not release the hold! The referee got to five and even gave Black a few more seconds but Black refused to release the hold. The referee had no choice but to disqualify Black.

Black: 0

Brando: 2

Time: 24:13

The referee called for the start of a new fall but Black still had the figure four applied! The referee started another five count and Black waited until the final possible moment before he released the hold. Black then slid back into the ring and took hold of Brando’s left leg. Brando fought as hard as he could but ultimately Black tripped Brando up and applied the Black Magic (Stretch Muffler). To try and avoid further damage (one would imagine) Brando tapped out after a short time in the hold, which got a big pop from the biased Halifax crowd.

Black: 1

Brando: 2

Time: 19:04

The referee put himself between Black and Brando at that point to check on Brando’s physical well being. Brando indicated that he could continue and Mears commented, “That is probably a bad idea”. Black didn’t seem to think so, he had a smile on his face. Black rushed Brando again but this time Brando exploded with a spinning lariat that turned Black inside out.

Ever clever, Black rolled to the outside of the ring to recover. Petrie said that it was a great move because it would take Brando some time to go after Black. The referee started a twenty count but every time he neared twenty, Black would slip into the ring and then slip back out. Brando had no choice but to chase after the Haligonian.

As Brando closed in on Black, Black tried for Call of the Coal (Claymore Kick) but Brando ducked down, caught Black’s leg over his shoulder and then summoned Godly strength to lift Black up and powerbomb him in the apron. Brando tried to hang on and go for another powerbomb on the apron but his leg gave out. Both men were down, ringside.

Knowing that this was his opportunity, Brando stood up and ripped back the protective padding at ringside, while hobbling. Brando then took a moment to consider his actions. Petrie noted that Brando had been trying to distance himself from his ultraviolent past but it seemed that he was going to go that route to beat Black.

“I really hope he doesn’t,” Petrie said. “For everyone’s sake. We don’t want that demon unleashed.”

As Brando was contemplating, Black pulled himself up using the apron. Black went for In The Black (Regal Cutter) onto the exposed concrete but Brando came back to life and dropped Black with a spinning side slam.

“I don’t think that counts as ultraviolence. That was a defensive move.” Petrie said.

The referee had had enough of the violence outside the ring and applied a twenty count. Black was down and out, the back of his head bleeding out onto the concrete. At a count of eighteen Brando slipped back into the ring and Black got up at nineteen, however, he could not get into the ring by a count of twenty.

Black: 1

Brando: 3

Time: 11:56

Black gets back into the ring and is faster than that partially crippled Brando. Black hits Brando with a chop block to the left leg and then holds it up with his hands. Black stomped at the knee joint relentlessly. Black went to apply Black Magic again but Brando went for an uncharacteristic enziguiri! Black ducked it and found himself behind Brando in perfect position to hit the Blackout (Rainmaker). So he did. Brando landed in a heap and Black covered for a three count.

Black: 2

Brando: 3

Time: 8:15

With less than ten minutes left, all Brando had to do was hang on. Easier said than done when you’re opponent is someone like Black. Black looked to target Brando’s bad leg again but Brando was clever, switching his stance. Every time Black would try to shoot on Brando, he was met with a jab to the face. Black tried it one too many times and got rocked with an uppercut that sent him staggering backward. Black caught himself on the ropes but Brando half-ran at him. Brando went for a spear through the ropes but Black moved. Brando flew through the ropes to the outside and wouldn’t you know it, he landed on his bad knee.

Black took to lounging across the top rope in a corner as the referee applied yet another twenty count. Brando tried his hardest to pull himself up and get in the ring but he just couldn’t do it. He grabbed the apron just as the referee hit the twenty count.

Black: 3

Brando: 3

Time: 4:40

At this point Brando was incensed. He reentered the ring and a charging Black was met with a boot to the mid-section and then Brando nearly drove Black through the mat with a piledriver. Black’s head left a blood print on the mat and Brando applied a reverse mount. Brando started hammering on the back of Black’s head and the referee warned him. Brando got ahold of himself and got off Black but maintained wrist control. Brando looked to end the match just they way he started it and he pulled Black into the Midnight Murder Scene but at the last second his left leg gave out. Black too advantage by nailing Brando with Blackout for another fall.

Black: 4

Brando: 3

Time: 0:59

With just a minute left, Black put distance between himself and Brando but Brando was out. Black decided to try and insult Brando, he pulled Brando by his wrist but Brando blasted him with a spinning lariat. Black did a complete backflip and landed on his face, blood pooling on the mat beneath his face. Brando crawled over to Black as the crowd counted along with the timer, 5…4…3…2..1. Brando could not make the cover.

Winner: Declan Black

Much like their last encounter, both were down on the mat but this time we had a winner. Black had narrowly defeated Brando and this series of matches will most likely have lasting effects on both men.

— Own The World

The ring had been cleared and May O’Neil was shown in the ring. She called out to Halifax and informed them that on behalf of OATH she wanted to welcome the Event Horizon Series winner and first OATH World Champion, “The Seattle Saint” Finn Whelan to the ring.

“Into the Fire” by Asking Alexandria cued up and the audience exploded with cheers as Finn Whelan came out onto the stage. Whelan stood at the top of the ramp for a minute before holding the championship high in the air.

Once in the ring, the cheers continued for several minutes. Once Halifax finally calmed down, O’Neil went to ask a question. Whelan stopped her before she started, politely took the microphone and then gestured for her to leave the ring, even holding the ropes open.

Whelan then thanked Halifax for the warm reception. Whelan went on to say that Event Horizon was a tough journey and from the beginning it seemed to mean more than your average competition, that it was something to be proud of to win. But to become the World Champion, that was the cherry on top of winning the whole series.

Whelan said that as champion, he would be someone that others would want to emulate in the ring. He would be the standard bearer and the role model in OATH. Whelan promised to be the “OATHkeeper”, a man who is more than just a figurehead, a champion who will always push to do the best for the entertainment of the fans and to ensure that people who won’t follow through in that aspect will not pass him.

He then said very firmly, “Kings claim lands to places they don’t own and look where it gets them.” And the audience laughed.

It was as if on cue Agustin Gates made his way out onto the stage and to the surprise of everyone, he was alone. Gates said it was cute that Whelan had decided to become the Captain America of OATH, however, he is not. He said that only a man who follows God, and tradition should be champion. A man of true virtue, a man of his word.

Gates said that he is a man of his word and that no members of the Celestial Warriors would harm the champion…tonight. “But it is not just the Celestial Warriors who have a bone to pick with you…champ.”

At that very moment a figure came over the barricade, slid into the ring and blasted Whelan in the face with a bicycle knee strike. “That’s Erik Holland!” Mears exclaimed.

Whelan attempted to fight back but Holland already had the upper hand. Holland kept Whelan subdued with hard stomps and kicks as Gates sauntered down the ramp, laughing. Holland mercilessly beat on the champion.

Gates entered the ring and stood over the fallen champion. “You see champ, while I may not own the world, I do have influence around this place. My friend Erik Holland here got himself a big victory at Event Horizon. I suggested to him that he try and defeat all of the people that beat him in the Event Horizon Series. That starts with you!”

Gates laughed in the downed champions face but Holland slowly turned his attention to Gates, his menacing expression not lost on the audience. They began to cheer.

“Uh oh.” Mears said.

Holland’s arm shot out and he grabbed Gates’ microphone hand. Holland slowly pulled the microphone toward his own mouth.

“No.” Holland said with a growl, “It starts with you.”

The audience exploded as Holland pulled Gates in and planted him with the Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver). Holland stomped around the ring, shaking the ropes, and generally acting like a maniac. Halifax was in to it. The Most Dangerous’ intentions were very clear.

OATH Pro Wrestling 2019

Results: – The Inevitable def. Maximum Dynamite – Jake Archer def. Carlos Cruz – Veronica Taylor def. Casey Holliday – Catriona MacKenzie def. Chastity Vice – Levi Silvera def. Salvador Blanco – Declan Black def. Devin Brando in a Broadway Match (4-3)