CONVICTION IX

Episode IX October 14th, 2019 Osaka, Japan

— Move In Silence 9:00pm hit and the TV-MA rating appeared in the top left hand corner of your screen. It was time for OATH Conviction but the usual signature didn’t play. Instead we cut to the outside of the arena in Osaka. Rabid Japanese fans were waiting by the loading bay where a black town car rolled down the ramp. When it stopped the camera ran along the side of the car until we reached the back right passenger door. It opened and the camera pulled back to show the figure as none other than the OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Nina Stokes. Stokes casually closed the door and we could see the TB Title slung over her left shoulder. The camera looked over top of the town car to show a man exiting the car, it was Stokes’ cousin Akira. The champion and her kin started to make her way toward the building itself but she was approached by OATH Interviewer May O’Neil. “Nina. Tonight you face your toughest challenge yet in your OATH career when you take on World Champion Declan Black. Can we get your thoughts on the match?” O’Neil asked. Stokes just stared at O’Neil with cold eyes. Stokes then looked at the title over her shoulder and lightly scoffed. O’Neil went to question Stokes further but the champion lightly moved O’Neil from her path and carried on into the building with her cousin at her side. The time for talking was over.

— Champions, Champions Everywhere! Okay now onto the show itself. The elaborate and impressive OATH signature played followed by the opening reel for Conviction. The video package was given a Japanese treatment, featuring flyovers of Osaka and its city streets. Inside the arena the Japanese fans clapped respectfully as a drone mounted camera passed over the masses. Cut to ringside where OATH broadcasters Ben Petrie and Matt Mears were standing, their backs to their announce table. Mears welcomed viewers to Osaka and the first stop on OATH’s three week Japanese tour. Petrie said that he was already sick of eating fish and noodles. Mears told him to branch out and diversify his tastes. Mears ran down the card and highlighted that OATH’s debut in Japan would feature all five champions in action; an Intrepid Title defence, a Tag Team Title defence, and a champion vs champion match where Tabula Rasa Champion Nina Stokes would face World Champion Declan Black. Petrie said that he is a fan of Stokes but the disrespect she showed Black last week and she was likely bit off more than she could chew. Mears said that might be the case but Stokes has one of the best records in the company and should not be overlooked. Petrie scoffed and threw to the ring and the announcer for the first match.

— Jake Archer vs. Combo XL “The Best of You” played through the arena and Osaka cheered wildly, or at least as wildly as they deemed appropriate. Archer made his entrance and looked like he had recovered from the beating that he suffered two weeks ago at Brutalism.

Atlanta had only a moment to celebrate following Jake Archer’s victory because Erik Holland was right back up. In his most horrifying display of anger, Holland clobbered Archer with a punt to the side of the head. Holland got Archer up and planted him with The Toxic Avenger. Then another. Then Holland got Archer up in a fireman’s carry one more time, climbed up to the top rope and came off with a top rope Toxic Avenger that put both men through the ring! Atlanta was in shock. It took a few minutes but a hand protruded from the hole in the mat. Holland ascended from the hole and stood tall, Archer’s blood on his chest. Holland looked more psychotic than ever and the scene cut. Brutalism, 09/29/19

Archer was in the ring, looking at the replay that was playing on the Tron and his jubilant expression changed to one of deep anger. Combo XL made his entrance and Osaka didn’t really give a shit, he clearly wasn’t well liked or respected. The bell rang and Archer exploded with a superkick to Combo’s face. Combo staggered and Archer hit him with a second superkick, then a third! Archer had a look of complete focus on his face as he shot forward and hit Combo with The Touch! (Sweet Chin Music set up into a Spinning Backfist). Archer then climbed to the top rope and hit Combo with the Negasonic Warhead (Starship Pain). Archer covered and secured the quick victory. Winner: Jake Archer After having his hand raised, Archer took hold of the microphone. Archer said that he was happy to be back in Japan and even happier to be back in an OATH ring. He said that his match with Erik Holland at Brutalism changed him and that coming out victorious solidified in his mind that he was ready to challenge for the OATH World Championship. Archer said that he would be getting a better look at the World Champion later on in the evening. Archer then led a chant of “THE BEST” repeated ad nauseum and Osaka was happy to chant with all of the excitement they could muster. “The Man In High Demand” certainly was just that.

— Alex Pierce vs. James Edwards The next match saw two promising new OATH wrestlers go head to head when “The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce take on “The Burning Heart” James Edwards. Ben Petrie noted the fire theme in this match, suggesting that they start a team called “The Flamers” to which Matt Mears immediately apologized on Petrie’s behalf. The beginning of the match saw Pierce rush Edwards only for Edwards to evade every strike that Pierce attempted. Pierce went for one punch too many and Edwards fed him a knee to the mid-section and shoved Pierce away. Pierce gave Edwards a nod of respect and then shot in on his opponent again. Pierce feigned a strike and when Edwards moved to evade it, Pierce locked up with him. Pierce shot Edwards into the ropes but did not wait for Edward to rebound, Pierce followed Edwards in and hit him with a high flipping dropkick that sent Edwards out onto the apron. The Fire Fist Ace ran and in one fluid motion he leapt to the top rope and went to hit Edwards with a missile dropkick but Edwards gripped the top rope, leaned back and Pierce completely missed. As Pierce recovered on the mat Edwards re-entered the ring and blasted Pierce with a sliding knee to the side of the head. Edwards moved slowly and deliberately, as if he was calculating the most effective course of action. With a knee pressed onto the side of Pierce’s head, Edwards punched down on Pierce’s mid-section. Pierce was able to free himself and when he went for another tie-up Edwards caught him with a brutal jab that staggered Pierce. “I like James Edwards approach. He is very calculating in his movements,” Mears said. “There is no wasted motion from him.” Pierce was subdued, holding his midsection. Edwards approached but it seemed that Pierce was playing possum because when Edwards was within range, Pierce stood and clobbered The Burning Heart with a discus forearm smash. Edwards took it on the chin and Pierce pulled him into a snap suplex. From there Pierce hit some well placed stomps to the back of Edwards neck and when Edwards tried to mount a comeback, Pierce hit him with another discus forearm smash. Edwards was hit so hard that he turned away but Pierce took hold of his head and pulled him back into Banshee Muzzle (Dragon Sleeper with bodyscissors). The referee got in close to see about the submission as the ring announcer called that ten minutes had passed. Mears noted that singles matches in OATH follow a strict fifteen time limit. Petrie said that they rarely talk about that, perhaps it’s foreshadowing. Edwards was able to hit some elbows to Pierce’s damaged mid-section which broke the leg scissors. Edwards was able to roll back and break the hold. Standing above Pierce now, Edwards jumped and came down with a double stomp to Pierce’s face that drew gasps from Osaka. Pierce tried to rally, his nose bleeding, and he went for another discus elbow smash but Edwards evaded it, grabbed Pierce’s arm and took him over with Half Cut (Half-Nelson Suplex). Edwards covered but only got a two count. Edwards looked to follow that up with Foxfire (Fisherman Brainbuster) but Pierce used his free leg to knee Edwards in the top of the head. The Fire Fist Ace found himself behind Edwards so he put Edwards down with a chop block to the right knee. Pierce then quickly nailed Edwards with Glimmering Warlock (Feint shining wizard transitioned into a reverse roundhouse) and covered for a two count. The ring announcer said that we had reached thirteen minutes. With a sense of urgency Pierce set Edwards up for Chaosbringer (Shouten) but Edwards fought out of it and tried for his Violent Revelation (Bicycle high knee to the chin of a standing opponent.) but Pierce sidestepped it. Pierce sent Edwards into the ropes and then hit the opposing ropes himself. The two collided in the middle of the ring, both looking for lariats and both were down. Moments later the ring announcer signalled to the referee and the referee called for the bell. Winner: No Contest Both competitors did not hear the bell and went to attack each other again but the referee got between them and let them know that the time limit expired. They each looked angry about it but did not try to continue. There was a look between them that signified that they would face each other again…soon.

— Mulligan In the backstage area of the arena, we saw Catriona MacKenzie sitting at a table with a very dapper looking man in a designer suit. The man was of course her husband to be, executive representative extraordinaire Joshua Samson, Esquire. Catriona was dressed for her upcoming match against Veronica Taylor where the winner would walk away with the chance to challenge Nina Stokes for the OATH Tabula Rasa Championship. Catriona was ready both physically and mentally… but something was still weighing on her mind a little bit. “You need to just forget about your opponent’s mom. You and I both know that you’re better than her.” Samson said. “I know. But I want another shot at the title and last time I faced Veronica Taylor… well you know what happened.” Catriona said solemnly. “You haven’t let me forget about it. Like I said, you are better than her and they obviously felt threatened by you.” Samson replied. “If I have to, I’m not afraid to put my hands on Momma Taylor and take her out. Veronica has her head so far up her… needless to say she’s a self-centered, narcissistic bitch. I can be too at times…” “That’s a bit of an understatement.” Samson said. Catriona playfully, yet a bit forcibly, punched him in the shoulder. “As I was saying… I can be self-centered but I know what to do to get the job done when it needs to get done. I’m prepared this time to face Veronica and I know their shenanigans. I won’t be letting that stuff fly this time around. Because even if they try it, I will be ready for it. That title shot is as good as mine.” Catriona said confidently. “Now if you can just remain focused on that, I know you’ll do great.” said Samson. With a smile on her face, Catriona slung her legs across Joshua’s lap and leaned her head onto his shoulder (being careful to not get makeup on his suit). They continued talking as we cut to commercial.

— #1 Contendership: Tabula Rasa Title Catriona MacKenzie vs. Veronica Taylor w/ Mrs. Taylor Next up we saw the renewing of a feud when Catriona MacKenzie took on Veronica Taylor to determine the next challenger for Nina Stokes’ Tabula Rasa Title. Ben Petrie wondered aloud why we were seeing this match again, as Taylor defeated MacKenzie just over a month ago. MacKenzie then locked in the Lassie Lock (Scorpion Cross Lock) and while the referee was concerned with getting a verbal submission from Veronica, Mrs. Taylor got up on the apron and threw glitter in MacKenzie’s face! MacKenzie had to break the hold and Veronica recovered with another chop block and then Exed Out (Roll Of The Dice). Veronica covered and got the three count. MacKenzie made her entrance and got a big response from Osaka. Veronica made her entrance with her mother at her side and the audience was silent. The two competitors met in the middle of the ring and Veronica could be heard saying, “Didn’t I already beat this bitch?”. That prompted a forearm to the face from MacKenzie. MacKenzie dominated the early going, she was bound and determined to prove that she is better than Veronica. When Veronica tried to regroup on the outside MacKenzie was right there with her. MacKenzie went for a suplex on the outside but Mrs. Taylor was there to plead with MacKenzie not to do it. MacKenzie almost let Mrs. Taylor distract her but she shook it off and took Veronica over with a quick suplex on the outside. Not wanting to get counted out, MacKenzie rolled Veronica back into the ring but Veronica was back up and she hit MacKenzie with a dropkick to the face. Veronica then paraded around the ring, insulting MacKenzie. MacKenzie tried to stand but Veronica hit her with a running kick to the side of the head. Veronica mounted MacKenzie and Mrs. Taylor held MacKenzie’s foot down from the outside. Veronica did her best to insult MacKenzie with some slaps to the face. Mrs. Taylor got up on the apron and cheered her daughter on but MacKenzie stood and nailed Mrs. Taylor with a bicycle superkick that took Mrs. Taylor off the apron and left her in a heap on the outside. The camera then zoomed in as MacKenzie turned to Veronica with a stone cold glare. Veronica rushed in and went for a knee strike but MacKenzie blocked it and hit Veronica with her own move, The Facelift (Implant DDT). “That’s just wrong! Wrong and disrespectful!” Petrie cried out. MacKenzie quickly transitioned into the Lassie Lock (Scorpion Cross Lock) and this time Mrs. Taylor was unable to help. Veronica had no choice but to tap out. Winner: Catriona MacKenzie

— New World Aura The show then cut to a video package. The camera moved slowly through what appeared to be an industrial warehouse. Every few moments, we could see signs of some sort of fight… blood on the floor inside a large chalk circle, discarded hand-wraps, a dented steel bucket next to a rickety wooden stool. A male voiceover began: “For years, there have been rumors. Rumors of an illegal fight club circuit, global and mysterious, with high-stakes wagers being made in the back rooms of bars and in the warehouses down at the docks. North America, Asia, Europe… We only hear the whispers of the events. We only hear the whispers of the names. And every once in a while, into the world of legitimate professional combat athletics, someone steps forward who claims to have come from that world, a fact usually difficult to fact-check. But this time it’s different. This time, one of the names that has long been associated with this shadow world of illegal fighting has stepped into the light, and onto the stage at OATH Pro-Wrestling. Aura Everton, The New World Aura.” The camera panned to the 6 foot-tall, 145 pound fighter. “What sort of intensity will OATH be witness to when the world of illegal high-stakes fighting is injected into its bloodstream with the arrival of the New World Aura? Only time will tell…”

— The Dynasty vs. Enigma Protocol Tag team division was on display next as the undefeated tandem of The Dynasty took on the newly reformed Enigma Protocol. Last week following a tag team victory, The Slayton’s received a message from TERROR and Villalobos.

“Next week, boys, you will come and sit under our learning tree. We will restore balance to the OATH tag team division and you will be the first step. Get your affairs in order, perhaps update your resumes, because after next week you will both be considering a new line of work. Until then…” TERROR waived “bye bye” as Miguel Villalobos continued to snarl. TERROR stepped out of frame leaving Villalobos to reach up and rip the lightbulb out of the ceiling. The scene on the tron was plunged back into darkness and The Dynasty were left in the ring to consider their future. Conviction VIII – 10/07/19

The match began with Patrick and TERROR in the ring. TERROR invited Patrick to take a free shot and Patrick obliged by smashing TERROR with Devil’s Trident (Spear). Patrick tried to mount TERROR but TERROR rolled over onto his stomach and was able to evade the onslaught. Patrick tried to shoot in again but TERROR blasted him with Out of the Shadows (Superkick). TERROR maintained control with an arm wrench and he tagged in Villalobos. Villalobos came off the second rope with a chop block to Patrick’s right shoulder. Villalobos was rabid in his attack on Patrick with a variety of strikes which he punctuated with Santa Muerte (Cradle Piledriver). Instead of covering, Villalobos tagged TERROR back in. “Enigma Protocol have not missed a step in the least,” Ben Petrie said. “These frequent tags are keeping Patrick Slayton on the wrong side of the ring. Nice.” Enigma Protocol tried to set Patrick up for Schrödinger’s Cat (Dudley Death Drop) but when Patrick was sent into the ropes, he held on to stop his momentum then dove and tagged in his brother David. VIllalobos tried to rush both brothers but they sent him out of the ring with Shadow Kick (Stereo Dropkicks). TERROR did not do the same, he kept his distance and then like earlier in the contest he invited David to approach him. David obliged and when TERROR tried to surprise him with an Out of the Shadows (Superkick), David evaded it and took TERROR over with a German suplex. TERROR tried to rally back but David put him down again, this time with Mass Driver (Belly-to-back suplex flipped into a spike DDT). David covered but Villalobos was back in the ring to break up the fall. “It looks like this match is about ready to break down.” Matt Mears said. Patrick entered the ring and hit Villalobos with Apocalypse Now (Standing Dropkick) that sent Villalobos back into a corner. Patrick and David then got TERROR up and sent him into the same corner, where TERROR collided with Villalobos. Patrick then shot David in and David smashed TERROR with a running high knee. TERROR fell on his face and Patrick clobbered Villalobos with a clothesline and then followed that up with Devil’s Trident (Spear) taking Villalobos through the ropes to the outside. With the referee distracted, TERROR hit David with a low blow and then put him down with Ohio Is For Killers (Deadeye). On the outside of the ring Villalobos applied a mandible claw to Patrick and then drove the back of Patrick’s head into the ringpost. Villalobos then slipped into the ring and with TERROR they executed the Paradox Solution (Cop Killa/Ghetto Stomp) and TERROR covered David for the three count. Winners: Enigma Protocol After the match TERROR and Villalobos continued to beat down David in the ring while Patrick lay face down on the outside bleeding from the back of the head. Enigma Protocol hit David with a second Paradox Solution (Cop Killa/Ghetto Stomp) to add an exclamation point to their victory. Mears noted that The Dynasty would not let this act of malice go unanswered and Petrie added that Enigma Protocol was likely counting on a response.

— Comfort Zone “OATH…I need to share something with you.” A choked up, gentle voice that we barely recognize as Erik Holland’s–mostly for the unique inflections on his words–crackled over what sounded like a radio broadcast as black and white scale film began to play. We saw an undulating crowd of Japanese punks and pro wrestling fans cheering on a fight inside what can charitably be called a wrestling ring. Holland was shown in the mass of human flesh, beer, and foul language. “I need you to understand and really feel what I feel every time I come here.” Flashbacks began to kick up. We could see Erik Holland bent over a huge bald man’s head, carving it open with a scalpel and stapling playing cards to the man’s head as the crowd roared. This man is noted Deathmatch stalwart “Cactus” Jack Bronson, and now as we saw Bronson and Holland stapling cards to each other’s heads to the cacophonous cheer of the masses. “There’s a different energy when I come through the curtain in the Land of The Rising Sun. They believe in my vision here. They welcomed me here when I was an unknown. Through the purpose of my blood and my sweat alone..they grew to love me.” Now we cut to another flashback, this time it was of a bloody Holland the equally bloody dual combat sport legend Hanako Takeuchi, who was on the top rope. Takeuchi came off the top rope with a Toxic Avenger thanks to Holland, through a razor-covered table which was followed by a three count. “Even when I tried to evolve, step out of my comfort zone, become something more…they walked with me, OATH.” There was a more modern arena in our sights next and a beautiful looking wrestling ring. Holland has got ahold of James Edwards, and Holland is Buckle Bombing him into the turnbuckle followed by Holland driving him into the mat with the Toxic Avenger. Holland hooked a leg, the crowd chanted to three with the ref’s count and cheered as a victorious Holland was handed the IJPW Strong Crown Championship. “And even when it was stolen, they walked with me.” Now we cut to Holland getting a low blow delivered to him by a woman he’s wrestling, followed by a rollup and a three count. Most importantly we see the Japanese fans encouraging Holland and pounding him on the back as he made his way to the back. “Nothing… that Jake Archer or Declan Black or anybody else could… lie… about… would ever break the bond I have created with them. The bond I earned by leaving my body parts and my blood all over this amazing country. I’d do it all over again given the chance.” The footage seems burned away as Holland stepped forward, being revealed in a dark room with a single spotlight. “We’re a family here. Come meet my folks..” He clicked on a light, and now we see hundreds of rowdy Japanese fans in punk attire, otherwise known as the K Squad Punks, the DTW/Iron Japan ultra-fans, cheering, swearing in Japanese, dumping beer on an ecstatic Holland’s back and embracing the man they’ve been cheering on. Back to ringside.

— Erik Holland vs. Salvador Blanco The next contest saw Erik Holland return to competition to Japan and he was welcomed with uproarious applause. Salvador Blanco was already in the ring and when the bell rang… things got very violent very quickly. Holland turned Blanco inside out with a lariat right off the bell. The White Saviour tried to rally but Holland was ready and he blasted Blanco with Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch). Holland snarled and mounted Blanco. Holland repeatedly smashed Blanco in the face with punches and then hit a glancing elbow so sharp that it tore Blanco’s mask. A couple more shots opened up a wound on the exposed patch of skin on Blanco’s head. “I thought we saw a vicious Erik Holland at Brutalism,” Matt Mears said. “But this, this is something different.” The Most Dangerous got Blanco up and tossed him into a corner. Holland followed Blanco in and hit him with a big running clothesline. Blanco staggered out of the corner, bloodied and battered. Holland hit Blanco with a kick to the mid-section and nearly drove him through the mat with Chopping Mall (Snap Powerbomb). “Blanco is on life support right now.” Ben Petrie said. Holland knew that Blanco was finished but he wanted to really make a statement so he got Blanco up and planted him with Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver). Holland covered and stared into the camera lens while the referee counted the three. Winner: Erik Holland Holland didn’t stay in the ring to celebrate. He had his hand raised and then immediately left the ring, where OATH Original Salvador Blanco lay in a bloody heap. Mears said that being in Holland has clearly awoken something in Holland and that is not good for anyone.

— Too Sweet The room was dimly lit. The mood was somewhat somber. Yet, Cartier found herself lying comfortably back on the couch in Thot Chocolate’s dressing room while SILK was seated on the arm rest with his chin and resting on his hand, obviously in some kind of deep thought. Both were in their ring attire, though they weren’t booked for tonight they seemed to be dressed and ready for a fight. The glow of the huge television screen they have in their dressing room reflected off both of them as well showing the commentary team on it as they were doing the prematch set up for the OATH Tag Title match featuring Midnight Special and the Inevitable – a match both SILK and Cartier had a high amount of interest in. “You been real quiet SILKY, even on the plane ride over here to Japan”, Cartier says with a slight look of concern as she turns towards her partner. SILK stayed in his focused state as he replied. “I ain’t a happy camper girl – you know this”, SILK spoke with slight aggression in his tone. “We gon’ get ‘em back, you already know.”, Cartier’s words attempted to comfort SILK but to no avail. SILK took his chin off of his hand and turned his eyes away from the television screen and locked them on his tag partner. “First –  we got every team in that match at Brutalism workin’ against us cause we the biggest threat”, SILK said reminding her of how it all started. “Then, when we aint even the Champs cause of that, we got this jive jabronis the Midnight Special comin’ attackin’ ya boi from behind after I put that first notch in Josie’s loss column after a hell of a match. Then they toss me out onto the stage like some kinda rag doll to bait you and it works – drawin’ you in and ruinin’ your match with Matsuda and droppin’ you hard on the ramp while I looked on barely conscious – this shit don’t ever happen, why? Cause everyone know it ain’t gon’ fly. So where do these fools get the audacity in thinkin’ there ain’t gon’ be repercussions for those actions?”, SILK looked visibly frustrated and displeased to say the least. Cartier scooted over and put her hands onto SILK’s, trying to calm him down as in a rare moment we’ve hardly seen – it’s Cartier trying to stop SILK’s blood from boiling and not the other way around. “Listen SILKY, I already said we gon’ get at ‘em, so all you gotta do is trust in that. We’ve beaten bigger, badder, better teams and Midnight Special ‘bout to turn into a bunch of pumpkins at 12:01 that we ‘bout to smash to hell like it’s Devil’s Night.”, Cartier said with a smile on her face. SILK returned it, somewhat lightening the tension in the room. “No cappin’ – ‘bout to beat Carbine, Cherry and that Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Combo XL from midnight to the early hours of the mornin’ ‘til we gotta stop for breakfast. Motherfuckers think shit’s sweet until their blood sugar level causes ‘em to drop dead at our feet.”, SILK said slyly and with utter confidence laced to every word. Cartier stood up in front of SILK, extending her hands for him to grab. “So let’s go get ‘em.”, she suggested. SILK looked at her hands for not even the slightest moment, grabbed them, picks Cartier up and twirled her around before dropping her in front of him back onto her feet. “That’s what I’m sayin’ girl – let’s make ‘em pay like they just bet their life savings on the Cowboys over the Jets and their dodging their bookie.”, SILK said with the fire of revenge burning in his eyes. Carter smiled back and delivered a simple nod in agreement as we faded out of their dressing room not know how or exactly when they are planning to get their revenge.

— Tag Team Championship Midnight Special vs. The Inevitable © Our first of two title matches was on deck as the team of Josh Cherry and Harvey Carbine looked to dethrone the champions Leah and Stephanie Matsuda in their first defence. Osaka gave Midnight Special a quiet, yet negative reaction. Conspicuous by his absence was the Midnights’ bodyguard Combo XL. Matt Mears guessed that the giant was still recovering from his humiliating defeat by Jake Archer earlier in the evening. The champions were out next and got one of the biggest reactions of the night. The Inevitable stomped to the ring, titles around their respective waists and both looked ready for a fight. The bell barely had rang when The Inevitable pounced and cracked Cherry with Double Yahtzee (Stereo Superkicks) which sent him over the top rope to the floor. “Midnight Special weren’t ready! What the fuck ref?” Ben Petrie exclaimed. Leah and Matsuda hit Carbine with double knees to the mid-section and then sent him into the ropes. On his return they took him down with Twin Surprise (Double Slingblade) to a massive pop from the crowd in Osaka. Carbine powdered out to the outside of the ring and The Inevitable stood tall. The entirety of the crowd in Osaka was standing and applauding. Cherry and Carbine regrouped on the outside and then took their time getting back up on the apron. Matsuda pointed to Cherry, the mouthpiece of the team, and demanded that he get in the ring. For a moment it looked as though Cherry was going to oblige her but instead he gave Carbine the go ahead. “They say that discretion is the better part of valour.” Petrie said, siding with Cherry’s apparent cowardice. Carbine didn’t seem to mind, he entered the ring and locked up with Matsuda. Matsuda slipped behind him into a waist lock but Carbine hit an elbow to her midsection, took her over with a snap mare and then applied a reverse chinlock to put the pace in his preferred gear. Matsuda tried to fight up but Carbine delivered stiff elbows to her collarbone which quelled the uprising. Osaka tried to will Matsuda on but Carbine was in control. Matsuda broke his grip and made for the ropes. On her return Carbine struck first and levelled her with a short arm clothesline. At this point Cherry was begging for the tag. Carbine tagged in his partner and together they put Matsuda face first into the mat with a double flapjack. Cherry then taunted Leah, who was seething on the apron. Cherry allowed Matsuda to crawl and get within inches of a tag before he charged and hit her with a stiff kick to the back of the head. Cherry then stomped on the back of Matsuda’s left knee to keep her grounded. Matsuda tried to get to her feet and when she was nearly up to a vertical base Cherry tried for Cherry’s Jubilee (Jump Stalling Sidekick) but Matsuda swatted it away and cracked him with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash). Matsuda then dove and made the tag to Leah. Carbine entered the ring and looked to cut Leah off with a spear but she leap frogged over him and Carbine collided with Cherry. Cherry rolled out of the ring and in an impressive show of strength, The Inevitable got Carbine up and planted him with 23 & Us (Double Sitout Powerbomb) but they did not pin as he was not the legal man. “Every single time we see The Inevitable compete as a team, they seem to get better.” Mears said. “I should hope so, they’re the fucking Tag Team Champions.” Petrie responded. Matsuda pumped up the audience and then charged and hit a suicide dive to the outside, taking Cherry down. Matsuda was up instantly and she rolled Cherry back in the ring for Leah to feast on. Leah went to grab Cherry but Carbine clobbered her with a forearm to the back of the head. Midnight Special pounced and hit Leah with Ultimate X-Plex (Carbine hits an X-Plex and Cherry catches them with a Back Stabber on the way down). Cherry covered but Leah got her foot on the bottom rope at the last second. The War Queens had lost control of the match at this point as Cherry tagged Carbine back in. Cherry sent Leah into a corner and hit her with a leaping back elbow. Cherry then sent Leah across the ring with an Irish whip right into a spinning sidewalk slam from Carbine. Cherry then charged and knocked Matsuda off of the apron while Carbine covered. 1.. 2.. At the very last second Leah kicked out and Osaka erupted. Carbine hit Leah with a stomp in an attempt to keep her down but Leah stood right up. Leah hit him with a forearm smash to the face and then went for her snap German suplex but following a stiff elbow to the face from Carbine, Leah was turned inside out with a discus clothesline. Carbine tagged in Cherry and then hoisted Leah up into a powerbomb. Carbine came off the top rope with a Cherry’s Jubilee (Jump Stalling Sidekick) as Carbine planted Leah with a powerbomb. Cherry scrambled into a cover but Matsuda was in the ring to break up the fall. The referee intervened and push Matsuda back toward her corner which gave Midnight Special the opportunity to both stomp the absolute shit out of Leah. “See that is the kind of thing that The Inevitable aren’t doing as a team. You have to take every opportunity to gain an advantage. They aren’t leaving Osaka with those Tag Team Titles.” Petrie said and Mears did not offer a rebuttal. Cherry went to tag Carbine back in for some more legal double team bullshit when his attention was drawn to the ramp. A body was tossed through the curtain and lay on the stage. It was a large man and he was covered in blood. “That’s Combo XL! Someone has beaten the holy hell out of him!” Mears said. The perpetrators did not take long to reveal themselves. Thot Chocolate sauntered out onto the stage. The two took a moment to survey the damage and then stepped over Combo in unison, en route to the ring. This gave Leah enough time to dive and tag in Matsuda, to a massive pop from the audience in Osaka. Together with Leah, she hit Double Yahtzee! (Stereo Superkicks) to take Carbine off the apron. The Inevitable utilized their time together in the ring to drop Cherry with Slay (Total Elimination). Matsuda covered and Osaka counted along with the referee. 1.. 2.. 3! Winners: Still OATH Tag Team Champions, The Inevitable Following the match The Inevitable collected their championships and taunted Harvey Carbine with them. Leah and Matsuda then toured around ringside and celebrated with the Japanese fans in the front row. “A successful first defense for the champions, they now look forward to see who will challenge them next.” Mears said. The Inevitable made their way up the ramp and passed by Thot Chocolate. There was a brief moment of tension before Cartier and SILK stepped aside and granted the champions safe passage. The Inevitable both kept their eyes on Thot Chocolate as they passed but it was obvious that tonight was not the night for the two teams to go at each other. Midnight Special regrouped in the ring and then noticed Thot Chocolate walking down the ramp. Carbine looked ready to fight but Cherry appeared to be less than enthusiastic. Seeing what they had done to Combo seems to have done something to him. Thot Chocolate reached the bottom of the ramp and while Carbine begged for them to get in the ring, Cherry decided to retreat. “See! Discretion.” Petrie said. Noticing that he was alone, Carbine reluctantly exited the ring and joined his partner Cherry in escaping through the crowd. The usually verbose team of Thot Chocolate were oddly silent, they simply watched Midnight Special retreat and did not respond to the latter’s taunts.

— Commercial

— Intrepid Championship Locke Helms vs. Samantha Hamilton © Our second of two championship matches was up next when Locke Helms put his undefeated streak on the line against the longest reigning in title holder in OATH, Intrepid Champion Samantha Hamilton. The two competitors stood in the ring and following the bell they went right at it. Locke charged in with a palm thrust attempt but Hamilton blocked it and went for a knee to Helms’ midsection but he caught her leg and shoved her backward. Hamilton didn’t give him an inch, she lunged forward looking for a clothesline but Helms caught her arm and tried to take her down to the mat. Hamilton maintained a vertical base and caught Helms with an uppercut that sent him reeling backwards. Helms caught himself on the top rope and when Hamilton rushed him Helms low bridged the top rope and Hamilton spilled out over onto the apron. Helms went to deliver a forearm but Hamilton caught his arm, wrenched it from the apron and then stepped up onto the top rope. The Titaness tried to walk the top rope but Helms yanked her arm and she lost her balance. Hamilton landed on the mat on her feet and Helms took her over with Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam/C4). Helms covered but it was clear he knew that he wouldn’t win, he was trying to have Hamilton expend more energy by kicking out. “Locke Helms is much more composed than we have seen him in his last two outings. He seems to be aware that he needs to be collected in order to stand a chance against a champion the calibre of Samantha Hamilton.” Mears said. “Stand a chance? She’s the one who’s in fucking trouble. Helms is undefeated for Christ’s sake!” Petrie countered. The champion looked to scramble up and not give Helms an edge but he hit her with a chop to the throat and then applied a side headlock. Helms wrestled Hamilton to the mat but she slipped out and applied a hammerlock. Helms tried to throw an elbow back but Hamilton applied a half nelson, released his other arm and then took the challenger over with a brutal half and half suplex. Helms took a moment to compose himself but Hamilton was right on him, hitting him with a running punt to the side of the head. Helms spilled through the ropes to the outside and the referee started a twenty count. Having no desire to win in such fashion, Hamilton went after him. The Titaness stalked Helms but he was back up. Hamilton rushed and tried for a lariat but Helms evaded it and lifted Hamilton up for a back suplex but he dropped her right onto the ring apron. The referee was at a count of fifteen when Helms slid his torso into the ring to break the count. Helms then charged and dropped two knees onto Hamilton’s lower back. The champion let out in pain and we had reached our first real turning point in the contest. Helms got Hamilton back in the ring and although she tried to fight it Helms was able to beat her back into a corner and then hit her with Gallows Tree (Locke puts his opponent into the tree of woe, hits a superkick to the gut, then follows it up with a running dropkick to the face). Hamilton was subdued in the corner which gave Helms some time to plan his next attack. The Chairman of Chaos pulled Hamilton up and looked as if he was going to attempt Downfall (Hammerlock DDT) but Hamilton swung out of it and applied Exiled To Tartarus (Sleeper Hold). Helms tried to fight out of it but it was expertly locked in and he was nowhere near the ropes. Helms started to fade and with his last ounce of strength he pushed off the mat and forced Hamilton back into the ropes where he barely got his fingers on the top rope. “Hamilton needed to keep that hold locked in for a longer period of time but it did some damage regardless.” Mears said. The referee broke the hold but Hamilton instantly grabbed Helms again and went for Reversal Of Fate (Vertebreaker) but Helms slipped out of it, hit Hamilton with a forearm smash to the lower back and then pulled her into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Keeping the pressure on, Helms quickly hit Hamilton with Witching Hour (Locke hits Full nelson legsweep facebuster but he keeps the full nelson locked in as he flips himself over his opponent’s body and transitions the move into a bridging arm triangle choke). With her back damaged and her position in the middle of the ring, the pain was too much to bare and the champion was forced to submit. Winner: New OATH Intrepid Champion, Locke Helms The bell rang and as has been his want recently, Helms did not release the hold. It wasn’t until the referee threatened to reverse the decision did Helms relent. The referee handed the championship to Helms and he stood over the fallen Titaness, having ended reign.

— Scripture Declan Black was shown walking towards the Gorilla position, ready in his ring jacket, the OATH Pro Wrestling World Championship tightly strapped around his waist. May O’Neil, seeing him, ran in for an exclusive. “Declan, last week you said that you would be a better World Champion than OATH has seen so far. What happens if you can’t beat Nina Stokes tonight?” O’Neil asked. “I would tell you, May, but you see, I haven’t had my Bible open to Revelation today to tell you about what else happens during the end times.” Black said with a smirk, “You see, I’m the World’s Champion. I’m the best this company has to offer, bar none. And yes, Nina Stokes is great. Yes, she’s a champion. And yes, her cousin is here. But anyone who thinks I’m going to let her beat me, to devalue this World’s Championship? They must be halfway to the Rapture as it is.” “But what happens if she can beat you?” O’Neil said, pressing the question. “Then the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse run. Because Nina Stokes knows how to wrestle like a champion. Anyone that’s a champion in this company wrestles a step above the rest. That’s elite. But what Nina Stokes doesn’t know, is how to wrestle like the champion. The single best person in this company. Maybe, someday, she’ll know what that is. But someday is not today.” “And what of Jake Archer? He got a decisive win tonight and said that he’d be on hand to watch your match.” O’Neil asked. “Jake Archer would be well advised to bring a pen and a legal pad, then. Because Jake Archer wishes he could be a tenth the man and a tenth the champion I am. So, little goat? Start taking notes. Because maybe, someday, you’ll be ready to step into my shoes and pretend to fill them. Maybe, someday, you’ll be ready to sit on my level.” Black said. He then leaned in close to the interviewer, “But May, for OATH…I’m afraid someday never comes.” Black then stood up straight, adjusted the title around his waist and continued toward the curtain.

— Champion vs. Champion Declan Black vs. Nina Stokes It was time for the main event and the audience in Osaka was ready. The OATH World Champion, “The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black was out first and he received…nothing. The audience did not boo, they did not cheer. Black did not seem to care, he just marched to the ring like he owned the building. The crowd got fired up when Nina Stokes came out, OATH Tabula Rasa Championship over her shoulder. Stokes had fire in her eyes as she marched down the ramp. Once she reached the bottom, she nodded to her cousin Akira, who was seated in the front row, and then entered the ring. Stokes stood across the ring from Black and she held up her TB Title. Black scoffed, did the same and took a step forward. Being taller, Black was able to hold his title higher. The two then handed off their respective championships to the referee and that’s when familiar music cued up. “Oh fuck off you little bastard.” Ben Petrie said. “Best of You” played throughout the arena in Osaka as Jake Archer walked to the ring and he appeared to have taken Black’s advice because he was armed with a pen and legal pad. Archer got a big response from Osaka and this seemed to draw Black’s ire. Stokes on the other hand never took her eyes off Black. Archer collected a steel chair and positioned himself in Stokes’ corner. The bell rang and Stokes immediately shot on Black but more of a test, Black easily evaded it and that was clearly Stokes’ intent. Black’s focus was divided and that afforded Stokes the opportunity to shoot on him again. Stokes put Black on the mat with a double leg takedown, then she floated over and applied a laying headlock. Black fought up and shoved Stokes into the ropes but she came back with a high knee that took Black down. Stokes grabbed Black’s wrist as he stood and then applied an arm wrench. Stokes hit him with as many face kicks as she could fit in before Black pulled away. Black tried to recover in a corner but Stokes ran in on him. Black moved out of the way and Stokes stopped her own momentum with a foot on the middle turnbuckle. Black tried to get the advantage but Stokes came out of the corner with a shoot kick into knee smash. Black was rocked and Stokes took him down to the mat with a flying arm bar. It being early on in the match Black was able to scramble across the ring and slide under the bottom rope to the outside to break the hold. “Nina Stokes has the World Champion on the ropes early.” Matt Mears said, “Benjamin let me ask you, do you think that Stokes will have a problem with this being a standard rules match after the hardcore matches she has been in over the last few weeks?” “I think she is going to have a problem no matter what. Declan Black is our World Champion and he has the best win/loss record in the company. He has proven time and again that when the chips are down, he will succeed. Tonight the chips are down because if he loses to Stokes then that puts the legitimacy of the World Title in question.” Petrie said. On the outside Black found himself near Archer. Archer was scribbling something on the legal pad and he turned it around to show Black. It was a crude stick figure drawing of Black getting his ass kicked by a similarly crude stick figure drawing of Stokes. “What a fucking moron.” Petrie said. Stokes chose not to exit the ring, she allowed the referee to start a count and Black was forced to come to her. Black did just that, cautiously getting up on the apron. Stokes tried to rush him and Black called to the referee, causing Stokes to stop. Stokes took a few steps back to let Black enter the ring and when he did. Stokes went for a tie up but Black was quicker with a toe kick to her midsection. Black then pulled Stokes into his In The Black (Regal Cutter). With Stokes down, Black turned to Archer and yelled something inaudible at him. Black then turned back to Stokes and she pulled him down into a small package! The referee counted but only got two. Black looked shocked but Stokes kept the pressure on, grabbing Black and forcing him into an arm bar. Black was able to reverse that into his 25:18 (Border City Stretch/Gargano Escape) and Stokes found herself trapped! The cousin of Stokes, Akira was shown looking concerned in the front row. We cut back to the ring and Stokes was doing whatever she could to move towards the rope. She nearly reached them with her one arm but Black rolled over and once again had the hold locked in, middle of the ring. Archer was shown writing something down. “I feel like Jake might actually be making notes right now.” Mears said. “Please. He can’t even read.” Petrie countered. Stokes verbally signaled that she was not giving up and was able to grab the bottom rope with both feet. Black broke the hold and then tried to convince the referee that she said that she gave up. The referee said no. Black then went to apply more punishment but Stokes rose up and caught Black with A Slice of Grace (Throat Punch). The audience in Osaka was on Stokes side and as Black recovered, Stokes charged in looking for Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike) but Black sidestepped it, hit the ropes and hit her with Call of The Coal (Claymore). Black hit it directly and covered, silencing the crowd. 1.. 2.. ! To everyone’s surprise, Stokes kicked out! Akira and the rest of the audience exploded. The camera closed in on Black’s face and he was in shock. A second camera closed in on Stokes’ face and her lip was busted, she was bleeding from the mouth. “Nina Stokes kicked out of the COTC! She kicked out! No one has kicked out of that move in OATH!” Mears said in disbelief. “Yeah but Stokes is bleeding! This match is over! First Blood!” Petrie said. “You need to pay more attention.” Mears said. The referee moved in to check on Stokes as her bottom lip was split wide open. Black moved in and shoved the referee out of the way. Stokes went to spit in Black’s face but Black pulled the referee back in to harm’s way, just as a mist of blood was sprayed into the air. The referee was blinded. Archer saw his moment so he slid into the ring as Black took hold of Stokes. Black apparently saw Archer out of the corner of his eye because when Archer unleashed a superkick, Black moved out of the way and Archer hit Stokes. Black then sent Archer sailing over the top rope and Archer landed on the outside with a thud. Stokes was hanging onto the top rope and then when she shook off the kick, she looked to make a move toward Black but he hit her with a second Call of the Coal (Claymore). Stokes dropped and Black covered. The referee, having wiped the blood from his eyes made the count and got three. Winner: Declan Black “Brenda Stubbert” started playing and Osaka was not pleased. Black demanded that his championship be handed to him and he held it up high in the air. Akira was shown in the crowd looking dejected, Archer was down and out on the floor, and Stokes lay in a daze. Black stood tall with his championship, not giving a good shit about how tainted his victory was.

OATH Pro Wrestling 2019

Results • Jake Archer def. Combo XL • Alex Pierce & James Edwards fought to a No Contest • Catriona MacKenzie def. Veronica Taylor to earn a TB Title Shot • Enigma Protocol def. The Dynasty • Erik Holland def. Salvador Blanco • The Inevitable def. Midnight Special to retain the Tag Team Titles • Locke Helms def. Samantha Hamilton to win the Intrepid Title • Declan Black def. Nina Stokes