CONVICTION XLII

Episode XLII Sunday December 13th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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“Wet Blanket” by Metz kicked up and the opening hype video for Conviction rolled on screen. Various action shots featuring an assortment of OATH talent played one after another, all tinged with a goldenrod hue. The final five shots showed us the champions of OATH; El Diablo Blanco, James Edwards, FM Young, Minoru Tanahashi and Super Tiger, finally Reo Ojima.

At the announce table Matt Mears sat next to that filthy villain “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie and the crowd was hot for Episode 42. Petrie rinsed the remaining contest of his Witch’s Brew and chucked it over his shoulder into the crowd.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to episode forty two of OATH Pro Wrestling Conviction! My name is Matthew Mears and I am here alongside a man who once snuck into a Collective Soul concert via a hot air balloon, “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie.

PETRIE: That one is actually true and it was actually fucking amazing.

MEARS: As amazing as our card for tonight? We are one week away from the last show of the year, Nightfall! Tonight we’ll get a preview of Nightfall as El Diablo Blanco, Stephanie Matsuda, and Josie Wales take on ONI in our main event!

PETRIE: Why was that fuckin’ match even made? Why is El D in there? Reo Ojima hasn’t even accepted that idiot’s challenge!

MEARS: I am told that we will find out tonight if that match is going to happen or not from the World Champion himself. Speaking of big announcements, recently we found out that Erik Holland would be retiring at the end of the year and that his final match would be against Matt Shields at Nightfall -- a barbed wire massacre.

PETRIE: It’s going to be fucking disgusting. Maybe Holland won’t make it to that match because tonight he has a special challenge match against Finale!

MEARS: Finale is a violent person, it’s possible that he will help give Shields an advantage. We will find out for certain tonight who will have the advantage in War Games as Locke Helms and Jenna Sharpe will fight for that right here tonight!

PETRIE: Did you plan that fuckin’ rhyme? Because it was nice. What won’t be nice is what Janica Jayden does to Super Tiger tonight ahead of their Tag Team Title rubber match at Nightfall.

MEARS: Janica clearly feels like she has to prove something to her partner Viola Mancini and she gets that opportunity tonight. Another opportunity that is on deck for tonight is “The Comedian” Allen Chaney making his Conviction debut tonight against a man who is heating up after a win last week, Kasey Kash.

PETRIE: I’m fuckin’ pumped to have Chaney here. I can’t wait to see what The Comedian does here on Conviction.

MEARS: It is going to be a loaded episode so I say that we get to it. Wrestling fans, let us begin!

SINGLES MATCH Allen Chaney vs. Kasey Kash

The first match of the evening saw the long awaited Conviction debut of “The Comedian” Allen Chaney as he took on one of the War Games competitors, “The Resident Asshole” Kasey Kash. The Citadel was warm to Kash which seemed to surprise him ever so slightly. Ever so slightly.

Kasey started off the match hot, charging in at Chaney looking for a running dropkick but Chaney simply stepped out of the way and Kasey collided with the corner. Kasey landed right on the back of his neck and Chaney shook his head in disbelief before he dropped an elbow right into Kasey’s chest.

MEARS: Allen Chaney was undefeated in his stint on Livewire. I assume that impressed Mr. Straker because here he is.

PETRIE: Technically he’s one half of the Livewire Champions! He helped El D defend that title a few weeks ago!

MEARS: I do not think that is how that match worked.

The Comedian kept Kasey grounded with a chin lock. When Kasey had sufficiently faded, Chaney dropped some hard elbows on his collarbone and then blasted him with a forearm smash to the back of the head. Chaney stood Kasey up and dropped him with a swinging neckbreaker.

With Kasey down, Allen stood up and had his eyes fixed on the referee. He approached the referee with a malicious look in his eyes. The referee held up his hands to back the wrestler off but Chaney stopped an inch from his face.

Chaney patted the referee on the back and asked him, “How was your weekend Phil?” and then put his arm around the ref, waiting for an answer. Phil sheepishly said, “...fine.” and Chaney slapped him on the back saying “That’s great.” and then he floored Kash with a superkick and covered.

MEARS: What kind of tactic is this?

PETRIE: Tactic? He was genuinely interested in what Phil did over the weekend!

1..

2..!

The Citadel had grown to like Kasey and that really made them hate Chaney. He wasn’t taking Kasey seriously and Toronto didn’t like that. Not one bit. Chaney gathered Kasey up and then went to shoot him into the corner! And he did! And Kasey came back at him with a surprise moonsault that took Chaney down to the mat --- hard!

The fans in The Citadel were about this turnaround. Kasey remained kneeling, looking down at Chaney on the mat. Kasey just started punching Chaney in the face. Repeatedly. Allen was forced to scramble off of the mat and rush Kasey, only for Kasey to take him over with a C4! The Citadel lost their shit as Kasey hooked the leg.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Kasey Kash is looking to get some more momentum going into War Games in one week. He defeated Alex Pierce last week!

PETRIE: Yes but Pierce wasn’t undefeated like my pal Allen Chaney!

Chaney kicked out but Kash immediately ran to a corner and climbed to the top rope again. Chaney wasn’t off the mat for a second when Kasey came at him again with a top rope moonsault! And it hit Chaney, again! Chaney rolled onto his stomach and the camera closed in to show his shocked expression.

Kasey went to get Chaney up but Chaney shoved him into the ropes and then stiffed him with a jab to the chin. Kash dropped but was able to recover quickly. Chaney kicked him in the side of the head and Kasey fell back into a corner. Chaney walked over to the corner, grabbed Kasey by the head, and screamed “Stop MOOONSAULTING on to me!” before he clobbered him with a series of quick lariats in the corner.

Chaney walked Kasey out of the corner and then prepared him for The Set-Up (Short-Arm Lariat) but Kasey dropped to a knee and took off for the ropes. He hit a springboard off the middle rope, flew backward looking for a third moonsault but Chaney caught Kash over his shoulder and then planted him with a powerslam. The wind was knocked out of Kasey and Chaney was able to planted him with The Punchline (Omega Driver) and covered.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, “The Comedian” Allen Chaney!

“Shimmy Shimmy Ya” by Ol Dirty Bastard kicked up and Chaney got his arm raised by Phil the referee. Allen put his arm around Phil and started yelling, “This win was for Phil! This win belongs to Phil!” as we faded out.

The drab offwhite walls of the backstage area filled your screen and it is a sight that you never tire of because you know we are about to see some developments. You love it. “The Comedian” Allen Chaney had a towel around his neck (for sweat) and moved through the halls of The Citadel following his Conviction debut. As Allen made his way toward the locker room he was essentially accosted by new OATH Interviewer Audrey Abrams.

ABRAMS: Mr. Chaney! Welcome to Conviction. Congratulations on your victory here tonight. Do you feel like you belong here or would you rather go back to being the tallest midget?

CHANEY: -laughing- The what?

ABRAMS: You were clearly too good for Livewire but now that you’ve had a match on Conviction are you scared about the level of competition? Do you feel that you made a mistake accepting Mr. Straker’s offer?

Abrams shoved the microphone in Chaney’s face. Before he could respond, something else caught his attention. “The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce walked by and Chaney snapped his fingers to get Pierce’s attention.

CHANEY: Hey! Colleague!

Pierce turned around and cocked an eyebrow, not recognizing Chaney.

PIERCE: Who are you?

CHANEY: Allen. Hi. I just started here. I just had a match actually. I beat the guy who beat you last week! Now do you think that makes me better than you? Some people might argue that it does.

Pierce was not impressed in the least.

PIERCE: I know what you’re trying to do. It will not work. If you want to fight, then we can fight.

Chaney clapped in a celebratory fashion. Why he chose to target Pierce was a mystery but this apparently this was his desired outcome.

CHANEY: I was hoping you would say that. I know I am better than you. Proved it when I beat up that teenager. But I think that you need to know it. I’ve got an in with Ol’ Barlow so I’ll get him to make this match. Sound good? Great.

The Comedian laughed oned sharply in Pierce’s face and then walked out of frame, leaving Pierce to stew over how irritating Chaney is.

"The Burning Heart" James Edwards was salty, especially for a man on a couch.

EDWARDS: Obviously, I'm not at the Citadel tonight, and we all know why. Thanks, Cage.

The Tabula Rasa Champion spat out the name of his challenger.

EDWARDS: I want to be there tonight. I need to be there tonight. There's too much that Cage has done that he hasn't answered for. He put his hands on my title. He tried to put his hands on an innocent woman. He tried to take out my knee. We all know what happens when someone tries to take something from me. I go head huntin', which ain't a good thing for me or the other person. That's why I'm grateful for people tellin' me I needed to stay home.

The champion's flat tone didn't convince many his words were sincere.

EDWARDS: Dr. Evelyn Ernest told me I need to rest my knee. The front office told me they wouldn't let me fight without the Doc Ernest's go ahead. As much as I hate to say it, they're right. If I were at the show tonight, I'd have done something I'd regret. I might've gotten hurt worse and had to give up the belt. Cage would've won in that scenario, and I ain't gonna let that happen. I'm a fighter, getting the win is what I live for, and I sure as hell ain't gonna blow my chance. So this week, I'm gonna rest up. I'm gonna let every ounce of pain I feel right now remind of what Cage did, and next week at Nightfall, I'm coming to get my win and make that bastard pay.

SINGLES MATCH Janica Jayden vs. Super Tiger

The issues between OATH Tag Team Champions Super Kawaii Thunder Liger Squadron and former champions Mancini Syndicate had been going on for some time now. So what does that mean? Well it means we do a singles match in a tag team feud! Booking. Take notes. Janica Jayden came to the ring first and notable by her absence was Viola Mancini. Super Tiger came to the ring accompanied by Minoru Tanahashi and Volta the Capybara.

MEARS: It is very telling that Viola Mancini is not out here to support her partner.

PETRIE: Janica is not her partner! Janica works for her.

MEARS: Still, there is a lot on the line when Mancini Syndicate challenge SKTLS at Nightfall. If the Syndicate don’t win they can’t challenge SKTLS as long as they hold the titles!

PETRIE: A calculated risk. I know it.

Janica tried to start the match with a Yakuza kick and Minoru looked quite shocked -- he does a move just like that! Thus, Super Tiger was able to provide a counter by hitting Janica with a hard knee to the midsection. Tiger took Janica over with a hip toss and then a standing moonsault! Super Tiger covered.

1..

2!

The Dixie Devil was quick up to her feet but favouring her ribs. Super Tiger chased Janica into a corner and hit her with a running knee to the midsection again. Janica moved out of the way when Super Tiger charged in looking for a flying dropkick. Tiger collided with the corner and landed on the back of her head.

MEARS: Janica needs to keep Super Tiger grounded. If you let her pick up any speed then you are at her mercy.

PETRIE: Super Tiger is unproven as a singles wrestler. She and Minoru are mid-level talent at best but together they make a decent tag team. They should just stick to that.

Minoru tried to will Super Tiger on from ringside as Janica collected her up and shot her into the ropes. On Tiger’s return Janica put Tiger on the mat with a big back body drop. Tiger popped right back up grabbing at her lower back and that left her wide open to eat a lariat from deep in the heart of Dixie. Tiger did a complete backflip and landed on her face. Janica covered.

1..

2!

Super Tiger kicked out and popped The Citadel with that one. Janica tried to mount Tiger but the Tag Team Champion rolled onto her stomach, crawled backward through Janica’s legs, popped up, and cracked Janica with a dropkick to the back of the head that sent her staggering into the corner. Tiger rushed Janica but Janica moved out of the way. Super Tiger hopped up to the second rope and then came off with a tornado ddt that drove the crown of Janica’s head into the canvas!

Janica was on wobbly legs as she got back up to her feet. She stumbled right into an open palm strike that turned her away from Tiger. Tiger shoved Janica into the ropes and went Janica staggered backward Super Tiger used Janica’s momentum to take her over with a snap German suplex! Janica rolled right onto her knees and then got cracked with a shining wizard!

MEARS: Super Tiger is rolling. Janica needs to do something, anything to build some momentum.

PETRIE: If I know the Syndicate, there is a trump card up Viola’s sleeve.

Tiger looked to be gearing up to finish Janica off when Cosa Nostra ran down to the ring. Silvio Aprile and Tony Satriale were Viola Mancini’s hired guns and even though Viola didn’t deem it necessary to come to the ring to support Janica herself, she clearly felt that Janica needed some support. Minoru Tanahashi didn’t agree as he charged at the duo and blasted Satriale with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick) and then clobbered Aprile with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat)!

In the ring Janica tried to find salvation in the ropes, but Tiger caught her with a running dropkick to the left leg. Janica fell and found herself hung up on the middle rope, facing the crowd. Super Tiger wasted no time hitting Janica with There And Back Again (Tiger Feint Kick) and then took Janica over with Starlight Express (Bridging Dragon Suplex)! The referee slid in to make the count.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, OATH Tag Team Champion Super Tiger!

“Legends Never Die” kicked up and Super Tiger got her hand raised. Minoru placed Volta on the apron and then entered the ring with both Tag Team Titles. He handed one to Super Tiger and SKTLS stood tall.

The camera showed Janica regrouping with Aprile and Satriale. Viola Mancini walked out from behind the curtain and got the attention of everyone at ringside. Viola simply had her arms crossed and was shaking her head, looking at her “employees” who had failed to do their job.

The screen was suddenly filled with a couple quick static snow bursts and when it cleared, the screen showed us another part of The Citadel. There was a slow dragging sound before something was slammed down right in the middle of the shot with a loud “THUMP” with the camera taking a couple of steps back out of reflex to reveal that the object was a wooden stool. We saw the “Chairman of Chaos” himself, Locke Helms, sit down on said object and motion for the camera to come closer.

LOCKE: I'd be lying if I said that I didn't like to hear myself talk. Because you can accomplish a lot with words if you know how to string them together...but I'm not opposed to taking action either when it's needed and right now, what is needed is words.

Oh Josie, I bet that you’re feeling really superior right now aren’t ya? Thinking that you got one over on me...well, I enjoy being the bearer of bad news and simply point out to you that last week, you didn’t accomplish BOLD shit.

Yes, you got a “win” over me...but did you ever stop to think about something that everyone has seemingly overlooked?

Locke motioned for the camera to come in close and when it did, Locke gave the camera a very tight, evil smile.

LOCKE: At Nightfall, it doesn’t matter who wins the match because I still hold an unused card...my BOLD rematch card.

That is something that not anyone of you weak minded creatures have thought of. You didn’t win a “number one contenders” anything, Cowgirl, because the blackest soul in this company that is Locke Helms still holds the number one contendership to the title that BOLD I made in this promotion.

The smile then went away and his expression became much more focused, enraged by the light that was in his eyes.

LOCKE: So needless to say that whomever wins at Nightfall, you all lose because I’m still waiting in the wings, and I will take my title match when I deem it is the right time...and not before.

But now, onto more important things.

Jenna Sharpe.

I’ve already put you away once, quickly...violently...and without any form of suffering might I add because I showed you something that might actually cause quite a few people here in Oath who know me a heart attack from shock.

I showed you an inch of respect, Jenna. An BOLD inch of respect and then you choose to get more into my affairs after I was so kind in showing you that level of respect?

You made me BOLD team with Alex Pierce, Jenna.

Now Alex and I, we’ve had our wars and to be completely honest with you that match that you and your little friend got involved in...that was my way of trying to bring back the monster that Alex refuses to let come out and play because he wants to be the fucking hero now.

But you see, what you and Alex don’t seem to understand is that people like him and I...we don’t get to be the heroes and we don’t get the girl.

Locke shook his head in disgust before turning to look hard at the camera and by its extension, Jenna.

LOCKE: You also don’t seem to understand the words that I said this past week as well, Jenna. I did take our last match seriously, just like I’ll be taking it very seriously tonight because it’s war games….a place that I know all too well.

And it will be in that War Games match at Nightfall, Jenna, that will start my journey back to where I’m supposed to be in this company and I’m going to enjoy each and every scream as a good and proper symphony of the night until the daylight breaks upon everyone and you see the bodies.

Yes, that respect is still there..tattered and torn but it remains...but starting tonight, Jenna...all must be made to suffer, starting with you.

Locke allowed himself a moment to smile.

LOCKE: So lace up your boots good and tight, Jenna. Say your prayers long throughout this night because it is time for you to pay your dues properly to the Chairman and I won’t accept nothing but the payment in full.

And as you, Josie. Just remember this, little cowpoke.

You started as nothing and that is how you will be forever, a short and insecure pile of just that.

Nothing.

Be seeing you.

Locke then did a mocking little wave at the camera as it static jumps out to black.

The scene cut backstage as we found Reo Ojima leaning back in a chair while enjoying a cigar. The OATH World Title lay next to him on a shipping container. The smoke from the cigar rose to a light fixture that’s above Reo, who was staring a hole right through the camera. Signs of wear and tear could be seen as both knees are heavily taped while athletic tape can be seen on both shoulders. One more puff from the cigar before Reo starts to address the camera.

OJIMA: You should have stayed over at Livewire Blanco. Over there I really don’t care what you or that roster does because OATH doesn’t need me over there. They need me on the main show on the big money iPay Per Views putting on five star matches against better talent. They need me to wrestle against the best that OATH has to offer and not a bunch of kids and rent-a-wrestlers. So over in Livewire, go ahead and wear your stupid little mask and walk out to your ridiculous music while making everyone laugh and cheer like the clown that you are. I really don’t care.

Reo paused as he leaned forward and took a few drags from the cigar before blowing it out.

OJIMA: But this isn’t Livewire, Blanco. You walked into my ring last week with your hub cap of a title, with your stupid little mask and played your gimmicky little song on my show while challenging me to a title match that you think you can win. And now you’re stepping into my ring again, tonight, hoping to get some type of advantage on me.

Reo paused again as he took the cigar out of his mouth and looked it over.

OJIMA: I hope you’re ready for a fight, Blanco, because this is no longer the minor leagues. This ain’t Livewire. You’re stepping into ONI territory with three wrestlers who know what they're doing. Leah, Young, and I will fuck you up and send you crawling back to Livewire with three boots up your ass and your stupid title missing because I’ll be using it as a god damn ash tray.

Another pause as Reo placed the cigar back in his mouth. Standing up, Reo slowly made his way over to the camera.

OJIMA: I accept your challenge, Blanco. You want a match then it will be for my World Title. Enjoy the spotlight while you can, though, Blanco. Because you won’t be seeing it again any time soon after I’m done with you.

One last puff from the cigar before Reo took it out of his mouth and smothered it on the camera lens. Picking the OATH Title and placing it in his shoulder, Reo gingerly walked past the camera.

War Games Advantage SINGLES MATCH Locke Helms vs. Jenna Sharpe

The winner of this next contest would get the numbers advantage in the upcoming War Games Match at Nightfall. “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms came to the ring to the tune of "Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG and The Citadel was not happy to see him. However, they were happy that he was alone. “Missile” by Dorothy cut Helms’ music off and The Citadel popped for the Canadian favourite “The Canadian Wildcat” Jenna Sharpe -- who also came to the ring alone.

MEARS: I am told that a last minute decision was made by Mr. Straker and no other members of the Sharpe Clan or The Hell Realm would be allowed to be at ringside for the duration of this contest.

PETRIE: But after the contest is fine?

MEARS: I do not see why they would come out after the match…

The bell rang and Locke Helms was all smiles. This being a rematch from Violent Ends, where Helms was able to defeat Jenna, he had every right to be. Jenna was focussed and determined as she moved on Helms looking for a lock up. Helms easily tossed Jenna into a corner and then took a few paces back.

It was evident that Helms was trying to fire Jenna up and she could see that. Doing her best not to fall into Helms trap Jenna took a moment to compose herself before looking for another tie up. This time Helms shot her into the ropes with an irish whip but Jenna caught the top rope to stop her momentum.

Helms applauded Jenna in a mocking fashion and that seemed to be the key to have her unleash her rage. If anger is what Helms wanted then he was in luck because Jenna rushed him with a head full of steam and surprised Helms with a leg scissors takedown that she seamlessly transitioned into a rolling knee bar!

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is a very talented technician. She can put you on the mat in a variety of ways, Locke Helms just learned that first hand.

PETRIE: Do you remember when Helms’ Witching Hour was the most feared submission in OATH? I do. He hasn’t been using it much recently and I think he is saving it for the ring moment. Jenna could feel that tonight.

MEARS: Perhaps she wil lbe the first person to counter it.

PETRIE: Yeah okay.

Due to his size advantage Helms was able to crawl to the ropes so Jenna broke the hold at a count of four and then came crashing down on Helms with a leaping elbow drop to the lower back. Jenna quickly applied a Fujiwara armbar and this time she was careful to put her body between Locke and the ropes!

This submission took some more time for Locke to fight out of as he had to drag Jenna’s body with him toward the ropes. He ultimately got there but Jenna kept the hold applied for the duration of the four count. When she was forced to break it she dropped another leaping elbow onto the lower back of Helms yet again.

It would appear that Helms was in trouble as Jenna lifted him up off the mat to his feet and then shot him into the ropes with an Irish whip. Helms took a page out of Jenna’s book by grabbing the top rope. Jenna rushed him and Helms hit her with a hip check that sent the Canadian over the top rope and right down to the floor.

MEARS: This is where Locke Helms is very dangerous. Jenna needs to either put some distance between herself and The Chairman of Chaos or get back into the ring. Being on the outside will do her no favours.

The Chairman of Chaos was quick to slip out of the ring and cracked Jenna in the side of the head with a bicycle kick. Jenna was knocked loopy but she was still on her feet when Helms applied a hammerlock and then lifted Jenna off of her feet and planted her right on the ring steps with a hammerlock body slam! Jenna landed on her own left arm and let out in pain.

With serious damage done to Jenna’s arm, Helms shoved her back into the ring and was soon in after her. Jenna tried to rally back with a wild punch but Helms caught her with a running knee lift and transitioned quickly into a falling neckbreaker. While on the mat Helms quickly moved into a Fujiwara arm bar of his own!

Jenna was screaming in agony as Helms worked on her left arm with the Fujiwara armbar. Jenna was about to reach the ropes when Helms broke the hold, pulled her up to her feet and then dropped her with Downfall (Hammerlock DDT)! Helms covered and the referee made the count.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, Locke Helms! The Hell Realm will have the advantage in War Games!

Would you believe it if I told you that as soon as the bell started ringing, The Hell Realm was charging down the ramp? Well that’s what happened. Adrestia Nyx, Astatroth, and Ryan Terror all charged to the ring but the Sharpe Clan had anticipated this move.

MEARS: Well would you look at this.

PETRIE: You sound surprised?

MEARS: I was thinking that maybe Force Security would be prepared for this but it seems to me that they only do their jobs to the best of their ability in specific situations.

PETRIE: This isn’t one of those situations?

MEARS: It appears not.

SWITCHBLXDE and Kasey Kash ran through the crowd and hopped the barricade with Bert Cocaine trailing behind. Everyone entered the ring with great speed and the brawl was on. Force Security was doing their best to get men into the ring to break it up.

MEARS: Finally, security is here.

One security guard was tossed from the ring by SWITCHBLXDE and another by Locke Helms. Bert Cocaine helped Jenna out of the ring, tending to her arm as Kasey and SWITCH tried to go yard on every member of The Hell Realm. Ultimately security was able to get a handle on the situation but not before everyone got their licks in.

It was a cold night outside The Citadel. Fog moved in off the water of Lake Ontario and surrounded OATH Intrepid Champion, “The Tiger” FM Young. Dressed warmly for the Canadian weather, Young had the title over her shoulder because --- wrestling. The camera pulled back to show her challenger at Nightfall, “The Outlaw” Josie Wales walked into frame.

WALES: This is face to face huh.

FM took in her surroundings but her expression did not change.

YOUNG: I figured that meeting out here...away from security...would suit us better.

No security, no rules! Young was ready to fight without interruption, if that was what Josie wanted.

WALES: If it is a fight that you are looking for, that can happen. I assumed that you would want to wait until later tonight to tangle but I’m always ready. If you want to fight, I’m your huckleberry.

YOUNG: There will be time for that later. We are scheduled to face each other twice in the next two weeks. I think that we should use this opportunity to talk.

WALES: I don’t know that we have much to discuss.

The Tiger smiled, she had some things on her mind even if Josie didn’t.

YOUNG: We do.

Young moved toward Josie, who took a defensive stance. Young held up her hands, gesturing that she wasn’t here to brawl.

YOUNG: Josie this is going to be your third attempt at winning the Intrepid Championship. A year ago you challenged Locke for it -- you failed. Six months ago you tried to take it from James Edwards -- you failed. Is this going to be a recurring trend for you Josie? Every six months you decide to get all puffed up and believe that you have what it takes to get to the next level. What always happens, every time, without fail -- is that you are humiliated.

She wasn’t wrong. The facts were there and Josie was acutely aware of her past failures.

WALES: Yeah I’ve had a bumpy road to get here. Things are different now, much different. Seizing the opportunity to face you and end your reign -- that was a good choice. Something you know nothing about because you have joined up with Leah and Reo. You’ve been pushed into the background. You aren’t The Tiger anymore, Reo has made you into a house cat.

YOUNG: If that is what you actually think then this match is going to be tougher for you than you think. I have joined ONI because that is where champions live. Reo has dominated this company since OATH returned from hiatus back in May. I have dominated since I got here. The pairing makes sense. You’ll see what ONI looks like in full force tonight. Then next week your six month ritual will come and it will pass. And you still won’t be at that next level.

WALES: We’ll see how ONI fairs tonight. You three think you are untouchable but someone is going to take you down eventually. Much like when I defeated you for the Tabula Rasa Championship back in June. Maybe we put some cracks in the foundation tonight and maybe not but I know that next week I am finally becoming Intrepid Champion.

Young smiled at the notion.

YOUNG: I know that you believe that.

Young shook her head and took her leave. Wales was left standing in the fog as the scene cut.

SINGLES MATCH Finale vs. Erik Holland

The next contest of the evening was very special indeed -- Erik Holland’s second last match! His actual retirement match would take place next week at Nightfall as he faced Matt Shields in a Barbed Wire Massacre Match. His opponent tonight was BWF Tag Team Champion, “The Buffalo Butcher” Finale. “Half Lit” by Single Mothers played as Finale made his way to the ring and got a decent pop from the crowd due to all of the time that he had spent wrestling in Toronto. In this building. Holland was out next with “Haunted” by Walls of Jericho pumping. Lyric accompanied the former OATH World Champion as he walked down the ramp and entered the ring.

As soon as the bell rang Holland stampeded out of his corner and looked to connect with his devastating Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch) but Finale saw it coming and rolled forward. Finale had put enough distance between himself and Holland that he could rush Holland looking for One Foot In The Grave (Sick Kick) but Holland evaded that and Finale made contact with the top turnbuckle.

MEARS: To the best of my knowledge these two men have never had a one on one match.

PETRIE: Considering that they have never really been on the same roster...that makes sense.

MEARS: And yet they know each other very well.

PETRIE: I mean Finale was Holland’s boss for a spell.

Finale was laughing at the situation but Holland didn’t seem impressed in the least. Finale rushed Holland and popped him with a forearm smash and then took off for the ropes again. Speed was the name of Finale’s game today as he used the ropes and shot toward Holland once more. Finale leaped into the air looking for a body avalanche or something but Holland caught him by the throat.

Holland slammed Finale into the corner by his neck and then proceeded to choke the BWF Tag Team Champion out with both hands. The referee applied the five count and Holland snarled before breaking his illegal hold at four. Finale caught Holland with a headbutt that forced “The Haunted” to take a few steps back. Finale rushed him again but Holland caught him by the throat and delivered a high impact one handed chokeslam. Finale crashed into the mat and Holland applied a lateral press.

MEARS: Good lord! Holland tried to put Finale through the ring!

PETRIE: Finale is a tag team competitor now. Maybe he’s out of his depth.

MEARS: Was that praise for Holland?

PETRIE: Ew fuck no.

1..

2!

Finale kicked out and the crowd decided to turn on him at this point. He was from another company, Holland was retiring, -- Finale wasn’t meant to be loved tonight. Even less by Holland who picked up his former boss and blasted him with a clothesline that would send a weaker man back in time. Finale’s eyes were open but it was difficult to determine whether he was home or not. Holland decided to knock on the door by lifting Finale off the mat and planting him with a brutal powerbomb. Finale was just whipped into the mat and honestly I thought he was dead.

PETRIE: So what we are seeing here is a demonstration that BWF talent can’t really fuck with OATH talent.

MEARS: The two companies share a great deal of talent.

PETRIE: That’s not true man come on.

That one took a lot out of Holland. He hadn’t had a singles match in OATH for weeks so maybe a patina of ring rust is what we were seeing. Finale was getting off the mat and he looked right fucked up from the duo of high impact moves that he practically walked right into. Holland measured The Buffalo Butcher and then unleashed a leaping clothesline that floored Finale yet again. The BWF representative was down and making his employer look like shit.

Even Holland seemed a little disappointed. He had wanted this match with Finale for years and now that it was here, The Buffalo Butcher wasn’t showing him anything to be scared of. Holland lifted Finale off of the mat and set him up for the Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver), the move that won him the World Title of a company that Finale’s brother owned many moons ago. Finale was able to slip out of Holland’s grasp and then out of nowhere he took Holland down with Parts Well Known (Feigns a superkick and then hits a Spinning Back Elbow)! Holland dropped to a knee and Finale even got a little pop.

MEARS: Finale is back into this contest!

PETRIE: For the first time!

MEARS: Granted.

The Haunted shook off that back elbow and stood up but Finale unleashed a combination of a roundhouse kick to each kidney and then a spinning hook kick to the jaw that put Holland on his back for the first time in this contest. It didn’t last long of course as Holland was quickly (for a man his size) back up to his feet. Holland and Finale started brawling but Finale maneuvered Holland’s arm behind his back and then showed freak farm boy strength by lifting Holland off the mat and planted him with the Butcher’s Block (Cobra Clutch Backbreaker)! Finale made his first cover of the contest.

1..

2..!

Holland kicked out with such force that Finale went through the ropes to the outside. Holland was quick to exit the ring and go after him but Finale had armed himself with a steel chair! Holland rounded a corner and Finale tossed the chair right in Holland’s face! Holland was staggered but got dropped when Finale unchained One Foot in The Grave (Sick Kick).

MEARS: It seems that the referee has relaxed the rules a little for this contest.

PETRIE: It’s Finale vs. Erik Holland -- I’m surprised that they aren’t throwing molotov cocktails at each other. They are both deathmatch douche bags.

Finale did his best to heft the near three hundred pounder up and into the ring but Holland remained on the apron. Finale shrugged and ascended to the top rope as Lyric screamed for Holland to move. Finale, standing on the top rope, flipped off The Citadel and then came off the top rope with a 450 splash. He was hoping to land on Holland on the apron but Holland rolled out of the way and Finale took a real nasty bump.

MEARS: Good LORD!

The Buffalo Butcher was laying on the apron and he was not having a good time. With no strength to stand (at this moment) Finale was at Holland’s mercy. Holland pulled Finale through the ropes and got him into a fireman’s carry. The audience was all standing as Holland planted Finale with the Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver) right into the canvas. Holland covered.

PETRIE: And the BWF suffers another humiliation.

MEARS: Toxic Avenger! Finale’s night is over!

1..

2..

..!

Finale had kicked out at the absolute last possible second and The Citadel was in shock. They had seen Holland put down many competitors with that move over the years but if anyone was gonna kick out of it then Finale was that guy. Holland didn’t seem surprised -- he was getting the Finale that he wanted to face. Holland decided to mark this occasion by climbing to the top rope. Something that he was not known for in the least.

PETRIE: You’d think that being this close to retirement --- Holland would know not to do this shit.

MEARS: He is going all out in his last few matches!

PETRIE: If he fucks this up then hes not going to make it to Nightfall.

Being unfamiliar with executing moves from the top rope quickly, Holland had to take his time with this. Unfortunately for him that gave Finale the time to get to his feet, leap to the top rope and crack Holland with an enziguiri! Holland fell off the top rope and landed hard on the apron with a thud. Finale reached over the top rope and tried to pull Holland into the ring but Holland’s feet were hooked on the top rope. Finale had his opportunity and he took it, planting Holland head first into the mat with Snake Oil (Dragon Screw Neck Whip)! Finale hooked the leg.

1..

2..

..!

Holland just kicked out and Snake Oil lived up to its name -- ineffective. However, Holland was sufficiently dazed and Finale wanted to end this match. Finale hefted Holland up off the mat and set him up for Stripper’s Real Name (Jumping 180 Vertebreaker) but Holland kicked his legs furiously and ended up back on his feet. Before Finale knew what was happening, Holland had planted him with Limbic Resonance (Pumphandle Emerald Flowsion) and covered him.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, “The Haunted” Erik Holland!

“The Haunted” by Walls of Jericho cued up and Lyric entered the ring to celebrate with Holland. The former OATH World Champion had his hand raised again and seemed pleased with his performance. Finale started to stir and crawled over to the ropes, using them to pull himself up to his feet.

MEARS: Erik Holland picks up a victory en route to his Barbed Wire Massacre Match with Matt Shields next week.

Once Finale was up he locked eyes with Holland. The tension dissipated quickly and the two men shook hands. Finale embraced Holland and gave him a pat on the back before leaving the ring. Holland continued celebrating as Finale walked up the ramp.

PETRIE: Thanks for coming Finale. Back to BWF. Whenever they decide that they want to produce a wrestling show again you can get back to work.

Before Finale could get through the curtain, Matt Shields appeared and blasted Finale with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline)! The fans booed heavily as Holland turned his attention to the stage. Holland couldn’t have done anything if he wanted to because Shields quickly got Finale up and sent him off the side of the stage with a beale! Finale crashed through a lighting rig and the shot quickly cut to commercial as Shields shouted some harsh words in Holland’s direction.

The camera opened to Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda standing next to the newest correspondent Conviction, Audrey Abrams. Stephanie was already dressed in her ring attire, backward cap, and all. There wass a conflicted expression in her eyes as she waited for the interview to begin.

ABRAMS: This is Audrey Abrams of OATH Conviction and I’m here with one-half of the former Inevitable, Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda. Now, these past few weeks we’ve seen some tension between you and your cousin, Leah. From the time she joined ONI, you both had disagreements, leading to the two of you interfering in each other’s matches. Now, after costing you the Intrepid Championship, Leah has challenged you to a War Queen Match at Nightfall. She already feels that you’ll accept, but we’ll have to hear it from you to make it official.

Stephanie nodded her head several times before providing an answer.

MATSUDA: It goes without saying that I accept my cousin’s challenge. But, allow me to clarify why I’m accepting her challenge. This isn’t about pride or saving family anymore. This is about protecting my legacy. When Leah interfered in the match against Young, she showed me where her loyalties lie. Well, that’s alright because tonight she’s going to get a taste of what’s to come.

Stephanie walks off without warning, leaving Abrams with the mic in her hand.

Cut to the ring and color man "Bad Mood" Ben Petrie stood with a microphone. He was surrounded by more bean bag chairs than last week. It was time for Mood Ring! Petrie stood between the two teams that would face off in one week at Nightfall in a Fans Bring The Weapons Match; Daughters of Darkness and Sweet Treats. Force Security surrounded the ring -- just in case things got hairy.

PETRIE: Welcome wrestling fans to the second edition of Mood Ring. I'm "Bad Mood" Ben Petrie and I have slept with a woman from every continent.

The Citadel booed but Bad Mood still looks very pleased with himself.

PETRIE: On this edition of Mood Ring my guests are two teams that will face off against each other next week at Nightfall in a Fans Bring The Weapons Match! The Daughters of Darkness and Sweet Treats!

There was a pop for the second team, not so much for the first. Petrie turned to Sweet Treats.

PETRIE: Alex Andrews. Kallie Reznik. Last week you laid out the challenge for this match. How are you feelin' about facing DoD in one week under such a unique stipulation?

ALEX: We are ready for it. After all of the stuff those two have put us through recently, this type of match is just about perfect for us. We will get to show everyone that Kallie and I are sick and tired of this type of treatment and how far we'll go to stand up for ourselves.

KALLIE: Alex is right. Constant badgering, constant pushing...eventually, enough gets to be enough. And what better way to do this in such a harsh stipulation? I know they...

She waved a hand in the direction of the Daughters of Darkness somewhat passively, her eyebrow raised as she pursed her lips.

KALLIE: ...seem to think we’re useless, but this isn’t the first time I’ve spent my time in such a match. Weapon matches are brutal, but it’s come to the point where brutality outweighs civility. And normalcy.

Petrie nodded as if he was considering what Alex and Kallie had to say very thoughtfully. He quickly turned to DoD.

PETRIE: Simple question. Jamie, Lana -- what do you think you will have to do to come out on top in this fucked up kind of match?

Lana and Jamie shared a look and a nod.

LANA: We will do what we have to. My uncle made his career in these types of matches. So has Jamie's older sister. We have some of the best to ever do it training us and giving us tips. I'm not going to sit here and monologue like some movie villain. But know that if it needs to be done for the Daughters of Darkness to win, it will be done.

JAMIE: Brutality outweighs civility.

Jamie's lips curl into a smirk as she waves a finger towards Kallie.

JAMIE: I like that. I really do, and I couldn't agree more. In this sense, civility has been thrown aside and left on the road to die. Lana and I have been absolutely civil in every aspect that calls for it yet we've had to put up with everything from outright bigotry all the way down to little simp fanboys vying for the attention of....

She paused, looked Alex and Kallie over and made a face.

JAMIE: ...this. We're at a point now where being civil is getting us nowhere. I won't beat a dead horse and repeat what Lana's already hammered home. What I will say is...you want brutality? The Daughters of Darkness, shall deliver.

That was it. That was the phrase that almost turned this segment on it’s head. Sweet Treats moved past Bad Mood and stood face to face with DoD. Things looked like they were about to pop off but Force Security entered the ring and the situation did not escalate. The two teams resigned themselves to finishing this issue in the ring, next week.

• MAIN EVENT • TRIOS MATCH ONI vs. El Diablo Blanco, Stephanie Matsuda, & Josie Wales

A big ass main event was on deck as the latest incarnation of ONI took center stage for the first time as a unit. “The Real Man” by Seatbelts cued up bringing OATH World Champion “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima to the stage flanked by OATH Intrepid Champion “The Tiger” FM Young and “The War Queen” Leah Aguero. The fans gave them the typical “Go fuck yourself.” reception. ONI don’t care. ONI is eternal.

PETRIE: Have you ever seen a finer collection of wrestlers all together?

MEARS: When the roster posed for the Holiday Card -- yeah.

PETRIE: I didn’t hear about that!

MEARS: I know.

The trio of rebels to ONI’s cause were out next one by one. Long standing OATH roster members “The Outlaw” Josie Wales and Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda both got great reactions from The Citadel but the audience really lost their minds when OATH Livewire Champion, “The Backyard Phenom” El Diablo Blanco came out onto the stage. As always, it was like if the Leafs won the cup.

PETRIE: I don’t get it. I just don’t fucking get it.

MEARS: The Citadel loves the Livewire Champion! Not much more to get than that.

PETRIE: Yeah but like...why? Is it pity? Like the Special Olympics?

MEARS: Pity? Are you out of your mind Ben? The Special Olympics is a wonderful showcase for athletic talent and I’ll thank you to watch your fucking mouth when you speak about it. Or better yet, don’t mention it at all.

PETRIE: Okay jeez relax.

The match began and it’s important to remember that OATH trios matches follow lucha libre rules. If a competitor is knocked out of the ring, then another member of their team can enter the ring as the legal competitor. Got that? Good. Because it happened a lot in this match. Josie Wales started the contest off against the woman she would challenge for the Intrepid Championship next week at Nightfall, FM Young.

Wales wasted no time and she popped Young with her signature bicycle kick rather early in the contest. Wales backed Young into a corner with a series of harsh forearm shivers and then took her to the mat with an impressive snap suplex. The Intrepid Champion was getting worked and The Citadel could not have been happier about it.

MEARS: Josie Wales has competed for the Intrepid Championship on two different occasions with no success. Will the third time be the charm next week?

PETRIE: No. She will fail again. She isn’t on Young’s level.

MEARS: She beat FM for the Tabula Rasa Championship six months ago.

PETRIE: I have no memory of that.

Wanting to make a statement at Young’s expense, Wales kept the pressure on with a sliding dropkick to the face of the Intrepid Champion. The Outlaw applied a front chancery and hefted Young up to a vertical base and then doubled her over with a jab to the midsection. Before Young knew what was happening, Wales had planted her with the Sundance Neckbreaker (Overdrive)! Wales hooked the leg for the first pin attempt in this contest.

1..

2!

Young kicked out and made a point of showcasing her power, a message to her future challenger. Wales wasn’t spooked by that, she responded with a hard stomp to Young’s ribs. Wales guided the Intrepid champion back up to her feet by the head and went for another Sundance Neckbreaker.

MEARS: This could be it! Can Josie pin the Intrepid Champion?

Before Wales could execute the move Young slipped out! In addition to being strong as hell, Young is pretty swift. She surprised Wales with an uppercut and then put The Outlaw down with Superchick (Shiranui). Young reached up off the mat and accepted a tag from Aguero, who climbed to the top rope and came crashing down on Wales with a moonsault! Aguero hooked the leg and Young stood guard.

1..

2..

..!

The Outlaw just kicked out and The Citadel came back to life. Reo said something softly to Aguero that was inaudible and that led to a brief discussion. During this time Wales started crawling away. Aguero turned to her opponent and then her eyes rose to meet her cousin Matsuda’s. Aguero was letting Josie get to her corner so that she could tag in Cloud.

MEARS: No one can say that Leah isn’t confident…

PETRIE: She wants to fight Matsuda! Nightfall is coming early!

Wales was on all fours when she reached off the mat to tag in Cloud but Aguero pounced and grabbed Wales by the waist band. The War Queen yanked Wales up to her feet and then took her over with an incredible German suplex that saw Wales land hard on the back of her head and come to rest face down on the mat.

The War Queen glared across the ring at Matsuda and while maintaining eye contact she reached backward and accepted a tag from Young. The Tiger got back into the ring and hit Josie with a hard stomp to the spine. Young and Aguero both got Josie off the mat and then tossed her across the ring to her corner with a double beale!

PETRIE: Look! ONI is working together! No one is gonna be able to do SHIT to them if they are all on the same page.

MEARS: So far it looks that way.

The Tiger was quick to go after Wales, so that she couldn’t spring to life and make the tag. Wales tried to fight Young off but the Intrepid Champion blasted her with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline) and that brought a smile to the face of the World Champion Ojima. Young covered, a soulless look in her eyes.

1..

2..

..!

Reo shouted instructions from the apron but they were difficult to make out. I guess Young was following them when she went to drag Josie over to the ONI corner but Josie caught her with several jabs to the midsection and then looked like she was setting up for the Sundance Neckbreaker again but this time she cartwheeled beside Young and use that momentum to take her over with a propelling back suplex. Both competitors were down and Wales desperately needed to make a tag.

MEARS: This could be the defining moment in this match. Josie has been in the ring for the entirety of this match so far. She has to be exhausted.

PETRIE: If you come at ONI best make sure that the tank is full!

Young started moving toward her corner but Wales was already across the ring and made the clutch tag to Matsuda. Cloud hopped over the top rope and gestured to Josie. With a nod, Josie knew what Cloud wanted to do and the two set off to hit Young with a double dropkick! Young was taken off her feet but she got right back to her feet out of instinct only for Matsuda to fly at her with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash)! Young was down again and Matsuda covered.

1..

2..

..!

The Tiger kicked out and Matsuda didn’t seem to care, she wanted Aguero in the ring. Matsuda called to her cousin and tossed Young into the ONI corner. Before Aguero could do anything, Reo accepted the tag. Matsuda looked slightly disappointed but then seemed to realize the opportunity that she had now. Another shot at Reo Ojima.

Cloud rushed Reo but got caught with a European uppercut. Matsuda was rocked and Reo doubled her over with a kick to the midsection. Matsuda was slammed onto the mat with an ONI Suplex (Tiger Suplex)! Before Reo could make a cover, Matsuda rolled out of the ring to the floor and once The Citadel realized what that meant they popped to the moon.

MEARS: Here he comes! From the backyards to the big leagues!

PETRIE: Where have I heard that before?

MEARS: Nowhere. You haven’t. I made that phrase up.

El Diablo Blanco entered the ring for the first time in this match and stood across from the World Champion. Ojima smirked and took one step toward El D before he reached back and tagged Aguero back into the match. Reo took his place back onto the apron as The War Queen was back in action.

Leah took off like a shotgun blast and rushed El D but the Livewire Champion saw this coming and he planted Leah into the mat with a spinebuster that would make an enforcer proud. The Citadel was cheering as loud as ever for El D as he positioned Aguero for the Backyard Elbow. El D hit the ropes, jumped over Leah’s prone body, went to hit the other ropes but Ojima had lowbridged them from the floor!

PETRIE: Haha you idiot! No backyard bullshit here tonight!

MEARS: Reo Ojima has not been taking El D’s challenge seriously at all. Now he wants to humiliate him!

PETRIE: I mean...he does a pretty good job humiliating himself!

El D spilled over the top rope to the outside and Reo immediately went to work on him -- stomping the absolute shut out of El D. Matsuda reentered the ring and went right for Aguero, spearing her back down to the mat. Wales decided to get in on the action, she knocked Young off the apron and they started brawling on the outside.

The World Champion was hammering the shit out of El D and then went to Irish whip him into the guard rail but he held on, pulled El D back in, and planted the Livewire Champion with a brutal spinebuster on the outside.

Over by the announce table Young smashed Wales’ head off the top of it. Young went to do it again but Wales freed herself and then blasted Young with a shotgun dropkick that sent Young flying into the timekeeper’s area!

PETRIE: Stand clear Mears!

MEARS: I think the threat has passed.

PETRIE: That’s what a DEAD MAN would say.

In the ring Matsuda was able to hit Aguero with a Last Surprise (Sling Blade) but before she could cover, Aguero rolled out of the ring. Reo decided that he would seize the glory and was back in the ring where he quickly blasted Matsuda with a lariat. Reo shot her into the ropes but Matsuda came back with a moonsault!

Reo caught her over his shoulder and went for Last Call (Running Powerslam) but Wales was back in the ring and she floored Reo with a bicycle kick and then quickly kept him down with a Sundance Neckbreaker (Overdrive). Matsuda was quick up to the top rope and came off with Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star)! Matsuda, however, didn’t cover but instead waited for El D to get up to the top rope and come crashing down onto Reo with Feelin’ Froggy (Frog Splash)! Wales and Matsuda both rolled out of the ring to make it all nice and legal as El D covered.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners, the OATH Livewire Champion El Diablo Blanco, Stephanie Matsuda, & Josie Wales!

"The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis cued up and The Citadel erupted! The Livewire Champion had pinned the World Champion and no one could believe it. This had many fans believing that El Diablo Blanco would be able to defeat Ojima and win the World Title next week at Nightfall. But next week was next week and at this point Conviction 32 went off the air.

---

Results: • Allen Chaney def. Kasey Kash

• Super Tiger def. Janica Jayden • Locke Helms def. Jenna Sharpe

• Erik Holland def. Finale

• El Diablo Blanco, Stephanie Matsuda, & Josie Wales def. ONI