CONVICTION XLIV

Episode XLIV Sunday January 10th, 2021 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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It was time to return to The Citadel for the first Conviction of 2021! The fans were hype as always. “Wet Blanket” by Metz kicked up and before long we found the shot landing at ringside with Matt Mears and “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to the first Conviction of 2021! I am Matthew Mears and seated to my right is the always spicy “Bad Mood” Ben Mears.

PETRIE: Yeah baby I’m like fuckin’ roti. A spice that few can handle.

MEARS: A spice that few care to try to handle! Tonight OATH won’t try to have an incredible of Conviction -- we will succeed. Five stellar matches are on tap. We’re going to see upstart Cassidy Kane take on the leader of The Hell Realm Ryan Terror.

PETRIE: Terror is bound to be right pissed off after losing in War Games. I feel for lil’ Cass Kane. She’s in trouble tonight.

MEARS: Or she’ll have the biggest night of her OATH career thus far. Remains to be seen! We’ll also see “The Comedian” Allen Chaney go head to head with former OATH Tag Team Champion “The Dixie Devil” Janica Jayden! Chaney is undefeated going into this match but perhaps his first real test in OATH will be tougher than he anticipates.

PETRIE: How are you gonna knock The Comedian like that? Guy has been running through people in OATH.

MEARS: I am simply saying that he hasn’t really been tested.

PETRIE: Might not want to say that to his face. Guy is a little temperamental. Much like I am going to be when we watch two champions collide. OATH Tag Team Champion Super Tiger is set to try and claim more gold as she challenges “The Burning Heart” James Edwards for the Tabula Rasa Championship in a Submissions Count Anywhere Match.

MEARS: Why will you be temperamental during that match? PETRIE: Because I don’t think that anyone should be given the chance to hoard gold! Super Tiger isn’t Smaug! As much as I don’t like James Edwards, I want him to come out on top. So someone better can beat him.

MEARS: Fair point I suppose. What may not seem fair is our main event. Four competitors will enter the match with only ONE of them being able to become the number one contender to Reo Ojima’s OATH World Championship.

PETRIE: I feel like Straker is feeling the heat from how good the last episode of Livewire was. It’s not in my nature to praise our competition but Barlow is doing great shit over there.

MEARS: He certainly is. However, our main event this evening is set to be one of the biggest that OATH has ever seen. Two champions, two former champions -- only one will come out with a World Championship Match.

PETRIE: Gonna be a banger. Let’s fuckin’ gooooooooo.

MEARS: I concur. It’s time for wrestling and our first contest of the evening as Johnny Draco takes on the always controversial Maverick. Before we get to that contest I am told that we have some footage from earlier today. Without further adieu, let us begin.

OATH Tabula Rasa Champion "The Burning Heart" James Edwards faced his locker with his hands behind his back like a starship captain contemplating his next move against a mortal foe.

EDWARDS: I'm sure you're askin' yourself why I asked you here before the show.

He turned around and a look of apology was etched on his face.

EDWARDS: Listen, man, I'm sorry about the fight tonight. I made you a promise you'd get a rematch and the company had other plans. I kept tellin' them that another fight between us would be better money than me against one of the tag champs, but they had their minds made up about me facing the Super Tiger.

Johnny Draco stepped into the scene with a smile on his face.

DRACO: Trust me man definitely no hard feelings about that at all. You did make me a promise and I plan on making you keep that promise. The company may have other plans but it will soon come down to me and you in the ring. I do believe it is something the fans deserve to get a chance to see again. A moment where it isn’t ruined by half ass talent like Jonathan Cage.

Edwards was relieved to hear no evidence of hard feelings from Draco.

EDWARDS: I'm gonna fight like hell to win tonight because I want you to get the rematch and I want it too. Our fight was one of the best I've had in OATH. It made me better and I've seen the wonders that it did for you. I've been thinkin', though, and I want to run an idea by you.

DRACO: I think you have what it takes to retain the title tonight. You have definitely shown this federation you're one of the best to grace that title. I do feel our match was an insight on what I have to do in this industry. It gave me a opportunity to face off against a seasoned veteran. I would be down to listen to that idea. Feel free to run it by me and I'll give it some consideration.

The two competitors had a shared respect, that much was evident. It was a rare trait in a locker room that is so habitually divided.

EDWARDS: I wanna have a fight with you that nobody will ever forget; one that'll define the Tabula Rasa Championship going forward. The thing is I think we need to test ourselves before that happens.

Edwards held up a hand to stop Draco before he could question what the champion was saying.

EDWARDS: I know what I’m about to ask is a lot and you can tell me to stuff what I’m about to say up my ass, and I promise regardless as long as I’m champion you’ll get another title shot. So here’s my idea. I want you to win tonight and then face an opponent of my choosing in a submission match. He’s a guy I think you need to overcome to get to another level, especially since he was your last loss and my last challenge. I want you to make Cage tap.

Edwards paused to let his suggestion sink in.He knew he would be able to get the job done correctly against Cage. He soon nodded his head gently in agreement to the challenge. Draco brought his hand down towards his side before giving James an answer.

DRACO: I think I am up for that challenge against Jonathan Cage. Both of us seem to have some unfinished business with each other. It would be a great sight to have these fans watch me make him tap. A match that might help further recognition to that prestigious Tabula Rasa Championship. I have a feeling the fans are ready for us to fight again.

EDWARDS: I’m not gonna ask you to do something that I wouldn’t do. So what I want, after I win tonight, is for you to go home and think. I want you to think long and hard about who would test me best as champion. Next week, I want you to give me your answer, and then I’ll defend the belt against em’. What do you think?

DRACO: I can respect you not asking me to do something you wouldn't. I do respect the career you have had in this industry. It would only be fair for me to go home and think about that. Though, I feel that it should be a fresh face of a competitor. A competitor that like myself can push you to that level. You have my word that by next week you'll know who your next opponent is.

Edwards offered an elbow and Draco bumped it.

SINGLES MATCH

Johnny Draco vs. Maverick

The first match of the evening saw fan favourite Johnny Draco come to the ring accompanied by Tiffany Lynn Page. The fans were absolutely stoked to see Draco but they were less happy to see Tiffany. Maverick was out next and the fans just booed the shit out of this kid. He didn’t give a shit because he was on Conviction.

MEARS: The gauntlet has been laid down by Tabula Rasa Champion James Edwards. Draco will face Jonathan Cage in a Submission Match next week but tonight he has the task of defeating Maverick.

PETRIE: Draco is overlooking Maverick and that's a big fuckin' mistake. This kid is money.

The match started with a standard lock up but a standing switch from Maverick positioned him behind Draco where he slapped him in the back of the head. Draco turned around, trying to keep his composure but Maverick flipped him off and then smashed him with a palm strike and then a stiff head kick. Draco tried to rally back but Mav smoked him with a hook kick and then a springboard knee strike. Draco fell through the ropes to the outside.

MEARS: Maverick is so disrespectful. If he just focussed on wrestling then he would find himself in a better position in the rankings. I'm certain of it.

Tiffany supported Draco with some clapping and apparently that worked to revive Draco. Draco got to his feet but Mav flew over the top rope with a somersault senton that took Draco down. Maverick made a rude gesture toward Tiffany before he gathered Draco up and slipped him into the ring. Maverick took some time to play to the audience that hated his fucking guts. Maverick flipped them off and entered the ring only to get hit with F.U.B.A.R.(Superman Punch) from Draco! Maverick dropped where he stood and Draco covered for a two count.

MEARS: Near fall for Johnny Draco as Tiffany Lynn Page cheers him on from ringside. Client and manager had some issues a few weeks ago but that seems to have subsided.

PETRIE: Yeah because Draco needs Tiffany. She also manages the number one contenders to the Tag Team Titles. They listen to her and they are succeeding. Draco should listen to Tiffany and quit this bullshit with Edwards.

Maverick sat up and Draco hit him with a stiff kick to the spin. Mav let out in pain and Draco gathered him up to his feet. Draco was focussed, he didn’t play to the fans like he did in the past and he was able to plant Maverick with a fluid brainbuster. Instead of covering, Draco ascended to the top rope and flew off with an impressive corkscrew elbow drop! Draco hit it perfectly and covered again but again he was only able to get a two count.

MEARS: What an athletic move from Johnny Draco. How impressive.

PETRIE: It didn't keep Maverick down because Draco can't keep Maverick down.

Draco gathered Maverick up again and applied a front face lock but Maverick hit him with a quick succession of jabs to the midsection. Draco tried to get control back but Maverick raked his eyes and then planted him with Dark Harvest (Single Arm Underhook Brainbuster)! Draco was down and Maverick quickly covered, putting his feet on the middle rope for some added leverage! The referee started the count but stopped when he noticed Mav’s feet on the rope.

MEARS: The referee saw it! He's not going to let Maverick steal this one.

Maverick got up and was in the referee’s face immediately. The referee told him that he can’t use the ropes and Maverick caught him by the collar. Mav pulled the referee in close and yelled in his face but Draco came from behind, pulled Maverick back and planted him with the Serenity Prayer (Cross Rhodes)! Draco quickly transitioned into the Lights Out Lock (Crippler Crossface) and Maverick had nowhere to go. He had to tap out.

CRYBABY: Here is your winner Johnny Draco!

As soon as the bell rang Jonathan Cage at ringside having entered through the crowd. Cage was armed with a barbed wire wrapped kendo stick as he entered the ring and cracked Draco in the back with it! Tiffany was in the ring to celebrate with Draco but fled as soon as Cage attacked.

MEARS: Jonathan Cage is here! He saw what was said between Johnny and James -- he clearly did not care for it!

Draco was face down on the mat and Cage started laying into him with that barbed wire wrapped kendo stick! Hundreds of small cuts developed on Draco’s back with each shot and the fans booed the shit out of Cage. Tiffany screamed in horror as Cage continued his beat down.

PETRIE: This is what you get Draco! You shouldn't have talked shit about this man.

The audience exploded as James Edwards ran to the ring. He slid in under the bottom rope and Cage swung on him with the weapon but Edwards evaded it and blasted Cage with Wildfire (Spin Kick followed by a Roundhouse Knee)! Cage powdered out of the ring as Tiffany entered to check on Draco.

TIFFANY: What the hell took you so long? Edwards did his best to ignore Tiffany as he checked on Draco, who was still face down and bleeding on the mat. Tiffany screeched for the trainers to get to the ring as we cut to commercial.

The camera opened to interviewer Kendrick Bingham standing with the “Queen of Fighters” Stephanie Matsuda who was dressed in her ring attire. The expression on Matsuda’s face was that of someone who was focused.

BINGHAM: Hi this is Kendrick Bingham and I’m here with Stephanie Matsuda. Now Steph, you’re just several weeks removed from your win over your cousin Leah Aguero at Nightfall. Would you say all of that is behind you?

MATSUDA: Indeed the past is behind me. With Leah and I putting aside our issues I can focus on getting back into World Title contention. After my loss to Reo, I told the world I’d be back in the conversation. I’ve had my ups and downs, but there’s only so long I can be kept away from the baddest man in this company. Now, the only thing that stands between me and Uncle Reo are three of the world’s finest to fight in the squared circle. Locke Helms is a member of the Hell Realm, and a bad mofo to boot. Now he’s coming off a loss to the Sharpe Clan but yet sees himself in a situation where he can put his group back into the spotlight. That won’t be happening. He might be number four on the rankings, but I’m lucky number seven, sweets. Then you have number five on this list, your Intrepid Champion Josie Wales. If it wasn’t for my dear cousin I would’ve defeated FM Young for the title, but yet the honor went to Josie. The title is one I’ve yet to hold, but I’ll put that on pause for now. Josie was a lot closer to world title gold than I was, but this isn’t her time. No offense to the girl, but my path to glory isn’t finished yet.

BINGHAM: What about Minoru Tanahashi?

MATSUDA: Tanahashi and I haven’t crossed paths like that here, so it’d be interesting to see what he has to bring to the table. He’s number eight in the rankings; interestingly enough, the only people other than James Edwards that’s in this top eight are Ojima, Young, and Aguero aka ONI. Reo wants to keep a lock at the top of the chain, but I’m coming for that ass. This could’ve been personal, but it still remains business. I’m a Day One here at OATH, and it’s about time I carved out a legacy for myself here. I’ve changed the game everywhere else, so it’s time for everyone to know and understand why I’m the Queen of Fighters.

BINGHAM: It’ll be you against three other opponents. You sound like you’re up for the challenge, though.

MATSUDA: My mother had an old saying - sometimes there’s nowhere to go but forward. I can’t turn back now, Bingham, nor do I have a reason to. If I win tonight, it’ll put me back in the crosshairs of ONI. If Leah and Young want to revisit our feud, then so be it. But there won’t be a force on this planet that’ll keep me away from Reo. I’ll fight me way through three of the top eight and crawl my way to that number one spot. If I can’t aspire to that...what else is there?

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders and walked away backward. Bingham nodded and turned to the camera.

BINGHAM: That was former Tabula Rasa and Tag Team Champion, Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda. Now back to the ring.

SINGLES MATCH

Cassidy Kane vs. Ryan Terror

To say that Ryan Terror was in a foul mood as he came to the ring would be a massive understatement. Like Ben Petrie is kind of a jerk. Terror was flanked by Adrestia Nyx and Astaroth of The Hell Realm -- none of the three taking time to acknowledge the fans or anything like that. All business. Cassidy Kane came out to a decent pop but she was like that cow in Jurassic Park being lowered into the raptor pen.

MEARS: Cassidy Kane with a big opportunity here. The Hell Realm are fresh off a loss in War Games and they are not pleased about it.

PETRIE: The Hell Realm has been a fixture in OATH since the beginning. Kane is about to get a fuckin’ history lesson.

The bell rang and Kane had to keep her eyes on Terror and The Hell Realm. No easy task, unless you’re a seahorse. Adrestia grabbed Kane’s leg from outside the ring, dividing her attention. This allowed Terror to blast her with an Out of the Shadows (Superkick) from behind and then he pulled her into a Death Sentence (Stormbreaker)! Kane didn’t know what hit her as Terror covered and got the quick victory.

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, Ryan Terror!

No music kicked up because as soon as the bell rang Astaroth and Nyx slipped into the ring and started stomping away on the poor Cassidy. The fans were booing the shit out of this as Terror exited the ring and collected a table.

MEARS: Oh no. This is very unnecessary. Poor Cassidy Kane has no help against this trio of monsters.

PETRIE: Hell Realm needs to reestablish their dominance. They are about to do just that. Kane is just a body. It ain’t personal.

With the table in the ring, Astaroth set it up and started squirting lighter fluid onto it! The fans were horrified as they set the table ablaze and Terror positioned Kane for a powerbomb!

MEARS: Get FORCE Security out here! You can’t do this!

Luckily Sweet Treats came bounding out through the curtain, Alex armed with a fire extinguisher! Sweet Treats slipped into the ring and Terror released Kane. The Hell Realm bailed out of the ring as Alex put out the fire, saving Kane from certain doom.

The scene cuts backstage at the office of Dr. Evelyn Ernest. The door opened up and out walked OATH World Champion Reo Ojima, buttoning up his shirt. As he went about fastening the buttons, though, you could see multiple bruises covering his body. Along with a slight limp, Reo showed the wear and tear of his time as the champ as looked at the camera. Not pleased, Reo finished buttoning his shirt and walked right past the camera before the camera crew could ask him a question.

King Kong Seto, one of Reos young protégés, walked behind Reo and shoved the camera away. Static filled the screen for a few seconds before it went to commercial.

The scene cuts back to a security camera feed as Reo and Leah Aguero could be seen talking to one another in the back of the arena. King Kong Seto leaned against a wall playing guard so Leah and Reo could have a private conversation. The two were in the middle of it as Reo he placed his hand on her shoulder.

OJIMA: All these matches are starting to pile up on me, Leah. Training students over in Japan, the 10 hour flights back and forth, wrestling for other companies...20 or thirty year old me could handle it but I’m in my fifties and I’m not as young as I once was. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this schedule up and after talking to the head of medical Dr. Ernest I probably have a couple of high profile matches left in me before my body gives up on me and tells me to take a break. So for ONI to survive I need you to step up. Young’s gone and Seto over there is still too green to be taken seriously. So I need you to be the future of not only ONI but of OATH. But after Nightfall I’m starting to question your ability to lead ONI in the future. So either step up...or leave.

Reo slapped Leah on the shoulder a few times as he waved Seto over so that the two could leave Leah alone and to let her have some time to think.

SINGLES MATCH Allen Chaney vs. Janica Jayden

The next contest saw “The Comedian” Allen Chaney take on former OATH Tag Team Champion “The Dixie Devil” Janica Jayden. The fans were surprisingly supportive of Janica as she walked to the ring without partner/boss Viola Mancini. The shitty treatment that Janica had received from Viola for months had endeared her with the fans.

MEARS: Janica Jayden is seemingly out on her own in 2021 and the fans are happy to see it!

PETRIE: She still works for Viola Mancini and she shouldn’t forget that fact!

MEARS: I think she needs to focus on Allen. He is a dangerous and unpredictable individual.

The bell rang and Chaney immediately went after Jayden and levelled her with a Cactus clothesline. Chaney peeled Janica off the mat and hit her with a series of heavy strikes before he shot her into the ropes and downed her with a back body drop. Janica hit the mat hard and sat right up, only to get blasted with a shuffle side kick to the mush. Chaney covered and laughed with each count -- of which he only got two.

MEARS: Allen is a frightening man. I feel as if he will snap at any moment.

PETRIE: Are you kidding? He’s an entertainer! He’s hilarious. You are trying to make him into a monster that he isn’t.

MEARS: He knows what he is.

Chaney tried to keep Jayden grounded with a chin lock but Janica fought up to her feet and delivered a series of sharp elbows to Chaney’s midsection. The Comedian’s grip was broken and Jayden went to take off for the ropes but Chaney grabbed her by the hair and slammed her into the mat. The back of Janica’s head hit the mat hard and Chaney was quite amused. The referee scolded The Comedian and Chaney head faked him, causing the referee to tremble backward in fear.

MEARS: We are starting to see that maliciousness of Allen here.

PETRIE: He was trying to grab her head, not her hair. Open your eyes MEars!

The Comedian gathered Janica up and shot her into the ropes and on her return Janica went for a cross body but Chaney was able to grab her in a bear hug! Janica had nowhere to go as Chaney ragdolled her in the middle of the ring. The audience tried to get behind The Dixie Devil but she was fading fast. Chaney was all smiles as he jerked Janica to and fro. Just when Chaney thought that he had the match in the bag, Janica raked his eyes! Chaney was forced to break the hold and Janica took him over with a snapmare and hit him with a big boot while he was seated! Janica covered but Chaney kicked out at two.

MEARS: A near fall for The Dixie Devil! She is primed and ready to put Allen away!

Feeling a singles victory within her grasp, Janica hefted Chaney up to his feet and hit him with a toe kick to the midsection. Janica set Chaney up for Easy Rider DDT (Jumping Double Underwood DDT) but Chaney swung out of it and blasted her with The Set-Up (Short-Arm Lariat)! Before Janica knew what had happened The Comedian hefted her up and planted her with The Punchline (Omega Driver)! Chaney covered and secured the three count.

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

“Shimmy Shimmy Ya” by ODB played and Chaney got his hand raised in victory. As his music continued to play throughout the arena, Chaney complained about not having a microphone. He leaned over the ropes and looked to the commentary table, we heard him saying ‘MATT’ and ‘MATTY BOY’ a few times gesturing for Play-by-Play Commentator Matt Mears to bring him a microphone. Matt reluctantly did so, wary of The Comedian. He entered the ring and handed Allen the microphone but before he could leave the ring Allen put an arm around him like they were old buddies.

CHANEY: You just sit here and look pretty, Matt. This will only take a second and I don’t have a mic stand.

Allen handed the microphone back to Matt then positioned Matt’s arm so the mic is in front of Allen’s face. Matt rolled his eyes at this but played along.

CHANEY: A few months before I made the decision to sign with OATH the TV viewing public of this world decided it wasn’t interested in me. Three episodes into ‘Grappling with Life’ critics went out of their way to make it known that my show was garbage and network executives pulled the plug and didn’t look back. My name was on that show as head writer in name only. A group of writers more interested in making the wrestling equivalent of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ got to save face after the cancellation because my name was all over the credits and my face was all over the show when they wouldn’t let me in that fucking writers room. My name became synonymous with failure. I could tell you all I’m not bitter about it but honestly that would be a lie. I’m pissed. I’m furious. So when I got the call from management here they offered an okay amount of money. That was nice of them...but all I could see was a crop of fresh bodies. Bodies I could imagine the faces of everyone in that writers room on. Every network executive. Every critic. Everyone who decided that throwing me under the bus to save their asses was okay.

Allen seemed to be seething with anger but he calmed himself down.

CHANEY: I can’t stay mad with this handsome guy right next to me. Look at him!

Allen gave Matt Mears a playful little pinch on the cheek before continuing.

CHANEY: I’m not here to fuck around with the open-mic’ers on Livewire. El D can throw as big a masturbatory positivity party about being a big fish in a small pond as he wants but I am here to swim with the sharks. I am a Megalodon and there is blood in the water.

Allen shot a little glance at Matt, then returned his focus to the task at hand.

CHANEY: Everyone made it very clear to me that ‘Aw Shucks’ smiling Allen Chaney is not the Allen Chaney who people will tune in to see. That’s fine. I coulda kept playing nice but if that’s not what the people want then I guess we’ll have to do things differently. You want The Comedian? You want a guy who can pop a fucking rating?

Allen suddenly snaps Matt up off his feet and drove him down with the Punchline (Omega Driver) which couldn’t be good for Matt’s history of neck issues. Allen snapped back up to his feet and looked down at his handiwork with a smile on his face. He shrugged and chuckled a bit before starting to step out of the ring. He notices Matt starting to stir, managing to get up on all fours. Allen shook his head before getting a running start and drove Matt’s face back down to the mat with the Heckler Control (Curb Stomp). Satisfied with his work, Allen exited the ring as his music played and medical staff rushed to help Matt. We cut to commercial as Allen backed his way up the ramp saying “Ratings, baby!”

Inside one of the many locker rooms in The Citadel, Minoru Tanahashi finished his pre-match preparations, putting on his left wrist gauntlet, when there was a knock on the door.

MINORU: Come on in, I was wondering where you guys were.

The door opened and Tanahashi looked up to see Audrey Abrams.

MINORU: Hey, you’re not Super Tiger and Volta.

AUDREY: No I am not, I’m Audrey Adams, the woman who was supposed to be interviewing you ten minutes ago. Why didn’t you show up? Are you nervous about the match tonight? Scared that without your tag team partner you won’t know what to do. Scared that without Super Tiger and Volta you will fall back into your losing ways?

Tanahashi stood up and put his hands up, motioning for Audrey to slow down a bit.

MINORU: Whoa whoa whoa, look it sort of slipped my mind. I guess I have gotten used to Super Tiger and Volta coming to get me before interviews or matches or anything. I remember now, Tiggy has her own match, which I am certain she will kick ass in, and Volta is with Effy.

AUDREY: Speaking of FM Young, what is your relationship with her? Some people have said it goes much farther than friendship.

MINORU: Well those people are wrong.

AUDREY: So then you’re sleeping with your tag team partner and not FM Young.

Minoru took a step back as a look of pure shock appeared on his face.

MINORU: What the hell? No, I am not sleeping with Effy or Tiggy. We are friends and nothing more. Both myself and Super Tiger have beautiful girlfriends that we are very happy with. Effy, the truth is I am not completely sure what her situation is. It’s been a little since we… Look that doesn’t matter. Are you an interviewer for a wrestling company or a trashy tabloid? Let’s talk about wrestling.

AUDREY: People have a right to know the truth, and I will find out what you’re hiding. For now, though, we can talk about this fatal four way number one contenders match that you are inexplicably part of.

MINORU: Inexplicably?

AUDREY: Well you’re one half of the Tag Team champions and eighth in the rankings. That doesn’t really sound like number one contender material.

MINORU: I am also the first ever Livewire Champion, and while it was in a tag match against a different iteration of the team, I’ve beaten ONI before.

AUDREY: Yes, but that was a while back, and like you said it was in a tag match. Your biggest success has come when you had someone to help you out. How will you do without the aid of being able to tag out and take some time to recover?

MINORU: You did hear the part about me being a former Livewire Champion, correct? The first ever in fact? Look, if I was a year or so in and had predominantly been a tag team wrestler, maybe being in a fatal four way like this would be daunting to me, but it’s not. To be a great tag team wrestler, you first need to be a great singles wrestler. The reason that the SUPER KAWAII THUNDER LIGER SQUADRON--

He suddenly posed, then goes back to normal

MINORU: --currently hold the Tag Team titles is because Super Tiger and I are damn good singles wrestlers. That’s why I am confident that tonight we will see a new Tabula Rasa Champion in Super Tiger, while I become the new number one contender for the World Title. Matsuda, Helms, Wales, are all great competitors. Josie did something I couldn’t and beat FM Young at Nightfall. Stephanie Matsuda came out of a war with her cousin, with a victory. Matter of fact, the only one in this match that didn’t win at Nightfall, was Locke Helms. He’s also been the only other person in this match to really be vocal about it, although he’s been spouting off nonsense and saying I owe him an arm and saying I’m hiding behind a little girl and other weird stuff. Maybe the fact that he seems to be a few fries short of a Happy Meal, makes him the most dangerous in the match. Or maybe he’s just an idiot rattling stuff off that he thinks sounds cool or intimidating. I honestly don’t know which it is. I only know that he’s one of three people I have to be better than tonight. Wait, I also know one more thing. You are never getting an interview with me again.

Minoru smirked then stepped forward moving Audrey out of the locker room so he could slam the door in her face.

The scene opened up in a backstage hallway. A few production people were passing by here and there, and then we saw The Sweet Treats, Alex and Kallie standing together talking to each other, looking like they are generally having a good time.

ALEX: Listen, I know we aren't technically on Conviction tonight, but with all that's going on and with what we have been through, I doubt anyone will give us a hard time.

KALLIE: I'm sure you're right, Alex. I just can't believe how good it feels to put all that junk behind us. Like the weight of the world suddenly lifted off of our shoulders. Nightfall was such a good night for us.

They both smiled quite large.

ALEX: It was! After being sidetracked with the Sweet Boys and then dealing with bogus attacks and weeks after weeks of being dismantled and basically treated like trash. The amount of joy we got after trampling those two can't be overstated. Just wow.

They nodded vigorously at one another.

KALLIE: And you know what? With them in our past, it gives us a chance to show the world that we are one of the best dang tag teams in this company.

ALEX: If Nightfall didn't cement that fact!

KALLIE: Right. Lets go keep an eye on things. I'm sure we can learn a thing or two from a couple of these matches.

Alex nodded.

ALEX: Sounds good to me.

And with that, The Sweet Treats wandered off and disappeared down the hall.

OATH TABULA RASA CHAMPIONSHIP

SUBMISSIONS COUNT ANYWHERE Super Tiger vs. James Edwards ©

Submissions count anywhere in this match and we mean ANYWHERE! So naturally this match is happening in a fun and kooky location -- the weight room. OATH being the top tier company that it is, The Citadel is outfitted with all kinds of fun backstage areas. Super Tiger walked into frame with her OATH Tag Team Title around her waist. James Edwards entered the frame with his OATH Tabula Rasa Title and the referee. The commentary team had been made whole as Kendrick Bingham took over Matt Mears’ post.

PETRIE: This stipulation is fucking stupid.

BINGHAM: I would disagree, I believe that it is inventive.

PETRIE: Listen dumbshit, you are no Matt Mears. You never will be. Just follow my lead and we’ll get through this.

BINGHAM: That being said we hope to have an update on Mr. Mears after Conviction goes off the air.

The titles were handed off to an awaiting young boy and the referee called for the bell -- which played over the dope p.a. Super Tiger kept her distance from Edwards, waiting for him to make the first move. Edwards had a cold expression, weary of the high flyer. Edwards through a water testing kick that Tiger was easily able to evade. Tiger tried to shoot in on the champion and narrowly avoided a big roundhouse kick to the head.

BINGHAM: This is an interesting contest for Super Tiger. She is typically a high flyer but she has some submissions in her back pocket.

PETRIE: Yeah we’ll see how she fares without Tanahashi weighing her down.

BINGHAM: They are the Tag Team Champions.

PETRIE: Fucking barely.

Tiger tried to pick Edwards’ leg again but Edwards caught her with a knee to the side of the head that sent her reeling into a squat machine. Edwards saw his opening and went to take advantage of it but Super Tiger grabbed hold of the weight bar, swung forward and took Edwards down with a hurricanranna! Edwards was quickly back up but Tiger rushed him and took him down with Coyote Beautiful (Slide Thru Calf Crusher)!

BINGHAM: Inventive offense from Super Tiger! Excellent use of her environment to evade James’ deadly strikes.

Edwards was trapped in the hold but his flexibility allowed him to reach over and smash the back of Tiger’s head into the floor! Edwards did this several times and forced Tiger to break the hold. The champion got to his feet and limped a little -- that hold having taken its toll. Tiger was back up and slightly dazed but she cracked Edwards with a palm strike and a forearm smash! Tiger hit Edwards with Spicy Dragon Roll (Hammerlock Eat Defeat)!

BINGHAM: Super Tiger has really caught James off guard. I do not think he expected this level of fight from the Tag Team Champion.

PETRIE: Edwards losing to a competitor who weighs 110lbs would be pretty funny.

BINGHAM: She is a tremendous wrestler, a loss to Super Tiger is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Super Tiger was in complete control as she dragged Edwards toward the squat machine and positioned his legs through the metal support. Tiger applied a figure four and Edwards had nowhere to go! The champion let out in pain but did his best to stifle himself. Tiger wrenched back with all of her might and the referee asked Edwards if he wanted to quit. Big surprise, The Burning Heart said no.

PETRIE: Give up Edwards! Disappoint your pal Johnny Draco. He’s used to it.

Unfortunately for Tiger, the hold was hurting her as well. She was forced to break the hold but stepped off of the support and hit Edwards with a jumping double stomp to the stomach! Tiger then climbed up onto a plate stack and leaped off looking for Flight of the Tiger MK I (Spinning Frog Splash) but Edwards moved out of the way at the very last second! Tiger got right back up while being in tremendous pain. She tried to put some distance between herself and Edwards but he cracked her with Wildfire (Spin Kick followed by a Roundhouse Knee)! Tiger dropped and Edwards locked in Foxfire (Heel Hook) to get the submission and retain his championship.

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

"My Name Is Human" by Highly Suspect cued up over the weight room sound system and Edwards was handed his championship. The Burning Heart was limping, he had been in a fight, but he was still champion.

Shields stalked down to the ring, carrying his kendo stick in his right hand, dragging it along the ramp behind him. He wasn’t dressed to compete, clad in jeans and a very disturbing looking shirt with The King In Yellow emblazoned upon it. He marched up the steps, got in the ring, ripped a mic from a nearby member of the ring crew, and started pacing a bit before laughing while he shook his head. The music died down and the lights came back to normal as he stopped and slammed his kendo stick into the nearest turnbuckle.

SHIELDS: You fuckers didn’t think you were gonna get rid of me that easily huh? For weeks, I was left off Conviction. No matches, no time for the single biggest attraction in this goddamn business. Not until they needed me for Nightfall. Not until they needed the most violent, sadistic, animalistic motherfucker around to give Erik Holland a proper send off. That’s exactly what I did too. Me and that big scary bastard had an absolute war and all of you lapped it up like the bloodthirsty savages you are deep down. Now though, you don’t want me around anymore. There’s no carnage to cause, no chaos to reek, no blood to shed, so you think you’re gonna put me on the shelf. Problem is, you forget that I am so much more than a monster. I’M THE BEST GOD DAMN WRESTLER ON THE PLANET!

Shields tossed his kendo stick into the corner and went back to pacing as the crowd was starting to boo.

SHIELDS: SHUT THE FUCK UP! This is my time and you will listen to every word I have to say or so help me God I will come out there, stick my feet down your throats and turn you into a very fashionable pair of thigh-high motherfucking boots.

The crowd just booed louder until Shields grabbed his kendo stick, jumped out of the ring, and lunged toward a fan in the front row. They instantly quieted down and Shields returned to the ring.

SHIELDS: Normally I would sit there and let you bastards boo me all night. Just revel in while my dick gets harder and harder, but not this fucking night. Tonight I have one very important fucking question to ask management. It’s not, why am I not in the number one contenders match over two fuckers I have beaten before, a guy who got carried to the tag team titles, and a woman who beat a shell of a champion? No no no. I want to know why there is even a number one contender’s match, to begin with? Did you fuckers forget that Reo Ojima didn’t beat me? Oh sure, that old bastard got the pin, but it took him and two other cunts to get the job done. One on one, man to man, that fuckstick knows he doesn’t hold a candle to me. I am the only true number contender, and until that’s recognized, scorched earth motherfuckers.

Shields tossed the mic down, jumped out of the ring, and then suddenly slammed his kendo stick across the head of one of the ring crew members. A member of FORCE Security was there quickly and he caught a shot from the kendo stick before the rest could restrain Shields. They started hauling Shields up the ramp as he smiled, laughing while being pulled back.

SHIELDS: YOU’RE FUCKING NEXT WAR QUEEN!

He looks straight at the camera with a sadistic grin, laughing the whole time security is dragging him away. Suddenly Leah Aguero leaps over security, using them almost like a springboard allowing her to plant Shields into the steel ramp with an amazing cutter. Aguero rolled up to her feet and with Shields completely dazed, she charged in for The Endgame (Punt), but security grabbed her before she could connect. More security rushed out to hold the rivals back and keep them separated.

Viola was at a VIP section of Pillar & Post -- the wrestling themed restaurant on the grounds of The Citadel. She was watching tonight's events unfolding whilst drinking a Flute of champagne.

VIOLA: Instead of fluttering away her career, facing Allen, she could be here at my side, together ruling the tag division...

She said before developing a scowl and tossing the glass aside.

VIOLA: But, she chose to fail me. We had the belts, the power, and the glory... and she let it slip through my fingers. After all I've done for that streetrat, she should have fought for me until her last breath!

Viola shouted, before Janica Jayden ambushed her from behind! The mafia heiress cried out while Janica grounded her, striking repeatedly, seemingly fed up with La Capa’s attitude. Janica set Viola up against the glass coffee table, and planted her through it with a big spinebuster!

With the crowd buzzing from the violent display of power, Janica opened a bottle of Whiskey, took a hearty swig, and then doused Viola who cried out from the alcohol hitting her cuts, as she said to her.

JANICA: I quit, bitch!

She said, spiking the bottle into her face, and making her way out of the room confidently.

• MAIN EVENT •

#1 Contendership - World Title FATAL FOUR WAY MATCH

Locke Helms vs. Stephanie Matsuda vs. Minoru Tanahashi vs. Josie Wales

All four competitors were in the ring and the main event was underway. No tags necessary, no disqualification, no count outs -- why convolute things? Each of them was situated in a corner when the bell rang and that seemingly signaled to Helms that it was time to slip out of the ring. Tanahashi had seen this before from Helms and immediately gave chase. As soon as Tanahashi’s feet touched the floor Helms was there to meet him with a sharp throat thrust.

BINGHAM: It appears that Minoru expected such a tactic from Locke!

PETRIE: Obviously! Tanahashi is obsessed with Helms and it’s going to cost the little cat his arm!

In the ring Wales and Matsuda had locked up but neither got the clear upperhand. Wales shoved Matsuda off into the ropes and attempted her signature bicycle kick but Matsuda slapped it away and put Wales on her back with an arm drag. Matsduda looked for some HIGH RISK offense with a springboard moonsault but Wales caught her with that bicycle kick right to the mush as Matsuda was completely upside down! Matsuda hit the mat like a corpse and Wales made a cover for a quick two count.

BINGHAM: The Intrepid Champion with a sinister strike. What an impressive feat!

PETRIE: Listen kid, we don’t do puns out here alright?

BINGHAM: I did not intend to--

PETRIE: Let me worry about entertaining. You just call the match alright?

Outside the ring Helms had dumped Tanahashi into the front row and draped his arm over the guard rail. Helms tried to snap The Black Lion’s arm over the steel but Tanahashi caught him with a palm strike and then introduced The Chairman of Chaos’ face into the unforgiving steel. Helms stumbled away and Tanahashi pushed off the guardrail with his left foot and caught Helms with a tornado DDT on the outside. In an effort to keep Helms down on the outside, Tanahashi locked him in Keimusho Saifu (Paradise Lock). Tanahashi went about entering the ring, having subdued Helms.

BINGHAM: He has had an excellent run as a tag team competitor but it is easy to forget that Minoru is a very skilled singles competitor.

PETRIE: I wish I could forget about him.

BINGHAM: He may be set to challenge for the World Championship so forgetting him would prove difficult for a man in your position Mr. Petrie.

The Tag Team Champion entered the ring to face off with the Intrepid Champion. There was a bit of trash talk before Tanahashi caught her with a palm strike. Wales responded with a jumping crescent kick that sent Tanahashi reeling back into the corner. Wales darted in and sent Tanahashi across the ring with a monkey flip but Tanahashi landed on his feet! The Citadel popped for that show of athleticism but as soon as Tanahashi landed Matsuda was there to drop him with a LIGHTNING QUICK STO. Tanahashi was planted and Matsuda covered but Wales broke up the count before two.

BINGHAM: Stephanie seized that opportunity and Minoru could not do anything to defend himself.

PETRIE: Yeah let these three over exert themselves while Helms straight chills on the outside.

The Chairman of Chaos was up to his feet, recovering and surveying the action in the ring. No need to get involved until an opportunity presented itself. Right? Wrong. The opportunity smashed him right in the face and its name was Stephanie Matsuda. Cloud flew through the ropes with a suicide dive and caught Helms right in the face with a forearm! Helms slammed into the guard rail! Matsuda landed on her feet and pulled Helms right into Special Delivery (Package Piledriver)!

BINGHAM: Locke is down again on the outside. Will he ever get into the ring?

PETRIE: When he is damn good and ready. He went through War Games a few weeks ago. He’s waiting for his opportunity.

BINGHAM: By being laid out on the outside? PETRIE: Exactly.

The Outlaw was up to her feet and she took hold of Tanahashi. A few spicy forearms kept Tanahashi subdued and Wales set him up for Sundance Neckbreaker (Overdrive) but Tanahashi stood up and Wales popped up with him -- right into a POWERBOMB that would make Psycho Sid proud. Wales’ eyes rolled back into her head as Tanahashi made his first cover. The referee’s hand had just hit the mat for a two count when Matsuda came out of nowhere and hit Tanahashi with a basement dropkick to the face! Tanahashi tried to rally back but he was tripped up by Helms, who pulled him out of the ring! Helms planted Tanahashi with Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam) on the outside.

PETRIE: Get his arm Helms! Rip it out of the socket and beat him with it!

BINGHAM: Is he capable of that? PETRIE: Short answer -- yes.

In the ring Matsuda had vaulted over the top rope and was standing on the apron. Wales started to get to her feet and did not see Matsuda hit a springboard into the ring to blast her with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash)! The Day One Pledge knew that she could put Wales away and hoisted her up for Blasian Suplex (Sleeper Suplex) but Helms had entered the ring! Helms took Matsuda over with a belly to back suplex and then went about putting Wales away!

PETRIE: Here we go! Time to lock ‘em up!

BINGHAM: I thought we were not to use puns…

PETRIE: I can do whatever the fuck I want kid.

The Chairman of Chaos took hold of the Intrepid Champion but Wales wasn’t about to let him pick her bones. Wales caught Helms with a jumping crescent kick and then pulled him in for the Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver III) but Helms was far too heavy and he fought out of it with some well placed elbows. Wales responded with a leaping knee to the chin and then planted him with a thrusting DDT! Wales called out to the crowd and set Helms up for Spirit of St. Louis (Havana Dreams)!

BINGHAM: Havana Dreams! Josie is about to make Locke submit! What a victory this will be for the Intrepid Champion!

Outside the ring Tanahashi had gotten his wits about him and climbed into the ring. Tanahashi darted across the ring and drilled Wales with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick)! Matsuda tried to rush Tanahashi but he met her with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat)! Helms tried his luck against The Black Lion but Tanahashi planted him with Lion's Claw (Emerald Flowsion)! The Citadel was on their feet for the Tag Team Champion as he climbed to the top rope. Tanahashi called out “GUCHI O NOMU!” and was set for the Osake Bomb but Wales jumped up to the top rope and cracked him with a roundhouse kick that sent him off the top rope to land with a thud on the floor!

BINGHAM: And just like that Minoru’s momentum is halted!

PETRIE: Tanahashi blew it again. Big surprise.

Wales immediately went back to Helms and locked him in the Spirit of St. Louis yet again. Tanahashi was on the outside and he started to get to his feet. The Black Lion was set to reenter the ring when he was dropped! Glass and carbonated liquid exploded in the air around his head and the camera pulled out to show that he had been bottled by Angel Kash! Summer Page and Tiffany Lynn Page had come to the ring with Angel to take out Tanahashi! The number one contenders to the Tag Team titles shared some catty laughter as The Black Lion lay in a puddle of broken glass and champagne.

PETRIE: The Social Elite were here to celebrate with Minoru and his head got in the way of their champagne! This idiot doesn’t even know how to party properly!

BINGHAM: I do not understand how you could possibly see things this way.

PETRIE: I see the truth!

In the ring Helms was locked in Wales’ Spirit of St. Louis when Matsuda blasted Wales in the face with Yahtzee! (Superkick)! Matsuda quickly ascended to the top rope and was set to hit Wales with Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star) but Helms shoved the referee into the ropes! Matsuda lost her balance and fell off the top rope to the outside. Helms pounced on Wales and delivered Downfall (Hammerlock DDT)! Helms covered Wales and got the three count. No one was happy about it.

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and number one contender to the OATH World Championship “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms!

"Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG cued up but quickly cut because the man himself Reo Ojima lumbered out onto the stage with King Kong Seto at his side. The World Champion used Seto for support as he held the World Championship up high. Cut back to the ring and Helms was up to one knee, smiling that creepy ass smile of his as Conviction 44 went off the air.

---

Results: • Johnny Draco def. Maverick

• Ryan Terror def. Cassidy Kane • Allen Chaney def. Janica Jayden

• James Edwards def. Super Tiger; Still Tabula Rasa Champion

• Locke Helms def. Stephanie Matsuda, Minoru Tanahashi, Josie Wales; #1 Contender to the World Title