CONVICTION XX RESULTS

Episode XX: Deluxe June 14th, 2020 Toronto, Ontario

Tag Team Match Midnight Special def. Silvio Aprile & Tony Satriale Carbine pinned Aprile after the Minutes to Midnight. Singles Match Qiyanna Marshal def. Curt Kornell Marshal pinned Kornell following Black Fire. Tag Team Match Eli Hix & Terra Mason def. Clan Black Hix pinned Warburton after hitting Twisted & Gifted. Singles Match Isabella def. Eddie Kobain Isabella made Kobain submit to the GOFO.

It’s a very special opening for Conviction tonight because it’s a big fucking show. The usual signature is absent, this new one features promos for all of tonight’s big matches. We see a stylized shot of the solid steel cage and then one of the unclaimed Tabula Rasa Championship. The final three shots feature the current champions in OATH; The Hell Realm, James Edwards, and lastly Erik Holland. Inside the arena the camera glides down to ringside and the announce table where the dapper dressed Matt Mears stands beside the grungy looking Ben Petrie. MEARS: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Conviction Deluxe! On this our twentieth episode we have an absolutely tremendous set of matches for you this evening! PETRIE: What, you aren’t gonna introduce us? MEARS: I was getting to that my friend. PETRIE: Let me do it! I am the handsomest man to ever be trapped behind an announce desk, a voice like a sexual panther, and a mind like a Rhodes scholar, I’m “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie and you are honored to be listening to me. MEARS: … PETRIE: Oh yeah. And this is Matt Mears. MEARS: What a sterling introduction, thank you Bad Mood. Viewers, tonight we are offering up seven elite calibre contests. Tonight, we will see a contest between the two longest reigning former champions in OATH history as “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms takes on “The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black. PETRIE: Match of the night. Easy. A lot of morons are saying that these two have been left behind by the current wave of talent in OATH but I strongly fucking disagree. They have been biding their time and tonight they are gonna show EVERYONE that the old OATH is still here. MEARS: I do believe that that contest will be the sleeper hit of this event. PETRIE: Sleeper? It’s a marquee match! Unlike the Intrepid Title Match. Josie Wales has repeatedly failed when given a big opportunity and James Edwards has lost his killer instinct since winning the Intrepid Title. Neither of these two deserve to fight for that championship. MEARS: I strongly disagree Bad Mood. Josie Wales has been a stalwart competitor in OATH and deserves her moment in the sun, however, James Edwards has been trying to change his ways and learn how to be a top level champion in OATH. I believe that this contest will be career making for both of them. PETRIE: Yeah maybe. Could ruin their careers too. Unless they deliver. MEARS: A contest that I am very interested in is when “The Virulence” Finn Whelan looks to shut the mouth of Zeke “The Freak” Davis. PETRIE: Whelan was completely EMBARRASSED by Zeke Davis on Conviction a few weeks ago when Davis pinned him. Since then my boy Davis has been on a bit of a losing streak but tonight he gets back on track by helping Whelan continue his trek to the bottom of the pecking order. MEARS: It truly is do or die for Whelan this evening. If he suffers a defeat to a competitor with a losing record like Zeke Davis, I believe that it will cripple his confidence. But speaking of confidence, our Tag Team Championship match tonight is overflowing with tenacity. PETRIE: Yeah you’ve got two bad ass teams willing to go to war…again. The Inevitable are the best tag team OATH has ever seen. First champions, constants in the title hunt, and last week they beat the World Champion and number one contender! But now you’ve got these absolute maniacs, The Hell Realm, with the gold. This match is gonna get bloody. MEARS: I do not disagree. There is serious animosity between both teams and this contest will likely break down quickly. PETRIE: I hope so! It’s gonna be biblical! And after that we’re gonna see more blood when “The Tomorrow Man” Ben Macbeth faces “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima in a Cage Match! MEARS: This feud has been going for weeks now. Ojima eliminated Macbeth from the Trial By Fire Match and the next week on Conviction they fought throughout the entire arena. It did not stop there as they fought out into the street and both men were arrested! After they cost one another important matches last week, it was determined that this is the only way to settle their issues. PETRIE: It’s going to be a brutal encounter and I am fucking here for it. MEARS: And then in our main event, former tag team partners collide when “The Titaness” Samantha Hamilton challenges “The Haunted” Erik Holland for the OATH World Championship. PETRIE: You know I was worried that this was going to be a nice, respectful match between two ol’ pals but after last week…maybe not. MEARS: The Badd Breed is dead and that was solidified last week. Erik Holland turned his back on Samantha Hamilton after a miscommunication in their tag team match and now this main event has taken a very different shape to what we expected. PETRIE: I wonder if “The Haunted” is going to forget about their friendship completely and maim Hamilton. MEARS: Hamilton is now shrinking violet. She is ready for battle and ready to capture the crown here in OATH Pro Wrestling. PETRIE: But to start the show we end the vacancy of the Tabula Rasa Championship. A 15-Minute Broadway Match is going to determine the new champion. MEARS: Two new stars here in OATH are ready to put it all on the line as “The Black Lion” Minoru Tanahashi takes on “The Tiger” FM Young. PETRIE: A battle of the animal kingdom and it starts right fucking now. MEARS: Let us begin!

OATH TABULA RASA CHAMPIONSHIP 15-MINUTE BROADWAY MATCH

VS

The two competitors gave each other a nod and then the bell rang. They tied up off the hop but Young showed her power by shoving Tanahashi down to the mat. They locked up again and Tanahashi took her over with a deep arm drag. PETRIE: This is a massive opportunity for both of them. I hope they don’t fuck it up! MEARS: Really? PETRIE: Nah. It’d be funny to watch them both fail. Young charged in looking for a clothesline but Tanahashi ducked under it. Tanahashi tried for a springboard back elbow but Young swatted him away. The two locked up again but Young drove Tanahashi into a corner. MEARS: Pacing is key to this contest. PETRIE: Yeah but if you get some early falls, all you have to do is maintain. In the corner the two shared a moment, laughing. Young ended that shit with a hard chop to Tanahashi’s chest. Tanahashi ate it and then asked for another. Young obliged. Tanahashi ate that one too and Tanahashi asked for one more. MEARS: He wants more! Astounding! Time: 12:23 As Young winded up for a third chop, Tanahashi gave her a sharp jab to the left kidney, and then he slipped behind her with a roll up. Young kicked out before the referee could even drop into a count of one. The two locked eyes again. PETRIE: These two have had a cute little exchange on Twitter but the time of sharing fun photos back and forth is fucking over. Go to war or FUCK OFF! Tanahashi smirked and Young didn’t take kindly to that. The veteran shot in on Tanahashi looking for a double leg takedown but Tanahashi clubbed her with a double axe handle, hit the ropes, jumped over her, hit the ropes again and then delivered a high flipping dropkick. Time: 10:01 MEARS: That is a tide turning shot right there! PETRIE: Yeah! No capitalize you little shit! Young powdered out of the ring to put some distance between herself and Tanahashi, to regroup. “The Black Lion” was having none of that shit. Tanahashi slipped out of the ring and went after Young. Young walked around the corner of the ring and when Tanahashi tried to do the same Young dropkicked the steps into his knees. MEARS: That is veteran move from Young. PETRIE: Yeah The Black Sheep walked right into that. MEARS: I know that you know it’s Black Lion. PETRIE: We’ll see. The referee was counting both competitors out, having reached a count of ten. Tanahashi fell back into the ring barrier, catching himself. Not wanting to lose his momentum, he charged at Young only to get absolutely flattened by Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). Young slipped into the ring and the referee continued his count. MEARS: Young could earn the first fall here! PETRIE: Win at all cost! The referee reached a count of sixteen and Tanahashi was down. Young had a contemplative look and seemingly decided that she didn’t want to win a fall that way. Young got out of the ring, smashed the back of Tanahashi’s head against the guard rail and then rolled him into the ring. PETRIE: Dumb move! Should have taken the count out! Time: 07:46 “The Black Lion” was rattled as Young mounted him and treated him to some heavy punches to the face. Tanahashi rolled onto his stomach so Young started in with the boots to his back. Young got Tanahashi up and set him up for a big move. MEARS: Young needs to hit this. We are halfway through this contest and no one has secured a fall. PETRIE: They are fighting like it’s sudden death! Following a few shots to the mid-section, Young positioned Tanahashi and went for Superchick (The Shiranui) but as she tried to float overhead Tanahashi tossed her hard into the corner. Young landed on her neck and was folded up. Tanahashi dragged her out of the corner and covered her. PETRIE: Here it is! Young is fucked up. 1.. 2..!

MEARS: And yet The Tiger lives! Young kicked out but Tanahashi kept the pressure on. Tanahashi delivered a succession of quick drop elbows and then sent Young hard into the corner. Tanahashi charged and smashed Young right in the face with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick). Young fell out of the corner onto her face. PETRIE: Go for it kid! This is your chance! Don’t fucking blow it! Time: 05:13 “The Tiger” was face down on the mat as Tanahashi quickly ascended to the top rope. Tanahashi wasted no time leaping off the top rope looking for Osake Bomb (Swanton Bomb). Tanahashi came crashing down and landed on Young’s lower back. MEARS: Good Lord! PETRIE: “Fuck your spine!” says Tanahashi. Young was rocked at this point. Tanahashi glanced up and saw that he only had a few minutes left to earn a fall. Tanahashi kicked Young in the midsection and lifted her up for Black Lion Bomb (Tiger Driver 98) but Young countered with a head scissor takedown. MEARS: That would have been it but the wily veteran made the clutch play! Time: 03:57 “The Tiger” stayed on top of Tanahashi, pinning him to the mat. Young grabbed Tanahashi’s legs into a cover but Tanahashi pushed her back into a pinning predicament of his own. Young flipped him over onto his back in another pin but Tanahashi kicked out. PETRIE: What the fuck are we seeing here? Neither will let up! Kinda rules. MEARS: This has been an incredible contest! The two were back up and Tanahashi went for Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat) but Young dicked underneath it. Following a stiff as fuck forearm smash to Tanahashi’s face, Young attempted Stand Alone Complex (Elevated Gutbuster) but Tanahashi rolled through into a school boy! 1.. 2..! Time: 01:33 MEARS: Another kickout! What is it going to take? PETRIE: Death. Hopefully! Young kicked out and the two were at a stalemate, both of them up to a knee. They shared a glance and looked at the time, both of them breathing heavy. They nodded at one another and locked up once more but that lock up degenerated into a full on slug fest. MEARS: Time is running out! It is now or never! PETRIE: Kill! Kill! Kill! Time: 00:45 Hitting each other back and forth with increasing ferocity, the sense of urgency was palpable. Tanahashi got the upperhand and he hit Young with a knee to the mid-section. Tanahashi lifted Young up for Black Lion Bomb (Tiger Driver 98) but at the last second the time expired. Time: 00:00 MEARS: That is it! The match is over and we do not have a winner. PETRIE: How disappointing. Tanahashi released the hold and looked to the referee with a “What now?” expression. The referee put his hand to his ear, listening to instructions. The referee then called for sudden death overtime. PETRIE: Sudden Death! Someone is gonna die! As soon as it was confirmed, Tanahashi clubbed Young a few times and then set her up for Black Lion Bomb (Tiger Driver 98) but Young slipped behind him and dropped him with Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check)! Young covered. 1.. 2.. ..3!

Winner: New OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, FM Young

“Helix” cued up and Young was handed the championship. She was spent but she willed herself to take the title and hold it up high. Young reveled in her moment for a second before glancing down at Tanahashi.

Young watched Tanahashi stand as she put the title over her shoulder. Tanahashi looked disappointed but he gave Young a nod of respect and then left the ring, giving her the platform to enjoy her victory.

We found ourselves a lavishly decorated office with OATH President Oscar R. Barlow staring off into the distance. It was as if he didn’t even notice the camera but what did get his attention was when he heard the office door open. Barlow turned to the intruding party. BARLOW: Ah yes hello friend. What can I do for you? Zeke Davis walked into frame and he looked very displeased. BARLOW: What can I do for you Mr. Davis? DAVIS: You can provide proper officiating. BARLOW: I am quite sure that I do not know what you are referring to. DAVIS: These moron referees you have! Two weeks in a row I’ve been fucked over by your corrupt zebras. I don’t want that shit happening again tonight. BARLOW: As far as I can perceive Mr. Davis, my referees are doing excellent work. In fact, the only issue I see is the referee of your first match against Mr. Whelan. He did not see you using nefarious means to achieve victory. Davis shrugged. DAVIS: No idea what you’re talking about. BARLOW: Of course you do not. But now that you are here, I suppose this is an opportune moment to tell you that should you attack another one of my referees, you will be fined and suspended. I have also instructed the referee of your match tonight to be extra vigilant. Davis stomped his foot in frustration. DAVIS: Conspiracy! I know that this zebra is going to fuck me over tonight! I know it! You can’t stand to see someone as REAL as me succeed. You’re trying to fuck me! Barlow remained calm. BARLOW: I assure you Mr. Davis, that is not the case. DAVIS: This is bullshit! But don’t worry Ozzy because tonight I am going to rise above! I am going to beat Whelan and I am going to show all of you fucks that The Freak is the future of this company. BARLOW: I look forward to your match Mr. Davis. If that is all, please leave. DAVIS: Fuck you fascist! Davis turned and went out the door, slamming it behind him.

SINGLES MATCH

VS

The match started with Black looking to prove himself after the loss of his Championship. Black came in hot and heavy, hitting Helms with knee strikes when they locked up, backing him into the corner. Helms powered his way out of the corner with a couple of sudden elbow strikes and shouldered Black back across the canvas. MEARS: These men hold the two longest title reigns in OATH. PETRIE: Yeah they do! Everyone needs to show some respect! MEARS: Granted, four months of those title reigns the company was not running shows. PETRIE: Erroneous! Helms obviously refused to allow Black to control the pace of the match, Helm moved over and treated Black to a couple of vicious stomps. The chairman of chaos targeted Black’s arm and shoulder, ensuring that Black would feel the stomps all match. Black managed to roll out from under Helms and take him down with a leg sweep. Black rolled his shoulder and gripped his hand into a fist, shaking off what Helms had managed to do with ease. MEARS: Both of them need to get back to their winning ways and a victory tonight would go a long way in getting them back into the title picture.

Helms hit the mat hard while Black popped up with an arrogant smirk, opening his arms out in a taunt to the crowd, soaking in the boos. He turned then as Helms started working on getting up and began laying the boots to him. Helms made it to one knee and started throwing right hands into Black’s midsection. This allowed Helms time to get to his feet, but he didn’t gain any distance instead he closed the distance and nailed Black again. Black fought back and the pair traded blows, forearm, and knee strikes until Black hit a particularly hard European uppercut. MEARS: Declan Black has been to the top of OATH. He knows the path. PETRIE: Of course he does. Black is the best but even I need to wonder if he is still hungry enough to get BACK to the World Title.

One that knocked Helms off his feet, much to his surprise, indicated by Locke giving a surprised chuckle with a grin while on the mat, even going so far as to wipe his chin with his forearm. Black gave Helms another quick stomp, before setting Helms up into position for an armbar while Helms was down, not wasting the opportunity to return the favor by wrenching on Helms’s arm and shoulder, having locked the hold in tight. MEARS: This has been a fairly balanced contest so far.

Helms writhed and thrashed in pain for a moment or two, but instead of going for the ropes, the Chairman of Chaos displayed his power by getting his feet under him. He pulled Black up off the mat and slammed him repeatedly into it. Until Black had no choice but to release the hold. Helms put a hand to his shoulder, rolling the arm to ease out the pain before reaching down and picking Black up to his feet. As Black found his footing, he exploded upwards, swatting Helms’ hands off and blasted him in the jaw with a forearm that was heard all the way up in the nosebleed section. Helms shook the cobwebs out and smiled, rubbing his jaw where Black nailed him. PETRIE: Is Helms enjoying this? MEARS: He tends to enjoy violence.

He answered back with a forearm of his own, straight out of his Strong Style arsenal. Black staggered back as Helms beckoned him in, calling for another shot, even slapping himself in the jaw to show Black where to hit him. Black let out a small huff in anger and stepped up, blasting Helms again with another forearm. Helms ate the shot and had the grin of a malicious madman on his face as he said something to Black out of the camera’s mic range – most likely a condescending or fake compliment – before he rocked him with a second shot of his own. MEARS: Here we go!

Black and Helms kept this up for the next few seconds, calling back and forth for the other to feed them their best shot before asking for them went out the window and they just started firing off back and forth before Black stiffed Helms with everything he had and sent him back into the ropes. Black saw his opportunity and came running off the ropes on the other side now, coming at Helms full throttle but The Chairman of Chaos plucked The Pride of Nova Scotia right off his feet, going for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. As Declan Black was twisted through the air, however, he managed to slip out and lend behind Helms, catching him by the hands and bringing them up around the man’s own throat. INTO THE BLACK!! Declan Black dropped Locke Helms with his signature cutter. Black goes for the cover. 1.. 2.. ..!

Kickout! Helms seemed to be ecstatic over how well Black was doing in the match, grinning as he powered his way to his feet. This time Helms caught the former champion with a clothesline that nearly flipped Black inside right out. While Black was down Helms hit a textbook Diamond Rain! Helms was slow to cover off this, sitting there for a second or two before he hooked the leg. 1.. 2.. ..3! The hesitation may have cost Helms as Black kicked out two point three! It didn’t really seem to bother Helms who got Black to his feet and racked him up with a dragon suplex! Black was obviously tired of being dummied around the ring and took Helms down with a drop toe hold. This allowed Black to lock in an STF that had Helms fighting to reach the rope, and unfortunately for The Pride of Nova Scotia, Helms was indeed close enough to just grip the button rope with his fingertips. MEARS: This has been a sterling contest thus far Bad Mood. PETRIE: Yeah but someone needs to win and the man who wins is going to be in line for some big opportunities. It doesn’t matter how good this match is. It matters who wins.

Black waited almost the entire count of five before he released Helms from his grip. The hold seemed to have done its job as Helms was slow to get to his feet. Black looked to hit a major dropkick off the back of Helms head, but the wily Chairman of Chaos managed to dodge Black’s kick by ducking down again. Black got hung up in a tree of woe because of that terrible timing. Helms got to his feet, and saw Black’s predicament, smiling to himself the Chair of Chaos treated Black to his Gallows Tree! MEARS: Gallows Tree! Black is in troubled waters! Black fell out of the tree of woe, rolling out to the floor to get a distance away from Helms. This was where Helms reminded the crowd that he could take to the air too; the man running off the ropes and coming up onto the turnbuckle for a crossbody press down onto Black and down to the floor! PETRIE: Helms is going to that other place right now and I’m fucking here for it. MEARS: To defeat someone like Declan Black you need to be at your best. PETRIE: Helms sure looks like he is.

The landing took the wind out of both competitors and they struggled to their feet as the referee began to count them down, trying to get them back in the ring. Helms was the first one up and went right for Black, driving an elbow into the back of his head and attempting to run his face down into the guard rail. Black caught the barricade with his hands, however, and lifted Helms up, dropping him face-first onto the barricade itself! Black pulled Helms away from the barricade but Helms managed to shake the cobwebs out and nailed Black with a forearm again as the referee continued to count. Black fired back at him with another shot of his own and hit him so hard, Helms spun around with his back facing Black. MEARS: Gentlemen, the referee is counting! PETRIE: Get back in the ring you morons! The Pride Of Nova Scotia saw the opportunity, hoping to win by count out and reached around, catching Helms by his wrist. He hit the ripcord and yanked Helms in! BLACKO–NO!! Helms cut Black off with a low kick to the midsection, going borderline low and caught him into a Hammerlock clutch. DOWNFALL!!!!! Helms drilled Black head-first into the entrance ramp, leaving him crumpled but exhaustion had taken its toll on him as well and he laid there, just barely starting to turn over onto his side to try and get up as the referee reached twenty, ending this match in a double count out!

Result: Draw via Double Count Out

Helms dropped to a knee, not believing that they had been counted out. Helms turned his attention back to Black, who was bleeding from the forehead. Helms cracked a smile and shrugged as the scene faded.

OATH INTREPID CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES MATCH

VS

The second championship match of the evening saw “The Outlaw” Josie Wales try to win her first championship in OATH. “The Burning Heart” James Edwards stood in her way as he looked to make a second successful defense of his championship. The two competitors stood nose to nose and the bell rang. MEARS: I have been looking forward to this contest. PETRIE: The Intrepid Title scene shows you who is next up in the World Title pecking order. These two have to deliver tonight. Wales gave Edwards a shove and when he swung for a right hand Wales slipped through. Wales hit the ropes and came back with a knee to Edwards’ kidney. Edwards did an about face but Wales started hitting him with some heavy strikes. MEARS: This is Wales’ second shot at the Intrepid Championship. You know that she does not want to fail again. PETRIE: And what if she does fuckin’ fail again? What does that do for her career? The champion was able to cover up for the most part as Wales gave it all she had. Wales went for a high roundhouse but Edwards caught it and tried for a dragon screw. Wales hopped on one foot for a hot second before hitting a rolling mule kick to Edwards’ gut. MEARS: Excellent means of separation there from Wales. “The Outlaw” rushed in at Edwards again with a flurry of strikes but Edwards expertly covered up. His face and his soft organs were well protected. Wales began to get frustrated and after faking a body blow attempt she slapped Edwards in the face. PETRIE: Oh shit! Wales with some disrespect right there. I love it. MEARS: I am not sure that The Burning Heart loved it. “The Burning Heart” just smirked, wiping a small amount of blood from his mouth. Speaking of blood, Wales’ blood was apparently boiling because of Edwards’ defense capabilities. Wales invited Edwards to throw a strike of his own. MEARS: Wales says bring it on Edwards! Edwards obliged and Wales caught his left arm and took him over with an arm drag. Edwards looked slightly surprised and came back with another strike attempt but Wales caught his arm and took him over with a second arm drag. MEARS: The goading seemed to work! Wales has frustrated the champion. Frustrated, the champion charged in and Wales hit him with a toe kick to the midsection. Wales took Edwards down with a snap suplex and then floated over into a quick cover, looking to take advantage of “The Burning Heart” being taken off guard. PETRIE: Wales is gonna do it! 1.. 2..! MEARS: Not just yet. Edwards kicked out just after two and Wales positioned herself for another arm drag. Edwards kicked her hand away and shot in on her again. Wales set him up for a judo throw but Edwards kneed her in the kidney. Putting some distance between himself and Wales, Edwards measured his opponent. Edwards then dashed forward and cracked Wales with a running knee to the back of the head that sent a fine mist of spit from “The Outlaw’s” mouth. MEARS: What a vile shot from Edwards! That must have definitely damaged Wales’ head. PETRIE: A concussion will definitely end cowgirl’s title aspirations. “The Burning Heart” surveyed the damage and stalked Wales. The challenger got back up to her feet and without hesitation she sprang at Edwards and went for a yakuza kick but Edwards moved at the last second. MEARS: Wales came with too much ferocity there. Edwards was counting on it. Wales found herself hung up over the top rope and that was the opportunity that Edwards was looking for. Edwards quickly jumped over the top rope, grabbed Wales’ left leg and yanked on it, landing on the floor. MEARS: Good Lord! Edwards may have hyperextended Wales’ knee there! PETRIE: That’ll slow her the FUCK down! “The Outlaw” screamed in pain, grabbing at her left leg. Edwards slipped back into the ring but Wales crawled backward, putting some distance between her and the champion. Edwards stalked her slowly, allowing her to pull herself up using the top rope. PETRIE: Edwards needs to pounce on her NOW! She is a wounded animal. MEARS: The champion is trying to be smart about this. He is trying to be an honorable champion. PETRIE: Fuck that. Win at all cost. Just as Edwards got within a few feet of Wales and Wales shot to life with a bicycle kick that caught Edwards by surprise. Edwards fell back into the ropes but launched off and looked to recover. Wales faster as she caught him with a spinning heel kick that dropped the champion. MEARS: What a shot from Wales. She wants the title very badly this time.

PETRIE: Yeah but does she want it bad enough?

Wales hobbled toward Edwards but Edwards was quickly back to his feet. Edwards wiped some more blood away from his mouth and then rushed the challenger again but Wales caught him with a flapjack that dropped him face first on the top turnbuckle.

The camera closed in on the bloody face print on the top turnbuckle and then turned back to the action. Edwards swung wildly at Wales, he was clearly a little fucked up from all the hits to the head. Wales easily slipped the shot.

MEARS: The champion is getting frustrated. He is making mistakes now.

PETRIE: Yeah he needs to chill or Wales will take his prized possession.

Now standing behind the champion, Wales shoved him into the ropes. Edwards hit the ropes with his chest and as he came back she took him over with a snap German suplex into a pinning bridge! The referee slid in beside them to count the fall.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Wales is closing in on the title. Edwards needs to turn this around now or it will come crashing down around him.

Edwards was able to kick out but he was not safe from the onslaught because Wales quickly transitioned into a rear naked choke. Edwards tried with all his might to stop her from getting her arm around his neck but Wales was determined. She sunk it in.

PETRIE: Nap time for the Burning Heart!

MEARS: Wales could be on the verge of her first championship!

The champion knew that he had precious few moments to get out of this dilly of a pickle. Edwards started hitting Wales’ damaged left leg with hammerfist shots. Wales let out in pain and her grip weakened.

MEARS: Edwards exploiting Wales’ leg.

PETRIE: Yeah that was kind of his only option. She was about to choke him out!

Edwards fought up to a knee but Wales still was on his back. Edwards then charged backward and rammed Wales back first into the corner. Wales’ hold was broken but she pulled herself up onto the top rope.

Feeling that he had a momentary reprieve, Edwards tried to recover. Wales was not keen on that idea, she came off the top rope looking for a missile dropkick as soon as Edwards turned around. However, the champion was quicker. Edwards sidestepped the kick but also grabbed Wales’ left leg out of the air!

MEARS: That mistake could be very costly for The Outlaw.

Wales fought and scrapped but Edwards kicked her in the back and then turned her over into a single leg boston crab. “The Outlaw” screamed in agony as Edwards wrenched back. Adjusting his grip, Edwards wrenched back harder and harder.

PETRIE: Wales is watching the title slip away! She is going to blow it…again!

MEARS: Edwards has the hold locked in. Wales needs to get to the ropes now.

The challenger reached for the bottom rope with everything she had but it was difficult for Wales to move Edwards’ weight. But it was do or die for Wales and she somehow summoned the strength to push herself off the mat and crawl toward the bottom rope.

Edwards knew that she was almost there so he used all the strength in his body to wrench back. Wales reached out and grabbed the bottom rope just as Edwards really started to pull back. The referee called for the hold to be broken.

MEARS: That was an impressive show of strength from Wales. I did not think that The Outlaw had that in her.

PETRIE: Yeah she is showing some bad assery today.

The champion broke off the hold and soon as Wales was clear of the ropes he advanced again. Wales tried to shoot on him but her left leg buckled a foot or two away from Edwards. “The Burning Heart” took advantage of this literal mis-step and flattened Wales with a Double Tap (Pair of Consecutive Spinning Back Fists). Edwards covered.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: The tide has turned yet again!

PETRIE: We expected an excellent contest and that is what we are getting. The Intrepid Title is looking like a very coveted piece of hardware right now.

“The Outlaw” kicked out and Edwards was stunned…but not deterred. Edwards got Wales up and applied a muay thai clinch. Following some big knees to the face, Edwards set her up for a Northern Lights suplex.

Just as Edwards tried to take her over with the Northern Lights suplex, Wales was able to counter it into an impressive and quick tornado DDT. While on the mat Wales floated over and applied a gator roll.

MEARS: Wales knew that she had to slow Edwards down and this is just the way to do it.

PETRIE: These two are having a career defining match right now. Fucking banger this one is.

Wales toured Edwards all over the ring with the gator roll and he was sufficiently dizzy. Wales maintained her hold, stood up and quickly took him over with a hammerlock suplex. Edwards hit the mat with a thump and Wales covered.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Wales nearly had the title!

The champion kicked out and you could see the desperation in Wales’ eyes. Edwards was clearly a little loopy but he got up to a knee. Wales did her best to run across the ring but she was clearly slower with the bad wheel. Wales tried for a shining wizard.

PETRIE: Big shot incoming!

Right before Wales could connect with the shining wizard, Edwards picked her left leg. Wales hopped on one foot and it looked like Edwards was about to pull her in for a throw of sorts but Wales saw that shit coming and she cracked him with an enziguiri. Wales covered again.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: What will it take for Wales to claim the title? Edwards is kicking out of everything.

PETRIE: She is nearly there. She’s just gotta keep fucking fighting.

The champion kicked out yet again and this time Wales mounted him and started relentlessly smashing Edwards with forearms to the face. Wales then got the champion up to his feet and set him up for Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver 3) but her knee gave out.

MEARS: Oh that is heartbreaking for Wales. Her leg is too damaged for her to hit her signature Rio Lobo Driver!

PETRIE: She’ll have to find another way. Lots of ways to win a match.

Edwards dropped to his feet but Edwards hit him with another quick succession of forearms to the face and then smartly transitioned into Spirit of St. Louis (Havana Dreams). Edwards was caught in the middle of the ring and Wales wrenched on it with all her might.

MEARS: She is going to do it! Edwards is trapped.

PETRIE: Don’t be so sure Matty.

The champion was able to fight out of the hold as Wales couldn’t apply it to completion. Wales tried to rush Edwards but he kicked out her left leg. Wales landed on her back with a thump but quickly got back up.

MEARS: That left leg has really hindered The Outlaw.

Wales rushed Edwards and went for a forearm smash but Edwards slipped under it and took her over with Half Cut (A snap half-nelson suplex). Edwards quickly transitioned into a heel hook, putting his body between Wales and the ropes.

MEARS: Excellent positioning from the champion.

PETRIE: What the fuck is Wales gonna do now?

“The Outlaw” was in agony as Edwards ripped at her left leg. She tried to drag her body sideways but Edwards was in a perfect position. Knowing that nothing could be done and any more damage could end her career. Wales tapped out.

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, James Edwards

“My Name Is Human” cued up. Edwards was handed the Intrepid Championship and had his arm raised. The camera closed in on Wales, who was clutching at her left leg before the scene cut.

FM Young walked out from behind the curtain as “Helix” by Amaranthe played, holding the Tabula Rasa Title on her shoulder and a grin on her face. FM did her usual stalk down the ramp tapping the belt’s central plate with her fist. FM got to the ring, and was handed a mic, while she leaned casually on a ring rope.

YOUNG: So, I won. Been there, told you I could do that, and I did. I’ll admit it, it’s good to have some gold again. Won’t deny that it always feels pretty great to win a championship match. Lately, though, I’ve had a change in attitude towards belts.

The sparse audience members “Ooohh’d” wondering if The Tiger was going to do something interesting with the title belt. That is until FM shook her head holding up a hand.

YOUNG: Naw, it ain’t like that. It’s just a new way of thinking about this whole championship thing. Well, not a new way, just one that ain’t popular from what I can tell. See this championship doesn’t make me great, it doesn’t mean I have it therefore I am better. It means I have it because I’m better. Champions make the belt, I am a championship-caliber wrestler all on my own. Having this championship is just like an official seal that I am one of the people to pay attention to on OATH’s roster.

See, the Tabula Rasa title has had a tough break. Since the first champion, it’s all but been abandoned.I can’t sit back and let that happen. I didn’t ask to win it but I’m not gonna turn it down. I’m not gonna let the chance to breathe some life into this belt pass me by. All belts are, are opportunities for the next good fight. That’s what I have in mind. Wales, Edwards, even Holland, and Hamilton, are so fixed on the belts as symbols. Edwards is worried he isn’t a good champion because his last two matches ended in a messy way.

I’m just here, to take this championship and make it one of the things people talk about when they talk about OATH. To that extent, I am going to defend this belt as much as possible. Every show, if I’m allowed. It’s another thing I’ve done before and will gladly do again. We’re doing this, it’ll be fighting every chance I get, in a two out of three falls match. No weapons, just pure endurance wrestling. Come fight me, one on one with the tiger of OATH, anyone, every single show.

With that, The Tiger fist pumped the air and dropped the microphone, before she pounded her fists on the plate of the Tabula Rasa Championship as she went backstage with Helix playing her out.

SINGLES MATCH

VS

Finn Whelan pulled Zeke Davis through the ropes and went for a draping DDT but Davis countered it into a matchbook pin cover that saw him get his feet on the ropes for leverage! The referee didn’t see it and counted. Conviction XVII May 24th, 2020

It was time for a GRUDGE MATCH next. Whelan had been wanting revenge on Davis for the shit he pulled three weeks ago and now he was getting his chance. “The Freak” was out first and he stomped to the ring looking very, very, angry. MEARS: Early this evening we saw Zeke Davis get into an argument with OATH President Oscar R. Barlow over the officiating here in OATH. PETRIE: Yeah and he has every right to! Some of these zebras are idiots and it says something about how good Davis is that he recognizes it. MEARS: I really cannot agree with you there Bad Mood. Davis slid into the ring and got in the referee’s face. Davis could be heard screaming, “Don’t you dare fuck me!” and the referee just stood with his hands up, begging off. Davis shoved an index finger in the ref’s face to punctuate his point. MEARS: This is excessive. Whelan came to the ring next and wasted no time. Whelan tossed a punch at Davis and the bell rang. Davis tried to cover up but Whelan was all over him. Davis got desperate and he stomped on Whelan’s left foot. MEARS: What an excellent wrestling hold from Davis… PETRIE: Don’t be a dick Matty. Davis does what he needs to do to win. MEARS: He certainly does. “The Virulence” definitely felt that foot stomp and while he was distracted by the pain Davis hit the ropes and took him down with a chop block. Davis then viciously laid into Whelan with some really big stomps to the shoulder. MEARS: Davis keeping the pressure on Whelan. He does not want Whelan to build any semblance of momentum. This is the man who won the Event Horizon Series last year. He is a former World Champion and not someone to be trifled with. PETRIE: Davis does not trifle! He wins! MEARS: Does he though? Davis got Whelan up and spit right in his face. Whelan went for a right hand but Davis slipped through it, rolled Whelan up and used the middle rope for leverage. The referee slid in for the count but saw Davis’ foot on the middle rope. MEARS: The referee knows Davis’ tricks! He sees it! PETRIE: He sees what? He’s not doing nothin’! After a second of consideration, the referee opted not to make the count! Davis could not believe it, he flew off the handle and got in the referee’s face. Davis started arguing with the referee, screaming “I knew you would fuck me!”. MEARS: We apologize for the severe language folks. PETRIE: I don’t apologize for fucking anything. MEARS: Good Lord. As Davis berated the referee, Whelan was back up to his feet. Whelan charged at Davis looking for a running high knee but Davis moved out of the way at the last second and Whelan collided with the poor referee. MEARS: Oh no the referee is down! Davis knew that would happen and he let it! PETRIE: Kid is smart, you can’t refute that shit.

With “The Virulence” distracted by what he had done to the referee, Davis pounced and nailed Whelan with a low blow from behind. Davis then spun Whelan around and planted him with The Freak Daddy (Pedigree). Davis covered. MEARS: There is no referee and it is Davis’ fault! The referee was still down! Davis pounced on the mat and then moved over to the referee, trying to get the referee up. As Davis tried to slap some life into the referee, Whelan pulled himself up to his feet. Whelan stood and looked beyond pissed. PETRIE: Oh…oh my. MEARS: What is wrong Bad Mood? PETRIE: I mean look at Whelan. He looks like he’s ready to commit a murder. Davis stopped trying to get the referee up as he realized that Whelan was likely recovered. Davis turned to see Whelan and the look on Whelan’s face served to terrify Davis. Davis took a big gulp of fear but that was a smoke screen. Davis exploded forward looking for a clothesline but Whelan slipped through and dropped Davis with ScRM (Asai DDT). MEARS: Tremendous move from Finn Whelan! Davis could be en route to yet another loss. The referee was still down so Whelan didn’t bother covering. He was in full terminator mode at this point as he got Davis up and sat “The Freak” on the top rope. Whelan hit Davis with a couple of quick shots and then climbed to the top rope and hit TITIM CEANN (Lifting Underhook DDT). PETRIE: Absurd! He IS trying to kill him. The crown of Davis’ head was driven hard into the canvas. Whelan sat up after a brief moment and the camera closed in to show the malice that was radiating from the expression on his face. Whelan then covered and the referee was finally there to make the count. 1.. 2.. ..! MEARS: Oh not quite enough for the victory. Davis was smart enough to roll out of the ring in an attempt to put some distance between himself and Whelan but Whelan was not having that shit. Whelan slid out of the ring and charged at Davis, hitting him with a running knee to the side of the head. PETRIE: Oh get this back in the ring. Observe the rules Whelan! MEARS: Davis was the one who went out first… PETRIE: Oh don’t be petty Matty. Knowing full well that he was in control, Whelan took his time to stalk Davis and put some real fear in his heart. Davis tried to get to his feet, using the guardrail to do so. Whelan then ran it at him and Davis grabbed Whelan’s belt. Davis then yanked Whelan forward and sent Whelan’s face right into the guardrail. MEARS: That will slow Whelan down! He could have a concussion! “The Freak” slipped back into the ring and he demanded that the referee start counting. The referee had no choice now and he began the twenty count. Likely knowing that Whelan would beat the count Davis walked over to a corner and desperately started untying a top turnbuckle pad. MEARS: Is there no end to the nonsense that Davis will try? PETRIE: Do whatever it takes. You know that Mears. MEARS: Within the bounds of honor. There is no honor in this.

At a count of fifteen, Whelan was back in the ring but Davis was there to meet him with a running knee to the mid-section. Davis quickly walked Whelan over to the turnbuckle, which he had successfully exposed. MEARS: Referee stop this! It is very clear that there is no pad on that turnbuckle! Davis grabbed the back of Whelan’s head and went to drive it into the exposed turnbuckle but Whelan blocked it with an elbow to the midsection. Davis careened backward but quickly recovered and rushed back at Whelan only to be guided face first into the exposed turnbuckle. PETRIE: Come on referee! Look what he just did! MEARS: I suppose it could be argued that Whelan simply moved. PETRIE: He guided Davis right into the steel turnbuckle! “The Freak” was hoisted by his own petard, so to speak, and then he stumbled back into the middle of the ring where Whelan snatched him up and planted him with the much feared Fenian Rising (Spinning Sit-Out Sleeper Slam). Whelan covered and counted along with the referee. 1.. 2.. ..3! Winner: Finn Whelan

“Into The Fire” cued up and Whelan had his hand raised. Whelan gave the referee a nod of respect and the shot ended with Whelan standing tall, having gotten his win back.

The interview area was shown with OATH Interviewer May O’Neil standing in front of a black backdrop and a large monitor that played a looping Conviction graphic. O’NEIL: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome my guest at this time, the man who successfully retained the OATH Intrepid Championship earlier this evening, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards. Edwards walked into frame, still coming down from his victory earlier in the evening. Edwards tossed the Intrepid Title over his shoulder. O’NEIL: Welcome James and congratulations. You have successfully defended your Intrepid Championship for the second week in a row. Who do you see as your next challenger? The champion took a moment to consider the question. EDWARDS: Whomever comes along. I won’t grant matches to just anyone but I do not make the matches. Barlow can send anyone after this championship that he wants because it is my paramount goal to make the Intrepid Title the most important title in OATH. And that— Edwards wasn’t finished but he stopped talking when a winded Finn Whelan walked into frame fresh off his victory over Zeke Davis. WHELAN: If you’re talking about contenders then consider me number one. If you really want to make that title mean something, then defending it against the first OATH World Champion would go a long way. EDWARDS: Like I said, I don’t make the matches. If you want a shot then go talk to Barlow. But should he deem you worthy, know that you are walking in to the fight of your life. Whelan snickered. WHELAN: Good. “The Virulence” walked past Edwards and out of frame, leaving the champion to consider the possibility of a match with him.

OATH TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TAG TEAM MATCH

VS

Adrestia Nyx began climbing a ladder, going for the championships as Ryan Terror placed Leah Aguero on the bridged ladder. As Nyx reached the top of the ladder, Terror signaled to her and she nodded in agreement. Nyx took a moment to measure and then jumped off the ladder and hit Fallen Angel (630 Senton) from the top of the ladder onto Aguero, through a ladder. Conviction XVIII May 31st, 2020

Hope you like tag team matches because this is the only one on the show! The challengers were the first ever champions, Leah Aguero and Stephanie Matsuda — The Inevitable. Their obstacle was the current champions, looking for their first defence, Adrestia Nyx and Ryan Terror — The Hell Realm. MEARS: I think Leah Aguero is looking for revenge tonight after being put through a ladder two weeks ago. PETRIE: Winning back those Tag Team Titles would be pretty good revenge. All four competitors were in the ring and the referee held up the new title belts. The bell rang and Aguero decided to start the match for The Inevitable. Across the ring Nyx was leaning against the turnbuckles in her corner, laughing. MEARS: Adrestia Nyx is really enjoying antagonizing Leah Aguero. Aguero told Nyx to bring it on and Nyx took a step forward before stopping. Nyx then held out her hand and Terror tagged in. Aguero looked pissed about it but didn’t have much time to stew because Terror was in the ring and charging at her. MEARS: Here comes Ryan Terror! PETRIE: This guy is a maniac. Don’t sleep on him. Terror looked to hit Aguero with a clothesline but Aguero moved and sent him into The Inevitable corner. Matsuda met Terror with a high kick from the apron and Aguero took him over with a big time German suplex that saw Terror drop on the top of his shoulders. MEARS: Terror’s eyes rolled back in his head after that one! Aguero went for a cover but Terror was quickly back up. Terror whipped Aguero into the ropes but Aguero came back across the ring much faster than he anticipated and Terror was caught off guard by a big boot. MEARS: The Inevitable are taking the fight to Terror here. PETRIE: There is a reason that they were the first Tag Team Champions. MEARS: But they are not any more and it’s going to be a hard fight to get them back. Matsuda held out her hand and Aguero made the tag while dragging Terror to their corner. Matsuda jumped into the ring and together with her partner they hit Double Yahtzee (Stereo Superkicks). Terror was dropped and Matsuda made the cover. 1.. 2..! MEARS: A near fall for The Inevitable. They have done an excellent job isolating Terror. Terror kicked out and Aguero took her place on the apron. Nyx called out to her partner but Matsuda was on top of him hitting him with giant shots. Matsuda tried to whip Terror into the ropes but Terror countered and sent her running. Matsuda hit the ropes and came back with Terror looking for a backdrop but instead Terror modified the move mid-way and dropped Matsuda on her head with Ohio is for Killers (Kneeling back to belly piledriver). MEARS: That is what Hell Realm needed right there. Matsuda is in outer space. PETRIE: What do you mean? MEARS: She is not on this planet after that move. Hell Realm was in control as Terror walked Matsuda over to their corner. Matsuda tried to break his grip but Terror hit her with vicious and rapid right hands to the midsection. Terror tagged in Nyx, who vaulted over the top rope and hit Matsuda with a basement dropkick to the left knee. MEARS: This is Hell Realm’s chance to gain some momentum and that onus falls on Nyx. The referee started giving Terror a count to get out of the ring. Terror took the time to shoot Matsuda across the ring and after she hit the ropes she came back and walked right into The Protocol (Dudley Death Drop). Nyx covered as Terror slipped out of the ring. 1.. 2.. ..! PETRIE: How the fuck did she kick out of that? That move used to be an absolute match ender. MEARS: Times change. Matsuda was able to kick out, which seemed to shock her partner Aguero. Nyx didn’t seem to mind, Nyx sent a wink across the ring at Aguero and then turned her back to her. Nyx stood above Matsuda and allowed her to stand. MEARS: Nyx is actually letting Matsuda get up! When Matsuda stood she tried for a right hand but Nyx blocked it with her forearm and then hit Matsuda with Knuckles, Bitch (Multiple slaps and chops followed by a spinning back fist). The back fist made Matsuda crumble and Nyx covered. 1.. 2.. ..! PETRIE: Leah Aguero is itching to get back in this match. Matsuda is blowing it! MEARS: I would not say that. PETRIE: That’s why you didn’t. Matsuda kicked out again and Nyx tagged in Terror. Nyx remained in the ring for the allotted five seconds and in that time she and Terror sandwiched Matsuda’s head with the Full Metal Jacket (Out of the Shadows [Terror]/Running Knee Strike [Nyx]). MEARS: Good Lord! Nyx turned and blew a kiss at Aguero before leaving the ring. Terror just laughed as he dropped into a cover, facing away from Aguero. The referee dropped in to make the count. 1.. 2.. ..! This time Aguero charged into the ring and broke up the fall with a stiff kick to the back of Terror’s head. Nyx hit a springboard into the ring and caught Aguero with a flying knee to the side of the head. In an odd move, Terror sent Matsuda over the top rope to the floor. MEARS: Why would Terror send the legal competitor over the top rope? PETRIE: Watch. The referee started counting Matsuda out and while he was occupied doing that, Hell Realm took Aguero down with a double spinebuster. They then quickly applied The Inquisition (Cloverleaf [Nyx]/Omoplata Crossface [Terror]). Hell Realm were absolutely destroying Aguero’s lower back. MEARS: Listen to those screams of agony from Aguero. Her back clearly has not fully healed. Matsuda finally got to her feet around a count of fourteen and saw what was happening to Aguero. Matsuda got up on the apron and quickly hit a springboard into the ring where she came down with a double stomp onto Terror. MEARS: Springboard double stomp! Terror did not see that coming at all and Matsuda got ALL of it. With the hold broken, Matsuda grabbed Nyx and sent her out of the ring through the ropes. Matsuda then took hold of Terror and planted him on the canvas with Blasian Suplex (Sleeper Suplex). Matsuda made the cover but the referee was trying to get Aguero out of the ring. PETRIE: Hahaha! Leah Aguero may have just cost her team the match by not getting out of the fucking ring! That is hilarious! MEARS: She is very hurt Bad Mood. PETRIE: Yeah I know. Matsuda got out of her cover and helped Aguero up, and out of the ring. This gave Terror time to crawl and tag in Nyx. Matsuda turned and walked right into a springboard dropkick from Nyx and then Hell Realm quickly hit Matsuda with. Sacrifical Lamb (Powerbomb [Terror]/Meteora [Nyx]). Nyx covered as Terror slipped out of the ring and pulled Aguero off the apron. 1.. 2.. ..3!

Winners: Still OATH Tag Team Champions, The Hell Realm Terror rammed Aguero’s lower back into the guardrail as the bell rang. Terror slipped into the ring, wearing a sinister grin as the referee handed the Tag Team Titles to him and Nyx. The duo held the titles high and the shot panned over to show Aguero down and out, her back having taken serious damage. MEARS: Alright. You won. Now get the heck out of here. PETRIE: Hey they are the champs! They can enjoy their spotlight. Terror then nodded to Nyx and she slithered out of the ring. Nyx disappeared under the ring and after a few seconds she reappeared with a ladder. Nyx bridged it across the apron and the guardrail. Terror then blasted an unaware Matsuda in the face with his title belt. MEARS: What are they doing? They won. They made their point. Why are they doing this? PETRIE: Because they can. Nyx pulled Matsuda out of the ring. Nyx and Terror placed Matsuda laying on the ladder and then both of them slid back into the ring. Nyx climbed up to one turnbuckle and Terror climbed up to another. MEARS: No. Do not do this! Before Hell Realm could do anything, two figures ran down the ramp and slid into the ring. MEARS: Here come Eli Hix and Terra Mason! PETRIE: Why the fuck are these rookies coming out here? This is none of their business! Hell Realm hopped down off of their respective turnbuckles before Hix or Mason could do anything. Aguero was up on the outside and she hobbled over to her partner. Hell Realm collected their titles and backed up the ramp.

MEARS: Hix and Mason have sent the champions running!

PETRIE: Yeah and The Inevitable are pissed about it.

Aguero and Matsuda shouted something at Hix and Mason. Hix and Mason seemed confused but Aguero flipped them off as she and Matsuda helped one another to the back.

The screen was black and then the voice of OATH Interviewer Vince Valerie piped up over footage from events that have past. VALERIE: Ben Macbeth and Reo Ojima have been at each other’s throats for weeks now. Here is what ignited the explosion between these two competitors.

Reo Ojima ran and jumped over the barricade where Ben Macbeth was after Ryan Terror. Ojima smashed the chair over the back of Macbeth’s head, dropping him. … In the ring Macbeth and Sam Hamilton battled back and forth until Macbeth downed Hamilton with From Parts Unknown (360 Buzzsaw Kick). As Macbeth went to cover, Ojima pulled Macbeth out of the ring and hit him with the Last Call (Running Power Slam) but onto the guard rail! Macbeth was bent awkwardly over the railing and Ojima flung himself over the barricade to cover him for three, eliminating him! Where Eagles Dare May 17th, 2020

VALERIE: Ojima himself was later eliminated from the Trial By Fire Match. Ben Macbeth wanted revenge on Ojima for attacking him with a chair in the match so he asked Oscar R. Barlow for a match with Ojima one week later.

Reo Ojima was suffering the effects of the gash on the back of his head and he stumbled toward the ring just as the referee reached a sixteen count. Ben Macbeth on the other hand was rocked by the powerslam and was unable to re-enter the ring before the referee reached a count of twenty which gave Ojima the victory. Conviction XVII May 24th, 2020

VALERIE: Ojima was able to defeat Macbeth after the match broke down but he won by count out. This conclusion did not satisfy either man.

Ben Macbeth put some distance between himself and Reo Ojima in an attempt to recover but Ojima gave chase and they collided once again! The two exchanged strikes all the way through the side stage curtain and disappeared into the backstage area. Conviction XVII May 24th, 2020

VALERIE: Many thought that the fight was broken up once it got backstage. That was not the case.

Macbeth hit Ojima with a double sledge to the back, breaking Ojima’s hold. Ojima pulled back and went to punch Macbeth but Macbeth moved and Ojima punched the wall. Ojima then staggered away, holding his hand in agony. Macbeth gave chase and they both left the scene. Conviction XVII May 24th, 2020

VALERIE: The two brawled throughout the halls of the arena and ended up in the street where they were promptly arrested! The following week, Macbeth defeated James Edwards and earned himself an opportunity at the Intrepid Championship.

Following a confrontation in the washroom, Macbeth decided that he would take Ojima out before Ojima could interfere in his championship main event.

Ojima charged at Macbeth but Macbeth kicked him in the midsection and dropped him with Serious Moonlight (Hammerlock Legsweep DDT) onto the steel chair. Ojima was laid out and Macbeth slipped out of the ring, damage done. Wales got up, kicked the chair out of the ring and then quickly took hold of Ojima and dropped him with Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver 3). Wales got the referee up and then covered Ojima. The referee was still dazed but he made the count and Wales got the victory. Conviction XVIII May 31st, 2020

VALERIE: Macbeth thought that he had taken Ojima off the board but that wasn’t exactly how this played out…

Before Macbeth could cover, “The Real Man” cued up. Macbeth’s eyes grew wide as he turned to the entrance ramp and there stood Reo Ojima, his arm in a sling. Ojima ripped off the sling and stomped toward the ring. MEARS: How in the heck is Reo Ojima here? PETRIE: Dude is indestructible! Macbeth looked irate as he spun around and looked to end the match but Edwards came out of nowhere and hit him with Violent Revelation (Bicycle high knee to the chin of a standing opponent). Macbeth dropped and Edwards covered for the win to retain the title. Conviction XVIII May 31st, 2020

VALERIE: President Barlow decided that enough was enough and that if these two wanted to go to war, then the rest of OATH would not be at risk. So tonight we will see Macbeth vs. Ojima in a solid Steel Cage.

CAGE MATCH

VS

Dun-dun-dun the cage was lowered and the competitors came to the ring. Ben Macbeth came out onto the stage flanked by his EMBLEM cohorts Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry. They gave him a pat on the back and then disappeared back behind the curtain. PETRIE: Those idiots would be useless out here anyway. It’s a cage match. MEARS: Moral support is a thing. PETRIE: No. It isn’t. Macbeth was in the ring when Reo Ojima marched down the rampway. Ojima walked up the steps, entered the ring and instantly sprinted at Macbeth. Ojima used all of the strength that he had to absolutely blast Macbeth with a lariat. PETRIE: Haha knocked! Macbeth will never learn. I guess under normal circumstances a lariat like that would keep someone down longer but the dislike that these two men had for each other was palpable. Macbeth shot right back up to his feet and met Ojima chest to chest. Ojima just smiled and slapped Macbeth across the face and Macbeth answered with a slap of his own. Ojima chuckled. PETRIE: Ojima is no ordinary competitor! He loves this shit! MEARS: It seems that Macbeth does as well. PETRIE: That’s where you’re wrong. He is pretending. He is a phony. Macbeth backed Ojima into the ropes with a series of snap knife edge chops and then went to shoot him across the ring but Ojima held on, swung around, and sent Macbeth across the ring instead. Macbeth stopped himself with a boot on the cage wall but Ojima was already running in after him. Macbeth sidestepped Ojima and then assisted the veteran in sending his head into the steel chain link of the cage wall. MEARS: As cliche as it is to say, that steel mesh IS unforgiving. PETRIE: As unforgiving as Ojima? MEARS: Hard to say. Ojima reeled into the center of the ring but when “The Tomorrow Man” tried to advance on him Ojima blasted him with a European uppercut. Macbeth took it on the chin, took a step back, but then shook it off and went after Ojima again only for Ojima to grab Macbeth and send him head first into the cage wall. PETRIE: Tit for tat! The header into the cage wall did more damage to Macbeth and Ojima knew that. So he did it again. Ojima put his weathered mitt on the back of Macbeth’s head and drove it into the steel wall of the cage again. Then again. Then once more. Macbeth was busted open and the sight of that nearly brought a tear of joy to Ojima’s eye. MEARS: We knew that this contest would get bloody. PETRIE: I think that there is a lot more blood to come! After sending Macbeth into the ropes, Ojima took him over with a back body drop and Macbeth landed hard on his shoulder. The camera zoomed in to show his bloody face and the look of absolute agony plastered on it. Ojima on the other hand sauntered toward The Tomorrow Man and gave him a nudge to the head with the toe of his boot. Macbeth tried to stand but Ojima stopped that shit with a boot to the side of his head. MEARS: Ojima is back in control and he is keeping Macbeth down. “The Stone Gargoyle” marched a circle around Macbeth, laughing at him. Every time that the bloodied Macbeth tried to get up, Ojima hit him with a running boot to keep him down. Macbeth rolled over onto his stomach and tried to get up once again. Ojima ran in and winded up for a soccer kick to Macbeth’s ribs but Macbeth caught his boot and stared up at him. PETRIE: Alright kid. Show him what you’re worth. MEARS: The veteran does not think much of Macbeth, that much is true. Through the blood running down his face and in front of his eyes, Macbeth glared at Ojima with animalistic intensity. Macbeth shoved Ojima back but Ojima hit the ropes and came back looking for a lariat but Macbeth came to life and took Ojima down with a flying arm bar. Once Macbeth had Ojima down on the mat in an arm bar Macbeth started dropping his leg on to Ojima’s face, smashing him as hard as he could. PETRIE: Yeah this is the viciousness we need to see! Every time Macbeth dropped a leg, Ojima could be heard yelling “More!”. Macbeth did it again and again until Ojima was seriously bleeding from the nose. Macbeth then tried to wrench up with the arm bar but the veteran flipped backward and got up to his feet. Macbeth tried to keep the arm bar intact but Ojima used his freaky old man strength and lifted him off the mat. Ojima had Macbeth up in a powerbomb. MEARS: This is not a good place for Macbeth to be. The veteran is very strong. PETRIE: And very brutal. MEARS: It looks like we are going to see a demonstration of that brutality right…now. Ojima charged with Macbeth held high and smashed his back into the chain link wall of the cage. Ojima then turned and rammed Macbeth into the adjacent side before he tried to drive Macbeth through the mat with a powerbomb. The back of Macbeth’s head snapped off the mat and Ojima dropped to a knee. That little sequence took a lot out of the old timer. PETRIE: Macbeth is going to look like a pound of ground beef now. “The Stone Gargoyle” marched over to Macbeth and grabbed him by the hair. Macbeth was forced to stand up but as he did he punched Ojima in the midsection. Ojima did not take kindly to that, he grabbed Macbeth’s head with both hands and proceeded to drive his thumbs into Macbeth’s eyes. MEARS: No come on! This is too much! PETRIE: Are you kidding? This is some HBO shit! Not looking to get Oberyn Martell’d, Macbeth broke Ojima’s grip with a knee to the midsection. Before Ojima could react Macbeth hit him with Toil & Trouble (Combo; Knee Kicks, Spinning Back Kick, Leaping Knee, Spinning Backfist). Ojima was rocked and then Macbeth sent him face first into the side of the cage. MEARS: Macbeth with the desperation play. Ojima dropped to his knees, his breathing very laboured due to his bloodied nose. Macbeth hopped across the ring and ran back with a running knee strike to the back of Ojima’s head, sending it into the cage. Macbeth then threw Ojima backward onto the mat and covered him, the first cover of this match oddly enough. Guess the violence was more important than the victory. 1.. 2..! PETRIE: Yeah right kid! Gonna take more than that. “The Stone Gargoyle” kicked out with authority. Macbeth got Ojima up and tried to send him face first into the cage again but Ojima was not having it. Ojima tried to bite Macbeth’s face but Macbeth shoved him aside. Ojima came at him again but Macbeth caught him with a high roundhouse kick. Macbeth then looked to hit his From Parts Unknown (360 Buzzsaw Kick) but Ojima caught him in mid-air and then tossed him into the cage! Macbeth hit the wall and then fell between the wall and the ropes with a thud. MEARS: Oh my that was a very nasty fall. PETRIE: I think I heard Macbeth’s rib crack! Macbeth was in a daze when Ojima approached. Ojima put his hands on the top rope and then started stomping through the ropes, kicking Macbeth’s head into the side of the cage. Macbeth tried to cover up but he was trapped. Ojima then pulled Macbeth out and planted him with the Last Call (Running Powerslam). Ojima covered. 1.. 2.. ..3! Winner: Reo Ojima “The Real Man” hit the speakers and the cage started to lift. Ojima dropped to a knee out of exhaustion, right beside Macbeth. Macbeth just lay on the mat a bloody mess. He did not have the killer instinct necessary to put down “The Stone Gargoyle”.

The main event was up next with “The Haunted” Erik Holland defending his World Championship for the first time against his former tag team partner “The Titaness” Samantha Hamilton. This one had a BIG FIGHT FEEL because it was the first one-on-one World Championship Match in OATH for some time. Yay traditional wrestling. MEARS: I have been looking forward to this contest all week Bad Mood. PETRIE: Me too! It would be cool if they both lost! MEARS: I do not believe that will happen. The fan favoured Hamilton came out first and the former Intrepid Champion was looking very focussed. You could tell that because her eyes were squinted with determination. Hamilton got into the ring and started shadow boxing, choosing not to pandor to the sparse crowd. MEARS: Samantha Hamilton is all business here tonight in Toronto. PETRIE: She has to be. She’s been on a run as of late but this isn’t the Intrepid Title. This is the big one, the main event. Holland hit the ring next, accompanied by his paramour Lyric. Considering there was a little altercation between Hamilton and Lyric last week, Lyric’s presence drew Hamilton’s eye. Holland hit the ring as Lyric clapped for the champion. MEARS: You have to wonder what role Lyric will play in the outcome of this contest. After the cool and unique championship introductions were made, the referee showed each competitor the title belt in “this is what you’re fighting for” fashion. The referee handed the strap off to the time keeper and called for the opening bell. PETRIE: Let’s fucking gooooooo! Main event time. The two locked up and Holland quickly went for the much feared finisher, Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver)! Hamilton was not expecting that shit but she had no issue slipping out of the hold, landing behind Holland. Hamilton grabbed Holland by the shoulders, spun that mfer around and chose to pursue her own finisher Wrath Of The Titans (Pedigree). MEARS: Wrath of the Titans early? If she hits this it could be over! PETRIE: Haha. Fastest title match ever. The most Erik Holland thing that could happen. MEARS: What does that mean? PETRIE: …I don’t know. Hamilton hooked Hamilton’s arms but the champion is a freak with freak strength and he broke Hamilton’s grip. Holland planted his feet and sent Hamilton ass over tea kettle with a back body drop. The challenger was able to roll through most of the impact, to no one’s surprise. Wouldn’t you know it, Hamilton got right back up and rushed at the champion. Hamilton left her feet and launched herself like a torpedo and hit Holland with a shoulder block. It connected but Holland barely budged. The big bastard had his feet planted and he wasn’t going anywhere. MEARS: It will take more than that Samantha. Holland looked his former partner in the eyes and challenged her to do it again. Not one to turn down such a challenge, Hamilton hit the ropes and charged back at the champion. Hamilton left her feet yet again and launched herself with another flying shoulder block but Holland just absorbed it again. PETRIE: Third time is the charm…maybe…probably not. The champion called for her to do it a third time and Hamilton did but this time Holland sidestepped her. Holland used her own momentum against her, sent her into the ropes and then walloped her with a giant body avalanche. To Hamilton’s credit, that body avalanche didn’t keep her down for any time at all. She was back to her feet and snarling. The Titaness and The Haunted locked up again, Hamilton getting the upper hand with a couple of quick body blows. Holland was unable to cover up and Hamilton got to those vulnerable soft organs with ease. PETRIE: Big strikes from the challenger. Who knew she had it in her? MEARS: Actually an excellent tactic from The Titaness. Holland has the power game on his side but if his midsection is injured then it will be difficult for him to utilize said power. The champion was temporarily stunned and Hamilton tried to send Holland into the ropes with an Irish whip but he countered it. Holland reversed the momentum and sent Hamilton on a vacation. Hamilton came sprinting back, Holland leaped in the air and took her down with a Lou Thesz press. Oh. Hell. Yeah. PETRIE: This might be the bottom line! Lyric cheered the champion on from the outside as Holland mauled Hamilton with rights and lefts to the face. Holland took Hamilton over to the corner and he continued to bludgeon the challenger. Hamilton tried to cover up but Holland was relentless. A man possessed. A man…haunted. It was kind of difficult to watch and the referee watched closely to see if he should break it up, call it, or whatever. MEARS: This was expected to happen. Erik Holland is a brutal brawler and we are seeing that here. Hamilton is his friend but the championship is his life. PETRIE: As it should be! Feeling that he had done a decent jump punching the shit out of his “friend”, Holland took a moment to recover himself. He was favouring his stomach and kidneys. Hamilton got up to her feet, albeit slowly and was once again ready to fight. Hamilton’s reaction time was slightly slower now and we saw evidence of that when she could not evade an absolutely massive lariat from Holland. The champion was feeling very confident at this point, with no sense of urgency. MEARS: Holland is now conserving his energy. Hamilton is hurt and Holland has the opportunity to pick his spots here. PETRIE: This is a veteran tactic. Holland has been in the main event scene for some time, he knows how to perform in a fight like this. MEARS: Was that a compliment? PETRIE: No. It’s fact. The champion measured his challenger and seemed poised to go for another lariat. Why not? Hamilton was up and Holland went for a lariat but wouldn’t you know it, he took too much time. Hamilton slipped the heavy strike and in an act of desperation she applied Exiled To Tartarus (Sleeper Hold). MEARS: This will slow the champion down! Hamilton was using all of her strength in an attempt to put the World Champion to sleep and it appeared to be working. For a few moments. It seemed like Holland was fading, as he slowly doubled over. But it was a ruse! Holland dipped his head, swung his arm around Hamilton’s waist and then took her over with a back suplex, dropping Hamilton on the back of her head. MEARS: Excellent counter from Erik Holland. He could not afford to be in that hold for much longer. PETRIE: A sleeper is a deadly little move. It has killed people! In an effort to keep Hamilton subdued, Holland mounted her and hit her with some more big strikes. In a rage, Holland got Hamilton up and sent her into the ropes with an Irish whip. Holland was set to drop Hamilton with Chopping Mall (Deep Six) but Hamilton applied Exiled To Tartarus again! Holland was trapped in the sleeper hold and this time Hamilton kept shuffling to stop Holland from being able to grab her. Holland started to fade and he was aware that it was nearly nap time so he planted his feet and then forced Hamilton back into a corner. MEARS: Samantha Hamilton has turned the tide, forcing the champion into desperate waters. The champion bashed Hamilton back into the corner several times until her hold was broken. Holland tossed a wild elbow back that connected to the side of Hamilton’s head. Holland then sat Hamilton on the top rope but instead of climbing up there to hit her with a move, Holland just leveled her with a right cross that knocked Hamilton off the top rope. She fell to the floor, smacking off the apron along the way. PETRIE: Kind of a disrespectful move from Holland. I love it! MEARS: Holland has afforded himself a reprieve here. Hamilton took some serious damage on that fall. Well would you look at this shit. On the outside Hamilton fell right at Lyric’s feet. The referee did not want any shenanigans so he leaned over the top rope and yelled at Lyric to back off. Lyric looked perplexed as she threw up her hands and backed away. The referee looked pleased that his authority was acknowledged. MEARS: The referee is asserting his power here. Sometimes it has to happen. PETRIE: But check out the look on Holland’s face. Holland grabbed the referee and told him to watch his mouth. The referee looked like he was going to piss himself. Holland then slipped out of the ring and sprinted around the ring. Hamilton got up and Holland nailed Hamilton with a running shoulder block that sent Hamilton careening into the ring post. The champion measured Hamilton and then charged at her yet again but Hamilton jumped up and was able to catch Holland with Defying The Gods (Frankensteiner)! Holland was sent diving toward the guardrail and he tried to get his hands up but he just wasn’t fast enough and his head smashed right into the steel guard rail. MEARS: That is what Samantha Hamilton needed! Holland could be very hurt. Noticing that the referee had reached a count of fourteen, Hamilton scrambled to get Holland up and slide him into the ring. Once in the ring Hamilton tried to inflict more damage on Holland’s head with a maelstrom of stomps. The challenger seemed a little desperate at this point, perhaps trying to concuss the champion. If you didn’t think that Hamilton was trying to concuss Holland before, you should at this point because she nailed him with a boot to the mid-section and then went for Reversal Of Fate (Vertebreaker) but Holland fought out of it. MEARS: You have to believe that if Hamilton hit that move she would have been close to a victory. PETRIE: Yeah but she didn’t. Because she isn’t ready for this level of competition. I don’t like Holland but he is more experienced at this level. MEARS: He definitely has been here more times than Hamilton. Hamilton tried to keep her momentum by shooting Holland into the ropes but the big bastard wasn’t having it. Holland reversed the momentum and sent Hamilton into the ropes. Hamilton came back looking for a running cross body but Holland caught her and then try to drive her through the fucking mat with The Re-Animator (Tour Of The Islands). Holland made the first cover of the match. 1.. 2..! MEARS: Kickout from Samantha Hamilton! The Titaness kicked out and as Holland tried to stand her back up, Hamilton decided that this match needed to end because she grabbed the champion and pulled him into the much feared Fall Of Man (Hell’s Gate)! Holland was trapped in the middle of the ring and Hamilton had the move locked in perfectly! MEARS: Fall Of Man! This new hold of Hamilton’s has been very effective as of late. Could this win her the championship? Holland had precious little time to fight out of this one and he did by lifting Hamilton off the mat and then slamming her down. Hamilton would not let go. So Holland lifted her up and slammed her again. The hold loosened a bit but she still had it on. Holland lifted Hamilton up a third time and this time he lifted her up high and then planted her into the mat. PETRIE: I think Hamilton is out cold Matty. MEARS: She does not look responsive. Her eyes are glazed over. The Titaness got up and wanted to go for another big move but Holland blasted her with a bicycle kick. Hamilton was caught right on the chin and she fell back into the ropes which sent her back toward Holland right into Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver). Holland covered. 1.. 2.. ..3! Winner: Still OATH World Champion, Erik Holland “The Haunted” cued up and Lyric slipped into the ring. The referee handed Holland the championship, raised his hand, and then went about checking on Hamilton. Lyric embraced the champion and the two had a celebration. As much of a celebration as their collective personalities would allow. And then the music cut. MEARS: Wait, what is this? PETRIE: Oh Holy shit! “The Real Man” cued up and the battle worn war horse Reo Ojima walked to the ring. Ojima entered the ring and mockingly clapped for the champion. Holland delicately pushed Lyric to stand behind him as Ojima got in his face. The two men stood nose to nose as Conviction went off the air.

Results: • Midnight Special def. Silvio Aprile & Tony Satriale • Qiyanna Marshal def. Curt Kornell • Eli Hix & Terra Mason def. Clan Black • Isabella def. Eddie Kobain • FM Young def. Minoru Tanahashi to win the Tabula Rasa Title • Declan Black vs. Lock Helms was a Draw • James Edwards def. Josie Wales to retain the Intrepid Title • Finn Whelan def. Zeke Davis • The Hell Realm def. The Inevitable to retain the Tag Team Titles • Reo Ojima def. Ben Macbeth • Erik Holland def. Samantha Hamilton to retain the World Title