CONVICTION XXI RESULTS

Episode XXI June 21st, 2020 Toronto, Ontario

The Inevitable def. Ultramega UK Aguero pinned Kobain after hitting The Endgame. Ben Macbeth def. Annie Lapalm Macbeth pinned Lapalm after hitting Serious Moonlight. James Edwards def. Tony Satriale Edwards made Satriale submit to the Heel Hook. Josie Wales def. Silvio Aprile Wales made Aprile submit to Spirit of St. Louis.

MATCH TYPE

VS

The first one had Qiyanna Marshal make her televised debut. Marshal replaced Nixie Caine in a kickoff show match last week so Caine was understandably displeased. Off the bell Caine came at Marshal in a sprint but Marshal blasted her with a superkick. MEARS: A heavy weapon shot early from Qiyanna Marshal. PETRIE: No Nixie! How could someone hit such an adorable creature. MEARS: You’re bordering on creepy Bad Mood. Perhaps scale it back just a touch. PETRIE: No. Caine staggered around the ring like a drunk for a moment but came around just in time to narrowly avoid taking a speaking from Marshal. Caine leap frogged over, then rolled through, and she was pretty pleased with herself. PETRIE: What a move! Nixie is crazy underrated. MEARS: She needs to start putting together some victories. PETRIE: Yeah she will. She’s going to start tonight. Little did Caine no, that Marshal wasn’t someone who would only try something once and give up. As soon as Caine turned around to engage Marshal, the latter exploded yet again and cut Caine in half with a spear. Marshal covered for a two count. PETRIE: No! Get up my delicate flower! MEARS: Bad Mood you have to stop this. PETRIE: Never! Marshal showed off some technical artistry with a series of snap arm drags, in an effort to frustrate Caine. Well it worked because Caine came in too hot at Marshal and walked right into Black Fire (Double Underhook DDT). Marshal covered and got the victory. Winner: Qiyanna Marshal

The elegantly decorated office of OATH President Oscar R. Barlow. The man in question stood with his back to his desk and he was staring at a photo of a young boy holding a replica championship belt. The shot pulled back to show that sitting at the chair in front of his desk with OATH wrestler, “The Outlaw” Josie Wales. It seemed as though no one had said anything yet. BARLOW: Ms. Wales the reason that I requested your presence this evening is because I felt it necessary to speak with you about– Before Barlow could finish his thought, the door to his office swung open and in walked OATH Tabula Rasa Champion FM Young. Young wasn’t exactly angry, she seemed more interested in a quick interaction with the President. YOUNG: You wanted to see me? Barlow had every right to be enraged that Young just burst into his office but given his generally affable demeanour he was not. He spoke in a calm, collected tone. BARLOW: Ah yes, Ms. Young. I just wanted to inform you of the unfortunate news that we have released Isabella from her contract. Therefore, your championship defence tonight will be against a mystery opponent. I apologize if that seems to be slightly unfair but I have every faith in your capabilities as champion. Young sighed. She didn’t really care that it was a different opponent, she just felt that this last minute replacement was an unprofessional move. YOUNG: That’s fine. You want to try and screw with my reign. You’re going to look like a moron when I destroy whoever this replacement is. BARLOW: That is not the case at all Ms. Young! I want to give the fans a championship match, it was my duty to find you a suitable replacement. YOUNG: I’m sure they will be suitable. Young rolled her eyes and went to leave but then caught Wales staring at her. YOUNG: They should have given you the shot. But I guess winning titles isn’t really your strong suit. Wales stood and got in Young’s face. WALES: Any time you want an ass whippin’, I’m right here. The Tabula Rasa Champion scoffed and adjusted the title over her shoulder. YOUNG: Get a few more wins under your belt. Collect yourself. Get your confidence back, then come see me. You aren’t ready for this. I promise you that. With a confident smirk Young walked out of frame, leaving the room. The shot shifted to include Barlow in the frame and he seemed interested by the possible match up. BARLOW: It seems that what I wanted to speak to you about is now moot. If you want an opportunity to defeat Ms. Young, show me. The Outlaw’s eyes narrowed and then she cocked an eyebrow. WALES: No problem. Wales stood with a new sense of purpose and left the office.

MATCH TYPE

VS

This next contest saw Zeke “The Freak” Davis try to snap his losing streak as he took on Morgan Malice. Malice had yet to really have a breakout moment in OATH at this point, and very much needed an impressive performance. MEARS: Could this be Morgan Malice’s night? Zeke Davis has been on quite the losing streak recently and Malice could take advantage of that. PETRIE: But it hasn’t damaged Davis’ confidence! He knows how good he is, he just needs these crooked referees to cut the shit! MEARS: Perhaps if he learned some more holds, he would be more effective. PETRIE: He knows how to win! And he will! Davis jaw jacked with the referee at the start of the contest. As of late Davis has felt that the referees in OATH have been involved in a conspiracy to prevent him from winning. The reality being that Davis just loves to cheat and the referees were aware of that. MEARS: This is absurdity. You would think that after being bested by Finn Whelan last week, Davis would act a little more professional. PETRIE: Whelan’s win was a fluke. He knows that Davis has his number! The match started with your standard lockup and Malice drove Davis into the corner. The referee forced a break in the corner and turned his back to Davis to back Malice away. Not a great move because Davis took advantage and spit in Malice’s face. MEARS: Oh come on now. Not only is that unsportsmanlike but it is disgusting! PETRIE: His aim was off! He didn’t mean to do that. MEARS: You keep believing that Bad Mood. With Malice trying to get Davis’ saliva out of her eyes, “The Freak” darted forward and hit Malice with a head butt to the mid-section. Davis then quickly took Malice down with Jokes On You (Canadian Destroyer) and covered. Davis stared the referee in the eyes as the ref made the count for the victory. Winner: Zeke Davis After the conclusion of the contest, Davis screamed at the referee to raise his hand. The referee complied but when the referee let go, Davis demanded that he raise his hand again. The referee sighed and raised Davis’ hand again. Davis screamed “Hold it!” and they stood there for about ten seconds. Davis then ripped his hand away, pleased that his losing streak had ended.

In the halls of the arena we saw the former OATH World Champion, “The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black make his way into the locker room flanked by Clan Black, Jack O’Brien and Derrick Warburton. Inside the locker room Locke Helms was seated, taping his wrists. The two faced off last week and the contest did not see a decisive winner. BLACK: Helms. Helms looked up and he met Black with a smile. Helms got to his feet to meet the former top wrestler. Helms did not even attempt to acknowledge the presence of Black’s hulking heavies. If having them accompany Black was an attempt at intimidation, it was ineffective. There was momentary tension between Black and Helms which was broken by “The Chairman”. HELMS: Good evening Declan. To what do I owe the pleasure? BLACK: You know why I’m here. We didn’t solve anything last week. We’re going to do it again. Silence. Helms took a moment to consider the “offer”. Helms didn’t seem put off by the command but slightly intrigued. Helms contemplated before responding. HELMS: You know what Declan? I do not think we will. We did not have a definitive result last week, this much is true. But that is not the reason that I was disappointed with the match. I was unhappy with it because you did not try. O’Brien stepped forward, ready to move on Helms for the insult but Black raised his hand and stopped O’Brien in his tracks. BLACK: Is that what you think? You think that I underestimated you? That I didn’t bring my best because I feel that you don’t deserve it? HELMS: Perhaps. But more than that, I do not think you have it in you anymore. You have stopped caring and I have no interest in facing that Declan Black. I want the World Champion calibre Declan Black. Not…this. Helms waved his hand at Black in judgemental fashion. This comment clearly got under Black’s skin but he did his best not to let it show. If you are familiar with Black, you know that his rage was boiling beneath his cool expression. HELMS: If you’ll excuse me, I have to go warm up. I am in the main event after all. Have a good evening gentlemen. The Chairman passed by the trio and went to leave the locker room when he noticed a fifth person in the room. OATH Intrepid Champion James Edwards stood, leaning in the doorway with the championship around his waist. The history between Edwards and Helms was well known but Helms simply gave Edwards a nod and Edwards let Helms pass by. The shot shifted back to Black and his bodyguards. O’BRIEN: What now boss? Black’s eyes were still fixed on the door. He was working out his next move while Edwards approached him. Black did his best to no-sell Edwards’ presence, speaking as if Edwards was not there. BLACK: We’ll have to give Helms a reason to accept my challenge. Edwards knew Black’s game and was not interested in humouring this blatant disrespect. EDWARDS: He is correct though Black. You have been spinning your wheels since you lost the title. Black finally turned his attention to Edwards while wearing an unamused looked on his face. BLACK: I’m sorry motherfucker, who are you? Edwards exhaled sharply through his nose and shook his head. He wasn’t offended but more disinterested in Black’s attempt at humbling him. EDWARDS: I’m a champion, which is more than can be said for you. Black stepped forward and stood nose to nose with Edwards. Edwards didn’t flinch, this is what he came here for. His resolve did not waiver. BLACK: Believe me Heart On, if I wanted that strap, I’d take it. EDWARDS: Seeing as how Helms wants nothing to do with you, I’d say that your dance card has a spot to fill. I want to elevate this championship and it would benefit that goal to defend it against someone like you. You used to be the top guy. That being said, I’m of the same mindset as Helms. I do not want to pick your carcass so if you do accept, please bring me a real challenge. If Black wasn’t seconds from blowing his top earlier he was at this point. Black casted his glance down at the championship around Edwards’ waist before returning to his eye line. BLACK: You must not want a long reign because if I come for that belt, it’s mine. Talk to Barlow, set it up. You want your reign to end, so be it. EDWARDS: Excellent. Next week. Edwards went to walk away but he stopped short to speak over his shoulder. Black looked to be about ready to leap forward and start the brawl right then but he visibly restrained himself. EDWARDS: Don’t disappoint me Black. The Intrepid Champion walked out of the room, leaving Clan Black to plot.

TAG TEAM MATCH

VS

The next contest saw the fledgling team of Eli Hix and Terra Mason come out to new entrance music and a tron that read “DAMAGED GOODS”. Their gear had a matching color scheme and both appeared as if they possessed an increased sense of unity. PETRIE: Damaged Goods eh. I can’t criticize. It’s apt. MEARS: I am very excited for this contest. Damaged Goods have been undefeated as a tandem. A win over an established team like Midnight Special would likely put them into title contention. Midnight Special were out next. Both Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry also seemed to have a renewed sense of purpose after scoring a victory on last week’s kickoff show. The contest started with Cherry and Mason in the ring. PETRIE: Alright let’s see what Damaged Goods can do. Just because you give yourself a name doesn’t mean you’ve got what it takes to compete in this division. MEARS: No it does not. The teams that they have beaten have not been of the highest calibre. This will most definitely be a test. PETRIE: Hix strikes me as someone who sucks at tests. MEARS: You may not want to tell him that. Cherry and Mason traded arm drags, wowing the sparse crowd thanks to their impressive athletic ability. Mason attempted an Irish whip only for Cherry to reverse it. Cherry leap frogged over Mason on the return but Mason got a blind tag from Hix of which Cherry was unaware. MEARS: Excellent blind tag from Hix. Cherry did not see that happen and he may pay for his lack of ring awareness. Mason slid through Cherry’s legs and then was quick up to perform a bulldog. Mason collected Cherry and sent him into Hix, who responded with a double leg takedown. Mason then positioned herself as Hix brought Cherry up with a catapult right into a double knee face breaker from Mason. PETRIE: Alright that was pretty fucking cool. MEARS: A tremendous double team from Damaged Goods. They are showing great teamwork thus far. Hix covered and got a two count. Following the kickout he transitioned expertly into a chin lock, driving his knee into Cherry’s spine. Hix then started tearing at Cherry’s face with his fingers, which forced Cherry to frantically fight out of the hold. PETRIE: This guy is a lunatic! He was trying to take Cherry’s eyes. MEARS: A fact that actually may have hurt Hix because Cherry was forced to get out of that hold as quickly as possible or risk being blinded. “The Human Horror Story” tried for a front chancery but Cherry slipped out and cracked Hix with Cherry’s Jubilee (Jump Stalling Sidekick). Instead of going for the cover, Cherry dove and tagged in Carbine. Carbine then slid into the cover for a two count. MEARS: Carbine was unable to get the fall there but luckily Midnight Special were able to switch out. PETRIE: Why the hell didn’t Cherry go for the fall? MEARS: Perhaps he knew that Hix would not stay down and chose to get the fresh man into this contest. PETRIE: So why did Carbine pin? MEARS: Even a failed pin attempt still caused Hix to kick out and exert some energy. PETRIE: You’re so smart Matty. Big brain energy. Carbine looked to get Hix up and hit him with some sharp forearm smashes but Hix responded to each one with a kick to Carbine’s left leg. With the veteran almost down to a knee. Hix went for a lariat but Carbine caught his arm and subject Hix to trapping headbutts. PETRIE: Holy shit! Carbine is fucking Hix right up with those headbutts. MEARS: It appears that Carbine is targeting the collarbone which will make getting his shoulder off the mat all the more difficult. Hix was wobbly legged as Carbine took him to the Midnight Special corner and made the tag to Cherry. Carbine got Hix in a Gory special and upon his release Cherry sent Hix’s face into the mat with an x-factor, completing their Special Attraction double team. Cherry covered but to his surprise Hix kicked out at two. MEARS: Another near fall for Midnight Special. Damaged Goods are being tested here right now. PETRIE: Midnight Special is clearly the smarter, more experienced team. Damaged Goods are falling apart and they are not long for this contest. Shame. Cherry tried to keep Hix on the mat by grinding a forearm into his face but Hix slipped out and made the tag to Mason. Mason entered the ring with a springboard dropkick that took Cherry down. Carbine tried to enter the ring to halt any potential for a double team but Mason was back up and she connected with a dropsault that took Carbine through the ropes to the outside. MEARS: Carbine has been effectively removed from this contest for the time being! The referee was making the count for Hix to exit the ring so Hix had to be fast. Mason went out onto the apron and waited as Hix set Cherry up for Twisted & Gifted (Hammerlock Reverse DDT Lift into a Spinning Tombstone) but Hix held in the tombstone position and Mason hit a springboard into the ring and came down with the assist to drive Cherry’s head into the mat. This was a move that they called No Refunds and it led to Mason covering for the three count. Winners: Damaged Goods Hix and Mason had little time to enjoy their victory as the tandem of The Hell Realm slipped into the ring unnoticed. Adrestia Nyx and Ryan Terror stood poised with their respective OATH Tag Team Titles in hand and then both shot forward in unison, blasting Hix and Mason both in the back of the head. MEARS: I should have predicted that this would happen. Hell Realm wants to maintain their stranglehold on this division and they are showing the new contenders exactly what that looks like. PETRIE: I love it! You kids want a shot at the big dogs then be prepared for a real war. On the outside Monstruo looked to advance on Carbine when Leah Aguero and Stephanie Matsuda, The Inevitable, came running down the ramp. The Inevitable blasted Monstruo with Double Yahtzee (Stereo Superkicks) and that earned Hell Realm’s attention. MEARS: The Inevitable refuse to be left out of the equation! Terror and Nyx exited the ring and quickly started brawling with The Inevitable. Carbine and Cherry then joined the fray and we were treated to a classic three team brawl. Not to be left out, Hix and Mason had recovered in the ring and decided to make a statement. MEARS: Now is the time kids! Show them what you’re made of! PETRIE: Or run! That may be smarter! Damaged Goods both shot to the far ropes and then came through the ropes with tandem suicide dives that took all three times. It seemed that President Barlow had enough of this chaos and he sent security to the ring to try and restore order.

A dingy bar, low lighting, few people and the smell of despair in the air. Two men were sitting on stools at the bar and aside from an elderly drunk slumped over in a corner booth they were the only patrons. The bartender served up two bottles of unlabeled beer to the men at the bar. It seemed that they were prepared for the camera crew and the production people didn’t want to give any free publicity. The one man wore ripped jeans and a matching jean vest over a black T-Rex t-shirt. The other man was much smaller, greasy, and shifty looking. The denim clad man was new OATH signee Baz Jacobi and his companion was his manager Shortcut. SHORTCUT: I think this one is on you joe. JACOBI: The fuck you figure that? SHORTCUT: Big money contract! You can afford. JACOBI: Piss on that you busta. Pay your own way. I got me an entry level contract with OATH and the other place that they probably don’t want me mentioning on an OATH show. SHORTCUT: What are you talkin’ about? We’re just sittin’ here havin’ a drink. Jacobi nodded in the direction of the camera. Shortcut took notice and he seemed shocked. Shocked and deceived. SHORTCUT: Oh come on man! If I had known you were gonna be doin’ this now I would have made myself more presentable! Would have wore my camo cargo shorts for the occasion! JACOBI: It doesn’t matter Shortcut, you look great! Now if you’ll excuse me. Jacobi spun around on his barstool to face the camera. He took a big gulp from the nondescript bottle. JACOBI: The fuck is up OATH? I’m Baz Jacobi and I’m yer new favourite wrestler. That may come as a shock but don’t piss yourselves in amazement. Save that for my first match. Wish I could be there live and in person right now but I’m conducting some business in Chicago. Shortcut has turned around at this point and he is itching to get a word in. JACOBI: But don’t worry because– Jacobi doesn’t get to finish his thought because Shortcut has shot up from his barstool. SHORTCUT: Because next week we’ll be in Toronto motherfuckers! The Baz Jacobi Tornado is gonna upturn your whole goddamn trailer park! It was as if Jacobi was about to throttle Shortcut. Shortcut caught Jacobi’s annoyed expression and stopped speaking. JACOBI: Trailer park? The fuck are you talking about? Jacobi shook his head and turned back to the camera. JACOBI: OATH I’m coming next week and someone is getting their shit kicked in. Pretty simple. To the locker room — pray to Barlow that it isn’t you. I’m not very nice. Jacobi smiled and then went to throw the beer bottle at the camera but then he completely missed and it hit the wall behind the camera. JACOBI: Okay that was only meant for dramatic effect. The bartender appeared with a broom and dustpan, she held it out and was very unimpressed. Jacobi glanced at it and then looked at Shortcut. SHORTCUT: Fuck sakes man. Shortcut took the tools and went about cleaning up as the scene closed.

2 OUT OF 3 FALLS MATCH

VS

It was time to unravel the mystery of FM Young’s first opponent for the OATH Tabula Rasa Championship. Young was in the ring when unfamiliar music hit and a man in a black mask came out from behind the curtain. The arena was dark, the only lighting coming from red strobes. MEARS: I have been told that this man is a luchador by the name of Astaroth and he comes highly regarded from the indy scene in Mexico. PETRIE: Imagine walking into OATH and winning a title in your first match. It’d be a hell of a debut. MEARS: That it would. The bell rang and Astaroth paced around the ring. Every time Young got close Astaroth jogged away. This happened for some time until Young leaped on Astaroth and forced him into a corner. Young peppered Astaroth with some shots to the mid-section to keep him stationary. MEARS: This is a 2 Out of 3 Falls match so whoever is able to secure the first fall statistically has the advantage. PETRIE: Why Young would choose this stipulation is beyond me. She has to win twice to win the match! MEARS: She wants to bring value to the Tabula Rasa Championship. This title has been in purgatory since January. She wants to be the person to bring it back to life. PETRIE: Admirable, but stupid. Young led Astaroth out of the corner and set up for a scoop slam but Astaroth slipped behind her and shoved her into the ropes. Young didn’t have time to turn and she hit the ropes chest first. Astaroth was right there to drive a knee into her lower back.

PETRIE: That worked! Young is rattled. Imagine if this guy takes the title from her. She’d have to leave the company. It would be an embarrassment!

Astaroth took hold of Young’s hand and slapped her in the chest. He then walked up the ropes and once he was balancing on the top rope he looked to come off with a hurricanranna but Young planted him into the ring with a powerbomb.

MEARS: Astaroth nearly went through the ring! Good Lord!

PETRIE: He’ll get his second win! Shake it off guy!

The luchadore hit so hard that he sat right back up and Young kicked him in the face to put him on his back. Young got him off the mat but Astaroth kicked her in the mid-section. Astaroth hit the ropes and with Young doubled over he leaped over her looking for a sunset flip. Young kept her balance, dropped to her knees and hooked both of his legs for a pin to get the three and earn the first fall.

First Fall: FM Young

MEARS: That will do it for the first fall!

PETRIE: How the hell did this guy let that happen? Young made it look easy!

MEARS: The best always do.

Astaroth kicked out just after three and then the referee forced separation. Astaroth slapped the mat in frustration and then gave the nod that he was ready to continue. Astaroth charged at Young and proceeded to get turned inside out by Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). Astaroth did a complete backflip and landed on his face.

MEARS: Young’s power is such a valuable part of her arsenal.

PETRIE: Yeah and now Astaroth knows that! Maybe he wants to head back to Mexico and learn some more holds because what he’s got right now is not doing the trick.

Young got Astaroth up and shot him into the ropes. On his return she went for a back body drop but Astaroth flipped over her, landed on her feet and then took her down with a leg sweep. Astaroth then hit a standing shooting star press and covered but only got a two count.

MEARS: Astaroth could be mounting a comeback here!

PETRIE: He can’t afford to lose another fall so he should get to it!

It was a do or die scenario for Astaroth here as he climbed to the top rope. He pointed down at the prone champion and then came off the top rope but Young kipped up to her feet, caught him in mid-air and slammed him into the mat with a spinebuster.

PETRIE: Goodnight Astaroth. Thanks for coming. Way to blow it.

MEARS: It seems academic at this point.

Young positioned Astaroth near the corner and then in one fluid motion she pulled herself up to the top rope and landed on him with Negasonic Warhead (Starship Pain). Young hooked Astaroth’s leg and counted along with the referee for the three count to win two straight falls and retain the championship.

Winner: Still OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, F.M. Young

The referee handed the championship to Young but it was not her music that cued up. “Calling” hit the p.a. and “Blackhawk” Qiyanna Marshal made her way down the ramp. Young was fixated on the newcomer as Marshal took her time coming down the ramp.

PETRIE: The Blackhawk is back! Is she coming to challenge Young?

MEARS: She has proven herself more than capable. That would be an excellent match!

Once in the ring Marshal approached the champion. Without words, Marshal just cast her gaze on the championship and then looked Young in the eye. Marshal cocked her head to the side and Young just nodded. Challenge accepted.

The lights in the arena dim and then take on a gold hue. “The Parable (Tomorrow Man Mix)” echoed throughout the building in Toronto as EMBLEM member Ben Macbeth made his way to the ring. Macbeth was dressed in a simple black suit, white button down, black tie, and black sunglasses. By the look of his walk, “The Tomorrow Man” was not in a good mood. In the ring waiting was OATH Correspondent Vince Valerie. Macbeth stepped through the ropes and waited for the music to fade away. Valerie stood ready, microphone in hand. VALERIE: Ben Macbeth! You requested this interview time to address the recent trajectory of your career. How are you feeling my man? Macbeth snatched the microphone form Valerie and gestured for him to leave the ring. Valerie looked over to Ben Petrie and Matt Mears at ringside for guidance. They gestured that he had better vacate the area. MACBETH: I did ask for this time. My career thus far in OATH has not been going the way that I foresaw. I have never faced the adversity that I have faced here in OATH anywhere else in my career. Macbeth paced around the ring for a moment. MACBETH: Last week I set out to settle my differences with Reo Ojima in our Cage Match and quite simply — I failed. I did not succeed in defeating that old war horse. He was the better man last week. I respect his ability in this ring but I feel that I could have done much better. A beat. MACBETH: I am now left with no direction. It seems that every other competitor in OATH is passing me by. This week I was relegated to the kickoff show and while I was victorious…that is not where I want to be. Now you could say that both James Edwards the Intrepid Champion and The Inevitable were both on the pre show as well but they have all been very successful in OATH so far. That was but a pit stop for them. I was put there because I failed. The words were like poison in his mouth. He hated saying them. He hated even more that they were true. MACBETH: Oscar R. Barlow told OATH reporters that I would be pushed down the card due to my shortcomings. I can not let that happen. I will not let that happen. Earlier today I told him as much. If Reo Ojima can walk out and challenge the World Champion, then so can I. Macbeth removed his sunglasses and stared deep into the camera lens. MACBETH: Erik Holland. I am speaking to you now. I spoke with Barlow and he has made it official. While it will not be for the championship — because I do not deserve that opportunity — next week you and I will face one another one on one. I am going to beat you Erik. Because I have to. The words hung in the air for a moment before Macbeth let the microphone fall from his grasp and “The Parable (Tomorrow Man Mix)” played once more. Macbeth exited the ring, his destiny in his hands.

SINGLES MATCH

VS

The next contest saw up-and-comer “The Black Lion” Minoru Tanahashi take on “The Virulence” Finn Whelan. Both competitors were looking to get into title contention. The match started quickly with both wrestlers trying to gain the upperhand off of a standard lockup. Whelan took Tanahashi over with deep arm drag and then Tanahashi did the same. MEARS: A tremendous back and forth exchange here Bad Mood. This is OATH’s history facing it’s future right now. PETRIE: You think Whelan is history? MEARS: Not in the least. I am merely acknowledging that he was the first standard bearer of this company. Should Tanahashi earn a victory here, it would do wonders for his career. PETRIE: It hasn’t been doing much for my boy Zeke Davis. MEARS: Touche. The two locked up again and Whelan took over with a headlock. Whelan then transitioned into a reverse waist lock and brought Tanahashi up for a wheelbarrow suplex but Tanahashi tried to turn it into a bulldog. Whelan saw this coming and he tossed Tanahashi back overhead but Tanahashi landed behind The Virulence on his feet. MEARS: It seems that Whelan is having trouble with The Black Lion. PETRIE: I thought it was The Black Sheep. MEARS: No. You said that. PETRIE: Right. It’s more appropriate though, you’ve gotta admit. MEARS: No I do not. Whelan turned and Tanahashi went for a right hand but Whelan blocked it. Tanahashi then went for a leg kick but Whelan caught it and tripped Tanahashi up. Tanahashi landed on his back and Whelan went for a stomp but Tanahashi recovered and was back up to his feet in a fighting stance. MEARS: Tanahashi is really making Finn Whelan work for it tonight. PETRIE: He rolled out of the way of a stomp. He didn’t kick out of a Stunner. MEARS: Fair to say. The two circled each other and then locked up yet again. Tanahashi shoved Whelan into the ropes and when Whelan came back, Tanahashi dropped to his stomach. Whelan hopped over him, hit the opposing ropes and when he came back Tanahashi dropped to his stomach again. This time Whelan stopped short and kicked Tanahashi in the ribs. MEARS: And there it is. The experience of Whelan has shown itself. Tanahashi recovered and Whelan tapped his finger on his own temple, telling Tanahashi that he is too smart to fall for the same trick twice. Tanahashi regrouped and went for a lock up again. Whelan was ready but it was Tanahashi who stopped short this time before making contact and instead blasted Whelan with a hard kick to the knee. PETRIE: Looks like Whelan isn’t the only one who can adjust on the fly. MEARS: That was a defiant strike from Tanahashi. He is showing Whelan that he can adapt too. PETRIE: Yeah that’s what I said! Whelan was buckled and Tanahashi hit him with a dropkick to the face. Whelan tried to recover but Tanahashi was on him. Tanahashi pushed Whelan into the corner and hit him with a series of strikes. Whelan shoved Tanahashi away and looked to explode out of the corner but Tanahashi hit him with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat). Whelan crumbled and Tanahashi covered for a two count. MEARS: A near fall for the newcomer! PETRIE: He isn’t THAT new. MEARS: In the grand scheme of things Bad Mood. Not wanting the veteran to have any opportunity to get his shit together, Tanahashi kept Whelan grounded with a chin lock. Whelan inevitably fought up and drove some sharp elbows into Tanahashi’s midsection. Whelan took Tanahashi over with a snap mare and then hit a hard soccer kick to the newcomer’s spine. PETRIE: Well…ouch. Tanahashi writhed on the mat in pain for a moment and Whelan grabbed him by the head. Tanahashi hit Whelan with a strike to the midsection but Whelan responded with a thigh strike to the gut. Whelan then put Tanahashi face first into the mat with a leg sweep. Whelan hit the ropes and came back with Seattle Terror (Curbstomp). PETRIE: Sweet dreams Black Sheep. You are done my man! MEARS: Finn Whelan isn’t going for the cover. PETRIE: Yeah he wants to make sure that this kid is gonna stay down. Instead of going for the pinfall, Whelan wanted to make a statement and he set Tanahashi up for Revelation 6:4 (The Bitter End) but Tanahashi slipped over his shoulder and then nailed Whelan in the back of the head with a high angle flipping dropkick. Whelan fell forward and caught himself on the middle rope. MEARS: Finn Whelan is in a bad way and Minoru Tanahashi is setting up for something big here! PETRIE: Dial it up! MEARS: Dial what up? PETRIE: Uh…a hospital? I don’t know why I said that. Not wasting any time Tanahashi charged and caught Whelan square in the mush with a tiger feint kick, more commonly referred to as an area code. Whelan was laid out right in front of a turnbuckle so Tanahashi climbed to the top rope. Tanahashi pointed down at Whelan and then came off the top turnbuckle with Osake Bomb (Swanton Bomb)! PETRIE: That almost worked! Tanahashi executed the move perfectly but the problem was that Whelan had rolled out of the way. Tanahashi hit the canvas with a thud but got right back to his feet and walked right into Fenian Rising (Spinning Sit-Out Sleeper Slam). Whelan covered and secured the three count for the victory. Winner: Finn Whelan

As “The Virulence” had his hand raised, he took a moment to look down at his felled opponent. When Tanahashi finally registered what happened, he looked very upset with the result. Tanahashi looked up at Whelan and the latter gave him a nod of respect to end the segment.

We find ourselves once again in The OATH President’s office. Oscar R. Barlow is seated behind his desk. But he is not alone. All three members of The Hell Realm have joined him. Adrestia Nyx has herself sitting on his desk, playfulling caressing her Tag Team Championship title. Ryan Terror stands in front of the desk, with Monstruo flanking him. The trio look to be in fine shape despite the giant brawl they were involved in earlier.

BARLOW: I do not appreciate the three of you causing such chaos. What you did earlier was not representative of how I want OATH to run. You did not need to attack Damaged Goods.

Terror laughed as he brought his cane onto his shoulder.

TERROR: Really now. It seems that what happened tonight isn’t the only thing you do not appreciate around here.

BARLOW: And just what in the frick is that supposed to mean?

NYX: Isn’t it obvious? We are the best tag team in OATH. Yet, you cater to morons like Leah Aguero.

TERROR: Semantics aside, you have a choice, Oscar. You either get with the fucking program or the violence will continue. We will hijack your fucking show.

BARLOW: What does that mean? You are the champions. You are undefeated as a team. What more could I possibly do for you?

NYX: Are you that dense? It is obvious what we want. We have unfinished business with certain people.

BARLOW: Like who? You’ve beaten The Inevitable twice now. You have disposed of Midnight Special.

TERROR: Those stupid fucking rookies for one…and an EMBLEM is an ever present thorn in our sides. We do not care who is next in line but we demand a certain level of respect. You tell them all to start showing us some appreciation or we will nuke this whole division. Get them in line. NYX: We will make sure that we are the ONLY team left. The rest of them can battle for the Intensive Care Unit Championship.

Barlow took a moment to contemplate what they were saying. He clearly did not want them running around attacking people. He was looking to build his tag team division, not destroy it. BARLOW: Let me sit with this. I am not a man who responds to being intimidated. I understand that you want the other teams to bow to you but I cannot force them to respect you. I will think about what you are saying and I will come up with something to appease you.

Nyx slammed her hands on Barlow’s desk and leaned in close. Barlow clearly startled easy, he nearly jumped out of his chair.

NYX: Value your champions Barlow. Put us on the pedestal that we deserve. I would hate for you to suffer some kind of…mishap.

The giant demon Monstruo stepped forward and cast his massive shadow over the President as the scene ended.

The main event was up next and it was a highly anticipated contest. Helms was out first and Ojima came second but Ojima didn’t even make it into the ring when Helms hit him with a baseball slide! Ojima was sent flying back into the barricade but recovered quickly and was ready to fight. PETRIE: Oh shit! We’re getting a war before the opening bell! MEARS: Both of these men have a strong propensity for violence. I am not surprised that things are starting this way. Ojima screamed for Helms to bring it on and Helms obliged. Helms darted at Ojima and Ojima moved out of the way guiding Helms ribs first into the guard rail. Following a heavy forearm to Helms’ back, Ojima lifted him up and dropped his abdomen on the guard rail. MEARS: We may not even see this match tonight! PETRIE: Ojima is gonna need to get it in the ring. He wants a World Title shot so he needs wins. MEARS: Too true. Ojima snarled and paced around for a moment, shaking his head as if to say “You shouldn’t have gone this route”. Ojima dashed at Helms but Helms put Ojima face first into the barricade with a drop toe hold. Helms then relentlessly stomped on Ojima’s back as the referee begged for them to get in the ring. MEARS: Both of these men are vicious when given the opportunity. We should have expected this. The Chairman took hold of the veteran and slid him into the ring. Helms walked slowly up the stairs and then along the apron staring at Ojima like a predator. Helms entered the ring and the referee got between the two competitors. MEARS: Alright the referee needs to make sure that Ojima is fit to compete. PETRIE: You really think that surly old bastard ISN’T gonna fight? The referee asked Ojima if he was ready and Ojima responded like the mean old fuck that he is by shoving the referee out of the way. Ojima darted across the ring and tried to cut Helms in half with a spear but Helms moved and Ojima went face first into the middle buckle. MEARS: Another miscalculation from the veteran. Ojima didn’t need any time to recover, he’s a tough old bastard. Ojima charged at Helms yet again but this time Helms put him on the mat with Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam/C4)! Helms got up to his knees and resumed staring at Ojima. PETRIE: Helms almost had him early! MEARS: It would definitely dash any hopes of a World Title match for Ojima should he lose tonight. Helms began pacing around the ring, he did not go for a pin. Helms allowed Ojima to stand and then invited the veteran to try again. Ojima did not take kindly to that bullshit at all, he stomped right over to Helms and slapped the taste out of his mouth. PETRIE: Fuck! This old bastard is the best. The Chairman smiled and responded with a slap of his own. Ojima just ate it and screamed at Helms for him to do it again. So Helms did. And again Ojima just ate it. Ojima screamed “Again!”. Helms went for a third slap but Ojima cut him off with a lariat that would knock your dick stiff. PETRIE: There he is! The Stone Gargoyle is here people! MEARS: I feel like nothing short of a hand grenade can stop Reo Ojima. PETRIE: I don’t even think THAT would. With Helms down on the mat Ojima went about stomping the life out of him. Helms tried to get to his feet but Ojima just continued stomping the shit out of him. Helms was finally able to stand and Ojima went for another lariat but Helms ducked it and slapped Ojima again. PETRIE: Helms loves to do this. He’s trying to piss Ojima off! MEARS: It may work in his favour. PETRIE: Or completely backfire. MEARS: That too. To say that “The Stone Gargoyle” was mighty pissed would be the understatement of the century. Ojima slapped his own face in anger and then smashed Helms in the face with a headbutt. Ojima forced Helms into the corner and pummeled him with jabs to the midsection and then a roaring elbow to the face. MEARS: I have no desire to be Locke Helms right now. Helms staggered forward and he was likely seeing a flight of small birds circling his head. Ojima hit a toe kick to Helms’ midsection and then lifted him up with a vertical suplex. Ojima held Helms completely vertical for about thirty seconds before he brought Helms’ head down onto his knee with an ushigoroshi. Ojima covered but Helms kicked out. PETRIE: Ojima has yet to hold gold here in OATH. I assume that Erik Holland is watching closely because if he isn’t…he’s more of an idiot that I think he is. Ojima kept Helms grounded and it appeared that Ojima was trying to drive his elbow through Helms’ head via his eye socket. Helms slipped out of it and attacked Ojima’s arm with a falling arm wrench. Helms then transitioned beautifully into a laying hammerlock. MEARS: And here we see the technical prowess of Locke Helms. He holds the record for longest Intrepid Championship reign and this is why. PETRIE: Yeah he’s fucking great. The longer this match goes the more it favours him for sure. “The Stone Gargoyle” fought up but remained in the hammerlock. Ojima through a wild elbow backward that missed its mark. This provided Helms an opportunity to grab Ojima’s free arm, lift him up and drop him with a vile backbreaker. Helms covered but could only get a two count. MEARS: The tide has turned and Locke Helms is in complete control. PETRIE: The old timer may need a wheelchair after this match. MEARS: That backbreaker was wince inducing. Helms was in control at this point but he wasn’t feeling great. Helms shook off whatever pain was troubling him and tied up with Ojima. Helms landed a series of quick European uppercuts and then sent Ojima into the ropes. When Ojima trotted back across the ring Helms dropped him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Helms covered again but again Ojima kicked out at two. PETRIE: The old bastard isn’t dead yet. Knowing that he needed to end this contest soon, Helms got Ojima up and looked for the Witching Hour but Ojima slipped out behind Helms and locked him in Chinese Water Torture (Dragon Sleeper). Helms was dead center in the middle of the ring, nowhere near the ropes. MEARS: Helms has precious few moments to find a way out of this! PETRIE: Ojima is fucking scary man. Look at him. Helms reached out at first but once he clocked just where he was, he started to try and throw knees at Ojima’s face. He missed. Ojima’s wrenched back while screaming like a psychopath and Helms’ body went limp. The referee had no choice but to end the match. Winner: Reo Ojima Ojima’s music didn’t kick up because Ojima immediately left the ring. Grabbing a steel chair and bringing inside the ring, Ojima sat his ass on the chair and looked up at the ramp. His OWF Parakore Title hung on his shoulder as he placed his mouthguard behind his ear.

OJIMA: Have I earned my spot yet? Someone in the back, go ask Oscar Barlow. Ask that pencil neck ass, who’s never stepped in a wrestling ring before, ask him if I’ve earned my spot yet. Who else in the back do I need to beat to earn my spot, huh? Anyone else in the back think they deserve a shot? If you do make your way down here and let’s go. Or did everyone leave because they already had their match?

Ojima paused as he caught his breath.

OJIMA: You listen and you listen well Oscar. I spent 30 years in this industry putting my life on the line. I don’t need to earn anything. I’ve earned anything I want. While the rest of the roster relax and enjoy their youth after OATH shows, I’m flying back to Japan to train students. I’m winning tournaments in Australia with OWF. I’m facing off against the likes of Lisa Seldon over in Japan in Death Matches. And I just got done in a steel cage match for OATH. So when I say I want Erik Holland for the title, I’m getting Erik Holland for the title. And if anyone has a problem with that…..well I don’t give a damn. Erik, your ass is mine, boy. Tossing the microphone to the ground, Ojima made his way to the back.

MEARS: There it is. Ojima is demanding a World Championship match and at this point who can argue with him?

PETRIE: Definitely not Locke Helms.

The shot closed in on Helms who was laying on the mat with the referee checking on him. Helms sat up and shoved the referee away. The eerie thing is that Helms was kind of smiling. That smile got bigger when “Brenda Stubbert” cued up.

PETRIE: Oh shit! Declan Black is here!

MEARS: Coming to pick the bones I assume.

Declan Black walked out onto the stage but before we could get a good look at him, the action went back to the ring where Jack O’Brien and Derrick Warburton had slipped in the ring unnoticed! Clan Black charged and double sledged Helms in the back. They then lifted him high in the air and planted him with a double chokeslam.

MEARS: As if this needed to happen! Helms has already taken a beating here tonight.

PETRIE: It was a great match but he got caught. Now he’s gonna die.

While that attack ensued, Black had made his way to the ring. Black slipped between the ropes and we could see that he had an object in his hand.

MEARS: What..is that a metal chain?

PETRIE: Goddamn right it is.

Black slowly wrapped the chain around his fist as he picked up Ojima’s discarded microphone. Black approached Helms, who was laying on the mat in agony. Black dropped a knee on his chest and got right in his face, raising the microphone to his own lips.

BLACK: You wanted this. You asked for this. You wanted the old Declan Black? Well here he is.

Black then went about hitting Helms in the face with these loaded shots. Helms was busted open almost instantly and security flooded the ring to stop this attempted murder. Security swarmed Clan Black and pulled the chain wielding Black off of Helms.

MEARS: This is vile.

PETRIE: This is what Helms wanted! Black is right!

As security resolved the situation the shot closed in on Helms’ bloody face. Surprisingly, Helms’ eyes were open and….he was smiling.

Results: • The Inevitable def. Ultramega UK • Ben Macbeth def. Annie Lapalm • James Edwards def. Tony Satriale • Josie Wales def. Silvio Aprile • Qiyanna Marshal def. Nixie Caine • Zeke Davis def. Morgan Malice • Damaged Goods def. Midnight Special • FM Young def. Astaroth to retain the Tabula Rasa Title • Finn Whelan def. Minoru Tanahashi • Reo Ojima def. Locke Helms