CONVICTION XXIV RESULTS

Episode XXIV July 19th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

Kallie Reznik def. Astaroth

Reznik hit Astaroth with Elysium (Running Bicycle Kick) and then delivered Threads Of The Moirai (Eclipse) and secured the pinfall victory. Qiyanna Marshal def. Annie Lapalm

This one lasted about fifteen seconds as Marshal hit Lapalm with Black Fire (Double Underhook DDT) almost immediately and pinned Lapalm for the victory. AJ Jenkynx def. Eddie Kobain

Jenkynx dominated this contest and hit massive superplex that knocked Kobain loopy. Seconds later Jenkynx hit Kobain with Broken Dreams (Tiger Driver) and pinned Kobain to get a victory in his debut. Matt Shields def. Scribbles Shields completely destroyed Scribbles with every neckbreaker known to humanity. The end came when Shields locked Scribbles in Whispers of Azathoth (Arm Trapped Facelock) for the submission victory.

Minoru Tanahashi def. Silvio Aprile In the main event (I guess) of the Kickoff Show, Tanahashi made his return to OATH after a three week excursion in Japan. Tanahashi got back to his winning ways by beating the piss out of Aprile for a few minutes before hitting him with the Black Lion Bomb (Tiger Driver 98) to get the pinfall and the victory. Welcome back you scamp.

“The Real Man” began playing throughout the arena as new OATH World Champion Reo Ojima made his way out onto the stage greeted by boos. Ojima didn’t care though, and neither did Zeke Davis and Baz Jacobi as they followed and accompanied Ojima to the foot of the ramp. The three men showed off matching black shirts with the ONI logo on the front and their three names on the back. Stylish shit. The OATH World Title hangs on Ojima’s shoulder as a bottle of Jack Daniels was held in his right hand. Davis had three glasses in his hand while Jacobi carried a bent up steel chair. The three men would make their way to the ring with Jacobi opening up the chair, placing it in the middle of the ring. Ojima sat in the chair and leaned back in it as the old bastard held up a microphone and began to address the fans in The Citadel.

OJIMA: Gonna sit down cause carrying this company has put a lot of pressure on my knees.

Ojima gave a chuckle as he opened up the bottle of Jack Daniels and poured the liquid into the three glasses that Davis had brought down. Each man took a glass and had a sip of it before Ojima started to talk again.

OJIMA: That’s the stuff, boys. Now I came to the arena today and half of the OATH roster congratulated me. Gave me some bottles of booze and went on their way with my good graces. The other half didn’t stop by at all. Gave me dirty looks while I made my way to the locker room. I’ll remember that, dumbasses.

Ojima pointed to his head as he looked into the camera.

OJIMA: So. What now, huh? Well, after last week we showed the world what ONI is capable of. My boys and I took care of that worthless piece of crap Ben Macbeth with a couple of broken ribs after they tossed his ass off a stage.

Ojima raised his glass up and the three gave a chuckle as they tapped their glasses together before taking a sip.

OJIMA: Also gave that jackass Oscar Barlow a concussion along with a pair of broken arms. Good job with that boys. Grade A shit there.

Ojima raised his glass and the three tapped their glasses again before taking another sip.

OJIMA: Best of all was that I won the World Title from Erik Holland. Fat ass was tough but this old bastard was tougher.

Another loud laugh as the three tapped their glasses again and downed the rest of the Jack Daniels. Ojima motioned to Jacobi to get them another round so he could finish talking.

OJIMA: So here is how it’s going to work from now on. The Barlow Family can act like they run this place but that is a lie. Anyone else in the back who thinks they run this place is also a lie. I hold the OATH World Title in one hand and Oscar Barlows decapitated head in the other. So to everyone in the back, Zeke, Baz, and myself...the members of ONI.....we run OATH. And there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.

Jacobi was done pouring everyone’s drinks and handed them over to Davis and Ojima.

OJIMA: So, first order of business, I think Zeke and Baz here deserve a shot at the tag team titles. What do you boys think, huh? Did such a bang up job with Barlow and Macbeth that I think you should be rewarded for taking out the trash here in OATH.

Davis and Jacobi each gave a smile as all three men took sips of their drinks.

OJIMA: Second order or business is that I want Josie Wales. You hear me back there? Huh? You got a victory on me thanks for that deadbeat Macbeth and I want my victory against you back. I’ll even give you a title shot. All you have to do is say yes and you get a title shot in three weeks. It’s not like you have anything else better to do since you’re not in the EHS, so be smart and say yes or I’ll find you in the back and give you the ol Oscar Barlow treatment.

Ojima gave a chuckle as he patted the steel chair that he was sitting on, indicating that said chair was one of the instruments used to take Barlow out.

OJIMA: And the last order of business is that I want to address The Barlow Family. You get that camera on me nice and tight now because I don’t want to repeat myself. You listening, Barlow Family? You’re angry because of what I did to your boy and I don’t blame you. Anger makes people stupid, so don’t be stupid. Think before you react because if you decide to be a dumbass like Oscar was and piss me off, you’ll be laying in a bed next to him in the hospital. So be smart and just let ONI run this joint. Ok?

Ojima gave a playful tap to the side of the camera as he downed the rest of the liquor. OJIMA: So to everyone that decided to be a dumbass and not pay attention to me or our actions these past couple of weeks, ONI will soon enough slap some sense into you and show you why ONI runs this place. Now and forever.

“The Real Man” began playing as Ojima dropped the microphone and all three men made their way out of the ring and into the back.

Outside The Citadel we see footage from earlier today as El Diablo Blanco arrived on the premises in his Chrysler Pacifica. Parking in the fan area, El Diablo Blanco exited the vehicle and went to the backseat to grab his bags. As the doors opened, we saw a pair of carseats taking up most of the backseat. As the camera made its way closer to El Diablo Blanco, one could wonder why he had bags at all considering he was already clad in his Zubaz pants, sleeveless compression shirt and mask; something he is never seen without.

EL DIABLO: Back up now, Brother. I need to get inside the Citadel and start preparations for tonight.

As El Diablo started to walk past the camera, he paused and turned back around.

EL DIABLO: I’m sorry, Brother. You’re probably wanting to get a shot of me because you’re wondering just who I am. What my story is. Is that right, Brother?

The camera’s POV shook up and down as if to say "Yes".

EL DIABLO: I’m going to keep this brief because I leave most of my storytelling to the ring, Brother. The name’s El Diablo Blanco and I’m probably one of the oldest rookies you’ll ever come to meet. At 35 years young, I just started training at the start of this year in my hometown of Chicago for the great training center known as Goat Farm Wrestling. I know, what are you doing getting into wrestling at 35? The truth of the matter, Brother, is that I’ve been doing this for the past 20 plus years in people’s backyards. That’s right, Brother. Ever since the heydays of Dave Maynard, I’ve been intrigued to jump off your neighbor’s garage and fall through some makeshift table made of plywood and particle board. Now, the problem is I get older, but they stayed the same age. Tell me how it looks when the inevitable neighbor gives a call to the police, they show up and here’s this 30 year old guy pretending fighting with a bunch of teenagers. I’m not ending up on some website, Brother. No sir, no way. Plus, the pay sucked. Actually, there was no pay and I’m stuck working a 9-5 throughout the week to pay the bills. Those Little Diablitos aren’t going to fill their bellies up on the hopes and dreams of their father. Diggit?!

El Diablo paused, waving his hands in front of his face.

EL DIABLO: I’m getting a bit too far off track, Brother. Don’t let this appearance fool you. I may be the common man but my mission in life is to show that the common man can rise to the occasion. I’ve got myself a Nation out there that believes in El D and by God I’m going to do everything I can to instill hope in those around me. That’s why tonight, when I make my main card debut here in OATH, I’m going to have the Diablo Nation behind me cheering me on while my opponent has her rats. Now, don’t take that the wrong way. It’s nothing but love, Sister, but a win means a whole lot more to the Nation and the winner’s purse means a whole lot more to the Little Diablitos and Wifey sitting at home watching on TV. So, Mary Mallon, Rat, whatever it is you go by, that angst you choose to live with, while groovy, doesn’t quite vibe well with my agenda. I may not be the biggest, I may not be the greatest, I may be the king of dad bod but mark my words, there isn’t another performer on this roster that can match my desire. I’ve got a Nation behind me, Sister, and I am not one that likes to disappointment. I’d wish you the best but that wouldn’t bold so well for me. Can you Diggit?!

El Diablo Blanco pretended to fist bump the camera followed by mouthing an audible explosion. He continued towards The Citadel as the cameras just looked on.

SINGLES MATCH El Diablo Loco vs. Mary Mallon

The first match of the night saw two competitors make their main show debuts as El Diablo Blanco took on “Rat” Mary Mallon. Blanco got a surprising pop as he entered the arena, as there appeared to be pockets of Diablo Nation throughout the crowd in The Citadel. When it came to Mallon, well seemed deeply put off by this creepy individual.

As the bell was in the process of ringing, Mallon darted toward Blanco and took him down with a sloppy Lou Thesz Press. Sloppy, but effective. Mallon mounted Blanco and unleashed a flurry of shots where maybe fifty percent of them landed but it didn’t really matter because she was throwing so many! Blanco tried to cover up but Mallon was beating the piss out of him. She came at the leader of the Diablo Nation like a spider monkey.

MEARS: Mary Mallon is out for blood here tonight, taking El Diablo Blanco down right out of the gate! She is tenacious!

PETRIE: That’s one way to put it! To me she seems a few fries short of a Happy Meal!

MEARS: Perhaps don’t mention that particular company. They aren not a sponsor of OATH.

The referee had no choice but to separate them as Blanco grabbed the bottom rope. As soon as the Wal-Mart Luchador was able to stand, Mallon charged after him again! Blanco couldn’t let that reckless onslaught happen again so he grabbed the top rope, fell to his back and Mallon spilled over the top rope to the outside.

Mallon tried to regroup on the outside while Blanco called out to the Diablo Nation! They responded with another surprising chorus of cheers so Blanco darted as fast as his Zubaz pants would allow, hit the opposing ropes and then charged toward Mallon, looking for a suicide dive. Mallon was quicker though, just as Blanco came through the ropes Mallon blasted him with a forearm shot. Blanco was stopped and dropped onto the apron.

MEARS: A major mis-calculation from the Backyard Luchador. Mallon had some serious stopping power with that shot!

PETRIE: This guy is a fucking charicature. Get him off my screen.

MEARS: The fans seem to love him.

PETRIE: These fans aren’t burdened with my incredible taste.

“Rat” slipped into the ring ala her namesake and she dragged Diablo to the center of the ring. Diablo rolled onto his back and kicked Mallon in the hand to break her grip. Clever girl. Diablo kipped up and rushed Mallon but she sidestepped him and sent him into the ropes. On Diablo’s return he was able to stifle her offense with a running head scissor takedown.

Mallon slithered backward to give herself some room to recover as Diablo played to the audience, who popped for his athleticism. Mallon popped up and charged at Diablo looking for a wild cross body but Diablo caught her, turned on a dime and tossed her into the corner in a heap all in one fluid motion. Mallon landed on her left shoulder and let a small whimper of agony that would go undetected by anyone over 60.

MEARS: Mary’s reckless offense was her undoing there. You have to think that El Diablo Blanco’s backyard experience has prepared him for someone as unpredictable as Mary Mallon.

PETRIE: Backyard Experience is what working at McDonald’s is to working in fine dining.

MEARS: Again, you must not mention that company…

Seemingly infuriated by her mis-calculation, Mallon was right back up and gunning for Diablo again. Mallon charged in but Diablo was faster and he planted her on the mat with a spinebuster! Diablo had Mallon down in the center of the ring. Diablo looked out into the audience and removed his right elbow pad, tossing it into the crowd.

Diablo hit the ropes and then jumped over Mallon’s prone body to hit the opposing ropes. Diablo then came running back and after some minor theatrics he dropped a vicious Backyard Elbow right into Mallon’s heart. The audience fucking loved this blatant copywrite infringement as Diablo covered but only got a two count.

PETRIE: Is that a fucking joke?

MEARS: It seemed to make everyone in The Citadel smile!

PETRIE: Not me. I’m enraged.

Feeling the power of the Diablo Nation, the former backyarder gave Mallon a boot to the mid-section and then lifted her up for a powerbomb, however, Mallon threw herself backward into a pinning predicament. Mallon only got a one count when Diablo put her onto her back in a pin of her own! Mallon had nowhere to go as the referee counted the three. Mallon kicked out just a second too late.

Winner: El Diablo Blanco

"The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)" kicked up and it seemed that the Diablo Nation sections of the crowd got bigger over the course of this match because there were a lot more cheers for Diablo compared to when he came out. Diablo got his arm raised.

MEARS: El Diablo Blanco picks up his second victory here in OATH and The Citadel is ecstatic for him!

The Diablo Nation only had a few seconds to enjoy their leader’s victory because Mallon came from behind and took him down with a chop block. Mallon immediately mounted Diablo, hitting him with a wild hurricane of strikes. The referee was able to pull Mallon off of the referee but Mallon cold cocked the referee in the jaw, dropping him instantly.

Mallon gave Diablo a departing kick to the ribs before fleeing the ring, obviously quite pissed that she lost her first match on the main show.

We cut to a new area exclusive to The Citadel, Pillar & Post. A full bar that had an active feed of Conviction playing on televisions hanging all over the room. Normally there would be scores of fans inside, cheering on their favourites but tonight with restrictions there was only a bartender and a lone patron. The patron was a heavily tattooed man, with unkempt hair hanging down all around him. He slammed down a fist on the bar top.

SHIELDS: Brian, another Belvedere and tonic and don’t you forget the fucking lime this time.

The bartender shrugged it off, made the drink and put the lime right in the rim of the glass and brought it over.

SHIELDS: Thank you Brad. I’m sorry about the outburst, it’s just, do you know who I am Blake?

He stood up, stretched his arms out and showed off, haphazardly ripped jeans, a leopard print belt, dark red t-shirt and his TIME TO DIE vest,

SHIELDS: You have to know who I am Billy. I have been a fucking champion everywhere I have been before. I have had reigns that most can only dream about. I should have been immediately placed into this tournament. They should have put me in Holland’s place. Either he has a rematch clause and doesn’t even need to be in there, or more likely whoa moron, forgot it and should go to the back of the damn line. Make way for the king, right Barry?

He sat down and chugged his drink down.

SHIELDS: Make me another one of these and two shots, your choice, one of them is yours, Bobby.

The bartender looked a little surprised and annoyed that Shields kept getting his name wrong especially since it says "wrestling student", STEVE on his name tag. Steve made the drink and poured two shots, downing it along with Shields.

SHIELDS: I mean the fucking pre show? The god damn pre show. The cock sucking (doesn’t mean dick) crowd still filing in, no pyro having pre show. Never again Bret. I’m gonna go find some motherfucker to take this out on. You’re a good kid Kyle, when you become a ref, if you ref one of my matches, remember this.

Shields pulled out a wad of hundred dollar bills and threw about twenty down on the bar.

SHIELDS: Should cover my tab and you buying two pairs of real wrestling boots, get fully measured, 4 pairs of good knee pads, a bunch of good pants, and something nice for your girlfriend who is hotter than you deserve.

Shields downed his drink and headed out, cracking his knuckles and neck.

SINGLES MATCH Jenna Sharpe vs. Tyler War

The next match of Conviction XXIV saw two competitors graduate from the Kickoff Show and join us for their first televised bout. They grow up so fast. Third generation wrestler, “The Canadian Wildcat” Jenna Sharpe was set to take on the always confident Tyler War. Both competitors made their entrances, Jenna looking determined and War taking his time. It appeared that War was not pleased with having to face Jenna...for whatever reason.

MEARS: Would you look at that scowl Bad Mood?

PETRIE: A man after my own heart!

MEARS: I should have guessed that you would say that.

The referee called for the bell and the two wrestlers came to the middle of the ring. Jenna put her hand up looking for a test of strength but War just scoffed. War smacked Jenna’s hand away and then positioned for a lock up. Jenna was game for that. The two locked up and War immediately used his weight advantage to shove Sharpe to the mat.

Jenna, not letting War frustrate her, got up and positioned herself for another lock up. And so it was. The two grappled and Jenna immediately lifted War up and slammed him onto his stomach. Jenna then backed away with her arms outstretched as if to say “How bout that?”. Quite cheeky.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe has the pedigree in this contest. She is a third generation wrestler and you know that her family has taught her all of the tricks that they have in their collective bag.

PETRIE: What bag?

MEARS: Watch that match my friend.

Although War came into this match with absolute confidence, now he just looked pissed off. The two locked up for a third time but this time War drove a piercing knee into Jenna’s mid-section which made her double over as a shot like tends to do. War then clubbed Jenna in the spine and Jenna dropped to the mat, smacking her face off of the canvas.

Jenna tried to get up onto all fours but War was quick to grab her arm and pin her to the mat with the magistral cradle. War got a quick two count before Jenna was able to roll backward and get up to a knee. The shot closed in on War’s face as he held out his thumb and forefinger to indicate that he was “this close”. Jenna didn’t let his arrogance bother her, she remained resolute.

MEARS: Tyler War is trying to frustrate The Canadian Wildcat. I do not know that this tactic will bear fruit.

PETRIE: WHAT FRUIT?

MEARS: I know what you are doing and it needs to stop.

PETRIE: No.

War held up his index finger and said “One more time.” before positioning himself for a lock up but Jenna showed her ability by charging him, taking him down with an impressive rolling knee bar. Jenna immediately started wrenching on the hold and for the first time in this contest War looked a little scared as he reached out for the ropes.

Using the entirety of his upper body strength, War pushed off the mat and dragged himself to the bottom rope. Jenna tried to inflict as much damage as possible before War got to the bottom rope. War grabbed it and the referee called for Jenna to break the hold. War pounded the mat in frustration and that earned a smirk from Jenna.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is a submission specialist. Tyler War needs to show her some more respect or he could get submitted.

PETRIE: I find that unlikely. He is only using ten percent of his skillset right now.

MEARS: I would advise using the other ninety percent.

PETRIE: He knows what he’s doing!

War got up and looked like he was ready to commit murder. He pushed off the ropes and bounded toward Jenna only for Jenna to evade it and then attempt a wheelbarrow roll up! War didn’t let her roll through and instead he lifted her up for a wheelbarrow suplex but Jenna shifted her weight and tried to turn it into a bulldog. War planted his feet and held Jenna up for a back suplex but he took one step backward and dumped her over the top rope to the floor! Jenna landed with a thud that earned a collective gasp from the audience in The Citadel.

Jenna tried to recover but War ran to the opposing ropes and then charged toward Jenna’s position. War went for a baseball slide but Jenna moved out of the way. War landed on his feet outside the ring as Jenna jumped up onto the apron. Jenna ran across the apron, leaped off, and took War down with a meteora on the outside!

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe takes to the sky! What a move!

PETRIE: She is supposed to be a technical wrestler! She lied on her information form.

MEARS: What on Earth are you talking about?

PETRIE: I have it right here!

MEARS: ...that’s a Pillar & Post takeout menu.

PETRIE: Getting me some potato skins. Believe it.

Feeling some real goddamn momentum Jenna got War up but War recovered quickly and caught her with a European uppercut. Jenna was stunned and War gathered her up and tossed her overhead with a t-bone suplex. War then slid into the ring, perhaps hoping for a count out victory. How unsportsmanlike!

The referee got to a count of fourteen while War took this time to recover. Jenna was up at sixteen and she pulled herself into the ring where War caught her in the mouth with a basement dropkick. Jenna got smacked right in the face and War covered for a two count.

PETRIE: Where is your plan now Wildcat? You just got kicked in the fucking face!

War, in complete control, let Jenna get up and was mocking her, telling her that she could do it. Once Jenna was up to her feet War advanced but Jenna picked his leg and rolled through into a calf crusher! War let out in pain but he was close to the ropes. Jenna noticed this so in an impressive bit of technical prowess, Jenna rolled back, repositioned herself and applied Devil's Trap (Last Chancery)! Jenna’s body was now between War and the salvation of the ropes. War had no choice but to submit.

Winner: Jenna Sharpe

“Missile” cued up and the fans applauded Jenna for her victory. “The Canadian Wildcat” had her hand raised for the second week in a row -- she couldn’t look more pleased about it. War on the other hand, well he just looked miserable.

The scene switched backstage to Leah Aguero fixing the tape around her wrists as she looked into the camera. Blurry, in the background, was Stephanie Matsuda getting ready for her respective match but was allowing Aguero to have this time for herself.

AGUERO: I guess tonight is where everything kicks off, huh. We’ve already got our eyes set on this Event Horizon Series to determine a new number one contender to the OATH World Championship. I look at both blocks and can’t help but see quite a bit of talent in the pool. Management, Inevitably, has been wise enough to put both Steph and I in the pack so you’re sure to at least have some entertaining matches. On my side of the block we’ve got Erik Holland, Declan Black and FM Young. Erik Holland has been a man I’ve wanted to get in the ring with for a minute now. We’ve been in a lot of the same places but we never quite crossed paths. Sure, we were on opposite sides of a tag match not too long ago but I’m looking forward to that “inevitable” one on one encounter. Before that happens, though, I’ve got myself a bug to squash.

Aguero set her right foot, showing off her Timbs, on a nearby bench. She bent over acting like she’s dusting off the top.

AGUERO: FM Young, the One Woman Army. Bitch, please. You really going to walk around here trying to spit hype when you can’t even quote history. I literally take one look at you and I can’t help but laugh. I’ll give you your just due. You’ve gone 6-1 here in OATH. Not many have been able to do that. But you open your mouth and you just come off so damn moronic. I suggest you take a moment to learn your history before you go running that trap. Let me introduce myself. I’m the muthafucking War Queen Leah Aguero; not to be mistaken with my Cuz back there. People say we look alike but I just don’t see it. Collectively, we are known as The Inevitable. Why? Because it was Inevitable we’d be the first tag team champions around these parts. Don’t let that fool you for one second though, Toots. Yeah, everywhere I’ve gone I’ve been a tag champ. UWF, OATH, NFW, all with different partners. I’ve also found success as a singles competitor; something you could quite easily come to know if your head wasn’t so far up your own ass. You think you’re big. You think you’re bad. I can respect the idea you believe that but you ain’t faced me yet. You ain’t earned that respect yet. For now, you’re just some little girl that’s letting her mouth write checks her ass can’t cash. Don’t you worry, though. Tonight, I’m going to take those words of yours, shove them down your throat and I’ll kick that mouth clean off your face. You’ll like this one… I’m going to introduce you to The Endgame…

Aguero chuckled to herself.

AGUERO: So go ahead and keep mouthing off. Unoriginal? A thief? Let me ask you this, Young. After all the talking is done. After all “hype” you’re trying to give yourself. When your words get you trapped in the corner. When all of your training adds up to nothing and you're left in that ring on all fours trying to scramble to figure a way out of this. When you’re left with no moves left to make. Bitch, that’s The Endgame and this little boot of mine? It’s going to end up right across that face. I’m kicking off this series with some points BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY and that, sweetie. Well, that’s Inevitable.

Aguero winked at the camera as the scene switched back to the ring.

TAG TEAM MATCH Scum & Villainy vs. Midnight Special

Once up at the top of the stage, Davis and Jacobi dragged Macbeth to the very edge of the elevated stage. The two looked at one another with a smirk and then launched Macbeth off the stage with a double beale. Macbeth landed with a disgusting thud on the concrete. EMTs were quickly out to help Macbeth as he lay on the floor, covered in his own blood. OATH RAPTURE - July 12th, 2020

This next one had some real heat behind it. Midnight Special’s EMBLEM partner Ben Macbeth was taken out by S&V last week at Rapture, they came to this match looking for revenge. Midnight Special made their way to the ring first but then each of them ducked behind barricades on either side of the ramp. S&V was out next. Baz Jacobi and Zeke Davis marched to the ring, clad in their new ONI t-shirts, with Jacobi’s manager Shortcut trailing behind them.

Once at the bottom of the ramp, Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry sprang their trap. Cherry took Davis down with a Lou Thesz press while Carbine absolutely blasted Jacobi with a spear that took both Jacobi and Shortcut down. Both Carbine and Cherry started feeding their respective targets bombs to the face.

MEARS: I may not agree with the tactic but it seems to have worked. Scum & Villainy are getting a taste of their own medicine right now.

PETRIE: This is completely unsportsmanlike and I am boycotting Midnight Special from this day forward.

MEARS: I do not believe that they will care.

Carbine got Jacobi up and shot him toward the ring with an Irish whip. Jacobi crashed into the apron back first as Cherry got Davis up and sent him sailing right toward Davis. Davis collided with Jacobi, their heads smacking into one another. Midnight Special then went about rolling but Davis and Jacobi back into the ring.

With all four competitors in the ring, the referee stood between them as he spoke to both Davis and Jacobi, making sure that they were ready to compete. Being the complete dickheads that they are, S&V milked the referee’s professional courtesy for all it was worth. Davis and Jacobi checked each other to see if they had any noticeable injuries.

MEARS: These two clearly were not expecting to be taken to task like they just were.

PETRIE: They came out here for a standard tag team match! Midnight Special just wanted an advantage over the best team in all of OATH.

MEARS: This is their first match together…

PETRIE: I know! It’s remarkable that they have achieved such high status without a single match!

Davis then nodded at the referee and the referee turned to tell Midnight Special to choose who would start the contest for their team. This was the opening that Davis needed as he shoved the referee right into Cherry. Cherry stopped the referee from doing any real damage but Davis was on him. Davis jumped and caught Cherry with a high dropkick to the face, with Cherry only just able to push the referee out of harm’s way.

Having connected with the big dropkick, Davis quickly tried to pin Cherry, stacking him up. Davis tried to use Cherry’s waist band for added leverage but the referee saw it and stopped the count. Davis smashed his fists on the mat out of frustration. As Davis saw that Cherry was back up, Davis rushed him only for Cherry to plant him into the mat with a uranage.

MEARS: An impressive uranage by Josh Cherry right there. Midnight Special is fueled by vengeance and they are taking no prisoners here tonight.

Cherry dragged Davis over to the Midnight’s corner like he was a corpse. Spooky. Cherry tagged in Carbine and then fed Davis to Carbine. Carbine lifted Davis up as if he was gonna do a spinebuster but Cherry hit the ropes and hit a clothesline to complete the Hart Attack double team. Carbine opted not to pin Davis but inflict more punishment.

“The Heavy Gun” got Davis up in a bear hug and let Davis face his own corner. As Carbine tried to squeeze the life out of Davis, Davis reached for his partner Jacobi. Jacobi looked desperate to make the tag, screaming obscenities at Carbine. Carbine then took one step and slammed Davis into the mat with AUTHORITY.

MEARS: Zeke Davis is being dominated right now. He has not been able to make a tag. Perhaps some more experience as a team is needed for Scum & Villainy to be cohesive.

PETRIE: Just you wait Mears. They are gonna turn it up any minute. Any minute now.

Davis lay seemingly lifeless at Carbine’s feet as Carbine made the tag to Cherry, who was more than willing to get back into the action. Carbine lifted Davis up again, this time in a Gory special. Carbine stretched him way back for a few seconds before he released Davis right into the Special Attraction (Gory Special [Carbine] / X-Factor [Cherry]). Cherry made the cover but Jacobi was in the ring with a boot to the back of Cherry’s head to break up the pin.

Carbine saw Jacobi and charged after him but Jacobi ran back to his corner. Carbine gave chase but the referee ordered Carbine back to his own corner. This distraction allowed Shortcut to jump up onto the apron and throw a fine powder-like substance into Cherry’s face! Cherry staggered around the ring holding his eyes. Carbine wanted to check on his partner but he had to get on the apron.

MEARS: What was that? Was that salt?

PETRIE: What was what?

MEARS: I bet that he stole that from Pillar & Post. No doubt in my mind.

Knowing that Shortcut had done something unsavoury, Carbine slipped through the ropes and went after the weird little bastard. Davis crawled over to his corner and made the tag to Jacobi. Jacobi shot into the ring, hitting Cherry with a springboard missile dropkick. As Carbine chased Shortcut by S&V’s place on the apron, Davis jumped off the apron and took Carbine down with a blockbuster from the apron.

In the ring, Cherry was still stumbling around, unable to see. Jacobi used this to his advantage and blasted Cherry with Twin Peaks (Double Roaring Elbows). Jacobi then quickly gathered Cherry back up and dropped him with See Some Evil (Whale Hunt). Jacobi covered and got the cheap victory.

Winners: Scum & Villainy

As soon as the bell rang, Jacobi slipped out of the ring and got Davis away from Carbine. The trio of Davis, Jacobi, and Shortcut quickly fled ringside. The three men were celebrating and laughing as they ran up the ramp.

The camera opened on FM Young sitting with her guest Cass Baumer at a table on the VIP Patio of Pillar & Post. The pair seemed relaxed, plates and drinks in front of them. Today’s special of the day? A light meal of turkey sandwiches and iced tea! True to her nickname, Cassandra fidgeted with her phone, though. The Twitter application was open as she scrolled down the feed.

YOUNG: What's up? Can we bin Twitter for a bit? It must be bad if you of all people aren't eating a free meal.

Cass shrugged, staring at her sandwich before she took a small bite while she thought about her response.

BAUMER: Everything’s fine, it’s just that— Well, there’s a lotta talk about this upcoming Event Horizon Series on social media. I don’t blame ‘em, though. I mean, the winner will have the chance to fight for the OATH World Championship at Event Horizon II in September, after all. Twitter. Instagram. TikTok. YouTube. All of them got their speculations running rampant about who’s gonna win.

YOUNG: I know I don't have many friends on the roster. Not that I'm here for friends, I'm here to work, but I just joined last cycle. I was undefeated ‘til Rapture. That has to count for something with fans, and critics, bookies at least.

BAUMER: Yeah, that’s true. Plus, that loss to Josie Wales didn’t exactly set the world on fire. How are ya feeling after that? I know it’s been a rough couple weeks.

YOUNG: I've always told you, Cass. This is a losing man's game, no one wins at this forever. Losses happen, fact of life. I walked into OATH, and after two matches I won a title. I always said I aimed to bring the Tabula Rasa Championship out of the bottom of the pile. I feel I did that, I'm proud of what I did with it. I had some great matches and better fights. Am I frustrated as hell that Josie Wales of all competitors managed to finally get one over on me? Yeah, I'm allowed to be pissed at a loss, it's when you're not pissed about it that you're in trouble. Still, Wales will undoubtedly only add to the legacy I started with that title. I've got to focus on my next opportunity. I got picked for the Event Horizon Series because of my record. I'm not letting it go to waste over a bout of ennui.

Cass nodded with a smile, agreeing with all her trainer said.

BAUMER: And hey, you probably wouldn’t have been given this opportunity if that title was still around your waist! Silver linings and all that, yeah?

FM stretched, shifting in her seat. Her eyes drifted around the room, considering her own response. The woman was thinking the day over, mentally preparing for her match. Seeing herself with Leah in the ring, using what she had taken careful time to learn of her to formulate a plan. Even as she went through this little interview, tuning back in to listen to Cass speak and consider her answers.

BAUMER: Let me show you this video. Maybe it’ll help you see where you're standing’s at these days.

After a moment, Cass casted a YouTube video onto the Bluetooth-enabled smart TV from her phone to show the OATH competitor what the presenters were saying. Young rubbed her forehead.

YOUNG: I told you NOT to tell me it's bad.

BAUMER: Just watch!

After a moment of loading, the video uploaded on July 15th continued in progress. An energetic presenter with a British accent, a bald head, and a red five o’clock shadow started to talk about OATH’s current events after running down what just happened at Rapture! Smash cutting from place to place in front of the green screen to keep the energy up, the topic of the Event Horizon Series was next. The logo appeared in a small box in the corner. After succinctly pointing out the rules of the tournament, he announced those involved with images included. Leah Aguero! Declan Black! James Edwards! Locke Helms! Erik Holland! Stephanie Matsuda! Ryan Terror! And FM Young!

Cass looked over to FM to see her reaction while the video continued to play. FM turned enough to see the t.v. After a moment her only visible reaction was a lift of her eyebrow, then that deep creased frown of hers. FM casted a slightly incredulous look back at Cass.

YOUNG: That dude is something.

The presenter deepened his tone of voice slightly to mention how his favorite to win was Erik Holland. He noted several other accomplishments Holland had achieved, as well as the fact that he’d recently departed from other promotions to focus solely on OATH. If it’s not Erik, he suspected Declan, Edwards, or Helms had what it took to win the round-robin to go on to compete for the top prize. He noted how many predict Leah, Matsuda, Terror, and FM Young were only in this tournament to fill out the brackets, but he did make sure to acknowledge anything could happen! After that, he changed subjects to a different topic in the wrestling community right now until Cass clicked the pause button on her phone.

YOUNG: Could be worse, as far as bad internet predictions about me go. I’ve had it be worse, at least he’s not speculating about my sex life!

Cass couldn't help but crack a smile and sicker a little under her breath.

YOUNG: It’s bullshit, really. One loss and I’m just bracket filler? Has anyone ever considered that I KNEW the Event Horizon Series was coming up? That I knew holding a Championship might exclude me? I was a damn good Champion, but one has to leap at opportunities to move upward, especially at OATH. So I am, I got given this opportunity, and no YouTube video is gonna tell me my place in the company. The facts are, I walked into OATH and kept winning, I won six matches in a row, carried a championship from my third match in this company. Those are facts. Leah Aguero can warp reality on Twitter all she wants. She can ignore facts all she wants. But I’m not the one crying about being mentally broken after two losses.

FM pulled her phone out of her pocket. Unlike Cass, she didn’t usually scroll Twitter and eat. After a few moments, she scrolled through Leah’s timeline and brought up a tweet. The Tiger of a woman turned her phone to show her companion.

YOUNG: She wants to dismiss me? She wants me to be afraid of that? I’m not afraid of anyone or anything that breaks so easily. She didn’t get their tag titles back, and her singles history is abysmal. She’s the one who's going to end up needing to make up the points. I’m starting this tournament strong! Declan Black can write me off as filler too. Let him hide behind his arrogance. It’s better for me. I’ll keep proving myself, with each match. Edwards is a worry, but I’ll see him at the finals. Holland is going to be a challenge, but that isn’t a mountain I haven’t climbed before. Hate to say it, but Terror and Matsuda? I’m not worried about them, that’s something I’ll deal with if I have to. I know who my threats are, I’ve got my game plan. I’m ready for this.

With a mouth full of a bite of her turkey sandwich, Cass applauded her trainer with pride as the video closed out.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: A BLOCK SINGLES MATCH Leah Aguero vs. FM Young

Oh shit. It was time for our first Event Horizon Series match in the A Block. “War Queen” Leah Aguero came to the ring and conspicuous by her absence was Aguero’s partner in The Inevitable, Stephanie Matsuda. The former Tabula Rasa Champion, “The Tiger” FM Young was out next with her eyes fixated on the ring.

MEARS: The Tiger is all business tonight.

PETRIE: Yeah and that should fucking terrify Leah Aguero. Young wants to avenge the loss of her Tabula Rasa Championship and Josie Wales is not in the EVS. That is bad for Aguero.

MEARS: I can not disagree.

Both competitors were in the ring at this point and they both looked ready to put in some fucking work. The bell sounded and before the echo dissipated Aguero exploded out of her corner, barreling toward Young. Aguero threw her leg up looking for a big boot but Young stepped to the side and sent Aguero into the ropes.

Aguero rebounded off the ropes and charged at Young. Young stopped Aguero’s momentum with a big knee to the midsection. Not wasting any time Young tried to end this one early by lifting Aguero up for the Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check) but Aguero slipped out and definitely smacked Young in the back of the head.

MEARS: Oh my. Leah Aguero just smacked FM Young like she was a petulant child!

PETRIE: You smack your kids?

MEARS: Never. But I have been on the receiving end of such discipline.

The Tiger slowly turned around like something out of a horror movie. The expression on Young’s face essentially said, “Are you fucking mental?”. Aguero just smiled and that prompted Young to throw a punch but Aguero caught it and took Young to the mat with an arm drag. Both competitors popped right back up in a fighting stance.

Aguero, like some kind of fast animal that I can’t think of right now, shot forward and looked for another arm drag but Young stood firm and then launched Aguero into the corner with a quick throw. Aguero looked a little taken aback by Young’s strength. Young charged in and went for a running forearm but Aguero slipped through the ropes onto the apron.

MEARS: Excellent evasion from Leah Aguero. She needs to use her speed against FM Young. She needs to strike and retreat.

PETRIE: Or just retreat and call it a fucking day.

Young collided with the top turnbuckle head first and Aguero grabbed the back of her head. Aguero introduced Young’s face to the top turnbuckle again and then held it there. Aguero kicked Young in the face from the apron, which sent Young staggering back to the center of the ring.

Taking a page out of her partner’s playbook, Aguero hit an uncharacteristic springboard into the ring and landed on Young’s shoulders in electric chair position. Aguero tried to throw her weight back for a poison rana but Young held on to her legs. Aguero sat back up on Young’s shoulders and The Tiger lifted Aguero up and dropped her throat first on across the top rope.

MEARS: Good Lord!

PETRIE: Yeah I bet that didn’t feel great. High risk, no reward.

Aguero was stumbling around the ring, holding her throat like she inhaled mustard gas (which is a WAR CRIME mind you) and Young walked right up to her and smacked her in the back of the head. Little receipt for the War Queen. No returns, no refunds. Aguero staggered forward and caught herself on the top rope.

There was a pause in the action as Aguero looked over to Young, almost smiling. Young gestured for Aguero to bring it and Aguero obliged. Gleefully. Aguero rushed but Young had the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline) loaded. Aguero figured as much, slipped through, spun Young around and planted the top of Young’s head into the mat with a thrust DDT. Aguero covered but only got a two count!

MEARS: The first near fall of the contest!

PETRIE: Hell I thought she did it there.

MEARS: Not just yet.

The two competitors got right back up but Aguero was quicker and Young was on dream street, wherever the hell that is. Aguero stutter stepped and then slipped through behind Young, getting her in a waist lock. Aguero tried to lift Young up for a German suplex but Young hooked her leg around Aguero’s.

Young let out a howl and tossed an elbow back to Aguero. What a treat! Aguero didn’t. That’s fine. Young tossed another one back and Aguero was forced to let go. Young then reached back and put Aguero on her ass with a snapmare. In an effort to slow this freight train of a match down, Young applied a kneeling chin lock. Probably a good idea. Probably.

MEARS: This was a wise move from FM Young.

PETRIE: She knows what she is doing. Young is a dark horse in this series but fuck it, she’s my pick! Better call my bookie.

The Tiger had Aguero seated with a chin lock and The War Queen looked to be fading...but only for a moment. Aguero knew that she was in a bad place and started to try and hulk up (or something similar). Just as Aguero was about to fight up to her feet, Young stopped that shit and started dropping sharp elbows onto Aguero’s collarbone.

Knowing that this rudimentary hold wasn’t going to put Aguero away, Young released it but quickly hit the opposing ropes, charged forward and hit Aguero with a soccer kick to the spine. Aguero let out in pain. Everyone in The Citadel felt that one, a response that seemed to please The Tiger. Young screamed at Aguero to get out, a new sense of brutality coursing through her veins.

MEARS: FM Young is finished being toyed with.

PETRIE: I don’t think Aguero was toying with her.

MEARS: The smack to the back of the sure seemed to say otherwise.

Feeling very impatient, Young decided to assist Aguero in standing. Young smashed Aguero in the face with some forearm shots and then sent her into the ropes. Knowing that she had to make a stand, naturally Aguero dropped her stomach and tried to slide through Young’s legs but Young was ready and she came down on Aguero’s spine with a big stomp.

Young ground her boot onto Aguero’s spine and Aguero let out in agony. Young then dropped to a seated position, grabbed Aguero’s head with both hands and wrenched back with a camel clutch. Aguero screamed in agony as Young wrenched back with all her strength.

MEARS: FM Young is putting in some work on Leah Aguero’s back. This is bad for the War Queen.

The War Queen was far from done. She stopped screaming and started to get up on all fours. Young looked surprised by the fight in Aguero, she tried to wrench back even harder. Young reached down within herself and somehow summoned even more strength but she pulled back too far and Aguero was able to stand.

Aguero hit some quick elbows to Young’s midsection to break her grip and then sent herself toward the ropes. Aguero came back looking for some kind of running attack but Young slipped through and applied an abdominal stretch. Once again Aguero found herself fighting for ground in the middle of the ring.

PETRIE: Fuck, Aguero can’t seem to gain any momentum.

MEARS: None at all.

The audience tried to will Aguero on as she reached for the ropes. Young could see that Young would likely make contact so Young started punching Aguero in the side. With each one, Aguero’s outstretched hand would drop a little but she kept reaching. After six hard shots, Young released Aguero only to smash her in the lower back with a forearm shot. Young then applied a waist lock and sent Aguero flying backward with a German suplex. Aguero landed with a thud on her back and her momentum took her back and she landed on her face.

Aguero took refuge on the apron but she was hurt...bad. Young seemed very pleased with herself as she slowly stalked over to where Aguero stood. In an act of desperation Aguero through a shoulder block through the ropes that connected! Aguero shot herself over the top rope looking for a sunset flip pin and she nailed it! Young’s shoulders were down but only for a two count.

The audience really thought that Aguero had it there, they let out a collective gasp. Young rolled backward out of the pin and then drove a running knee right into Aguero’s face. Young then dragged Aguero to the center of the ring like one person trying to move a giant rolled up rug or something. Young took hold of Aguero’s legs, turned her over, and applied a liontamer.

MEARS: Yet another submission from Young. She is looking to put Aguero in a wheelchair!

PETRIE: I think she’s going to succeed! This is brutal!

MEARS: Aguero needs to mount some offense and fast.

The damage done to Aguero’s back thus far was significant and this hold was very much exploiting that. Strategy! Young wrenched back and screamed for Aguero to submit but Aguero refused. The fans in The Citadel were marvelling at Aguero’s resolve and they began chanting her name. I guess this actually helped because Aguero stopped screaming and pushed herself off the mat, crawling toward the bottom rope.

She definitely didn’t mean to but Young looked legitimately shocked as Aguero started dragging them both towards the rope. Young almost looked panicked as she tried to plant her feet, but Aguero would not stop crawling! Young couldn’t stop it, Aguero reached out and grabbed the bottom rope to a massive pop from the audience.

MEARS: She has done it! FM Young must break the hold!

PETRIE: She has until the count of five!

The referee called for the break and Young looked pissed right off. Young turned to do some more damage but to everyone’s surprise, Aguero stood back up. Aguero was feeling the pain in her back but she stepped off the second rope, up to the top rope, and then jumped backward landing on Young’s shoulders again!

Aguero threw all of her weight back and she was able to drill Young’s head into the mat. The assault on Young’s head throughout the match had taken its toll and Young wasn’t able to get back up right away! Aguero saw her opportunity and she started relentlessly stomping on Young’s head. The Tiger tried to cover up but to no avail!

MEARS: Leah Aguero has lost it! She is absolutely brutalizing FM Young.

PETRIE: Fuck me I didn’t think that she had this kind of brutality in her!

MEARS: It seems to be so!

The referee tried to get in between them but Aguero shoved the referee out of the way. Aguero went about stomping the fuck out of The Tiger’s head yet again and the crowd was cheering her on! Aguero was a woman possessed...with ANGER! Young looked helpless as Aguero unleashed this vicious assault. The referee threw his body in the way again.

Aguero backed off, huffing and puffing. The referee checked on Young and after a few seconds Young too pushed the referee out of the way. Young got up to her feet but her legs were wobbly. Young dropped to one knee and then down to all fours.

MEARS: This is Leah Aguero’s opportunity! She needs to end it here!

PETRIE: It’s coming! It’s time for The Endgame!

MEARS: She is on her way to two points. FM is hurt!

Using both thumbs and index fingers, Aguero lined Young up like one of those big time Hollywood movie directors. Aguero then took off and went for The Endgame (Running Punt Kick) but Young moved and sent Aguero into the ropes. Aguero came back and Young instantly got her up and dropped her with the Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check)!

Not satisfied, Young started relentlessly stomping on Aguero’s lower back. Young then lifted Aguero off the mat with one jerking motion, lifted up and dropped her with another Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check). Aguero was finished. Young covered and secured the three count.

Winner: FM Young (2 Points)

“Helix” cued up and Young got her hand raised...for about two seconds. Young then collapsed and found herself laying beside Aguero. An overhead shot showed both competitors, laying parallel to one another. The shot then switched to show that everyone in The Citadel was standing...and applauding.

MEARS: Well deserved! Listen to this place Bad Mood.

PETRIE: I can’t believe I’m saying this...but they earned this.

The camera panned over the crowd and literally every single person in The Citadel was giving these two competitors a standing ovation in a truly unique moment. Never before had this happened after an OATH match.

Champions love the spotlight. They crave it. James Edwards is the exception to the rule. He didn't want to be in front of the camera. He stared at the floor with his hands in his pants pockets, maybe wishing that if he ignored the camera, it would go away.

EDWARDS: I guess I'm going to have to talk about it at some point.

He sighed and lightly punched a nearby wall.

EDWARDS: I feel like I did something stupid this week. I made a promise I'm not sure I can keep. The thing is, I had to do it, man.

The Intrepid Champion raised his head with a mix of defiance and regret in his eyes.

EDWARDS: I'm taking a risk because I finally looked up what Intrepid means. It means to be fearless and adventuresome. That definition doesn't fit me, does it? I'm a conservative fighter in the ring. Everything I do in a fight is with purpose. I think long and damn hard about it in the days leading up to a match. I don't fly around the ring because the more you have out of your control, the better chance you will lose.

He took a deep breath before continuing.

EDWARDS: Saying you're fearless is bullshit. Fear is a natural part of combat sports. As fighters, we fear for our legacy. It's why we quit doing the right thing and become chicken shits who cheat. A lot of us are afraid of being forgotten. It's why some of us spend too much time in this sport. I'm sure as hell fearful of being forgotten. I know that sounds stupid as shit. I've matched the record for title defenses in OATH, but that's the bare minimum for being Intrepid Champion. I don't want to be just another Intrepid Champion.

He let himself trail off for a moment, considering whether his admission is a good or a bad thing. He hesitated a moment longer before he resumed speaking.

EDWARDS: There's nothing wrong with being afraid. If you aren't afraid, then you aren't thinking. If you aren't thinking, then you aren't trying to be the best you can. Hell, the more afraid I am, the better I am as a fighter. I was afraid that the only reason I started amounting to anything in this company was by using the Gospel. I've used to win big matches my entire career, and it's why I've lost a hell of a lot of them. I was afraid that history was going to repeat itself. So that's why I started using Dead Lights, Night Comes to the Cumberlands, and the heel hook. The results speak for themselves. I may be afraid of being just another champion and nobody remembering what I did with the belt. That's why I'm challenging myself to defend the title of the entire tournament. It's a risk. I could lose everything and look like a dipshit. Or I can be the first man to defend a championship through an entire tournament in company history. I can be the first double champion in this company's history. If I do that, then nobody can dispute my legacy here!

He took a deep breath and smiled. He still wasn't certain if he was doing the right thing. He was still scared shitless, but so far, fear had been a valuable ally for him in OATH. He knew in that moment that he could trust it.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: B BLOCK OATH INTREPID CHAMPIONSHIP Stephanie Matsuda vs. James Edwards ©

The next match was an Event Horizon Series: B Block contest as The Inevitable’s Stephanie Matsuda took on OATH Intrepid Champion, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards. This match was initially meant to just be an A Block match but Edwards took to Twitter earlier in the week and said that he wished to defend his title in every match of the tournament...permitted that he retain it in the previous contest. OATH management obliged him and here we are.

MEARS: High stakes in this match up. Not only is it our first A Block match in the 2020 Event Horizon Series but James Edwards’ Intrepid Championship is on the line.

PETRIE: Why in the fuck would this moron put his title on the line. He didn’t have to!

MEARS: He wants to be a fighting champion, he wants to set a standard for what a champion is in OATH. Personally I find it commendable.

PETRIE: I find it D-U-M - DUMB!

MEARS: It is very important to me that you know that is not how dumb is spelled.

PETRIE: The FUCK are you talking about Matty?

Matsuda was out first and just as she did not accompany her partner Leah Aguero in her match, Matsuda rode solo in this one. Edwards was out next, Intrepid Championship strapped around his waist. When Edwards handed off the title to the referee, Edwards seemed reluctant. But given that he opted to do this...he had no choice at this point. The referee held up the championship and we were off.

The two competitors circled one another. Matsuda went to shoot in but Edwards kicked his leg back and to avoid her attack. Edwards did not stop moving as Matsuda once again tried to shoot in on him but again Edwards evaded her attack. Matsuda could have gotten frustrated at this point but that was not the case, she just flashed a smile at the seemingly trepidatious Intrepid Champion.

MEARS: Neither competitor is willing to go all in off the start. Sound strategy.

PETRIE: This match has a time limit right? Intrepid Rules?

MEARS: No, because it is an EVS contest.

PETRIE: Fuck this could go on all night! Let’s see some action!

At last Edwards darted forward and locked up with Matsuda but she slipped out of it and got his back. Matsuda shoved Edwards forward and then measured him perfectly for a high angle flipping dropkick to the back of his head. Edwards stumbled forward and spilled through the ropes onto the apron. Matsuda saw her opportunity and goddamn did she seize it. Matsuda charged and hit a shoulder block that sent Edwards off the apron where he collided with the guard rail.

Edwards took a moment to compose himself and that proved to be widely regarded as a bad move. No sooner did Edwards hit the guardrail did Matsuda hit the opposing ropes, charge toward Edwards and fly to the outside with a tope suicida that slammed Edwards again into the guardrail. Matsuda landed on her feet and then gave a bow, which actually got a significant pop from the fans in The Citadel.

MEARS: Stephanie Matsuda is running this contest so far. Perhaps James’ nerves have gotten the better of him.

PETRIE: It’s his own fucking fault. No one told him to put the belt on the line. He fucked up his chance at remaining Intrepid Champion AND main eventing Event Horizon II.

MEARS: It is true that he may have been too ambitious.

Matsuda peppered both of Edwards’ legs with alternating kicks, hobbling him for the time being. Matsuda then grabbed Edwards and ATTEMPTED to send him into the steel steps with an Irish whip but the heavier Edwards was able to reverse it and send her toward the dreaded, weighty, steel steps. Not waiting for Matsuda to collide with them, Edwards gave chase but Matsuda jumped up onto the steps and leaped backward with a picture perfect moonsault that took Edwards down.

Feeling ALL of the momentum now, Matsuda sent Edwards into the ring and then walked up the steel steps onto the apron. As Edwards tried to recover, Matsuda climbed up to the top rope. When Edwards staggered into position, Matsuda leapt off with a flying nothing but Edwards moved out of the way. Matsuda landed on her feet and rolled through. She got back up, darted at Edwards and hit him with Last Surprise (Sling Blade) and connected perfectly. Matsuda covered for a near fall.

PETRIE: Matsuda is beating the piss out of Edwards here tonight. I love it!

MEARS: I was not aware that you are a Stephanie Matsuda fan.

PETRIE: I’m not. I just really want Edwards to fail. Stupid ass.

The Burning Heart was clearly rattled as he had mounted no offense as of yet. Matsuda on the other hand was feeling pretty damn good about herself and she had every right two. After a few well placed stomps to the back of Edwards’ head, Matsuda got him up to his feet. Edwards broke free and caught Matsuda with a European uppercut.

Trying to turn the tide in this match now, Edwards shot Matsuda into the ropes with an Irish whip but Matsuda vaulted over the top rope and found herself on the apron. Edwards charged in but Matsuda caught him with a rope hanging kick. Edwards was sent reeling back into the center of the ring and Matsuda came at him like a cruise missile and dropped him with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash). Edwards was down again and Matsuda covered for another two count.

PETRIE: Edwards is getting WORKED.

MEARS: It really is not looking good for James.

Wanting to keep the momentum on her side, Matsuda kept Edwards down with some more harsh stomps and then leapt up to the top rope. Matsuda looked backward and then looked to come down on Edwards with a Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press) but Edwards was able to JUST scamper out of the way. Matsuda ate canvas.

Even though she missed her big bad finisher, Matsuda was quickly back up to her feet. Edwards was up as well and he charged her but Matsuda went for Yahtzee! (Superkick). Edwards evaded it, got behind Matsuda and dropped her with RRE (Reverse Release Exploder Suplex). Instead of pinning, Edwards lined her up.

PETRIE: Cover her you stupid ass! Burning FART is more like it.

MEARS: I expected something more from you Bad Mood.

PETRIE: He doesn’t deserve my A material.

The Intrepid Champion waited until Matsuda was in perfect position and then he launched forward looking for Night Comes to the Cumberlands (Hidden Blade). Matsuda scurried out of the way just in time, popped up and tried to get Edwards in a sleeper hold but Edwards slipped behind her and planted her with a Half Cut (Snap Half-Nelson Suplex). Matsuda was rocked and Edwards covered for a two count.

MEARS: Near fall for the champion!

Edwards was focussed now, all sense of trepidation and reluctance had dissipated. Matsuda got up and Edwards measured her for Double Tap (Pair of consecutive spinning back fists) but Matsuda slipped through both of them. Matsuda then tried for another Yahtzee! (Superkick) but Edwards smacked it away and took Matsuda down with a leg scissors and immediately transitioned into the dreaded Heel Hook! Matsuda had nowhere to go and was forced to submit.

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, James Edwards (2 pts)

The referee raised Edwards’ hand and returned the Intrepid Championship to him. Edwards accepted his title and cradled it, like he would never see it again. There was no celebration from The Burning Heart. He seemed more relieved than jubilant.

We cut to the back where Minoru Tanahashi was strolling along after a strong return match on the Kickoff Show. He was already showered up and changed, sporting khaki shorts, designer sandals, a light blue polo shirt and a pink fedora with a band matching the color of his shirt. He had a twelve pack of a Dead To Rights beer under his left arm and a bag dangled in his right hand. He stopped as he reached a door near the end of the hallway, he gave a quick knock and awaited the occupants.

FM Young opened the door after a moment, her long black hair swept up in a tight ponytail. Shoulders and tattoos bare for the grey tank top she’s wearing, that was all the camera caught as she leaned out the door.

YOUNG: Oh, Yo, Mino! Thanks for agreeing to watch Volta during the show. I’m sure you guy’s will have a good time, just don’t Dude Where’s My Car style lose my pet, ok?

Young chuckled softly opening the door a bit wider and reaching out to hand Tanahashi a purple leash. Volta the capybara trotted out of the doorway, in his red harness, and immediately nuzzled Tanahashi’s leg with his broad snout.

YOUNG: See, he adores you, I’ll catch you two after the show.

The big woman leaned over to scratch her pet behind the ears once more before disappearing behind the closed door.

TANAHASHI: Good luck out there Tiger. Now Volta, new buddy, I got you something awesome. I know you like wearing clothes, so I got you a specially made, one of a kind, Volta kimono.

He set the beer down, then out of the bag he pulled a silk dark blue kimono with a golden capybara and dragon, fighting during a thunderstorm. Volta seemed to know that this was for him and rushed to Tanahashi, nuzzling against him, then helping him get the kimono situated, the sleeves were a little bit short, but it fit okay.

TANAHASHI: Ready to watch mom kick some ass. I’m glad we’re friends, because that means I get to hang out with the coolest capybara on the planet and I feel like I can talk to you buddy. Like you may not speak English, but you understand stuff man and like how the world is weird right now. Like listen to this shit. They found like 50 squirrels with the bubonic plague, and I’m not blaming anyone, but don’t you think it’s a little odd that just a little after we let a thing claiming it’s actually a plague rat in human form, into OATH, that the damn bubonic plague is showing back up. I didn’t think 2020 could get worse, but now I have to figure out how to make one of those creepy bird beak masks, cool and flashy.

He shook his head and grabbed what looks to be his fourth beer. He cracked it open and took a large gulp.

TANAHASHI: Can you drink? You look like you should be able to drink. You know, what, I was gonna make sure I left 2 for me and your mum to celebrate her win, I’ll leave three. If you can drink, you have one with us, if not, I’ll drink it in your honor.

Tanahashi raised his drink and took another big gulp.

TANAHASHI: And don’t worry buddy, not gonna bore you with my love life woes. You know what I do wanna talk about though, the fuck was up with the end of Rapture? That was some totally unnecessary shit. I mean we all know Zeke Davis is a piece of shit, like an elephant sized piece of shit. That Baz Jacobi guy, had a bad feeling about him since fucking jump street. They’re cowards who don’t fight fair, not sadistic monsters that attack the owner of the company. They’ve become bitch boys for the cranky old gargoyle. Wins the title, starts surrounding himself with pawns he can use as roadblocks and distractions and sacrificial lambs. Kind of cute, but can’t focus on that now. I said if I won 4 in a row. Only way I would deserve the match. But I did my job for tonight, so now we can sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Tanahashi finished his beer and grabbed another, then tossed Volta an apple from the nearby tray. He cracked his beer and sipped as Volta ate away at the apple, as we faded out.

Back ringside in The Citadel we see Matt Mears and “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie situated at the announce table. Petrie raised a bottle of Dead To Rights beer to which Mears seemingly disapproved. As the hoopla from the fans in attendance died down Mears began speaking.

MEARS: Wrestling fans we hope that you are enjoying Conviction XXIV so far, what a show it has been!

PETRIE: Fuck yeah it has. And cheers to our new sponsor, Toronto’s own Dead To Rights Brewery. Fucking love this shit. Mainly because it’s free.

MEARS: I had a taste of it earlier. It’s lovely.

PETRIE: Yeah that’s one way to describe it I guess. Does the trick is what I say!

Petrie raised the bottle again.

MEARS: However that is not we want to talk about at this time. In the past few weeks since OATH’s relaunch we have seen our roster grow exponentially with scores of new talent joining our ranks.

PETRIE: Some of them good, some of them shit.

MEARS: I disagree, all of our new talent has been tremendous. Given all of our new talent, The Barlow Family has decided that it is necessary to provide a new platform each week, so that all talent gets an opportunity to show you what they can do.

PETRIE: Yeah show em...I guess.

MEARS: So next week, on Sunday morning, we will premiere a new television program from OATH Pro Wrestling. Live from The Citadel, OATH will present Livewire! A new weekly program that will showcase the up-and-coming talent that OATH has to offer.

PETRIE: Are we getting paid double to do that show too?

MEARS: No as far as I know we will not be the announce team for that program. The announce team will be revealed on the first episode of Livewire by a new face here in OATH. Since OATH President Oscar R. Barlow was brutally injured by ONI at Rapture, The Barlow Family will be sending a new representative to oversee operations here in OATH and that representative will reveal themselves on Livewire.

PETRIE: Great. A new boss to suck up to.

MEARS: I personally look forward to meeting the new administrator and that will take place one week from today on Sunday morning. So make sure to tune in to Livewire, OATH fans.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: B BLOCK SINGLES MATCH Locke Helms vs. Ryan Terror

The next contest was an Event Horizon Series: B Block match. “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms made his way to the ring first and was sporting a big bandage on his forehead, covering a laceration that he suffered in his Chain Match last week at Rapture thanks to Declan Black. Former OATH Tag Team Champion Ryan Terror was out next, flanked by his Hell Realm cohorts Adrestia Nyx and the goliath they call Monstruo.

MEARS: This should be an interesting one Bad Mood. Terror and Helms seemingly have a lot in common. They have similar...personalities.

PETRIE: Yeah but Helms got really roughed up at Rapture. Declan Black beat the piss out of him in that chain match so I don’t know if he has a lot of fight in him.

MEARS: He will have to dig down deep to win. This is the Event Horizon Series after all.

The referee called for the bell and from outside the ring Nyx grabbed Helms’ boot. This momentary distraction allowed Terror to charge in and nailed Helms in the back of the head with a running elbow smash. Helms caught himself on the top turnbuckle but Terror immediately started smashing Helms’ face into the top turnbuckle pad.

MEARS: I may not agree with the tactics but this strategy does make sense. Terror is exploiting Helms’ injury.

The referee intervened and separated the two men, Helms staggering back to the center of the ring where he checked his forehead for blood. While the referee tried to check on Helms, Terror began stripping the top turnbuckle of the turnbuckle pad! The referee turned and saw what Terror was doing and he dashed over to put a stop to it.

PETRIE: Fuck off ref! This is legal!

MEARS: Technically yes but the referee can stop the match to get the ring repaired.

PETRIE: It’s not broken! I’d call bullshit!

While the referee attempted to reattach the turnbuckle pad, Nyx jumped up on the apron with a pair of scissors and cut the padding off another corner. Nyx ripped the padding away and then hopped down, it having gone undetected by the official. Terror took Helms down to the mat with a double leg takedown and then started ripping at the bandage on Helms’ forehead.

MEARS: It has been some time since we have seen Ryan Terror in action. People may have forgotten that he is an extremely capable singles competitor. He has practically been with OATH from the beginning and he could win this entire series.

Terror was able to remove the bandage and then proceeded to smash Helms in the face with right hands in an attempt to open up his stitches. It worked. Warm blood started to flow down the face of Helms and Terror was overjoyed. Terror got Helms up and walked him over to the corner with the exposed turnbuckle, dark intentions on his mind.

MEARS: The referee needs to get Nyx under control. This is ridiculous.

PETRIE: I disagree. I think it’s awesome.

Grabbing the back of Helms’ head, Terror attempted to drill Helms’ lacerated forehead into the exposed metal turnbuckle but Helms grabbed the ropes and stopped it from happening. Helms drilled an elbow into Terror’s midsection and then dropped Terror with a back suplex into a backbreaker! Terror writhing in pain as Helms made the first cover of the contest, only getting a two count.

PETRIE: How the fuck did Helms manage that? He can barely see!

Helms was fighting for his life (not really) at this point as he got Terror up and tried to send him into the exposed turnbuckle. Terror reversed the momentum and sent Helms in face first. Helms’ face connected and the crowd let out a collective, horrified gasp. The referee could now clearly see that the buckle was exposed but Nyx was back up on the apron.

MEARS: Get her out of here! This is practically a handicap match!

PETRIE: Yeah it’s pretty funny.

Nyx distracted the referee as Terror unleashed an Out of the Shadows (Superkick) that sent Helms’ face into the exposed turnbuckle again. Terror then pulled Helms out of the corner and planted him with Blood Reign (Jay Driller). The bloodied Helms was covered and Terror secured the three count for a swift victory.

Winner: Ryan Terror (2 pts)

“Unsainted” kicked up and Terror got his hand raised. Monstruo and Nyx entered the ring, the trio swarming around Helms. They looked down at their blood soaked victim and the crowd expected that the trio was going to go to work on Helms. But...they didn’t. Terror knelt down beside Helms and gave him a pat on the chest before he instructed his cohorts to take their leave. Monstruo and Nyx exited the ring and Terror took one last look at Helms, shaking his head, before doing the same.

"Unforgiven" played throughout The Citadel as new OATH Intrepid Champion, "The Outlaw" Josie Wales strolled to the ring with her duster coat and Stetson hat on. She wore the belt from her shoulder to her waist, almost like a bandolier, as she approached the ring to speak about her victory at Rapture. A section of the crowd was behind her, though, there were some people not sold on her after the desperate way she won the second fall in the two out of three falls match. Wales entered the ring and took hold of a microphone.

WALES: Tabula Rosa, a fresh start indeed... there were times even I doubted myself against FM Young, who fought hard and forced me to dig down to a place I haven't been in a long time...

She said, as the crowd warmed up to her a little from her response. Wales continued to speak.

WALES: Though, something doesn't quite click... FM Young made this belt special. She was the one to bring prestige to this title... but, I want a legacy of my own. From here on out, this belt is my Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and I will make damn sure that you have to dig deep to that same place I had to go to win it. I will make this title my own, so that no one can deny me any further, and no one will try to knock me back down again!

She said, raising her voice as she did so, all the while wearing a confident smirk.

WALES: And Reo Ojima...the man I gave his first L. You think you're hot shit calling me out, don't you?

She said with a playful chuckle, tipping her hat to the hard camera.

WALES: Well, if you're so kind go oblige me with a shot at your title, how am I to turn down your generosity? You wanna duel me again? I'll be more than happy to take you out back and Old Yeller you again. I accept.

She said, the crowd popping for the fight between the two. "Unforgiven" kicked up again and the Tabula Rasa Champion exited the ring confidently as she strolled to the back.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: A BLOCK SINGLES MATCH Declan Black vs. Erik Holland

The main event was an Event Horizon Series: A Block match. What made this match more interesting is that the feud between Erik Holland and Declan Black had been going on since the Event Horizon Series last year where Holland defeated Black in their series match up. The two would fight over the World Title at the end of 2019 and into 2020 until OATH returned from hiatus and Holland last eliminated World Champion Black to win the Trial By Fire Match and the title. Our main event tonight would see the next chapter in the biggest feud in OATH history.

MEARS: This could be the biggest main event in Conviction history.

PETRIE: These two have been fighting each other since OATH started. They know each other well. I honestly don’t know how this is gonna play out but I know that Black will win.

MEARS: You have to see the problem with what you just said.

PETRIE: Nope. Cheers.

“The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black came to the ring first, his back showing the scrapes and lacerations that he suffered in his Chain Match against Locke Helms at Rapture one week ago. Former World Champion, “The Haunted” Erik Holland was out next with his paramour Lyric by his side. Holland was visibly miserable as he was no longer in possession of the OATH World Championship. Makes sense, that would suck.

The bell rang and the two rivals stood across the ring from one another. Holland snarled and paced in his corner as Black just leaned back, relaxing in his corner. Black yawned and that was enough to set “The Haunted” off. Holland stomped across the ring to engage his adversary but Black stuck his upper body through the ropes in an effort to get the referee to back Holland off. For that reason and...mind games.

MEARS: Classic Declan Black here.

PETRIE: It’s staggering how much smarter he is than Holland.

Holland wasn’t having any of that shit. Holland blasted Black with a bicycle kick that knocked Black through the ropes to the outside. The former World Champion quickly vaulted over the top rope and was on the outside with his opponent. Holland took hold of Black and bealed him into the guardrail with authority. Black’s lacerated back hit hard and he fell with a thud onto the thin ringside mats.

MEARS: Perhaps Black isn’t that much smarter after all.

PETRIE: Naw, he is.

“The Haunted” didn’t give a good shit about the referee’s count as he collected Black and whipped him into the ring post. Black’s head hit the post and it gave us that satisfying THQ/AKI DING and he did a mini head shake before crumbling to the floor. The referee was at a count of ten as Holland took hold of Black again and tattoo’d him with clubbing blows to the back.

The referee reached a count of fifteen and Holland slid halfway into the ring to break it, then went back to the outside. That was the opening that Black needed as Holland charged at him and Black sent Holland face first into the ring steps with a drop toe hold. Black looked pleased with himself as he playful swiped at Holland’s head with an open hand.

MEARS: Erik Holland is already furious that he lost the World Title. Does Black really want to infuriate him more?

PETRIE: Yes. Because it’s hilarious!

MEARS: I do not think so. I think it’s dangerous.

PETRIE: For Holland maybe. How funny would it be if Holland got DQ’d?

MEARS: Not at all. Because it would likely be for a very brutal reason.

Black stood Holland up and then whipped the near three hundred pounder hard into the announce table. Both Ben Petrie and Matt Mears stood, ready should the fight spill into their zone. Black kept Holland subdued with some fierce shots before taking a few steps back. Black measured Holland and then charged forward and hit Holland with a knee trembler, sandwiching Holland’s head between his knee and the base of the announce table.

“The Pride of Nova Scotia” took the former champion and rolled him into the ring. Black took his time, walking up the ring steps, to enter the ring. Holland got back to his feet, sporting a cut on his ear. Black charged in and Holland tried to meet him with a straight shot but Black caught Holland’s arm, spun him around and put him on the mat in a Painkiller 2.0 (Severn-style Inside Armbar).

MEARS: Black has him! The submission is locked in!

PETRIE: Just tap out Holland. Your career is over anyway.

Black wrenched back on Holland’s arm, screaming “Tap you pussy!” but Holland just roared like some kind of dreadlocked animal. Holland was able to roll through, get his feet planted and lift Black up. The look on Black’s face screamed “Oh shit!” as Holland lifted him up high and then planted him with a modified powerbomb to break the hold.

MEARS: The strength of the former World Champion is awe inspiring!

PETRIE: Yawn inspiring maybe.

The longest reigning World Champion Black was down on the mat and Holland pounced on him. The full weight of Holland’s near three hundred pound frame came down on Black. Holland began absolutely mauling his rival with shot after shot. Black was close enough to the ropes that he could grab the bottom one but Holland would not stop.

MEARS: The referee could disqualify Erik here. He needs to be careful.

PETRIE: No! Keep going! Blow another big match you dumbass!

Holland continued mauling Black until the referee demanded that he stop. Holland stood and walked the referee into a corner, towering over him and screaming in his face. In the corner Holland screamed at the referee, telling him “Watch your fucking mouth!”. Black saw his chance and he charged in, hitting Holland with Call of the Coal (Claymore Kick) to the back of the head! This sent Holland into the referee, crunching him into the corner. Holland fell between the middle and top rope, falling to the outside. The referee was probably dead (not really) but he was hurt.

“The Haunted” was down on the outside with Lyric trying to get him to get up. The referee was down and the shot lingered on Black’s face. If this were a cartoon a little lightbulb would have appeared above his head because that dastardly Black had an idea. Black exited the ring and collected a SOLID steel chair from the timekeeper’s area.

MEARS: Oh no. Declan Black has armed himself and this is very bad for Erik.

PETRIE: Hopefully!

Black advanced on Holland with the weapon but Lyric got in his way. Black scoffed and shoved her out of the way, moving toward Holland. The bad news for Black was that Holland saw what Black did to Lyric and he was pretty pissed off about it. Black came around the corner and Holland launched himself at Black with Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch) sending the chair into Black’s face.

The delicate referee was still down in the ring as Holland gathered Black and walked him over to the announce table. Holland introduced Black’s face to the hood of the announce table several times before he climbed up on top and brough Black with him. Holding Black by the back of his head, Holland screamed in Black’s face and then scooped him up and planted him with The Re-Animator (Tour Of The Islands), smashing the announce table.

PETRIE: My beer! Holland you fucking moron!

MEARS: My coffee!

PETRIE: Oh come on Matty that’s not important.

Both competitors were down but guess who wasn’t? That’s right...the referee. The ref saw that both men were down and he started his twenty count. Holland was up first and he dragged Black toward the ring. Holland got Black up and rolled his (seemingly) lifeless body into the ring under the bottom rope.

Once back in the ring, Holland looked like he was going to pin but Black came back to life like Jesus on Easter and pulled Holland down into 25:18 (Border City Stretch/Gargano Escape). Holland was quite literally TRAPPED in the middle of the ring and the audience in The Citadel fucking hated it. Black wrenched back on Holland’s neck and the OATH faithful showered him in boos.

MEARS: I think it’s going to take a lot more than this to get a man like Erik to submit.

PETRIE: Doubtful. Bet he’s pretty submissive with Lyric. Seems like the pegging type.

MEARS: Too far.

PETRIE: Meh.

Seeing that he was unable to reach the ropes, Holland got the bright idea to use his insane strength to roll Black back into a pinning predicament. The referee got to a two count before Black kicked out. Both competitors were back up and Black rushed Holland only for the dethroned champion to hit Black with Chopping Mall (Deep Six). Holland made the cover as Lyric cheered him on but only got a two count.

Okay so it got wild here. Not that it wasn’t wild before but the infuriated Holland just started stomping the absolute shit out of Black’s injured back. The cuts that littered Black’s back all started bleeding or weeping or whatever...not the point. The point was that Holland had seemingly lost his shit completely. Like we had never seen before.

PETRIE: Alright I’m frightened.

Holland got Black up, lifted him up for a uranage or something and then came down with a backbreaker that he called TerrorVisions. But Holland held on. He then dropped Black with another. Then another. Then another. Then a fifth one for good measure. Black’s spine was probably in pieces at this point and Holland covered. Only a two count. Son of a bitch!

MEARS: How in God’s name did Declan kick out of that?

PETRIE: Skill. Determination. Heart.

MEARS: I can not disagree.

“The Haunted” stood and got in the referee’s face again. Holland couldn’t believe that Black kicked out of five of those. The referee cowered away in fear as Holland screamed “Do your job!”. This momentary reprieve gave Black the opportunity to roll Holland up. The referee made the count but only got to a count of two.

MEARS: Erik Holland is on the raggedy edge right now.

PETRIE: I sure hope he jumps.

MEARS: You are awful. You should pray that he never hears the things you say about him.

PETRIE: I do. Honestly. Guy is nuts!

The rivals were back up again but Holland darted forward and turned Black inside out with a heavyweight lariat. Black was knocked loopy and Holland was done with this weirdness, he was ready to end this and beat Black in the EVS for the second year in a row. Holland got Black up into a fireman’s carry and went for Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver) but Black slipped out, grabbed Holland and hit him with In The Black (Regal Cutter). Black covered for near fall.

PETRIE: Come on ref! Figure it out!

There was no keeping the monster former World Champion down. Holland was right back up and he blocked an attempted Irish whip from Black. Holland pulled Black back into The Move From Another World (Release Dragon Suplex) but Black landed behind him and dropped him with Blackout (Rainmaker Lariat) for the pinfall and the victory.

Winner: Declan Black (2 Points)

“Brenda Stubbert” played throughout the arena and the fans in The Citadel were absolutely pissed. Holland supposedly vanquished Black at Where Eagles Dare. This feud was meant to be done with. But now Black had defeated Holland again and avenged his EVS loss to “The Haunted” from last year. Black stood victorious over Holland and no one was happy about it. Well, no one save for “The Pride of Nova Scotia”.

Results: • Kallie Reznik def. Astaroth

• Qiyanna Marshal def. Annie Lapalm

• AJ Jenkynx def. Eddie Kobain

• Matt Shields def. Scribbles

• Minoru Tanahashi def. Silvio Aprile • El Diablo Blanco def. Mary Mallon • Jenna Sharpe def. Tyler War • Scum & Villainy def. Midnight Special

• A BLOCK: FM Young (2 pts) def. Leah Aguero (0 pts) • B BLOCK: James Edwards (2 pts) def. Stephanie Matsuda (0 pts); to retain the Intrepid Title.

• B BLOCK: Ryan Terror (2 pts) def. Locke Helms (0 pts) • A BLOCK: Declan Black (2 pts) def. Erik Holland (0 pts)