CONVICTION XXV RESULTS

Episode XXV July 26th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

The high production value OATH signature flashed across the screen and then the pulsing sounds of “Die Slow” by Health started playing over the yellow tinted compilation of OATH action. Wrestlers putting in work on eachother flashed in quick succession before the Conviction logo landed with an impact on the overlapping imagery.

The audience in The Citadel was fired up as the camera passed over the cheering masses. Following an elaborate and beautiful display of pyrotechnics the shot jump cut to ringside where the premier voices of OATH were sat, ready to invite us to the twenty fifth episode.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to OATH Conviction. My name is Matthew Mears and as always I am proud to bring you some elite wrestling action alongside my broadcast colleague “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie. What a program we have for you this evening!

PETRIE: Fuck yeah and it’s going to be a lot better than Livewire, that’s for sure.

MEARS: We are not in competition, Bad Mood. That being said, I’d like to offer a personal congratulations to everyone involved in the first episode of Livewire! What an event.

PETRIE: Pfft. Commentary needed work, for sure.

MEARS: That is your opinion and you are entitled to it but we are not here to talk about Livewire, this is OATH Conviction and tonight we will see the second round of the Event Horizon Series take place!

PETRIE: Yeah it’s gonna be a great night because Erik Holland will be mathematically eliminated from the series and that stinky freak won’t fucking embarrass this company in the main event of Event Horizon II. FM Young is going to mop the floor with that fucking moron.

MEARS: Please Bad Mood, tell us how you REALLY feel. I think that contest has the potential to be the match of the night, if not the match of the year. But we will also see if Leah Aguero can takedown former World Champion Declan Black in another A Block Match.

PETRIE: Aguero clearly doesn’t have what it takes to beat a juggernaut like Black. She is in deep waters and she can’t fucking swim. A lot like James Edwards when he defends his Intrepid Title against Ryan Terror in a B Block Match. Terror showed EVERYONE that he is no joke and that he could win this whole series. He just may be my pick…

MEARS: Not a bad prediction at all, Terror is an OATH stalwart and he will be quite the challenge for our fightingest Intrepid Champion. In our other B Block Match Stephanie Matsuda will look to get on the board when she faces Locke Helms.

PETRIE: That one I have no idea about. Helms was a beast but since OATH has come back he hasn’t been able to get his feet under him. But the same kind of goes for Matsuda. They are both clearly afterthoughts in this series.

MEARS: I disagree on the basis that this series has too many variables. Nothing is for certain yet but tonight the finals could start to take shape. Elsewhere on the card we will see the recently established trio of ONI led by OATH World Champion Reo Ojima take on a trio that have dubbed themselves The Lion Knights -- the team of OATH Tag Team Champions The Umbra Knights and Minoru Tanahashi.

PETRIE: You know this Tanahashi kid has bitten off a lot more than he can chew and he’s dragged the happy-go-lucky Tag Team Champs to hell with him. ONI is a force of fucking destruction and we’re going to see them take these three to fuck down.

MEARS: Fuck town?

PETRIE: Yeah. Like...they’re gonna die.

MEARS: Ah I see. No hyperbole there. We will also witness a second championship contest tonight as the OATH Tabula Rasa Championship is on the line when fan favourite El Diablo Blanco looks to dethrone champion “The Outlaw” Josie Wales in her first defence. Per the titles stipulation, the champion chooses the match type and Josie has chosen a Submission Match.

PETRIE: This moron Blanco admitted that he doesn’t know many submissions. How the hell is he going to win?

MEARS: That is what we will find out my friend. Welcome wrestling fans to Conviction XXV and the second night of the Event Horizon Series. We are ready for an excellent night of incredible action. Let us begin.

In the hallways of The Citadel, Minoru Tanahashi roamed, he had his pirate king mask on his finger, twirling it around. He rounded a hall, walked down a few doors and knocked on one.

TANAHASHI: I hope I guessed right on this.

He clutched a bottle of a dark gold liquid with a simple black and white label. He went to knock again, but stopped and waited patiently for the occupant.

Josie Wales was mentally psyching herself up for the match against El Blanco Diablo, as it was her first defense of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Hearing the knock, she opened the door. Wales was dressed in her gear and wore the belt over her chest like a bandolier, as she looked over to see Tanahashi, which confused her briefly.

WALES: Tanahashi? What are you doing here?

TANAHASHI: Well uh…

He took a second to blink as he attempted to subtly check her out, then as his eyes went up to hers, he knew he had been caught.

TANAHASHI: Uh, nice gear. Uhm, I came by to offer you this.

He held out a bottle of Jim Beam Single Barrel.

TANAHASHI: Took a shot that you would like bold, a little sophisticated, but still from the country.

Wales looked down at the whiskey, as it wasn't too far off from her usual drink. She would take the bottle, noticing it was still sealed. That was definitely a positive, as she wasn't exactly trusting of Tanahashi, or his attitude.

WALES: Funny… guys only buy me drinks when they want something. So, what's on your mind?

TANAHASHI: I am actually here to offer you something. I know we’re not exactly friends. Not enemies either. It's no secret I was rooting for Effy in your title match. For her, not against you though. I gave you lots of credit in Minoru’s Musings.

He motioned to see if he could step inside, and she let him. He looked around and nodded in approval.

TANAHASHI: I see being a champion has its benefits. Speaking of championships, you have a chance at another one in a few weeks. Getting that win against Ojima a while is paying off again. World Title match. Which of course means that you'll also be against the meth head messiah and Zeke Davis is a piece of shit, (that’s his full name now, people need to accept it). Anyway, they will both be lurking, you know that as well as I do. Thing is, I don’t see a lot of people around that want to hang out with you. That’s why I brought the gift. I was hoping after the show we could share a few drinks, talk some strategy, talk about having each other’s backs a little bit. With ONI around, people are gonna need that more than ever.

Wales placed her hands on her hips, exhaling, as she stepped around him with a bit of a disappointed tone to her voice.

WALES: Yeah, I knew he would be trying to lure me out in doing that. He isn't going to take the fact I was the first loss he ate in OATH lying down, and neither will Zeke Davis…

TANAHASHI: ...who is a piece of shit.

He said, as Wales paused briefly for the interruption, and continued to speak.

WALES: Right. There's an old saying, "I'm not sure how many of them it would take to kick my ass. But, I do know exactly how many they're going to use". So, maybe it might not be a bad idea to tip the scales a little more in our favour.

TANAHASHI: That was my thought. My uncle Tomohiro, he told me that if you think you’re fighting one and you see one, you might be right. If you think you’re fighting one and you see two or three, you might as well be fighting a dozen.

He watched her as she walked around him, couldn’t help but interrupt at the mention of the piece of shit Zeke Davis. After that, she made a very good point.

TANAHASHI: So I’m going to go out there and hope me and the Tag Team Champions get along and take these bastards down. You focus on your title match. I’ll come back afterwards and if you’re down for this alliance or whatever, invite me in and share the Beam with me. If not, enjoy it and think about how you will likely be getting the Barlow treatment.

He looked straight at her, tossed his mask up, and caught it right on his head. He smirked and pulled the straps back on his head, gave Josie a wink, then pulled the mask down and turned to head out, but then stopped.

TANAHASHI: Don’t worry, that chill you just felt will go away soon.

He ducked out the door, leaving her to think over his proposal. As he left, Wales shook her head and looked at the bottle of whiskey, before quipping.

WALES: At least it isn't that Jack Daniels garbage…

She said, closing the door to her locker room, as she went back to preparing for her defense.

Backstage El Diablo Blanco was seen preparing for his upcoming title shot against Tabula Rasa Champion, Josie Wales. Instead of his normal ring gear of a sleeveless compression shirt and Zubaz pants, El Diablo was wearing a white karate gi fit with a white belt; symbolizing the lowest ranking of belts. He stood in front of the camera in a Ready Stance.

EL DIABLO: Josie Wales, you’ve been talking quite a bit of trash about the D man ever since our match was announced. I can’t quite Diggit, Sister. You dog my mask. You aim to discredit my form of wrestling. Quite frankly, you’re not being a good role model to the Little Diablitos out there. As performers, we should be setting examples for the viewers; showing them how they too can overcome adversity and become champions in their own right, Sister. Instead, you choose to go the opposite route, putting down your opponent without even knowing who they are or where they are from.

El Diablo Blanco switched from a Ready Stance to a Short Fighting Stance.

EL DIABLO: I don’t have your pedigree, Sister. I haven’t been training since I was a wee little taquito in the art form of submission wrestling. The only match I’ve ever won by submission was hanging a man over the top rope until he passed out. Something tells me that isn’t going to fly around these parts, Sister. I’m an honorable man though. El D doesn’t back down from a challenge. For the past week, I’ve been trying to soak up every bit of knowledge I can. El D has been on the YouTubes. El D has been on Giphy. Fight Pass, DAZN and ESPN+ are all a bit outside of El D’s price range so we gotta keep it cheap and simple. Tonight, Sister, you’re not just going to barrel through me. I’ve the spirit of a nation behind me, The Diablo Nation, and through them, I will persevere. Tonight, El D stands up for the little guy. You know, the ones you bully around because they don’t fit in your mold. Tonight, you dance with El Diablo Blanco and there’s only one thing you’re left to do… Diggit!

El Diablo Blanco switched to a front stance as he lets out a loud ‘Hi-ya’.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: B BLOCK SINGLES MATCH Locke Helms (0) vs. Stephanie Matsuda (0)

Time for the first match of the night of the night was an Event Horizon Series: B Block match. “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms took on “War Queen” Stephanie Matsuda and both were looking to pick up their first two points in the series. Helms came to the ring looking very sullen, perhaps still bummed out about losing so easily last week. Matsuda on the other hand stomped to the ring with a very real chip on her shoulder.

The match started and Matsuda took Helms down with an arm drag and then immediately applied a wrist lock but the technically proficient Helms easily fought his way up. Submissions weren’t foreign to Matsuda but they were Helms’ bread and butter -- perhaps not the best route for Matsuda to travel if she wanted victory. Which we can presume is what she desired.

MEARS: Neither of this competitors has any points at this juncture. A victory tonight could put the winner right back into the conversation about the finals.

PETRIE: I feel like Helms has checked out already. Guy was a superstar and now...not so much.

MEARS: Perhaps he can pull his career out of the gutter with a victory here tonight.

Helms blasted Matsuda with a heavyweight uppercut that almost took Matsuda off her feet but instead she stumbled backward like a drunk on pay day, catching herself in the nearest corner. Helms didn’t press his advantage, he let Matsuda come to him. And that’s exactly what he did. Fired up and wanting to turn the tide, Matsuda charged at Helms and walked right into Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam/C4). Helms immediately covered, hoping to get a surprise victory. Alas, it was not to be as Matsuda kicked out just after the count of two.

MEARS: That is the old Locke Helms! Perhaps we are seeing a renewed competitive spirit from him.

PETRIE: Or maybe that was just lucky.

The former Intrepid Champion decided that now was the perfect time to slow Matsuda down even further. Helms positioned Matsuda over his shoulder for what appeared to be a powerslam but instead he walked her to the nearest corner and tied her up in the dreaded tree of woe. Unable to free herself, Matsuda was a sitting duck for a Helm’s superkick to the midsection.

“The Chairman of Chaos” took a few steps back and then charged in looking to complete his Gallows Tree with a running dropkick to Matsuda’s face but she sat up at the very last minute. Clutch move. Helms collided with the bottom turnbuckle and scrambled back to his feet but he wasn’t ready for Matsuda to come off the top rope with a moonsault that put Helms on the mat. Matsuda covered but only got a two count.

MEARS: Stephanie Matsuda has been spinning her wheels since returning to OATH. The Event Horizon Series is an opportunity for her to break out as a singles competitor.

Knowing that she really had to keep the pressure on a competitor the calibre of Helms, Matsuda measured him and then unleashed her feared Yahtzee! (Superkick) but Helms knew the superkick game well (as most people should at this point) and he caught her boot. Helms wagged a scolding finger in her face and then pulled her in for a snap tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.

Helms was looking determined at this point as Matsuda writhed on the mat, holding her lower back in agony. Helms stalked Matsuda and got her up to her feet. After a few well placed forearm smashes to her face, Matsuda was sufficiently worn down. Helms positioned Matsuda for Shadows Over Heck, executing an exploder suplex lift but when he went to transition it into a powerslam, Matsuda countered it into a tornado DDT. Matsuda covered but Helms got his foot on the bottom rope out of desperation.

MEARS: Using a rope break to counter a pin is very telling Bad Mood. Helms didn’t have the energy to kick out of that incredible counter.

PETRIE: He really is blowing it and it sucks because I was once a big fan of the guy.

MEARS: I’m sorry for your loss.

PETRIE: feigns crying Thank you…

“The Chairman of Chaos” was reeling and Matsuda moved in for the kill. Thinking outside the box, Matsuda vaulted over the top rope and then shot into the ring with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash) that hit it’s mark perfectly. Instead of covering, Matsuda collected Helms and then drove his doume into the mat with Final Heaven (Package Piledriver). Matsuda shot the half and made the cover, hooking Helms’ leg. Much to the surprise of Matsuda and everyone in The Citadel, Helms was able to kick out!

MEARS: It seems that there is some fight left in the former Intrepid Champion!

PETRIE: For now at least.

Unable to secure the pinfall victory, Matsuda wore an expression of inspiration. Instead of letting Helms get back up, Matsuda rolled backward and applied Blasian Surprise (Tequila Sunrise). This proved to be a bad move because of Helms’ submission superiority. Helms was able to wrestle his way out of the hold and transitioned it into Death Proof (Helms pressed both knees onto a facedown opponent’s arm before applying a fish hook). Without too much damage being inflicted, Matsuda got to the ropes.

MEARS: Could we see the resurgence of Locke Helms here tonight?

PETRIE: I wouldn’t be mad!

Visualising the two points within his grasp, Helms set Matsuda up for the full nelson legsweep but Matsuda planted her feet and then pushed both of them back into the corner. Helms was sandwiched into the corner. Matsuda rolled forward, popped up and blasted Helms with Yahtzee! (Superkick)! Matsuda then pulled herself up to the top rope and immediately came sailing off with Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press) and covered for the pinfall and the victory.

Winner: Stephanie Matsuda (2 Points)

"Rainy Days" by Boogie feat. Eminem kicked up and Matsuda beat her fists on the mat. She wasn’t angry, but elated that she picked up the victory over a name like Helms. Matsuda mouthed the words “Told ya so.” before leaving the ring.

The sky was dim and the sunrise showed many beautiful colors in the clouds. The only dark spots, however, were the shadowy forms of Ryan Terror, Adrestia Nyx and the hulk known as Monstruo.

The trio stood as Ryan smirked toward the camera.

TERROR: One win down, several more to go. The series is starting off exactly how we want it to. Yet, the disappointment was you Locke. What in the hell happened you? Has Papa Legba abandoned you?

Nyx raised a finger and placed it on Ryan's lips.

NYX: Locke, it's obvious that you're walking down a path that leads to nowhere. There is, however, a simple solution to your problems.

Ryan snickered maniacally for a moment.

TERROR: You need us, Locke. We can bring back that soulless monster that Papa Legba created. We extend an invitation to you to join our ranks. This is a chance for you to get back to being what you started out being...a killer.

The sky lit up with a glow of lightning. Ryan ran his fingers through his moustache.

TERROR: James Edwards, the man that sent Locke down this path of despair. I get the opportunity to accomplish two goals in our match. One, I get my next two points by beating you and becoming Intrepid Champion. Two, I get rid of the demon that haunted my soon to be compadre. James, you may be an atheist but if I were you, I'd pray that the Hell Realm leaves some of you to finish out this series. Are you ready...because you should be.

The trio turned and started to leave but Monstruo stayed for a moment. The camera zoomed in on his masked face as he breathed heavily.

MONSTRUO: Edwards...you...will...die...

After that, Monstruo turned and followed Terror and Nyx as the walked away.

In the office that was briefly used by former OATH President Oscar R. Barlow, the vibe had certainly changed. What once was lavishly decorated with trinkets and fresh flowers was now stripped of anything of the sort. Aside from the essentials for any business executive, the only decorative piece was that of a painting. The piece of art depicted a beautiful sailboat fighting against a raging sea storm.

The shot pulled out further to show that there was a man admiring the painting in a stance oddly similar to one that his predecessor often took. This man is Tommy Straker, the new Barlow Family representative and OATH President.

STRAKER: It seems to me that OATH Pro Wrestling is very similar to this ship attempting to traverse the sea during a violent storm. I am the Captain of this ship trying to navigate these troubled waters and every decision I make is integral to the continued survival of this company.

Straker turned and faced the camera, staring down the lens with an intensity that was missing from the previous administrator. Straker is clearly a no nonsense individual and his focus was palpable.

STRAKER: It seems that the storm that OATH is constantly experiencing has increased in intensity since Reo Ojima became OATH World Champion and formed his hit squad, ONI. What was done to my brother-in-law Oscar R. Barlow at Rapture is something that will never happen to another member of my family.

You could see that he meant that. He was not going to allow anything of the sort to ever occur again.

STRAKER: I could lash out and punish ONI but that is not my place. I am an overseer and I am not in the habit of stacking the deck against my charges, even if they most definitely deserve such wraith. That being said, I must learn from such events.

Straker slowly moved behind his desk and rested his hands atop the back of his office chair.

STRAKER: It is clear to me that the Six Person Tag Team Match scheduled for this evening has all the makings of a complete war. One that may break down within the opening moments. So I have decided that in the best interest of both the fans and the competitors -- we deserve a decisive winner.

Straker measured his next words carefully, taking a seat behind his desk. He is the Captain of this ship and it is important that everyone in the company be made aware of that.

STRAKER: Tonight, the Six Person Tag Team Match between ONI and The Lion Knights will be contested under Tornado Tag Team Rules. No tags. No count outs. No disqualifications. I fully expect that ONI will attempt to cheat, so I believe that taking that opportunity away from them is the most just course of action. Best of luck to all involved. The Captain, has spoken.

With that Straker folded his hands on his desk and his point was made -- OATH now has a dependable leader with foresight and good judgement.

OATH TABULA RASA CHAMPIONSHIP SUBMISSION MATCH El Diablo Blanco vs. Josie Wales ©

It was time for the first championship match of the night. El Diablo Blanco came to the ring to the tune of "The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)" by Ylvis and the audience in The Citadel popped. It was very apparent that there were a great deal of Little Diablitos in attendance tonight. Even El Diablo himself seemed a little taken aback from the amount of support he was receiving but after his momentary disbelief, he leaned into it. Adorned in a white karate gi, complete with white belt, El Diablo gave a little “hiya!” and got himself into Ready Stance.

PETRIE: Is this moron for real?

MEARS: I do not think there is a single particle in him that doesn’t believe in himself.

PETRIE: That’s fucking insane.

The Tabula Rasa Champion, “The Outlaw” Josie Wales was out next. Wearing her signature Stetson and long leather duster, Wales marched to the ring with renewed confidence. Following her title win, Wales has seemed far more sure of herself. How nice for her. Wales entered the ring and tipped her hate at El Diablo, who was still in Ready Stance. Wales unbuttoned her duster and revealed her Treasure of the Sierra Madre...the Tabula Rasa Championship.

Wales discarded her hat and jacket, then handed the TR Title to the referee. The ref presented it to both competitors, El Diablo refusing to break his stance. Wales just responded with a nod and the referee handed off the title and then called for the bell.

MEARS: And here we go, a submission match for the Tabula Rasa Championship.

PETRIE: I don’t see this lasting long. El Diablo is a backyarder! He doesn’t know anything about REAL wrestling.

MEARS: He has yet to taste defeat so he must know something.

The champion was somewhat trepidatious about approaching El Diablo as the latter had yet to break his stance. Wales came at him slowly but she jumped out of fright when El Diablo screamed at her with another “Hiya!”. El Diablo then charged and slipped behind Wales, applying perhaps the sloppiest sleeper hold that anyone had ever seen.

PETRIE: This is a fucking joke.

“The Outlaw” easily wriggled out of the hold and found herself behind El Diablo. Wales applied a waist lock and then took El Diablo down onto his belly. Wales applied a laying front chancery but El Diablo fought up to his feet and then attempted to take Wales over with a Northern Lights suplex, however, Wales shifted her weight and applied a front choke. El Diablo was forced to hold Wales up, while being choked out.

PETRIE: The big idiot tried and now he’s going to fail. Easy win for Wales.

MEARS: If anything El Diablo has heart, he could fight out of this.

PETRIE: Yeah I fucking doubt it.

It was either reach down deep and pull out something impressive or pass out. El Diablo was able to find the strength to wrench Wales overhead and toss her with a release Northern Lights suplex. The leader of Diablo Nation then dropped to a knee and tried to gather his breath but he nearly toppled over, Wales really wore him down.

The champion was back up but that throw definitely did some damage. El Diablo was trying to gather his breath but it was taking some time. Wales took to steps and dove over El Diablo, hitting him with a flipping neckbreaker. Wales then rolled backward and found herself mounting El Diablo, he was face down. Wales grabbed his face and wrenched back with a camel clutch.

MEARS: Perhaps El Diablo could go, learn some holds and come back and try again. He has shown very little aptitude for this kind of contest.

PETRIE: Thank you! This guy sucks!

MEARS: That is not what I said Bad Mood.

El Diablo squirmed and kicked long enough that he was able to get one of his boots on the bottom rope. Wales was forced to break the hold but she charged, hit the ropes and came back looking for a basement dropkick but El Diablo moved out of the way. El Diablo then pounced, grabbed Wales arm and wrenched back with an arm bar.

Unfortunately for the Little Diablitos’ favourite wrestler, his technique was less than sterling so Wales was easily able to get out of the hold and apply a Fujiwara arm bar. El Diablo grabbed the bottom rope quickly enough that no real damage was had.

PETRIE: The ropes are the only thing saving this complete idiot.

MEARS: I agree with the first part of that statement.

PETRIE: You’ll come to accept the second part.

El Diablo got up to his feet but Wales had already set off to hit the ropes. El Diablo was up to his feet just in time to see Wales come at him with a bicycle kick. El Diablo dropped to a knee and Wales overshot the mark. This gave El Diablo the opportunity to collect Wales’ other leg, lift her up and plant her for a powerbomb. This got a decent pop from The Citadel.

The leader of the Little Diablitos was feeling powerful at this point. El Diablo got Wales up and sent her hard into the ropes. On her return, El Diablo lifted her up and planted her with a spicy spinebuster right in the middle of the ring. The Citadel started cheering as El Diablo stood up, looked around, then made his way around Wales’ prone body to her head.

PETRIE: Oh come on.

MEARS: The fans are loving this!

PETRIE: That is because they are incredibly stupid.

MEARS: That is unkind.

PETRIE: Only explanation.

With a hard kick to Wales’ arm, El Diablo removed his right elbow pad. The audience knew what was coming as El Diablo added some theatrics and then hit the ropes. On his return he jumped over Wales and then hit the opposing ropes. On his return El Diablo taunted Wales a bit before dropping an elbow. Unfortunately, Wales caught her arm and applied a Fujiwara arm bar!

El Diablo was nowhere near the ropes but he reached out with everything that he could. The Citadel tried to will him on but Wales had the hold applied perfectly. Chants rose up for El Diablo but it wasn’t enough, the backyard luchador was forced to submit.

Winner: Still OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Josie Wales

“The Unforgiven” by Metallica cued up. Wales was presented with the Tabula Rasa Championship and the audience cheered for her...but not as loud as they would have for a El Diablo victory. Regardless, she still had some support.

El Diablo was on the mat holding his arm and Wales approached him. Wales helped El Diablo up and shook his hand, before leaving the ring to celebrate her first successful defence.

The show shifted over to Pillar & Post where we see Leah Aguero sitting at the bar. While most OATH superstars keep themselves in the upstairs VIP area, Aguero was on the main floor tucked away in a corner. The occasional fan could be seen taking her picture from a distance but it was evident by the expression on her face that it would be best if the fans did not get too close. Off in the corner, Aguero finished the rest of her Tangerine White Claw and knocked the empty can over.

AGUERO: Barkeep. Another one. What other flavors you got? Doesn’t matter, just keep them coming.

Aguero's appearance was a bit disheveled. Her recent losses in OATH seemed to be weighing heavy on her as of late and it was very apparent.

BARKEEP: Just so you know. This is your last one. You’re supposed to compete today right? I don’t know how staff would feel about you being inebriated.

Aguero shot the Barkeep a disgusted look.

AGUERO: Inebriated? You’re inebriated. I’m fine. Look.

Aguero extended her arms out horizontally and one by one brought a finger in to touch her nose.

AGUERO: You think I’m drinking to get drunk? You don’t know what you’re talking about man. I’m drinking to loosen up. If I’m not loose someone is going to get hurt tonight. We can’t have that now can we?

Aguero shooed away the barkeep. As she did that, she turned and noticesd the camera on her.

AGUERO: Oh, you like what you see? How about a little privacy every once in a while, huh? Screw it, you’re already here. Let me guess, you want to talk about my match tonight against The “Pride” of Nova Scotia? You want to talk about the Event Horizon Series and how I have no points after my loss to FM Young last week? Let me tell you something about these events. Everyone thinks I’m losing my edge. There was a time in which people feared going up against Stephanie and myself. Now, they think they can just walk right through me. Well, you know what? That ain’t gonna happen.

Aguero paused to take a drink from her White Claw; this time a Lemon flavor.

AGUERO: Maybe I have become soft. Maybe I’m just not seeing what the rest of the world sees. I mean, shit. Most are relegating me to nothing more than a tag team wrestler. Everywhere I go I end up holding a tag title. Is that what I’m consigned to? That’s what pisses me off. Everyone wants to slap a label on me. They want to tell me what to do and how I can be successful. Much love to my Cuz, Steph, but I was chosen to be in the Event Horizon Series for a reason; just as she has. We may be the best damn tag team OATH has ever seen but we’re both accomplished singles competitors as well.

Again, Aguero took a break to draw in a long gulp from the White Claw; quickly finishing it.

AGUERO: There was a time in which I didn’t take shit from anyone. You so much as looked at me the wrong way, you caught a boot upside the face. Instead, I am supposed to be scared of the Event Horizon Series because I’ve already taken an L. I’m starting out in the back of the pack in a block that features not one, but two former OATH World Champions. It’s hard not to take a look at that and think I’m viewed as the fall guy of this round robin series.

Aguero rolled her eyes at the statement.

AGUERO: I’m no one’s fall guy. If I have any chance at winning my Block I need to take out two former champs. Tonight begins with Declan Black. Declan wants to act all ominous all because I said I’m drawing blood from some fucker tonight. I’m so scared. “The last guy to come for blood on me didn’t turn out so good. And you’re no him.” Damn right I’m not. For starters I don’t got a dick. Second, Declan, you’ve never fought someone quite like me. I’m fighting for survival in this Event Horizon Series and it’s a scary thing when you’re pushed into a corner. I’m coming for that W and I’m looking to do it by Any Means Necessary. Being a former World Champion doesn’t make you better than me. I’ll show you just that soon enough. I’m no fall guy and tonight’s your night to accept the Inevitable just as Erik Holland will soon enough. I’m not going 0-3 in this tournament so you better be ready to suffer defeat.

Aguero knocked over the can in front of her and got up from the barstool; walking away from the camera.

SIX PERSON TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH ONI vs. The Lion Knights

Well fuck. This match was mayhem from the get go. ONI came out first and took their time coming to the ring and Reo Ojima had the OATH World Championship strapped around his waist. Zeke Davis and Baz Jacobi took their respective places flanking Ojima. The crowd showered the trio in boos but those boos quickly changed to cheers.

Minoru Tanahashi rushed down the ramp and attacked Zeke Davis from behind. Ojima and Jacobi immediately pounced on Tanahashi and this brought out the OATH Tag Team Champions, The Umbra Knights. The referee just shrugged and called for the opening bell.

MEARS: I guess we’re starting!

PETRIE: What is Tommy Straker’s deal? A tornado tag match is going to let ONI kill The Lion Knights! He must hate Tanahashi, Mason, and Abendroth!

MEARS: I actually see it as a very wise decision.

PETRIE: Bootlicker.

Caleb Abendroth charged Ojima and hit the unsuspecting World Champion with a flying forearm. Abendroth then mounted Ojima on the outside and started feeding him some shots. Terra Mason went after Jacobi but Jacobi met her with an eye rake. Tanahashi was putting the boots to Davis and Davis could barely cover up.

Abendroth got Ojima up over his shoulder and darted forward looking to lawn dart “The Stone Gargoyle” into the ring post but Jacobi grabbed Ojima’s boot and pulled him out of Abendroth’s grasp. “The Astral Knight” spun around just in time to eat a heavy lariat from Ojima. The World Champion was right pissed off and that wasn’t good for anyone.

MEARS: The Stone Gargoyle has that demented expression on his face. I fear what he will do.

PETRIE: Rightly so! The World Champion is going to massacre these fools.

Jacobi turned his attention to Mason who met him with some rights and lefts but Jacobi hit a thigh press into her midsection and then bounced her face off of the ring apron. Jacobi then set his sights on Tanahashi but Tanahashi was ready. “The Black Lion” simply glanced at Jacobi and then cracked him with a hook kick to the face.

At this point, everyone was down save for Tanahashi and Ojima. The two came together and immediately started trading shots back and forth. Ojima hit one that levelled Tanahashi and then Ojima grabbed a beer from a fan at rinside. Ojima took a swig and this gave Tanahashi the opportunity to hit a gut shot to Ojima. Tanahashi stole the beer from Ojima, chugged it, and then spit whatever was left in his mouth in Ojima’s face.

PETRIE: Tanahashi you moron! Do you want to die tonight?

MEARS: The Black Lion is shooting his shot. It is not every day that you get to face the World Champion.

PETRIE: You’re a dead man Black Sheep!

Mason and Abendroth were back up and they noticed that Davis had slipped into the ring. The Umbra Knights both followed Davis into the ring. Davis stood and pointed to his head, indicating that he was very intelligent but he was unaware that the Tag Team Champions were standing behind him. Thanks to a prompt from the fans he was facing, Davis slowly turned around.

Davis threw a wild punch at Abendroth but Abendroth slipped under it and then hit Davis with an enziguri to the back of the head which sent Davis right into a leaping DDT from Mason. At this point Mason made a cover but only got a two count. As this was happening, Jacobi armed himself with a steel chair and entered the ring undetected.

MEARS: And here we see the no disqualification rule in effect. Baz is armed.

PETRIE: Remember Straker, this is your fault! You wanted this!

As The Umbra Knights got Davis up and seemingly prepared for another double team, Jacobi cracked Abendroth in the back with the steel chair. Mason tried to disarm Jacobi but “Yucky” drove the chair into her midsection and then tattooed her back with it. Outside the ring, Tanahashi had Ojima mounted and he was feeding the World Champion some stiff right hands.

“The Stone Gargoyle” used his strength advantage to push Tanahashi off and then got to his feet. Tanahashi, ever spritely, charged Ojima only to eat a knee to the chin. Ojima collected Tanahashi and dropped him with an ushigorshi on the outside. Ojima then entered the ring to join his ONI cohorts. Abendroth tried to rally back but Ojima levelled him with a lariat that sent Abendroth to the outside, coming to rest beside Tanahashi.

MEARS: The so-called Lion Knights are in a bad way here. Terra is all alone and surrounded by all three members of ONI.

ONI surrounded Mason. Jacobi laid the chair on the match and then Ojima indicated something by taking both of his thumbs and pointing them toward the ceiling. Davis and Jacobi positioned themselves on either side of Mason and they lifted her up into a powerbomb position over the steel chair. It seemed like ONI was going to deliver a triple powerbomb but Tanahashi and Abendroth were both back in the ring.

Tanahashi and Abendroth both delivered a chop block to Ojima’s respective knees, causing him to drop to a knee and Mason landed on her feet. Jacobi tried to advance on Tanahashi but “The Black Lion” leaped up and hit Jacobi with a hurricanrana that sent Jacobi through the ropes to the outside. Davis tried to rush Tanahashi but Tanahashi sidestepped him and sent Davis sailing over the top rope and “The Freak” landed on his tag team partner Jacobi.

PETRIE: What the hell is going on? ONI should be wrecking these fools!

MEARS: And yet they are not. Perhaps overconfidence is the deciding factor.

PETRIE: Watch your whore mouth!

The tide had turned and it was now Ojima that was alone in the ring, surrounded by The Lion Knights. Ojima stood and welcomed all of them to try their luck. Tanahashi responded within a split second, blasting Ojima with a superkick that sent the World Champion reeling into the ropes. Ojima caught himself but the Umbra Knights charged and hit him with a double clothesline that sent Ojima over the top rope to the outside.

ONI regrouped on the outside but they barely had a chance to do so as all three of The Lion Knights charged and came through the ropes with a triple suicide dive that found its mark! Everyone was down on the outside when someone else made their way down to the ring. The fans showered this newcomer with boos usually reserved for politicians.

PETRIE: Yes! Here comes some back up!

MEARS: It is a no disqualification match but this is overkill.

PETRIE: No rules! Fuck it!

Shortcut was armed with three barbed wire wrapped bats and the fans feared the worst. That was until two more faces joined the fray, Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry. Midnight Special ran down the ramp and clobbered Shortcut from behind. Tanahashi set his sights on Davis and he nailed him with a palm strike that sent Davis reeling. Davis caught himself on the apron and escaped into the ring. Tanahashi tried to pursue but Jacobi was back up. Jacobi exploded and blasted Tanahashi with the Last Caress (Switch Roundhouse Kick).

“The Freak” thought he was safe in the ring but that was not the case. Once again he was very unaware that he was not alone in the ring. Someone had come through the crowd and slipped in the bottom rope. This person stood over Davis and Davis had no idea what-so-ever.

MEARS: He’s back!

PETRIE: He was supposed to be gone for a month! Propaganda!

MEARS: What?

PETRIE: Lies and deceit!

Ben Macbeth, his ribs taped, hit a stiff kick to the back of Davis’ head and then lifted him up and planted him with Serious Moonlight (Hammerlock Legsweep DDT). Macbeth then exited the ring and joined Midnight Special on the ramp, embracing his EMBLEM brothers. Mason was brawling with Jacobi on the outside while Abendroth did the same with Ojima. Tanahashi saw Davis down and entered the ring.

Davis started to stir and he stood up, seeing Tanahashi standing before him. Davis just smirked and then spit in Tanahashi’s face. Tanahashi responded by booting Davis in the midsection and then planted him with Black Lion Bomb (Tiger Driver 98). Tanahashi covered and got the three count as well as the victory for his team.

Winners: The Lion Knights

Ojima and Jacobi had downed the Umbra Knights on the outside and then entered the ring to go after Tanahashi. Tanahashi knew that he’d be no match for both of them so he retreated and joined the Umbra Knights on the ramp to celebrate their victory. The Lion Knights were passed by EMBLEM as the reunited trio went to enter the ring.

MEARS: Here we go. ONI’s night is not over yet!

PETRIE: Cowards! They just had a match!

Carbine, Cherry, and Macbeth were set to enter the ring when security charged the ring and prevented that from happening. Ojima got on the middle rope and told them to bring it on but EMBLEM could not break through the security hoard. EMBLEM were backed up the ramp as ONI shouted insults at them from the ring.

FM Young and Morgan Payne were lounging in front of a big screen T.V. that was playing OATH Pro Wrestling’s Conviction Episode XXIV in the background. The pair were settled in, energy drinks and popcorn, the like in front of the. Morgan held the remote and pointed at the screen. The scene playing was a piece of Holland vs. Black, it was clear that the pair were watching the fight and pausing to discuss the displays.

MORGAN: There! See?

Morgan popped a pinch of popcorn into her mouth and talked as she munches.

MORGAN: Guy’s got Black down on the outside and he breaks da count? Just accept da countout win, ya fuckin’ jagoff! At least be fresh and waiting for him in da ring!

Morgan clicked the pause button and took a long sip from her energy drink before kicking one bare foot up on the couch. Dressed in naught but sweatpants and a t-shirt, she half turned to FM and looked right at her as she continued.

MORGAN: Holland’s got him in a hold and instead of wrenchin’ him back from da ropes, dude pushes da hold and then Holland’s too busy barkin’ at da ref like a rabid dog wif ADHD. Use dat shit. Don’t give fuck boy a breather!

YOUNG: You’re right, Holland’s too honorable to win by count-out. Which is an avenue I could potentially exploit. Am I willing to exploit it? Do I want to be the woman who had to advance by count-out? Keeping Holland down on the outside will be a feat in itself. The second part, you’re saying let him get distracted, take advantage of the fact that he won’t keep his eye on the ball? Yeah. That I can do.

Morgan unpaused the match and shoveled more popcorn into her mouth. FM shifted, stretching her arms and took a drink of her soda. The Tiger of a woman was clearly comfortable, but her amber eyes were sharp, paying keen attention to the screen as if literally picking apart prey.

YOUNG: We’ve both got size and strength, I’m smaller no doubt. I’m better switching to using my speed than trying to play brawler with him. I’ve seen his power and rage, I’ve felt it first hand. Some kind of dreadlocked animal is right. Unlucky for Holland, we’re both animals. I still have, I still AM everything that beat him in Elysium, though the rage is quieter now, it’s going to be a learning experience for him. Besides, he’s never managed to use fury in the way I can. He got pissed and sloppy, note to self, spend the rest of the week pissing Holland off.

MORGAN: Mmh!

Something FM said had made the smaller of the two women remember something else while sipping her drink. She picked up the remote and jumped ahead in the match to a later point.

MORGAN: A’ight. You gots speed and ya can drag a match out. Just like Holland’s lil boy crush here. See? Check it.

She pointed to the TV again, making sure FM was paying attention.

Suddenly, the line came out of commentary.

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

Morgan doubled over laughing, and FM snickered herself into her shoulders on the couch.

MORGAN: Someone oughta tell pretty boy dat, might be a better way to beat Holland! Faster, definitely. But nah, don’t wanna think bout his sex life. Look at Holland startin’ ta slow down like a bull with fifteen arrows up his ass. His bottom boy’s still bouncin’ ‘round like a Cocker Spaniel. I’d compare it to fightin’ da Berserker in Gears of War. Holland bein’ big as shit, n’at. I ain’t sure I wanna give Black da credit o’bein’ compared ta Marcus Fenix.

Morgan chewed on some popcorn and actually pondered, possibly giving this credit….then just shook her head.

MORGAN: Nah, fuck dat noise.

YOUNG: I’M NOT PEGGING HOLLAND. Next topic, please...I just, I’m not going ANYWHERE Lyric’s been. Black’s tough. I give him that, but he fucks around too much. I gotta take advantage of that when I get to Black. Gotta absolutely stay on him, no breathing room, no head games. Holland though, if I just tank damage, he’s going to work himself up. He HATES Black, a lot more than he does me. I think he respects me, hell, but that just means he might not even go as hard at first. Whereas I can just come out of the gate with a level of speed and adaptably that will force him to try and keep up.

Morgan chewed idly and shrugged her shoulders.

MORGAN: I mean, yeah there’s that. I’d just tell ‘im he looks like da fuckin’ Predator and make him run into da turnbuckle. Then when ya get to Black, just tell ‘im he looks like a fuckin’ lil pretty fuckboy bitch. At the very least, go for the face. Black’s type are allllways da “preeze don’t hurt muh furse” type. Also check this out.

She fast forwarded again and pointed to the screen.

MORGAN: See? The ref’s down and what the fuck’s Holland doin’? Wastin’ his goddamn time. Black might be ugly but least he’s smart. He thinks quicker than biggums. So YOU--

Morgan turned, reaches over and booped FM right on the nose.

MORGAN: --need to think even quicker. Move quicker than Holland. Think quicker than Black. Fight dirtier than both of ‘em. Ya feel me?

Morgan turned and kicked back across the couch, shamelessly resting her feet over FM’s lap and took a big chug out of her energy drink. She lifted one foot and gave FM a playful shove in the shoulder.

MORGAN: Think ya can do dat, mamá caliente?

FM just leaned back with the shove then righted herself with a grin, taking some popcorn from the bowl.

YOUNG: I got that covered, trust me. This is important, I’m not letting this escape me for playing too by the rules. I have lines, but I’ll skirt closer to them than he will. Plus, if I wanna actually make him mad all I gotta do is yank on one of those head tentacles of his. His moves too, that Chopping Mall? I mean, it’s devastating if he can hit, but it makes him dizzy as fuck too. All his moves are shoulder block and lift based, Toxic Avenger should be easy to slip out of like Black did. Around about the back, BAM Heart of the Phoenix. Let him charge me, I can go for the pop up on the Human Error Processor.

The bog woman sat forward, eyes darting across the frozen screen as she picked up on more, picking the moves apart mentally. Everything Holland couldn’t capitalize on, everything he should have hit harder. It seemed to her that even worked up, with all hid motivation and rage, that Holland just lacked his power and killer instinct. Sometimes one could go far too crazy for their own good, and to her that was the bridge Holland was either at or crossing.

YOUNG: Shit how many backbreakers did Holland feed that dude? Five? And Holland just comes unglued from there, not enough ompf on his TerrorVisions. Black should have been coughing up his kidneys. Talk about just not getting it done. From there, he just can’t hit ANYTHING more than a round of simple stomps. He’s just hit a mental block, like he’s worked himself up into a knot he can’t escape.

MORGAN: Also, don’t forget Holland’s back. Not like..”he’s back.” I mean like…”his back.” Da shit he did to Back’s black? Wait no, Black’s black. Goddamn it. BLACK’S...BACK! Fuck, dat’s a tongue twister. Anyway! Work on Holland’s back much as ya can. His herniated disc might be healed up but shit like dat’s always gonna be a target. So line up and hit some bullseyes on it. Get it? Got it? Capice? Savvy? Yeah?

Each word that Morgan inquired with, she gave FM more little pushes to the shoulder with her foot, grinning over a pinch of popcorn behind her teeth. After she’d gotten a smile out of FM, she swung her feet to the floor and hopped up.

MORGAN: C’mon. I’m sick o’watching these two play grabass wif each other. Let’s go work some holds so Holland doesn’t rip you in half like da Hulk did Wolverine.

Morgan had to grab her by the wrist to pull her up but FM finally gave in, rolling her eyes with a humored grin as she “allowed” the much smaller woman to pull her off the couch and towards the sparring room. They both headed for the stairs in the background as the camera faded out.

Erik Holland was seen backstage somewhere in The Citadel. Somewhere in the deep dark parts of the arena, away from all the TV cameras, because his dear Lyric is a talented photographer and camera person in her own right. He was seated on the bottom step of a set of stairs leading up to somewhere else in the arena. He was staring up through those greasepainted eyes at the camera with a stern, unsettlingly angry look. By the way, very hometown-type of facepaint for Holland this time--he sported a white base with black ‘X’s over his lips to simulate his mouth being sewn shut, and had smeared OATH across his forehead in black greasepaint.

HOLLAND: There has been a lot of media and a lot of Twitter saying it was "do or die" tonight for Erik Holland. Do or die. Event Horizon, there was no going back. I could have put myself in a good position by winning at Conviction a last weeks ago but I blew it. No other way to put it but I blew it. I took too much joy and rapture in devastating Declan Black’s body that I did NOT do what I should have known would harm him worse than anything I could do physically--and that was beat him. I lost that match, he didn’t win it. I let him off the hook. And every MINUTE since that match has ended has redefined being angry at myself for it.

Erik with angry, sharp movements at the camera as he vented his spleen about what happened.

HOLLAND: Now I’m behind. If I don’t win this next match, I’m as good as out of the tournament. And I’ve got possibly the toughest competitor in the entire thing, FM Young, she’s on the dance card tonight. She’s been on a roll and tearing through this entire roster with the same kind of alacrity that I have been, and so to say that she will not be a cakewalk will be less of an understatement and more of a ‘Fuckin’ Duh’ statement. FM Young is THE most underrated wrestler in this company, and I’d go so far as to say this industry. Her passion. Her drive. The fact she puts out the noise and stacks bodies. That is championship mentality. But it STOPS, it stops, with me. And really, I see the...heh, the media, the TWEETS, and they say it’s gonna be a war. I got something to tell you ALL about war. You’re gonna put your fucking keyboards up, you're gonna leave your hot takes in your drafts and listen to me tell you what the fuck a war is.

Erik swiped a hand across his face, tugging at his beard, letting the blonde braids fall down across his face.

HOLLAND: Ever since the bell rang at Rapture and I lost my--MY--World Championship, I have had revenge on Reo Ojima on my soul, in my heart, and crawling around somewhere in what’s left of my mind. And when you go for revenge, you have to dig two graves. One for yourself, one for the man you are pursuing. ARE YOU READY, FM, to dig your own grave? Because I’ve dug many graves for myself, in many different corners of the world, MANY graves--and at 30 years old, THIRTY, I’m still here. Hahaha...still here, still an ANIMAL.

Erik’s voice was bitter. Hard. Different from what we had heard before, that higher consciousness of speech. There was a real sharpness to his tone and to his eyes, there was real anger and pain behind his words.

HOLLAND: FM Young, we’ve talked till we are blue in the face about how much we respect each other but I pray you understand when Conviction commences, when we come to the ring--you will be dealing with a GENUINE madman. Not something that’s being forced to be something it’s not. Not a fuckin’ GIMMICK. Not somethin’ I do to sell t-shirts. I’m a lost fucking cause, FM, I was a long time ago and ain’t nothing changed. I’m a pro-wrestler, I’m a successful pro wrestler, I got a sexy girlfriend, I got millions of fans but none of that shit keeps me from thinking about how nice it would be to stick a 9 millimeter in my mouth and be done with it ALL. You’re one of the only goddamn friends I got around here so when I’m battering you, when I’m punishing you, suplexing you, when I drop you with the Toxic Avenger and I beat you--GET that I am honoring you. GET that I am giving you the warrior’s death you want. Out on your shield against an opponent that actually made you break a sweat. That actually made you swing your sword a few times.

Holland’s voice was trembling now, but not from fear as he poured straight from his heart. I got the feeling he’d gone off script some.

HOLLAND: So you know what about war? You know what my war is? It ain’t this, FM, no matter if Minoru’s gonna call it a war when he makes his picks, no matter if Finale thinks it’ll be a war, no matter if ANYONE thinks so, no matter what’s on the line. This? THIS is wrestling, FM, this is a wrestling match. So let’s fuckin’ talk about war. WAR is me getting up every goddamn day and battling the Devil in my head. Every day, I win and I do something good, or that Devil wins and I do something bad. I wake up with that. I live with that. I’ll DIE with that. Every morning I gotta wake up and choke down a pill of Wellbutrin so I don’t FLIP THE FUCK OUT.

That ain’t no fucking wrestling match, FM, THAT’S REAL WAR. Real war. If I go out on the streets and I see kids I beat up in treatment when I was a kid, and they can’t let it be? I gotta watch their hands to make sure they don’t pull a gun or pull a knife and nobody has to send a fuckin’ cop to my parents’ house or that phone call to Lyric’s cell? THAT’S WAR. Fuck this, THAT’S WAR. So when the Twitterverse wants to talk about WAR? They better learn what the FUCK that means. And you, FM, you better learn what the fuck that means. Cause I fight a war every FUCKING day of my life.

His eyes were wide, searing with rage, like he was absolutely insulted anyone called something so small as a wrestling match a ‘war’. All we hear now was Holland’s angry breathing through his nose.

HOLLAND: And It’ll NEVER be over. I could beat you a hundred times, FM and the war inside my head would never be over. But I win Event Horizon? That’s another story to tell. That’s a story to tell that even a FUCKIN’ lost cause like Erik Holland can get his shit together long enough to fuckin’ be somebody. So that’s why I gotta beat you tonight, FM. That’s why winning this competition MUST HAPPEN. I don’t give a fuck if anyone in the locker room or anyone in the seats believes it. I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT. I have to do it FOR ME. For Lyric. And I will.

We’re fucking done.

Click. The camera was off, and back to ringside we went. Safe to say Holland was sitting on ready, and he had better be.

It was time next for our second Event Horizon Series match, this time in the A Block. Former OATH Tag Team Champion, “War Queen” Leah Aguero was out first. She did not acknowledge the fans, her eyes fell upon nothing but the ring. “The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black made his way to the ring and took his sweet time doing so. Aguero just stared at him from the ring, watching his every move with malicious intent. Black was well aware of this so he slowed his pace down considerably, perhaps trying to rile up Aguero even more.

MEARS: This is classic Declan Black. He is one of two competitors that have been in both of the Event Horizon Series’. He knows what it takes to win this tournament.

PETRIE: Yeah! He won it last year.

MEARS: No he didn’t.

PETRIE: Yeah but the guy who did is dead so who cares?

MEARS: No he isn’t.

Once in the ring, the referee called for the opening bell. The two competitors walked to the center of the ring and Black began to speak but Aguero just slapped the spit out of his mouth. The camera caught Black, now spun to the side, checking his mouth for blood. Black smiled and then moved to respond but Aguero spun around him and rolled him up for a quick two count!

PETRIE: Holy fuck Aguero almost did it! That was her best shot and it didn’t work. All downhill from here kiddo.

MEARS: Her Inevitable partner won earlier tonight, perhaps they could sweep their matches tonight.

PETRIE: Unlikely. Aguero is a place filler in this series. She is here to eat pins.

MEARS: She professed that that is not the case.

PETRIE: The fuck does she know?

Black was able to kick out but he didn’t look shocked. We only got a moment to see his expression because Aguero smashed him with a big boot while Black was on one knee. Aguero brought Black up to his feet and after another hard slap she went to send him across the ring with an Irish whip but Black reversed it and it was Aguero who was sent into the ropes.

On her return, Aguero was quicker and she caught Black with a leg lariat. Black was put on his back but he rolled under the bottom rope and took refuge on the outside. Uncharacteristically, Black had his back to Aguero and this proved to be of poor judgement because Aguero charged and dove through the ropes with a suicide dive that caught Black in the lower back and sent him hard into the guard rail. Black had the wind knocked out of him and he looked legitimately surprised.

MEARS: We are seeing a different War Queen here tonight. She is more focussed than we have seen her in months!

PETRIE: But she is facing Declan Fucking Black. This guy has been the top dog since he signed with OATH. He has been with us since the beginning.

MEARS: Leah essentially has too.

Aguero was a woman possessed as she repeatedly smashed Black’s head into the guard rail. The fans in The Citadel were happy to see it because Black was less than popular among the OATH faithful. Aguero then attempted to smash Black’s face into the ring apron but Black halted this attempt with a sharp elbow to Aguero’s midsection. Black then lifted Aguero up for a back suplex but adjusted and dropped her spine first onto the hard apron.

PETRIE: G-g-g-g-game changer. Thanks for coming Aguero!

MEARS: That is definitely going to be a turning point in this contest. Black knows how badly that must have damaged Leah’s back and he will attack it, mercilessly.

PETRIE: That’s why he’s the best!

“The Pride of Nova Scotia” was now in control but being a seasoned competitor, he knew that it was better for him to put some space between himself and Aguero for the time being, lest he get too overzealous and she catch him with a surprise. Black deliberately walked up the ring steps and entered the ring, ensuring that any potential “ringing” of his bell had quieted. Aguero rolled onto the ring but she was clearly favouring her back.

Black approached Aguero and she reached up to pull him into a roll up but Black held firm and kicked her hard in the spine. Not satisfied with that shot, Black drew his leg back and then hit Aguero with a second kick that saw her let out in pain. Being a man who is always trying to do better (I guess), Black drew back again and kicked Aguero in the spine again.

PETRIE: See that is what makes Black a legend. He is focussed. He is honing in. He knows what needs to be done.

Out of self-preservation rather than trying to get back in control, Aguero stood but was still doubled over. Black saw his opportunity so he charged and blasted Aguero in the side of the head with a knee trembler. Aguero reeled sideways and caught herself on the middle rope. Black came from behind and got her back, taking her over with a swift German suplex. Once again Aguero’s back was the focus of the attack but this time Black made a cover. It seemed academic at that point but Aguero was able to kick out just before the three count.

PETRIE: Stay down kiddo. Black is gonna put you in a wheelchair if you don’t!

MEARS: That is a distinct possibility.

Undeterred, the ever confident Black stomped on Aguero’s lower back and then ground his foot into her spine. Aguero let out in pain again and Black took that as a sort of cue. Black dropped an elbow onto Aguero’s back and then remained there to apply 25:18 (Border City Stretch/Gargano Escape)! Black wrenched back with all his might and Aguero screamed in agony.

MEARS: Oh my. This could spell victory for Declan Black.

PETRIE: It will. Aguero is not ready to compete at this level. That much is clear.

As we have come to expect from the former World Champion, Black smirked as he wrenched back on the hold. Aguero was screaming in pain, the assault on her back was now being compounded by the expertly applied hold. What was very alarming was that Aguero’s screams turned into her screaming, “More you fucking pussy!”. Black seemed surprised at first but then wrenched back harder.

MEARS: Good Lord! Is Leah Aguero serious? She wants him to pull back harder!

PETRIE: This oddly sexual.

MEARS: You’re a pig.

PETRIE: But I’m not wrong.

“The War Queen’s” body was bending in a way that the human anatomy could not take for very long. And yet Aguero said “That all you got?”. This time Black was not amused so he wrenched back even furth and this was the opening that Aguero needed. Aguero kicked slid her lower body forward, pushed Black back and stacked him up with a pin. Aguero grabbed Black’s waistband and yanked on it for extra leverage. The referee counted and Aguero got the three count!

Winner: Leah Aguero (2 Points)

"Killing In The Name Of" by Rage Against The Machine cued up and the audience was in shock. Aguero had just pinned the longest reigning OATH World Champion to secure two points in the Event Horizon Series. Aguero got her hand raised but then dropped to a knee, her back in severe pain.

PETRIE: You’ve gotta be fucking joking.

MEARS: She did it! Leah Aguero has bested Declan Black!

Cut to Black and he was dumbfounded. “The Pride Of Nova Scotia” was shocked that he was goaded into such a great counter. Aguero stood up and flashed Black a smile before she spilled out of the ring and back peddled up the ramp.

In contrast to last week, James Edwards looked borderline confident as he sat in front of his locker at The Citadel.

EDWARDS: I've always heard that the mind goes before the body. I remember my mom telling me stories about my grandmother when she was so deep in dementia that she would just get up and walk around. She didn’t know what the hell she was doing, but you could still walk. I think the same thing applies to fighting, your mind may go but your body is always going to keep going.

The Intrepid Championship hung behind him, appearing to have been recently shined.

EDWARDS: Last time out I killed my mind right off the bat. I put too much pressure on myself and psyched myself out. I'll give my opponent credit, she almost beat me because of it. But the thing my mind may have been shot, but my body kept me in it. My hands still remembered how to lock in the heel hook, and because of that, I got the win, and I got the record for the most successful defensive not just for the Intrepid Championship, but for any championship in OATH history.

Edwards didn’t acknowledge the title belt behind him, almost like if he did it will curse him.

EDWARDS: I haven’t given the hook a name yet. Usually, I just pick a name for a move because it sounds cool. But I didn't want to do that this time. I wanted it to earn its name. And I think the heel hook finally earned it last week because it saved my ass. And so I've decided to call it Foxfire.

He knew it was an odd name. So an explanation was in order. He thought about that as the belt’s presence bore down on him in the background.

EDWARDS: So what the hell's Foxfire? My family comes from the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, and they would always talk about how late at night if you got stuck on a trail you couldn't see shit. That’s because the forests were so thick back then that they walled off the moonlight. The old folks in my family said that if you kept walking eventually you would see some glowing mushrooms. I don't know why they glowed but was called Foxfire. They would guide your way home even in the dark. And I think that's exactly what the heel hook was for me. It was my Foxfire because it guided me home when things looked darkest in the ring.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: A BLOCK SINGLES MATCH Erik Holland (0) vs. FM Young (2)

It was time for the second Event Horizon Series: A Block match as former OATH World Champion, “The Haunted” Erik Holland looked to score his first points in the series by taking on former OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, “The Tiger” FM Young who had already picked up two. Holland came to the ring accompanied by his paramour Lyric and Young marched to the ring alone, but with confidence as her companion.

MEARS: I have been waiting for this contest all week.

PETRIE: Me too. I can honestly say that I have no idea what is going to happen. Aside from unbridled violence.

MEARS: That is a fair prediction.

The two barely waited for the bell to ring as Young exploded out of her corner and smashed Holland with a clothesline. Holland was sent back into the corner but then he charged back at Young and she narrowly avoided a lariat from him, slipping behind him. Young darted and drove a knee into Holland’s lower back and when he spun around to clobber her, Young was already behind him.

MEARS: Young said that she was going to use her speed against Holland and that is exactly what we are seeing.

Young hit a quick succession of jabs to Holland’s kidneys and when he spun around again she rolled through and then drove a knee into his back. Holland stumbled forward and caught himself on a turnbuckle. “The Tiger” took a moment to plan her next attack and Holland turned his attention back toward her, snarling.

PETRIE: I truly don’t like Holland but like...I am scared of him.

MEARS: That makes two of us, Bad Mood.

The two met in the middle of the ring and Holland went to tie up but once again Young slipped his guard and drove a hard knee into his surgically repaired spin. Holland growled in anger (and pain) and then swung wildly behind himself. Young slipped him again and then caught him with a European uppercut that knocked “The Haunted” loopy.

PETRIE: Young is executing her plan perfectly! I don’t think Holland has a plan aside from “Holland Smash!”

MEARS: You have to give him more credit than that. He is not some mindless golem. Holland is a gifted competitor.

PETRIE: Sure. He’s “special”. Whatever.

Young knew that she had to keep on Holland so she grabbed him and went for an Irish whip but Holland’s weight advantage allowed him to plant his feet, not moving. Holland kept hold of Young and tried to pull her in for a belly to belly suplex but Young clapped his ears and then hit him with a Manhattan drop. Young then took off toward the opposing ropes and on her return Holland let out a primal roar and obliterated Young with a clothesline.

MEARS: And Erik Holland has taken the momentum back in this contest.

PETRIE: Back? He hasn’t had it yet!

“The Haunted” was pretty pissed off at this point. Young had played hit and run long enough. Holland dropped down and applied an uncharacteristic chin lock. Young knew that being in Holland’s clutches was a bad place to be and she threw some elbows back, looking for Holland’s kidneys, but there was very little power behind them.

MEARS: This is a bad situation for FM Young. She was doing a great job staying away from Holland but now that he has her...she is in trouble.

Holland wore Young down with this chin lock until she was on her side, on the mat. Holland released the hold and then grabbed Young by the waist, hauled her up, and planted her with a deadlift German suplex. Not slowing down, Holland stomped toward Young and kicked her in the midsection. Young let out in pain and that noise seemed to give Holland life.

PETRIE: He’s enjoying this! The sick fuck!

MEARS: He certainly is. I feel as if the loss to Declan Black last week may have knocked something loose in Holland’s mind…

PETRIE: Could probably guess what was knocked loose! Not much up there!

The former World Champion knelt down beside Young and started dropping sharp elbows onto her head. Being that Young’s left foot was under the bottom rope, the referee intervened. Holland shoved the referee away, got Young up and smashed her head off the top turnbuckle. Young’s eyes rolled back in her head and then Holland clobbered her with a lariat to the back of the neck.

MEARS: Oh my. FM Young is in a very bad place right now.

The crowd in The Citadel wasn’t entirely sure who they wanted to win. Typically they would be on Holland’s side but the sheer malicious nature of his assault was losing him more support than it was gaining. Lyric applauded her partner from the outside as Holland sent Young into the ropes and then planted her on the canvas with Chopping Mall (Deep Six). Holland hooked Young’s leg and the referee made the count. Young was able to kick out just after the count of two.

PETRIE: She lives! Imagine she beats him tonight? She hasn’t been here long and a win over Erik Holland that a) mathematically takes him out of contention for the finals, and b) is over a former World Champion. That’d be something.

MEARS: It certainly would!

PETRIE: Too bad he’s gonna kill her.

Wanting to make a statement, “The Haunted” dragged the seemingly lifeless Young up to her feet and then lifted her up and sat her on the top rope. Holland then went to climb up there himself but Young caught him with a well placed kick right on the button of his chin. Holland was on spaghetti legs for a few moments before he dropped, prone on his back.

Young shook off the effects of the onslaught she suffered, if only for a moment, and then stood on the top rope and dropped into the Negasonic Warhead (Starship Pain). Young landed perfectly across Holland’s sternum and it actually earned her a decent pop from the fans in The Citadel. Young hooked the leg and the referee slid in to make the count. There was a collective sound of disappointment as Holland kicked out...with authority.

MEARS: This is not good. Holland may be getting stronger as this match progresses.

“The Tiger” didn’t let Holland’s resilience deter her. She collected herself and then hit a still prone Holland with a running senton. That seemingly woke Holland up because he was soon back up to his feet. Holland, acting on instinct alone, charged Young and attempted a bicycle kick but Young slipped it and then hit Holland with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). Holland ate it but it did knock him just a bit. Young just shrugged and delivered a second Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline) and this one dropped Holland. Young covered again but again Holland kicked out at two.

PETRIE: Young is giving it all she’s got but I don’t think it’s gonna be enough. And I hate Holland. But dude is turning into a legit movie monster.

MEARS: I can not disagree, Bad Mood.

There was a moment where you could have sworn that Young had the kind of look on her face which said that she was doubting herself but that moment was fleeting. Young gathered the big man up and brought him up to his feet. Young hit him with alternating jabs to his kidneys and then positioned him for Superchick (The Shiranui)! As Young lifted herself up Holland came alive, dove forward and tossed Young over the top rope! Young landed with a thud on the outside of the ring, all of the air being driven from her lungs.

MEARS: Good Lord!

Holland didn’t take any time to recover, he immediately slipped out of the ring and gathered Young up. She was breathing heavy -- gasping for breath really. Holland took hold of her and hit her with TerrorVision (Irish Curse Backbreaker). But then he did it again. And again. And again etc. Holland hit six consecutive TerrorVisions and then bealed Young so hard into the ring steps that it knocked them several feet out of place.

MEARS: The referee may need to consider stopping this match. Young could have severe internal injuries.

PETRIE: No. She definitely HAS severe internal injuries.

“The Haunted” was seething and as he approached Young we could see that Young’s mouth was a bloody mess. Whether that was blood was coming from her mouth or if it was the result of internal injuries was unknown. Holland took hold of Young and slid her into the ring.

Once in the ring Holland was immediately on top of Young. He stood over her, grabbed her by the neck with both hands and started slamming her head and neck into the mat. Holland did this over a dozen times before the referee intervened to check on Young. Holland once again shoved the referee out of the way and Young made a desperation move, she was able to roll Holland up. The shocked referee almost forgot to make the count. Young could only keep Holland balled up for a count of two.

MEARS: I do not know that Erik Holland can be beaten tonight.

PETRIE: He is an animal backed into a corner. Motherfucker is DANGEROUS.

Holland let out a guttural growl and threw a wild lariat at Young but she slipped behind him and drove a knee into his spine. Holland’s eyes went wide, as if he was experiencing a shock of pain that left him unable to speak. Young took hold of him and with everything she had she modified her Stand Alone Complete from an elevated gutbuster into an elevated back breaker! Young covered again but this time Holland kicked out at one.

MEARS: A one count! Holland kicked out at one!

Both competitors were up to a knee and they caught each other’s eyes. That was all they needed for both of them to dart forward and start smashing one another with rights and lefts. Holland ate a couple shots on purpose so he could wind up and blast Young with a forearm smash. Holland grabbed Young’s wrist and lifted her up into a fireman’s carry.

MEARS: This is it! Toxic Avenger! Young fought hard but it just was not enough.

PETRIE: She tried. She failed. It happens.

Before Holland could execute his finish, Young slipped behind him and drove another sharp knee into Holland’s spine. This stopped Holland dead in his tracks and gave Young time to show her incredible strength. She somehow...some way...lifted Holland up and dropped him with Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check). Young immediately scrambled into a cover and to everyone’s surprise...she got the three count.

Winner: FM Young (4 Points)

As soon as the bell rang, “Helix” didn’t cue up. EMTs rushed the ring as Young could not get up off the mat and was coughing blood onto the canvas. Holland was down too and production staff decided that this would be a good time to cut to commercial.

Inside Pillar & Post, it was very busy as the tickets were limited and not everyone could watch from the arena. Matt Shields had opted for the bar once again, sat there with a drink in his hand as the bartender Steve (a wrestler in training himself) busied himself making drinks. After a few moments, Steve came back to check on Shields.

SHIELDS: What should I do Steve? Huh? Pre show last week, B show this week. Should I go out there on Conviction to rant and rave again? Beat up the time keeper or the cameraman this time? No no, I gotta do something to really make an impact. I gotta go out there and take someone out of this tournament or destroy the Tag Team Champions. I should have attacked Blanco right before the match, took his spot, almost have Josie Wales beat and then got myself disqualified because I don’t give a fuck about the Tabula Rasa title. I am a god damn World Champion, Steve.

STEVE: I know man. You’re Matt goddamn Shields, the breaker of bones.

Steve shook his head, took his empty glass and made Shields another drink. Steve then went to other customers to help them out.

SHIELDS: Breaker of bones? Maybe that’s what I should do. Who to break though? So many good options.

Shields downed his drink, then pulled out a wad of twenties and threw them down on the bar.

SHIELDS: Thanks for the advice Steve, you’re right, I am the breaker of motherfucking bones.

He nodded as a sadistic smirk crept across his face and he walked out of the bar. He headed straight towards the main arena, cracking his knuckles and his neck along the way.

SHIELDS: Who should it be though? Taking out Holland would definitely get me noticed. Breaking the arm of Blanco would be satisfying. Taking out a Tag Champion is certainly appealing. Could go out there, cost Edwards his title and then break his leg.

As he was thinking, he rounded the corner and smacked right into a small man in a bright orange mask and tights.

SHIELDS: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?

The young luchador popped up to his feet and shrugged.

MASKED WRESTLER: Uh, you kind of ran in to me man.

SHIELDS: The fuck did you just say to me? Who stands right in the path that anyone coming around the corner will take? What is your name?

MASKED WRESTLER: I am El Caliente Loco. I’m hoping to get a tryout match.

SHIELDS: El Caliente Loco? The hot crazy one? That’s a terrible fucking name and you’re a disrespectful little bitch.

Shields suddenly kicked El Caliente low, then hit him with the 40 Legions clothesline. Shields looked around, found a couple of tables, then grabbed El Caliente up and delivered a stiff European uppercut that rocked the young luchador. Shields grabbe El Caliente in a headlock and marched him over to the tables. Shields slammed El Caliente's head down onto the table, then climbed up and yanked the small masked wrestler up with him. Shields hauls El Caliente Loco up and then drives him down through the table with the Hellhound’s Bite. Shields pushed El Caliente away and stands up.

SHIELDS: YOU STUPID BASTARD! Should have just apologized. Guess it’s you that’s gonna get broken. Shields grabbed a nearby chair and slammed it down on to the knee of El Caliente. He then sandwiched the masked man’s leg between the chairs and grabs another, but before he could destroy El Caliente's leg, security rushed in. Shields dropped the chair and stormed off as El Caliente was tended to by security.

EVENT HORIZON SERIES: B BLOCK OATH INTREPID CHAMPIONSHIP Ryan Terror (2) vs. James Edwards (2) ©

It was time for the main event, an Event Horizon Series: B Block match as former OATH Tag Team Champion, Ryan Terror looked to gain another two points and the Intrepid Title. In his way was Intrepid Champion, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards, who was attempting his sixth defense of the title. Terror came to the ring flanked by his Hell Realm cohorts Adrestia Nyx and Monstruo. Edwards was out next with only his championship to accompany him. Nyx head faked the champion as he passed by her en route to the ring.

MEARS: Edwards could be in trouble with Monstruo and Adrestia at ringside.

PETRIE: They are just here for moral support! Don’t be crazy.

Once in the ring Edwards unstrapped the Intrepid Title from around his waist and held it in his hands. Edwards gazed at the faceplate before he handed it to the referee, almost reluctantly. The referee showed the title to Terror but Terror just stared across the ring at Edwards with a smile on his face. The referee handed off the title and then called for the opening bell.

PETRIE: Is it just me or did Edwards look like he was saying goodbye?

MEARS: He opted to defend his title throughout this tournament. It was not required.

PETRIE: Yeah. Real dumb move.

The two competitors walked to the middle of the ring and Edwards opened the match with Double Tap (Pair of consecutive spinning back fists). Terror was rocked and Edwards grabbed Terror’s wrist and pulled him back for the RRE (Reverse Release Exploder Suplex) but Terror drove a spinning elbow into Edwards’ midsection and then hit him with a flurry of muay thai knees to the face. After a half dozen of these, Terror released Edwards and shoved him backward into a corner.

PETRIE: He said he’d beat Terror in under five minutes. Another real dumb thing to say. What is it with this guy?

MEARS: It seems that the challenges provided to him are not enough.

PETRIE: Yeah we’ll see.

Edwards’ nose was bleeding at this point but he had little time to react because Terror charged in and caught Edwards with a jumping knee to the chin. Terror then brought Edwards out of the corner with a running bulldog. Terror covered and the referee slid in to make the count. The referee counted one, then two, and as his hand came down to count three Edwards was able to kick out.

Nyx clapped for Terror at ringside as The Hell Realm leader casually kicked Edwards in the ribs a few times. Terror allowed Edwards to stand only for Terror to unleash an Out of the Shadows (Superkick) that caught Edwards right on the chin. Edwards was laid out, prone on the mat and Terror ascended to the top rope.

MEARS: Ryan Terror has been with OATH for nearly all of its existence and yet he has not held singles gold. Tonight he could rectify that.

PETRIE: Given that he just blew Edwards’ whole plan to smithereens, I’d say it’s gonna happen.

With Edwards not moving, Terror leaped from the top rope and came down on Edwards with the Crash and Burn (Diving Splash). Or at least, he would have, if Edwards hadn’t rolled out of the way. Terror got up to a knee and Edwards, out of desperation, launched forward looking for Night Comes to the Cumberlands (Hidden Blade) but Terror ducked and Edwards hit the ropes chest first. Edwards rebounded and Terror used that momentum to take Edwards over with a vile German suplex. Edwards landed right on his neck and Terror stacked him up in a pin. The referee counted but Edwards kicked out at two.

MEARS: James Edwards is still alive but you have to believe that the damage to his nose is making it very difficult for him to breathe.

Undeterred, Terror delivered a series of stiff boots to the back of Edwards’ head. Edwards ate them all and then looked up at Terror, the lower half of Edward’s face streaked with blood from his nose. Edwards asked for more so Terror grabbed Edwards by the wrist and yanked him up into Ohio is for Killers (Kneeling back to belly piledriver)! Terror covered yet again but again he was only able to get a two count.

The former Tag Team Champion had seemingly had enough now. Terror relentlessly stomped on the side of Edwards’ head and then lifted him back up to his feet. Terror slapped Edwards in the face several times and then attempted Blood Reign (Jay Driller) but Edwards fought out, took a few steps back and then launched forward looking for Deadlights (Bicycle Knee Strike) but Terror responded more quickly and hit Edwards with another Out of the Shadows (Superkick). Edwards collapsed and Terror covered yet again but again was only able to get a two count.

PETRIE: I do not see Edwards retaining tonight. Terror has his number and that’s because Edwards underestimated him. Which was fucking stupid.

MEARS: It seems that Edwards got ahead of himself with this match.

PETRIE: You think?

Outside the ring Nyx was pacing back and forth, visibly frustrated. Terror mounted Edwards, grabbed the back of his head and then just punched him in the fucking face. The blood from Edwards’ nose started pouring more freely and it was truly a grizzly sight.

MEARS: This is hard to watch.

PETRIE: I honestly love it.

Terror got Edwards up and started mauling him with rights, lefts, kicks, and elbows. Edwards was out on his feet and then Terror slapped him. This seemingly brought Edwards back to life because he took Terror down with a leg scissors and then quickly applied Foxfire (Heel Hook)! Terror had nowhere to got and he reached out for the ropes.

MEARS: Foxfire! Foxfire! Edwards has ended many matches with this hold!

With the hold locked in perfectly, Edwards had his body positioned in such a way that Terror could not hope to reach the ropes. His ligaments being at severe risk of snapping, Terror had no choice but to tap out.

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, James Edwards (4 Points)

Edwards was too worn down to know that he should have escaped the ring immediately. Nyx and Monstruo entered the ring and started putting the boots to the Intrepid Champion. Nyx got Edwards up and sent him right into Monstruo’s clutches. The behemoth lifted Edwards up and planted him with Hell Ride (Jackknife Powerbomb).

MEARS: James Edwards won but he certainly doesn’t look like a winner right now.

PETRIE: He may have just blown the rest of this tournament...he’s definitely hurt.

Although he had won and retained his title, Conviction ended with Edwards laid out and bloody, the three members of Hell Realm standing over him.

Results: • Stephanie Matsuda (2 pts) def. Locke Helms (0 pts)

• Josie Wales def. El Diablo Blanco to retain the Tabula Rasa Title

• The Lion Knights def. ONI • Leah Aguero (2 pts) def. Declan Black (2 pts)

• FM Young (4 pts) def. Erik Holland (0 pts) • James Edwards (4 pts) def. Ryan Terror (2 pts) to retain the Intrepid Title