CONVICTION XXXI

Episode XXXI Sunday September 13th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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From black the words “TAKE THE PLEDGE” appear on the screen and then cross fade into the OATH signature. “Die Slow” by HEALTH kicked up and the Conviction opening video kicked up showing various action shots from previous events. The final four shots are of the reigning champions of OATH; Megan “Hands of Steel Coleman”, “The Tiger” FM Young, Michael Sharpe & Switchblxde -- The Runaways, and “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima.

Inside The Citadel the goldenrod lights strobe and pan from overhead and the audience was ready for some world class violence. The skycam gave us a good look at the socially distant crowd before the shot switched to ringside and the voices of OATH’s premier show.

MEARS: Welcome wrestling fans to Toronto, Ontario, home of the 2020 NBA Toronto Raptors! My name is Matthew Mears and I am joined, as always, by my broadcast colleague the incomparable “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie!

PETRIE: Speaking of the Raptors -- thanks for blowing it!

MEARS: They had a tremendous season but yes it is over, unfortunately. But we are not here to talk about the NBA we are here to present to you the fallout from Event Horizon II! Just one week ago OATH presented our biggest event of the year and what a night it was!

PETRIE: Every. Single. Title. Changed. Hands. All but one, actually! ONI still reigns because Reo Ojima is still the OATH World Champion.

MEARS: This is fact and I am told that we will hear from the champion tonight and that he has an idea for his next challenger for the World Title.

PETRIE: It probably won’t be James Edwards! No one has heard from that dickhead since he lost in the main event of the biggest show of the year. I’d be hiding too!

MEARS: I doubt that will last long, he just needs to recalibrate. Perhaps he will be able to challenge for the title again at our next special event! I am happy to announce that on October 11th, 2020 Conviction will air our Halloween Special -- Hell and Back!

PETRIE: All titles are gonna be on the line but more than that -- we’re gonna be live from the boss’ house! The show is going to take place at the obscenely big Barlow Estate in Hamilton, Ontario! Have you been there Mears? It’s like a fucking castle!

MEARS: I have. It is a very impressive space and I am looking forward to presenting Hell and Back from The Barlow Estate in three weeks! But that is the future, let us talk about the present.

PETRIE: Yeah we have a pretty dope card tonight that will see a Tag Team Championship Match when The Runaways defend against the Mancini Syndicate.

MEARS: And in our main event we will see Leah Aguero take on Josie Wales -- a match that will most definitely have championship implications. Let us wait no longer...let us begin!

We cut to the back as Minoru Tanahashi strolled The Citadel hallways, already dressed for his match, opting for a new Crimson colored sleeveless coat with long black claw marks across the back. In his hand, he had a new mask, the same metallic design as the skull, but this had a black mane around it, and lion-like features with dark crimson jewels marking the brows and whiskers. He rounded a corner, found the room he was looking for, and gave a knock.

The dressing room door was then opened and it was Cindy Coleman standing there. When she saw him a giant smile came across her face and she moved to give him a hug. Megan Coleman on the other hand had stood up noticing who was at the door.

CC: Mino it’s so good of you to come and see me, babe!

Minoru smiled and happily accepted the hug, even picking Cindy up to give her a kiss on the cheek.

MINORU: It is absolutely wonderful to see you, babe. I did come here for professional reasons, as much as personal.

He puts Cindy back on her feet and stepped inside the locker room. He looked down and noticed the Tabula Rasa title sitting on the table in front of Meg.

MINORU: That is a pretty title. You know I got close to being the champion twice now.

He looked down, shook his head, and slightly sighs.

Cindy patted Mino on his back then went and took a seat in a chair on the other side of the locker room checking her phone. Megan, on the other hand, picked up her Tabula Rasa title draping it over her right shoulder and then walked over to Mino.

MEGAN: Mino, could you try to cheer up just a little? I mean I once got very close to the Livewire title but lost to a certain someone -- so I know how it feels. But, tonight my friend we got a chance to make a little tiny bit of your sadness from losing that championship last week go away. I mean it’s you and I in an opening match which is kind of lame but we are teaming up at least and get to kick some ass.

Minoru looked up and gave Megan a slight smirk.

MINORU: Well, if they managed to beat you then they must be one tough bastard. Probably very technically sound, intelligent, and I bet you they’re very attractive as well.

Minoru smiled and chuckled slightly.

MINORU: You are right though. It is definitely weird to be in the opening match of the show, but we have a chance to show everyone what we can do. I can bounce back from my loss and you can shut up people talking any crap about you.

Megan got a little bit of an irritated look on her face as she clenched her fists and slammed her right hand into her left open palm. She then looked up at Mino.

MEGAN: It gets so damned annoying. I swear mostly everyone in OATH is a damned critic of me despite all I have accomplished. "She’s just an MMA fighter and she can’t really wrestle blah blah and more blah". I mean here I am a champion and yet they still can’t stop running those yaps of theirs. I know you understand Mino as they have done somewhat the same to you. So I am focused and ready to team with you tonight best believe that.

Cindy overheard the conversation, peaking her face up from her phone.

CC: My sister and the man I am dating teaming up. I would say it’s kind of odd but in truth, it’s pretty cool.

MINORU: Dating huh? Guess I will have to tell Cheryl at Pillar and Post that I’m off the market.

Minoru smiled again and looked over at Cindy to show that he was only joking before he turned back to Megan.

MINORU: I know it all too well. One of the nice things about being on Livewire was not having to hear that asshole whenever I watch my matches back. Tonight though, we go out there and show that while we might be great singles wrestlers, it doesn’t mean we can’t make a damn good team. I’ve actually won tag team and trios gold before, and I know first hand how damn good you are. Tonight, The Dynamic Duo, well they’re both going to find out that they’re Robin and I’m fucking Batman here to smack them around for trying to steal the Batmobile.

Megan nodded at what Mino said. She then held her right hand out.

MEGAN: Well it sounds to me like I am lucky in the fact that I have such an experienced teammate when it comes to tag teams. Also, I agree with everything you said. Tonight we let OATH Management know and the world in fact, that we belong much higher than a damned opening match. Now I think a simple shake of my hand and we got ourselves a fine team here.

CC: I agree with everything both of you just said and you are very funny Mino about that Cheryl person…

Minoru smirked, shook Megan’s hand, and looked over at Cindy.

MINORU: You know that I only have eyes for you dream woman.

He turned back to Megan and gave her a simple nod of his head.

MINORU: Yes, I think The Steel Lions are going to be a damn fine team. Who knows, maybe it becomes a normal thing. Or maybe I really like tag wrestling and take Tiggy up on her very intriguing offer. I just know that tonight, I have to go out there and impress.

Megan looked over at her sister who blew a kiss to both of them and she then went back to looking at her phone. Megan then sat back down in a chair and looked over at Mino once more.

MEGAN: You know Steel Lions has a very good ring to it and who knows maybe tag gold could be in our future. But, one thing I do know is tonight you go out and impress. I will have your back and fully plan to knock the Dynamic Duo around with these hands of mine. So let’s go out there tonight and do something I feel you badly need. That, by the way, is obviously winning getting you right back in the W column but also let’s have some damned fun while beating them because that couldn’t hurt in my opinion either.

Megan placed her title on the chair next to her then smiled at Mino while Cindy stood up and walked over to Mino. She gave him a kiss on his cheek this time and whispered.

CC: Go get them, lion.

He smiled at that and nodded to her.

MINORU: For you babe.

He pulled her in and looked over at Megan.

MINORU: You are right, and after we get that win, I am going to steal your sister for the rest of the night. I’ll see you out there Steel Hands.

He gave Cindy another kiss on the cheek, then headed out, looking back at the Tabula Rasa title real quick before he closed the door behind him.

Serenity Scorpio was seen adjusting her ring gear backstage. She was wearing a red version of her usual attire with gold trimming. There was a look of seriousness on her face as she double checked her wristbands. Her tag partner and best friend Jocelyn Sky walked up to her, already in her ring gear as well, blue jacket and all. She placed a warm hand on Serenity's shoulder, sensing her urgency.

JOCELYN: Listen, we're going to kick some ass tonight. Steph made have lost her title to Meg, but it doesn't mean we're going to lose tonight. We're a tag team - a good one at that. We just need to focus on working as a cohesive unit. We're the ones with the team experience.

SERENITY: You're right. One step at a time, right?

JOCELYN: Right. We need to get back into title contention. If we bear these two. It won't be easy, but we've been through worse.

Serenity nodded and was hugged by Jocelyn. The two friends embraced each other before walking off screen.

TAG TEAM MATCH Steel Lions vs. Dynamic Duo

The first match of the evening saw the tag team debut of the Steel Lions -- OATH Tabula Rasa Champion Megan Coleman and Minoru Tanahashi (accompanied by Cindy Coleman) against the Dynamic Duo -- Jocelyn Sky and Serenity Scorpio. Given that Coleman defeated the Duo’s protege Stephanie Matsuda for the TR Title last week, the Duo were clearly out to avenge their mentor.

MEARS: This is the first outing for Steel Lions as a tandem. How do you think that this new team will fare against the more experienced Dynamic Duo?

PETRIE: You know it’s hard to say. Sometimes two accomplished singles competitors don’t work as a team. Coleman is the Tabula Rasa Champion, Tanahashi is a former Livewire Champion so the pedigree is there but who the fuck knows? Tag team wrestling is a mystery!

MEARS: Somewhat like evolution.

PETRIE: What?

The contest started with Coleman and Scorpio in the ring. The two locked up and Scorpio quickly transitioned into a leg scissors that put the TR Champion on the mat. Scorpio sprang forward and applied a laying headlock. Coleman fought up to her feet and then hit a succession of shots to Scorpio’s midsection and then sent her into the ropes. Scorpio hooked her arm on the top rope to halt her momentum.

MEARS: Scorpio is not bouncing around the ring like usual. She is moving a little more methodically here tonight.

PETRIE: This is a big deal for Double D. If they win they have defeated a current and former title holder. That’d put em in the conversation for a Tag Team Title match -- it would have to!

Coleman rushed Scorpio and Tanahashi made a blind tag. Coleman hit a knee to Scorpio’s midsection and Tanahashi hopped into the ring. Coleman and Tanahashi planted Scorpio with a double ddt and Tanahashi went for a cover but Scorpio got her foot on the bottom rope.

MEARS: Excellent ring awareness from Scorpio.

Tanahashi got Scorpio up and put a hand on the back of her head. Tanahashi then fed Scorpio a series of forearm smashes and then sent her into the ropes. Sky made a blind tag to Scorpio and hit a springboard into the ring where she caught a charging Tanahashi with a dropkick that put him on his ass.

PETRIE: One thing that has bothered me about the Steel Lions is them bitching about being in the opening match. You should be happy that you are on the fucking card in general. Don’t whine about being in the opening match, you get to set the tone. Check your fucking attitudes.

MEARS: I would not put it that way but I know what you are saying. The opening match is far from a bad position to find oneself in.

The Dynamic Duo let Tanahashi get to his feet and then hit him with Double Yahtzee (Double Superkick)! Sky tried to scramble into a cover but Tanahashi rolled onto his stomach. Sky tagged back out to Scorpio and the two quickly laid Tanahashi out with the Low/High Road (Spear/Lariat) combination. Scorpio made a cover.

1..

2!

PETRIE: They almost got him!

The Black Lion was able to kick out just after two but he was finding himself the victim of superior tag team continuity from the Dynamic Duo. Tanahashi started to stand but Scorpio came from behind and planted his face right into the canvas with a one handed bulldog as Cindy watched from ringside.

Scorpio whipped Tanahashi hard into the Dynamic Duo corner and then darted in and hit an incredible Serenity Splash (Handspring Stinger Splash)! Just as Scorpio made contact, Sky tagged in yet again and they kept Tanahashi pinned in the corner. Scorpio and Sky lifted Tanahashi up to the top rope and set him up for a double superplex.

MEARS: This is what I was fucking talking about. Coleman and Tanahashi are friends -- they aren’t a team. Dynamic Duo are a cohesive unit, they are one mind in that ring. That being said, Coleman and Tanahashi may add up to the mind of a normal human being when put together but that’s not what I am talking about.

PETRIE: You are fired up tonight it seems Bad Mood.

Sky and Scorpio climbed up to the second rope but Tanahashi shoved both of them off. The Dynamic Duo both landed on their feet and Tanahashi came off the top rope with a double dropkick, taking both of them. Cindy tried to will Tanahashi to make the tag to her sister but he was hurting from the punishment he endured.

MEARS: Minoru needs to make a tag here and fast.

As Tanahashi stumbled toward his corner, Sky tried to intercept but Tanahashi dove and tagged in his partner Coleman. Coleman entered the ring and drilled Sky with a running clothesline that turned Sky inside out. Coleman got Sky up but Tanahashi called for something. Coleman seemed momentarily hesitant but she stood aside and Tanahashi lifted Sky up for a dragon suplex and while Sky was completely vertical Coleman smashed Sky in the back of the head with a roaring elbow. Tanahashi dropped Sky with the suplex and Coleman made the cover.

1..

2..!

Sky was able to kick out but Coleman immediately transitioned into a rear naked choke! While this may have ended thing inside an MMA venue, Sky was too close to the ropes and she was able to grasp the bottom rope. The referee called for the break and Coleman seemed irritated by the rule, however, she released the hold. Coleman kept Sky down with some stomps and then let Sky get up on Coleman’s schedule.

MEARS: You can see those MMA sensibilities still present in Megan’s mind. They will help her when she defends her TR Title under her chosen Bloodsport stipulation but not so much here tonight.

PETRIE: I’m not a Coleman booster AT ALL but the Bloodsport Match is awesome and I can’t wait to see it. Even if she is going to be one of the competitors.

Hands of Steel started peppering Sky and it was all Sky could do to cover up her body. Coleman then started peppering either side of Sky’s head with some open palm strikes. Sky shoved Coleman away -- or at least she tried to -- because Coleman caught her wrist and took her down with a flying arm bar! Yet again Sky was able to get to the ropes and as soon as Coleman broke the hold, Sky rolled forward and tagged in Scorpio.

MEARS: That is a tag team mindset there. Sky knew that she was in trouble and she made the tag. A singles minded competitor may not have that instinct.

In an effort to cut off the hot tag, Coleman hit the ropes but Tanahashi made a blind tag that seemed to surprise Coleman. Coleman ducked under a double clothesline attempt from the Dynamic Duo and Tanahashi flew into the ring with a springboard double clothesline to take both of them down. Tanahashi then quickly put both Sky and Scorpio in the Keimusho Saifu (Paradise Lock)!

PETRIE: I fucking hate this move. This embodies everything that I hate about Minoru Tanahashi.

MEARS: No interest in fun and games Bad Mood?

PETRIE: Win the match. Don’t fuck around. This is stupid.

MEARS: Perhaps it is tactical?

PETRIE: It’s fucking stupid.

The referee was making the count for the illegal team members to exit the ring but both Sky and Scorpio were trapped in the Keimusho Saifu! Tanahashi called to Coleman and then both members of the Steel Lions hit the ropes and hit stereo dropkicks to the respective posteriors of Sky and Scorpio, freeing them from the hold.

PETRIE: Fucking DUMB.

Coleman got on the apron but both members of Dynamic Duo were still in the ring. Tanahashi made the tag to Coleman and the two hit an Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick)/Superwoman Punch combination to Scorpio. Coleman went for the cover but Sky made to break up the cover -- unfortunately Tanahashi nailed Sky with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat) which took both of them over the top rope to the outside! The referee counted the pin.

1..

2..

..3!

Winners: Steel Lions

"Cold Blooded" by Zayde Wolfe kicked up and Tanahashi slid back into the ring. The referee raised both Coleman and Tanahashi’s hands. Tanahashi only celebrated for a moment before he slipped back through the ropes and went over to Cindy Coleman. He wrapped his arm around her waist, picked her up and kissed her before sliding back into the ring to celebrate with his partner.

The scene cut backstage as OATH Vice President Oscar R. Barlow and a few staff members made their way down a hall. Shuffling through papers, Ozzy told his staff members to move along as he reached his office door. He stopped short as he saw an ONI sticker on the door. Hesitant, Ozzy slowly opened the door to find his office trashed. Beer bottles, ass end of cigars, tipped over ash trays, and clothes tossed on the floor and on chairs. A smell caught his nose but h was not able to find out where it came from as a familiar voice addresses him.

OJIMA: Oscar! You son of a bitch. I’ve been waiting for you.

With his feet kicked up and a cigar hanging from his lips, Reo Ojima gave Ozzy a friendly grin.

OJIMA: Sorry about the mess but Zeke and I got a little carried away when we got here. One thing led to another and…well you know how it is when you start drinking tequila. Am I right? Oh, speaking of tequila.

Standing up, Reo grabbed a nearby bottle and made his way over to Ozzy.

OJIMA: We got to pour one out for our dear friend Baz. Not sure if he’s coming back or not after that injury he sustained last week. So here’s one for you, kid.

Staring right into Ozzy's eyes, Reo poured the bottle of tequila right on Ozzy's shoes, as though Reo was doing it on purpose. A few seconds pased and Reo handed the bottle to Ozzy and motioned him to pour. Ozzy was reluctant as Reo looked on.

OJIMA: It’s alright, it’s cheap shit. You’re pretty much pouring out rubbing alcohol so pour it out.

Ozzy hesitated which annoyed Reo who calmly leaned in and addressed Ozzy.

OJIMA: Do we have a problem here, Oscar? I thought after everything that had happened we had an understanding on how everything works. So show some respect for my good friend Baz or we’ll go another round. Understand?

Ozzy sighed but finally poured the tequila on his shoes.

OJIMA: Good! Good!

Reo gave a chuckle as grabs the bottle from Ozzy's hand and slapped him on the back. The force of the slap was enough to have Ozzy stumble forward. Making his way back to the table, Reo kicked his feet up and leaned back in the chair.

OJIMA: Now I want to talk to you about an upcoming match I had in mind. See the Sharpe family and I go way back with the old man Anton. True story. I call the Sharpes, Sharpies, because I stuck 10 sharpies up his ass one day after Anton was being a little shit backstage. Dude was built like a tank but squealed like a big. Anyways, I want to face the girl Sharpe. What’s her face? Jenna Sharpe. Faced a bunch of nobodies and thinks she’s top shit. Going to stretch her just like I did her old man back in '05 and bump her and the family down a few pegs.

Reo paused as he took a drag from his cigar.

OJIMA: Put the title in the line of you want. Let the rats come for the cheese. And just when they get a nibble of it...SNAP!

Ozzy jumps back as Reo took the tequila bottle and smashed it on the table. Glass and tequila went flying everywhere and Reo let out a thunderous laugh.

OJIMA: Now get the fuck out of here. We’ll be recruiting a new member for ONI and I don’t want your lame ass messing up the mood of the room.

Ozzy dropped his head and went to leave his own office. Reo cleared his throat and Ozzy turned back to face him.

OJIMA: Oh, and I clogged up the toilet with a shit. Either get someone to unclog it, or if you’re feeling like getting your hands dirty, clean it up yourself. Stripped of his dignity, Ozzy just gave a slight nod and left the room.

SINGLES MATCH Qiyanna Marshal vs. Ryan Terror

The next contest saw “The Blackhawk” Qiyanna Marshal go toe to toe with Hell Realm representative Ryan Terror, who was accompanied to the ring by the hulking monster that he named Monstruo some time ago. The bell rang and Terror immediately charged and Marshal and took her down with a running cross body.

MEARS: To say that Ryan Terror’s career has not been going well lately would be an understatement.

PETRIE: Since he lost the Tag Team Titles some months ago Terror has done absolutely fuck all. Marshal is a star on the rise, she’s fucking hungry. Terror is on a steady diet of cottage cheese and cucumber.

MEARS: That sounds delicious.

PETRIE: One day I’ll show you how to eat.

Marshal was forced to powder out of the ring to compose herself but there she ran into Monstruo. Terror tried to surprise Marshal with a running suicide dive but she turned at just the right time to crack him in the mush with a forearm smash. Marshal slipped back into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Terror got to his feet and Marshal came off the top rope with a diving crossbody block of her own!

Terror was quickly back up and he caught Marshal with a European uppercut and then he sent her across the ring into the ropes with an Irish whip. On her return Terror wound up for a clothesline but Marshal went after his midsection and took him down to the mat with a vile spear! Marshal covered.

MEARS: Terror needs to be careful. Marshal has been gradually getting more vicious over the last few weeks.

PETRIE: Yeah but for all of his… nothing as of late, Terror has been one of the most violent and vicious members of this roster for over a year.

1..

2..

..!

Terror was nearly felled by that move and he pounded the mat in frustration. Marshal set up for another spear but Terror leap frogged over her and then caught her in the chin with an Out of the Shadows (Superkick)! Marshal dropped and Terror began to stalk her, walking around her prone body. Marshal went to sit up and Terror kicked her in the face.

MEARS: Perhaps this is not the appropriate time to be playing games Ryan.

PETRIE: Then when is the time?

MEARS: Play...time?

PETRIE: Well yeah.

Laughing now. Terror playfully kicked at Marshal a few times and you could literally see the fire burning in Marshal’s eyes. She would NOT entertain such an INSULT. Marshal kipped up and blasted Terror so hard with a forearm that he was knocked off his feet and landed on the back of his neck.

Terror got up to his knees and his eyes were practically cross eyed but Marshal fixed that with a running pump kick to the face. Instead of covering, Marshal got Terror up, whipped him into the ropes and on his return he got planted with a giant spinebuster that shook the ring.

PETRIE: She just planted a dude with over a hundred pounds on her. That’s impressive.

MEARS: Very much so.

Marshal stomped around the ring and let out a primal howl that actually scared some people in the first few rows. Terror clambered to get to his feet and Marshal kicked him in the midsection like he owed her money. Marshal then tried to get Terror up for a powerbomb but the over hundred pound weight difference didn’t exactly make that tenable. Terror took Marshal over with a back body drop and her big comeback was snuffed out.

The Blackhawk tried to rally back but Terror fucking smoked her with a second Out of the Shadows (Superkick)! Marshal was rocked and the veteran now had her on the ropes, a place that she certainly did not want to be. Terror hoisted her up and with a knowing grin he positioned her for Ohio is for Killers (Kneeling back to belly piledriver)! It landed perfectly and Terror covered.

MEARS: He used to use this as a finish! It could be over!

PETRIE: Guy hasn’t finished a match in weeks.

MEARS: Too true.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: See.

Marshal was barely able to kick out and Terror was in complete control. A couple of stiff stomps kept Marshal prone on the mat and Terror ascended to the top rope. Taking a moment to enjoy his surroundings, Terror scanned the crowd with a stern expression and then leaped off the top rope with Crash and Burn (Diving Splash) but the name was more of an omen than anything because Marshal got out of dodge and Terror ate canvas.

The veteran knew that he had to rally now or else Marshal could take him down. Terror was up to his feet and he tried to advance on Marshal but she was faster and she cracked him with Hawk Shot (Roundhouse Kick)! Terror’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and he dropped face down on the mat. Marshal aggressively covered the leg.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Qiyanna Marshal

"Calling" by VAMPS echoed throughout the arena and the audience gave Marshal’s victory a mixed reaction. She didn’t give a good shit because she picked up another win and she was damn pleased about it. Terror started to get to his feet and Marshal snapped her head to look at him like some kind of viper.

MEARS: Leave Qiyanna. Do not push this.

Marshal advanced on Terror but the mountain-made-human Monstruo got into the ring and stood in Marshal’s way. Marshal didn’t back down, she stood toe-to-toe with Monstruo and the beast also didn’t move. Marshal just smiled and then slipped out of the ring, she got what she went out there for.

Former OATH Tabula Rasa Champion Stephanie Matsuda was seen walking into the arena wearing shades and her C9 Champion gym clothes. Her dyed blue hair was tied into a ponytail and walking next to her was her wife and manager Monica Vaughan. Conviction Correspondent Vince Valerie walked up to the couple with a mic and followed them through the corridor.

VALERIE: Stephanie Matsuda, Can I get a word with you?

MATSUDA: Fine, knock yourself out.

VALERIE: How are you feeling after your loss to Meg Coleman back at Event Horizon II?

Stephanie stopped in her tracks and took off her shades. There was a serious expression on the iconic War Queen’s face as she eyed Vince up and down before replying.

MATSUDA: What do you think? I’m disappointed in myself. I made a promise to make the Tabula Rasa Championship relevant again and unfortunately that didn’t come to pass. Meg gave me her best and she prevailed. But alas, it’s not the end of the world and I just need to train harder than ever. War never ends, sweets.

VALERIE. Now that your short-lived reign is over, what is your next move?

MATSUDA: Well, regardless of my reign, I’m still halfway to becoming OATH’s first-ever Grand Slam champion. When one door closes, another opens.

VALERIE: It’s good to see you’re in good spirits.

Matsuda’s eyes narrowed as she leaned in, her face just inches from Valerie's.

MATSUDA: I’m not in good spirits, sweets. Not even in the least amount. I need to capture the attention of the higher-ups. In order to do that I need to win every match that comes my way from here on out. Anyone that comes my way I need to put a foot to their f’n neck and remind them of who the hell I am. I’m still a triple world champion who captured five titles in the span of six months. I’m still the record-breaking, industry-leading Iconic War Queen of professional wrestling. I still have a legacy to maintain and now since I have less f---ks to give, I can do what I need to do, whatever it takes to get my point across. Before the end of the year, I will be number one on the rankings. I was one of OATH’s day-one talents and it’s time I start acting like one. No longer will I be underestimated. Speaking of which, it seems like Alex Pierce has quite the grudge for me being me. I became the inaugural champ in some other place and now everyone is in their feels about it. But alas, this is OATH. The place where The Inevitable raised the bar for tag team wrestling, the place where yours truly is two titles from making freaking history. Meg Coleman was right, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done anywhere else. I’m one of the top fighters on the OATH brand, but yet I was caught slipping. It’s time to rebound from that and to keep going. Alex Pierce is going to wish he never stepped foot in The Citadel.

Stephanie turned to face the camera before saying her famous catchphrase.

MATSUDA: Know it. Understand it. Believe it.

As Matsuda and her wife walked away, Valerie turned to the camera.

VALERIE: Proud words from the former Tabula Rasa Champion.

SINGLES MATCH Stephanie Matsuda vs. Alex Pierce

The next contest saw Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda come to the ring first and she was accompanied, for the first time in OATH, by her wife and manager Monica Vaughan. The two marched to the ring to the tune of "Rainy Days" by Boogie feat. Eminem and most of the audience was on their side. Matsuda entered the ring and started shadow boxing as her theme started to fade out.

“The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce came out while "Let 'em Come (Redux)" by Scroobius Pip, Sage Francis, & P.O.S. played. Pierce was making his in-ring return to OATH, last wrestling with the company way back in January. He didn’t get a great response but he did not seem to care.

MEARS: Alex Pierce made his return to OATH at Event Horizon II where he delivered a message to Stephanie Matsuda after she lost the Tabula Rasa Championship to Meg Coleman.

PETRIE: And tonight he’s gonna see to it that Matsuda loses again.

The bell rang and the two locked up in the center of the ring. There was an initial struggle but Pierce got the upper hand and put Matsuda on the mat with a snap suplex. Pierce floated over into a cover but Matsuda kicked out before even a count of one. Pierce clapped mockingly for her and then gestured for her to come in for a lock up.

Matsuda feigned like she was going to lock up with Pierce but ever the crafty veteran she hit him with a kick to the mid-section instead and then took him over with an arm drag. Matsuda tried to quickly apply a chin lock but Pierce hit her with an elbow to the mid-section, got to his feet and blasted her with a discus clothesline.

MEARS: Stephanie was just turned inside out!

PETRIE: They don’t call him the Fire Fist Ace for nothing!

MEARS: But that was a clothesline.

PETRIE: You kind of use your fist… it’s a part of your arm.

MEARS: Sure.

Pierce dusted off his hands, as if Matsuda was no match for him. Vaughan booed him from ringside and he shot her a glare. This momentary distraction let Matsuda get up and go for the Yahtzee! (Superkick) but Pierce caught her foot, pulled her in and sent her hard into the corner with an Irish whip.

The Fire Fist Ace charged in at Matsuda and hit her with a quick body avalanche before he sent her across the ring into the opposing corner. Pierce took another second to jaw jack with Vaughan before he darted across the ring and went for another quick body avalanche. Matsuda got a boot up and then suddenly drilled Pierce with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash)! Matsuda covered.

MEARS: Stephanie can end a match just like that!

PETRIE: It’s not over!

1..

2..!

Pierce kicked out and The Citadel was not happy with that in the least. Matsuda looked to get Pierce up to his feet but he broke her grip and blasted her with Backfist to the Future (Spinning Backfist)! Matsuda dropped immediately and Pierce got her back up to her feet immediately. Pierce hoisted Matsuda up onto his shoulder and then charged across the ring to plant her with a vile running powerslam.

Knowing that he was in complete control now, Pierce got Matsuda up and applied a front chancery. While holding Matsuda up on her feet, Pierce looked at Matsuda’s wife and then hoisted Matsuda into the air with a vertical suplex. Pierce held the former Tabula Rasa Champion completely vertical for fifteen seconds before he dropped her crown first into the canvas with a brainbuster. Pierce covered.

MEARS: What a demonstration from Alex!

PETRIE: He wasn’t able to capture a title in his initial OATH run but I have a feeling that this run will be different.

1..

2..

..!

Matsuda just kicked out and her wife cheered from ringside! Pierce could not believe it and he hit Matsuda with some sharp elbows to the back of the head before he got her up and set her up for another running powerslam. Just before he was set to drop Matsuda onto her spine, Matsuda slipped off behind him and pushed him into the ropes. On his return she took him over with a poisonrana!

Pierce was completely dazed as Matsuda got him up. Pierce shoved her away but Matsuda returned and blasted him with Last Surprise (Sling Blade). Knowing that she had to capitalize, Matsuda got Pierce up and planted him with the Blasian Suplex (Sleeper Suplex)! Matsuda covered and Vaughan counted along with the referee from ringside.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Stephanie Matsuda

"Rainy Days" by Boogie feat. Eminem played for only a moment before Monica Vaughan got into the ring and embraced her wife. The two celebrated as Pierce slipped to the outside and dropped to a knee, clearly disappointed with the way that his re-debut had gone.

The scene opened up with banners and streamers thrown about the ring, a carpet rolled out over the mat. Bert Cocaine and The Runaways stood in the middle of the ring, each with a glass in hand and more gold than their waists could handle. The bubbly had been uncorked and poured as all three men raised their glasses for a clink and a toast. Bert came with a microphone in the other hand.

BERT: Welcome to Bert Cocaine’s Celebration to The Runaways. Last week at Event Horizon II, they did exactly what I told everyone was going to happen since the moment they stepped in to this company. They walked in as champions and they walked out double champions. And tonight much like every other week they want my boys to come out here and perform for all you people and defend their hard earned championships.

BERT: Not only that, they want them to defend them against a couple of trash nothing wrestlers we’ve already beaten! We’ve officially run through the roster of eligible tag teams that they can’t even muster up two other nothings in the company to really build up our list. No they want to limit the body count and give hand outs to everyone BUT The Sharpes.

BERT: Jenna couldn’t even polish the plate on her championship before trash was knocking at her door asking her what the stakes are gonna be. And now my boys can hardly get the top off a bottle of champagne to celebrate such an important milestone in building their legacies before they are bothered for a title shot to two people who can hardly tell the difference between Canada and America. Two nothing wrestlers who decide now we’re worth their time because we hold the gold like a couple of ring rats who can’t even do the research to know that these are cousins before calling them “brothers”.

BERT: So tonight I decided that before we step back up to square one even though we’re miles ahead, we’ll take our time to give ourselves a little celebration. So…

The three raised their glasses to each other again.

BERT: Boys. Day one, people have been questioning us and our chemistry and I said since day one that it’s just magic and to just watch it work. And today, I couldn’t be prouder of you. I couldn’t be prouder of us! Nobody has ever had to get anything we’re about. What we do is we make promises and we keep them. And then they pay us to make it happen. And that’s all that matters!

A clink and a quick chug of the glasses before Bert dropped the microphone and picks up the bottle of champagne again to pour another round. Of course, there’s never a celebration in wrestling that ever goes as planned as “Fast Life” by Kool G Rap & Nas interrupted the impromptu event...

OATH TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TAG TEAM MATCH Mancini Syndicate vs. The Runaways ©

The referee presented the OATH Tag Team Titles to both teams, apparently the CWA Tag Team Titles were not on the line. The match began with Janica Jayden and Switchblxde. Jayden walked right up to Switch, who was casually leaning on the top rope talking to Rocco and Jayden blasted him with a straight right cross. Switch was taken aback, so much so that he was unable to cover up.

Jayden continued hitting Switch with body shots and then she caught him with an uppercut that seemed to wake Switch up and he responded by taking Jayden down, hitting her with a wild combination of whatever strike that he could think of. Switch then popped up and tagged in his cousin Rocco. The Runaways then quickly dropped Jayden with a wheelbarrow cutter as Bert Cocaine clapped for them from ringside. Rocco covered.

PETRIE: It’s over already?

MEARS: It might be!

1..

2!

Jayden kicked out at two and Bert started protesting at ringside, screaming that it was a three count despite it not even being close. Rocco gathered Jayden up and hit her with a triple vertical suplex that popped his countrymen in the audience. Rocco smirked and then attempted a move that would really get them going. Rocco kicked Jayden in the mid-section and then went for a Canadian Destroyer but Jayden planted her feet, lifted Rocco up and reversed it into an air raid crash!

Having the momentum back on her side, Jayden tagged in Mancini. Mancini looked somewhat impressed with her partner and then directed traffic. The Syndicate gathered Rocco up and they hit him with a side Russian leg sweep and an STO combination. Mancini covered but only got a two count while Jayden played security guard.

MEARS: We are going to have new Tag Team Champions!

1..

2..!

PETRIE: Count faster ref! You idiot!

MEARS: I thought you liked the Sharpes.

PETRIE: Fuck all of them, honestly.

Frustrated, Jayden exited the ring at the behest of the referee. Rocco was… well… rocked but he still tried to go for a tag. Mancini let him get within a few inches and then charged and hit a double stomp to his lower back! Rocco howled in pain but that lasted only a second because Mancini started to hit him with a series of quick knee drops to the lower back before she applied a camel clutch. Rocco was able to hook his legs on the bottom rope so Mancini broke the hold but following a final stomp to his lower back, she dragged him back to the Syndicate corner and tagged in Jayden.

Mancini got Rocco up and then sent him into the Mancini corner and held him in place so that Jayden could hit a Yakuza kick. Which she did. Rocco was seeing stars and Mancini followed that up with a running corner clothesline and then took Rocco out of the corner with a bulldog that dropped Rocco’s midsection over Jayden’s knee. Jayden quickly slithered into a cover.

PETRIE: They are gonna lose on their first defence! The morons!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not yet apparently.

Growing ever more angry, Jayden hit Rocco with a dragon screw and then quickly applied a single leg Boston Crab. Rocco screamed in agony but he was able to us his superior strength to crawl on his hands and instead of grabbing the bottom rope, Rocco made a tag to Switch! Jayden had no idea that the tag was made and Switch hit a springboard missile dropkick to the back of Jayden’s head! Jayden was forced to break the hold and she stumbled across the mat and fell through the ropes to the outside.

Switch quickly slipped under the bottom rope, ran around the side of the ring and caught Jayden with a leaping knee. Switch then pulled the apron over Jayden’s head and hit her with a flurry of punches! Jayden could do nothing to cover up, finding herself in the position that Switch was in earlier. Mancini was not about to let her subordinate lose the momentum in the match so she ran along the apron and kicked Switch in the side of the head. Rocco saw this happen so he entered the ring, charged and took Mancini off the apron with a running shoulder block! Bert cheered his boys on as Rocco went for a dive to the outside but Mancini moved at the last second and sent him into the guardrail.

PETRIE: These Sharpes are too headstrong. They won the titles in a ladder match because there are no rules. Normal tag matches have rules and it’s going to cost them. If not tonight, then soon! Fucking morons.

MEARS: They are somewhat reckless but it has served them well so far. They are undefeated.

Jayden got the dazed Switch into the ring and Mancini got back up onto the apron in their corner. Mancini ordered Jayden to make the tag and after a moment of hesitation, she did what she was told. Jayden irish whipped Switch toward Mancini, who hit him with a pendulum backbreaker. Mancini then held Switch over her knee as Jayden climbed to the top rope and came off with a diving leg drop! Mancini covered.

1..

2..

..!

Switch was able to kick out and that got a decent pop from The Citadel. Frustrated, Mancini hit another pendulum backbreaker and then a reverse DDT! Not finished with him just yet, Mancini tried to set Switch up for the Concrete Stiletto but Switch rolled through and started crawling toward his partner. Mancini grabbed his left boot and Switch hopped up on one foot. Switch turned, gave her a smirk and then blasted Mancini with an enziguiri! The audience roared as Swith dove and made the tag to Rocco.

MEARS: Excellent recovery from Switchblxde! Now The Runaways need to capitalize.

PETRIE: Hopefully they don’t! Then they can go back to defending those useless pieces of tin that they’ll still have in barns across Alberta!

It was a hurricane of offense now as Switch and Rocco hit Mancini with a double brainbuster in the quickest fashion you’ve ever seen! When Mancini’s partner Jayden ran in she did not come prepared with a plan and The Runaways hit her with a double Spanish fly! Rocco covered Mancini

1..

2..

..!

Mancini kicked out! Knowing that he could end this soon and retain the titles for his team, Rocco pulled out a heavy weapon. Rocco set Manicini up and hit her with a German suplex and then another and then when he went for a third, he hit it, but Jayden was able to blind tag Mancini!

MEARS: A blind tag! I don’t think Michael saw it!

PETRIE: He sure didn’t and it’s going to cost them!

Jayden got into the ring and charged across the ring to hit Switch off the apron with a Yakuza kick. Mancini got to her feet out of instinct alone and The Syndicate then hit Rocco with stereo superkicks! Bert was beside himself, almost dropping the CWA Tag Team titles in disbelief. The Syndicate got set Rocco up for Code of Silence (Snapshot) but Switch slid into the ring hit Mancini with a backstabber to stop the double team! Rocco struggled out of Jayden’s grip and planted her with a t-bone suplex. The Runaways quickly rallied and hit Jayden with Slay Away (The Heart Attack). After that, Rocco quickly pinned Jayden.

Winners: Still OATH Tag Team Champions, The Runaways

“Liquid Swords” by GZA kicked up and the referee presented Switch and Rocco with their respective OATH Tag Team Titles. Bert went to get into the ring with the CWA Tag Team Titles but Mancini grabbed his foot, yanked him off the apron and his face bounced off of it.

MEARS: Viola has attacked Bert Cocaine! But why?

PETRIE: Look what she’s doing! She’s robbing him!

Mancini quickly relieved him of the CWA and then ran up the ramp, with Jayden slowly following behind, still rocked from the double team. By the time The Runways had noticed what happened, The Mancini Syndicate had disappeared behind the curtain.

Backstage OATH Correspondent May O’Neil stood in the interview area with her microphone at the ready. Her giant smile gave way to a more serious expression as she went to welcome her guest.

O’NEIL: Wrestling fans at this time allow me to welcome the New OATH Intrepid Champion, “The Tiger” FM Young!

The shot pulled out to show that Young was standing beside O’Neil. Young was wearing the Intrepid Championship across her chest, bandolier style, and the new champion could not look any more pleased with herself.

O’NEIL: FM, at Event Horizon II you were able to exact some revenge on Locke Helms by ending his second reign as OATH Intrepid Champion. He attacked your friends, he destroyed your prized Ducati, but ultimately he could not defeat you. Do you feel that the issue has been settled or do you worry that Helms and The Hell Realm will look to continue the conflict?

Young took a moment to consider the question -- and she never got to answer. As if the mere mention of their name conjured them out of thin air, all five members of The Hell Realm walked into the frame. Ryan Terror was still reeling from the surprise loss that he suffered earlier in the evening.

HELMS: Allow me Ms. O’Neil. Ms. Young was able to take my prize at Event Horizon II and although that pains me -- to a degree -- I have other concerns at the moment. Enjoy being champion Ms. Young but know that when I want it to, it will return to me. It always does.

With that proclamation Helms gave Young a knowing nod and then the quintet moved out of frame. Young watched them walk down the hall and turn the corner, not about to open herself up for a sneak attack.

Or so she thought.

For the second time in minutes, Young went to speak and was cut off when she was blasted from behind with a chair shot! The shot pulled back to show “The Blackhawk” Qiyanna Marshal! O’Neil ran for safety as Young struggled to stand. When she was able to get to her feet, Young turned to face her attacker.

MARSHAL: Hold this.

Marshal tossed the steel chair at Young, who instinctively caught it. Marshal then blasted the chair with the Hawk Shot (Roundhouse Kick) and sent it directly into Young’s face! The Intrepid Champion crumbled to the floor and appeared to be knocked out cold. Marshal took a few steps forward and stood over Young.

MARSHAL: Let me see this.

The Blackhawk reached down and unstrapped the Intrepid Title. Marshal lifted it up so that the main plate was just inches from her own face. Marshal stared at her reflection for just a second before she spiked the title down onto Young’s face. Marshal spit on the floor next to Young and then walked out of frame.

The janitorial store room of The Citadel. Shelving that house various chemical bottles and cleaning supplies are shown and there is a figure rooting through the room. The figure stood and we saw that it was OATH Vice President Oscar R. Barlow. He retrieved a plunger, a mop, and a bucket. Stepping out from the store room Ozzy closed the door and there stood his brother-in-law, OATH President Tommy Straker.

STRAKER: You know Ozzy I could have sworn that I made you OATH Vice President and put you in charge of our Wednesday Night show Livewire.

Ozzy looked at his feet, too ashamed to meet Straker’s eyeline.

OSCAR: You did.

STRAKER: I thought so. Then explain to me why you have taken it upon yourself to begin janitorial duties on Conviction.

OSCAR: I...uh…

STRAKER: Also, explain to me why you let Reo Ojima not only take over your office but completely disrespect you in every way conceivable.

OSCAR: He...uh...I just wanted to show him that there were no hard feelings…

Straker cocked an eyebrow and seemed very displeased.

STRAKER: You do remember that he had ONI break both of your arms, correct?

OSCAR: I remember.

STRAKER: Then why do you refuse to stand up to him?

OSCAR: Because he is the champion! We need to keep him happy.

Straker scoffed at the very notion.

STRAKER: We are the administration of this company. I will not let the inmates run the asylum. Ojima is targeting you because he knows you are scared of him. If he wanted to defend his title next week, he should have come to me about it -- but he didn’t. Do you know why?

OSCAR: No…

STRAKER: Because he knows that I am not weak. He knows that I will not tolerate his bullshit. That being said, I will not fight your battles for you. He will defend his championship against Jenna Sharpe next week but I do not trust that he will not manipulate him into helping you, so until further notice, your presence on Conviction will not be required. Stay away from this show Ozzy, focus on Livewire.

Ozzy slowly nodded, knowing that his brother-in-law was right. Straker went to continue but was interrupted when a figure walked into frame. The man’s large frame cast a shadow that completely enveloped Ozzy. It was “The Haunted” Erik Holland.

HOLLAND: Nice to see you back Mr. Barlow. If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with Mr. Straker.

Ozzy shrugged and went to walk away, still carrying the cleaning supplies.

STRAKER: Ozzy. Leave all of that.

With a sigh, Ozzy lay everything on the floor. Someone else would have to take care of Ojima’s...issue. Ozzy then proceeded down the hall and Straker turned his attention to Holland.

STRAKER: I think I know what this is about.

HOLLAND: The Intrepid Championship. I’d like a shot at it.

STRAKER: I saw that. I asked the Social Media Intern to inform you that you would get the opportunity to earn a chance at said championship.

HOLLAND: So what do I have to do?

STRAKER: Your record has been far from sterling as of late Mr. Holland. I can not justify giving you an Intrepid Title match until you show me that you can string together some victories. Five, at minimum.

HOLLAND: I have no issue with that. Who’s first?

Straker smirked.

STRAKER: Next week you will face an opponent of my choosing. But I want you to be ready for everything so you will not know who it is until you are in the ring. How does that work for you?

Holland took a moment to consider the proposition.

HOLLAND: That works just fine. I want the Intrepid Championship and it doesn’t matter if I have to get five, ten, or twenty wins in a row -- that is what I will do. Next week I start the climb back to prominence.

STRAKER: I look forward to it.

Holland gave Straker a nod and then moved out of frame. Straker turned his gaze back down to the cleaning supplies and shook his head in disbelief.

• MAIN EVENT • SINGLES MATCH Leah Aguero vs. Josie Wales

The main event was up next as “War Queen” Leah Aguero took on “The Outlaw” Josie Wales. Aguero was coming off a landmark victory at Event Horizon II as she defeated Finale in a Toronto Street Fight. Wales on the other hand was looking to get back in the win column as she lost her last contest against Jenna Sharpe.

MEARS: Two OATH stalwarts are ready to do battle in our main event. What can come from a victory here this evening Bad Mood?

PETRIE: I mean Wales may need a few more consecutive wins after this match to earn her way into contention for any of the OATH Championships but Aguero? If she can knock off Wales then she might had a pretty good fucking argument to earn herself a World Championship match.

The two traded some holds to start off the match, headlocks, arm drags, and such. Both Aguero and Wales are long tenured OATH wrestlers who have been in the ring with one another before so they had an idea of what to expect from one another. After some technical back and forth, Wales got the upperhand by taking Aguero off her feet with an expertly placed leg sweep.

In an effort to use her striking superiority against her opponent Wales tried for the mount but Aguero bucked her. Wales stumbled forward a few paces and tried to catch herself but her momentum took her through the ropes, off to the outside.

Not one to waste a good opportunity, Aguero was quick to hit the opposing ropes and then come back across the ring to hit a suicide dive that took Wales down on the outside.

PETRIE: You have to think that The Outlaw is pissed off right? She lost to Jenna Sharpe AGAIN and the Sharpes aren’t the most modest people on the fucking planet. If I was Wales I’d have stayed off Twitter all week.

MEARS: The Canadian Clan does like to revel in victory.

PETRIE: We’ll see how yappy Jenna is next week when she has to face Reo Ojima...

Wales tried to recover by pulling herself up with help from the guard rail. Aguero darted in and went for her signature big boot but Wales moved and Aguero slammed into the barricade. Aguero had straddled the barricade because of Wales’ ability to evade and Wales knew that she could use this predicament to her advantage. With a wry smile, Wales went about executing her nefarious plot.

The Outlaw vaulted over the guardrail and grabbed Aguero’s left leg. Aguero swung wildly at Wales but Wales mockingly scolded her with a wag of her index finger and then hit a dragon screw with Aguero still hung up. Aguero let out a piercing scream in pain and (unfortunately for her) was still straddling the barricade. Wales took a few paces backward, mimed that she had Aguero in her sights, and then darted in with a bicycle kick that blasted Aguero in the face.

PETRIE: The Outlaw just FUCKED Aguero up. Way to make use of your surroundings cowgirl!

The War Queen was trying to pull herself up on the outside and the referee had reached a count of fifteen. After a brief struggle between the two competitors, Wales hit a stomp to Aguero’s left knee and then got her back into the ring. Once back between the ropes, Wales tried to set Aguero up for Spirit of St. Louis (Havana Dreams) but the wily Aguero was able to counter it and then plant Wales into the mat with a sitout powerbomb! The ring shook on impact and Aguero covered.

1..

2..!

MEARS: The Outlaw lives! That was a thunderous powerbomb but not enough to keep Wales down.

PETRIE: With how pissed off she is it would take a double barrel shotgun to keep her down. OR something just as nasty.

MEARS: I do not believe that Leah has her Canadian gun license.

PETRIE: Right. I forgot how strict they are here.

The crowd “oohed” as Wales was able to kick out of that monster powerbomb. Not ready to hand over momentum in this contest Wales, the brawler, tried to land a right cross but as soon as she threw it Aguero grabbed her wrist, spun behind her and planted The Outlaw with a snap German suplex into a bridge! Wales was completely taken off guard and the referee dropped onto his belly to count the pin.

1..

2..!

Unfazed by the kick out, Aguero moved to end the contest. Aguero hit Wales with a stiff kick to keep her prone on the mat. Looking for a big move to end this contest, Aguero took off and went for a springboard moonsault but Wales was able to roll out of the way at the very last second. Aguero was agile enough that she landed on her feet but her bad left knee stifled her momentum and she fell back into a corner. Wales charged in with a running knee to the face and then hit Aguero with a fireman’s carry into a flapjack that dropped Aguero chin first onto the top turnbuckle.

MEARS: Leah Aguero is still carrying the wounds from her match with Finale last week. Josie has to be cognizant of that fact.

PETRIE: What?

MEARS: Josie knows that Leah is hurt.

PETRIE: You could have just said that.

Stumbling off in a daze, Aguero got caught with another bicycle kick that sent her through the ropes to the outside. Wales tried for a suicide dive of her own but Aguero caught her into a modified powerslam on the outside. The sound of Wales’ body slamming into the thin outside mats was enough to shock many members of the audience. A true pearl clutching moment. Fed up with Wales tenacity, Aguero mounted Wales and started hammering her with shots. The referee had reached a count of eleven at this point but Aguero did not seem to give a shit.

Apparently this flurry of strikes stirred some deep rage within The Outlaw because Wales exploded off the floor and got the switch. Wales found herself on top of Aguero with a look of absolute malice in her eyes. Wales hit a brutal right hand that opened a deep gash over Aguero’s left eye. The referee had reached an eighteen count but Wales did not move to take the match back into the ring. Getting Aguero up, Wales sent her hard into the barricade as the referee reached the count of twenty.

Winner: No Contest via Double Count Out

Poor, poor, War Queen. The left side of her face crimson with her own blood but like the blows that she landed on Wales, the sight of her own blood did something to Aguero. Aguero kicked off of the barricade and blasted Wales in the face with a forearm shot. Wales responded with one of her own as the timekeeper went apeshit ringing the bell in an effort to get them to cease fighting.

MEARS: I guess the hatred that has developed between these two over the course of this contest has made them indifferent to the fact that this match has been thrown out.

PETRIE: I would say so. They are both PISSED!

Aguero and Wales brawled up the ramp and once at the top, they continued hitting each other with big shots. The bloody Aguero caught Wales with a hook kick to the chin that caused Wales’ legs to buckle. Apparently Aguero was in the mood to make a big statement because she quickly set Wales up for Drop The Bomb (Dead Eye). Aguero saw that she was close to the edge of the stage so she took one step closer…

MEARS: No no no don’t do this!

...and came off the left side of the stage with Wales and both of them came crashing down right onto the soundboard! Sparks and all that shit popped off leaving both competitors laying in the ruins of the soundbooth table! The audience in The Citadel was in complete shock. EMTs tried to get to both Wales and Aguero but the power had yet to be cut and the entire set up was smoking and sparking intermittently. It was a very serious scene as neither competitor had moved outside of labored breathing and Conviction XXXI went off the air.

---

Results: • Qiyanna Marshal def. Ryan Terror

• Steel Lions def. Dynamic Duo

• Stephanie Matsuda def. Alex Pierce

• The Runaways def. Mancini Syndicate; Still Tag Team Champions • Leah Aguero & Josie Wales was a No Contest