CONVICTION XXXIII

Episode XXXIII Sunday September 27th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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The scene cut backstage as a ticked off Reo Ojima walked backstage with a slight limp in his step. A half empty bottle of Jack Daniels is in his hand with a lit cigar hanging from his mouth. Looking around corners and asking people a question, the old bastard finally yelled for James Edwards to come out.

OJIMA: Where are you at James? I got a walking cane to stick up your ass you son of a bitch. You got to attack an old man from behind? You ain’t shit you egg sucking dog. Show your face so I can cave it in.

He turned a corner and walked down a hallway, Reo finally saw Edwards as he walked to an unknown destination. Reo quickly tossed the Jack Daniels at James, the bottle missed him though and broke as it hit the wall that’s behind him. The two quickly walked towards one another but stop[ed when security quickly swoops in and blocked the two men from beating the hell out of one another. Yelling and pushing ensued until OATH President Tommy Straker came in running and yelling at everyone

STRAKER: Enough! I thought this feud had simmered down but it appears that it is only going to get worse. So with Halloween coming up I want something special. Next week I want the two of you to figure out a match stipulation and present it to me. Best match stipulation will be used in another title match between you two at Hell And Back.

The two men stared at one another, neither wanted to give the satisfaction to the other. Reo finally jerked his body away from the security guards and walked away.

OJIMA: Whatever.

Edwards watched the OATH World Champion limp from the scene. He shrugged.

EDWARDS: What’s that old man’s problem? Did he think I was going to let this go unpunished?

“The Burning Heart” held up his right hand, a cigar-shaped patch of shiny skin located slightly above the knuckle of his middle finger.

EDWARDS: I don’t forget the shit people do to me, man. I came to the ring in good faith that night. The old bastard couldn’t even sucker punch me himself; he had his boys put the boots to me. I wanted to cripple his ass right then and there. I wasn’t in any shape to do that, and I didn’t want to blow my spot at the biggest show of the year. So I decided to do something different.

He frowned at the memory.

EDWARDS: It sure as hell didn’t work. I took more damage playing the idiot than I would have if I’d kept my distance.

A determined look came over him.

EDWARDS: There’s not going to be any bullshit from me this time; as far as I’m concerned, after last week, we’re even for what you did to my hand. From this point on, it’s about the title for me, no more jump attacks or shit talk. Those are the kind of distractions you don’t need when you’re prepping for a world title fight.

He held up a finger to emphasize his point.

EDWARDS: But I promise you, champ, you try any funny shit with me, and I’ll make that limp of yours permanent.

The scene faded into what is a pristine trophy room. Wrestling mats carpeted the floors, the walls a wood panel draped with different titles of all shapes and sizes. Decades, generations of champions. The room was a shrine to the Sharpe legacy and standing in the middle of the room were The Runaways with their heads hanging, Bert Cocaine with his hands in his pockets, head hanging just as low, and Abigail and Anton Sharpe.

Abby had a scowl on her face, her arms crossed. Anton with a pair of shades stood with a bowl of cereal in his hands, slurping and smacking his lips between each bite. Other than the slurping, the ticking clock was all that could be heard from the dead silence of the tension in the room.

BERT: So...

Before Bert could even breath a full second of his sentence, Anton slammed his spoon into his bowl causing milk to fly everywhere in a fit of anger. The rage that Anton had for Bert was very obvious. It caused him so much frustration he had to fix his sunglasses while Abby held up her hand, stopping Anton from murdering Bert. Respecting his wife’s wishes he grumbled to himself before going back to slurping his breakfast. Abby lowered her arm, crossing them again.

ABBY: You boys know there’s nothing more important than our reputation. Now more than ever we are rebuilding that. You have done well for yourselves and the family in the ring, but that reputation extends to everything. If you think a couple of laughs at two ingrates was worth all of this you got another thing coming. I’m putting a break to that idea right now and sending it through the damn windshield. I see you got some replacements there, not earned in the slightest… But your debt isn’t with those people, it’s with us. So I’ll be taking those and keeping them here until you return to the house with our reputation intact.

Anton and Abby peel the straps off Bert’s shoulders with loud objections coming from their nephews. Readjusting the titles on their shoulders, Abby lays out her own challenge.

ABBY: If you boys really want to have these that bad, you can wrestle your Uncle and I for them, hmm?

Their voices silenced suddenly at the thought of being stretched by their old school matriarch. The two nodded their heads before heading up the stairs, leaving the boys completely titleless in the dungeon. The three left staring at each other before turning their attention to the obvious elephant in the room, the camera capturing it all.

BERT: Mancini Syndicate… two weeks ago for a second time in our careers the Runaways walked in as champions and they walked out as champions. But there have been a few slight differences in the past few months since we even thought of you last. The first time, we walked in with straps that were blessed upon us by former champions that held them many years prior. The first time we walked out with those titles laughing all the way to the bank with one of our biggest pay days at the time. The second time, we walked in after we doubled down on ourselves and with the three count we were set to walk out with all four titles.

BERT: But it seems you had other plans. Because facing the humiliation of losing to the Runaways for a second time, you, just like everyone else in this company, decided that whatever it is that works for the Sharpes has to work for them. The Runaways bring in their own championships, and they become double champions. I called out ONI week in and week out and when Jenna ends up with a title opportunity, all of a sudden all eyes are on Reo Ojima and everyone wants to suddenly be the one who chops down his tree.

BERT: Well the buck stops here Mancini Syndicate. We might be the biggest trend setters in this entire business and our faces might be all over posters and pay-per-views but those titles will get you nowhere without the talent you lack to carry them. And unless you want to give them back… well… my boys have a few words of their own for you…

Bert stepped back out of the shot as The Runaways’ Rocco and Switchblxde took the reins, stepping forward crowding the camera.

ROCCO: There is no more talking. Bert does the talking.

SWITCH: We do the muthafuck’n hunting.

ROCCO: You want to be champs like us? Then you have to go through what we fuckin’ went through to get those belts.

SWITCH: That’s right cuz. You want those straps, you gotta get stretched.

ROCCO: You gotta get tortured.

SWITCH: You wanna be a cuzzin, then you guys have to step into our dungeon.

ROCCO: Mancini Syndicate, you wanna be one of us then on October 11th at Hell And Back, we challenge you.

SWITCH: Meet us here at the house and come downstairs and meet your muthafuck’n makers.

ROCCO: Come see where champions are fuckin’ made and if we have to drag you, you ain’t gonna be leaving with those titles —

SWITCH: … or your fuckin’ teeth!

In a huff all three men stormed off camera as the scene fades back to the Citadel.

TAG TEAM MATCH Hanzogun vs. The Runaways

The first contest of the evening saw Hanzogun -- Eiji and Himari Hanzo return to action for the first time in weeks as they faced a giant challenge in the OATH Tag Team Champions, The Runaways. The Sharpe Cousins came to the ring with Bert Cocaine trailing behind them. Both Switchblxde and Michael Sharpe appeared to be in no mood for bullshit -- seeing as how they were without either of the championships.

MEARS: The Sharpe Cousins seem to be all business tonight.

PETRIE: They got chastised by their aunt and uncle. Then they had their other Tag Team Titles taken away from them like children. I’d be pissed off too.

The match started and Switch essentially ran through Eiji with a running body attack. Switch pounded Eiji on the mat for a few moments before he sent him hard across the ring to The Runaways’ corner with a hard Irish whip. Switch whipped Eiji so hard that he himself fell down to the mat. Eiji hit the corner hard and fell right on his face.

MEARS: What an Irish whip from Switchblxde! That was vicious.

PETRIE: Poor Hanzogun. This was a big opportunity for them but the Sharpes are not fucking around tonight. Even Bert is just standing there looking pissed off.

MEARS: How can you tell through the sunglasses?

PETRIE: I know pissed off. I piss everyone off.

MEARS: Too true.

Switch tagged in Rocco and the cousins quickly planted Eiji with a wheelbarrow cutter. Switch then darted across the ring and took Himari off of the apron with a running forearm smash. Rocco hit Eiji with a falcon arrow to put him down for the time being.

PETRIE: Yeah this one is gonna be finished in short order.

The Runaways got Eiji up to his feet and then hit him with a double Spanish fly. Before Eiji knew what was happening, The Runaways took him down with The Blade Runner (Doomsday Canadian Destroyer)! Rocco covered lazily.

1..

2..

..3!

Winners: The Runaways

“Liquid Swords” by GZA cued up but The Runaways didn’t even stay long enough to have their hands raised. They stomped up the ramp with Bert trailing behind them, clearly they had other issues to attend to...

Earlier today, the cameras caught up with Stephanie Matsuda and Leah Aguero, collectively known as The Inevitable, outside of The Citadel. Seated at a makeshift table, The Inevitable were signing autographs for the fans that came out early for the show tonight. While Matsuda was jovial and standing as she is signing autographs and taking photos, Aguero was more reserved. She sat back in her seat signing autographs but not answering many questions from the fans.

MATSUDA: Thank you everyone for coming out. My cousin and I truly appreciate the support of not only us but OATH as a whole. Without all of you, we may not even be here today.

AGUERO: Kind of wish I wasn’t here today.

MATSUDA: Anyways, tonight at Conviction, you all are in for a treat. The Inevitable once again ride together into battle as we take on Qiyanna Marshal and Jenna Sharpe. Suffice to say, I believe the outcome might already be… Inevitable.

This drew chuckles from the fans as they returned to signing autographs. As they filed through Matsuda could tell that Aguero was only half-heartedly greeting the fans and signing their merchandise.

MATSUDA: You want to actually pretend like you want to be here today?

AGUERO: I don’t get the point. I mean, what all does it get us?

FAN: What happened to you?

The Inevitable’s conversation was broken up by a fan addressing Leah Aguero.

AGUERO: Excuse you?

FAN: Seriously. What happened to you? I was in love with you. You were badass. You said you were going to do something and, by God, you did it. I thought things were going to turn back around for you when you took on Finale but maybe I was wrong. You’re just not the same. You’ve changed. Yeah, you took out Josie Wales a few weeks ago but the Leah of old would have ended her and won the match in the same breath.

Leah didn't even respond to the fan. She just grit her teeth and signalled for the next fan to approach.

FAN: I guess Matsuda is the real talent of the team. She at least held the Tabula Rasa Title.

Without a word Leah Aguero stood up from her seat and flipped the table in front of her almost dropping it right at the fan’s feet had it not been for him jumping back.

AGUERO: You really want to talk smack to me? Keep talking and you’re going to end up charred just like Finale or broken like Josie Wales. I went up against both them and you haven’t seen anything of them in OATH since I broke them.

Matsuda was quick to interject herself between Aguero and the fan.

MATSUDA: I apologize ladies and gentlemen. We’re going to take a quick break and then we’ll be back out here.

Matsuda practically had to drag Aguero away from the crowd as they made their way just inside The Citadel.

MATSUDA: What the hell is wrong with you? I know you’re going through some stuff right now but ever since you snapped two weeks ago things just haven’t been the same.

AGUERO: Maybe that’s for the best. Don’t you think? Things have been changing for a while. You’ve been going off and doing your thing. You’ve been a success. That fan was right. You’ve won titles. Meanwhile, what have I accomplished outside a tag title reign?

MATSUDA: You just need to find your footing.

AGUERO: Maybe I have found my footing. I felt alive when I went up against Finale at Event Horizon II. Nothing felt greater than two weeks ago when I Dropped the Bomb on Wales off the side of that stage. I don’t know what it is but something just felt… it felt different. It was exhilarating. Almost like I had unlocked a side of me that I didn’t know existed. You got to know it, Cuz. Free your mind and Inevitable can return to that former glory. Fuck those fans out there. We need to be out there doing it for us. Take no prisoners. You feel me?

MATSUDA: I feel you, Cuz. You need to understand, though, that you need to be calculated in your success. There’s a reason why I’ve found success. You’ve been reckless. Believe me, I want The Inevitable to kick some ass but you got to use your mind.

AGUERO: Use my mind? Naw, Cuz. That’s the problem. You need to give in to your desires and that’s when we’ll thrive. Tonight, we got Marshal and Sharpe. We’re a team. We fam. They were just thrown together. Tonight’s your chance to let go and make an example of these two. Let’s send them right where I sent Finale and Josie Wales.

Matsuda stared at her cousin for a moment as she considered her words.

MATSUDA: Listen, I get it. You want to rampage against anything and anyone that stands in your way. I get that feeling too from time to time. When I lost to Meg Coleman there was something inside of me that wanted to attack her from behind and break her legs. But, there’s a reason why we live to fight another day. There’s a difference between being dangerous and acting like a raving lunatic. When we won the titles it was because we did what we had to do when the time called for it. And when we enter that ring tonight, we’ll do the same thing. Being tough isn’t just about doing bad things to people, sweets. It’s about enduring the worse and allowing it to mold you into a stronger fighter. I’m successful because I go out there every day and show the world who the hell I am. Now I’ll admit...I’m kind of a greedy hoe-

The pensive Leah almost cracked a smile, but instead opted for rolling her eyes. Matsuda kept her stoic expression and continued.

MATSUDA: I’ve had my hand in one too many cookie jars this year. But, I’m still one of only two people in this company who won two different titles. And that wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for you, sweets. Hell, it was your idea to separate for a while and I’ve improved because of this. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the brains of the operation. I owe you everything, cuz and now I need you to trust me. Forget what those other fans think - there’s a right way to show no mercy and then there’s acting like a couple of monsters. We’re not monsters, Leah. We’ll go in there and rough stuff up. We’ll send a message to OATH as a whole. But, we do it as warriors, not monsters.

Matsuda’s gaze lingered on her cousin as she looked into Leah’s eyes for some kind of answer. There was an art of her that wanted to sympathize with Leah’s newfound attitude. Matsuda placed a hand on Leah’s shoulder, something very few people were able to do without consequence while Leah was in a bad mood.

MATSUDA: How about we end this early and blow off some steam in the gym? We can’t have people renting space in our heads.

Leah stared at her cousin for a moment before nodding and storming off. Matsuda walked outside to apologize to the crowd one more time and went back inside the Citadel.

We cut to the back with Meg Coleman walking the halls of The Citadel. She had a water bottle in each hand and her Tabula Rasa title around her waist. She headed back to her locker room, opened the door and almost immediately rolled her eyes as she noticed Minoru Tanahashi had made his way into her locker room and was currently making out with her younger sister. A little throat clear got their attention and Minoru pulled back. He looked at his tag partner for the night and gave a sort of shrug and smile.

MINORU: Oh hey there Meg. Uhm… I actually came by to talk to you, but uh… well when I see her I just can’t help myself.

Megan looked at them both kind of just blank staring for a moment then held one of the water bottles out which her sister Cindy took from her. Megan then glared at Minoru who kind of looked to the left then to the right and finally back at her.

MEG: You know I am happy that you guys seem to be doing so well together and all that.

CINDY: Oh here comes the but just wait for it Mino….

MEG: My sister is correct. But, Mino I know you have a locker room of your own and well Cindy could easily have gone to see you there for all of well what I just walked into. But, anyways what is it that you came to see me about?

Megan took a slow drink of her water as she awaited a response from Minoru.

MINORU: Right right, before that, I was planning on spending time with Cindy after the show. You know, get a win, go shower, take a gorgeous woman out for dinner, dancing, and maybe more.

Minoru smirked and looked over at Cindy giving her a wink. He turned back to Megan who didn't seem nearly as amused.

MINORU: But the question at hand. Why I actually came here. Well no doubt you saw the little heart to heart I had with the llama last week when I didn’t know I was being recorded. I… I enjoyed teaming with you a few weeks ago, I think we’ll do great again tonight, but I want something more. I really want to get back into the singles ranks, get my ass back in title contention. I’m ranked at number nine right now. The Tag Champions, Livewire Champion, and...

Minoru stopped for a second, took a breath and then stood up looking right at Megan as he pointed at her title.

MINORU: ...Tabula Rasa champion, all sit behind me in the ranks. I’m only one rank lower than The Intrepid Champion, but they don’t seem to want me back on Livewire, I doubt they’ll give a current champion a tag title shot, so all that leaves is two of my friends and the bastard who will likely hand Scribbles a title shot before he ever defends against me.

Megan took a moment before saying anything. She in fact took her title off from her waist and slung it over her right shoulder then looking over at Cindy who is sitting down and watching something on her phone now paying no attention to either of them at the moment.

MEG: Well that was quite a bit for me to digest there. You know I am not a fan of those rankings… I do agree with your placement being high in fact it should be higher. But, I strongly disagree with the fact that the Tabula Rasa Champion is ranked in the teens.

Megan finished off her bottled water and shot it over to a nearby trash can then kind of snickered a bit at Mino.

MEG: Nice I made it. Anyways you know what Mino we have a tag match coming up against this Mancini Syndicate that well let’s be honest they want power, money and fame. None of those three things will they get from us because as far as I’m concerned they won't be beating us. However speaking of beating people after hearing all you had to say I just wanna say with these cameras around us suddenly that I personally believe you should be facing Ojima for the World title. I mean now there would be a match I would pay top dollar to see that’s my opinion.

This caught Cindy’s attention for a moment as her head poked up.

CINDY: Yeah baby I know you could beat Ojima title or no title match but I don’t believe management wants you to face him because he is being protected.

Megan looked at her sister and even laughed a little bit at the last choice of wording Cindy just used.

MEG: But, that is obviously just my sister and my opinion.

Megan shrugged her shoulders as she sat down in a chair. Minoru nodded his head, then sat back down by Cindy, taking her hand.

MINORU: Well I don’t disagree with you, either of you. I’d be more than happy to face Ojima non title. I go out there and beat him, he can’t deny me a shot. I go out there and lose, well he can brag and say he was right and probably make up some bullshit stipulation that I never get another shot.

Meg nodded her head and Cindy did as well before going back to watching whatever it is she's watching on her cell phone. Megan then pulled out her phone from her gear bag near the chair she is sitting on and looked over something.

MEG: Well hopefully Ojima will see this and grow a spine. But, in the meantime I have done some more research on our opponents and they could pose a threat to us what do you think about the Mancini Syndicate?

MINORU: Well the lead bitch made the mistake of talking about my little sister, so I kind of want to kick her head into the seventeenth row. Thinking about it though, it’s likely a mind game attempt to throw me off. They are nothing if not crafty. I think we have the strength, size, striking, while they have speed and tag team experience. I think we go out there, don’t get suckered in by the mind games and we take this. While I know both of us are more focused on singles goals, we do make a pretty good team.

Without even looking up from her phone Cindy spoke.

CINDY: They might have the tag experience but it won't be enough to defeat my boyfriend and my sister and honestly it’s really that simple.

Megan nodded in agreement with her sister despite Cindy not even looking up.

MEG: All I know is I love wrestling and tonight I get to do what I love as always. Also, I know that I am ready to do what I do out there. So Mino as long as your head is in the game regarding this tag match I feel confident we will be victorious.

MINORU: My head is in the game Megan, don’t worry about that. There was this one little thing, but I think we should wait until next week. Or at the very least until after the match. We need to be focused on those two. I am very confident that our skills will overcome their teamwork, but like you said, mind in the game.

Minoru nodded to Megan, then looked over at Cindy and whispered something in her ear.

Cindy giggled and then stood up looking over at her sister.

CINDY: Meg I think I am going to go for a walk with uh Mino here before your guys' match.

MEG: A walk? Sure… Uh huh… But, seriously that’s fine I need to facetime a certain someone that I have recently been seeing and no I am not telling either of you who she is just yet. But, I will see you both down at the ring for one more tag match for Steel Lions. A tag match which shall be I believe another winning moment for both Mino and I.

MINORU: Well, we at least know it’s a her.

Minoru smirked and gave a little chuckle as he messed with his friend and tag partner for the night.

MINORU: Enjoy your chat and yes you will see both of us out there for another Steel Lions victory.

Minoru raised his hand up like a claw, then made his way out of the locker room with Cindy, making sure to open the door for her. He took a second to look at her, smiled then peaked his head back in.

MINORU: Don’t plan on your sister being back until morning.

He quickly closed the door before Megan could throw anything at him as everything faded out.

TAG TEAM MATCH Mancini Syndicate vs. Steel Lions

Tag team action next as The Mancini Syndicate went to work against the team of the Steel Lions -- Minoru Tanahashi and the OATH Tabula Rasa Champion Megan Coleman. Viola Mancini and Janica Jayden came to the ring with the CWA Tag Team Championships that they stole from The Runaways two weeks ago. The Steel Lions were accompanied by Cindy Coleman, who appeared to be more interested in the ice cream cone that she brought to the ring with her.

PETRIE: Man now I want a snack. Why don’t we have snacks?

MEARS: Because our profession is announcing.

PETRIE: But I’m hungry.

MEARS: You have beer though?

PETRIE: Yeah but I’m snacky dude, not the same.

Janica Jayden and Minoru Tanahashi started the contest for their respective teams. Minoru was still salty about his loss last week so that inspired him to come right out of the gate and blast Jayden with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick). Jayden caught it right on the chin and nearly fell on her face but she hooked her arm on the top rope.

MEARS: That is one way to start a contest.

PETRIE: Cowardly! She wasn’t ready!

MEARS: The bell rang.

PETRIE: So what?

Frustrated with her partner’s lack of defence intuition, Mancini performed a blind tag and entered the ring, shoving Jayden out of the ring. Minoru looked pleased with the development and immediately locked up with The Godmother. Minoru forced her down into a headlock and then quickly transitioned into a snapmare.

MEARS: We’re seeing a ruthless Minoru here tonight.

PETRIE: I’d be ruthless too if I was coming in off a loss. At least he isn’t bitching about his match placement on the card.

MEARS: I do not believe that he ever did.

PETRIE: Oh he did.

With Mancini seated on the mat, Minoru applied a chin lock and drove his knee into her spine. Mancini was able to fight her way up and she hit a few quick elbows to Minoru’s midsection but he grabbed her by the hair and whipped her down onto the mat. The back of Mancini’s head bounced off the mat.

PETRIE: Woah! That was rude.

MEARS: A less than honorable tactic from The Black Lion.

PETRIE: I like it! More!

The referee warned Minoru about using the hair but The Black Lion didn’t seem to give a shit. That was until he caught a glance from Cindy on the outside and she looked taken aback by his actions. Minoru then considered what he had done and moved to tag in Megan. Once he did, Megan told him that it was alright and entered the ring.

MEARS: It seems that Minoru needs to consider what kind of wrestler he wants to be.

PETRIE: He has cheated before. This is nothing new.

MEARS: I do not believe that his partner wants to be that kind of tag team.

PETRIE: They shouldn’t be a team at all. He’s holding her back!

The Tabula Rasa Champion went to move on Mancini but La Capa kicked her in the knee, popped up and took Coleman down with a high angle back suplex. Mancini then mounted Hands of Steel and started beating the absolute shit out of her with a ground and pound. Minoru looked extremely concerned as Mancini battered his partner.

MEARS: La Capa Donna is hammering the Tabula Rasa Champion.

PETRIE: Yeah! I thought she was a fighter? She’s getting worked!

Mancini dragged Coleman to the Syndicate corner and tagged in Jayden. Mancini hit Coleman with a pendulum backbreaker as Jayden ascended to the top rope. Jayden then came off the top rope with a guillotine leg drop to Coleman who was still draped over Mancini’s knee! Coleman was bent in half and Jayden covered as Mancini exited the ring.

1..

2..!

Coleman was able to kick out and that popped Cindy enough that she nearly dropped her ice cream cone. Coleman started to crawl toward Minoru but Jayden hit a sliding elbow drop to her back to halt her progress. Jayden got Coleman up to her feet and slapped her in the face a few times, Coleman dropped to a knee and Jayden mocked the former MMA fighter by getting into a ready stance of her own.

MEARS: This is not an advisable course of action.

PETRIE: I think it’s hilarious!

MEARS: You would.

With the Tabula Rasa Champion dropped to a knee, Jayden went for a knee to her face but Coleman caught her leg and then blasted Jayden with a spinning back fist, putting Jayden on her ass. Mancini screamed in anger at her partner, telling her to “Get the fuck up!”. Coleman then walked back to her corner, trying to shake off the cobwebs and she tagged in Minoru.

PETRIE: Get back in there cheater!

Jayden fell back toward her corner and Mancini tagged herself in again. Viola entered the ring and charged at Minoru but he caught her with a knee to the midsection and then took her down with a snapmare. Minoru then balled her up in the Keimusho Saifu (Paradise Lock) and looked for a submission but Jayden was back in the ring and she nailed Minoru with a clothesline.

MEARS: Come on referee! She entered the ring illegally!

PETRIE: Just a little payback for what Minoru did earlier! You know how Italians are with receipts.

MEARS: I actually do not.

PETRIE: I’ll tell you later.

Coleman tried to intervene but Janica sent her flying over the top rope onto her sister! Both Coleman’s were wiped out and more importantly...Cindy’s ice cream was dumped onto the floor. In the ring, Jayden and Mancini started putting in the work on Minoru but two figures charged down the ramp!

MEARS: Uh oh! The Runaways are here for their stolen property!

PETRIE: Look out Janica! They comin’!

Switchblade and Rocco slid into the ring and blasted Janica with a double clothesline to the back of the head. The Runaways then got Janica up and hit her with a double brainbuster as Viola escaped. Viola went over to the timekeepers table and collected the CWA Tag Team Titles.

Winners: Mancini Syndicate (via DQ)

Viola collected her stolen merchandise and then charged up the ramp, leaving her partner in the ring, alone with The Runaways. Minoru got in the face of both Runaways, screaming at them but they simply laughed in his face. Coleman got in the ring to stop Minoru from starting a new fight as the scene cut.

We cut to the backstage area where we saw Alex Pierce standing partially in the shadows, dressed in his wrestling gear, silently preparing himself for his match as Conviction Correspondent Vince Valerie walked up to him with a mic.

VALERIE: Alex Pierce, can I get a word with you?

Alex's eyes opened and he turned to face the correspondent.

PIERCE: Sure, why not?

VALERIE: Two weeks ago, you made your return to OATH and lost in a match against Stephanie Matsuda.

Alex gave Vince the briefest of smiles as he chuckled just a bit as well.

PIERCE: Yes, but did you notice how when you talked to her that she made the entire match about her and the Pro Wrestling Nova championship? It's amazing that she came up with that entire bit of assumption all on her own, isn't?

VALERIE: So you didn't come here to challenge her over that?

PIERCE: No, as I said that bit of assumption is all on her and her rampant narcissistic ego of hers. I came back to OATH because I wanted to, pure and simple. I took the time off to take a step back and figure out a few things yes, but I didn't come back here to OATH to listen to some trumped up little bitch gloat about how great she was and to have my entire return be based solely around that.

Now, I didn't lose to Stephanie Matsuda...I lost to someone who was channeling Eclipse Diemos perhaps, but not to Stephanie Matsuda. I lost to the running wild ego that dresses itself in the skin of Stephanie Matsuda...but I didn't lose to the Stephanie Matsuda.

VALERIE: What do you mean?

PIERCE: The Stephanie Matsuda that I wanted to face was the same one who took me to my limits and past that, Vince, the one that I lost to with respect because of how damned great our match was. That's why I challenged her, I wanted my first match back in OATH to be against a real opponent...not that bragging little prissy bitch that was in the ring with me last week.

And then last week, I had Minoru Tanahashi. Japan's most shameless wrestler and already he's acting almost the same way as the shade with his boasting and bragging when all he needs to do is step up and fight. But who walked away with the victory because he took the eye off of the goal...because the last time I checked, Minoru-san, it was you that got smoked by the very fool that you showed no respect to.

Alex closed his eyes and took in a deep breath for a moment before opening them again and continuing.

PIERCE: Now tonight, I have Super Tiger. She has the talent and a belly full of fire...but recently I’ve noticed that her attention seems to be focused everywhere but where it is needed most, she wants to prove herself and yet when she is placed into a match against a ten year veteran of this sport, she throws down one tweet and then toddles off to focus on other things.

Super Tiger, while I can appreciate the fire of a challenge as much as the next person, I simply do not think that you have the focus to make it here in OATH….let alone make it anywhere because there is cracks with your precious “Pandito” isn’t there and we both have seen what happens when one choose fame and glory over what is truly important.

So here tonight, Tiger Lily, I want you to step up your game because you are stepping into the ring with a man who has been trained in the only true dominant form of strong style, the way of pain and glory...because I fully intent to showcase what a wrestler of the Jade Court style can do in that very damned ring and tonight, I won’t actually unmask you, but I will lay bare for the world to see why you are not ready to be here in OATH Pro Wrestling and why you should stay in the bush leagues with some of the other wrestlers out there...like your friend Tanahashi.

Alex then turned to give Valerie a hard look before his face slowly cracked a rather dark smile.

PIERCE: And if you happen to see, Stephanie...tell her that time will be catching up to her soon enough and that maybe she needs to focus on something other than her beloved ego.

Alex then walked off, leaving a confused Valerie alone in his wake.

SINGLES MATCH Alex Pierce vs. Super Tiger

The next contest saw “The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce take on Super Tiger. Pierce was able to defeat Tiger’s good friend Minoru Tanahashi last week so the Japanese sensation was looking to avoid a similar fate. Both competitors were in the ring and although Pierce called Toronto home, the fans in The Citadel weren’t super pumped to be seeing him.

MEARS: It is an odd thing for a hometown competitor to get booed the way that Alex does.

PETRIE: Toronto is not used to having winners. They don’t know how to react.

The bell rang and Super Tiger hopped right to it, charging at Pierce. Pierce sidestepped her and sent her running into the ropes. Tiger hit a springboard off the middle rope and came back looking for a cross body block but Pierce caught her in the air.

Pierce went for a fallaway sam but Tiger slipped behind him and took him down to the mat into a crucifix pin but Pierce immediately rolled backward and was back up to his feet. Tiger popped up like a video game character but was immediately turned inside out with a discus clothesline from The Fire Fist Ace!

MEARS: What a shot from Alex Pierce. You know he has made his issues with Stephanie Matsuda known but I feel like that may be a smokescreen of sorts.

PETRIE: How do you figure?

MEARS: Over the last two weeks he has faced allies of FM Young -- the Intrepid Champion.

PETRIE: He doesn’t decide the booking.

MEARS: Then perhaps Mr. Straker sees him as a potential challenger for The One Woman Army...

Tiger was on the mat, face down and Pierce looked extremely pleased with his handiwork. Pierce hit a quick stomp to Tiger’s lower back and then hefted her off the mat. Tiger threw a wild kick in an effort to get some separation but Pierce blocked it and then hammered her with a haymaker that would have killed her if she was… say...a toddler. Luckily she was not a toddler so she was still alive. For the time being at least.

The fans were completely behind Tiger and Pierce reacted as if he smelled something seriously unpleasant. Pierce was clearly pissed off that Toronto had no love for him so he moved to take it out on his opponent. Pierce hefted Tiger up to a vertical base, applied a front face lock and then looked out into the audience with a “you did this” look on his face.

PETRIE: You should cheer this man! He is one of you!

MEARS: They do not seem to feel that way.

PETRIE: Then they need to give their heads a shake!

Pierce lifted Tiger off the mat and held her completely vertical. Pierce demonstrated his strength by holding Tiger high in the air for about thirty seconds before he suddenly and violently brought her down onto the mat with the vilest brainbuster that you could imagine. The fans were disappointed by this happening and responded by booing the absolute shit out of Pierce as he went for a pinfall.

1..

2..!

Tiger kicked out just after two and then sat right up. Obviously dazed, Tiger shook it off and we could somewhat make out a look of determination that was partially hidden by her mask. Pierce looked completely shocked that she had sat up and he looked to punish her for it. Pierce got Tiger off the mat and whipped her into the ropes. On her return Pierce was too slow and the Japanese sensation took him down with a sling blade.

MEARS: Super Tiger is going on the offensive now. She has the speed advantage and she needs to use it.

PETRIE: That would be the clever move.

Wanting to push the pace now, Tiger lined Pierce up as he rose to all fours. Tiger shot forward like an adorable hollowpoint bullet and blasted Pierce in the face with a shotgun dropkick. Pierce was thrown back but he got back up to his feet. Tiger approached him quickly, grabbed his head, and used the ropes to plant him head first into the canvas with a tornado ddt! Tiger floated into a cover and The Citadel loved it. Absolutely loved it.

1..

2..!

The Fire Fist Ace was able to kick out but Tiger was cooking now. She let Pierce get up and even dared him to do so. Once he was up to his feet Tiger shot at him only to get absolutely levelled by a big boot. Pierce then hefted her up to her feet, doubled her over, butterflied her arms, and took her over with a propelling double underhook suplex that sent Tiger sailing across the ring.

MEARS: The strength of Alex Pierce is not to be ignored.

PETRIE: Clearly he just LAUNCHED Super Tiger.

Tiger landed with a thud but got right back up. Pierce then ran through her with a body avalanche that pinned her against the corner. Pierce then led Tiger out of the corner like a lamb to the slaughter and applied another front face lock. Pierce lifted her up completely vertical for a second time but this time Tiger brought her knee down and caught him on the top of the head. Pierce was forced to release her and Tiger landed on her feet.

Pierce didn’t want to lose his advantage so he rushed Tiger but she caught him with an elbow to the face. Pierce ate it but then kept coming so Tiger blasted him with an open palm strike. This one subdued him for a little longer but still he kept coming so Tiger slapped him with a series of knife edge chop but Pierce looked to retaliate with a high kick but Tiger caught his leg and took him down to the mat with a dragon screw!

MEARS: Excellent strategy. If Pierce can not stand then he can not use his strength advantage.

PETRIE: Yeah but she needs to do a lot more damage.

Looking to try a different approach, Tiger kept hold of Pierce’s left leg and then quickly applied a figure four leg lock! Pierce did not have time to counter and before he knew it he was on his back and trapped in the corner. Pierce was locked in but he used his superior strength to push himself off of the mat and walk on his hands back toward the ropes. Pierce grabbed the bottom rope and Tiger was forced to break the hold.

The Fire Fist Ace pulled himself up in the corner but Tiger rushed in and caught him with a flying elbow smash. Pierce dropped to a seated position and Tiger backtracked. Tiger then darted forward and smashed Pierce in the face with a shotgun dropkick! Tiger then paraded around the ring, hyping the crowd up and they were all for it.

MEARS: This could be the biggest moment of Super Tiger’s OATH career! A big win on Conviction could put her in championship contention!

PETRIE: That it would. You have to believe that the winner of this match is gonna be in the conversation.

MEARS: Most definitely.

Pierce pulled himself up again but Tiger rushed him and hit him with a second flying forearm smash. Tiger then draped Pierce’s left leg over the middle rope and kicked his thigh several times before she hit him with a high flipping dropkick to the face.

Tiger took a moment to catch her breath as Pierce fell and found himself draped over the middle rope, facing the crowd. Tiger called to the audience, then hit the ropes and came back to hit Pierce with There and Back Again (619)! Pierce rebounded back into the center of the ring and Tiger dove into the cover.

MEARS: This is it!

1..

2..

..!

Pierce was just able to kick out but all of the momentum was on Tiger’s side. Pierce fought to get to his feet but his left leg was badly damaged, as was Tiger’s intent. Tiger darted and pushed off the middle rope searching for the Tiger Snare (Springboard Dropkick to Knee) but Pierce took her out of the air with Backfist to the Future (Spinning Backfist)! Pierce then yanked Tiger up to her feet and blasted her with Hiken (Rainmaker)! Pierce covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Alex Pierce

"Let 'em Come (Redux)" by Scroobius Pip, Sage Francis, & P.O.S. and Pierce got his hand raised but he ripped it away from the referee. He had done what he came here for and he quickly left the ring.

Ryan Terror and Adrestia Nyx were sitting on top of a road case. They talked amongst themselves, probably about strategy and whatnot. Then the sound of footsteps came toward the duo. A squeaky voiced production assistant spoke up breaking their conversation. It was Robbie, the stage hand that spoke with Mr. Straker last week.

ROBBIE: Uh...Mister Terror, Miss Nyx…

Adrestia snapped her head quickly in the direction of the intern. Her eyes glowed with disgust as Ryan finally looked towards the intern.

NYX: Who in the fuck are you?

ROBBIE: I...I…

NYX: You better start talking or…

Ryan raised a hand to quiet his tag team partner who shut up almost immediately.

TERROR: Now, Adrestia, let the man speak. Go ahead, son.

The stage hand smiled slightly as he handed the team a note from Tommy Straker. Ryan read the note and dropped it in disgust. Adrestia looked down and saw the OATH Livewire logo. Her eyes filled with rage.

NYX: LIVEWIRE...WE’RE FORMER OATH TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND WE’VE BEEN REDUCED TO FUCKING LIVEWIRE. WHAT THE FUCK?!

Robbie began to quiver where he stood. Ryan stood up, walked over to Robbie and placed a hand on his shoulder.

TERROR: Relax child, she’s just dealing with some other shit at the moment. Woman problems and such. What’s your name, my child?

ROBBIE: Robbie. My name is Robbie.

TERROR: Well Robbie, please deliver a message to Mr. Straker.

With that, Ryan kneed Robbie in the abdomen. Robbie doubled over as he let out an audible grunt. Adrestia smiled as she hopped off the road case. Ryan grabbed Robbie’s hair and pulled him up.

TERROR: The Hell Realm is done playing these useless games with Mr. Straker. If he wants to demote us to Livewire then what’s about to happen will be on his fucking hands.

Ryan then slammed Robbie’s face into Adrestia’s upward driven knee not once but twice. Blood trickled from the nose of the intern as Ryan repeated the process one more time. Robbie’s nose had to be broken but the duo wasn’t done yet. Adrestia slid the road case out from against the wall. She set it up in the middle of the hallway. Ryan lifted Robbie up and dropped him chest first across the road case with Adrestia, who took hold of the head thus completing The Protocol (Dudley Death Drop). Robbie did not move as blood dripped into a small pool on the floor. The duo smiled as they walked away satisfied with their handiwork.

TAG TEAM MATCH The Inevitable vs. Qiyanna Marshal & Jenna Sharpe

The Inevitable returned to tag team action next as they faced off against the first time tandem of Qiyanna Marshal and Jenna Sharpe. Both Marshal and Sharpe were fresh off unsuccessful championship opportunities so a victory over the first ever OATH Tag Team Champions would be quite the feather in the cap of this new tandem.

MEARS: Tag team action! The Inevitable are back for the first time in months!

PETRIE: Yeah but the last time that we saw them Leah Aguero hadn’t developed the nasty streak that she has now. Two weeks ago she took Josie Wales off the stage through some sound equipment. We haven’t seen Wales since!

MEARS: Have we not?

PETRIE: Well I mean we don’t know if it was her or not.

Leah Aguero started the contest against Jenna Sharpe. The two locked up and Aguero immediately drove her into a corner and started peppering Jenna with body shots. Aguero, angrier than ever, took Jenna out of the corner with a snapmare and then hit a dropkick to the back of Jenna’s head.

Rather than go for any kind of pinfall attempt, Aguero tagged in Matsuda. Jenna got up to her feet but was completely caught off guard when The Inevitable came at her and put her on the mat with Twin Surprise (Double Slingblade)! Matsuda made the cover.

MEARS: It does not appear that The Inevitable have lost a step!

PETRIE: This match just started but it may not last long. Marshal and Sharpe don’t have the experience as a team that The Inevitable do.

1..

2..!

Jenna was able to kick out but Matsuda applied a front chancery to keep Jenna on the mat. Matsuda then started hitting Jenna with knees to the crown of the head before she pulled Jenna up to a vertical base and shot her across the ring. Jenna was able to blindside Matsuda with a leaping knee to the chin and then moved toward her own corner.

The Canadian Wildcat was able to make the tag to Qiyanna Marshal and then the two advanced on Matsuda. Matsuda stood but was immediately hit with a double dropkick from Jenna and Marshal. Marshal shot a glare to Aguero on the apron before she got Matsuda back up to her feet. Qiyanna then blasted Matsuda with a discus lariat. Marshal covered.

MEARS: Isolation is the key here. If Qiyanna and Jenna can keep Stephanie from making a tag then they just might have a chance at winning this thing.

PETRIE: The Inevitable are a great team but it’s been a while since they’ve done this. Maybe they have changed too much.

MEARS: Perhaps they have...

1..

2..!

Matsuda kicked out and Aguero was visibly frustrated, pacing on the apron. Marshal kept Matsuda on the mat, grinding her forearm into Matsuda’s face. Aguero was like a caged animal on the ring apron, she wanted to get back into the action. Marshal got Matsuda up and walked her over to Marshal’s corner. Marshal tagged in Jenna and then the two of them took Matsuda over with a double suplex.

Jenna moved on Matsuda and quickly applied a calf crusher! Matsuda screamed in pain and reached out for Aguero. The War Queen was on the apron and she looked like she was about to explode with anger. Matsuda started to crawl on her hands, dragging Jenna with her but the pain in her leg was real and she was in a bad way.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is a submission specialist. You have to believe that every second she has this hold locked in is excruciating for Stephanie Matsuda.

Feeling that Matsuda was getting close to making a tag, Jenna broke the hold, applied a waist lock and tried to deadlift German suplex Matsuda off the mat but Cloud was able to do a full back flip and land on her feet. Matsuda then shoved Jenna from behind right into a forearm smash from Aguero on the apron.

Matsuda was able to push off the middle rope and blast Jenna with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash) to drop her. Matsuda then dove across the ring and in a beautiful moment she made the tag to Aguero. Marshal entered the ring to try and cut Aguero off but got blasted with a running big boot. Aguero then evaded a strike attempt from Jenna and took her over with a snap German suplex. The Inevitable then set Jenna up and planted her with 23 & Us (Double Sitout Powerbomb)! Aguero covered.

MEARS: This could be it!

PETRIE: Jenna was PLANTED into the canvas. Holy fuck.

1..

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..!

The Blackhawk made the save at the very last second and Matsuda went after her. Matsuda tried for a Yahtzee (Superkick) but Marshal caught her boot and then cracked her in the side of the head with Hawk Shot (Roundhouse Kick)! Matsuda dropped instantly. Jenna hit Aguero with a knee to the chin and then with Marshal she sent Aguero over the top rope.

Aguero had landed with a disgusting thud. Jenna then got Matsuda up onto her shoulders and Marshal climbed to the top rope. Marshal flew off of the top rope and caught Matsuda with a cross body, taking her off of Jenna’s shoulders! The two crashed into the mat and Matsuda looked quite hurt. Aguero saw this happen from the outside and she blew a gasket.

MEARS: What a move! Matsuda could be out of this match for good! The way that she landed -- she may have broken some ribs.

PETRIE: But look at Aguero! She has lost it!

The War Queen grabbed a steel chair and slid into the ring where she smashed it over Jenna’s head! Jenna dropped to the mat and then Aguero did the same to Marshal. The referee had no choice but to call for the disqualification.

Winner: Qiyanna Marshal & Jenna Sharpe (via DQ)

No music cued up. The referee was too busy trying to stop Aguero from doing any more damage. The War Queen did not take kindly to this so she smashed the referee in the head with the chair! The referee dropped instantly and Aguero spiked the chair into the mat.

MEARS: Good lord. Leah Aguero has laid waste to everyone!

PETRIE: And now she’s leaving her tag team partner behind.

MEARS: She is a being made of pure malevolence now. Whatever Leah Aguero was before...she has strayed significantly.

Leah Aguero exited the ring and stomped up the ramp, leaving absolute mayhem in her wake. Matsuda slowly got up, holding her ribs, and seemed completely shocked by what her cousin had just done.

Here we were on the rooftop of the Pillar and Post, the full service restaurant attached to The Citadel. We werere here because Erik Holland and Lyric just arrived via the stairs leading up to the roof, per the request of the former Intrepid Champion Locke Helms. Holland clocked where Helms was, seated at a table, with dinner in front of him, and a plate set out for Holland as well.

The face hidden behind the goggles and mask didn't betray any kind of emotion as he and Lyric shared a silent look, and then Holland approached the table across from his impending opponent. Off went the goggles, followed by the face mask, as no words were yet exchanged between these two incredibly dangerous men.

Locke looked over at Holland, and he respectfully stood up as Holland approached the table, the man known simply as the “Chairman of Chaos” looked to Lyric and offered a polite nod before returning his attention to Erik and motioning for the two of them to have a seat.

Holland sat, inspecting the food in front of him - before those big intense eyes again clocked Helms as he sat himself. Lyric was nearby, but still standing.

HOLLAND: Alright Helms. What’s your game? How come you and I are sitting here having a meal before we tear each other apart?

HELMS: No games, Erik. I thought you and I could talk like civilized daemons rather than the freaks that the others would rather us act like.

Helms said with a respectful nod towards his guests.

HELMS: I mean it’s not every day that I get a chance to wrestle someone of your caliber. So no games are to be had.

Holland ate as he considers Helms’ words.

HOLLAND: Have to admit, you’ve been on my bucket list a while now, too. Is it coincidence that we come together after I tell the world that I want the Intrepid title?

He stopped for a moment.

HOLLAND: Straker hand picked you, did he not? You know what my current mission is.

HELMS: No, what is this mission of yours?

Locke answered honestly, his face slowly turning into a twisted smile.

HELMS: Does it involve lots of enjoyable mayhem and creative violence?

Holland’s face twisted into a smile.

HOLLAND: Guess you could say that. Straker told me if I want an Intrepid title match, I have to win five matches in a row before Violent Ends. You're number two.

Locke couldn’t help but chuckle at that as he raised his glass in a salute to Holland.

HELMS: Well then I wish you luck in your endeavor. But you’ll forgive me if I don’t put too much stock into chasing that title right now, Erik. Certain...people...are of the belief that I should just charge back in and take my rematch.

Locke explained before taking a drink from his glass.

HELMS: But you know what they say to those who are patient, yes?

Holland scoffed.

HOLLAND: They run outta time.

A drink from his glass followed.

HOLLAND: You know patience and I have never met. You know I am close to being able to say I’ve done it all in OATH. You know that Straker’s poking me with a sharp stick making me do this series. And you know what I did to Monstruo. Maybe I’m of the mind that you charging back in would be hazardous to you.

Locke listened to Erik’s words with an honest equal measure and when he was done, his signature dry chuckle was the only sound that was being made as he looked right at his future opponent.

HELMS: Now that would be a silly concept, wouldn't it? Me...go charging in like those who call themselves “Tiger”?

He replied before the chuckling stopped as quickly as it had started.

HELMS: No Erik, I fully intend to fight you head on but at the same pace that allowed me to claim titles in China and Japan as well as here stateside with that cold, calculating determination.

He then picked up his glass in a salute towards the other man.

HELMS: And without anyone of my fellows becoming involved. I wanted to show you the respect due to a proper villain after all, and give you the kind of fight that you’ve been wanting.

Holland returns his salute in kind.

HOLLAND: Not often that happens these days. Says somethin' that you got the balls to face me one on one without your friends around, because -that- doesn't happen often either. Cant help but respect that.

He put his now empty glass down, his plate having been cleared. He fixed Locke not with a threatening look, but one to let Helms know he wasn't afraid.

HOLLAND: But mark me when I say, Locke, that I know how to win big matches. You are a -big damn- match, a big damned target, and everyone will be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am back on the right track once I beat you. I’m not taking one backward step. All i can think about is the Intrepid title, and if youre between me and that belt, well.. youre getting run down. Respectfully.

HELMS: Respectfully, focusing on the goal of becoming a champion is one thing but understand that simply focusing on only one thing and that within its entirety is the worst thing to do when stepping into a ring with me, Erik. I mean look at how focused James Edwards was and the net result for him there.

Locke said as he gently pushed his now empty plate away before targetting Erik with a focused look.

HELMS: Understand me when I say that everyone expects me to just slither away because I lost the Intrepid title to some lucky little harlot, yes? Let the “big, bad Locke Helms just go back into his hole and let him be the new jobber”, right?”

Locke allowed himself to actually chuckle at that notion before shaking his head.

HELMS: No, I don’t doubt that you can beat me...but “run me over” as you so put it, that might be an entirely different thing that you and I must try sometime but not tonight, tonight you and I have a match that we need to show these...children...why they need to be afraid of the two of us, especially when I show them why I’m always to be taken…

Locke’s eyes then grow very cold as he locks gazes with Erik as his tone becomes serious and icy as he finishes with

HELMS: ..seriously.

Erik now stood up to his full broad height from the dinner table, re donning his facial attire. He gestured at the table and at Locke.

HOLLAND: Thank you for the meal. A lot to consider. But I will worry about that later. This is.. a business trip after all. See you out there.

Erik departed, with Lyric on his arm, and as the shadow looming fades Locke Helms was left alone.

In the underground parking lot of The Citadel we saw the production assistant Robbie being loaded into the back of an ambulance by EMTs. The shot widened to show OATH President Tommy Straker standing beside the ambulance.

STRAKER: Last week young Robbie here felt the need to speak ill of me behind my back. On one hand I was offended and hurt. On the other, I admired his...courage. So I tasked him with a job. If he was able to come out unscathed then I would see fit to give him more responsibility, if he didn't -- well then that was a fitting punishment.

The EMTs closed the door to the ambulance.

STRAKER: Let this serve as a lesson to everyone who works here in OATH. From competitors to staff members -- keep your mind on your work and do not concern yourself with my affairs. Do not test me and you will not end up like our friend Robbie here. I control this chess board and you are all just pieces. You would do well to remember that.

Straker shot his cuffs and presented a wicked smile.

STRAKER: Now on to more...pleasant news. In two weeks Conviction will celebrate its 35th episode by presenting a unique episode -- Hell and Back. It will emanate from the Barlow Family's palatial estate in Hamilton, Ontario. It will be a special Halloween themed show and each match will be unique. The main event will see James Edwards challenge Reo Ojima for the OATH World Championship and it will be contested under a stipulation to be decided next week.

A beat.

STRAKER: But there is one contest that I want to announce right now and that is the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal. In order to shake up the main event scene this Battle Royal will determine the challenger for the World Championship at Violent Ends in November. The ring will be surrounded by thirteen coffins. Two competitors will "awaken" first and then every two minutes another competitor will be "resurrected" and enter the match. You are eliminated by being thrown over the top rope and the last person standing will earn a championship match.

Straker was clearly pleased with this concept, even if it was very macabre.

STRAKER: I have invited four mystery entrants from outside OATH to enter this contest. I want to motivate the other entrants to not only reach their full potential but to defend OATH from an outsider coming and jumping right into a World Championship Match. The OATH representatives will be announced next week. Best of luck to all involved.

Straker then walked out of frame as the ambulance sped away toward the hospital.

• MAIN EVENT • SINGLES MATCH

Locke Helms vs. Erik Holland

Main event time and boy was it a fucking doozy. “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms took on “The Haunted” Erik Holland. Helms is a former two time Intrepid Champion and Holland is a former World Champion so this match was big -- huge.

MEARS: The Chairman of Chaos versus The Haunted. What an incredible main event we have here tonight Bad Mood!

PETRIE: Two of the most violent men in OATH ready to go at it. I’m hoping for blood but given the history of both men...we may see buckets of it.

The two men came to the middle of the ring right off the jump and stared each other in the eyes. Holland was the larger, more physically intimidating of the two men but Helms didn’t seem to fear Holland in the slightest.

PETRIE: Holland has to win four more matches in a row to earn an Intrepid Championship match. Last week Monstruo, this week Locke Helms. Straker isn’t making it easy for him,

MEARS: I think it would defeat the purpose if it was easy.

PETRIE: Yeah I guess.

Helms raised his hand, challenging Holland to a test of strength. Holland looked momentarily perplexed but quickly realized that Helms knew he couldn’t overpower Holland but that this was a gesture of mental manipulation. Holland decided to indulge his opponent and raised his hand to meet Helms’ but Helms immediately hit Holland with a kick to the midsection.

With Holland momentarily recovering Helms took the opportunity to hit Holland with a rapid succession of knife edge chops that Holland simply absorbed. After the sixth chop, Holland shoved Helms and roared in his face -- he wanted Helms to hit him again.

MEARS: He wants more!

PETRIE: That is because he is not very smart.

MEARS: I firmly disagree.

PETRIE: I know buddy.

The Chairman of Chaos smirked and rather than oblige Holland with a chop, hit him with a palm strike to the face, boxed both of the big man’s ears and then attempted a belly to belly suplex. Holland planted himself like a tree and dropped three quick elbows onto Helms’ collarbone and then hit him with one hell of a hip toss.

Helms slid out of the ring to recover, walking around the ring smirking. Holland simply waited, he wasn’t going to be goaded into chasing Helms. Holland stood sentry in the middle of the ring, a goliath waiting for a challenge.

MEARS: Does that look like someone who is mentally deficient? Holland knows that he should not chase Helms because Helms will use the outside to his advantage.

PETRIE: Yeah like Holland is an angel outside the ring.

MEARS: Too true but Locke would have the jump on him.

The Chairman of Chaos got into the ring and Holland exploded from the center of the ring over to where Helms was standing in an instant. Holland hit Helms with a body avalanche against Helms, pinning him to the ropes. Holland then launched Helms across the ring with a beale, Helms came down with a giant thud.

The Haunted was right on top of Helms, getting him up to his feet. Helms popped Holland with an uppercut and then took him over with a quick capture suplex, not giving Holland time to plant his feet again. Helms floated over into a cover but Holland kicked out immediately.

MEARS: Erik did not have time to shift his weight but by kicking out at one he is showing Helms that is will take a lot more than that to keep him down.

PETRIE: Like Helms doesn’t know that. He’s a crafty bastard.

MEARS: That he is.

The two men were up to their feet, facing off yet again. Helms hit a lariat that staggered Holland back into the ropes and before Holland could mount some counter offense, Helms darted and hit a second lariat that sent Helms over the top rope to the outside. Holland landed on his feet but Helms vaulted over the top rope and took Holland down with a cross body.

Helms went into full rage mode now, mounting Holland on the outside to hit him with a series of hard shots to the head. Holland did his best to cover up but Helms was far too fast, peppering Holland with a plethora of shots and doing significant damage with each one. Helms got to his feet and hit Holland with a barrage of stomps to the midsection, took a step back, and then punted Holland in the side of the head.

MEARS: Oh my what a shot!

PETRIE: Helms is getting nasty now. He is sick of playing with Holland.

MEARS: I was not aware that they had been playing.

PETRIE: That’s okay man you miss stuff all the time.

The Chairman of Chaos is a clever wrestler, he knew that he didn’t have to expend the energy to get Holland back into the ring -- that in doing so he would only deplete his own energy. Helms slid into the ring and let the referee continue counting, Holland would get himself back into the ring. At a count of fifteen, Helms’ prediction came true as the hulking monster crawled up onto the apron and entered the ring.

Helms was quick to meet Holland with some more stomps before he got the former World Champion to his feet and dropped him with a tiger suplex. Holland hit the mat hard but Helms knew that he had to hit and move. Helms hit a running kick to Holland’s midsection, then he got Holland back up to his feet and then drove him back into the mat with a tiger driver. Helms rolled into a cover.

PETRIE: Game over Holland! Couldn’t even get two wins.

MEARS: We will see.

1..

2..!

The Haunted powered out but Helms kept him grounded by immediately applying a reverse chin lock. Holland started to fade and Helms seemed to be very pleased with how the contest was going. That was until Holland’s eyes shot open and he started fighting up to his feet. Helms did his best to keep the chin lock applied. Holland hit several elbows to Helms’ midsection and broke the hold. Holland then took off for the ropes but on his return Helms blasted him in the face with a bicycle kick, dropping the giant.

The Chairman of Chaos paced around the ring, measuring the next leg of his strategy. When Holland started to stir, Helms seemed to feel that it would be best to apply another reverse chin lock but Holland shoved him off and then decked Helms with Plan 9 from Outer Space (Superman Punch)! Helms was rocked, he fell back into the ropes and then staggered back to the center of the ring where Holland planted him with a chokeslam! Helms was planted and Holland fell into a cover.

PETRIE: Did you see how high Helms just went in the air? Holy shit!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not yet!

Helms was just barely able to kick out and Holland was back in complete control. Holland got Helms up but Helms caught him with an uppercut to the chin. Helms took off for the ropes and came back looking for a lariat but Holland caught his arm, pulled it through Helms’ legs and then dropped him with Limbic Resonance (Pumphandle Emerald Flowsion)! Holland covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Erik Holland

"Haunted" by Walls of Jericho cued up and Lyric entered the ring to celebrate with Holland. The Haunted took a moment to embrace his paramour before he took hold of the camera lens and held up five fingers -- he then folded two of them up to leave three. Only three more victories and he will have earned his Intrepid Championship match.

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Results: • The Runaways def. Hanzogun • Mancini Syndicate def. Steel Lions (via DQ)

• Alex Pierce def. Super Tiger

• Qiyanna Marshal & Jenna Sharpe def. The Inevitable (via DQ)

• Erik Holland def. Locke Helms