CONVICTION XXXIV

Episode XXXIV Sunday October 4th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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The scene cut to the backstage area where Megan Coleman, the Tabula Rasa Champion, was seen walking down a long hallway while holding her phone out in front of her. She was face timing with someone but the image couldn't be made out due to the angle.

MEG: Babe I am relaxed no need to be concerned about me one bit.

VOICE: I just feel like you have been stressed a bit more than normal this week and now you got that big title defence tonight.

MEG: Just been somethings on my mind and all that but again no need to worry. I must admit though you seeming worried about me is cute though.

VOICE: Well you are not so bad yourself Miss Coleman.

MEG: Thank you kindly and trust me my mind is completely on this upcoming title defence tonight against Stephanie Matsuta.

VOICE: Good because it would be weird if you lost and came home to the fun I have on my mind for us in celebration of you successfully defending your title if you well didn’t successfully defend said title.

MEG: That would indeed be kind of weird but I have no plans on losing tonight.

Megan then approached her dressing room door. She opened it and walked inside to see Cindy Coleman, her sister standing there doing some stretches.

MEG: Hey babe I am going to facetime you later alright?

VOICE: Alright sure. Good luck out there tonight but I am confident that you got this.

MEG: As am I and thanks babe.

Megan then ended the facetime conversation and Cindy noticed that she did so rather quickly.

CINDY: Ah, was that the mystery woman?

Megan nodded her head towards her sister as she then sat down in a chair putting her phone in her gear bag.

CINDY: I still don’t get why me your own sister can’t even know her name…

MEG: In due time Cindy just not yet. We are well keeping things to ourselves for now.

CINDY: Fine…but, I need to be let in on the mystery sooner than later.

MEG: You will be the first to know who she is when we are ready to not be as private.

Cindy nodded as she pulled up a chair next to her sister Megan and sat down.

MEG: Alright well Stephanie versus myself tonight not too long from now.

CINDY: That’s right and the world will be watching as you show them that your win over her and taking that title from Matusda was no fluke.

MEG: Certain people will probably say it’s a fluke if I win tonight as well.

CINDY: If?

MEG: There’s always a chance I could lose Cindy.

CINDY: Sure but the chances of it are very low and your sister CC might have bet a little money on you here tonight heh.

Megan rolled her eyes after hearing this.

MEG: Great no pressure though right?

CINDY: Nope none at all.

MEG: It’s fine I know that if I can beat Stephanie Matsuda here tonight then I will be well on my way to becoming the greatest Tabula Rasa Champion of all time in Oath.

CINDY: Indeed which mind you when you beat her tonight it will be for a second time.

MEG: I will stick with the word if because I should never be overconfident and Stephanie is a great wrestler. However tonight she steps onto my battlefield as I am the Tabula Rasa champion meaning it’s my stipulation this time.

CINDY: Bloodsport it shall be!

MEG: Damn right and Stephanie I sure hope isn’t underestimating me this time because well this match will be over very quickly if she is.

CINDY: Tonight girl you once again show the world why you are one of the very best in OATH.

MEG: You're right I’m ready to throw these hands and do battle with Stephanie once again and this time it’s no two out of three falls match. No, it’s as I said before my stipulation or you could say my battle ground.

Cindy held her arms open for a hug as the two sisters embraced then Cindy stood up.

CINDY: Well I am going to see Mino but I will meet up with you before you head to the ring to kick some ass and remain the Tabula Rasa Champion.

MEG: Alright and I will perhaps go back to talking to my well girlfriend. I think is what she is now.

CINDY: You should probably be sure of that.

MEG: Yeah you might be right about that but anyways see you in a bit,

Cindy nodded as she walked out of the dressing room closing the door behind her and Megan then sat in silence just looking down at her hands and then closing her eyes. She began to meditate as she prepared her mind for the battle that was to come.

The doors to Pillar and Post were shoved open and there in the doorway was Matt Shields, rocking some new gear for the night, clad in long black tights with slashes down the side showing a red and green striped pattern, tattered and slightly shredded black boots, a single sleeved leather jacket with five large shreds on the arm and a razor glove along the back. In his hand he carried a version of his Knightmare King mask that looked like burned flesh. He looked around, the few fans there unsure of how to respond.

SHIELDS: WHERE’S STEVE?

Shields walked right up to the bar, reached over and stopped a young black man that was working behind the bar. He looked down and saw that his name is Marcus.

SHIELDS: Where is Steve?

Marcus looked at Shields, scratcheed the back of his head for a few seconds, then nodded.

MARCUS: Steve, right that fools girlfriend got the rona, they’re in quarantine for like 2 weeks.

SHIELDS: Quarantine?

Shields released Marcus as he slightly growled and slammed his fist down at the bar.

SHIELDS: Damn it, Steve was supposed to give me a celebratory drink to raise up as I announce that I WILL be in the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal. Unlike some people, I got no concerns being in a coffin for a few minutes, a few hours, hell I could figure out how to make it a few days if I needed. There’s some people that think I probably sleep in one, but I don’t. I sleep in a king sized bed on a five thousand dollar Stearns and Foster mattress with silk sheets and my gorgeous girlfriend. Occasionally, there’s another woman there as well, maybe two, three, four more. Because my life is better than all of theirs.

MARCUS: Well, sorry man, I don’t know what to tell you.

Shields was annoyed and again slammed his fist down, Marcus went to take care of other customers, but Shields waved him back.

SHIELDS: No Steve is disappointing, but tonight Marcus you can be the new Steve. I need a simple drink, nothing too strong since I have a creepy cult leader to beat the shit out of in like ten minutes. Make me a screwdriver with a splash of 7-Up. It should give me time to talk to the people in the audience watching this right now, and most importantly…

Shields turned around in his chair and looked right at the camera he had following him.

SHIELDS: Locke Helms. You probably don’t like that i called you a creepy cult leader, but that’s the vibe you’re giving off man. You probably think of yourself as a new breed of monster, I mean you went and aligned yourself with what is it, The Hell Realm? Oooo, so spooky. Thing is, you’re not Monstruo who’s a big strong son of a bitch that doesn’t seem to feel pain. You’re not Adrestia Nyx who seems like she might be possessed by a demon. You’re not even Ryan Terror who I think is legitimately insane. You have more in common with Astaroth then you do with them. You’re both trying to be creepy and scary and strange, but failing at two of the three. Sure you beat the shit out of James Edwards and he did beat me two weeks ago, but Erik Holland beat you and I beat him in a damn Texas Deathmatch. That James Edwards you beat wasn’t the same as the one that managed to beat me, and unlike you, losing doesn’t send me spiraling down, it pisses me the fuck off and sends me in to a damn rage. Add to that the disrespect of being completely left off last week, the fact I need a big win to assure my spot in the Thirteen Ghosts battle royal, and that I missed out on the chance to…

Shields stopped for a second, took a deep breath and noticed that Marcus was there with his drink. He took it and turned back around.

SHIELDS: I missed out on my chance to rescue Blanche at Hell and Back. I can hear tortured cries right now, and it’s tearing me apart. My only respite is that I get to do the same to you tonight, then I get to do the same to, well it could be one person, could be twelve, could be any number in between. I have no idea how many, I just know that all of them and you Locke, stand in my way. I will not let another soul delay my mission. I will beat you tonight, I will win the Thirteen Ghost battle royal, and Violent Ends will end with me standing tall after I have rescued Blanche.

Shields downed his entire drink in one gulp, slammed the glass down, then got up, cracks his neck, his knuckles and headed out ready to get the job done.

SINGLES MATCH Locke Helms vs. Matt Shields

The first contest of the evening was a bad ass first time meeting between The Hell Realm’s Locke Helms and “The Hellhound” Matt Shields. Helms came to the ring flanked by Astaroth and Shields came to the ring wielding his kendo stick. Once in the ring, Shields tossed the kendo stick at Astaroth on the outside, before the bell.

PETRIE: Poor Astaroth. Always getting shit thrown at him.

MEARS: Teaming up with The Hell Realm elicits that kind of response.

PETRIE: It’s fucking rude!

The match started with Shields immediately going after Helms but the former two time Intrepid Champion exited the ring and did a lap, refusing to look at Shields. Shields was a seething animal. He had seen this shit from Helms before and despite knowing that it was a mind game, he opted to go after Helms.

PETRIE: Shields falling right into The Chairman’s trap!

MEARS: That remains to be seen.

Shields exited the ring and chased after Helms and when he came round the side of the ring Helms levelled Shields with a lariat. Helms beat Shields down on the outside for a few moments, relentless with his series of strikes. Helms then slipped Shields into the ring and quickly entered in after him.

MEARS: Okay he did fall for his trap.

Helms approached Shields like prey. Helms put a boot on the side of Shields’ head and then gestured down at him while looking at the fans, symbolic of his lack of respect for The Hellhound. Well if Helms wanted to even further piss Shields off then he succeeded because The Hellhound was irate.

PETRIE: I’ve always said that Helms is the smartest guy in OATH but going out of your way to piss off a psychopath like Shields? I don’t get it.

MEARS: I do not think that Locke fears Matt in the slightest.

Shields grabbed Helms’ boot and shoved him away. Helms staggered backward and then gestured for Shields to come at him. Shields was more than happy to oblige and he rushed Helms, only for Helms to sidestep him and send him hard into the corner. Shields bounced out of the corner and stumbled backward right into a huge belly to back suplex from Helms. Astaroth clapped enthusiastically on the outside as Helms rolled over into a cover.

1..

2..!

MEARS: The two time Intrepid Champion nearly picks up the win.

PETRIE: I’m being told that both Ryan Terror AND Locke Helms have been entered into the Thirteen Ghost Battle Royal next week.

MEARS: Two members of The Hell Realm in that contest is bad news for everyone else involved.

The Hellhound kicked out and Helms kept him down on the mat by grinding his forearm into Shields’ forehead. This continued show of disrespect only served to piss Shields off further, which was obviously Helms’ plan. In order to keep the maelstrom that was Shields at bay, Helms applied a sleeper hold. Shields knew that if he stayed on the mat he would be done for so he fought up to his feet and then took Helms over with a snapmare!

MEARS: Matt looks to shift the momentum!

Helms rallied back, he couldn’t let Shields get any momentum going. Helms looked to take Shields over with a capture suplex but The Hellhound hit him with a sequence of alternating European uppercuts and forearm smashes that rocked Helms’ world (in a bad way). Shields grabbed Helms by the wrist and blasted him with Frailty (Ripcord Elbow) but was sure to maintain wrist control. Shields then pulled Helms up into Majo no toki (Fireman's Carry Neckbreaker)! Shields made the cover.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Matt Shields is pulling no punches in this contest.

PETRIE: Why would he?

MEARS: Figure of speech.

The Chairman of Chaos kicked out so Shields stood and kicked him right in the fucking head. Shields stomped over to the nearest corner and ascended to the very top, which was a scary sight. Shields looked down at Helms and screamed "Hail Satan! Welcome year zero!". Spooky. Shields then came off the top rope with the Year Zero (Swanton Bomb). Shields came crashing down across Helms’ sternum and The Hell Realm member was in big trouble.

MEARS: That move always looks devastating. Locke may have cracked a rib!

PETRIE: I feel like that happens to me every time I go to Mother’s Dumplings. I simply eat too much.

MEARS: I understand that. I love their dumplings. Let’s go after the show!

PETRIE: No.

Instead of pinning Helms, Shields wanted to prove something. He hefted Helms up and slapped him in the face several times, returning the gross display of disrespect. Helms just smiled each time Shields smacked him and Shields was not happy about it. Not. One. Bit. Shields cracked Helms in the jaw with a jumping knee strike and then pulled Helms in for a swinging neckbreaker. Just as Shields went to lift Helms up, Helms hit Shields with big shots to both kidneys and countered the move into a release Northern Lights suplex!

MEARS: Locke with an excellent reversal!

PETRIE: Guy isn’t a former two time Intrepid Champion for nothin’!

Shields clamored back up to his feet but Helms met him with a kick to the midsection and then took Shields back down with Diamond Rain (Standing Moonsault Slam)! Shields was in deep shit now because The Chairman of Chaos had built some serious momentum. Drama! Helms stomped on the back of Shields’ head a few times before he hefted him up to his feet. Helms gave Shields a slap of his own and then took Shields over with Shadows Over Heck (Exploder suplex lifted and dropped into a modified scoop powerslam)! Helms covered.

MEARS: This is it!

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Stay down Shields! No one likes you!

MEARS: I like him.

Shields kicked out and stood right up. There was a brief moment where Helms looked legit spooked by this. Helms threw a punch at Shields only for The Hellhound to take hold of Helms’ wrist, scream "THIS ONE IS FOR YOU BLANCHE!" and then hit a pumphandle neckbreaker! Helms was down and out, Astaroth was beside himself. So much so that he got up on the apron but Shields calmly walked over to him. Even behind his mask, you could see the fear on Astaroth’s face. Shields grabbed the spooky luchador by the head and brought him into the ring the hard way.

MEARS: Again Matt is falling into THR’s plot.

PETRIE: What does The Hollywood Reporter have to do with this?

MEARS: Everything.

The referee tried to get between Shields and Astaroth but this gave Helms the opportunity to hit Shields with a backstabber. Helms set Shields up for a tiger driver but Shields spun out of it and was able to plant Helms with Hellhound's Bite (Gory Neckbreaker). Astaroth scurried out of the ring but Shields was focussed, he didn’t care. Shields got Helms up again and screamed “I’m the real monster!” before he planted Helms with a second Hellhound’s Bite. Shields covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Matt Shields

"Faith" by Ghost kicked up and Shields had his hand raised. The Hellhound then approached the camera. He took a moment to catch his breath and then looked lovingly into the lens. It was kind of weird to be honest.

SHIELDS: I'm coming for you Blanche, it's gonna take me a little longer than I thought, but I'm gonna rescue you my sweet sweet golden girl. I know it's difficult, but hang on baby.

Just as Shields finished speaking he noticed that the ring was now surrounded. Ryan Terror, Adrestia Nyx, and Monstruo had joined Astaroth at ringside. The four members of The Hell Realm all pulled themselves up onto the four sides of the ring as Helms got to his feet.

MEARS: Matt Shields is in the wrong part of town.

PETRIE: Yes! Kill him!

Shields looked around and knew he was trapped. Helms clapped his hands and The Hell Realm swarmed Shields. He got one good punch in on Astaroth but he eventually fell to the mat, being stomped on mercilessly by the quintet.

MEARS: Wait...what’s this?

The onslaught continued until the arena went dark and “Forget to Remember” by Mudvayne cued up. The lights came back on and all five members of The Hell Realm were ready for a fight...but no one came out. The crowd was left to buzz about who they think was behind it...

The scene backstage openned up to show Lyric standing before Erik Holland as he sat in, what appears to be, a director’s chair. She was looking him over and the moment she noticed the camera, she smirked lightly.

LYRIC: It’s been almost 2 years since Erik and I started dating. And…

She paused for a minute to make sure everything was just right before stepping around him, and the chair, to stand before him while his back was still to her and the camera. Though, you could see his profile in the mirror.

LYRIC: And in the time that he and I have been together, most importantly since I’ve been his manager, I’ve never seen my Dear Wolf THIS focused… at this… level.

She turned her head to smile (a bit darkly) at him. Then those bright blues turned back to the camera.

LYRIC: And all it took for him to regain that focus?

Another pause and snarky grin.

LYRIC: Proving that someone believed in him as much as I do. And I do.

She turned to pivot on the balls of her foot as she spun around to take a hold of the arm of the chair and turned him to face the camera.

LYRIC: For a minute there… Anyone could see how lost he felt… But mainly… I could see it. And for a time, I felt so powerless because I didn’t feel like I could change it. I felt like it was something he simply had to go through. And all the while… All the while I was there for him… With him… Through the good times… But especially the bad ones. I was there to love him when he was winning… But, most importantly, I was there to love him when he was losing… I was there to love him when he was searching… For himself.

She looked at him and it was so very clear… The love she had for him. She wore her love for him like it was her very flesh.

LYRIC: And right now? Right now, Erik is looking for his third win. And do not think, for one moment, that we don’t know that Tanahashi is dangerous as fuck right now. If anything, the 2-in-a-row losses? Well, they make him even more dangerous than anyone is giving him credit for.

She let out a soft laugh.

LYRIC: And you best believe that this fact does not escape us.

She looked back at the camera and smirked darkly again.

LYRIC: In all of this one thing is one hundred percent true…

A small pause.

LYRIC: You have YOUR Erik back… And me?

She moved to kind of drape herself against him.

LYRIC: It’s like they say… ‘Like in the game of Chess… The Queen protects her King.’ Do you dare pull the lamb’s wool back and reveal the Wolf beneath?

The scene cuts.

Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda was seen having a discussion with her wife/manager, Monica Vaughan. Matsuda was already dressed in her ring gear, and didn't seem to notice May O’Neil walking up to her with a mic in hand.

O’NEIL: Stephanie, hi! Could I have a word with you?

Matsuda turned around with her hands on her hips.

MATSUDA: Sure, what’s up?

O’NEIL: I’d like to speak to you about what happened last week with your cousin, Leah. Were you aware of what she was going to do?

Matsuda made a face and shook her head.

MATSUDA: I didn’t know my cousin was going to throw the match. In fact, I haven’t seen her since we were in the ring. I’ll worry about her later, though. Right now I have an upcoming match against Meg to get back the Tabula Rasa Championship. But win or lose, I’m going to be entering Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal at Hell and Back. After I win back my title from Ms. Coleman, I'll talk to Leah. And as far as I'm concerned...that's family business.

O’NEIL: What’s your plan going into this Bloodsport Match match with Meg Coleman?

MATSUDA: Well, I’m going to do to Meg what she did with me: beat her at her own game.

Stephanie turned to her wife.

MATSUDA: Let’s get out of here.

May O’Neil stood by, watching Matsuda and her wife walk away in a hurry.

OATH TABULA RASA CHAMPIONSHIP

BLOODSPORT MATCH Stephanie Matsuda vs. Megan Coleman ©

The Tabula Rasa Championship match was up next as former champion Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda looked to win the title back from the woman who took it from her, Megan “Hands Of Steel” Coleman in a Bloodsport Match. Rules are simple -- you can only win by submission or knockout. Considering that Coleman beat Matsuda under the latter’s stipulation of 2 Out of 3 Falls it would be mighty poetic of Matsuda could win the title back under Coleman’s chosen stipulation. Storytelling!

MEARS: I have been waiting for this return match since Event Horizon II. Stephanie Matsuda is one of the longest tenured OATH talents and she is an incredible performer. Meg Coleman has been on quite the roll as of late. This should be an excellent contest.

PETRIE: I’m all for violence but seeing these Bloodsport Matches this regularly -- I don’t know Mears.

MEARS: They can be hard to watch but both competitors agreed to participate.

PETRIE: I mean that I want to see them every week! I love it.

Matsuda came to the ring seconded by her wife/manager Monica Vaughan and the champion Meg Coleman was accompanied by her sister Cindy. The referee called for the bell and the two competitors squared up. Coleman was in a traditional MMA stance while Matsuda kind of hopped from foot to foot, ready to utilize her lucharesu background. It was clear right off the hop that Matsuda knew that she couldn’t get in too close to Coleman or she’d likely get knocked right in the mouth. Coleman threw a few test punches, trying to see how Matsuda would react. Matsuda kept dodging each strike, making sure to keep moving.

MEARS: It is my belief that the match between Stephanie and Megan at Event Horizon II was one of the best contests on that show.

PETRIE: It was a banger but it was also under completely different circumstances. 2 Out of 3 Falls is one thing but to win this match you have to make your opponent quit or knock them out!

Coleman decided that grappling would be more effective to really get this match going so she shot in on Matsuda, looking for a tie up but Matsuda caught Coleman’s arm and took her over with a quick arm drag. Coleman barely had any time to clock what had happened when Matsuda rushed her and blasted her with a dropkick to the back of the head. Coleman hit the top turnbuckle face first and Matsuda followed that up with a Yahtzee! (Superkick) to the back of the head.

PETRIE: Matsuda’s career has been like a yo-yo here in OATH. She wins like 50% of the time.

MEARS: Will tonight be part of that statistic?

PETRIE: Considering she lost to Coleman last time -- then yeah she’s gonna win tonight! Logic!

Hands Of Steel staggered out of the corner right into another arm drag from Matsuda. With Coleman on the mat, Matsuda mocked Coleman before applying a wrist lock that she transitioned into a seated hammerlock. Coleman fought up to her feet and reached up looking for a snapmare but Matsuda was quick to turn the hold into a hammerlock suplex! Matsuda was targeting Coleman’s left arm early. Matsuda was quick to haul the champion up to her feet again. Matsuda applied another hammerlock but then planted Coleman on her own arm with a scoop slam! Coleman let out in pain as Cindy watched from ringside with growing concern.

PETRIE: Matsuda is targeting that left arm of Coleman. Wonder how she plans to win this match? Hmmm.

Matsuda stretched Coleman’s arm out on the mat and then started to stomp on her shoulder joint. Coleman was forced to reach out and grab the bottom rope. The referee separated the two competitors and Coleman was able to get up to a vertical base. Cloud quickly rushed Coleman again but Coleman slipped through a leg lariat attempt from Matsuda and then took her over with a high angle belly to belly suplex. Matsuda hit the mat hard and then slipped out of the ring for a chance to recover.

MEARS: What a throw from Hands Of Steel! Her wrestling acumen grows with each outing. She is seamlessly transitioning from her MMA background.

PETRIE: Considering that this match has similar rules to MMA -- maybe that’s not the best thing for ol’ Meggy.

MEARS: Perhaps not.

Knowing that she couldn’t afford to let Matsuda any time to compose herself, Coleman ran across the ring and dove through the ropes with an uncharacteristic suicide dive. Both competitors were in a heap on the outside and Cindy went to check on her sister but was instructed to stay away by the referee. Coleman stood and grabbed Matsuda by the head. Matsuda broke Coleman’s grip and went to Irish whip her into the ringpost but Coleman reversed the momentum and sent Matsuda into the ring post head first. Matsuda dropped to a knee and then crumbled. That one hurt.

MEARS: We could hear that contact from here!

PETRIE: Reminded me of the sound effects from those old AKI games.

MEARS: What games?

PETRIE: Dig-diggity-dig-dig-diggity-dog.

The referee exited the ring to check on Matsuda as she clearly had her bell rung. The shot closed in to show that Matsuda’s forehead had been busted open. Matsuda shoved the referee away, not willing to have this match called on account of a bit of blood (it was actually quite a lot of blood). Matsuda got to her feet and Coleman showed trepidation about continuing but Matsuda was coming for her and Coleman had no choice but to defend herself. Coleman threw a wild punch at Matsuda but Matsuda caught it, applied an arm wrench and then dropped her elbow onto Coleman’s left shoulder joint. Matsuda rolled Coleman back into the ring and then flashed a glare at Cindy.

MEARS: Matsuda has to end this soon. That shot to her head was brutal.

PETRIE: Maybe it knocked something loose. Maybe she’ll go for the jugular!

Back in the ring Coleman was back up and she attacked Matsuda with some giant body jabs that staggered the former champion. Coleman then grabbed the back of Matsuda’s head and drilled her with a headbutt! Matsuda’s blood was now splattered on Coleman’s face in a truly grizzly scene! Truly! Coleman then pulled Matsuda in and planted her with Face Equals Mat (Double Arm DDT)! Matsuda’s face left a bloody print on the mat and Coleman told the referee to check on Matsuda, seeing as how the challenger’s eyes had rolled back in her head.

MEARS: The referee needs to consider stopping this contest. Matsuda will not quit on her own.

PETRIE: She may not have a choice!

The referee moved in to assess Matsuda and was shoved backward. Matsuda slowly got up and Coleman looked disappointed that Matsuda would not stay down -- for her own well being. Coleman approached Matsuda and was surprised by a Fujiwara armbar from Cloud! Coleman screamed in pain, reaching for the ropes. Cindy tried to will Megan on and it seemed to help, Megan was close to the ropes. Matsuda knew that she only had moments to formulate a new strategy so she transitioned the hold into Blasian Sunrise (Tequila Sunrise)! Megan was trapped and the referee was right there to see if she wanted to quit.

MEARS: Blasian Sunrise! Coleman has nowhere to go!

PETRIE: Flawless transition from Matsuda. That was vicious!

MEARS: Look at this sight! Stephanie is bleeding profusely and screaming for Megan to submit!

Megan screamed “No!” to the referee and started to pivot her body so that she could get her legs on the bottom rope. Coleman wormed her way to the bottom rope and she was able to hook both feet to break the hold. Matsuda, a bloody mess, broke the hold immediately. Coleman pulled herself up using the ropes but Matsuda blasted her with Yahtzee! (Superkick). Coleman crumbled to the mat but she was not knocked out. Matsuda then ascended to the top rope.

MEARS: I do not see the logic here, Bad Mood.

PETRIE: Instinct I guess. Matsuda may have a concussion, she may have forgotten that she can’t win this match by pinfall.

MEARS: Or she is about to do something very brutal to try and get a knockout...

Matsuda was clearly setting up for her deadly Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press) but she was having trouble with her equilibrium -- her balance was clearly off. This momentary pause gave Coleman the opportunity to stand. Coleman saw that Matsuda was quite dazed, precariously balancing on the top rope. Coleman saw her chance and she charged Matsuda, leaped into the air, and cracked Matsuda with a Superwoman punch. Matsuda tumbled off the top rope and landed on the mat, knocked out cold.

Winner: Still OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Meg Coleman

"Cold Blooded" by Zayde Wolfe cued up and the referee raised Meg’s hand after handing her the championship. Cindy entered the ring to celebrate with her sister as trainers came to the ring to check on the bloodied challenger.

We cut backstage to see a person with short hair and wearing a very professional looking suit standing watching a replay of something that happened earlier in the show. The camera panned back and we could see none other than the OATH Intrepid Champion, FM Young. The person turned to face FM and watched her prepare for her upcoming match. They then turned to address the camera.

CHARLIE: Hello out there to those in OATH and its fans. Some of you might know me already. Most probably do not. My name is Charlie Grace. I am a wrestling and business manager. I was contacted, and then contracted, by Ms. Young because she was tired of wasting effort trying to explain things. She felt that effort would be better put into further preparation for matches. So, here I am. To speak for the illustrious Intrepid Champion, my client, FM Young.

Charlie paused for a moment, to allow what she had said to sink in.

CHARLIE: Mr. Pierce. I would like to apologize for tonight. My client would give you no such pleasantry, so I do hope mine will suffice. You see, Mr. Pierce, you have drawn the misfortune of facing Ms. Young at this moment in time. It’s as the old saying goes, Mr. Pierce. You are just in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Charlie clasped their hands behind their back.

CHARLIE: You are going to be an example, Mr. Pierce. You see, my client has decided that enough is enough. She has seen and put up with enough shit in the last few months. She is tired of those who get everything they beg for, despite being a danger to my client, continuing their farce of a career. She needs to send a message to them and to those who think you can get by on power of a name alone. Which I would think would be hard when said name holds no power or sway.

Charlie shrugs her shoulders.

CHARLIE: Mr. Pierce, I want to pose a question to you. Something to think about as you walk out to that ring to face my client. You lost your first match against someone who my client has beaten. Twice. My question to you, Mr. Pierce, is do you think that your bluster and fake bravado is enough to survive Ms. Young?

Another pause from Charlie to let the question hang in the air.

CHARLIE: Just because you have a couple of wins under your belt doesn’t mean you are anywhere NEAR the level that my client is. Ms. Young is a beast in that ring. She is someone who is not to be taken lightly unless you do not enjoy being conscious. We do hope you bring your best. That you try with all that bravado you have to get the job done. Because it isn’t as good of an example if you just roll over and take it. Which, I know will be quite tempting. Ms Young is quite the athlete. She is the Intrepid Champion for a reason. One that you shall learn in just a few moments.

Charlie looked back at FM and the pair nodded to each other.

CHARLIE: Mr. Pierce, please do remember that this isn’t personal. This is just business and sending a message. My client does so hope you are the only one that needs to be sent. Adieu.

Charlie nodded before her and FM head off screen.

MEARS: Hello folks, we have a little treat for you. A few weeks ago, we asked fans to choose a wrestler they would like to get a Zoom Call with, and we had thousands of people reply. We randomly selected a wrestler, then went though all the people who chose them and picked five.

PETRIE: Probably the only five that chose this loser. Seriously, the only thing he’s won in months is a random draw.

MEARS: The wrestler selected was Minoru Tanahashi, who was chosen by a large number of fans. Right now, we are going to go live with that Zoom call.

We cut to the back where Minoru was already dressed to compete, clad in his pirate king outfit, the mask resting on his knee as he sits back in the chair. The screen in front of him lit up with five fans, a few guys who looked to be in their early twenties, a young woman who looks to be about the same age, an older gentleman, and a young man who looked to be fourteen, maybe fifteen.

MINORU: Hello everybody, let me see if I have this right, starting from the left it is John, Paul, George, wait no no that’s not right.

Minoru smiled and laughed a little.

MINORU: Kidding, it actually is John, but then we have Dave, Lara, Michael, and Braden, correct.

ALL: Yes.

MINORU: Okay, well I believe in Ladies first, so Lara, first question is for you.

LARA: Uhm, okay, with losing the Livewire title and your last singles match, are you actually still on the path to greatness? Is it even still a thing?

Minoru gave a slightly nervous chuckle before taking a deep breath.

MINORU: Firing right out of the gate. Well Lara, it is definitely still a thing and I would say that I have been forced on to a rough section of the path, but nobody ever said it was going to be an easy journey. Next up, how about John.

JOHN: Alright, why have you sucked so much since losing the title?

MINORU: Okay, is this gonna be the theme of the night? I wouldn’t say that I have sucked. I had a tag team win, then a sore losing little bay bitch distracted me, and then a tag loss by disqualification because some methed up morons don’t know how to keep their property safe. Next question, how about you Michael? I like that shirt by the way, Black Lion Bomb t-shirts available at Shop OATH dot com.

MICHAEL: Yea, you’ve talked a lot about going for other titles, the ones your so called friends hold, even trying to go against the World champ, but what makes you think you deserve it after the last month you’ve had?

DAVE: Yea bro, one win in four matches and Meg Coleman carried you to that one.

BRADEN: Yea, you suck now. I wish I would have picked Jenna Sharpe for this, she’s so hot.

JOHN: If I could go back I would totally pick Matt Shields instead.

LARA: Oh yea, I wish I would have chosen Jamie Emmerson or Alex Pierce if I knew he was coming back.

MICHAEL: I still like you, it’s just been really disappointing to see you in a total slump.

MINORU: You think it’s been disappointing for you?

Minoru ran a hand through his hair, sighed, then stood up.

MINORU: HOW THE HELL DO YOU THINK I FEEL? That Livewire title was supposed to be my ticket to immortality. I was supposed to do the impossible. I was supposed to make history, but all I did was burn out and now I’m in jeopardy of fading away. I can sit here and blame Jenkynx and the meth heads for the losses, but what do I do to stop that from happening. Demand every match be a cage match? That would mean tonight I would be in a cage against a guy four inches taller, fifty pounds heavier and much more suited to using that environment to his advantage. Maybe I hire private security to surround the ring, but no that would be expensive, plus my opponent shoves one who happens to be a bit of a hothead, decks my opponent and I lose by disqualification. Maybe I need to go get that experimental surgery to put eyes in the back of your head, but I hear that your vision is split between the two sets. You got twenty twenty it goes to ten ten or forty forty, I don’t know how that works, I’m not an optometrist. I do know something's gotta change though. All I can do is go out there tonight against Holland, throw every damn thing I have at him and hope that nobody interferes and I am able to slay a monster tonight. Does anyone have a question that isn’t about how much I suck?

DAVE: I do bro.

MINORU: Okay Dave, what is your question.

DAVE: Is your sister single?

Minoru rolled his eyes and slammed his fist down on the table, shaking the screen a bit.

MINORU: Okay everybody, Zoom call done, thank Dave. I really appreciated all the kind words and thoughtful questions, let’s do this again sometime. Say maybe on the fifteenth of never?

Minoru turned off the screen, shook his head, turned around and looked at the camera.

MINORU: I don’t suck, and I’ll prove that tonight.

Minoru shoved the camera out of his way, then stomped away down the halls heading toward the ring.

SINGLES MATCH Erik Holland vs. Minoru Tanahashi

The next match was the third match in Erik Holland’s race to five wins series or whatever the fuck you want to call it. Deal is that he had to win five singles matches in a row to earn a shot at the Intrepid Championship. Considering that title matches are handed out like candy around here, this was more of a personal mission for Holland than anything. Holland made his entrance accompanied by Lyric (who we don’t pay) and Minoru Tanahashi came out next, accompanied by Cindy Coleman (who we also don’t pay).

MEARS: This is a first time meeting for these two in OATH. Holland only needs three more victories to earn a shot at the Intrepid Championship.

PETRIE: What does Tanahashi get if he wins?

MEARS: Satisfaction?

The bell rang and Tanahashi immediately went on the offensive. Tanahashi had been in a bit of a slump as of late so a win over a former OATH World Champion would at the very least keep him employed with the company. Tanahashi darted out of his corner with a basement dropkick to Holland’s leg but the big bastard acted as if he barely felt it. “That’s okay,” thought Tanahahashi “I’ve got more where that came from.” The Black Lion set off again to hit the ropes and he attacked Holland’s left leg again with a chop block.

MEARS: I know your feelings on Minoru, Bad Mood, but this is excellent strategy from the first Livewire Champion.

PETRIE: I think this guy needs to fully embrace his shitty nature. Cheat, lie -- do whatever you’ve gotta do to win. We all know that he’s a giant piece of shit, might as well lean into it.

MEARS: I do not agree in the slightest.

PETRIE: You think too much of him.

The Haunted stumbled just a little bit but Tanahashi kept the pressure on. He hit another dropkick to Holland’s left knee joint as Cindy cheered him on from the outside. Holland was clearly starting to get annoyed, which was bad news for lil’ Mino. Tanahashi set off for the ropes again and Holland was ready to meet him with a big boot but Tanahashi stopped short and you could swear that you heard cartoon “brake” noises as Tanahashi came within an inch of catching a boot to the face but instead he caught it in his hands. Tanahashi flipped Holland off and then took the behemoth down with a dragon screw. The Citadel popped for that one and for the first time in some time, Tanahashi looked extremely confident.

PETRIE: I think Tanahashi brought the wrong Coleman sister out here tonight. He does much better when Megan carries him to victory.

Before Tanahashi could capitalize, the surprisingly spry Holland was up to his feet and he was done fucking around. Holland walked right up to Tanahashi and grabbed him by the throat. Holland forced Tanahashi into the corner and began choking him. The referee applied the standard five count and Holland released on a count of four (what a guy) but then blasted Tanahashi with a back elbow. Holland grabbed Tanahashi under the left armpit and then launched him across the ring with a beale that made Tanahashi look like a small child being ejected from a car crash. If you can’t picture that, you’ve clearly never been to Florida.

PETRIE: He looks like he was shot out of a t-shirt cannon!

MEARS: You have seen that a lot?

PETRIE: I used to be really into NASCAR when I was a drunk.

MEARS: Are you not now?

PETRIE: No. I have a job now so I’m a lush.

Cindy Coleman tried to motivate Tanahashi from the outside but she backed away as Holland hulked over and grabbed her boyfriend by the head. Holland stood Tanahashi up but The Black Lion hit a thumb to Holland’s left eye. Cindy did not seem impressed by that act of desperation. Holland staggered backward and Tanahashi measured him. Tanahashi sprung forward and blasted Holland in the mouth with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick). Holland took it square on the chin and dropped to a knee. Holland went to stand so Tanahashi charged forward and blasted the big man with a second Akihabara Dreams and Holland dropped to the mat. Tanahashi fell into a lateral press.

MEARS: This could be a massive victory for Minoru!

1..

2..!

PETRIE: Nope.

Holland kicked out with such authority that he dumped Tanahashi between the bottom and middle ropes and through to the outside! Tanahashi landed with a thud at Cindy’s feet. Lyric watched on from across the ring.Cindy tried to motivate Tanahashi but he landed right on his shoulder. Bet that didn’t feel great. Holland got up to his feet and went to move to the outside but that sneaky boy Tanahashi met him with a big European uppercut that knocked Holland back through the ropes into the middle of the ring. Tanahashi slid into the ring and as Holland sat up Tanahahashi blasted him with a running knee strike to the face! Tanahashi covered.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Minoru is cooking now. If he can keep the pace of this contest high then he will be in a great position to pick up the victory.

PETRIE: Yeah I mean Holland moves as fast as a hippo in a river of molasses.

MEARS: Interesting visual.

PETRIE: I watch weird porn.

The Haunted powered out yet again but Tanahashi quickly got on him and applied an inverted facelock. Holland fought up to his feet and then impressively lifted Tanahashi up over his shoulder! Picture that! Holland charged across the ring, perhaps looking for a running powerslam but Tanahashi slipped out of Holland’s grasp and shoved him into the corner! Holland stopped his momentum by putting his boot on the middle rope and when Tanahashi charged in on him Holland grabbed Tanahashi by the throat once again. Tanahashi tried to rake Holland’s eyes again but Holland lifted him into the air and brought Tanahashi crashing down to the mat with a massive chokeslam. Cindy looked on in horror as Holland covered.

MEARS: Tanahashi was up in the rafters!

PETRIE: Yeah he’ll be looking up at the lights again soon enough.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not yet!

Minoru kicked out and Cindy jumped like twenty feet in the air in excitement (don’t quote me). Holland snarled in his usual fashion before he stood Tanahashi up and sent him into the ropes with an Irish whip. Holland took off for the opposing ropes and when they were set to collide in the center of the ring Holland leaped into the air and blasted Tanahashi with a giant flying clothesline. Tanahashi was turned inside out and his dreams of defeating Holland were quickly turning into nightmares.

MEARS: It is amazing to me that Erik can get such height on that leaping clothesline.

Holland hefted Tanahashi up but Tanahashi caught Holland with two quick palm strikes and then a headbutt. Holland dropped to a knee and Tanahashi put Holland’s head into the mat with a kneeling DDT. Pockets of The Citadel started to come alive for Tanahashi as he climbed to the top rope. Tanahashi wasted no time and leaped off of the top rope with the Osake Bomb (Swanton Bomb)! Tanahashi hit it perfectly and hooked Holland’s leg.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Another near fall for The Black Lion.

PETRIE: If he beats Holland tonight then I will never insult him again.

MEARS: Can I quote you on that?

PETRIE: Absolutely not.

The Haunted kicked out but Tanahashi was not deterred, he grabbed Holland’s boot and appeared as if he was going to apply the Highball Hangover (Spinning Inverted Figure Four) but just as he went to apply it "Timmy Turner" by Desiigner kicked up. Tanahashi looked to be beside himself as he looked to the entrance ramp, expecting the arrival of AJ Jenkynx. Tanahashi was irate, gesturing for Jenkynx to show himself while Cindy tried to get his mind back on the task at hand.

PETRIE: The Sinner is here to piss all over Tanahashi again!

MEARS: The issues between these two men clearly are not settled and it is AJ’s mission to make Minoru’s life a living hell.

PETRIE: I’m gonna send him an Edible Arrangement. I love this!

This gave Holland enough time to recover (imagine that) and he was up to his feet. The music ceased and Holland spun Tanahashi around and hoisted him up into the Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver) but Tanahashi raked Holland’s eyes again and slipped out of his grasp. Tanahashi shoved Holland into the referee, knocking him down. Tanahashi then hit a dropkick to the back of Holland’s head and it went right into the middle turnbuckle!

MEARS: The referee is down! Will Minoru use this opportunity to cheat?

PETRIE: If he’s smart he will. But we know he isn’t so...

Unlike a few weeks ago when Jenkynx’s music played and he never came out, Jenkynx had snuck over the guardrail and slipped into the ring! Tanahashi turned just in time to walk into a superkick from The Sinner. Jenkynx dove out of the ring and knelt out of sight. The referee was back up now (thank goodness), as was Holland. Holland didn’t see what happened but he accepted that Tanahashi was just laying on the mat. Holland got him up and dropped him with Limbic Resonance (Pumphandle Emerald Flowsion). Holland covered, now looking somewhat perplexed.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Erik Holland

"Haunted" by Walls of Jericho started playing and Lyric entered the ring to celebrate with her monster. Jenkynx backed up the ramp, looking extremely pleased with himself as Cindy screamed at him. Holland now was clued in to what had happened and he looked less than thrilled.

MEARS: A hollow victory for Erik Holland but I do not think he knows what happened.

PETRIE: Then he missed a thing of beauty! Jenkynx gets another one over on Tanahashi. Amazing.

Minoru was in serious pain as he rolled outside. He dropped to a knee and stared up at the ramp at Jenkynx who was all smiles. Tanahashi appeared ready to charge after AJ, but Cindy reached out and stopped him. Jenkynx waved to The Black Lion and then disappeared behind the curtain. Tanahashi yelled in frustration, kicked the barricade, then sighed. Tanahashi shook his head and went to the back with Cindy offering her encouragement and condolences.

Though her recent run of luck hadn’t been great, Jenna Sharpe was still backstage, preparing for her match with Leah Aguero. Instead of her ring gear, she wore a long black silk robe as she sat in front of a mirror, with her makeup arrayed on the table. Her dark eyes flicked up to the mirror, observing her reflection as she begins to apply her foundation.

JENNA: I wasn’t happy with the way my tag match against The Inevitable ended. I don’t appreciate getting hit with chairs, especially when the one doing it is only bringing in a weapon because she can’t think of another way to get ahead. So now I’m set to face Leah Aguero one on one.

Tilting her head from side to side, Jenna checked her appearance and opened up several more items, slowly transforming herself into the Jenna Sharpe that everyone was accustomed to seeing.

JENNA: And she, like everyone else, immediately decided to patronize me. Granted, she’s taken a page out of Erik Holland’s book, which slightly differentiates her from the others, but still. I wonder if she watched my match against Reo Ojima, in which I took the World Champion to his limit. Me, the one everyone said he had chosen because it would be “an easy win”, and I showed him just what stuff I’m made from. I showed him that the legacy of the Sharpes is carried on through me, and that unlike my father and my uncles, I am here to reclaim this family’s name and bring back the prestige it once held.

The young blonde smiled at her reflection in the mirror, selecting a tube of lipstick from her makeup bag and swiping the bold red across her lips.

JENNA: Next week, I’ll have the opportunity to distinguish myself once again, as I enter the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal. I want another shot at Reo, and if this is what I have to do in order to get it? Then so may it be. The Wildcat is ready to rise from the grave, go through hell, and walk out the winner of that battle royal. And this time? I won’t let Reo Ojima get past me.

With a resolute expression on her face, Jenna took out a red liner pencil and the camera drew back, shooting Jenna in profile instead of directly at her reflection in the mirror. And when Jenna turns toward the camera once more and stands up, she has a red line drawn over her eye. She drops the robe, revealing a mesh and black striped bodysuit covering her from neck to ankles, yet leaving nothing to the imagination. Her eyes are distant as she walks out of the room, focused on what’s to come.

The camera focussed in on FM Young just outside the Pillar and Post, holding the leash of her pet capybara Volta off to Jamie Emmerson, the Livewire Champion. Emmerson grinned and scratched the gentle giant before walking off with him. FM watched them leave with a small smirk and a fond shake of her head. As Young turnned, she smacked into the front of Qiyanna Marshall, who wasn’t slated on the card today. Young backed off with a grunt, looking suspicious.

Marshall appeared angry, her take out box smashed into her chest, she huffed and sputtered in exasperation.

QIYANNA: Watch where you’re going! I guess you’re always just fucking clumsy!

FM: Me clumsy? You dropped me on my head the last match I had with you!

QIYANNA: You fell out of the ring, because you were just trying to run away!

FM grits her teeth, the muscles in her jaw visibly jumping as she took a deep breath and a calculated step back away from Qiyanna.

QIYANNA: See? Like now! Where the fuck are you going, bitch?

Marshall stepped in and violently shoves FM right in the chest, egging her on.

QIYANNA: You gonna say something? Say it! Talk your shit now!

FM took another breath, again just visibly grinding her teeth waves of frustration just rolling off her form.

FM: Why don’t you go to your new best friend and get her to pat you on the back and tell you that all your bullshit is ok?

QIYANNA: There you go, just dismissing everyone, stepping over people and holding them down! You dumb, high, and mighty selfish cunt!

At this point, behind the two the OATH wrestlers a crowd had formed at the entrance to the Pillar and Post. There was an audible gasp from that crowd a couple of “Oh snaps!” The cellphones had come out, several people recording and making comments. It was obvious the crowd wasn't going to let things simmer for a while.

Young tried to take another step back and a smirking Qiyanna hurled the smashed and ruined food box hanging out of her hand right at Young’s face. FM’s face and long, black mane of hair get COVERED in salad dressing, and leftover bits of southwest garden medley. So much that wet leaves of lettuce and spinach flopped down her shirt and to the ground. The crowd gasped, and laughed, pointing and jeering collectively. Young was making a noise like a mix of a rumbling growl a deflating balloon. She reached up and wiped what she could out of her eyes and off her face.

FM: That is it! THAT IS IT! I’M GONNA SNATCH THAT HEADDRESS OFF AND BEAT YOU BLACK AND BLUE WITH IT!

Qiyanna didn't say anything in return, just screamed and lunged into Young who lifted her up by the shoulders and swung her lower back first into a nearby garbage can! Qiyanna fought back, flailing around to knee Young the stomach, the pair just swinging wildly and grappling across the floor, screaming and shouting as they spun each other. The crowd though, had perhaps decided that having two highly athletic wrestlers brawling around uncontested and unrestrained wasn’t the great thing in the world. Someone had obviously called security, and the black shirted muscle for hire that made up OATH’s Citadel Security came rushing from around the corner.

The camera cut out as the crowd of fans were ushered back inside the restaurant and the security goons attempted to get between Young and Marshall, but it wasn't easy. Young’s nose was bleeding, and Qiyanna had what looks to be a split lip as the guards finally managed to pry them away from each other, still yowling and hurling obscenities at one another.

Techs and production assistants were milling about in the gorilla position as Erik Holland sat on a chair, wiping himself with a towel following his contest with Minoru Tanahashi. Lyric kept a watchful eye, just in case any more shenanigans were afoot. Clapping could be heard out of frame and the camera panned over to show OATH President Tommy Straker standing by, applauding The Haunted.

STRAKER: Quite the contest Mr. Holland. Not the best way to achieve victory, but a victory none-the-less.

Holland just snarled and Lyric looked less than pleased by the President's presence.

STRAKER: You only need two more singles victories to earn an Intrepid Championship match but I am feeling -- generous -- this evening.

Straker adjusted his tie. He is a strange character, The President. Although there weren't any visible indications of foul play, both Holland and Lyric weren't quite sure what Straker had in mind.

STRAKER: I believe that you have more than earned a spot in my Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal next week at Conviction: Hell and Back. So that is what you shall have. If you win, you will challenge or the OATH World Championship at Violent Ends in November. If you are not successful? Well your five match challenge will not be interrupted as this is not a singles match. How do you feel about that? Holland and Lyric both just stared at the President. With all that they had learned about him in the past few weeks, was this a genuine offer or was there a more nefarious motive? Either way, Holland knew that any chance to earn a World Title match was not one that he could afford to pass up. HOLLAND: Fine.

The Haunted stood and lumbered over to the President. Holland stared down at Straker for a moment and was it ever tense. Straker did not flinch, he just stared back at the beast. Holland ultimately slung the towel over his shoulder and walked past the President, Lyric trailing behind as the scene cut.

OATH INTREPID CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES MATCH Alex Pierce vs. FM Young ©

The second championship match of the evening saw “The Fire Fist Ace” Alex Pierce look to cement his return to OATH with his first title victory in the company as he took on Intrepid Champion FM Young. The two competitors made their entrances, Young was accompanied to the ring for the first time by her new manager Charlie Grace.

PETRIE: Who the fuck is this?

MEARS: That would be Charlie Grace. FM Young’s new manager. Were you not paying attention earlier?

PETRIE: I usually doze off when Young is on screen to be honest. I did catch Qiyanna Marshal throw a salad at her and that was awesome.

The introductions were made and the referee called for the bell. Pierce walked to the middle of the ring and Young met him there. Pierce extended his hand but Young wasn’t buying it, she backed into her corner and got into her fighting stance. Pierce feigned that he was insulted and pouted. Young didn’t drop her guard and it’s a good thing because Pierce charged in looking for a running back elbow but Young slipped behind him.

MEARS: Alex Pierce is already trying to play the mind games with FM Young.

PETRIE: Homie better get going. He only has fifteen minutes to put this away per the rules of the Intrepid Championship.

MEARS: I feel like you believe that his winning is a foregone conclusion.

PETRIE: More wishful thinking than anything.

The champion applied a reverse waist lock and tried to lift Pierce for a German suplex but the forty pound weight difference meant that Pierce didn’t have to do a lot to stop the hold. Pierce unlocked Young’s clasped hands and then threw an elbow backward that caught the champion in the ear. Pierce then pivoted and blasted Young with a discus clothesline that seemed to surprise everyone in The Citadel. Pierce pointed to his head -- “I’m no dummy”.

MEARS: That is a tide turning strike from Alex Pierce!

PETRIE: Is a clothesline a strike?

MEARS: What else would you call it?

PETRIE: ...unkind?

The Tiger regrouped and kept her eyes fixed on Pierce as he walked toward her. Pierce raised his hand, offering a test of strength. Young, known for her incredible power, decided to indulge the challenger. Young reached up to meet Pierce’s hand but he kicked her in the midsection and took her over with a snap suplex. Pierce floated over into a cover, pushing the side of Young’s face into the mat but she kicked out before one.

PETRIE: Ol’ Piercey knew that wouldn’t get it done. He’s fucking with her.

MEARS: Yes because playing games with FM Young has worked out for others in the past.

PETRIE: Hasn’t it?

Pierce stood up and then backed into a corner, his eyes on his target. Young got back up, trying not to get frustrated by Pierce’s less-than-honorable tactics. Young got back into her fighting stance and Pierce mockingly clapped for her. Young knew what he was doing, she had seen things like this before and she was not about to fall for it. She would make him come to her.

When it became evident that Young was not going to get suckered in again, Pierce advanced on her with a knowing smile. Pierce went for a collar and elbow tie up but Young slipped behind him again and this time she picked his leg. Pierce fell face first into the mat and then Young floated over into a laying headlock. Pierce was able to fight up to his feet and he attempted to turn it into a back suplex but Young flipped over, landed on her feet, then darted forward and drove Pierce into the top turnbuckle face first by putting her shoulder into his lower back. Pierce staggered backwards and Young put him on the mat with an O’Connor roll.

MEARS: The champion has Alex trapped!

1..

2..!

PETRIE: Yeah but he had the key!

MEARS: What key?

PETRIE: To the trap!

MEARS: Traps have keys?

PETRIE: Fuck offfff.

Pierce kicked out and for a brief moment you could see a look of shock on his face. Perhaps the champion was just as crafty as him. The two got back to their feet but Young was not about to let the mind games continue. She hammered Pierce with a forearm smash and then a hard chop to the chest. Pierce was staggered backward and then he shot forward looking for a second discus clothesline. But Young ducked, weaved, spun, and set Pierce up the Superchick (The Shiranui)! Young pushed off the second and then top turnbuckle to come over top of Pierce and drop him with the impressive move. Young covered.

1..

2..!

MEARS: Another near fall for the champion! FM is starting to get some momentum going.

Pierce was able to kick out but Young jumped right back on top of him and looked to apply a rear naked choke. Pierce knew that he had precious few moments to stand and break this hold, so he did. Young jumped on Pierce’s back, trying to get her hooks in but Pierce fell backward into the corner, sandwiching Young between his body and the turnbuckles. Pierce was quick to pull Young back up to her feet and he sent her flying across the ring with a belly to belly suplex! Young hit with a thud and for the first time in this contest, Young’s new manager Charlie Grace seemed slightly concerned from ringside.

MEARS: An impressive throw from Alex Pierce. We know that he is well versed in suplexes. This could just be the beginning!

PETRIE: Probably! Young is strong but like...Pierce is a beefy boy.

MEARS: A...beefy boy?

PETRIE: Yeah. Lotta beef on that boy.

Pierce took a moment to catch his breath before he hauled Young up to her feet. Young threw a wild European uppercut but Pierce evaded it, slipped through, and dropped Young on the back of her neck with the Backdraft (High Angle Belly to Back Suplex). Young was driven into the mat and the camera caught a shot of her expression -- it was blank. That move rang her bell and the champion was in some serious trouble. Pierce could sense this and he quickened his pace. Pierce stood Young up and applied a front face lock.

MEARS: Uh oh. We have seen this before!

PETRIE: Punch her ticket because Young is going for a riiiiiide.

The Fire Fist Ace draped Young’s arm behind his head and then lifted her high in the air. Instead of dropping her with a suplex right away, Pierce held Young completely vertical for damn near thirty seconds. All the blood was rushing to Young’s head, her face was going beat red. Grace shouted words of encouragement from ringside but it seemed to fall on deaf ears -- there was nothing that Young could do. Pierce suddenly brought Young down on the crown of her head with an absolutely sickening brainbuster. Pierce rolled over into the lateral press.

PETRIE: New champion! New champion!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not quite. But FM is clearly in big, big trouble right now.

PETRIE: If she wins she’ll say that it was all part her plan later tonight on Twitter.

MEARS: That a fact?

PETRIE: I dunno probably.

The champion was just barely able to kick out and The Citadel showed their support. An “F-M-YOUNG” chant kicked up and Pierce looked completely disgusted to hear it. Pierce plotted his next move as Young slowly got up to her feet. She was rocked, her legs were wobbly. Pierce smiled and then darted forward looking for a wild haymaker but Young was playing possum! Young evaded it and then absolutely blasted Pierce with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline)! Pierce got hit with all of that one and both competitors were down.

MEARS: Desperation shot from the Intrepid Champion.

PETRIE: Get your ass up Pierce! This is your chance to finally win some gold!

The camera closed in on the ring to show that Young was dazed, she was staring right into the lens but who knows if it was on purpose. Young used the ropes to pull herself up and she saw the timer on the tron. Only six minutes remained. Young gritted her teeth and turned her attention back to Pierce, who was up to one knee. The two competitors locked eyes and there seemed to be an unspoken agreement between them. Both of them darted toward one another and started hammering each other with wild strikes.

PETRIE: Holy fuck!

MEARS: These two are going to war right in front of us!

PETRIE: This is pretty great. Love violence. Love it.

This back and forth went on for about thirty seconds until Pierce got the upper hand with a haymaker. Young appeared to be out on her feet when Pierce grabbed her arm and took her down with a cross arm breaker! Young flailed wildly trying not to let Pierce get the leverage that he needed. Young pushed her body over and stacked Pierce up into a pin! Pierce may have not realized that the count was being made as he tried to keep the hold locked on.

MEARS: Wait! What is happening?

PETRIE: Young is gonna tap out!

MEARS: I don’t think so!

1..

2..

..3!

The referee called for the bell but Pierce was still trying to keep the hold on. When he heard music playing, he didn’t immediately realize that it wasn’t his. He thought that Young had tapped out! Pierce released the hold and stood with a hand in the air. The referee retrieved the Intrepid Championship and Pierce held out his hand but the referee handed the title to Young!

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, FM Young (12:22)

PETRIE: Hol up.

MEARS: Pierce thought that he won!

“Helix” by Amaranthe continued playing and Charlie Grace entered the ring to check on her charge. Young dropped to a knee, trying to shake off the cobwebs but she clearly had some sort of head injury. Pierce, having now realized what happened, stood dumbfounded. The referee stood between Pierce and Young as Grace tried to help the champion to her feet.

Backstage at The Citadel May O’Neil was standing by with OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Meg Coleman. Earlier tonight, Coleman successfully defended her championship once again as she defeated Stephanie Matsuda. Coleman stood there proudly displaying her Tabula Rasa Title.

O’NEIL: Meg Coleman, thank you for joining me at this time. I must say, your choice of match type for your Tabula Rasa defenses, the Bloodsport Match, have been nothing short of exhilarating. Why, just earlier tonight, you knocked out Stephanie Mats…

May O’Neil started to trail off in her statement leaving Meg Coleman confused.

O’NEIL: Umm, umm.

The cameras revealed what was drawing May O’Neil’s attention elsewhere. The War Queen Leah Aguero was silently standing behind Meg Coleman the entire time with a blank look on her face.

O’NEIL: Um, behind you.

With that, May O’Neil pointed to Leah standing behind Coleman. Coleman turned but Leah was quick to go straight on the attack, sweeping the legs of Coleman out from under her. Aguero crouched over Coleman, raining in shots on the champion. Coleman, who had already been through a hellacious match earlier tonight, was doing her best to cover up but Aguero was relentless. She just started screaming.

AGUERO: You think you’re so badass? You think you’re so great? You knocked out my Cuz. It’s time for you to pay!

Aguero stood up from her mounted position and starts rummaging for something. Coleman, still thrown off by the surprise attack, started pulling herself up with the aid of a nearby crate. As she stood up, Aguero was back on the attack swinging her trusty 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire straight into Coleman’s midsection. Coleman dropped down to her knees as Aguero lifted the barbed wire 2x4 high above her head. Aguero slammed the weapon down across the back of Coleman. As she pulled it away, we can see the barbs getting stuck to Coleman’s shirt.

AGUERO: Meg Coleman, for your crimes against my Cuz your punishment is being my chosen one.

Coleman was on all fours trying to garner strength to get up. Aguero braced the barbed wire 2x4 against Coleman’s face and took a few paces back. A crooked smile came across Aguero’s face moments before delivering The Endgame (Punt Kick) sending the weapon against the head of Coleman. Please with the destruction she had caused, Aguero knelt down next to the downed Coleman. Aguero began stroking Coleman’s hair.

AGUERO: It’s okay, Meg. Consider this your judgement. The debt is paid and you’re free.

Aguero continued to stroke the hair of Coleman with a smile on her face as the announcers were still trying to make sense of the situation.

We saw a camera feed from Viola Mancini's office in Atlantic City, as she tsk'd at the offer placed by the Sharpes for their CWA Tag Team titles last week.

MANCINI: Apparently, I did not make myself clear, did I? You think this is a game? You think I'm going to walk into your dungeon, an obvious trap, to wrestle a match that has zero benefit for me?

Viola said, annoyed by their offer, as she displayed the CWA Tag Team titles on her desk while speaking out once more.

MANCINI: I'm a businesswoman, and so far I have a sweaty mark in Vancouver willing to shell out twenty thousand Canadian dollars for these things. Apparently, the top three things most popular in your country are hockey, the Barenaked Ladies, and your family's legacy. Tradeover is a bit less than what I would like, but, it's far more significant than anything I've heard on your end of the bargain. That being said, I will accept this match on the following terms...

Viola said flatly, writing out a legal contract for the match to happen.

MANCINI: Condition one. You will put down a deposit of 20,000 dollars to even see these belts again in person. Tens and twenties, unmarked bills. Failure to do so, I will not accept and they will be smelted down into jewelry.

Condition 2, there will be no brothers, cousins, sisters, aunties, fathers, mothers or former roommates at ringside, otherwise your match is forefit, and we are walking away with the OATH tag titles."

Condition 3, If Janica and I are victorious, the two of you will be unable to have a rematch, so long as Janica and I are champions.

Any infraction upon these conditions, and not only will you lose out on the OATH tag Titles, but, your family legacy, the CWA tag titles. You have a week to meet these terms, and there will be no extensions.

She said, as the camera feed cut off.

The audience in The Citadel continued stirring as we returned from the previous segment and OATH President Tommy Straker was standing in the middle of the ring. Straker had his usual stoic expression and the fans knew what he was out in front of them for.

STRAKER: Two weeks ago James Edwards defeated Matt Shields to earn another opportunity at Reo Ojima’s OATH World Championship. He failed in his first bid, after winning the Event Horizon Series, but now he has an opportunity for -- redemption.

A slick smile developed on the President’s face.

STRAKER: It is no secret that Reo Ojima and his ONI cohorts made James Edwards’ life quite unpleasant in the lead up to their Event Horizon II contest. Mr. Edwards sought a measure of retribution as he attacked Reo Ojima two weeks ago and last week the two almost came to blows again.

He appeared vexed by this memory.

STRAKER: I decided that Edwards would get his opportunity at Conviction: Hell And Back on October 11th but it was clear that this match would need some sort of -- stipulation. I tasked both men with coming up with a stipulation and I would choose the one that I felt was most suitable. Let us discover what both champion and challenger have come up with.

“The Burning Heart” broke through the curtain sans his entrance music, microphone already in hand, and immediately made his way into the ring.

EDWARDS: This ain’t going to take long. Two things are damn clear: the old man seems hell bent on fighting me wherever and at Event Horizon, I was closer to making the Stone Gargoyle crack than anyone in this company has.

Edwards turned to face the company’s latest man in charge.

EDWARDS: So I figured I’d propose something that would make both of us happy. If the old man wants to fight all over the Citadel then let’s make it a fight where the decision counts anywhere in the building.

The fans started to cheer but Edwards held up a hand to indicate he wasn’t finished speaking.

EDWARDS: That’s the only concession I’m making for that bastard, though. He did everything in his power to make my life a living hell before the biggest fight of the year. I didn’t do shit to deserve that and even when I wasn’t at my best his horseshit about backfired because I was close to making him tap. I didn’t get the job done and that hasn’t sat well with me for close to a month. It just ain’t about the title to me either, the old bastard loves to preach about how he’s the emperor of masculinity when he has people do his dirty work for him and then acts like he’s a conquering hero for beating them when they had half a tank going into the fight. Since he loves to preach so much I want the world to hear his very best sermon, the one where he’ll confess to the entire world he’s a quitter. On October 11th, I want Reo Ojima in a Submissions Count Anywhere match.

Straker stroked his chin, intrigued by the idea.

STRAKER: That would be a first for OATH -- I like it. Now if the World Champion would please join us.

“The Real Man” played throughout the arena as Reo Ojima made his way out with the OATH World Title laying on his shoulder. A cloth bag was held in his right hand as he slowly walked down to the ring with a limp. Rolling inside the ring, Reo tossed the title and the bag on the mat and grabbed the microphone from Straker. Instead of being hot headed like he had been as of late, Reo was calm as he looks Edwards up and down.

OJIMA: You’d think after the last two times we fought you’d learn your lesson. But you’ve come back for me with this little fire that’s burning. Where was this guy when we last fought, huh? You thought you’d be able to beat an old man, but instead you got humiliated and ran off with your tail between your leg and a streak of piss following you. But now you’re all healed up with a new purpose in life and you want to go one more round.

Reo paused as he grabs the bag and shakes it in front of James.

OJIMA: You’re an egg sucking dog James who’s starting to foam around the mouth. Your brain is all diseased up and you’re no longer valuable to this company. So…

Reo reached into the bag and pulled out two dog collars with a steel chain connecting the two.

OJIMA: ...after I’m done beating your ass for a third time, I’m going to drag your ass to the back of the arena and give you the Old Yeller Treatment. You’ve been a good dog James, but you’ve pissed on my leg and shat all over the floor too many times, and sticking your nose in it ain’t getting through that skull of yours. So keep on yapping like the little bitch that you are, because you won’t be barking after this next go around.

Reo tossed the mic to Straker as he jingled the chain and collar in front of James.

STRAKER: Interesting choices. I must choose between chaining the two of you together or letting you run free all over the grounds of my family’s home. They are interesting choices and I think that both would be great to see--

Before Straker could finish, Ojima tossed the two collars and chain at Edwards. Ojima then took Edwards down to the mat with a double leg. Edwards quickly rolled Ojima over and looked to apply the Foxfire (Heel Hook) but Ojima fought out and went for an armbar! Edwards struggled free and exited the ring, putting distance between himself and the ornery champion.

The President did not look pleased in the slightest -- almost enraged. However, Straker maintained his composure and slowly raised the microphone to his lips.

STRAKER: Alright. It is clear that this issue between you two may not end at Hell And Back unless I take drastic measures. It occurs to me that it may not be fair for me to choose one stipulation over the other --- so we will do them both. In a 3 Stages of Hell Match! The audience popped big. Three falls to determine the winner -- but what would the third fall be? STRAKER: We will start with Mr. Edwards Submissions Count Anywhere Stipulation. The second fall will be Mr. Ojima's Dog Collar Match. And the third match, should it be necessary will be a -- CAGE MATCH!

Ojima looked back at The President with a "this fucking guy is gonna make me wrestle at least two times?" kind of expression. Edwards on the other hand gave the impression that he was fine with having several opportunities to win the title.

• MAIN EVENT •

SINGLES MATCH Leah Aguero vs. Jenna Sharpe

“The War Queen” Leah Aguero was out first, still wielding the barbed wire 2x4 that she used to attack Meg Coleman with earlier. “The Canadian Wildcat” Jenna Sharpe came out second to a big response from her countrymen in The Citadel. Jenna hit the ring quickly, sliding in under the bottom rope and Aguero seemingly felt that slipping to the outside was the right move. The referee gestured for Aguero to enter the ring and drop the weapon but Aguero just paced around ringside, believing that she would be the one to start this contest on her schedule.

MEARS: Leah is refusing to get back into the ring. Tactics or cowardice Bad Mood?

PETRIE: Tactics for sure! Aguero has far more experience than Sharpe. She can wrestle a multitude of different ways. She’s trying to rile Jenna up.

MEARS: I would say that it is working.

Fed up with Aguero’s games, Jenna took off across the ring and took Aguero down on the outside with a suicide dive. Jenna was clearly still sore about Aguero attacking her with a steel chair last week and she wanted a measure of retribution. The bell hadn’t sounded so this match hadn’t officially started, despite Jenna beating the living shit out of Aguero on the outside. Jenna cracked Aguero in the jaw with a leaping knee and then smashed her face into the announce table which caused Ben Petrie to jump out of his seat.

PETRIE: Hey watch what you’re doing! You almost spilled my beer!

MEARS: Heaven forbid!

Jenna blew a raspberry at Petrie and then tried to send Aguero sailing into the ring steps but Aguero hopped, switched her base, and reversed the momentum so that The Canadian Wildcat collided with the ring steps. Jenna hit the steps leading with her left knee. The force of and the impact sent Jenna flipping over the steps, landing with a thud on her back. The fans in The Citadel booed Aguero as she climbed up onto the announce table and took a now.

PETRIE: Yeah! You’re the best War Queen!

MEARS: She actually kicked over your beer getting up here.

PETRIE: So what!

Jenna got to her feet but it was clear that her left knee wasn’t feeling so great. Aguero tried to advance on Jenna but The Canadian Wildcat shot forward and hit a basement dropkick to the steel steps, which sent them into Aguero’s knees. The War Queen dropped to one knee and Jenna darted forward again, stepping off of the steel steps to take Aguero down with a Lou Thesz press. The Citadel exploded as Jenna started laying into Aguero with rights and lefts.

MEARS: Jenna is not playing around tonight. She wants a victory and more than that -- she wants vengeance.

PETRIE: She ain’t gonna get it! Aguero has been on a different level for weeks now. A rookie like Jenna Sharpe? Aguero don’t sweat her.

MEARS: Jenna did take Reo Ojima to the limit two weeks ago.

PETRIE: Yeah but she didn’t win and that is all that matters.

Aguero did her best to cover up but Jenna hit her with some serious bombs. Jenna, knowing that she can’t win on the outside, got Aguero up and slipped her into the ring. When Jenna got up to the apron, the dastardly War Queen blasted her with a spinning backfist. Aguero then applied a front face lock and brought Jenna into the ring with a beautiful suplex. Both competitors were down and the referee just shrugged and called for the bell. Guess he figured that they both still had a lot more fight in them.

PETRIE: This thing is officially starting? Damn. I wanted to see more violence on the outside!

The War Queen stood and the camera zoomed in to show the malicious smirk that had appeared on her face. Aguero approached Jenna, who was starting to get up, and applied a reverse chin lock. Jenna wildly reached out for the ropes but she was nowhere close to them. Gotta switch the plan up Wildcat -- which she did. Jenna started throwing some elbows backward and a few of them found their mark, Aguero’s kidney! That did a lil’ something to make Aguero release the hold and Jenna was able to start fighting back up to her feet.

MEARS: Some well placed shots from The Canadian Wildcat. A victory tonight over someone like Leah would give Jenna incredible momentum going into the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal next week!

PETRIE: Yeah. A battle royal where you wait for your entrance in a fucking coffin. What is Straker thinking?

MEARS: He is an interesting man.

PETRIE: He’s a sick freak! (Please don’t tell him I said that.)

MEARS: He can hear you.

PETRIE: Fuck.

Both competitors were standing now and Aguero still had the chin lock loosely applied. That lasted approximately two more seconds because Jenna started sending a series of elbows into Aguero’s midsection. Aguero was forced to break that sumbitch and Jenna took off for the ropes. On her return, Jenna took off into the air and tried for Look Sharpe! (Flying Triangle Choke) but Aguero held her high in the air. Aguero took one step toward the ropes, dropped Jenna on the top rope, Jenna bounced back and Aguero pivoted to slam Jenna into the mat with a sit out powerbomb! Aguero folded up Jenna’s legs for the pin.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: A near fall for The War Queen! After that attack on Tabula Rasa Champion Meg Coleman earlier, a victory in the main event tonight would put quite the exclamation point on her night.

PETRIE: Aguero is sick of playing second fiddle. She just wants to cause mayhem! I’d say that she has done just that tonight.

MEARS: You have to wonder what her partner Stephanie Matsuda will have to say about that vicious attack.

PETRIE: If she ever wakes up!

MEARS: You’re terrible.

The Canadian Wildcat just kicked out and The Citadel breathed a collective sigh of relief. Aguero did not look discouraged, the prospect of dishing out more punishment appeared to delight The War Queen. Aguero stood up but had Jenna’s left ankle grasped. Aguero called out to The Citadel and they responded with boos. Shocker. Aguero then started to put the boots to Jenna’s knee. The Canadian Wildcat let out in pain but that only seemed to inspire Aguero to keep them boots coming. Jenna was finally able to grab the bottom rope but Aguero stomped for the length of a four count.

MEARS: Jenna is the more submission based wrestler in this match but Aguero seems to be softening up Jenna’s knee for a submission hold later…

PETRIE: Or she just wants to make her feel a world of pain.

MEARS: That could be.

Aguero grabbed Jenna by the hair and then with her free hand she grabbed Jenna’s chin and presented her to the camera. Aguero shouted things like “Who is this? Who the hell is this?” before she shoved Jenna’s face into the mat. The crowd mercilessly booed Aguero but she didn’t give even the teensiest fuck. Aguero pulled Jenna up to her feet by her hair and Jenna responded with one hell of a forearm shot to Aguero’s face. Aguero still didn’t let go -- that was until Jenna hit her with two more big forearm smashes.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is firing up! Could we be seeing a big comeback from The Canadian Wildcat?

PETRIE: It’s now or never -- Aguero has been whoopin’ that ass!

MEARS: I do not think it is that cut and dry.

The War Queen’s bottom lip was busted open and she wiped away the blood, looking somewhat surprised. Her expression didn’t last long because Jenna rushed her with some more forearm shots and then took her over with a hip toss. Aguero sat right up but Jenna was quick to hit her with a basement dropkick to the back of the head. Jenna covered.

PETRIE: Kickout War Queen! Don’t let this peasant beat you!

1..

2..!

MEARS: A nearfall for Jenna Sharpe and the momentum is back on her side.

PETRIE: It won’t last. Watch.

MEARS: I will. It is my job.

PETRIE: Oh fuck off.

Aguero kicked out right at two but Jenna mounted her for the second time in this contest and started bombing her with rights and lefts. Aguero was able to shove her off because that likely didn’t feel great. Both competitors were back up but Aguero threw a wild kick that Jenna caught and turned into a perfect dragon screw. Jenna maintained ankle control and quickly transitioned into a calf crusher! Like she was always smart enough to do, Jenna had positioned her body between Aguero and the ropes while ripping and tearing at The War Queen’s left leg.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is so skilled when it comes to submissions but her body placement really cements her as a submission artist. Leah can not get to the ropes!

PETRIE: Artist? Come on Mears.

MEARS: That is the way I see it.

PETRIE: It’s cringe man.

Just when it seemed like Aguero was going to submit, Jenna leaned back too far with the hold and Aguero was able to grab her hair. Jenna screamed but would not release the hold -- at least not right away. After a few seconds of Aguero pulling her hair, Jenna had no choice but to let go. Jenna immediately went to jump back on top of Aguero but The War Queen had rolled out of the ring to the floor.

MEARS: Out to the floor again. This time I think it is for self preservation.

PETRIE: Well yeah she isn’t sightseeing!

Aguero had her back to the ring and Jenna darted toward her, looking for a baseball slide to the back of the head! But at the last second Aguero turned, moved out of the way, grabbed Jenna’s legs and yanked her out of the ring! Jenna landed on the floor with a thud, the back of her head bouncing off the thin ringside mats. The War Queen was quick to get Jenna up and roll her back into the ring. Once back in the ring, Aguero measured Jenna -- lining her up for The Endgame (Punt).

MEARS: If Leah hits this then this contest is over.

PETRIE: She will and it will be glorious!

Just as Aguero was set to take off on her left foot, her attention was turned to the top of the ramp. Standing there was Cindy Coleman -- sister of Megan Coleman! Cindy looked furious as she started stomping to the ring. Aguero just smiled, this was a bad idea on Cindy’s part. Aguero welcomed her to come to the ring but Minoru Tanahashi charged down the ramp and stopped Cindy. He knew what would happen if Cindy pursued this fight.

PETRIE: Oh what the fuck are you gonna do Cindy? Get real. Take The Black Sheep and go find a stairwell to neck in you losers!

MEARS: A bit harsh Bad Mood.

PETRIE: Honestly? Fuck them.

The War Queen sat on the middle rope, holding it open. Aguero gestured for Cindy to get into the ring but Minoru stood in Cindy’s way. Minoru shouted some expletives at Aguero so she stood up straight and told him to come get some. This distraction gave Jenna the opportunity to get under Aguero and roll her up!

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Jenna Sharpe

"Missile" by Dorothy cued up and Jenna Sharpe had her hand raised by the official. Aguero sat up and glared at Jenna but made no attempt to go after the woman who just defeated her. Cindy still wanted a piece of Aguero and Minoru laughed -- but only for a moment. Cindy was like a caged animal, screaming at Aguero as Conviction XXXIV went off the air.

---

Results:

• Matt Shields def. Locke Helms

• Meg Coleman def. Stephanie Matsuda; Still Tabula Rasa Champion

• Erik Holland def. Minoru Tanahashi

• FM Young def. Alex Pierce; Still Intrepid Champion

• Jenna Sharpe def. Leah Aguero