EVENT HORIZON II: PART 1

PART ONE September 6th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

MALE VOICE: Okay it’s recording!

FEMALE VOICE: Oh Oscar why must you record this? Can we not have a family celebration without the...documentation?

A deer head is mounted on the wall of a cabin, above a roaring fireplace. A man steadied the camera that was recording the scene and stepped back. He hunched over and looked into the lens. We recognize him as OATH Pro Wrestling’s first president, Oscar R. Barlow. The time stamp on the scene reads January 1st, 2019.

OSCAR: This is an important evening Clara! Father said that it would be pertinent to record this.

STRAKER: Just leave him Clara. Let Oscar do as he will.

CLARA: I just think it is a bit gauche to record the family this way. You know that father likes his privacy.

STRAKER: And yet it was your father who instructed him to do this. Have some more champagne my dear, it will ease your distaste for being on camera.

Oscar took hold of the rig and manned it himself. Clara was the focus of the frame and she was quite uncomfortable. A stunning beauty, she turned away from the camera and extended her empty champagne flute to her husband, current OATH President Tommy Straker.

Creaks could be heard on the stairs and Oscar turned the camera to show a figure descending down toward the living room. Montgomery Barlow was a man of taste, his short white beard was immaculately groomed and his full head of snow white hair was combed back. He was dressed in a fine pair of beige slacks, a brown belt, and an off-white button down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and in his arms he carried an infant, Bella Barlow-Straker.

MONTY: I think that fixed everything. She is feeling much better now. Look at her smiling face.

As he reached the bottom of the steps Monty passed by a window where we could see a great deal of pine trees, covered in snow. Monty moved across the room and passed the child over to her mother Clara. Monty then moved over to the bar cart, he passed the camera and only gave it a brief glance. The bar cart that sat adjacent to the fireplace and all of the high end glassware was painted with the oranges and reds of the flames. Monty moved with purpose, slowly taking a brandy glass and set it in front of a large crystal decanter.

MONTY: Have you told everyone the news yet Oscar?

OSCAR: No father. I wanted to wait for you.

Monty exhaled sharply, quite surprised that his son was able to contain his excitement.

MONTY: I am impressed. Perhaps you have changed from the boy who sneakily opened his presents at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve.

Monty poured the contents of the decanter into his glass and then picked up the beverage in a claw like grip. No one spoke as Monty approached the fire and stoked it with a nearby poker.

MONTY: Let us get on with it then Oscar. It is getting late.

At the prompt from his father, Oscar hurriedly set down the camera so that everyone was in the frame. Bella began drifting off to sleep in her mother’s arms and Tommy refilled his champagne flute. Oscar gestured for Tommy to fill one for him. Tommy cocked an eyebrow in stifled surprise and obliged his brother-in-law. Oscar took the flute and stood before his family, Monty still staring into the fire.

OSCAR: As you all know, I recently left my position as Creative Director for the Bathurst Heritage Theatre after being with them for over a decade. I did so because I felt that it was time to follow my passion. I approached father with an idea for a new venture…

STRAKER: The family already owns four of the most profitable sports franchises in North America. Is a new venture really necessary? We should be happy with our current holdings.

OSCAR: That is your business Thomas. That is father’s business. I want to create something that is my own! Something grand! Something sensational! I showed father that I had the capability to direct a company when I took the BHT from a floundering playhouse to a theatre company that now rivals institutions like Mirvish. I have proved my mettle by bettering someone else’s creation, now I would like to have something that is mine.

Oscar looked to his brother-in-law with a great deal of admiration. Thomas was not only his brother by law but he looked to him in his darkest hours. Thomas was a great man by all accounts.

OSCAR: Thomas you helped father maintain his standing as one of the greatest professional sports management executives in the world, but hockey, soccer, baseball -- those are worlds that I do not know.

Clara scoffed, irritated by her brother as was typically the case.

CLARA: And what world do you know Oscar? Will you be starting your own theatre company? Perhaps a travelling circus?

Oscar smiled. She was not far off.

OSCAR: In a sense. I will be bringing together the world that I know and the world that father knows. We are going to start a professional wrestling promotion.

Silence. Tommy glanced over to Monty, who was still stoking the fire. Clara nearly choked on her champagne which roused Bella from near sleep.

CLARA: Professional wrestling? You can not be serious Ozzy.

OSCAR: I am quite serious. It has been a passion of mine since I was a boy. I know the ins and outs of that world and I have assembled a group of advisors that will help me establish a new brand right here in Canada.

Clara was dumbfounded. Professional wrestling? They were really going to attach the Barlow family name to something so...fringe?

OSCAR: Canada has a rich history in this business and it is time that Toronto becomes a destination for the best professional wrestling in the world.

Clara was perplexed. Enraged. She had never known her father, a shrewd businessman, to take a gamble on something that she perceived to be a quite literally a fool’s errand. Clara looked to her father.

CLARA: This is some sort of jest, some kind of joke? A prank to start the new year off with a laugh? Father...you can not...

Monty slightly turned his head to Tommy, the man who he plucked from university and hand picked to help him take his company forward. Tommy caught Monty’s glance and in that moment he knew the truth of the matter.

STRAKER: I do not believe this is a joke Clara.

OSCAR: It is not. Everything is in place. This new venture is going to be a new road for Barlow Holdings and it will secure this family’s legacy as a Canadian institution. We begin in the late summer. I have already started assembling the schedule, the production staff, and other logistical issues. It is going to magnificent!

Clara set down her champagne and lifted Bella up. Clara set the child down on Tommy’s lap and then approached her father.

CLARA: Father? He is serious?

Monty turned to look his daughter in the eyes. She had been the apple of his eye since the day she was born. Oscar, on the other hand, had disappointed him in the past on more than one occasion but Oscar was still his son. He deserved an opportunity to add to the family legacy.

MONTY: He is serious Clara. As am I. Your branch of the family tree has thrived due to the combined efforts of you and Thomas for Barlow Holdings. Oscar chose to work outside the family in order to blaze his own trail and he has earned my respect for that. Moreover, he has earned my trust.

CLARA: You are really going to do this? What if he fails again? What if he is in over his head? What do we really know about...fighting?

Straker could not help but chuckle. If there was one thing that this family knew it was fighting. Perhaps not in the physical sense but they had participated in their fair share of conflict.

MONTY: He approached me with a bulletproof business plan. I was quite shocked. The pieces are in place and he secured my investment. But know that in order for me to finance this endeavour, he also had to give me something.

STRAKER: And what was that?

Monty moved away from his daughter and approached Oscar. Monty sipped his brandy and looked Oscar dead in the eyes.

MONTY: He swore to me.

The patriarch raised his glass and it was known that everyone was expected to join him. Tommy took Bella in his arms and walked over to the other two men. Clara sighed but ultimately joined them.

MONTY: This is your opportunity Oscar. This is a dangerous business that we are choosing to enter. But we are a family. A great family. We will support you in every possible way but ultimately this is your venture.

All four adults exchanged glances. Clara's hard glare softened and Bella cooed in Tommy's arms. Monty's proclamation was a bond that none of them dare break.

MONTY: To 2019. To The Barlow Family.

Everyone raised their glasses.

MONTY: To you Oscar. To you...and your oath.

The Barlow Family all clinked glasses and the scene cut to black.

The OATH signature played over a black screen. Various black and white action shots were all cut together until the OATH logo landed on the screen with the words “Take The Pledge”. The insignia faded from few with just the slogan remaining before it abruptly cut to black.

The Toronto skyline, obvious by the CN Tower standing tall over the scores of skyscrapers that populate the downtown area. The shot slowly moved towards the portlands area and The Citadel compound that looked out over Lake Ontario. The opening chords of “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo” by Black Rebel Motorcycle began playing.

You have forsaken all the love you've taken

Sleepin' on a razor there's nowhere left to fall

"The Haunted" Erik Holland sat cross legged atop a production truck. He gazed down at a stack of wooden pallets below him. He would not let something like that happen ever again... especially not tonight.

Your body's aching, every bone is breakin'

Nothin' seems to shake it, it just keeps holdin' on

"The Tiger" FM Young looked out over the water. She was alone, which was a rarity in her case. Tonight was her opportunity to set right all the wrongs that had been inflicted upon her. Tonight she would persevere.

Your soul is able, death is all you cradle

Sleepin' on the nails, there's nowhere left to fall

The locker room, “The Burning Heart” James Edwards sat with his hands on his knees as he looked off into the distance. Focussed and of clear mind, he readied himself to reach for glory.

You have admired, what every man desires

Everyone is king when there's no one left to pawn

"The Hellhound" Matt Shields paced back and forth in the hallway. A replica of the OATH World Championship was draped over a steel chair and Shields appeared to be frantically addressing it. This championship was a fake but tonight he would prove that he was anything but.

There is no peace here, war is never cheap dear

Love will never meet here, it just gets sold for parts

"The Chairman of Chaos" Locke Helms stood on a catwalk overlooking the arena. The OATH Intrepid Championship hung from his shoulder, a prize that his name was synonymous with. He was joined by Ryan Terror, Adrestia Nyx, Monstruo and Astaroth. Tonight Hell would engulf this building.

You cannot fight it, all the world denies it

Open up your eyelids, let your demons run

El Diablo Blanco stood in the ring after a loss, however, The Diablo Nation was still screaming his name and he was taken aback by their undying loyalty.

The Runaways sat at a table in Pillar & Post, apparently already celebrating with Bert Cocaine and their cousin "The Canadian Wildcat" Jenna Sharpe. Their family’s dynasty would take its next step tonight in Toronto.

"War Queen" Leah Aguero and Stephanie "Cloud" Matsuda arrived at the arena, Matsuda with the OATH Tabula Rasa Title in tow. The two bumped fists, although fighting apart, they were forever a team.

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil tattoo

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil's tattoo

"The Buffalo Butcher" Finale sat in the empty seats of The Citadel, reminiscing about all of the memories that he had cultivated in this city. Wondering if tonight would be a good memory, or a nightmare.

Jamie Emmerson sat in a room, surrounded by hundreds of candles. She pulled back her hood and stared intensely into the camera.

Zeke Davis and Baz Jacobi made their way through a crowd of angry fans, with Shortcut doing his best to clear the way. The OATH Tag Team Champions were here to expel the pretenders.

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil tattoo

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil's tattoo

JC Keeton was in the gym, preparing his body and his mine for the battle to come. He had his opportunity here tonight to clear his name.

"The Black Lion" Minoru Tanahashi sat on the roof of The Citadel, the OATH Livewire Championship at his side. He stared out at the sun falling below the horizon and mentally readied himself for the next step on his Path To Greatness.

I bled the needle through, you beat the devil tattoo

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil's tattoo

"The Outlaw" Josie Wales removed her stetson hat to reveal a stern expression. Tonight was her night to return to prominence and show all of her detractors what she was truly capable of.

Meg "Hands of Steel" Coleman stood in a sparring ring, throwing hands at her sister Cindy’s training pads, likely envisioning her opponent’s face.

I bled the needle through, you beat the devil tattoo

I thread the needle through, you beat the devil's tattoo

OATH World Champion, “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima stood in a run down warehouse with the championship around his waist. A cigar was perched between his teeth and he held a bottle of Hibiki Harmony Whisky at his side. OATH was his company and tonight that would become indisputable. Tonight, at Event Horizon II.

Following the intro video we got a live view of the raucous crowd inside OATH Pro Wrestling’s Citadel. Pyro traced the borders of the specially designed tron and then met on either side of the curtain. In sequence, explosions marched down either side of the ramp to the bottom where an even more expensive (trust me) sequence pyro went off from all four ring posts. “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club continued to play throughout the arena.

The audience was on fire (not literally, thank the good dude) and ready for OATH’s biggest night of the year. The camera scanned the audience before switching to a shot of the ringside announce table where all four OATH commentators sat, at two different tables. May O’Neil was wearing a lovely black dress highlighted by a stunning diamond necklace. Vince Valerie was draped in red crush velvet and a beautiful gold watch. Matt Mears had purchased a freshly tailored tuxedo and “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie...was wearing jeans and a black T-Rex t-shirt with Marc Bolan emblazoned on the front.

MEARS: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the biggest night of the year for OATH Pro Wrestling! Welcome to Event Horizon II! My name is Matthew Mears and I am joined at this time by the broadcast team from Livewire, May O’Neil and Vince Valerie. And as always, by my side, is none other than “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie. Bad Mood, I am happy to see that you dressed for the occasion.

PETRIE: Hey I am as happy as anyone to be here at Event Horizon II but I only wear suits for funerals. Tonight is no funeral. Tonight is a fuckin’ celebration of all things OATH Pro Wrestling.

VALERIE: I truly can not fathom your thought process Mr. Petrie. This is our company’s signature event. A year ago we presented six nights of incredible in-ring combat leading up to the first Event Horizon. This is our Superbowl and you come dressed like a common roadie.

PETRIE: Fuck you twerp. You’re literally draped in velvet. Who the fuck let you out of the house?

O’NEIL: Come on guys. It’s Event Horizon! Let’s leave the fighting to the professionals.

MEARS: An excellent idea Ms. O’Neil. Let me begin by saying that I am very happy that the two of you have been offered the opportunity to call the opening match here tonight for the Livewire Championship. You and Vince have been doing a sterling job on Sunday afternoons.

VALERIE: May and I will be using this opportunity to show Mr. Straker and the entire Barlow family that we are the number one announce team in OATH. We are coming for those seats gentlemen.

O’NEIL: No we aren’t.

VALERIE: Then I am! So sit back and watch how exquisitely we call this opening contest.

PETRIE: Get bent you little bastard.

MEARS: Alright alright. Enough infighting. This night is not about any of us but about the wealth of talent that we have here in OATH pro wrestling. Tonight will kick off with a Livewire Championship match as champion “The Black Lion” Minoru Tanahashi looks to make his third defence of the title against “The Black Metal Witch” Jamie Emmerson.

O’NEIL: Jamie is undefeated so far on Livewire and she poses a real threat to Minoru’s “Path To Greatness”. He wants to defend the championship twenty two times in order to earn a shot at all three of the other OATH singles titles.

VALERIE: I admire his dedication and I feel that Ms. Emmerson poses no threat. Mr. Tanahashi will leave Event Horizon II as Livewire Champion.

PETRIE: Speaking of the B Show, after that we’re gonna see JC Keeton fucking embarrass El Diablo Blanco. If Keeton can win, Livewire General Manager Bellamy Parteabon has offered to expunge all the losses from her record.

MEARS: Or so she says, I am not certain that she is being completely truthful with him. A real truth is that after that contest Meg Coleman will get the biggest opportunity of her burgeoning career as she challenges Stephanie Matsuda for the Tabula Rasa Championship in a two out of three falls match.

O’NEIL: Meg has been impressive on Livewire. She made it to the finals of the Wildcard Tournament and lost a hard fought match to Minoru but if Stephanie wants to define her title reign a successful defence against Meg would be a great way to do it.

MEARS: I have no doubt. One doubt I have is who the fans will be cheering for when Jenna Sharpe faces Josie Wales in a Grudge Match. Jenna took the TR Title from Josie not too long ago through a less than sportsmanlike avenue. However, Josie attacked Jenna from behind two weeks ago.

PETRIE: I say cheer for the Outlaw. These Sharpes are a fuckin’ plague and I am so tired of their bullshit. Jenna’s cousins The Runaways have been parading around with those worthless pieces of tin, the CWA Tag Team Titles and tonight Scum & Villainy are going to win them when they put up their OATH Tag Titles against them in a Ladder Match. Hopefully they’ll throw them in the fuckin’ trash after.

VALERIE: If you want to discuss trash then look no further than Finale. This man belittled Leah Aguero in his ridiculous Butcher Shop column and when it came time to defend his words, Ms. Aguero showed him what she is truly capable of. Tonight when they square off in a Toronto Street Fight Finale will fall and hopefully never return to OATH.

MEARS: Perhaps he will not but a man who returned to OATH earlier this year and has seen some peaks and valleys is Intrepid Champion Locke Helms. After a less than steady performance in the Event Horizon Series he was able to win the Intrepid Title for a second time after joining The Hell Realm. Since then he has used his new faction to help him get under the skin of his challenger FM Young.

O’NEIL: Attacking FM’s friends and destroying her prized Ducati was not a smart thing for Locke to do in my opinion. If winning the Intrepid Title wasn’t enough motivation, he has now pissed her off. Almost as much as Matt Shields has pissed off Erik Holland.

PETRIE: Shields wants to make his name and he chose to attack Holland as a way to do that. They have been going back and forth for weeks so that has led us to a Deathmatch here tonight at Event Horizon II. This is Holland’s game but I think Shields is far more motivated. Either way, these two might actually kill each other tonight and I’m fuckin’ here for it.

MEARS: Every match on the card has the potential to be career defining for all involved but the main event will surely secure a legacy for one of the two participants. Reo Ojima defeated Erik Holland two months ago at Rapture to win the OATH World Championship. After that match he and his ONI cohorts made a statement to the entire company by brutally attacking then-President Oscar R. Barlow.

O’NEIL: ONI has been running roughshod since then. OATH has been looking for someone to put them in their place and James Edwards took on that role when he won the Event Horizon Series. Tonight “The Burning Heart” faces the biggest test of his career as he tries to win the OATH World Title.

VALERIE: I do not understand Mr. Edwards’ mindset going into this match. He chose to try and finish his business with Locke Helms and he paid dearly for it. Then ONI put a cigar out in his hand a few weeks later. Last week he refused to fight Ojima in an eight man tag. He just kept apologizing to the champion. It was quite strange.

PETRIE: If that is his garbage attempt at mind games then he is in fuckin’ trouble.

MEARS: We will see what becomes of James Edwards in our main event but it is time to get the show started. I am told that we have a special message from the challenger in our forth coming Livewire Championship match. Wrestling fans welcome once again to Event Horizon II, let us begin!

The shot opened up on a ritual setup. A pentagram with different symbols drawn in white chalk on a wooden floor. At each point, sat a colored candle. Each color was different for the individual candles. Red. Blue. Green. Yellow. Black. In the center of the symbol stood a woman in a blowing black gown, cinched at the midsection with a deep red corset. The gown flowed freely from the waist down as the woman knelt in the center of the pentagram.

She sets a bronze chalice down in front of her along with a solid black bottle, closed with a cork. Similar to the last time we saw Jamie Emmerson in this setting, there was the sound of a tribal drum beat coming from...well...who really knows? But it was there. It was faint and soft, almost distant, as Jamie pulled the cork from the bottle and tipped it, pouring it into the chalice. She corked the bottle again and set it aside before producing a book of matches where she struck a match and proceeded to light the candles.

First, she lit the yellow candle, bringing some semblance of light to the dark setting she was in.

JAMIE: Spirits of Wind, Guardians of the North. I call to you. Hear me.

She adjusted her position, reaching over then to light the green candle.

JAMIE: Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the West. I call to you. Hear me.

She shielded the flame with her hand to keep any sort of breeze from causing it to extinguish. She lit the red candle next.

JAMIE: Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the East. I call to you. Hear me.

Jamie turned the other way behind her, lighting the blue candle.

JAMIE: Spirits of Water, Guardians of the South. I call to you. Hear me.

Finally, she reached up directly in front of her and lit the black candle.

JAMIE: Spirits of Light and Dark, Guardians of Life and Death. I call to you. Hear me.

Jamie shook out the match and sat back with her feet under her and looked directly into the camera. Her expression was blank and cold as was the norm for her. Her eyes were void of any fear but there did seem to be something in them as she began speaking.

JAMIE: So, you see, Minoru Tanahashi; this is the faith of mine that you so easily mock. The faith and beliefs that you find amusement from when made a spectacle of by cameras and childish jokes. These are the beliefs of mine that you laugh at...yet it is these same beliefs that have guided me on a successful path of my career. It is these spirits that those before me were persecuted for worshipping that I have called out to, made offerings to, and as such have been blessed with their favor in every trial that has been placed before me.

In what seemed to be the first time since she has appeared in the business over a month ago, she smiled. Jamie Emmerson smiled. There was something behind the smile, however. There was no joy or innocence. Rather, there was a dark sense of malice yet at the same time, she seemed like she was at peace.

JAMIE: It’s really quite simple. Those who believe...those who truly believe and put their faith into the spirits, will be rewarded in kind. You claim such confidence that you will defeat me for the simple reason that...what? You have defeated the Sinner of Violence? As have I. You attempt to invalidate my flawless streak in OATH simply because you possess more victories than I. That is expected when you have been here longer. Regardless of how long we have been employed here, let’s look at the facts. I have a 100% success rate. You do not. Your self claimed Path to Greatness is less certain than my own. You see, the spirits detest those who mock the devout. T’is almost as bad, perhaps worse than being a non-believer. Are you a non-believer, Minoru? Do you have any sort of faith in anything other than yourself?

Jamie took in a deep breath and let it out with a smile on her lips.

JAMIE: You have mocked the spirits. You have mocked their power. You have made a mockery of the heartless, senseless slaughter of their followers in history and for that, Minoru, you will be punished. You will lose all that you value. All that you have worked so hard to attain. First will be your body. Beaten and broken. Tormented like those men, women and children who were wrongfully prosecuted in Salem over three hundred years ago and to this day, still are shunned by some. Next, will come your heart. Your soul. Your spirit. Taken from you as you lie in a heap on the mat, staring up as you lay at my mercy. After I have struck you down in the name of those poor souls. Then...only then...will you be left to helplessly watch as I take your riches. Your most prized possession. Your crown. The Livewire Championship. You enjoy your witch jokes, don’t you Minoru? I’ve one for you.

Jamie rested her hands on her knees and leaned forward towards the camera.

JAMIE: You call yourself the Black Lion. You know what the common belief is about black cats and witches?

She smiled again, tilting her head to the side, simply leaving it at that. If you know, you know, right?

JAMIE: Now then….

The drums continued as she went silent and reached down in front of her to continue the ritual. Jamie lifted up a needle, pricking her middle finger on one hand. She proceeded to lean over, leaving a drop of blood in the concave of each candle that had formed from the flame melting the wax.

JAMIE: Spirits. Except this offering. Bless me with your favor and protection so that I may overcome the trials set before me.

With the same pricked finger, she added three drops of blood into the chalice of wine in front of her. Jamie lifts the chalice in both hands, closing her eyes as she brings it up under her nose.

JAMIE: I drink of my brothers and sisters before me, spirits, and I ask of thee to lend me your power to vanquish this enemy.

The drums swell in volume as Jamie brought the chalice to her lips and drank from it, slowly and patiently drinking all of the contents down. As she did, the candles just seemed to snuff out by themselves, beginning to cast darkness all around Jamie.

As she finishes wine, the empty chalice fell from her hands and clatters to the floor. Her head fell back and she let out a sudden gasp. Jamie’s body actually tensed up and she began to tremble; her arms stretched down at her sides, rigid as she made a noise that sounded like choking. A change of camera angle showed that Jamie’s eyes had rolled back into her head, leaving only the whites visible.

From the smoke trailing off the extinguished candle wicks, what appeared to be wisps drift from the candles and into Jamie’s agape mouth. One from each candle. Five wisps. After the fifth wisp, Jamie let out a loud gasp and toppled forward onto the floor, catching herself with her hands as she went into a coughing fit. Once the fit passed, she lifted her head again, looking right into the camera. A final, eerie smile slowly crept across her face before we faded to black….

The screen suddenly lit up with an image of Minoru Tanahashi stepping through a door into an apocalyptic hellscape. He stood there in his ring gear, which tonight appeared to be a black carbon fiber version of his usual skull mask with sharp blue LED accents in the shape of lion whiskers and ears, a black leather trench coat with only the left sleeve, the right sleeve and left cuff have blue led circles inside them, matching the same he has on his knee pads over his black tights with neon blue lion scratches all along them. He looked out in horror.

MINORU: WHAT THE HELL?

UNKNOWN VOICE: That's what I said.

Minoru turned to see a young woman in a long black dress walking towards him.

UNKNOWN WOMAN: Hi there, I'm Katy. I’m sorry we have to meet like this, but I had to intervene. This is the future if you allow Jamie Emmerson to beat you and knock you off the #PathToGreatness.

Minoru looked around for a second, then scratched his head before raising his mask.

MINORU: Hold on hold on hold, on, are you saying that this is the future? Like how far into the future.

KATY: Seven years. We were alerted to a possible blip and this is it. Your #PathToGreatness was a monumental event in World history. People in 2727 still look at you as an inspiration. Tonight though, you face a tough challenge and she may be able to defeat you and ruin not just life on this planet, but reality as we know it.

MINORU: Hold on a second, this sounds a lot like that new Bill and Ted movie

Minoru turned and looked at the camera with a smirk.

KATY: Bill and Ted? Oh right characters from one of your forms of entertainment. We don't have time to waste Mister Tanahashi, I was able to rig the entrance prop up to bring you here and show you how important both you and the #PathToGreatness are to the entire World. That great accomplishment brings hope to the hopeless.

MINORU: So wait a second, I... no, the #PathToGreatness is really that important?

KATY: Yes, that is why it is imperative you return to your time and defeat Jamie Emmerson at Event Horizon II. This blip has to be erased from history or else we are all doomed.

Minoru's eyes went wide, and he nodded.

MINORU: So this thing I was going to use for my entrance, actually is a time machine now?

KATY: Yes, step inside, press nine, six, twenty, twenty, say the words #PathToGreatness and it will take you to right before your entrance.

MINORU: Alright, well let's go beat a witch, keep this Livewire Championship around my waist, and save all of time, space, and reality. That's not too much pressure.

Minoru slightly rolled his eyes, sighed, stepped back into what is apparently a time machine. He keyed in the numbers, said the words, and with a flash of lightning and a puff of smoke he disappeared as the screen went black.

A petite young woman in her early twenties was shown at ringside and a graphic on the screen appeared and read Ring Announcer, Crybaby! She gave a wave to the camera and flashed a smile before she ascended up the ring steps and entered the ring with a microphone.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the OATH Pro Wrestling Livewire Championship! Introducing first from North Tonawanda, New York, weighing in at 130lbs, “The Black Metal Witch” Jamie Emmerson!

“Burning Times" by Inkubus Sukkubus filled the arena, pouring from the PA speakers as the lights faded out. The tron lit up with images of the gravestones… each name a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. The audience was shrouded in darkness as candles illuminated one by one down the entrance ramp. The candles continued lighting up, spreading from the sides of the ramp to along the front of the stage before a blue spotlight came on across the smoke filled stage. Standing amongst the mist, the audience and viewers got a glimpse of Jamie Emmerson with her back to the camera, down on her knees.

As the lyrics began, she rose to her feet, turning towards the camera with a stoic expression on her youthful features. For the longest moment, she held that expression as she looked across the sea of lighters before the tiniest of smirks played on her lips. She knelt down again, vanishing into the smoke again for a moment before she emerged again, holding a tiny black, wooden casket in her hands.

Jamie slowly, leisurely strolled toward the ring; her focus was now entirely on the ring as she casually stalked closer with each step. As she reached ringside, she calmly slid the little casket box into the ring and continued her little stroll over to and up the steps. Jamie walked across the apron, making sure to wipe the soles of her boots off before she kicked her inner leg up and over the middle rope. She swung her body in under the top rope in an almost dark, seductive manner with a devilish smirk on her face. Once she was in the ring, she picked up the little casket and carried it with her to her corner. Jamie stops about halfway between her assigned corner and the center of the ring.

She placed the casket down at her feet in her corner, kneeling down then before she rocked back onto her butt and relaxed in her corner with her knees bent, forearms resting over her knees as she waited for her opponent.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 235lbs, he is the OATH Pro Wrestling Livewire Champion, “The Black Lion” Minoru Tanahashi!

The lights in the arena went out as the sounds of Weezer's "Beginning Of The End" started to play. A few bright flashes of orange illuminated The Citadel, then a large lighting strike hit the stage and a puff of smoke rose up. As the music picked up we saw an old style phone booth sitting on the stage bathed in blue light. The door opened and Minoru Tanahashi stepped out of the booth clad in his futuristic battle lion gear. He pointed to the ramp and suddenly straight down the ramp in bright blue letters #PATHTOGREATNESS appeared. He walked down the ramp as more lighting and bright orange sparks flashed at the top of the ramp with the phone both disappearing as Tanahashi stepped up onto the ring apron. He wiped his feet, then stepped in, handed the Livewire Title off and raised his mask, looking over at his opponent with a smirk.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The third ding of the bell was still resonating throughout the arena when Minoru exploded out of his corner and smashed Jamie in the face with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick). Jamie was completely caught off guard and rocked early. Minoru took her over with a snapmare and then hit her with a big dropkick to the back of the head. Minoru brushed off his shoulders and waltzed around the ring like he had this shit locked down.

VALERIE: The Path To Greatness train has left the station!

O’NEIL: Minoru has made it clear that he wants to prove himself on the biggest stage of his career tonight. The Livewire Title has never been defended on pay-per-view and he wants to be the first guy to do it.

Jamie got to her feet but Minoru met her with a kick to the midsection and took her over with a snap suplex. Minoru floated into a quick cover but Jamie kicked out before a count of one. Minoru hauled her up to her feet but Jamie surprised him with an elbow right to the face. Minoru was rocked and further rocked by a leaping knee to his chin from Jamie.

Minoru fell back into a corner and Jamie just started lighting his shit up with a series of chops that would knock your dick stiff. Minoru tried to cover up but Jamie hit him with like fifteen chops before she stepped off the middle rope and kneed him right on the button. Jamie then brought him out of the corner with a running bulldog and covered.

VALERIE: Ms. Emmerson is no pushover. She laid down the challenge on the last episode of Livewire. She wants this title. Bad.

O’NEIL: If you were following their Twitter interactions, Jamie Emmerson wants more than the title -- she wants to make Minoru pay for the insensitive comments that he made about her faith.

VALERIE: Religion has been the cause of every major conflict in human history. Here we see it again.

1..

2!

The Black Lion kicked out right at two but Jamie got him up to his feet and whipped him into the ropes...or at least she tried to. Minoru reversed the momentum and on Jamie’s return he planted her with a brutal tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Jamie bent awkwardly over his knee and Minoru quickly tied her up like a pretzel in a hold that he calls Keimusho Saifu (Paradise Lock)! Emmerson had nowhere to go.

VALERIE: Minoru told me about this hold. I like it!

O’NEIL: He is using this to try and embarrass Emmerson. I feel like he is going to pay for this insult in one way or another.

Minoru walked over to a corner and kicked his feet up as Jamie struggled to free herself. Minoru mimed eating popcorn as Jamie struggled. When Jamie finally freed herself Minoru hopped down and approached her only to get turned inside out by a giant lariat from The Black Metal Witch.

The audience kind of popped for that measure of retribution from Jamie but they got even louder when a dazed Minoru got to his feet and she cracked him with Athame (Hooking Superkick from behind)! Minoru dropped like third period French and Jamie dropped into a cover.

O’NEIL: This could be it!

1..

2..

..!

Minoru kicked out and The Black Metal Witch was firmly in control now. Jamie got Minoru up and went to send him into the corner but Minoru once again reversed the momentum and sent Jamie into the corner so hard that he fell down to the mat. Jamie hit the corner hard and then staggered out only for Minoru to take her head off with Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat)! Jamie was folded up in a reverse scorpion and Minoru was afforded some time to compose himself.

Looking to do serious damage now Minoru brought Jamie through the ropes out onto the apron. Following a boot to Jamie’s midsection, Minoru lifted her up for a powerbomb but Jamie spun around, shifted her weight and drove Minoru onto the apron on the crown of his head with a poisonrana. The crowd gasped as Minoru went limp and fell down to the outside.

O’NEIL: That may have cracked Minoru’s skull.

VALERIE: Ms. Emmerson took his comments very personally. Then he tried to embarrass her on a stage this grand. Of course she was going to try and make her pay.

O’NEIL: That much is evident.

Jamie got back into the ring as the referee started a ten count. Knowing that a count out would not net her the Livewire Title, Jamie looked to go after her prey. Minoru stood but he was clearly rocked -- possibly concussed. Jamie darted across the ring and flew through the ropes with a suicide dive that she turned into a tornado DDT! Once again Minoru was dropped on the crown of his head and Jamie quickly slid him back into the ring.

Minoru was rocked but he still had some semblance of ring awareness so he rolled clear across the ring and exited the ring on the other side. Jamie looked frustrated but then inspiration struck. As Minoru tried to regain his faculties on the outside Jamie charged, leaped over the top rope, and took him down with a Fosbury flop! The audience exploded for that feat of athleticism.

VALERIE: My word! Ms. Emmerson really has Mr. Tanahashi on the run here. He can not seem to swing the momentum back in his favor in the least!

Jamie hopped back up onto the apron and then gestured for Minoru to “get the fuck up”. Minoru did and then Jamie hopped off the apron looking for a dragonrana but Minoru caught her and in one swift motion he absolutely slammed her into the ring apron with a powerbomb. Jamie let out in pain and Minoru dropped to a knee. The referee was at a count of twelve and Minoru slid Jamie’s limp body back into the ring.

Instead of covering, Minoru quickly ascended to the top rope. He tried to shake off the cobwebs and when he was finally able to focus his vision he leaped off the top rope and was able to hit the Osake Bomb (Swanton Bomb)! Jamie’s sternum took another brutal shot and this time The Black Lion covered in the hopes of retaining his Livewire Championship.

O’NEIL: It’s over! The Path to Greatness will continue!

1..

2..

..!

VALERIE: ...for another few moments at least

Jamie kicked out and Minoru couldn’t believe it. Minoru got her up to her feet and went for Kabukicho Nights (Discus Lariat) again but Jamie ducked through and Minoru blasted the referee. Jamie then grabbed Minoru from behind and hit him with Sacrifice (Ripcord Liver Shot)! Jamie thought about covering but with the referee down, she went a different route.

The Black Metal Witch staggered over to the small wooden coffin that she had placed in the corner and pulled out the picture of Minoru. Jamie then dropped a knee on Minoru’s arm and proceeded to slice the webbing of each of his fingers with the photo! Everyone in the crowd winced with each slice. Minoru was able to buck Jamie off and he kept her down with a hard palm strike.

O’NEIL: That was pretty fucking gross.

VALERIE: Had I not skipped my usual trip to catering I fear that I would have been sick all over this fine announce table.

O’NEIL: Ben Petrie already hates us. If you had done that, he’d have killed us.

VALERIE: I am most aware.

Wanting revenge for that little demonstration, Minoru approached the corner and stomped on the small wooden coffin. Minoru then went about removing the turnbuckle padding. Minoru tossed the buckle cover into the crowd and when he turned, Jamie had rushed him! Minoru acted quicker and lifted Jamie up with a flapjack and dropped her face first onto the exposed turnbuckle.

The camera closed in on Jamie’s face and she was bleeding. Minoru called for the end but he clearly wanted to make a statement. Minoru sat Jamie on the top rope and her eyes rolled back into her head and she was bleeding pretty badly. Minoru took a moment to admire his handiwork and then moved in to attack but Jamie surprised him with a knee to the chin and then came off the middle rope with Thessalian Crescent (Diving Corkscrew Cutter)! Jamie covered and the referee mustered the strength to slap his hand on the mat.

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner...AND NEW...OATH Pro Wrestling Livewire Champion, Jamie Emmerson!

“Burning Times" by Inkubus Sukkubus kicked up and the referee was handed the Livewire Title. The referee stood up with the hardware in hand and presented it to Jamie. The Black Metal Witch accepted her prize and knelt on the mat, staring into the camera with a hollow expression, blood covering her face.

VALERIE: Ms. Emmerson has done it! She ended the Path To Greatness just like she said she would.

O’NEIL: Minoru has to be devastated.

Minoru had rolled to the outside and sat with his back against the ring apron. The Path To Greatness had been derailed and he stared off into the crowd in an almost catatonic state. This lasted for a few moments until he stood, refused to look into the ring and walked up the ramp full of despair.

"The Outlaw" Josie Wales was in the courtroom again, this time in the garb of the judge, as she banged her gavel, having heard enough.

JUDGE JOSIE: Order in the court. Jury, hearing all of the evidence presented before you, please present your verdict...

The Judge said, as the camera panned to a jury, all twelve members becoming Josie Wales, as one spoke up.

JURY JOSIE: We find the defendant, guilty of all charges.

They said, as Judge Josie spoke, this time trading her robes for her gear, duster, and a white stetson hat.

JOSIE: Okay, enough games. Jenna Sharpe, queen of the Alberta Trailer Parks. You and your family have tried to undermine me, disrespect me, and cheat me for the last time. Your family are a bunch of sinners to this sport you claim to love, and tonight I am delivering punishment to you. You come in my ring, Jenna, and I will deliver swift justice to you, as your judge... your jury... and your executioner.

She said, tipping her hat to the camera, as we faded out.

El Diablo Blanco was shown pacing back and forth sporting his special ring entrance attire for the night; a Dia de los Muertos style jacket and top hat. Once realizing that the cameras were on him, El D stops, turning towards the camera.

BLANCO: Brothers and Sisters, tonight is the night we’ve all been waiting for as OATH presents Event Horizon II. I know the Diablo Nation is going to be paying special attention as El Diablo Blanco takes on JC Keeton but I’m not here to talk about that match. No, I’m here to put the spotlight on a group of individuals that are the reason why I’m even competing here tonight. You see, not a week goes by that someone isn’t trying to put El D down because of his backyard roots, Brother. They say I’m untrained. They say I’m just a goof. Well, tonight OATH gave me a platform to showcase myself. I’ve taken that opportunity to put a spotlight on the backyard wrestling community. Tonight, I’m going to be joined by the entirety of the El D Backyard Experience. Come on down, Brothers.

The cameras shifted to reveal a doorway. One by one, people from El Diablo’s past started making their way in through the door. We saw El Ninjito, The Killer Klown from Outer Space, Orangeman and Redman from the Crayola Crew, Captain Cowabunga and last but not least Pristine Libido’s own Clarence Hardbody. They all funnelled their way in, all greeting El D as they passed by.

BLANCO: Alright Brothers. This is OATH’s biggest show of the year. It’s the granddaddy of them all, Brothers. It’s reminiscent of our old event, Backyard-a-palooza. I wouldn’t be in this position tonight if it weren’t for each and every one of you so tonight it’s not just El D making his way down to the ring. I want you all to be a part of my entrance tonight.

HARDBODY: You sure about this, you sly dog? These people don’t know who we are. Well, I’m positive they are aware of my silky smooth bass solos but the rest of these gents? I mean, take a look at Captain Cowabunga over here. Most days he’s just a bumbling idiot.

BLANCO: I’m positive, Brother. Captain Cowabunga, when I dove off the roof of Ms. Fields’s garage your suit provided the padding needed to stay safe. That YouTube video got a whopping 75 views, Brother. Killer Klown from Outer Space, you showed me that our ring didn’t have a bolt connecting the beams under the ring. It’s no wonder our ring kept collapsing. Clarence, how many times did we team up to take on the Crayola Crew? And Ninjito… well, I don’t really know who you are, Brother. You just kind of showed up with Captain Cowabunga but I can diggit. Tonight, with my Brothers beside me, we’re going to show not just JC Keeton but all of OATH that just because we come from that illustrious backyard wrestling circuit it doesn’t mean we can’t hang with the best of them. For now, though, I just got one question for you, Brothers. Can you DIGGIT?!?!?!

BACKYARD EXPERIENCE: DIGGIT!

BLANCO: Then let's get out there and ride this Crazy Train on the Stairway to Heaven.

HARDBODY: Hey, that's my gimmick, brotha.

The group of backyarders wildly made their way through the backstage area with Captain Cowabunga stumbling over his own feet and falling to the ground. They all stopped to pick him up before resuming their excited romp throughout The Citadel.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by the El D Backyard Experience, from Your Mom’s Neighbors Backyard, weighing in at 235lbs, “The Leader of Diablo Nation”, El Diablo Blanco!

The lights in The Citadel went dark except for a lone spotlight shining at the entryway. Commotion was coming from the crowd as they anticipated what was to happen next. Stepping out from behind the curtain was none other than Clarence Hardbody of Pristine Libido. Hardbody walked over to a microphone and guitar already placed off to the side of the entrance.

HARDBODY: Are you ready to rock?

There was a spattering of applause but not many in attendance knew who Clarence Hardbody is except for a few diehard Pristine Libido fans.

HARDBODY: I said, are you ready to rock? Tonight I’ve been given the esteemed honor of presenting to you a man that inspired a movement. I’m here tonight to get you all off your butts and on your feet. So please allow me to introduce you all to the man that emanates from your mom’s neighbor’s backyard.

Hardbody began playing an acoustic version of “The Fox (What did the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis which indeed brought the Diablo Nation to their feet clamoring for the entrance of their hero. Instead we saw the Crayola Crew, El Ninjito, Captain Cowabunga and The Killer Klown from Outer Space dancing along as they made their way through the curtain. The fans were both excited and off put at the same time as they were unaware of who these people are. Despite that, the excitement level rose quickly, however, as El Diablo Blanco emerged from on top of the entryway fist pumping to his own music. The El D Backyard Experience all turned to see El Diablo Blanco dive off the entryway. The party continued as the crew caught El D on the way down and carried him all the way to the ring.

After a 45 second guitar solo from Clarence Hardbody that felt more like 3 minutes, The El D Backyard Experience tossed El Diablo over the top rope where he landed on his feet to an enormous ovation from the Diablo Nation.

CRYBABY: And his opponent, from Lexington, Kentucky, weighing in at 217lbs, JC Keeton!

"Born Legendary" began playing and when the beat kicked in, pyro exploded from the rampway as JC Keeton stepped through the curtain. He made his way to the ring bouncing in rhythm to the music. When he reached the ring he leaped up onto the apron and stepped through the ropes. He continued to sway and bounce from heel to heel as he awaited the opening bell.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The bell rang and El walked to the middle of the ring. Keeton met him there and the two exchanged words but their friendship was at the very least on hiatus at this point. Keeton spit at El D’s feet but El D didn’t get too angry, he just took Keeton over with an arm drag.

PETRIE: I do not get it. How is this idiot so popular?

MEARS: He stands for what is good and just in this world.

PETRIE: I thought he stood for diarrhea inducing burritos?

Keeton was clearly pissed that he let himself get caught so he rushed El D with a shoulder block --- or at least he tried to because El D sidestepped him and then kicked Keeton in the rear end to send him into a corner.

El D called out to the Diablo Nation and they cheered him on. Keeton looked absolutely pissed about the support that El D was receiving her in Toronto. Keeton rushed El D again but El D took him over with an arm drag and then dropkicked Keeton into the corner.

MEARS: El D is all over Keeton right now! El Presidente of Diablo Nation came to win here tonight at Event Horizon II.

PETRIE: If Keeton loses tonight he should probably retire.

MEARS: But if he wins Livewire GM Bellamy Parteabon has offered to expunge his record of all losses. I do not really understand how that is fair to anyone but that is the stipulation.

El D moved to the corner and climbed up to the second rope. El D called out to the EDBE at ringside and then his fans in The Citadel. El D then started some corner punches and the audience counted along with every shot. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10!

The Leader of Diablo Nation hopped down to the mat out of the corner and let Keeton fall onto his face on the mat. El D called out to all of his supporters yet again and the audience was red hot for the Zubaz Zeus! El D got Keeton up and sent him into the ropes, on Keeton’s return El D planted him with a spinebuster.

PETRIE: Kill me now. End this garbage.

MEARS: It seems that El D is getting ready to.

PETRIE: This is what we have come to...

Everyone in the arena knew what was coming now as Keeton was on his back looking up at the lights. El D stood over Keeton’s head, removed his elbow pad and tossed it into the crowd. It was Backyard Elbow time. El D hit the ropes, hopped over Keeton’s prone body, hit the other ropes and then when he came back for the elbow Keeton kipped up and blasted El D in the face with a dropkick.

Keeton paraded around the ring basking in the boos from the audience. Keeton took a bow and then hit El D with a double stomp to the midsection. El D was on the mat gasping in pain. Keeton grabbed El D by the left wrist and hit him with a few quick stomps to the face before he pulled El D up to his feet.

Keeton slapped El D in the chest and then ran up the ropes. Once on the top rope Keeton walked along in tightrope fashion and then leaped off and took El D down with a ropewalk armdrag. El D was down again and again Keeton bowed. He was showered in boos and that only served to piss him off further.

PETRIE: Toronto has awful taste. Really. For a town that LOVES the Toronto Maple Leafs, you’d think that they would want to support some winners for a change.

MEARS: The Toronto Raptors are the NBA Champions.

PETRIE: Yeah. Last year! Quit living in the past.

El D tried to sit up and Keeton got behind him and applied a kneeling chinlock. Keeton then started to rip at El D’s mask and that drew the ire of the EDBE and all of the fans in The Citadel. Keeton didn’t care, he just kept trying to rip El D’s mask off.

Using the power of the Diablo Nation in attendance, El D threw some elbows into Keeton’s midsection in an effort to protect his identity. Keeton was sent staggering backward and El D kicked him in the midsection and then drilled him into the mat with a piledriver!

MEARS: Piledriver! Piledriver! El D could be set for the biggest win of his OATH career.

The audience was on their feet as El D climbed to the top rope. El D called out to the Diablo Nation and then leaped off the top rope looking for Feelin Froggy (Frog Splash) but Keeton moved out of the way at the last second. Keeton pounced on El D and went after the mask again.

After a few tense moments Keeton was able to pull El D’s mask off! Keeton spit on it and then threw it up onto the ramp. El D scrambled to cover his face and Keeton was able to roll him up. The referee dropped down into a cover but El D was too preoccupied trying to shield his identity.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, JC Keeton!

“Born Legendary” cued up and El D rolled out of the ring. He was surrounded by the eighty five members of the El D Backyard Experience and they shielded his face from view as they helped him up the ramp. Keeton got his hand raised and Toronto called for his death but Keeton just gave them a bow and then flipped all of them off.

Megan Coleman and her sister Cindy Coleman were seen inside an empty Citadel where both women were standing inside the ring. Megan already had her ring gear on and was looking around at her surroundings. Cindy on the other hand was standing next to her sister kind of twirling her hair and chewing on some bubble gum.

CC: Meg how long are we going to just stand out here in the ring all quiet like?

MEG: Well it was all quiet like until you spoke.

CC: Oh well yeah true but I mean how much longer do we need to stand in here?

MEG: Cindy you can go to the back anytime you want.

CC: Well no I am out here to support you for as long as you need.

MEG: Look I am just trying to really get a grasp on the situation is all I’m doing.

CC: But, there is no situation right now sis…

MEG: You’re right but tonight there will be a huge situation right here in this ring in front of a jam packed house. You see Cindy tonight when the lights turn on this place will get wild and crazy for Event Horizon II.

CC: Yeah you’re right about that as Event Horizon II is going to be exactly those things and possibly more.

MEG: But, the match I obviously care about is for that Tabula Rasa Championship in my two out of three falls match against Stephanie Matsuda.

CC: Yeah, that is a very important match for you and you are facing off against the self proclaimed War Queen of Professional Wrestling.

Megan looked at her sister and then looked down at both of her hands as she clinched them into fists. She then looked back up at her sister showing Cindy her clenched fists.

CC: You uh planning to throw some right and lefts at me there Megan? I mean I’m pretty sure we have done quite enough sparring for this already.

MEG: No, I am showing you what can stop a so called War Queen. Don’t get me wrong Stephanie is very talented and has made a great name for herself in this business. However I have been making a name for myself outside of this business for years in the fighting world and now as of late I have also been making quite the name for myself in professional wrestler. She is not invincible and can be knocked out just like anyone else.

CC: Not doubting you but what about this?

Cindy with a quick movement grabbed her sister from behind and rolled her up while grabbing a hand full of her tights but Meg quickly reacted and kicks out. Meg then stood back up as does Cindy and Megan looked at her sister nodding.

MEG: Yeah I’m not falling for that again. No, Stephanie won’t be beating me with a roll up as my instincts are far more superior than they were when I fought Mino.

CC: Speaking of Mino I should stop by his dressing room and see how he’s doing perhaps.

MEG: You mean after I win right?

CC: Oh of course I just meant you know later.

Megan nodded at her sister while Cindy kind of bit her bottom lip when suddenly a voice was heard.

VOICE: Look at these two Colemans inside a ring looking all stunning. It honestly is quite the site and couldn’t make a dad more proud.

CC/MEG: DAD!

Cindy and Megan both got out of the ring and ran up the entrance ramp where they both hugged their father. After the hug Meg looked up at her dad with a curious look on her face.

MEG: Dad I thought you were not going to make it because you wanted to spend time at mom’s grave being as how tomorrow is her birthday.

DAD: I was planning to but then I thought you know what I believe your mother would have wanted me here to support my girl in what should be the biggest night of her career.

MEG: Thanks Dad and I sure hope so.

CC: Hey old man, you hear how Megan just used the word hope?

DAD: I did and that word needs to quickly leave her brain. Also, I am not that old Cindy.

MEG: Guys anything can happen in that ring so of course all I can do is hope I fight the fight of my life tonight and defeat Stephanie.

DAD: No… Megan Coleman look at me and listen to your father.

Megan nodded as she made direct eye contact with her dad who put one arm on her shoulder.

DAD: Your opponent Stephanie lost the first fall last week and can lose again. She did manage to take the next two falls but that was against a different type of opponent. You my dear are a unique beast and I know that your opponent Stephanie will not be able to handle my unique beast.

MEG: I understand and you know what you are right tonight I go out there and win that first fall. Then after that I just do not let her breathe and she will not be able to beat me two falls in a row.

CC: That’s the spirit guys! Now how about we go backstage and play some video games?

Both Megan and Mr. Coleman gave Cindy an "are you serious type of look" as Cindy giggled. Then all three of them hugged with Megan saying just a few final words before the cameras cut out.

MEG: Tonight I win the Tabula Rasa Championship for Mom.

CRYBABY: The following contest is a two out of three falls match for the OATH Pro Wrestling Tabula Rasa Championship! Introducing first, from South Bend, Indiana, weighing in at 140lbs, Meg “Hands of Steel” Coleman!

The stage is set for my people yeah, coming back like a sequel, yeah.

These lyrics showed up on the screen as “Cold Blooded” by Zayde Wolf continued to play over the speakers of The Citadel. The entrance ramp floor turned into a graphic of ice as Megan Coleman walked out with one a “if looks could kill” kind of expression on her face. Coleman walked halfway down the entrance ramp and then punched that portion of the entrance ramp causing the graphic of ice to crack and then break. Coleman then threw a few punches as she walked down and into the ring. She slipped in under the bottom rope and continued shadow boxing.

CRYBABY: And her opponent, from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 132lbs, the OATH Pro Wrestling Tabula Rasa Champion, Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda!

"Rainy Days" by Boogie feat. Eminem cued up and the audience popped for the TR Champion as she walked out onto the stage with the championship around her waist. Matsuda was all business as she walked to the ring with her thumbs pressed against the back of the front face plate. Matsuda walked around the outside of the ring, her eyes on Coleman. Coleman did not flinch, she just stared right back at the champion. Matsuda hopped up onto the apron facing the hard camera and unstrapped the title. Matsuda held it high and then entered the ring.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The sound of the bell prompted Coleman to move into the middle of the ring, in an MMA stance. Matsuda didn’t seem to take it seriously and mocked Coleman a little bit, putting her hands up. Coleman’s face screwed up, irritated so she went for a collar and elbow lock up but Matsuda was the more proficient wrestler and she slipped behind Coleman, shoved her from behind and then caught her with a high angle flipping dropkick to the back of the head that sent Coleman careening towards the ropes.

MEARS: Stephanie has more experience. That is just a fact. But Meg is an MMA fighter and because of that she will ALWAYS have a puncher’s chance.

PETRIE: Yeah I get that but like...there is nothing special or unique about her. I don’t know why I should care about her. The crowd gives wrestlers that extra little boost of energy and I don’t think that Toronto knows what to think of Coleman.

MEARS: Perhaps the picture will be more clear after this contest concludes.

Hands of Steel caught herself on the top rope and a look of complete and utter contempt appeared on her face. Coleman slowly turned around and there Matsuda stood, gesturing for Coleman to bring it. And bring it Coleman did. Coleman darted toward Matsuda looking for a quick takedown but again Matsuda was quicker and she blasted Coleman right in the jaw with Yahtzee! (Superkick). Coleman’s bell hath rungeth as she staggered in place and then fell face first onto the mat.

Matsuda circled Coleman, who was trying to get up to all fours. Matsuda pointed down to Coleman and then called out to the fans in The Citadel “Light work!”. Coleman heard this and she looked to pick Matsuda’s leg but Matsuda applied a front chancery and then expertyl turned that into a swinging neckbreaker. Matsuda floated over into a lackadaisical cover and the referee dropped to make the count.

MEARS: I do not think that this is going to do it.

1..

..!

PETRIE: Matsuda wasn’t trying to get the pin there. That half assed cover was a mind game.

Coleman kicked out before the referee could even get to a count of two and Matsuda didn’t seem surprised by it. Matsuda knew that Coleman had a bit of a temper and she was fucking with her, she wanted to Coleman to get mad so that she would make a mistake. Coleman’s inexperience in the wrestling realm was well known and Matsuda was looking to exploit that. Clearly.

Cloud again circled Coleman as the challenger started to get up. Matsuda squatted in front of Coleman and gave her the ol’ “bring it” hand gesture. Coleman’s eyes practically turned into fire as she darted forward and absolutely floored Matsuda with a right cross. Matsuda dropped but quickly got back up as to not lose momentum and then she walked right into a quick belly to belly suplex from Coleman.

MEARS: Matsuda walked right into that one.

PETRIE: So what? Coleman hit one move. She needs to win two falls and I just can’t see it happening.

MEARS: No one has a fall yet so you can’t say with any degree of certainty.

PETRIE: Of course I can! I’m always right.

Hands of Steel went for a cover but Matsuda rolled onto her stomach to avoid it. Starting to get frustrated now, Coleman held the back of Matsuda’s head down and then drove two quick knees into the crown of her skull. Coleman then stood Coleman up and set Matsuda up for a DDT but Matsuda hit two quick shots to both of Coleman’s kidneys and then took her over with a Northern Lights suplex into a bridge!

1..

2..!

Coleman kicked out and scrambled back up to her feet but as soon as she turned to face Matsuda, the champion dropped her with the Last Surprise (Slingblade)! The audience popped for that and their roars continued as Matsuda climbed to the top rope, saluted the audience and then leaped off the top rope with Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press)! Matsuda came crashing down on the challenger with a thud and she covered.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: The winner of the first fall, Stephanie Matsuda!

Matsuda dusted off her hands and paraded around the ring like she had this match in the bag. Coleman stared up at her with confusion at first, she could not believe that she had lost the first fall. It was now do or die for Coleman and it seemed as if she wasn’t sure that she could get the victory after losing the first fall. Matsuda sat on the top rope of the nearest corner and gave Coleman all of the time that she needed to get up.

PETRIE: I appreciate Coleman’s heart but she went from Livewire to the biggest show in OATH history. She just isn’t ready to be here. She couldn’t win the Livewire Title and she definitely can’t beat a tenured athlete like Matsuda.

Coleman finally got to her feet and the referee asked if she was ready to continue. Coleman just nodded and put her fists up, she wasn’t about to give up just yet. Matsuda hopped off the top rope onto the canvas and smiled, seemingly happy that Coleman was still prepared to give her a fight. Matsuda sauntered to the middle of the ring but Coleman met her there with a Lou Thesz press! Matsuda was caught off guard and found herself on her back.

Hands of Steel earned that moniker as she started dropping absolute bombs on Matsuda’s face. When she felt that she had hit Matsuda with enough punches, Coleman started hitting Matsuda with a barrage of elbows. Some of these brutal elbows simply glanced across Matsuda’s forehead and we’ll leave the speculation on whether or not Coleman was trying to bust the champion open up to you -- the viewer.

MEARS: Coleman has turned it on now. She knows that if she loses another fall then she walks away from Event Horizon without anything to show for her efforts.

PETRIE: Like I said -- she’s not ready. She may never be ready.

MEARS: I do not agree with you there at all. I think she has a great deal of potential.

The referee finally intervened and the expression on Coleman’s face now was far different from the one that she wore when she started the contest. Coleman looked more like a cornered animal now, but not fearful --- fighting for survival. Matsuda pulled herself up using the ropes but Coleman charged and in a wild scene she hit a cross body of sorts that took both competitors over the top rope to the outside.

On the outside this match had deteriorated into an absolute brawl and that is exactly what Coleman wanted. The two were hitting each other back and forth with a variety of strikes but this was Coleman’s bread and butter -- she was getting the better of Matsuda. Coleman caught Matsuda with a huge European uppercut and then Coleman applied a ¾ face lock and drove Matsuda’s head into the announce table.

PETRIE: No! Leave our area alone! It’s too early in the night.

MEARS: I do not think that she cares. Grab your “soda”, we could be in trouble.

PETRIE: No! Fuck off you!

Now on top of the announce table, Coleman reached down and pulled Matsuda up there with her. Coleman hit a headbutt to the champion’s nose and then went for a belly to belly suplex but Matsuda blocked it and shoved Coleman back down to the floor. Coleman looked to get back up there and get after Matsuda but Matsuda leaped off of the announce table and hit a modified version of her Finale Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash).

Matsuda hefted Coleman back up into the ring and then sat Coleman on the top turnbuckle. Matsuda’s nose was slightly bloodied now from all of the shots and she simply wiped it away and smiled. Matsuda got up on the second rope and then the third. Matsuda called out that this one was over and she set Coleman up for a superplex but Coleman smashed her with a headbutt. Matsuda was seeing stars as she fell off the top rope and onto her back. Coleman then surprised everyone by coming off the top rope with a perfect shooting star press. Coleman hooked Matsuda’s leg and the champion found herself at the corner of Dream Street and Light Concussion Avenue.

1..

2..

..3!

CRYBABY: The winner of the second fall, Meg Coleman!

The referee backed Coleman away after he counted the fall and then went about checking on Matsuda. The champion was in a daze for sure and Coleman was hopping in place, trying to keep her blood up to try and get the final fall and the championship. Stephanie pushed the referee lightly aside and said she was fine as she got to her feet.

MEARS: This is a testament to just how quickly the tide can turn. Stephanie Matsuda is clearly having trouble getting up to her feet.

PETRIE: She’ll rise to the occasion. Just you watch. She’s a true champion.

Matsuda rushed Coleman and was quickly taken over with a judo throw. All the wind was taken out of Matsuda and Coleman hit the ropes, only to come back and come down on top of Matsuda with Coleman Roll (Rolling Thunder)! Stephanie was definitely having a hard time breathing now as Coleman hooked the leg for a cover.

1..

2..

..!

Somehow Matsuda kicked out but she was still gasping for air. Coleman went for a big stomp but Matsuda rolled out onto the apron. Matsuda stood and went for a springboard into the ring but Coleman caught her in a fireman’s carry. Matsuda struggled out, hit the ropes and then took Coleman down with another Last Surprise (Slingblade)! Instead of cover, Matsuda quickly transitioned into Blasian Sunrise (Tequila Sunrise) as she had Coleman in the center of the ring!

PETRIE: Told you, this is it!

Coleman scratched and crawled at the mat to try to get to the ropes but Matsuda had her in a great position. Coleman’s championship hopes were starting to fade away -- that was until she twisted her body and countered the hold into a crucifix pin! Matsuda was taken by surprise and the referee dropped into the count.

1..

2..

..!

Matsuda kicked out and the crowd could not believe it! Both competitors scrambled back up to their feet but Matsuda was quicker. Matsuda hit a toe kick to Coleman’s midsection and then planted her with the Special Delivery (Package Piledriver)! Coleman’s head was DRILLED into the mat and Matsuda looked quite pleased with herself. Instead of covering, Matsuda looked to the top rope.

PETRIE: I appreciate Meg Coleman’s tenacity and hopefully she takes some great lessons away from this contest.

MEARS: It isn’t over yet Bad Mood.

PETRIE: Yes...it is.

Cloud climbed to the top rope and it appeared that she was looking to go for the move that earned her first fall. Matsuda called out to the fans in Toronto and then leaped off for Cloud 9 (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press) but Coleman was playing possum and she moved out of the way. Both competitors were still down and everyone in The Citadel was on their feet.

Both challenger and champion started to stand, using each other to stay on their feet. Matsuda looked Coleman in the eyes and said “It’s not your time”. Matsuda threw a haymaker that Coleman ducked under, hit the ropes and then blasted Matsuda with a Superwoman Punch while screaming “Yes it is!”. Coleman connected perfectly and Matsuda crumbled into a heap on the mat. Coleman covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner...AND NEW...OATH Pro Wrestling Tabula Rasa Champion, Meg Coleman!

"Cold Blooded" by Zayde Wolfe cued up and Coleman was handed the TR Title. Her sister Cindy and their father both came rushing down the ramp and entered the ring. The three Colemans all embraced and The Citadel couldn’t help but cheer for this heartwarming moment. Meg held the title high, overcome with emotion. The trio left the ring and Matsuda all alone.

The Coleman’s disappeared behind the curtain and then suddenly there was a strong bass chord that kicked up as Cloud started to look around the arena, confused. Several fans were doing the same.

PETRIE: Alright, who the hell is coming out now?

MEARS: I don't know, but after that match Stephanie Matsuda has got to be disappointed but I know her and no matter her physical condition she is always prepared for a fight.

When it's cold, we bit the top of our zips

Pull it up with our teeth 'til it covers our lips

Exhale, central heating for the weather beaten

At that moment a man stepped through the entrance way dressed simply in a pair of blue jeans, black tactical-style wrestling boots, and a pair of black gloves at which point the crowd in The Citadel exploded with a mixture of cheers and a chant of “What the hell?”.

PETRIE: Is that...the fucking "Eliminator" Alex Pierce?! Where's he been this entire time?!

MEARS: I don't know, he hasn't been seen since a match against...

The cameras then cut to a shot of Stephanie Matsuda's face as she looked on in shock at the sight of this figure as Alex made his way to the ring as the music continued to play. Alex stepped over the top rope when he got to the ring at which point he looked right into the Blasian superstar’s eyes and then pointed at her.

PETRIE: What the hell, does he honestly think that he can just walk right back into OATH and get a match with a wrestler the calibre of Stephanie Matsuda?

MEARS: It seems like that is exactly what he thinks.

PIERCE: I owe you a bad turn.

Before Stephanie could react Alex simply walked backwards until he did a flip over the ropes and landed on his feet. At no point did Alex turn his back on Stephanie until he was far enough away from the ring. Alex turned away at the top of the ramp, disappearing behind the curtain as everyone was left beyond confused.

END OF PART ONE