LIVEWIRE 2 RESULTS

Episode 2

August 2nd, 2020

The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

DARK MATCHES:

• Jamie Emmerson def. Scribbles via pinfall after the Thessalian Crescent. • Mancini Syndicate def. Ultramega UK after the Code of Silence.

SINGLES MATCH Astaroth vs. Matt Shields

The first match of the night saw “The Hellhound” Matt Shields take on Astaroth. Shields was in his usual surly state and that did not bode well for Astaroth. The contest started and Shields immediately slaughtered Astaroth with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline).

VALERIE: It appears that Mr. Shields is quite upset about not being positioned higher on the card. I understand, he does deserve better. He should not be here facing an urchin like Astaroth. O'NEIL: And yet he is. Perhaps it isn't that he is not capable of fighting at a higher level. Perhaps it's his shitty attitude.

The luchadore tried to rally back but Shields hit him with alternating European uppercuts and forearms smashes. After a half dozen of each, Shields took one step back and then attempted murder with a high knee that nearly sent Astaroth’s masked head into the second row.

VALERIE: Joy! What a strike from Mr. Shields.

Astaroth didn’t even know where he was when Shields disoriented and punished him with a swinging neckbreaker. Having had enough of this bullshit, Shields collected Astaroth and put him down with Hellhound's Bite (Gory Neckbreaker). Shields barely covered as the referee counted to three.

Winner: Matt Shields

Backstage at The Citadel, El Diablo Blanco could be seen intently watching a monitor. Connected to a monitor is a VCR playing a tape of last week’s Conviction where he challenged for the Tabula Rasa Championship against Josie Wales but ultimately came up short. Why he was watching this on a VHS when the footage is available via streaming we have no idea but, then again, there’s a lot we don’t understand about the psyche of El Diablo Blanco.

EL DIABLO: It’s sloppy, Brother. What are you doing? You spent all week working on those holds and you can’t even slap on a simple sleeper hold? That’s wrestling 101, Brother. Ah, who am I kidding. I was out of my element. I shouldn’t have even lasted more than 30 seconds against the submission powerhouse. Instead, it was the strength of the Diablo Nation that carried me through. When one door closes, though, a window opens. At least, that’s what I’ve been told since elementary school. El D’s got himself a chance at another championship. LIVEWIRE is hosting a Wildcard Series and the D Man himself is partaking in the festivities to see just who will become the first ever OATH Livewire Champion. Well, I may still be greener than freshly fertilized grass that’s yet to have dog remnants on it but I’ve got the heart of a champion. Here is my chance to stand up for the everyday average Joe, or Josephine, in order to prove that we have a place in this world too. But first, we got ourselves a bit of a bully on our hands. And we all know we don’t like bullies.

El Diablo Blanco ejected one tape and placed another VHS into the VCR. This time, it was footage from LIVEWIRE 1 of Aaron Kincade taking on Scribbles.

EL DIABLO: I mean look at this. Scribbles is a feisty young man out there just trying to prove himself. Reminds me of a young El D out there wrestling in the backyards. He’s just trying to make a name for himself. Meanwhile, Mr. Kincade is attempting to belittle the man and treat him as though he is of lesser class. I can’t diggit, Brother. No, this type of behavior is unacceptable. Tonight, I have the chance to stand up for the little guy. Not the physical attributes of young Scribbles but more so the proverbial little guy standing up to their oppressors. Mr. Kincade, I’m taking you on tonight in the first match of the Wildcard Series. It’s a chance that I normally can’t look past to begin with but you’ve gone and added another element to our contention, Brother. No, this isn’t just a means to garner points in the Wildcard Series. This is to stand up to oppression and show that bullies like you are about to receive your day of reckoning. I, too, was pushed around. I was looked down on. Told I couldn’t hang. Then again, look at me. I’m 5’10” 230 some odd pounds of glorious dad bod. But, again, I’ve got the heart of a champion. I’ll be seeing you real soon and there’s nothing you can do but Diggit!

A production assistant could be seen in the background watching El Diablo Blanco talking to himself the whole time.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Um, El D? Are you talking to someone? Or is it just the monitor? Because you know no one else can hear you, right?

EL DIABLO: I’m monologuing, Brother. Trying to set the tone, get the Nation jacked and ready because El Diablo is ready to run wild all over Mr. Kincade’s ass, Brother. Now, what are you going to do when El D is Feeling Froggy all over you?

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Um, your match is coming up next.

EL DIABLO: So it is written, so it shall come to pass. I’m on it.

El Diablo Blanco pressed pause on the VCR and pounced out of his seat and out of view as we went to the ring.

WILDCARD TOURNAMENT: QUARTER FINALS SINGLES MATCH El Diablo Blanco vs. Aaron Kincade

To the surprise of everyone El Diablo Blanco came out swinging in this contest. The leader of Diablo Nation was not a fan of the way that Aaron Kincade bullied Scribbles last week. El D darted at Kincade right off the opening bell and hit him with a shoulder block. VALERIE: What does Mr. Blanco propose to do when he is met with the challenge of. true competitors? He can not think that his experience in backyards can hope to take him to the finals of the Wildcard Series. O'NEIL: I think he possesses more intangible qualities that could help him succeed. VALERIE: Money from a taco endorsement? Hardly. Kincade tried to get back to his feet and when he did, Diablo took him down with an arm drag. Kincade once again tried to get back up and go on the offensive but El D took him over with a second arm drag. The crowd was really behind El D now and Kincade was getting frustrated. Kincade tried to come at El D one more time but El D was ready with another arm drag, however, Kincade stopped it with a kick to Blanco's midsection. VALERIE: That is the result of traditional training. Mr. Kincade has shown us that he has far more skill that a man such as Mr. Blanco.

Kincade slapped El D in the face and that drew the ire of the collective audience in The Citadel. El D responded with a knee to Kincade's midsection and then an effective jumping piledriver. Kincade was rocked, so much so that he crawled the ropes and pulled himself up, looking as if he was going to leave. O'NEIL: It seems that Kincade has no answer for El D's offence! He wants to leave! VALERIE: Mr. Kincade is simply regrouping. El D approached Kincade and was met with a low blow attempt from his opponent. El D caught Kincade's boot, pulled him in and planted him with a spinebuster. El D had Kincade in the center of the ring and much to the delight of the fans in attendance hit proceeded to hit the Backyard Elbow (People's Elbow) and covered for a three count.

Winner: El Diablo Blanco The Diablo Nation rejoiced as El D had his hand raised and his point was proven. He would not stand idly by and let bullies run around OATH without consequence.

SHIELDS: Hey baby kiss the goat!

On the roof of the citadel a camera has caught sight of Matt Shields as he wass dancing around to the sound of Ghosts’ "Kiss The Go-Goat".

SHIELDS: OOOOO, kiss kiss kiss the go-goat.

As he danced, he carried a bright red can in his right hand, spreading around its liquid contents on the roof. As the song reached its chorus, he set the can down, then turned to the camera.

SHIELDS: Satan, Lucifer, Osculum obscenum.

He smirked with that line and began laughing.

SHIELDS: This is a song about giving Satan a rimjob. It seemed fitting since there’s about nineteen people in this company that are only fit to lick my asshole, and they’d probably do a shitty job at that. Except for maybe that FM Young chick, she looks like she has experience in that department.

After that Shields walked right to the edge of the roof, but the cameraman stayed back. Shields looked over at him and stomped his foot as he grabbed at his hair, screaming.

SHIELDS: GET YOUR FUCKING ASS OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!

The cameraman rushed over and Shields grabbed the front of it, yanking him right towards the edge and pointed the camera down to show several wicker effigies of people. One looked like Scribbles, then there was Annie Lapalm, another looked like Astaroth, there was an Oscar Barlow, an Erik Holland, and one of May O’Neil.

SHIELDS: You see these, camera bitch? These are all the little fuckers that have wronged me since I’ve been here. The idiots who thought they deserved to share a ring with me, the dumb fuck who sentenced me to B show hell, the motherfucker who has the spot in the Event Horizon Series that should be mine. Great fucking job of wasting the opportunity you stole from me by the way. Fucking disgraceful! Then, the commentary bitch. You think I don’t go back and watch the show? You think you can say whatever you want about me?

Shields started pacing back and forth, then stopped and pulled out a lighter. He started flicking his thumb across it, getting a little spark and then nothing.

SHIELDS: I’ve gone out and demolished my opponents, I left some tryout bitch a broken heap and still I am stuck on this God forsaken bullshit show. To top it off, I was left out of the Wildcard Series. Now, I don’t really give two fucks about the belt, but I win the tournament, which I could easily do, I get ten defenses, another easy defeat, and then they can’t fucking deny me a match for MY World Title. That’s right, I said MY title. The second I step into a company, that is the gold that belongs to me. Everyone that has it between that moment and the time I win it, is simply keeping it warm for me. See folks, I have this very special sixth sense. I can’t talk to dead people, but I can talk to titles. I can speak to the gold, and it’s the World titles that always speak to me the loudest. They cry out to me for salvation and safety. That belt that Reo Ojima is currently holding, she’s okay with him, but she’s longing for me. At night when Ojima collapses into a drunken heap and she’s recklessly tossed into a chair, she whimpers in sadness because she isn’t lying in my arms. These people, they don’t want me to rescue that beautiful precious golden baby. These people want to see me fail. These people have conspired to keep me away from my treasure. These people are causing the suffering of that gorgeous innocent golden gift. So fuck these people.

Shields flicked the lighter, sparking the flame, then tossed it behind him, lighting the trail of gas that went in two directions, one towards the effigies, sparking the gasoline doused wood into a blaze as the other trail lights up a jagged looking shield on the roof as he stood there enjoying the destruction.

WILDCARD SERIES: QUARTER FINALS SINGLES MATCH Qiyanna Marshal vs. Kallie Reznik

The second quarter final contest was up next with "The Blackhawk" Qiyanna Marshal taking on "The Butterfly of the Aurora" Kallie Reznik. There was a show of respect between the two to start the contest as they shook hands. How lovely. VALERIE: Neither of these two possess the killer instinct to win this Wildcard Series. O'NEIL: That is what you glean from a simple handshake. VALERIE: Correct. The momentary show of respect ceased when Reznik threw an elbow at Marshal that nearly sent Marshal over the top rope. Marshal used her proximity to the ropes to shoot herself at Reznik and blast her with a spear. Marshal covered for a one and a half count. O'NEIL: Qiyanna Marshal has come to win here today. She has had a few opportunities here in OATH but she has yet to really deliver. The Wildcard Tournament is her proving ground. After a stomp to Reznik's stomach, Marshal stood Reznik up only to put her back on the mat with a reverse neckbreaker. Marshal covered again but Reznik again kikced out before a two count could be reached. Reznik kipped up but a split second on her feet and she ate a lightning quick superkick from Marshal. VALERIE: Sit back down Ms. Reznik. Reznik was back up rather quickly but she was on her heels, seeking the corner as salvation. Reznik then tried to throw a superkick of her own but Marshal caught her boot, spun her around and planted her with Black Fire (Double Underhook DDT) for the pinfall and the victory.

Winner: Qiyanna Marshal

We cut back to the announce desk where Vince Valerie was shaking his head and May O’Neil was laughing a little.

O’NEIL: Okay folks, we have this footage and it’s supposedly security camera footage, but it’s at floor level and there is very clear picture and sound, so I don’t know

VALERIE: Obviously we were meant to see this. He wanted to remind us about his mutually sustained dislike, and his insane plan where he has to win four hundred and eighty three matches in a row.

O’NEIL: It is not that many matches. Look, here is supposed security camera footage of Minoru Tanahashi and FM Young’s pet Capybara, apparently raiding the OATH production room.

We cut to the video where we saw Minoru Tanahashi in a bright blue pair of pants and matching vest with a cream colored shirt under it and tortoise shell sunglasses with pink lenses. He definitely was not dressed for stealth as he walked over the main control board. Volta looked at Tanhashi and mad a loud honking noise as he ran into his leg. Minoru looked down at him and shook his head.

TANHASHI: I told you we are here doing a public service as well as helping the company. That piece of shit Zeke Davis is in the opening promo like three times and that is four times too many.

Volta turned his head and honked at Tanahashi again.

TANAHASHI: Really, my math is off? I’m the guy who calculated that I need exactly twenty eight wins to take this tournament, become the Livewire champion, defend it ten times to earn myself a World title shot, then another 7 and another 5 to have title shots for all the other singles titles..

Volta honked again, turned around and looked back up at him.

TANAHASHI: Yes I know it’s a bit of a crazy plan and will be harder than anything I’ve ever done. I know that my very first match is gonna be a total bitch. They put me up against a nine foot tall fucker that can do nine hundred and seventy splashes or some shit like that. I could have just stayed on Conviction, probably got myself another Tabula Rasa title match, maybe an Intrepid match, but that’s not history making. Being the first ever Livewire Champion, defending it twenty times and then going on to win the Tabula Rasa, Intrepid and World Titles in back to back to back matches, now that sounds like a Minoru Moment.

Volta went up to Tanahashi and purred as he rubbed against his leg. Tanahashi bent down to pet him, giving him a little scratch behind the ear.

TANAHASHI: I know you’re rooting for me buddy, and thanks for helping me with this tonight.

Volta stepped back, looked around, then stamped his foot and honked at him again.

TANAHASHI: What do you mean where are the snacks? I brought the tools, you were supposed to bring the snacks.

Volta reached down and picks up a bag of tools in his tiny hands.

TANAHASHI: Well what about the camera guy? Kenny did you--

Volta nudged him and wagged his head.

TANAHASHI: Right right, there’s no camera guy, what we’re doing, while ethically and morally right, could technically be considered a crime and kids, you should never commit a crime.

Tanahashi winked at the camera and freeze frames as Volta honks at him again.

TANAHASHI: Fine, I can’t figure this out anyway. I guess the piece of shit can stay in the video. Let’s go raid Pillar and Post, get me some booze and you some popcorn.

Volta does a happy little dance at the mention of popcorn and they start to head out as Volta honks at him again.

TANAHASHI: Yes I know Jenk… damn that name is hard to pronounce. I know AJ isn’t actually 9 feet tall buddy. I was using hyperbole to accentuate how dangerous he is.

Volta gave another honk and Tanahashi started laughing.

TANAHASHI: Yes I know that he is bigger and stronger, thanks for reminding me. I bet you ate the snacks before we even got here. Although that’s probably my fault for trusting the hungry hungry capybara with the snacks.

Volta gave an annoyed sounding honk and Tanahashi laughed again.

TANAHASHI: Okay buddy, I forgot the snacks. Now after the popcorn, you wanna go somewhere special? They said you could come in if you take some pictures with the ladies and be on your very best behavior.

Volta looked up at him and dide two little jumps before performing his happy dance. Tanahashi smiled and laughed as they made their way to Pillar and Post.

TAG TEAM MATCH Cosa Nostra vs. The Runaways

A trend developed in this match. Last week Switchblxde and Michael Sharpe showed no quarter against Ultramega UK and it was no different this week as they took on the Italian delegation, Silvio Aprile and Tony Satriale. After getting chewed out by Viola Mancini last week, Cosa Nostra looked very determined to prove their worth to her.

VALERIE: I truly believe that Cosa Nostra can turn their careers around with a victory today. They are quite the formidable unit, they just need one big success to set them on their way to the Tag Team Titles O'NEIL: The Runaways are vipers. They are quick to strike and quick to kill. This will be an uphill battle for Cosa Nostra.

The contest began with Michael and Aprile. Aprile went for a lock-up but Michael slipped through and took Aprile over with a snap German suplex. Following a tag to Switchblxde, The Runaways hit a combination wheel barrow/cutter with the greatest of ease! Michael flipped off Satriale and then spit at the Cosa Nostra corner, which pissed Satriale right off.

VALERIE: What a vile creature!

Switchblxde mounted Aprile and started beating the absolute piss out of him. Aprile tried to cover up but Switchblxde was far more competent as a striker. Switchblxde hit Aprile with a headbutt that busted Aprile open. Switchblxde then moved to tag in his partner. As Satriale watched on helplessly, The Runaways drilled Aprile into the mat with a double brainbuster.

VALERIE: It seems that Mr. Aprile was just "whacked". O'NEIL: Please don't try to speak like them. VALERIE: Just trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator of our viewing audience.

Satriale had enough at this point. He entered the ring and charged at The Runaways but both Michael and Switchblxde sidestepped him and then the two Sharpes sent Satriale sailing over the top rope to the floor. Satriale landed with a thud. The Runaways then gathered up Aprile and dropped him with Slay Away (The Heart Attack). Michael covered.

Winners: The Runaways

After the match it wasn’t The Runaways’ music that cued up but "Fast Life" by Kool G Rap & Nas. Out came Viola Mancini and Janica Jayden, the Mancini Syndicate. The duo sauntered to the ring, passing by Satriale. He got up and looked to apologize to Mancini but was slapped in the face. VALERIE: It seems that Cosa Nostra has displeased the...godmother? O'NEIL: I don't know that that is what she calls herself.

The Syndicate entered the ring and the Sharpes looked ready for a fight. Mancini and Jayden approached them but then turned their attention to Aprile who was getting to his feet. The two pounced, grabbing their “associate” and swiftly hit him with Code of Silence (Snapshot), which seemed to confuse the Sharpes. Mancini and Jayden then just glanced at the Sharpes before they took their leave.

The interview area of The Citadel was dressed in the Livewire colors and the insignia animation looped on a large screen behind the head of new OATH Interviewer Kendrick Bingham. Beside him was a woman known as "Hands of Steel". BINGHAM: Ladies and gentlemen I am standing here with Megan Coleman who tonight has a very important match tonight on Livewire. For the chance to become the first ever Livewire Champ begins tonight. Now do you prefer Meg or Megan?

COLEMAN: It’s always been Meg when I go out to the cage or well now a ring.

BINGHAM: Alright Meg it is then. Thanks for taking a moment to speak with me.

COLEMAN: Yeah you got it.

BINGHAM: You seem to be laser focused right now what’s going through that head of yours?

COLEMAN: Winning Kendrick and enjoying it.

BINGHAM: So are you picturing the win before it happens in that head of yours then?

COLEMAN: I mean I can obviously but unlike my opponent I do not need to live in make believe no no I live in reality.

BINGHAM: And, if I may ask what is your version of reality?

Meg gave Bingham a serious look which caused him to take a few steps away from her. Meg then looked toward the camera and smiled

COLEMAN: My version is the only version Kendrick. But, to answer your question the reality is I am new to OATH and I understand I am new to wrestling in general, however, I am not new to fighting. You see no matter what some of the negative people in this company say about me I am the real deal, the whole package and I am here to be the best at this.

BINGHAM: Well naturally there has been talk about you being just another mixed martial artist that won’t last long in the world of wrestling.

COLEMAN: Yeah, of course there has been that talk but I am not just another mixed martial artist. You see I went to wrestling school for six months. I worked the small local shows to pay some dues and learn this craft as much as I could. I didn’t have to do any of that for I had contract offers the moment I even mentioned coming to wrestling. But, I am glad I did as I learned a love for this business on another level by doing those things and anyone who doubts that can step up.

BINGHAM: Well tonight you face Mary Mallon who is a bit on the odd side but in the ring can be very unpredictable and even dangerous.

Meg took a minute before responding as she looked into the camera. She could hear the crowd out at ringside a good amount of them were chanting Coleman….Coleman...Coleman! She smiled and gives a wink after hearing that.

BINGHAM: They do seem to love you here tonight.

COLEMAN: And, I love them right back because those fans are what helps drive me even more when I am inside that ring. Now I get it Mallon is very unique I could say and sure might try to consume me as she put it earlier in the week. However there is one tiny little problem with that plan…

BINGHAM: And, what is the problem?

COLEMAN: She is in the ring with me a lethal weapon. Not only do I have the mixed martial arts working for me but I am actually one hell of a mat wrestler to boot. I just honestly gotta say that out in that ring tonight Mallon is going to get beat. Either it's by tap out for the submission or knock out for the pinfall, it does not matter. All that matters is that I Meg Coleman get the win and continue on in the chase for that Livewire Championship.

BINGHAM: Speaking of that championship the field is pretty deep if you get past Mallon tonight what do you think?

COLEMAN: If? How about more than likely? Yeah that sounds better to me to there Kendrick. But, as far as the rest of the field there is some really good talent even people I have come to respect here in OATH in such a short time. But, whomever is next then they get knocked out or tapped out because I want and plan to be the first Livewire Champion.

BINGHAM: Well there you have it folks words from a very game Meg Coleman who seems very ready for her match tonight and beyond.

With that said Bingham thanked Meg for the interview and she nodded at him, then walked out of the scene slamming her right fist into her left hand.

WILDCARD SERIES: QUARTER FINALS

SINGLES MATCH

Meg Coleman vs. Mary Mallon

The third Wildcard Series Quarter Final match was up next as Meg "Hands of Steel" Coleman took on "Rat" Mary Mallon. These two had really been going at each other on Twitter in the week leading up to this contest. Some may have even called it excessive. Regardless, there was definitely some bad blood boiling as both competitors stood in the middle of the ring. VALERIE: This is a contest that I have been very interested in all week. These two were going at each other back-and-forth all week. I think that this has the potential to be an all time great battle. O'NEIL: Both of these competitors are extremely hungry. Rat may even try to take a chunk out of Coleman! Mallon made some biting gestures to Coleman and in return "Hands of Steel" just shot daggers across the ring. The bell rang and Mallon did what she is often want to do, she came hot out of the gate and charged at Coleman. O'NEIL: Rat loves to start matches quick and fierce but Coleman is charging to meet her in the middle of the ring! Coleman darted forward too and she met Mallon in the middle of the ring with a Superwoman punch! Mallon dropped immediately and Coleman moved to pounce on her but the referee covered Mallon with his own body. Mallon was knocked out cold! The referee had to call for the bell.

Winner: Meg Coleman "Cold Blooded" by Zayde Wolf cued up and Coleman had her hand raised. She was moving on to the Semi-Finals after making a serious statement in only a few short seconds! Formidable!

We were met with a pitch black screen and utter silence. After a moment, the silence was broken by the soft jingling of a tambourine; the steady rhythm that was soon joined by the beating of a drum. As the drums continued, we heard the strike of a match and a flame appeared in the darkness.

The flame slowly started to move around in a circle and, one by one, candles were lit at the wick at five different points. As the candles’ glow spread, they’re revealed to be at the five points of a pentagram drawn in white chalk on the floor. As the glow of the flames spread, a soft voice could be heard beginning to recite words. A quiet chant that repeated itself over and over. It was now bright enough to see a young woman holding the match. Everything we could see about her was black and white.

Pale, porcelain skin clad in a black flowing gown. A black vale of hair shrouded her features with a crown of black roses upon her head. While the match burnt out, she lifted one of the candles and proceeded to light incense sticks, propped up in little incense holders. Once all of the sticks were burning, she sets the candle back in its original point. The circle was complete now and the young woman, viewed from above, knelt down calmly in the center of the circle and placed her hands together. She continues her chant, getting loud enough - though still a whisper - that her words could be deciphered somewhat clearly.

GIRL: ...can....want...deserve...thrive…. ...can....want...deserve...thrive…. ...can....want...deserve...thrive…. ...can....want...deserve...thrive….

The drum and tambourine rhythm grew louder as the girl continued praying. The camera slowly shifted, beginning to move down in front of her until she was seen clearly enough in the dim candlelight that some may recognize her as wrestling rookie, Jamie Emmerson, otherwise known as the Black Metal Witch. As the camera got lower, closer, her praying got louder until she was speaking loud enough at a somewhat normal tone while the smoke from the incense rose all around her. Her eyes were closed and her expression said enough that she was at peace. Calm. She continued her prayer.

EMMERSON: I can...I want...I deserve to thrive. I can...I want...I deserve to thrive. I can...I want...I deserve to thrive. I can...I want...I deserve to thrive. I can...I want...I deserve to thrive! I can...I want...I deserve to thrive! I can...I want...I deserve to thrive! I can...I want...I deserve to thrive!

Jamie’s praying continued, her tone growing louder with more conviction behind her words with each repetition. As she continued, the camera slowly panned in on the young girl’s face until she almost filled the frame entirely. Suddenly, just as soon as she stopped chanting, her eyes snapped open and she stared eerily right back at the viewers. Smoke plumed slowly around and in front of her face as her lips slowly curled into a peaceful yet still, oddly not so sweet smile.

EMMERSON: OATH. I will thrive.

The smoke from the incense gradually yet quickly became so thick that it filled the screen and obscured her face. It was the last thing we saw before the shot simply just faded to black…

WILDCARD SERIES: QUARTER FINALS

SINGLES MATCH

Meg Coleman vs. Mary Mallon

The main event saw OATH rookie “The Sinner” AJ Jenkynx take on ring veteran “The Black Lion” Minoru Tanahashi to see who would get the final place in the Wildcard Series Semi-Finals. That chatter was plentiful between the two leading up to their contest this evening and The Citadel was abuzz with discussion about who would be able to make it on to the second round.

VALERIE: Minoru Tanahashi wants to be the face of Livewire. It is his intention to become the first Livewire Champion and use the stipulations attached to the championship to their fullest extent. In my opinion it is FAR too ambitious.

O’NEIL: He will most definitely have the support of the fans on this journey. They love this little weirdo.

VALERIE: That is offensive.

O’NEIL: Shut up.

Tanahashi had been vocal about his “28 Match Plan”. He made it clear that it was his goal to win the three matches to claim the Livewire Title and then defend it twenty five times in a row to receive an opportunity to challenge for all three of the other OATH singles championships, including the World Title. Jenkynx promised that he would not make it past the first match. What a party pooper.

O’NEIL: Here we go! The final semi-final spot is up for grabs in our Livewire Main Event!

Both dudes were in the ring and the referee called for the bell. The men met in the center of the ring and it was surprising to see that they were relatively the same size. It seems that Jenkynx looked much bigger against his previous slew of opponents. They jaw jacked for a moment, insulting one another presumably -- we couldn’t really hear what they were saying. The first thing that was truly audible was when Tanahashi absolutely tattooed Jenkynx with a knife edged chop.

VALERIE: My word! Did you hear that O’Neil?

O’NEIL: Of course I did. You would have to be deaf to not hear it.

VALERIE: Again my friend...that is deeply offensive.

O’NEIL: You really are the worst.

Jenkynx tried to simply absorb the first chop but it definitely left its mark, so Tanahashi followed up with a second knife edged chop, then a third, then a forth. Jenkynx was forced to put some space between himself in Tanahashi but this only served as an opportunity for Tanahashi to gain some speed and run down Jenkynx down with a running European uppercut.

“The Sinner” was rocked to shit, taking refuge in a corner. Tanahashi taunted Jenkynx and this saw Jenkynx push off the second turnbuckle with his boot and rush Tanahashi only for “The Black Lion” to humble him with a giant palm strike to the face. Jenkynx dropped to the mat and Tanahashi dove into an opportune cover but Jenkynx proved his worth by kicking out at one!

VALERIE: Mr. Jenkyx kicked out at one!

O’NEIL: Is it pronounced Jenkins?

VALERIE: I do not believe so. It is my understanding that he made up this surname. I believe it is pronounced JENK-INKS.

O’NEIL: Weird.

VALERIE: Too true.

Knowing that he had to stay on the hungry rookie, Tanahashi brought Jenkynx up off the mat and then hit a thigh press into his midsection. Tanahashi yelled out something to the fans in The Citadel that got a pop and then he went for a snap suplex but Jenkynx hooked his leg around Tanahashi’s to stop it. Jenkynx then planted his feet and took Tanahashi over with a suplex and tossed him for good measure! Point taken Mr. Sinister!

Pretty pleased with himself, Jenkynx took a moment to talk some shit to fans in the front row but the wily veteran Tanahashi saw this as his opportunity. Tanahashi nailed Jenkynx with a chop block and then hit him with a tornado ddt but Tanahashi had it so he landed on the apron and it guillotined Jenkyx over the top rope!

O’NEIL: Innovative move from The Black Lion. The Citadel is loving it.

VALERIE: Even I will admit that Mr. Tanahashi has a unique style of offense but we are still waiting to see Mr. Jenkynx show us something.

Tanahashi held onto Jenkynx’s head to keep him close and then shot his own shoulder between the top and middle rope to double Jenkynx over. Tanahashi vaulted over the top rope, back into the ring, and hit Jenkynx with a slingshot DDT! “The Black Lion” made the cover and counting along with the referee but it was not meant to be as Jenkynx kicked out at two. An audible sigh from most fans in The Citadel.

Trying to end it early, Tanahashi ascended to the top rope. Tanahashi yet again called out to his fans and then and came off looking for a hurricanranna but Jenkynx caught him! Tanahashi looked terrified as Jenkynx took a short jog and tossed Tanahashi over the top rope with a powerbomb to the outside! Tanahashi landed with a thud and there was a chorus of gasps in the arena.

VALERIE: My word! I do believe that I hjeard some of Mr. Tanahashi’s ribs break!

O’NEIL: There is no way you heard that.

VALERIE: I have never worn earbuds. My hearing is impeccable.

“The Sinner” was fucking finished with Tanahashi’s bullshit. Jenkynx slid out of the ring and grabbed Tanahashi, whipping him back first into the guard rail. Tanahashi staggered forward like he was experiencing some sort of spiritual awakening but the fact is that just hurt like fuck. Tanahashi staggered right into Wicked Sins (End of Heartache).

Tanahashi was in big fucking trouble as Jenkynx got this dead weight in human form up and onto the apron. Tanahashi rolled into the ring but his back was messed up, he couldn’t stand at that moment. Jenkynx decided that it was time for him to climb to the top rope. The fans were ready and Jenkynx came off with an impressive 630 splash...that missed.

VALERIE: I did not hear his ribs break. He should be fine.

“The Black Lion” was able to move out of the way and that miss definitely hurt Jenkynx. Tanahashi knew that he had to make a big move here and he did. Jenkynx was up to his feet for a brief moment before Tanahashi railroaded him with Akihabara Dreams (Yakuza Kick) and covered for a near fall.

The camera closed in on Jenkynx and his eyes let all of you motherfuckers know that he was fired up. Jenkynx stood, a small amount of blood trickling from the corner of his mount. Tanahashi tried to rush him again but “The Sinner” was lightning quick, cracking Tanahashi with a spinning heel kick. Jenkynx then stepped off the second rope, up to the third and came down on Tanahashi with a coffin drop. Jenkynx covered but Tanahashi was able to kick out at two.

O’NEIL: That was a cruiserweight kind of move from a man who is 6’3”. Impressive.

VALERIE: Jenkynx is a special athlete.

O’NEIL: In the way that you are special?

VALERIE: I do not know that he has impeccable taste like I do.

Tanahashi’s back was not doing well at all. He was definitely hurting and Jenkynx knew it but instead of going for the kill Jenkynx played to the crowd, mocking Tanahashi. Regardless, Jenkynx had all the momentum and gestured for Tanahashi to get up. Tanahashi did so, albeit gingerly. Jenkynx then charged right at “The Black Lion” but ran right into an STO that Tanahashi swiftly transitioned into Highball Hangover (Koji Clutch)! Jenkynx could not get toward the ropes nor could he break the hold. He had to submit.

Winner: Minoru Tanahashi

"Heat Seeker" by DREAMERS feat. grandson cued up and Tanahashi had released the hold. “The Black Lion” got to his feet and had his hand raised. Tanahashi held up one finger to the camera. Tanahashi then dropped to a knee, holding his lower back.

VALERIE: Mr. Tanahashi got the victory but how severe is this injury?

O’NEIL: He can’t stand up straight so I would say that it’s...not great.

As the referee spoke with Tanahashi, asking him if he was alright, but the conversation abruptly ended when Jenkynx came from behind and blasted Tanahashi with a forearm smash. Tanahashi staggered forward and fell through the ropes onto the apron.

VALERIE: Interesting decision here from Jenkynx. Let us see what he does…

O’NEIL: He is being a fucking baby. That’s what he is doing.

Jenkynx stalked Tanahashi and joined him on the apron. Tanahashi stood but his back was making it difficult for him. Jenkynx grabbed Tanahashi by the chin and then dropped Tanahashi hard onto the ring apron with a modified uranage. Tanahashi let out in pain, laying on the ringside mats as Livewire went off the air.

Results: • Jamie Emmerson def. Scribbles

• Mancini Syndicate def. Ultramega UK • Matt Shields def. Astaroth • El Diablo Blanco def. Aaron Kincade; advances to the Wildcard Semi-Finals

• Qiyanna Marshal def. Kallie Reznik; advances to the Wildcard Semi-Finals • The Runaways def. Cosa Nostra • Meg Coleman def. Mary Mallon; advances to the Wildcard Semi-Finals

• Minoru Tanahash def. AJ Jenkynx; advances to the Wildcard Semi-Finals