LIVEWIRE 20

Episode 20

February 17th, 2021

The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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“Something Good” by The Damned Things kicked up and we got the opening video package for Livewire that cycled through various action shots until we reached the final shot of Kasey Kash seated in an abandoned warehouse with the Livewire Championship in his lap. The jib camera scanned the audience before the shot faded to ringside with May O’Neil and Vince Valerie.

O’NEIL: Welcome wrestling fans to OATH Pro Wrestling Livewire! I am May O’Neil alongside a man who has an ABBA tattoo, “The Dandy Braggart” Vince Valerie!

VALERIE: That is something I will not apologize for. ABBA is fantastic.

O’NEIL: I don’t disagree! Six matches tonight Dandy, Livewire just keeps getting better and better.

VALERIE: It certainly does and I do not think that would be the case if the “Fallen Saint” AJ Jenkynx had won the Livewire Championship last week. Tonight he will look to try to get back into contention for that title when he takes on RC Lightlooker’s “Howitzer” Buck Boon.

O’NEIL: Following that we will get our first look at All Eyez On Us as a two person team when they face off against EMBLEM’s Midnight Special. Following that we’ll resolve the issue that started last week when Liz Karlson attacked Cassidy Kane with...beer.

VALERIE: Apparently that little incident has actually created an interesting opportunity for Ms. Karlson. But if we are discussing opportunities, tonight Tyler Expletive Matthews has a big opportunity. A victory over Matt Shields will be huge for Mr. Matthews.

O’NEIL: And a loss would see the Skeleton Key leave his possession. Someone that will be looking to maintain possession tonight is Kasey Kash as he aims to complete his fifth successful defence of the Livewire Championship but to do that he will have to turn back EMBLEM’s Benjamin Macbeth.

VALERIE: It is a night bursting with possibilities and I can not wait for us to begin. But before we get to our first match which will feature the new tandem of The Dominion taking on Ultramega UK...I am told that we have a message from our Livewire Champion.

O’NEIL: That is correct. I’m ready. Dandy is ready. So if you’re ready ramblers, let’s get ramblin’!

The scene started up in the locker room of The Citadel, we could see the backs of about twenty peoples’ heads and a podium was set up before them, and the “Resident Asshole”, Kasey Kash walked into frame.

KASH: Thank you all for joining me today. Now, this won’t be a normal speech from me, filled with me hurling insults at you like I normally would, this is me being genuine about shit for once. Each and every one of you here tonight has made me a better man. Each of you mean so much to me, even if I don’t show it all the time. You all… each and every one of you have made me the man I am today.

Kasey looked out over the audience gathered before him and smiled.

KASH: You all… you’re all so important to me… each and every one of you. More than those other cunts that OATH’s got signed. Those motherfuckers couldn’t hold a candle to you guys. They don’t mean fucking anything to me. Where as you guys… you all gave me pieces towards me becoming the most dominant Livewire Champion that OATH has ever seen. Better than Jamie Emmerson. Better than El Diablo Blanco. My name will go down in the history books! With all of your help, and with the Murk Squad by my fuckin side, we are gonna be unstoppable!

No applause from the crowd.

KASH: Now, I can understand why you all might be skeptical as to why I’m finally saying all this to you guys. It’s because before I wasn't giving you guys enough credit for everything I do. I was treating you all as after thoughts. I wasn’t listening to you guys, instead I was listening to the fans and what they wanted me to do. But now, with all of you lot with me, we can take over OATH like we know we can. I love you all. Now what we really need to focus on is our Livewire title and the people coming for it. We cannot afford to lose it at all. What we need is to keep this belt and get our Tabula Rasa title shot, especially if it’s against El D. Beat him for ANOTHER championship. Take another title from him. What we NEED right now is unity. Can you give that to me? Can you promise me the unity that I know you can give me?

Silence from the audience.

KASH: Thank you for being here today.

Kasey stepped back from the podium and clapped at the people before him. The camera panned to reveal that they weren’t actual people, but actually cardboard cutouts of Kasey in multiple different eras. Kash just smiled and slung the Livewire Title over his shoulder. He walked out of the locker room, turning off the lights.

TAG TEAM MATCH

The Dominion w/ Jason Tyrell vs. Ultramega UK

The first match of the evening did not last long, which was often the case with Ultramega UK matches. The Dominion were accompanied to the ring by Jason Tyrell and as soon as the bell rang he instructed his men to go to work.

O’NEIL: According to the interview that our colleague Scribbles did with Jason Tyrell, The Dominion has no problem starting at the bottom to earn their place as contenders for the Tag Team Championship.

VALERIE: Are you calling Ultramega UK the bottom of OATH’s tag team division.

O’NEIL: Well… I mean… they are much better at selling weed.

VALERIE: Ugh. A poor person’s indulgence.

Gabriel Marik started the match for The Dominion and faced off against Eddie Kobain of Ultramega UK. Kobain tried to grapple with Marik but got tossed overhead with a belly to back suplex that planted him right on the back of his head. The Marauder let Kobain made the tag and that usually isn’t a good thing for the opposing team. Kobain tagged in Kornell and Kornell leaped into the ring for a flying clothesline but Marik was able to evade it, get behind Kobain and plant him with Titan Theory (Rolling German Suplex)!

O’NEIL: Hey Kobain almost made contact there!

VALERIE: If only he was not such an awful wrestler.

Tyrell was applauding the newcomer, who tagged in his partner Alex Pierce while dragging Kornell’s body across the mat. Pierce got into the ring and seemed to have a renewed sense of purpose. What came next was the Roppongi Violence Party -- Marik held Kornell in the corner and Pierce blasted him with a mafia kick and then sent him right into a Tiger Driver ‘98 from Marik. Pierce hopped up to the top rope and came down onto Kornell with Hail To The King (Diving Elbow Drop). Marik was already up to another turnbuckle and he came crashing down on Kornell with Bombs Away (Diving Knee Drop)!

O’NEIL: Are we witnessing a murder right now?

VALERIE: We are witnesses. We may be deposed.

Kobain tried to fly into the ring to help his partner but was met with Legion's Charge (Discus Lariat [Gabe]/Spear [Alex]) from The Dominion. With Kobain out of the equation, The Dominion turned their attention back to Kornell and dropped him with Doctor Gonzo Special (Magic Killer). Pierce made the cover. 1..2..3!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners, Gabriel Marik & Alex Pierce, The Dominion!

"Overlord" by the Black Label Society played and Jason Tyrell entered the ring, clapping. The referee went to raise both Marik and Pierce’s hands but Tyrell shoved the zebra aside and did it himself. The Global Leaders in Violence had taken the first step on their path to proving that statement here in OATH.

“Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)” by Run The Jewels hit as the trio now known as the Murk Squad strutted out from the back, Kasey Kash holding onto his Livewire strap as Bert and Switchblxde sauntered to his side. They all got into the ring before Bert got a mic.

BERT: …

Suddenly Switch placed his hand over the mic, cutting Bert off. He tapped Bert on the shoulder as Bert gladly passed him mic, realizing that times had changed.

SWITCH: You talk too much Bert.

Bert shrugged innocently before Switch continued.

SWITCH: I’ve been pretty much silent during this whole Murk Squad invasion. I was used to letting Bert do the talking and while I was sitting back to kick some ass. But this is a different time. Bert is no longer my manager. He is my equal. You see, nobody ever treated Bert as an equal. Everyone always used him and abused him. I’ve always seen Bert as my brother, my equal. And now, with the Murk Squad formed Bert has his opportunity to show the world what he’s got. That he’s more than a mouthpiece. That he’s a goddamn fighter!

Switch nodded to Bert who smirked and nodded back.

SWITCH: This all started with a simple idea. I watched as the Sharpe Family rode the highest of highs in OATH. The Runaways took the straps and were at the top of the world, but then we lost and might as well have been exiled. The Sharpe Family is crooked. They only care about success and how fuckin’ far they can bend you to teach you how to be successful. I’m done being a puppet pulled by the strings of people who never even tasted gold. I’M DRIPPIN’ IN IT! Gold teeth, gold bars. All the while people like Jenna and Abigail look on with disgust while they drown in failure.

The crowd booed at Switch, the Sharpes being hometown heroes in Canada. Switch gave them the finger as he continued.

SWITCH: I tried to change Mikey, make him see the truth, but the stupid muthafucka’ just drowned his sorrows in the drugs and alcohol so we sent him packing to rehab where he’ll drown in AA meetings and talk to other people like him… losers in a loser club.

The boos grew heavier, but Switch just didn’t care.

SWITCH: Bert saw the truth and after tagging and hanging with Kasey I knew that he saw the truth too. So we formed a plan. And that plan came to fruition in front of your very eyes. The Runaways are DEAD! The Sharpe Dynasty is HISTORY! The Murk Squad is here and the Murk Squad is taking OVER!

As SWITCHBLXDE continued to talk, the opening guitar riff of “The Black” by Asking Alexandria blares throughout The Citadel. The crowd popped for this because it was anyone but the Murk Squad.

“The Keeper of the Skeleton Key” Tyler Fucking Matthews made his way out to the stage followed closely by J.T.M and Chance Williams, both wearing their light up Purge masks that pulsed to the beat of the song. All three men look at eachother, then at the key in Tyler’s hand, then at the ring and the Livewire Champion. Tyler, Chance, and J.T.M made their way to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and got right in the faces of the Murk Squad members; Tyler in Kasey’s, Chance in Bert’s and J.T.M in Switch’s. Tyler reached to his left and snatched the mic from Switch who just gave Tyler a death stare. It looked like it’s all about to go wrong. All six men were nose to nose screaming profanities at each other… and then they… hugged? Tyler smiled.

MATTHEWS: Surprise, surprise motherfuckers! You REALLY thought we were going to be the ones to fight the Murk Squad? The guys that look like we belong with the group? Nah y’all are trippin’! Me, and my boys All Eyez On Us are out here to put the whole fuckin’ locker room on notice, yo! We got the Skeleton Key, and now… now we’re officially joinin’ up with the Murk Squad!

J.T.M. took the mic from Tyler and looked directly into the camera.

J.T.M.: SO ALL OF YOU FUCKIN’ PUSSIES IN THE BACK BETTER BE LISTENING! THE MUTHAFUCKIN MURK SQUAD IS TAKING OVER THIS WHOLE FUCKIN’ SHOW! ON JAH!

Tyler pats his homie on the back and takes the microphone from J.

MATTHEWS: So this is, if the lads here don’t mind me sayin’, us officially declaring war on any motherfucker that wants to try and step to the Murk Squad… anyone that does has no fuckin’ chance. They shouldn’t even try to step to us. Now imma pass this fuckin mic back to Switch, cause we ain’t tryin’ to steal his spotlight... so here you go, Switch.

Tyler handed the mic back to Switch and the three got in line with the rest of the group.

SWITCH: Murder by numbers. Family by choice. MURK SQUAD FOREVER!

Switch dropped the mic and they all stood tall together before exiting the ring and moving to the back.

SINGLES MATCH

Buck Boon w/ RC Lightlooker vs. AJ Jenkynx

The second match of the evening saw the last challenger for the Livewire Championship, “Fallen Saint” AJ Jenkynx look to get back in the win column when he took on the mass of humanity known as “Howitzer” Buck Boon with RC Lightlooker by his side. Jenkynx came to the ring and was sporting a new look -- some complex purple and black winged face paint. He charged to the ring, removed his jacket and made his winged gesture with his hands to the audience, and they were receptive.

O’NEIL: The Citadel has really changed their tune regarding AJ Jenkynx since he has returned to Livewire.

VALERIE: I do not really understand why. He is still the same loser that he was during his initial run.

The contest started with Boon trying to run Jenkynx down but Jenkynx met him head on and smashed him with a running clothesline. Boon fell back into the ropes and was rocked -- Jenkynx saw an opportunity. The Fallen Saint took two steps across the ring and blasted Boon with a big boot that sent Howitzer over the top rope to the floor.

O’NEIL: AJ is looking focussed here tonight. He wants to get back into contention for that Livewire Championship.

VALERIE: So he can fail again?

O’NEIL: You don’t know that will be the case.

Outside the ring Lightlooker was trying to inspire his charge to get up but that proved difficult. The reason being that Jenkynx had armed himself with a chair and smashed it over Boon’s back. Lightlooker called for the referee to disqualify Jenkynx but obviously that wasn’t happening.

VALERIE: What is he doing?

O’NEIL: Whatever he wants, it seems.

Jenkynx rolled Boon into the ring and slid the chair in beside him. Jenkynx went to walk up the ring steps but Lightlooker grabbed him by the leg. After a brief struggle, Jenkynx kicked Lightlooker off and the carny was sent hard into the barricade.

The distraction gave Boon time to pick up the chair and when Jenkynx was through the ropes, Boon blasted him in the head with it! Jenkynx fell back into a corner and almost instantly he was bleeding from a cut above his left eye.

O’NEIL: The Fallen Saint has been busted open! That could turn the tide of this contest!

The Fallen Saint rubbed his wound with his hand and then looked down at the blood on his fingers. Jenkynx let out an animalistic roar and when Boon tried to engage him, Jenkynx peppered him with a plethora of boxing punches. Before long Boon was on the mat from a huge Broken Dreams (Tiger Driver). Jenkynx covered. 1..2..!

VALERIE: It appears to me that the sight of his own blood has only made Mr. Jenkynx angrier. Like some kind of incredible…

O’NEIL: Don’t say it.

VALERIE: Imbecile.

Boon kicked out and Lightlooker let out a labored “Woo!” as he tried to get his wind back on the outside. Jenkynx retrieved the steel chair and smashed Boon’s left arm with it. Not once, not twice, but thrice! Boon let out in agony and scrambled up to his feet but Jenkynx had him measured.

Howitzer tried to shake some feeling back into his arm but Jenkynx came out of nowhere with CHIDORI (Superman Punch). Boon took one stepped, his eyes staring off at nothing and then fell face down on the mat. Jenkynx pounced on him and applied The Saint’s Gates (Rings Of Saturn). Boon tried to hang on but he realized that there wasn’t shit he could do about this, Boon submitted.

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, “Fallen Saint” AJ Jenkynx!

“Demons And Monsters” played throughout The Citadel. In a scene that we were not used to quite yet, the fans were cheering for the Fallen Saint. The bloodied Jenkynx moved over to the ropes and gestured for a microphone as Boon rolled out of the ring.

JENKYNX: Kasey! Not only were you lucky last week but... you’re a bitch. You had to get Switch to come out and help you. I would’ve won the title if he wasn’t there to save it for you. But it is what it is. Just know soon that I’m coming for that Livewire Title... that is if you manage to win tonight. You and the Murk Squad are the Demons and Monsters of OATH and that means that I have to destroy you. I’m taking the throne soon. You will see.

VIGNETTE The scene started up outside of The Citadel, where we could see J.T.M. and Chance Williams, All Eyez On Us sat on milk crates across from one another… trading cards?

WILLIAMS: Yo J, I’ll one up you with that for this absolute stinker of a pair. I dunno why someone would put these two blonde bimbos on a trading card. Especially when they ain’t even that good, but it is what it is.

J.T.M.: See that’s good, homie. But you don’t have this one, do ya?

J.T.M. placed the card down in front of Williams.

J.T.M.: BOOM! Family Duo card, neither of them have won any matches worth anything, and I’m pretty sure one of them is injured now cause, well, because they are fuckin hazards to themselves.

WILLIAMS: Aight, aight I see you. How about THIS!

Chance threw down a card that we couldn’t see just yet.

WILLIAMS: BOOM!

J.T.M.: Daaaaaaamn! The Champion cards! Dude those are rare as fuck! How’d you score those?

WILLIAMS: The same way they got those titles, through some bullshit shenanigans.

J.T.M.: Riiight, riiight. Ain’t they the ones that paired themselves together cause they couldn't buy themselves a singles win?

WILLIAMS: You know it, homie.

J.T.M.: Well, aight. How about this one?

J would then throw the final card on the pile, and the camera finally panned down to show it’s a card of the two of them sitting on a pile of other tag teams in OATH.

WILLIAMS: Well they’re just the best tag team that OATH has to offer.

J.T.M.: Fuckin right they are. They’re the hottest rising team in OATH. We’re gonna go straight to the fuckin moon!

Chance picked up the card and showed it to the camera.

WILLIAMS: WE! We are the new ones to watch. Everyone else? Well…

J.T.M.: They’re about to go up in smoke…

J.T.M. pulled a lighter from his back pocket and set the card pile alight, the only card surviving being All Eyez On Us.

WILLIAMS: Cause we’re the next… big… thing.

J.T.M.: And guess what, pussies? We ain’t stoppin till we got the muthafuckin tag straps.

WILLIAMS: Cause ‘All Eyez On Us’ ain’t just a team name.

J.T.M.: It’s a muthafuckin mission statement.

And with that, they walked out of frame and the camera panned down to the burning pile of cards, before fading to black.

TAG TEAM MATCH

All Eyez On Us vs. Midnight Special

Our second tag team match of the evening was on deck as the brand new members of The Murk Squad, All Eyez On Us were set to take on EMBLEM members Midnight Special. The crowd was buzzing to see these two tag teams with something to prove go head to head.

J.T.M. started the match off against Josh Cherry, the two men exchanging some fast cruiserweight offense. Cherry tried for an arm wrench but J.T.M. planted his hand on the mat, did a front flip, and landed on his feet. J.T.M. drove a knee into Cherry’s midsection, sent him into the ropes and then met him with a diving crossbody.

O’NEIL: Some excellent quick offense from J.T.M. right there. How do you think joining The Murk Squad earlier tonight is going to impact the careers of AEOU Dandy?

VALERIE: Considering that The Murk Squad has been the dominant force on Livewire since this year began, I would say that they are on the fast track to the Tag Team Championship.

Chance Williams held out his hand and got the tag from his partner. Williams got Cherry up into rolling fireman's carry slam which was followed by a 450 splash by J.T.M. AND THEN followed by a moonsault by Williams! A little more bang for your… price of admission. Williams covered but Cherry was able to kick out.

Cherry reached out to his corner and was close but Williams knelt on his back. Williams reached into his trunks and pulled out one of the trading cards that we saw earlier. Williams held it up for the camera to see and it featured Midnight Special -- with their eyes crossed out. Williams tried to use the card to slice the skin between Cherry’s fingers but Cherry bucked him off and made the tag to Carbine.

VALERIE: Where do I get these trading cards? Some of them could be worth a pretty penny in a few years.

O’NEIL: Your Dogecoin investment didn’t work out eh Dandy?

VALERIE: It is a volatile market.

The Citadel cheered as Carbine entered the ring and absolutely dusted Williams with a running clothesline. J.T.M. tried to springboard into the ring but Carbine caught him with an inverted atomic drop, held him back up, and Cherry nailed J.T.M. with a springboard lariat. A classic Hart Attack! J.T.M. rolled out of the ring to safety on the apron and Williams was left all alone with Midnight Special.

O’NEIL: Midnight Special could be closing in on a victory! Carbine and Cherry whipped Williams into the ropes but J.T.M. was able to make a subtle blind tag. Midnight Special nailed Williams with Minutes To Midnight (Slingblade [Cherry] / Backside Spear [Carbine]) and Carbine made the cover. The referee wouldn’t count! Cherry protested but got hit with I WRITE SINS (Ripcord Discus Punch) from J.T.M.!

The Heavy Gun had realized what had happened but it was too late. Cherry was down on the canvas and J.T.M. hit Carbine with a low blow. Before long Carbine was hit with THNKS FR TH MMRS (Fatality) from AEOU and J.T.M. made the cover, using the ropes for added leverage which the referee did not see. 1..2..3!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners, J.T.M. & Chance Williams, All Eyez On Us!

"Hypnotize" by Biggie Smalls cued up as AEOU got their hands raised. The Citadel didn’t like the blatant trickery that these boys used but AEOU didn’t give a fuck! They were the winners and that all that mattered.

We enter on what appeared to be a pretty standard tap room at a brewing company. Some twenty-something hipster looking dude poured a frothy glass of pale ale, and looked to a pair of customers waiting at the counter.

HIPSTER BEERTENDER: Yeah, this is our newest DIPA. Called ‘Death Stranding.’ Probably my favorite thing we’ve got on tap, it’s named after that game that came out a few years back. You ever play it? Me neither, but the name just--

SLAM! The door to the taproom swung open. The beertender nearly shattered the glass, but caught it before the beer can frothed up too much. He passed it to the customer, who took a long sip from it while he walked down to the edge of the bar. Stumbling in was one Liz Karlson, piss and vinegar in her eyes as she adjusted her jacket over her shoulder.

HIPSTER BEERTENDER: Hey! Welcome to DTR. What can I get you--

Liz grabbed a hold of the scruff of the bartender’s shirt, slamming him nearly down into the bartop. She gritted her teeth as she got close to his face.

KARLSON: Get me the head of this fucking brewery. NOW!

The beertender, afraid of getting his ass beat by the five-foot-five stack of pulsating muscles, jetted. Liz followed him through the back of the store, ignoring glances from the customers as she grabbed a glass, opening a tap of pale ale and pouring herself a pint. She took a long sip from it, letting out a pleasured exhale as she walked into the back room. There was a bit of scuffling and voices speaking as she pushed around a corner, coming face to face with Diana Right, head of Dead To Rights, and the Hipster Beertender.

DIANA: I’ve got this one, Steve.

The beertender scuttled into the back of the brewery. Diana cleared her throat.

DIANA: I think I recognize you, but if you’re who I think you are, I’m not sure what you’re doing all the way over here. Don’t you have someone to go and wrestle over in OATH?

Liz took a long sip of the glass of pale ale, and then spoke.

KARLSON: Day off. Figured I’d go get a couple drinks, and make a bag while I’m doing it. You make good stuff. First beer I’ve had that’s made me actually spend money in fucking years. Big props to you.

DIANA: I’ll take that as a compliment, I guess--

KARLSON: But with that, let’s make a deal. I know you guys are making a killing every time I slam a beer on camera. Stone Cold did the same thing, and he made the shit light beer companies millions. I know ours aren’t quite the same, but I know I’ve had an impact. You’ve seen a bump in sales, haven’t you?

Diana narrowed her eyes at Karlson.

DIANA: I assure you, that isn’t all due to one girl who drinks a beer or two every time she’s on camera. If it was, we’d have to pay every single person who drank one of our beers in public, every single person who gets caught on camera at a sporting event, or a concert. You don’t increase our sales just by drinking for us, we pay for advertising with OATH.

Liz took a step closer.

KARLSON: Look, you stupid -- what’s your name, again?

DIANA: Diana Right. But some call me Divine Ri-

Liz laughed in her face, and cut her off.

KARLSON: I’m about to the the biggest fucking star on OATH Television. Soon enough, I’m gonna get a shot at some title, and I’m going to fucking win it, because that’s what I do. Now, I could go to the store and pick up a Miller Light jacket, or a fucking Coors Light jacket, or even a Bud Light jacket. I could even go for a PBR jacket. The point being, when I finally reach the mountain top, which I will, because I’m just that fucking good, I can be wearing your shit and slamming one of your beers, if we want to talk cheddar.

There was a stalemate between the two of them. And then, Diana sighed.

DIANA: Fine. We’ll pay you a pre-determined amount for a minimum of advertising spots in your appearances. We’ll also want you for advertising rights. What’s your asking price?

Liz smiled.

KARLSON: I’ll have my accountant talk money with y’all. But, I want a free case of the Pale Ale every week, and a custom ring jacket with the DTR logo. Denim. With some embroidered patches. Not all DTR shit either, I get to pick.

Liz held her hand out.

KARLSON: Deal?

Diana takes a moment.

DIANA: Deal.

Both women shook hands, and we faded to black.

SINGLES MATCH

Cassidy Kane vs. Liz Karlson

LAST WEEK... Karlson smashed Cassidy in the head with her can of beer and Cassidy instantly dropped amidst a fine mist of 6% pale ale. Karlson retrieved the full case of beer, lifted it overhead, and brought it down onto Cassidy’s midsection.

KARLSON: I feel a lot better now.

Karlson picked up the can of beer that she gave to Cassidy. She cracked it open and then emptied the contents onto Cassidy’s face. Releasing the last few drops Karlson dropped the can onto Cassidy’s forehead and then walked out of frame.

There were clearly some feelings in this match… most of them coming from Cassidy Kane. Both competitors were in the ring and as the footage played from last week Karlson seemed confused. Like she didn’t remember that she had done that… or at least wanted us to think that it had slipped her mind.

O’NEIL: Liz Karlson has apparently struck a deal with DTR. As if they haven’t been sponsoring OATH for the better part of a year.

VALERIE: Yes but instead of one advertisement per show, they are promoted every time Liz Karlson is on screen! Brilliant.

Kane rushed Karlson off the bell and evaded a straight right from her. Cassidy took Liz over with a hip toss and then hit the ropes, looking to come back with a leaping guillotine leg drop but Karlson moved out of the way.

Both competitors popped back up but Karlson was faster, she shot behind Cassidy and tossed her with a release German suplex. Cassidy got up on her knees but Karlson met her with a running knee to the face that nearly took Cassidy’s head off.

VALERIE: That sounded horrible.

O’NEIL: Some say that about you.

VALERIE: How dare!

The Brick Shithouse raised a finger to the referee, indicating that she needed a moment. Karlson called over to the timekeeper and an object was lobbed into the ring with a high arc. Karlson caught it and presented it to the camera.

KARLSON: Witch’s Brew, a beer that will haunt you.

Liz cracked open the can, took a long slug and then smashed Cassidy over the head with it. A cloud of pale ale misted onto the canvas and Liz gathered Cassidy up off the mat. Liz let out a belch and then planted Cassidy with APPLE -> TREE (Knee lift to the midsection, followed up with a nasty Spike Brainbuster).

Karlson clapped for herself but that brief second of self-appreciation gave Cassidy some time to roll out of the ring. Once Karlson noticed, she let out a sigh. Karlson exited the ring herself but Kane met her with a Tilt-A-Whirl DDT onto the floor!

O’NEIL: Cassidy Kane is turning this contest around!

VALERIE: For the moment at least.

The audience couldn’t help but get behind the feisty Cassidy Kane as she peeled Karlson off of the floor and slipped her back into the ring. Cassidy, with her beer soaked hair, climbed up onto the apron and then up to the top rope. Cassidy called out to her supporters and leaped from the top rope, coming down on Liz with Mystery Inc. (Diving Knees)! She hit it perfectly and covered. 1..2!

O’NEIL: A near fall for the spunky Cassidy Kane.

VALERIE: How is she spunky? She barely speaks. Hell, she barely even shows up.

O’NEIL: Perhaps that is because she is constantly being assaulted with alcohol.

VALERIE: Something Ben Petrie might enjoy.

The executives at DTR were likely unhappy because Cassidy Kane appeared as if she was about to close in on a victory. Cassidy lined Karlson up and then charged toward her. Cassidy pushed off the mat but Karlson was able to catch her and plant her with GET FUCKED! (Samoan Drop)! Kane landed with a CRUNCH!

Liz popped up and took a bow, before she made her way over to a corner. She allowed Cassidy to get up on one knee only because it was the ideal set up for 3xF (Scorpio Rising)! Kane was drilled with the kick and appeared to be out cold. Karlson pinned her anyway. 1..2..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, “The Brick Shithouse” Liz Karlson!

"Things Left To Say" by Mal Blum. kicked up and Liz got her hand raised. She gestured to the time keeper and a few more DTR Witch’s Brews were tossed into the ring. Liz cracked them open and poured them into her mouth, most if it missing and splashing onto the mat.

In the bowels of The Citadel, we found Matt Shields sitting on a simple black metal folding chair tapping his kendo stick on the ground. He was already in his gear, wrists and fists taped up, boots tied tight. He lifted the kendo stick, brought it to his shoulder and used his other hand to unzip the mouth section of his mask.

SHIELDS: Good, you made it and didn’t bring one of those annoying interviewers. I don’t need anyone asking why I attacked Tyler Matthews last week. I explained that to him as he was fading in and out of consciousness. I need that Skeleton Key that he is in possession of. That is my golden ticket. That is my way back to Blanche. That is how I rescue her from a man that I have already proven to be better than. That is how I rescue her from a life of being surrounded by creepy mediocre talent. That is how I make things right and win back her love. That is how I rescue Blanche.

He brought the kendo stick off his shoulder and placed the end on the ground, he rested his chin on the other end and there was a hint of a smirk underneath the mask.

SHIELDS: As I told you last week Tyler, the attack was not personal. Once I was robbed of the Number One Contendership, once was scarred by that vile bitch and that fat fuck bastard, that Skeleton Key became nothing more than the object I needed to make things right. You simply had the misfortune of being the person to hold it. That’s why I attacked you last week, that’s why I will beat you tonight. I am not going to let anything stand between me and my sweet golden girl. I win tonight, I cash in, and I rescue Blanche. That is the only path forward and the only acceptable outcome. It has become cliche for some people to tell an opponent they will have to kill them if they want to beat them, but that is your only path to victory. I will not stop trying to rescue her until I am dead and buried. She is the only thing that matters to me Tyler, and I will do everything it takes to take that Skeleton Key and get her back. There is no stopping me. What happened last week, what happens tonight, it’s a product of circumstance. Do not try and get revenge after I defeat you tonight. Stay here, enjoy the circus, and remember that none of this was about you.

Shields stood up, cracked his neck, his knuckles, and then started walking forward, dragging his kendo stick behind him as everything went black.

OATH SKELETON KEY

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE

Matt Shields vs. Tyler Matthews

LAST WEEK…

Shields set Matthews up and then blasted him with Frailty, leaving the Skeleton Key holder out on his feet in front of a laughing Matt Shields. Shields kept wrist control and used that to bring Matthews up onto the table and into position for Hellhound’s Bite. Shields dropped Matthews and rolled off clutching his back, hurting himself a bit in the process. Shields popped up to his feet, turned and stared down at Matthews, then turned to the camera.

SHIELDS: Give me what I fucking want Barlow. Skeleton Key match, next Livewire, no DQ, no count-outs, falls count anywhere, what do you say old buddy old pal?

Shields grabbed the camera and pulled it right up to his face, a little bit of his burned skin scarring over visible beneath the mask, along with that sinister smirk. He shoved the camera away and started storming off, not noticing that Tyler Matthews was flipping off while still laying in the wreckage of the broken table.

The next contest was of great importance. The Skeleton Key being one of the most highly valued assets in all of OATH, the power that it granted The Keeper could shape the company to their will. Matt Shields knew all of this, that’s why he sought out Tyler Matthews.

O’NEIL: Desperation on both sides here tonight. Matt Shields is nowhere near a World Championship match right now and Tyler Matthews has not given us even a hint of what he had planned for the Skeleton Key. Now he could lose it.

VALERIE: He should have used it immediately. He should have inserted himself into the World Championship Match at Brutalism when Reo Ojima was broken and beaten.

O’NEIL: Hindsight being 20/20.

Following what had happened earlier in the evening, Matthews was shown backstage wearing a Murk Squad t-shirt (available at all OATHShop locations and online!). Matthews had the key dangling from his neck by a chain but aside from that, he was completely alone. That would soon change as Shields seemingly materialized out of thin air, still wearing his mask to cover up the horrible burns that he had suffered at Brutalism.

A referee soon stood between the two men and a bell chimed somewhere in the arena. Shields pointed his kendo stick at Matthews and assured him that this was not personal but Matthews didn’t seem to give a shit. Shields rushed Matthews and tagged him in the side of the head with a kendo stick strike.

The new Murk Squad member was sent reeling sideways, he caught himself on a wall. Shields swung on him again with the kendo stick but Matthews was able to move out of the way. Matthews speared Shields to the concrete floor and then ripped the Skeleton Key off of its chain. Matthews attempted to drive the Key through the eyehole in Shields’ mask but Shields bucked him off. The Key fell from Matthews’ hand and the referee quickly picked it up.

VALERIE: Does that make the referee the Keeper Of The Key?

O’NEIL: In the interim I suppose it does.

VALERIE: Whomever is writing this show should remember that detail for a future storyline.

O’NEIL: What are you talking about? VALERIE: -clears throat- Nothing.

Having lost his kendo stick in the fray, Shields crawled to take hold of it but Matthews stomped on it and then kicked Shields in the ribs. Matthews nailed Shields with a rocket kick that sent The Hellhound right into the gorilla position.

Executive Director Price Bridges and his production team all scattered as Shields nearly wiped them all out with his careening body. Matthews walked into the area and lifted a flatscreen monitor off of the table. Matthews brought it down onto the back of Shields’ head, sending a spurt of sparks and glass into the air. Shields dropped and Matthews covered. 1..2! Shields kicked out and was quickly up to his feet, stumbling through the curtain out onto the stage.

VALERIE: Mr. Price was nearly taken out!

O’NEIL: Would anyone really notice? VALERIE: Mr. Barlow would, I’m sure!

Now out on the entrance ramp, we could see that Shields had shards of glass sticking out of the back of his neck. Matthews came through the curtain and attempted a bicycle kick but Shields caught him and planted him with an arm trap neckbreaker onto the ramp. Matthews rolled down the length of the ramp and came to rest at the bottom.

Shields composed himself and walked down the ramp, picking pieces of glass out of the back of his neck and tossing them into the crowd. Shields came down upon Matthews but got caught with Off With His Head (Discus Lariat)! Shields was levelled and Matthews put some distance between them to search under the ring.

Matthews pulled out two kendo sticks, he tossed one to Shields and kept hold of the other while entering the ring. Matthews sat in the middle of the ring and gestured for Shields to come meet him. We were unable to see an expression on Shields’ face because of the mask but you have to assume that he was happy to accept the challenge.

O’NEIL: Matt Shields is obsessed with “Rescuing Blanche”, which is his pet name for the World Championship.

VALERIE: I quite like that name. I once knew a French prostitute named Blanche.

O’NEIL: That’s why you’re always shipping off to Paris.

VALERIE: I go for the culture.

The Hellhound entered the ring, armed with a new kendo stick. Matthews puffed out his chest and gestured for Shields to do his worst. Shields obliged and smacked the kendo stick right into Matthews’ upper body. SMACK! It was a sound that echoed throughout The Citadel, many members of the audience wincing.

Perhaps Matthews thought that Shields would put himself out there to take a shot from the Keeper Of The Key but Matthews didn’t seem to understand how desperate Shields was. Shields did present himself for flogging but when Matthews wound up to shoot his shot, Shields CRACKED the kendo stick into the side of Matthews’ head.

VALERIE: What did Mr. Matthews think was going to happen there? O’NEIL: Perhaps he thought that they would get into a piss contest.

VALERIE: Instead he was pissed on.

The Keeper Of The Key took refuge in a corner but Shields approached and trapped his head under the middle turnbuckle. Shields then wrapped both of Matthews’ arms over the middle ropes on either side of the buckle. Shields took two steps back and then hit a shotgun dropkick to Matthews’ backside and it in turn drove his neck into the buckle.

VALERIE: Oh that was vile.

Matthews rolled out of the ring, trying to get some space to recover but Shields was possessed by his desire to claim the Key. Shields followed Matthews out to the floor with the kendo stick in hand but dropped it so that he could take Matthews down with a hammerlock suplex. Ever resilient, Matthews stood right back up but Shields put him down again with Frailty (Ripcord Elbow).

With Matthews down and out, Shields grabbed his kendo stick and used it to modify his Whispers of Azathoth (Arm Trapped Facelock)! Matthews was on the outside so there were no ring ropes to save him. He held out for as long as he could but the viciousness in which the hold was applied forced him to submit.

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and NEW Keeper Of The Skeleton Key, “The Knightmare King” Matt Shields!

"Faith" by Ghost cued up and the referee handed the Skeleton Key over to Shields. The fans weren’t fans of Matthews’ having it in his possession but they were even less enthused about it’s new Keeper. Shields held it up between his thumb and index finger, staring at it.

SHIELDS: I’m coming for you Blanche. I’m coming for you Blanche. I’m coming for you Blanche. I’m coming for you Blanche. I’m coming for you Blanche. I’m coming for you Blanche.

Back from commercial break and our eyes were on the announce desk with May O'Neil and "The Dandy Braggart" Vince Valerie.

O'NEIL: Earlier this week I had the opportunity to sit down with "The Canadian Wildcat" Jenna Sharpe to discuss her return to OATH after a nearly two month absence. Here is what Jenna had to say.

Cut to the VIP section of Pillar & Post. May O'Neil sat beside Jenna Sharpe on a black leather couch. Behind them was a large bay window and we could see a flurry of snow falling on Lake Ontario.

The Wildcat was in a short black dress, her blonde hair falling in soft waves to her shoulders. She was wearing impossibly high heeled over-the-knee boots, and she had one elbow resting on the back of the couch. If not for the window behind them, they might as well have been in Jenna's own living room, given how comfortable she looked.

O'NEIL: First of all Jenna, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak to me today.

SHARPE: Of course. I figured this would be a great way to answer some questions that I know I'm going to get from both fans and members of the roster, now that I'm set to return.

O'NEIL: Absolutely. I imagine that you have been getting a lot of questions about where you have been. We haven't seen you since you since Nightfall. So...where have you been?

SHARPE: I've been working, mostly in Valiant down in Los Angeles, and in Chasing Glory Wrestling, which is based in Edmonton. After the War Games match... I felt I needed to take some time away from OATH, and do some thinking about my position here in the company. So I asked for and was granted a hiatus.

O'NEIL: And now you are back on Livewire to join your cousin, Bert, and Kasey?

SHARPE: No, I'm not. That was one of the things I needed to examine during my time away. The boys are family to me, yes. But very early on, people began to associate me with their tactics. I was here first, but once they signed here it became all too easy for people to lump us all together, instead of looking at us as individuals. I won't let that happen again.

O'NEIL: You want to stand on your own, I can understand that. Your last match in OATH was a victory but you have not held a championship since losing the Tabula Rasa Title back in August of last year. Where do you plan on putting your focus?

SHARPE: Aside from establishing myself as an individual competitor, my focus right now is going to be on the Intrepid Championship. After all, my chosen Tabula Rasa stipulation was a fifteen-minute Broadway match. I'm confident that I can work well within the title's fifteen-minute time limit. And it's no secret that after holding the Intrepid Championship, many titleholders go on to challenge for the OATH World Championship - which would be the ultimate goal, one day.

O'NEIL: I have been told that because of the length of your absence, you will have to resume your journey to the top of OATH on Livewire. But if the Intrepid Championship is in your sights then you will need to start collecting some victories. Who would you like to face on your road to the Intrepid Title?

SHARPE: That's fine. I was Tabula Rasa Champion within my first five matches here. As for who I'd like to face? Give me anyone and everyone. The landscape of OATH has changed a lot in the last two months. Plenty of new faces to get into a ring with.

O'NEIL: One final question Jenna and I'll let you go. What if you found yourself in the position where you had to face a member of The Murk Squad?

For the first time, Jenna's calm and casual demeanor seemed rattled.

SHARPE: Depends on which one it is, May. I know I can tie Bert in a knot and leave him that way until I choose to untie him. Kasey would be a challenge from a physical perspective - his style is so much different from mine. Switchblade is the one who'll give me the biggest fight, though. We don't just know each other professionally, but personally. We grew up together. So he would be the most difficult. But if I end up in a position where I'm facing any of them, I'm not holding back, because I know they won't either. I'll be out there to win, just like every other match I go into.

O’NEIL: Thank you for your time Jenna and best of luck in your pursuit of the Intrepid Title.

SHARPE: Thanks, May. Once I win that title, how about we have another sit-down?

O’NEIL: It would be my pleasure!

• MAIN EVENT • OATH LIVEWIRE CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES MATCH

Benjamin Macbeth vs. Kasey Kash ©

Last Week… Before Macbeth could plant SWITCH, Livewire Champion Kasey Kash came bounding down the ramp. Kash was up on the apron and Macbeth released SWITCH so he could clobber Kash. Kash dropped off the apron before Macbeth could connect. The referee told Kash to leave but the champion refused. SWITCH hit Macbeth with a low blow, spun him around, and dropped him with The Nosejob (Double Knee Facebreaker)! SWITCH covered as Kasey cackled on the outside. 1..2..3!

Later…

Kash slipped through the ropes with his title but Jenkynx had hold of SWITCH. SWITCH broke Jenkynx’s grip but got blasted with CHIDORI (Superman Punch) from the Fallen Saint. Kash watched on and was about to go help SWITCH when Macbeth clobbered Kash from behind and planted him on the floor with Serious Moonlight (Lifting Single Underhook DDT)! The Murk Squad was laid out by Jenkynx and Macbeth as Livewire 19 went off the air.

It was time for the main event and the crowd maintained their enthusiasm. Hell, they were as hyped as they had been all night. “The Noble” Benjamin Macbeth made his entrance to the tune of “The Parable (Tomorrow Man Mix)” and if you aren’t familiar with that tune it is because it is custom.

The Livewire Champion, “The Resident Asshole” Kasey Kash was out next and he was sporting a Murk Squad t-shirt ala Tyler Matthews had in his match. Kash exuded supreme confidence as he reached the bottom of the ramp but that all fell away when Macbeth met him with a baseball slide!

O’NEIL: Benjamin Macbeth getting a measure of payback for what happened to him last week!

VALERIE: He did not get enough at the end of the show?

O’NEIL: Apparently not!

Macbeth exited the ring and gathered Kasey up. The champion tried to fight back but Macbeth laid into him with forearms that would cause any regular person to lose core memories. Luckily for Kasey, he is not a regular person and he was able to create some separation between himself and the challenger with a leaping knee strike to the chin.

The Noble was staggered but he quickly shook it off and was in pursuit of the champion. Macbeth grabbed him by the back of the head but Kasey turned and spit in Macbeth’s face. As The Nobel wiped the glob of spit from his face Kasey hit him with a Spinning Backfist and then transitioned into a Ripcord Kappo Kick.

O’NEIL: The champion gets the upper hand. You know that Kasey is desperate to win this match because if he does then he will be the first person to reach the first Livewire Championship milestone.

VALERIE: If he wins then he has a guaranteed shot at the Tabula Rasa Championship which is currently held by the main that he defeated for the Livewire Title, El Diablo Blanco.

O’NEIL: In short -- this is a very important contest.

Clearly displeased with Macbeth attacking him during his entrance, Kasey led Macbeth over to the announce table and smashed his face into the protective hood. Macbeth dropped to a knee and Kasey pulled the hood off of the announce table, exposing the monitors.

Perhaps inspired by his Murk Squad co-hort Tyler Matthews, Kasey lifted up a monitor and went to bring it down on the back of Macbeth’s head but was caught with a jab to the midsection. Macbeth applied a reverse waist lock and then took Kasey over with String Theory (Rolling German Suplex) onto the floor!

Macbeth spotted the announce table hood and picked it up. He leaned it on the ring apron and then pulled Kasey up to his feet. Macbeth patted Kasey on the cheek and then attempted to hip toss him through it but Kasey landed on his feet and sent Macbeth through it with a hip toss of his own!

VALERIE: The Noble was just hoisted by his own petard!

O’NEIL: Any opportunity to say that eh?

VALERIE: Correct.

The champion hoisted Macbeth up and rolled him into the ring. Kash was quickly up the ring steps and he was angry. Once both men were in the ring the referee finally called for the bell. A member of the ring crew collected the Livewire Title from the floor and went to hand it to the ref to hold up for all to see but the referee gestured that he shouldn’t bother. This thing was already in full swing. Kash went for a cover but Macbeth rolled onto his stomach.

Kash started stomping on Macbeth’s back, targeting the ribs that were likely in a lot of pain after going through the announce table hood. Macbeth let out in pain with each stomp and then Kasey peeled him off of the mat with a front chancery. Kash positioned Macbeth for Fuck You And All Your Friends (Ripcord Bicycle Knee) but Macbeth blocked it with his forearm!

O’NEIL: Look at Kasey’s face!

VALERIE: He can not believe it!

The Livewire Champion was stunned by Macbeth’s expert defense and that left him momentarily vulnerable. Macbeth proceeded to treat the champion to Toil & Trouble (Combo; Knee Kicks, Spinning Back Kick, Leaping Knee, Spinning Backfist)! Kash was flattened with that last strike and Macbeth covered. 1..2..!

With that kick out The Citadel was shocked -- they thought that they were about to see a brand new Livewire Champion. Macbeth seemed to think so too. He pulled out of his cover and measured Kasey, who started to prop himself up on one knee.

O’NEIL: Well would you look at this…

VALERIE: She is really earning that sponsorship money tonight.

O’NEIL: She may need another kind of sponsor if she keeps this up.

The fans became distracted as Liz Karlson came down to ringside clad in a Dead To Rights patched denim jacket, somewhat stumbling. Given the time between the end of her match and the start of this one, she had ample opportunity to down a sailor’s level of Witch’s Brew. As the action continued in the ring, Karlson trotted over to the timekeeper’s area.

In the ring, Macbeth measured Kash for From Parts Unknown (360 Buzzsaw Kick) but as he went for the kick, Kash ducked and rolled him up. Kash pulled on Macbeth’s tights for leverage and had him stacked up perfectly. 1..2..3!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and STILL OATH Pro Wrestling Livewire Champion, “The Resident Asshole” Kasey Kash!

"Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)” by Run The Jewels kicked up. The referee went to ask for the Livewire Title but the timekeeper didn’t have it. Liz Karlson did.

Karlson started to leave the ringside area, heading for the ramp. Kash spotted this and was quick to get out of the ring to pursue her. Once he caught up to her, he grabbed the dangling strap and that got Liz’s attention.

KASH: Fuck you doing cunt? This is mine!

KARLSON: ...can I have it?

KASH: NO! It’s MINE!

KARLSON: Uggghhh fine.

It looked like The Brick Shithouse was going to hand over the title but instead she drilled Kasey in the face with it! The Livewire Champion dropped and Liz lobbed the belt onto his prone body. She staggered away up the ramp as Livewire 20 came to a close.

---

Results: • The Dominion def. Ultramega UK

• AJ Jenkynx def. Buck Boon

• All Eyez On Us def. Midnight Special

• Liz Karlson def. Cassidy Kane

• Matt Shields def. Tyler Matthews; New Keeper Of The Skeleton Key

• Kasey Kash def. Benjamin Macbeth; Still Livewire Champion