RAPTURE 2020 RESULTS

July 12th, 2020 Toronto, Ontario

Jenna Sharpe def. Astaroth Sharpe made Astaroth submit to the Devil's Trap.

Mary Mallon def. Silvio Aprile Mallon made Aprile submit to the Fifth Plague.

Tyler War def. Tony Satriale

War pinned Satriale following Death Before Dishonour.

El Diablo Blanco def. Annie Lapalm Blanco pinned Lapalm following Feeling Froggy.

An establishing shot showed the outside of an arena in Toronto. It is not the same location that the last two months of OATH events have been emanating from. We were in the portlands of The Big Smoke and the summer air was permeated with the scent of Lake Ontario. Good and bad. Mostly good. This arena was once used by Elysium Pro Wrestling and during that time it was known as The Sanctum. But the new lettering on the arena read “The Citadel” in a bold, gold font.

Inside the arena pyrotechnics exploded all throughout the arena. The audience was raucous and they were ready for OATH’s latest iPay Per View, Rapture. The shot surveyed the “new” building, the space had clearly been recently renovated. A new stage, new guard rails, OATH banners hanging from the ceiling.

The ring apron sported the Rapture logo and the shot slid along the side of the ring before landing at the announce table where the voices of OATH sat. Matt Mears was dressed in a stylish paisley suit and a floral print button down shirt. Ben Petrie was seemingly dressed in whatever was laying on his bedroom floor this morning. His t-shirt looked like a KISS t-shirt from a tour that happened before most of our viewers were born but the graphic was beyond faded.

MEARS: Wrestling fans I am Matthew Mears alongside my broadcast colleague “Bad Mood” Ben Petrie and we are overjoyed to welcome you to OATH Rapture.

PETRIE: Fuck yeah it’s goin’ down baby. It’s going down in our brand new digs. Well...they are new to us. Kind of. We ran one show here in the past.

MEARS: That is factual. OATH is pleased to announce that we have taken over ownership of a compound that was formerly known as The Sanctum. With said purchase The Barlow Family has opted to rename this beautiful venue The Citadel.

PETRIE: Yeah motherfuckers because this is a fortress of combat. Tonight we are going to Christen our new digs with sweat, blood, and maybe some tears!

MEARS: Indeed we will. We have eight fantastic matches for you this evening. All four OATH championships are on the line and the entirety of the roster is here to make the world privy to their competitive brilliance.

PETRIE: Shit yeah. I may not like everyone on our roster but as a whole, it’s group of the best wrestlers on the fucking planet. We could run down the card but you marks know all about it. So why don’t we get to it?

MEARS: I could not agree more. Wrestling fans...let us begin.

The opening match of the show saw Baz Jacobi come to the ring accompanied by his weird little manager Shortcut. Ben Macbeth was out next and he stood at the top of the stage for a moment. “The Tomorrow Man” was then joined on stage with his EMBLEM cohorts, Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry.

MEARS: The word is that Baz Jacobi has linked up with Zeke Davis and Reo Ojima. It seems that Ben Macbeth caught wind of that and decided that during this affair, he would bring some backup of his own.

PETRIE: That’s fucking cowardly. Fight your own battles Benny!

MEARS: Are you serious?

PETRIE: Literally always.

Midnight Special took their place at ringside, both men staring a hole through Shortcut. Shortcut looked like he was suppressing the desire to piss himself out of fear. Can’t blame him, both Carbine and Cherry looked like they had murder on their respective minds.

In the ring the bell rang and Macbeth came out of the gate hot. Jacobi had no time to react as Macbeth tried to take his damn head off with a running forearm smash to the face. Jacobi fell back into a corner and Macbeth hammered him with a half dozen more forearm shots that completely rattled Jacobi.

MEARS: Ben Macbeth looks like he is fighting for his career here!

PETRIE: He is. Guy can’t win a big match to save his life!

Macbeth led Jacobin out of the corner and then hit him with a roaring forearm smash that staggered Jacobi, causing him to stumble across the ring like a drunk. Like more of a drunk than he is, that is. Macbeth vaulted over the top rope and landed on the apron. “The Tomorrow Man” measured Jacobin and then hit a springboard into the ring where he smashed Jacobi with a flying lariat.

Now was not the time for a pin. Macbeth wanted to inflict some DAMAGE on Reo Ojima’s newest friend. Jacobi had other ideas as he looked to quell Macbeth’s momentum with a big roundhouse kick but Macbeth blocked it and then cracked Jacobi in the jaw with a dragon whip.

MEARS: Baz can not seem to get any offense going here. Could this be a career rebirth for Ben?

PETRIE: If he can win. But that isn’t exactly the dude’s forte.

After getting his bell rung again Jacobi took refuge in a corner. When Macbeth advanced on him, Jacobi begged off, and stuck his torso through the ropes. That didn’t stop Macbeth but the referee was forced to intervene. The referee had his back to Jacobi when Jacobi reached over his shoulder and caught Macbeth with an eye rake.

PETRIE: Haha. Classic. I like this guy, man. He reminds me of...me!

MEARS: You’ve never been in a ring.

PETRIE: Yeah but I’ve won some fights through...questionable means.

MEARS: I can only imagine...

Macbeth tried to put some distance between himself and Jacobi when the latter rushed him and took him down with a chop block. Following a straight boot to the back of Macbeth’s head, Jacobi kept him grounded with a series of Garvin stomps. Jacobi then mounted Macbeth and fed him some shots to the face with spouting a series of colourful words in the process.

PETRIE: Can we edit that shit out?

MEARS: We’re live pal.

PETRIE: Oh fuck. Yeah, I forgot.

“The Tomorrow Man” was feeling the full effect of those shots when Jacobi sent Macbeth’s sailing over the top rope. Macbeth landed on the floor with a thud, right at Shortcut’s feet. In the ring Jacobi went about distracting the referee as Shortcut hit Macbeth with some very weak stomps. This prompted Carbine and Cherry to come around the corner of the ring with their sights set on the creepy, little, bastard.

PETRIE: Run you beautiful little freak! Just don’t...don’t come over here.

Jacobi was forced to look on with horror as Carbine and Cherry grabbed Shortcut. Shortcut tried to flee and the referee demanded that they let him go. Jacobi screamed at them also and didn’t see as Macbeth slipped back into the ring behind Jacobi. Macbeth tried to catch Jacobi by surprise but Jacobi caught him with a glancing elbow.

MEARS: Oh my that shot was intended to bust Ben open and it looks like it did the job.

The shot closed in on Macbeth and that elbow cut his forehead open real good. Jacobi saw this and a sadistic grin appeared on his face. Jacobi mounted Macbeth yet again and started to work that cut with some sharp right and left punches. The cut on Macbeth’s forehead opened even wider and blood started spilling out.

MEARS: The referee may need to think about stopping this one. Ben is bleeding quite a lot.

PETRIE: I knew we’d see blood tonight! I didn’t think it would be in the first fucking match! This is great shit. Love it.

It seemed that the feel of warm blood on his face woke something within Macbeth. He bucked Jacobi off and got into a mount of his own. Jacobi tried to cover up but the crimson mask adorned Macbeth started beating the absolute shit out of him. Shortcut had freed himself from Carbine and Cherry but all he could do was look on in terror as his friend got worked over.

MEARS: Ben is beating the soul out of Baz right now! Baz can not do anything to stop it!

PETRIE: Get up Baz! This guy is a maniac! He’ll kill you! You’re gonna get dead!

Macbeth let Jacobi get up and then gestured for Jacobi to “bring it”. Jacobi obliged and went for a high kick but Macbeth blocked it and then treated Jacobi to Toil & Trouble (Combo; Knee Kicks, Spinning Back Kick, Leaping Knee, Spinning Backfist). Jacobi got dropped and Macbeth covered.

MEARS: Is Baz out cold?

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Not yet! He really is a cockroach!

Macbeth was on the warpath at this point as he got Jacobi up to his feet and whipped him into the nearest corner. Macbeth charged in but that damn Jacobi got his boot up and caught Macbeth in the face. Macbeth turned and staggered to the middle of the ring where Jacobi executed the feared back rake. Jacobi then spun Macbeth around and planted him with an evenflow DDT. Jacobi covered.

PETRIE: Another loss for the scrub!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: No! Ben Macbeth will not stay down! Not here tonight at Rapture!

“The Tomorow Man” tried to rally back with a forearm smash but Jacobi evaded it and took Macbeth over with a half nelson suplex. Macbeth got right back up out of instinct and that’s when Jacobi tried for the Last Caress (Switch Roundhouse Kick) but Macbeth moved and Jacobi fell through the ropes. Jacobi landed with a thud on the outside.

PETRIE: Do something Shortcut!

As Midnight Special walked over to Jacobi, Shortcut laid on his friend in an effort to protect him. Shortcut shrieked in terror as Carbine and Cherry got closer. The duo easily lifted Shortcut off of Jacobi while the referee told them to cut it out. This distraction allowed Zeke Davis to come through the crowd and slide into the ring.

MEARS: Turn around ref! Turn around!

PETRIE: No don’t! Eyes forward you idiot!

Davis had something in his hand and he snuck up behind Macbeth and jabbed it into Macbeth’s side. Macbeth almost looked like he was having a seizure before he dropped to the canvas. Davis slipped out of the ring as Jacobi reentered. Jacobi pounced on Macbeth and nailed him with See Some Evil (Whale Hunt). Jacobi covered.

MEARS: That was a stun gun! Zeke just used a stun gun on Ben!

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Baz Jacobi

“Cadillac” cued up. Shortcut was still in the grasp of Midnight Special when Davis snuck up on them and used the stun gun on both of them in quick succession. Both Carbine and Cherry dropped, releasing Shortcut. Jacobi looked on with a smile.

MEARS: This was the plan all along! Goddamn you Zeke Davis.

PETRIE: Ojima’s crew is getting it DONE tonight and we’ve only just started! This is great shit, pal.

Jacobi took hold of Macbeth and sent him through the ropes, where Davis waited. Jacobi went to the outside, then he and Davis dragged Macbeth’s limp body up the ramp while Shortcut followed behind, skipping up the ramp.

MEARS: What the hell are they going to do…

PETRIE: Nothing that is gonna be good for Macbeth’s health!

Once up at the top of the stage, Davis and Jacobi dragged Macbeth to the very edge of the elevated stage. The two looked at one another with a smirk and then launched Macbeth off the stage with a double beale. Macbeth landed with a disgusting thud on the concrete. EMTs were quickly out to help Macbeth as he lay on the floor, covered in his own blood.

The lights slowly dimmed as "Heat Seeker" began to play. As the beat began, red and blue lights started flashing along to the beat. The song continued playing along as a large black lion appeared on the screen, charging forward. As it leaped, the lights went black. The screen then lit up and there was Minoru Tanahashi, once more in his opulent hotel room, this time dressed down in nothing but a pair of bright green athletic shorts and black sneakers. He grabs a small white towel and wrapped it around his neck.

TANAHASHI: Hello once again OATH faithful. I know you are enjoying Rapture and I probably am as well, sitting back and cheering on FM Young as I sip a bit of whiskey or maybe booing the hell out of Zeke Davis as I tell everyone what a piece of shit he is. Whatever has just happened before you see this video, I just wanted to remind you all that I will be back next week. Will I be there with the #NOWCup2020? I sure as hell hope so, but I won’t spoil anything for the people that aren’t caught up. This is just a video to remind you all that your mother's favorite wrestler is still going strong and will be back very soon, so you can tell your sister that her crush will be wrestling on Conviction Twenty Four. As you can see, I just got done with a very intense workout. I have kept in shape, been wrestling like crazy and when I come back, I can promise you that I will be focused on not only giving you the greatest most amazing matches you have ever witnessed, but wrapping gold around this beautiful waist of mine. Will it be the Tabula Rasa title, the Intrepid title, the World title? I don’t know yet. Hell I could find someone I really like, team up and go after the tag titles. Whatever path I take, I can assure you that the ride will be so much fun and filled with amazing moments. Now, if you will forgive me, after a great workout, it’s massage time.

He smirked at the camera, walked out of shot and then we saw his shoes kicked back, followed by his green shorts that land right on the camera as it faded to black.

Time for our first title match of the evening! Hooray! Once the referee had handed over the Tabula Rasa Championship, he called for the bell. Wales and Young met in the middle of the ring, neither saying a word. Both had been on a winning streak at this point, Wales with three consecutive victories and Young with six -- three of them being TR Title defences. The tension in the ring was palpable as the two competitors looked each other in the eye, neither flinching.

MEARS: This match could steal the show here tonight in Toronto.

PETRIE: Someone has to lose and have their streak broken tonight.

MEARS: Who do you see picking up the win Bad Mood?

PETRIE: I honestly don’t know.

There was a quick lock up to get going but Young shoved Wales backward in an effort to demonstrate her superior strength. Wales was not deterred but focussed, she took a step forward and locked up with Young again. Wales took Young over with an arm drag but Young got right back up and darted forward looking for a big boot. Wales swatted the attempt away and locked up yet again.

Wales tried to drive Young into the corner but the champion was far too powerful. Young planted her feet, pivoted and tossed Wales into the corner. Young then backed away with her arms outstretched, smiling. This was clearly an attempt to frustrate the challenger but Wales didn’t fall for it. She didn’t rush in. She took the moment to plan her next move carefully.

MEARS: You can see the thoughtfulness in Wales tonight. She knows that this is her opportunity to finally claim gold in OATH. This is her third championship match and she wants to capitalize.

PETRIE: Sure she has three wins behind her but Young has six! Young hasn’t lost in an OATH ring. Is Wales the one to beat her? I doubt it. Honestly.

MEARS: Fair to say I suppose.

Another lock up but this time Wales used her superior technical ability to slip behind Young and then push her hard into the corner. There in the corner Wales hit Young with some lightning quick jabs to each kidney. Young tried to turn and defend herself but Wales caught her with an elbow to the jaw that caused Young to spill through the ropes and land on the outside.

The referee began the twenty count but that was the last thing on Wales’ mind as she exited the ring. Wales advanced on Young but Young grabbed the waistband of her pants and yanked her toward the barricade. Wales face smashed into the cold, unforgiving steel and that put a momentary pause on her offensive campaign.

MEARS: This is not good for Josie Wales. This could see her lose the first fall and the first fall sets the tone for the rest of the contest.

Young was plenty pissed off at this point. The champion lifted Wales up and dropped her sternum first onto the guardrail as the fans cheered. Young decided to do it again, not because the fans liked it, but because she did. Young then bounced Wales’ face off the guard rail as the referee reached a count of fifteen. Wales was rocked and Young got back into the ring.

PETRIE: She’s gonna try to win a fall by count out! That’s no champion.

MEARS: I do not agree with the tactic but a fall is a fall...some could argue.

PETRIE: Sure it is but didn’t she spot some bullshit about making the title mean something? I mean if it were me I’d totally do it but that’s not the point!

The referee was at a count of seventeen when Young decided that she didn’t want to win a fall by count out. That was not the kind of champion that she wanted to be. Young quickly slid out of the ring, grabbed her dazed challenger and sent her back into the ring. Young looked torn about being able to score an easy fall but shook it off and reentered the ring.

MEARS: Good for you champ. If you’re going to win, do it properly.

Back in the ring Wales was back up to her feet but that didn’t last long as Young blasted her like a shotgun with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). Wales landed right on the back of her neck and ended up face down on the contest. Young made the first cover of the contest.

1..

2..!

PETRIE: Not yet! Wales took a beating outside but she is not staying down!

Wales kicked out and Young looked genuinely shocked. Perhaps “The Outlaw” has more fight in her than Young once thought. Young went to apply a headlock in an effort to wrestle Wales back down to the mat but Wales hit Young with some shots to the midsection and that loosened the champion’s grip. Wales then planted her feet and put Young down with an impressive scoop slam.

Wales tried to use Young’s tactic against her by keeping her grounded via a chin lock. Young was too powerful for that, she fought up to her feet and then slipped her right arm behind Wales and attempted a back suplex. Wales back flipped out of it, landing on the apron. Wales caught Young with a rope hanging high kick, slipped into the ring and in one fluid motion took Young over with a German suplex. Wales covered.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Wales nearly gets the first fall.

PETRIE: Someone has to get the first fall. This match could go on forever!

Trying not to get frustrated, Wales tried to handle Young but Young broke her grip. Wales responded with a beautiful bicycle kick that sent Young reeling back into the nearest corner. Young tried to come back at Wales but Wales got her up in a fireman’s carry and then dropped Young face first onto the top turnbuckle with a flapjack.

PETRIE: Now is the time Outlaw! Put her down!

Young was seeing stars and Wales saw her opportunity. Wales collected the champion and set her up for the Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver 3) but Young slipped out at the last second. Young dropped down to her back and rolled Wales up, applying near perfect leverage.

1..

2..

..3!

First Fall: FM Young

PETRIE: A roll up! You got put down by a roll up! This one is over. Wales has to win two straight falls to win the title.

MEARS: You are not wrong Bad Mood. Wales’ title aspirations are disintegrating.

The referee separated the two competitors and Wales looked completely shocked that she lost the fist fall. This match is extremely important for her and at this point she found herself in a do or die scenario. Not a great place to be. Young recovered in a corner, flashing a satisfied grin across the ring at the challenger.

The champion got up to her feet, just as Wales did. Once again Young stretched out her arms and challenged Wales to bring it. This time Wales could not contain herself, Wales charged and went for a spear but Young’s strength was too much. Young stood firm and smashed Wales in the spine with a double axe handle which dropped the challenger.

MEARS: Josie should not try to play the power game with FM.

PETRIE: Yeah no shit.

Young stood Wales up and then gave Wales a significant “fuck you” gesture by tossing the challenger across the ring with one hell of a beale. Wales landed with a thud and took refuge in the nearest corner. The camera closed in on Wales’ face and her expression of determination. Wales stood back up just in time to eat another Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline) from Young. Wales was turned inside out yet again and Young couldn’t look more confident.

PETRIE: I guess we’re going to see another Josie Wales failure. I don’t know why I thought anything else would happen.

MEARS: Things are not looking good for The Outlaw.

The champion saw that Wales was positioned perfectly for one of Young’s favourite weapons. Young took hold of adjacent ropes and then lifted herself up and went for the Negasonic Warhead (Starship Pain) but Wales moved at the last possible second. Young ate canvas and this was the opening that Wales desperately needed.

Young got to her feet and tried to rally back but Wales absolutely blasted her with a bicycle kick to the face that once again sent Young to the outside. Wasting no time Wales slipped under the bottom rope and grabbed Young. Wales sent Young sailing hard into the ring steps. Young hit it back first and Wales was instantly on top of her. The referee started his count and unintentionally counted along as Wales repeatedly smashed the back of Young’s head into the ring steps.

MEARS: Good God! Have we ever seen Josie this malicious?

PETRIE: No. But maybe this is what will get her to the title!

The count was at twelve when Wales backed up, then charged in and blasted Young with a knee to the face that sent the back of her head into the ring steps one more time. The referee was at a count of sixteen now, with Young down on the outside, her eyes glazed over. The count was at seventeen and Wales debated her next move. At nineteen, Wales took a deep breath and slipped into the ring. The referee reached a count of twenty.

Second Fall: Josie Wales

MEARS: She did it. It was a count out, but she scored a fall. I have to say that I am somewhat disappointed in Josie Wales.

PETRIE: I’m not! She needed to get a fall and she did. A fall is a fall. Wales was in a desperate place and she did what she needed to do to keep her title match alive.

The referee went to check on Young but Wales wasn’t having any of it. Wales slipped back out to the outside and smashed Young’s head into the ring steps a few more times. Wales then slid Young back into the ring and dropped some sharp elbows onto her head. Young tried to fight up but Wales kept her down with some big rights and lefts.

The referee called out to Young, asking if he should end the match but Young screamed “No!”. Wales was clearly displeased with this vocal show of defiance so Wales dragged Young up to a vertical base. Wales slapped Young in the face, kicked her in the midsection, and then nailed Young with the Sundance Neckbreaker (Overdrive). Wales covered.

PETRIE: This is it! Wales is going to finally do it!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not just yet! Young is not done yet, even if she is concussed!

PETRIE: Nothing funny about CTE.

MEARS: I did not allude to that at all.

Young kicked out and Wales could not believe it. With Young still on the mat, Wales was quick to apply a gator roll. Wales toured Young all over the mat with the gator roll and when she felt that Young was sufficiently disoriented, she got the champion up and took her over with an absolutely vile hammerlock suplex. Wales scrambled into a cover.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: The Tiger lives! Josie is enraged!

Incredible! Young kicked out and Wales pounded on the mat in frustration. Wales got Young up yet again and hit her with a series of disrespectful slaps to the face. These were a striker’s slaps so Young was rocked on her feet yet again. Wales then looked as if she was gonna go for another Sundance Neckbreaker but instead she did a cartwheel to find herself behind Young where she drove Young into the mat with a propelling back suplex. Wales moved Young away from the ropes and covered again.

PETRIE: This is it! The Outlaw reigns!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: No! What is it going to take? FM is a juggernaut!

Amazingly Young kicked out again. Wales was beside herself. Wales got to her feet and started stomping the shit out of Young. Every time Young tried to get up Wales hit her with another kick or stomp. The referee was down with Young, asking if she could continue. Young just shoved the referee away. Finally Wales stood, outstretched her arms and screamed “Come on!”.

PETRIE: Yes! Give her some of her own medicine Wales!

MEARS: Discretion is out the window. Josie wants to FIGHT!

PETRIE: Yeah I think she’s gonna fucking get one!

When the champion was back up to her feet, Wales charged at her but Young was playing possum. Young moved at the last second and pushed Wales from behind which sent Wales hard into the corner sternum first. The ol’ Hitman bump. Young stumbled a bit, still feeling the effects of Wales’ offense and this gave Wales the opening to hit another bicycle kick. Young dropped and Wales covered again.

1..!

PETRIE: Holy shit! ARE YOU KIDDING?

“The Tiger” kicked out at one! The crowd could not believe it! Young was not a fan favourite by the fans in The Citadel could not ignore her fighting spirit. Wales’ eyes were wide in disbelief. Wales tried to mount Young but the champion bucked her off. Wales charged in looking for another bicycle kick but Young moved.

In a desperate move Young tried for Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check) but Wales fought out. Young cracked Wales with a slap and then tried for Stand Alone Complex (Elevated Gutbuster) and hit it perfectly! Wales was down and Young made a cover.

1..

2..!

MEARS: No! Josie Wales is still alive in this Tabula Rasa Championship match. Are we witnessing the best TR Title match of all time Bad Mood?

PETRIE: I think it’s the best one so far! This is WILD!

Wales kicked out but the champion didn’t let that deter her. Young kept Wales grounded with a series of big stomps and then a big leaping knee drop to the domb. Young climbed up to the top rope and came off looking for the Battery Powered Bombshell (Shooting Star Senton) but Wales moved out of the way at the very last second.

PETRIE: This is it Wales! Finish this shit!

Young was definitely hurt from that miss and Wales was able to dive and take her down with a desperation chop block. Wales then looked to lock Young in Spirit of St. Louis (Havana Dreams) but Young slipped out and tried for Superchick (The Shiranui)! Wales shoved Young into the corner face first and the champion’s head bounced off the top turnbuckle.

MEARS: Josie is attacking the head yet again! The referee needs to think about stopping this match!

PETRIE: Hey may not have to…

Wales turned Young around in the corner and started smashing the back of Young’s head into the corner with absolute ferocity. Wales then pulled Young out of the corner and drilled her into the mat with her patented Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver 3)! Wales covered, nodding her head along with each of the referee’s counts.

PETRIE: It’s over! Josie Wales! Josie Wales!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: NO! YOUNG KICKED OUT! YOUNG KICKED OUT!

PETRIE: WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK IS IT GOING TO TAKE?

Wales could not believe it! Wales started pounding on the mat in frustration. The shot closed in to show that Young was out of it, acting out of instinct alone. Irate, Wales got Young up again and hit her with a second Rio Lobo Driver (Quackendriver 3). This time Wales jumped up to add some extra spice to the move and Young was planted. Wales covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: New OATH Tabula Rasa Champion, Josie Wales

“The Unforgiven” started playing and Josie Wales was handed the Tabula Rasa Championship. Wales almost couldn’t comprehend the victory but after a momentary consideration she claimed the title, stood, and held it high in the air.

The lights in the arena suddenly went out then returned to a dim red as chanting could be faintly heard in the arena. The screen lit up black and white, grainy and glitchy for a bit before a butterfly appeared fluttering its wings, flying around for a bit before landing on a few dying weeds. Two tiny hands reached out for it and it quickly flew away as the tiny hands dropped down in defeat.

UNKNOWN VOICE: All the pretty things go away and only the ugly ones remain. Sometimes they get forgotten and left to wither, but sometimes, you just need the right thing to bring them back.

A large tattooed hand reached out and crushed the butterfly, then tossed it’s crumpled remains to the ground.

UNKNOWN VOICE: And sometimes that’s destroying everything in sight.

The screen went black as the lights in the arena went out again. In the darkness, a white mask fell down onto the screen, before it was picked up by the same tattooed hand that crushed the butterfly. The mask was raised up by the man who had his tattooed back turned to the camera. He put the mask on, then put on a long purple leather coat with the words Knightmare King scrawled across the back. "Faith" by Ghost began playing. Gold lights began to flash to the beat of the song as smoke rose up from the ramp. As the first verse began, the man stepped out and looked at the crowd. He pointed a kendo stick down at the ring as several large bursts of fire shot up on either side of him. The man stalked down to the ring, carrying his kendo stick in his right hand, dragging it along the ramp behind him, with a balloon in his left hand. As he reached the bottom of the ramp, he let the balloon go, flying off into The Citadel rafters. He then went to the steps and slowly climbed them. He stopped as he got to the ring apron, went to the middle of the ropes, turned towards the crowd and pointed the kendo stick out at them before he wiped his feet and stepped inside. He went to the middle of the ring, hit the mat with the kendo stick and all the lights went out for a few seconds as the lyrics repeated.

I am all eyes

I am all ears

I am the wall

And I’m watching you fall

Because faith is mine!

As the bridge hit, the lights all came back on with an almost blinding burst as Matt Shields stood with his arms outstretched in the middle of the ring. He stood there as the music died out, then he slowly took his mask off, slid it onto his kendo stick by the strap and demanded a microphone. He yanked it from the hand of a crew member and went right back to the middle of the ring wearing a smirk.

SHIELDS: Hello OATH Pro Wrestling, you miserable bastards. If you do not know who I am, go fuck yourself for being stupid. If you do know who I am, you can still go fuck yourself. Matt Shields doesn’t give a damn about anyone in this place. The Knightmare King is here for one reason and one reason only. It is time to rebuild my kingdom. It is time to return to my throne. It is time to remind everyone that I am the best god damned wrestler on this planet, and this is the place to do it. There’s lions, tigers, gargoyles, outlaws, meth heads, douchebags, monsters, and hobos around here, but there is nobody like me. There is nobody who has mastered the art of the neckbreaker like I have. There is nobody with the submission skills I have. There is nobody with the sheer brutality that I bring to this ring. Oh sure, there’s people who think they’re brutal, violent, and sadistic, but until I see one of them wrap a chair around their opponents arm, drive a sledgehammer down on it and laugh as they scream in agony, I’m not impressed. Until I see them spill buckets of blood and smile in pure joy, I’m not impressed. The chance to impress me, it will start soon, but I don’t expect much from any of them. What I do expect and what you should all prepare for, is my rise up the rankings as I bring OATH to the promised land and give them a World Champion they can be proud of. Every single company I have stepped in to, I rose to the top and I will do so once again. Holland, Ojima, I don’t care which of them wins it tonight. Hell by the time I get there, it could be Black or Edwards or Locke or Tanahashi or Young with the title, it doesn’t make a difference to me. If I have to break every single member of this roster on my path to the gold, I will do so with a smile on my face.

He flashed a grin as he threw the mic down, then exited the ring to let the show continue.

The next contest saw Zeke Davis come to the ring flanked by Baz Jacobi, the man he assisted in defeating Ben Macbeth earlier in the evening. As the two came out onto the stage, Midnight Special appeared behind them! Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry attacked the two men but Davis escaped and ran to the ring. Jacobi was able to break free and run back through the curtain, with Midnight Special in hot pursuit!

MEARS: Midnight Special are enraged! They will not let what happened to Ben Macbeth happen again here tonight.

PETRIE: Kind of rude. Jacobi could have been out here just for moral support…

MEARS: I highly doubt that.

Davis was in the ring, hiding behind the referee as “The Blackhawk” Qiyanna Marshal came out and marched to the ring. Once inside Davis attacked her immediately. The referee called for the bell as Davis took Marshal down with a double leg takedown. Davis did his best to pummel Marshal but Marshal was able to escape.

MEARS: Is there any single thing that Davis won’t do to win a match?

Marshal got back up and Davis went to exit the ring but Marshal darted and grabbed him by the back of the head. Marshal smashed Davis’ head into the top turnbuckle a few times and then took him over with a back suplex.

PETRIE: Marshal is clearly pissed about what Davis had to say about her on Twitter. Calling her a fa---

MEARS: I do not believe that we need to repeat that filth.

PETRIE: ...but I want to.

“The Freak” tried to rally back but Marshal put him on the mat with a scoop slam. Marshal hit the ropes and went for a leaping elbow but the crafty Davis rolled out of the way. Davis’ pointed to his temple to indicate his intelligence. The fans thought otherwise with chants of “You’re a pussy!”.

PETRIE: These fans are disgusting.

MEARS: They are free to voice their opinions.

PETRIE: So is Zeke!

Davis waved off the fans’ jeers and he went for a running soccer kick but Marshal caught his foot, stood and hit him with a mean enziguiri. Davis was embarrassed and he tried to rectify the situation but standing right back up, looking for a lockup. Marshal took him over with a deep arm drag and then applied a standing arm bar.

PETRIE: Don’t tap out Zeke! Stand strong!

As “The Blackhawk” had the hold expertly applied, Davis scrambled to reach the bottom rope, which he did. Davis started screaming “BREAK THE FUCKING HOLD!” and the referee had to oblige. Marshal let go and Davis got back to his feet.

MEARS: He really is a child.

Marshal rushed in on Davis but he caught her with an eye poke that the referee did not see. Davis then dove and tried to roll Marshal up but Marshal rolled back and hit Davis with a basement dropkick to the face. Davis was ROCKED and Marshal covered.

PETRIE: NO ZEKE!

1..

2..!

“The Freak” was able to kick out, much to the displeasure of the audience. Marshal took a moment to consider her next move. Davis begged off and tried to kind of crab walk away but Marshal was on him. She went for a boot but the lil Freak grabbed her foot, stood up, and took her down with a dragon screw!

MEARS: Was that an actual wrestling hold from Davis?

PETRIE: Don’t act so fucking surprised Matty.

Davis started jumping around like he already won and this gave Marshal some time to recover. “The Blackhawk” got back up and grabbed Davis from behind but he spun around and poked her in the eye again. Like a dick. Davis then took her down with an inside cradle and the referee made the count.

PETRIE: This is it!

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Not quite! It will take more than that to keep The Blackhawk down.

Marshal kicked out and Davis started screaming profanity. So unprofessional. Marshal took that momentary distraction to line Davis up. Davis turned right into a brutal spear from Marshal. Davis was nearly cut in half. Kinda glad it was only nearly because that would have been crazy messy.

Davis’ ribs were right fucked up after that one. He tried to stand up but was doubled over and Marshal took advantage, hitting him with Black Fire (Double Underhook DDT). Marshal covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: Qiyanna Marshal

“Calling” cued up and Marshal got her hand raised. Davis lay on the mat, his eyes having rolled back in his head...kinda. Marshal stared out into the crowd, back to her winning ways.

The scene cut to a scene backstage from earlier in the day as we found OATH President Oscar R. Barlow in his office behind his desk. Barlow was busy as he scrolled down the screen on his computer while having a conversation with someone on the phone.

Suddenly, the door burst open and in walked Reo Ojima, Baz Jacobi, and Zeke Davis. Barlow stood and protested the interruption but he soon quieted as the phone was slapped out of hand and the computer was pushed off the table. Jacobi and Davis stood on either side of Barlow as Ojima slowly sat on the other end of the table. Ojima wasn’t amused as he looked at Oscar and addressed him in a low tone.

OJIMA: Oscar Barlow! I’ve been looking for you. Sit down and let’s talk like two men, huh?

Davis and Jacobi pushed Barlow down onto the chair and watched over him as Ojima continued his conversation.

OJIMA: I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while but you never call back and I’m always one step behind while trying to find you. So I want you to sit right there and listen to the words that are coming out of my mouth.

Seeing a cigar box on the table, Ojima pulled one out and lit it up. A few puffs of smoke later and Ojima was back to talking to Barlow.

OJIMA: I’ve been in the wrestling business for a very long time now. Longer than you or anyone else on the roster. So imagine me, an old fart who has worked hard to get where he’s at today, hearing the owner of a wrestling company say that I don’t deserve anything that I want. It annoyed me knowing that my sacrifice didn’t mean anything to you or the rest of the higher ups and that I was just another wrestler to you.

Barlow tried to say something but Ojima slammed his fist into the desk and raised his voice as he pointed a finger at Barlow.

OJIMA: SHUT UP AND LISTEN! When I beat Erik I want you in that ring to hand me the title. I want you to look me in the eye when you hand that title to me and then I want you to get on your hands and knees like the egg sucking dog that you are and I want you to apologize to me, in front of the OATH Universe, about the way that you’ve treated a legend like me and finally show me the respect that I’ve earned. And if you don’t and decide to leave this arena after this conversation, my boys and I will make your life a living hell and burn this company to the ground. So be smart for the first time in your life and listen to your elder.

Standing up, Reo slowly makes his way around the table and bends down to look Oscar in the face.

OJIMA: An Oni has possessed OATH, Oscar. Enjoy the nightmares from this day forward.

Motioning to Davis and Jacobi, the three men made their way out of the room leaving Barlow alone and worried.

The next contest saw the tag team debut of newcomer Caleb Abendroth and Terra Mason as The Umbra Knights. This match was originally scheduled with Mason having Eli Hix as her partner but Hix was injured by The Hell Realm last week on Conviction.

MEARS: Terra Mason is looking for revenge here tonight but I do not know what kind of shape she is in after her match with Monstruo last week.

PETRIE: Rough. I’m going to guess that she is in ROUGH shape.

The Umbra Knights made their entrance and were instant fan favourites. The Hell Realm...less so. The Tag Team Champions, Adrestia Nyx and Ryan Terror made their way to the ring followed by their heavy, Monstruo. Just as THR reached the ring, both Abendroth and Mason dove through the ropes with tandem suicide dives, taking the champions down.

PETRIE: Uncalled for! That’s a disqualification.

MEARS: Even if the match had started, which it has not, it would not be.

PETRIE: Unnecessary roughness. Five minutes in the box!

MEARS: The heck are you talking about Bad Mood.

Monstruo looked to get involved but The Knights slid back into the ring and awaited the champions. Terror and Nyx composed themselves and both actually looked happy that The Knights chose to go this route. Both Terror and Nyx ascended the ring steps and entered the ring. Monstruo tried to get up on the apron but the referee immediately ejected him. If Terror and Nyx were mad about that, they didn’t show it. THR handed over their Tag Team Titles to the referee and the match began.

PETRIE: Why did he eject the simpleton?

MEARS: Would you say that to Monstruo’s face?

PETRIE: He doesn’t have one.

Nyx started for THR and Mason started for The Knights. Mason walked right up to Nyx in a “you ain’t shit” kinda way and Nyx just smiled. Nyx went for a forearm shiver but Mason wasn’t having it. Mason grabbed Ny’x wrist and sent her into the ropes with an irish whip. Or at least, she tried. Nyx reversed it and it was Mason who took a jog across the ring.

On Mason’s return she slid through Nyx’s legs, got out in front of her, and took Nyx over with a snapmare. Mason was quick to hit a dropkick to the back of Nyx’s head. And then hit a standing moonsault for good measure. Terror showed very little emotion while on the apron, having faith in his championship partner.

MEARS: Hell Realm have been dominated as a team. They are cold. They are calculated.

PETRIE: They should wear sweaters.

MEARS: ...

Mason was quick to tag in Abendroth and we got our first look at the newcomer. The Umbra Knights sent Nyx into the ropes with a double Irish whip and on Nyx’s return they sent her ass over tea kettle with a double back body drop. Nyx landed with a thud but rolled onto her stomach to prevent a pin.

MEARS: Intelligent move from The Alpha…

PETRIE: Say it.

MEARS: I would rather not.

PETRIE: Say it.

MEARS: The Alpha...bitch.

PETRIE: Hahaha.

Abendroth went to work on Nyx as Mason took her place on the apron. A few stiff kicks to the side got Nyx to stand up but she was put back on the mat with a running cutter from Abendroth. The newcomer smirked before getting Nyx back up. He took her down with a snapmare, much like his partner did, then hit the ropes and came back with a flipping neckbreaker to his seated opponent. Neat. Abendroth covered and the referee made the count.

1..

2..!

MEARS: Terror in to break up the fall!

Not that it needed to be done but Terror entered the ring and hit Abendroth with a hard boot to the back of the head to break up the fall. This gave Nyx the break she needed, so she could recover. Once her health bar was back to a place where she was happy, Nyx stalked Abendroth. Abendroth got to his feet only for Nyx to greet him with a leaping knee to the chin. Nyx then dropped him with a jumping sit out jawbreaker.

THR made their first tag of the match as Nyx welcomed her partner Terror into the ring. The duo stood Abendroth up between them and then unleashed with Full Metal Jacket (Out of the Shadows [Terror]/Running Knee Strike [Nyx]). Abendroth got smoked, stood and stared blankly out into the crowd for a moment before he crumbled to the mat in a heap. Terror casually made a cover and the referee started the count.

MEARS: I do not know if Caleb can kick out of this...

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: He can. See?

A TREMENDOUS kickout from Abendroth. A lot of people in the crowd thought him dead but the newcomer persevered! What a guy. Terror didn’t seem upset. He actually seemed pleased that he could beat on this kid some more. Oh the simple joys in life. Terror punched Abendroth in the head...like...many times. Once he was satisfied, Terror let Abendroth stand only for Terror to smash him in the face with Out of the Shadows (Superkick).

MEARS: Another hard shot to the newcomer. If The Umbra Knights win here tonight then Caleb Abendroth will be the first OATH wrestler to win a title in his debut match.

PETRIE: He won’t so lets just put the record books back on the shelf for now.

MEARS: You seem so sure.

PETRIE: I’m always sure. About EVERYTHING.

Instead of covering like he probably should have, Terror opted to take flight. Terror climbed up to the top rope where he could see more of the audience that hated his guts. But ol Terror didn’t give a shit. He jumped off the top rope looking for Crash and Burn (Diving Cross Body) but as he came down he was shocked to see that Abendroth had moved. Terror ate canvas and The Umbra Knights got a nice little reprieve from the beat down.

MEARS: Caleb needs to make a tag here to keep The Umbra Knights alive in this contest.

Abendroth did the good Christian thing and tagged in his partner Mason. He got the shit kicked out of him a little bit so this was the smart move. The Umbra Knights moved on Terror and sent him into the ropes. On Terror’s return they put him on his back with a stellar double hip toss. Terror tried to sit up like the dead man of old but The Knights greeted that with a double basement dropkick to his face.

MEARS: That would keep anyone down.

PETRIE: Anyone but Ryan Gates...er...TERROR...er...Ryan Terror.

MEARS: Wow. You got all three.

Still having some time left on the clock before Abendroth would be forced to leave the ring. The Knights got Terror up. Nyx shouted some bullshit from the apron but that protest didn’t stop The Knights from blasting Terror with an enziguri to the back of the head from Abendroth while Mason hit a leaping DDT. Abendroth got on the apron as Mason covered Terror.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Not today rookie!

MEARS: He’s not a rookie.

PETRIE: HE IS TO ME DAMMIT!

Nyx broke up the fall this time and it was the right call. Terror was not having a great time. Nyx got in a few cheap shots on Mason before the referee forced her back to the apron. Terror got up but Mason was up too. Didn’t matter much because Terror smashed her with a head butt that made her see images of dead relatives.

Terror made the tag to Nyx and it was time for the champions to do some damage...together. Lovely. Terror shot lil Mason into the ropes and on her return THR dropped her with one of the most famous tag team moves of all time. Mason fell victim to The Protocol (Dudley Death Drop) and the fans feared that it was the end of the road for The Umbra Knights. Nyx made the cover.

PETRIE: It was a valiant effort from these two but that’ll be all. Night.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Fuck.

Somehow, someway, Mason was able to kick out and that got a decent little pop from the fans in The Citadel. THR then both started putting the boots to Mason until the referee had to force Terror back toward the apron. Terror shot the ref a glare that would make a lesser man soil themselves but our referees laugh in the face of danger. In a figurative sense.

Terror was stubborn about getting out of the ring and that drew Abendroth to get involved. Abendroth entered the ring and went for Terror but the referee got between them. Tag Team No No #234 because while the ref was occupied with Abendroth, THR took the opportunity to lock poor Mason in The Inquisition (Cloverleaf [Nyx]/Omoplata Crossface [Terror]).

MEARS: The referee needs to focus! This is an illegal move right now! Terror needs to get out of the ring.

PETRIE: So does Abendroth. If he did then the ref would see this shit. Guy does not have the makings of a Tag Team Champion.

The double submission was just destroying Mason’s health bar and once Abendroth was on the apron, the referee turned and got them to break it up, threatening them with disqualification. Terror got out onto the apron, staring across the ring at Abendroth all the while.

MEARS: That is..odd.

Nyx helped Mason up to her feet but it was not a gesture of kindness. As soon as Mason was standing, Nyx slapped her and then planted her with Phoenix Twist (Rolling Cutter). Not very kind at all but extremely effective. Nyx slithered (much like a snake, a sneaky snake) into a cover and the referee dropped to make the count.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: A near fall for the champions!

Mason kicked out and that gave the Toronto fans some life. They clearly were not fans of THR and they had no problem letting them no. One crowd member yelled “You stink!”. Never change Toronto. Nyx opted to tag Terror in and together THR put Mason on the mat with a double suplex. Terror opted not to cover, but instead he looked over at Abendroth and taunted him.

MEARS: The mind games from Ryan Terror continue.

PETRIE: Abendroth is shaking in his boots!

MEARS: Hardly.

Perhaps Terror had a craving for suplexes because he decided to do another to scratch that itch. Terror lifted Mason up high with a vertical suplex and then held her there for a few seconds. In fact, he turned slightly so that he could gaze across the ring at Abendroth as he held Abendroth’s partner completely upside down. Terror then just released Mason and she landed hard on the back of her neck. Pretty fucking gross looking, to be perfectly honest.

MEARS: Good Lord! That was a vile landing for Terra Mason. This could be it for the upstart tandem Umbra Knights.

PETRIE: Yeah! They aren’t ready. THR are experienced, and they are the champs. They won’t lose to a sewn together team like Umbra Knights.

Terror was feeling himself at this point. Not literally, emotionally. Don’t be gross. He casually tagged in Nyx and continued to stare at Abendroth. What a creep. Terror lifted Mason up for a powerbomb and Nyx climbed to the top rope. Nyx leaped off and THR was able to nail the Sacrifical Lamb (Powerbomb [Terror]/Meteora [Nyx]). Nyx covered.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: You’re kidding!

This time Abendroth had to break up the fall. Terror didn’t take kindly to this. Terror grabbed Abendroth and tried to shoot him into the ropes but Abendroth reversed it and then took Terror over the top rope to the outside with a clothesline. Only problem with that is that Abendroth got a little over zealous and he spilled to the outside too. Whoops.

PETRIE: Kid got a little fired up there.

MEARS: It worked though.

PETRIE: It half worked.

Outside the ring Terror and Abendroth started brawling around ringside. Terror, the veteran, was able to get the upper hand when he shot Abendroth hard into the announce table. Terror then repeatedly smashed Abendroth’s head off the desk and left him for dead. What a jerk. (Spoiler: He did not die).

In the ring Nyx was pretty much playing with Mason. Nyx nudged Mason with the toe of her boot a few times, trying to get Mason to get up. It worked. The dazed Mason got back up to her feet only for Nyx to strike like the dickhead viper that she is, blasting Mason in the face with Glassjaw (Bicycle Knee Strike). Mason was KNOCKED and Nyx covered.

PETRIE: Night night kiddo. Eli Hix is weeping at home on his couch.

MEARS: I doubt that.

1..

2..

..!

THR were fully in control now with Mason on the ropes and Abendroth still down on the outside. Nyx made the tag to Terror and they looked to end this motherfucker. THR set Mason up for The Unholy Spike (Vertebreaker [Terror]/Diving Double Foot Stomp [Nyx]) but Mason wriggled free and Nyx stomped on the top of her partner’s head before landing with a thud on the mat.

PETRIE: No!

MEARS: This is the break that the Umbra Knights needed!

Mason began crawling to her corner where Abendroth had returned to his post. The crowd was behind Mason fully as she got up to a knee and then dove, tagging in her partner. Big ass pop for that one. Abendroth entered the ring and Terror looked to cut him off but Abendroth caught him with a leaping leg lariat. Nyx was up on the apron but that didn’t last because Abendroth nailed her with a high flipping dropkick that caused her to drop to the floor.

Abendroth started to lay in some shots on the grounded Terror but Terror raked his eyes. Nyx was back on the apron, begging for the tag and that’s what she got. Terror rolled out of the ring and Nyx charged at Abendroth. He ducked under a clothesline from her, hit the ropes and came back to drop her with a running cutter. Abendroth covered.

MEARS: They are going to do it! Caleb with the cover.

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: No one named Caleb is leaving with GOLD tonight. Haha. What a crap name.

Nyx just barely kicked out and The Citadel was on their feet. Mason had recovered some by this point so Abendroth made the tag. Abendroth put Nyx over his shoulder, ran toward Mason and they hit the lawn dart/double knee facebreaker combo. Nyx was rocked. Abendroth turned and ran at Terror on the apron. Abendroth threw his body through the ropes and speared Terror off the apron. The two men landed on the outside in a heap.

MEARS: Ryan Terror has been neutralized!

PETRIE: That was a spear, not a neutralizer.

MEARS: You are extremely frustrating sometimes.

PETRIE: Thanks bud.

Back in the ring, Mason put Nyx on the top turnbuckle facing the crowd. Mason then used her speed to get up to the second rope, apply a waist lock and take Nyx off the top rope with the Jevil Coil (Avalanche German Suplex). Abendroth slid back into the ring and with Mason he hit Eternal Knight [Reverse STO (Abendroth)/Jumping Enziguri (Mason)]. Mason made the cover and Terror slid in the ring to break it up, only to get superkicked by Abendroth.

1..

2..

..3!

Winners: New OATH Tag Team Champions, The Umbra Knights

“Legacy” by Motionless In White cued up as Abendroth and Mason were handed their championship titles. The two embraced and held the titles high as everyone in The Citadel’s audience were standing, applauding. What a nice moment.

Behind the scenes in The Citadel we found ourselves viewing the brand new trainer’s room. There were a variety of medical personnel milling about and there was a sense of slight panic. The head trainer Sharon Thrace was personally tending to Ben Macbeth. Macbeth was a bloody mess and they had him fitted with a neck brace.

EMTs entered the room with a stretcher and they were followed by Macbeth’s EMBLEM cohorts Harvey Carbine and Josh Cherry. Both men looked deeply concerned as they approached their prone ally. Carbine spoke to Thrace while staring at Macbeth.

CARBINE: How is he?

THRACE: He has to go to the hospital. We don’t know the full extent of his injuries. We don’t have the capabilities to competently treat him. Short answer? He’s in very bad shape. I’m sorry.

Cherry looked slightly more concerned than Carbine, perhaps because he can’t help but wear the entirety of his emotions on his sleeve. Cherry leaned down to speak to his friend.

CHERRY: I’m sorry brother. We chased that rat Jacobi down but he disappeared. So did Davis. We know they are here somewhere but we can’t find them.

Carbine leaned in as well, taking Macbeth’s hand in his.

CARBINE: We’re gonna fix this bud. We’re gonna get those motherfuckers.

THRACE: I’m sorry, we really have to get him out of here.

Carbine and Cherry stepped aside, allowing the medical team to load Macbeth onto a stretcher. They carted him out the door, leaving the remaining EMBLEM members at a loss.

The next contest was one of the most interesting on the card. Why? I’ll tell you, relax. This one saw Tag Team partners, family, friends -- fight. The Inevitable is a tag team composed of distant cousins Leah Aguero and Stephanie Matsuda. These two hadn’t really been on the same page for the last few weeks so benevolent optimist OATH President Oscar R. Barlow decided that maybe a friendly little match between them would help the tension dissipate. It was either going to bring them closer together or rip them apart. Either way it would make for good television.

MEARS: Tag team partners are set to collide right now Bad Mood. Who do you think has the edge going into this match?

PETRIE: I honestly can’t tell them apart.

MEARS: That is horribly racist.

PETRIE: No. It isn't. They look exactly alike.

The competitors came out separately because this is not a tag team match. Must have felt weird for them. Actually, this match in general must have felt weird for them. Anyway once they were both in the ring they met eye to eye. Very reminiscent of the two clowns in Vegas back in ‘93. You know what I’m talking about. There was some friendly trash talk to kick this one off, you know how family does.

PETRIE: I feel like I’m seeing double. Four Inevitables.

The two traded arm drags several times in the early going until Aguero decided that it was time to apply a dreaded headlock. Aguero wrenched on the hold for a few seconds before Matsuda shoved her into the ropes. Aguero came back off the ropes with a shoulder block that put Matsuda on her back. Aguero went for a leaping elbow and got some serious height on it but Matsuda rolled out of the way. Aguero’s elbow crashed into the mat. Ouchie.

MEARS: Neither can seem to get the upperhand in the early going. They know each other too well.

PETRIE: One of em needs to switch the style up. They need to pull out some new shit!

MEARS: That would be the best course of action, yes.

Matsuda kipped up but so did Aguero. Matsuda let out a little “yep” and tried for a Yahtzee! (Superkick) but Aguero saw that coming. Aguero caught Matsuda’s boot, spun her around and attempted a big boot. Wouldn’t you know it, Matsuda saw THAT coming. Matsuda sidestepped the big boot, hit the ropes, tried for a springboard cross body but Aguero caught her. Aguero shook her head in a scolding fashion, walking around the ring a little bit to show off.

MEARS: This may prove to be a bad idea from Aguero.

PETRIE: Or a great idea! Mind games baby.

While holding Matsuda horizontally, Aguero tried to spin her cousin out into a sidewalk slam but Matsuda threw her own legs back and took Aguero down into a crucifix pin. What a maneuver! Matsuda had Aguero pinned for but a brief moment. There wasn’t even a one count because Aguero rolled backward and was back up to her feet. The two squared up but neither decided to strike.

MEARS: Oh here we go. Things are bound to break down quickly.

PETRIE: Or break up!

MEARS: What does that even mean.

PETRIE: I don’t fucking know. I’m nearly out of Jameson.

Applause emanated from all areas of the audience as the cousins flashed one another a smirk. Could they...is it possible...that they were having fun? Hard to say with any degree of certainty. The acknowledgement ceased and the tag team partners locked up again. This time Matsuda took Aguero down with an arm drag. Aguero was back up with the agility of some kind of feline but Matsuda exploded with a shotgun dropkick that sent Aguero flying back into the corner. The back of Aguero’s head smacked into the middle turnbuckle and that was the first major blow of the contest.

MEARS: What a shot from Stephanie Matsuda!

Knowing that she HAD to take advantage at this point in the match, Matsuda darted toward the corner looking for a stinger splash but Aguero got a boot up. Matsuda was cracked right in the mush and she staggered back to the center of the ring. Aguero hoisted herself up to the second rope, measured Matsuda, and then came off with a diving reverse elbow. Aguero tried to scramble into a cover but Matsuda rolled onto her stomach and then out onto the apron. What ring awareness!

PETRIE: Coward! Get back in there!

MEARS: Your capacity for mental gymnastics is astounding.

PETRIE: You used a lot of big words there and I’m gonna assume that you’re insulting me.

With Matsuda out on the apron, Aguero advanced toward her. Aguero tried to grab her partner but Matsuda dropped to her back, holding the top rope and caught Aguero with a high kick to the face. Aguero staggered back into the middle of the canvas and Matsuda hit a springboard into the ring nailing Aguero with Final Heaven (Springboard Forearm Smash). Matsuda was quick to cover and the referee started to count.

1..

2..!

Aguero was able to kick out of the first pinfall attempt in the contest. Matsuda looked focussed as any good warrior SHOULD BE. The two were both back up to their feet once again but Matsuda set off and hit the ropes. Matsuda came running back toward Aguero but Aguero stepped to the side and pushed Matsuda into the opposing ropes. Matsuda came back again and Aguero leap frogged over her but Matsuda stopped short and took Aguero down with a chop block. Aguero was down and Matsuda pounced. Matsuda grabbed Aguero’s boot and then drove her knee into the mat, not once, not twice, but thrice!

MEARS: This could be the turning point Bad Mood. Aguero’s offense is cut in half if she can’t walk properly.

PETRIE: I’ve been known to have women not walking properly.

MEARS: What do you mean?

PETRIE: They typically run from me. Because I am hard to be around.

MEARS: Oh...that...is sad.

Matsuda continued targeting Aguero’s left leg with some stomps. Matsuda rolled Aguero over and looked like she was about to apply a submission of some sort but Aguero kicked her off. Using the ropes to assist her Aguero stood, hobbling. Matsuda darted toward her but Aguero dropped her head and back dropped Matsuda over the top rope to the outside.

MEARS: Leah Aguero needed that switch in momentum!

Even with the bad wheel, Aguero decided to go high risk. Aguero charged across the ring, hit the ropes, then ran and like a bullet she flew through the ropes with a suicide dive to the outside that nailed Matsuda perfectly. Both members of The Inevitable were down and the fans in The Citadel were loving it.

Aguero was the first one up but she was hobbling on one leg. Aguero tried to get her partner up but Matsuda kicked out her bad leg and Aguero was down. Matsuda then started relentlessly stomping on Aguero’s leg again. Matsuda dragged Aguero over to the ring steps and put her left leg on the middle step.

MEARS: What does Matsuda have planned here? This is her blood relative!

PETRIE: No. That is her opponent. She needs to do whatever she can to win!

The referee was still counting so Matsuda slipped into the ring to break the count and then slipped back out. Matsuda measured Aguero and looked like she was going to charge and kick Aguero’s leg into the steps but stopped short.

MEARS: No! Matsuda has stopped herself!

PETRIE: Dumb move. Should have done it.

Aguero got back up and looked concerned about her partner’s malicious intent. They shared a moment, staring at one another. Both then shrugged and started throwing bombs at one another. Matsuda hit Aguero with a Yahtzee! (Superkick) and then got up on the apron, looking to get back in the ring. Before getting into the ring Matsuda stopped, looked back, and decided to try something else. However, Aguero got up onto the apron with her partner.

MEARS: Dangerous territory here...

The Inevitable started brawling on the apron yet again. Neither could clearly get the upper hand but then Aguero positioned Matsuda for a side Russian legs weep but she couldn’t really hook her leg. The two had the same idea and flew back off the apron landing with a thud on the floor. The referee started the twenty count.

PETRIE: Someone needs to get back in the fucking ring.

MEARS: I do not believe that either wants to win by count out.

Both members of The Inevitable were down as the referee reached a count of twelve. Matsuda got her hand on the apron and started to pull herself up but Aguero had her leg and she yanked her backward causing Matsuda to collide with the guard rail. Aguero then hopped toward the ring and tried to get in but Matsuda desperately grabbed Aguero’s boot, halting her progress. The referee was at eighteen when Matsuda yanked Aguero back and the back of Aguero’s head collided with Matsuda’s. Both were down when the referee got to a count of twenty.

Winner: No Contest

The fans weren’t super pumped about this ending. Both Aguero and Matsuda were laying on the outside and it took them a few minutes to regain their composure. They got to their feet and once it dawned on them what had happened...they didn’t seem that mad.

PETRIE: I hate ties. It’s like kissing your cousin!

MEARS: Want to try that again?

PETRIE: ...no.

The tag team partners had a moment of tension before Matsuda walked over to Aguero and offered her hand. They shook hands and Matsuda put Aguero’s arm around her neck, opting to help her limping partner up the ramp. The fans liked that wholesome shit.

Check it out, we’re in the interview area where the elegantly dressed OATH Backstage Correspondent May O’Neil stood with her trust microphone in hand. The area was adorned with the orange and red color scheme of the iPPV and a very expensive looking LCD screen showing the animated Rapture logo running on a loop hung in the background.

O’NEIL: Wrestling fans I hope you are enjoying OATH Rapture. At this time I would like to welcome my guests, Silvio Aprile and Tony Satriale -- Cosa Nostra!

Perennial jobbers Aprile and Satriale walked into frame and I guess they are calling themselves Cosa Nostra now. Pretty on the nose but whatever I guess every Italian has ties to organized crime or something.

O’NEIL: Gentlemen you asked for this time tonight, what is on your mind?

Satriale stole the microphone from O’Neil and turned to face the camera.

SATRIALE: Listen you fuckin’ goombas. Let me tell ya something. We are sick and fuckin’ tired of the disrespect we get around here.

Aprile leaned in to get his shit in.

APRILE: Yeah! All you boombatz need to realize that we ain’t no fuckin’ joke! We are dangerous individuals and together...well...we’re even more dangerous! Yeah!

SATRIALE: We are fuckin’ done with being on kickoff shows. We are gonna grab this company by the balls and none of you FUCKS got the SACK to stop us…

Suddenly both Aprile and Satriale were attacked from behind by (the now former) OATH Tag Team Champions, The Hell Realm. Ryan Terror sent Satriale head first into a road case while Nyx put Aprile on the floor with a double leg takedown. Nyx started biting Aprile’s head until security intervened. Terror grabbed the camera lens and looked down the barrel.

TERROR: Umbra Knights! This is far from over! We’re gonna make what we did to Eli Hix look like a fucking tea party the next time we see you!

Terror then shoved the camera man backward and the scene cut.

Time for some WRESTLING. Not that we haven’t seen wrestling all night but the Intrepid Championship has become the “workhorse” title of OATH. Typically it’s supposed to be contested under a time limit but we kind of forgot about that. We’ll get back to it. An iPPV defence of this title has a thirty minute time limit, perhaps it will be regarded tonight! Who knows?

MEARS: What happened to the time limit rule for these title matches?

PETRIE: Lack of continuity from OATH officials?

MEARS: They’ve had a lot on their plate recently, but I do hope that we get back to that. It made the Intrepid Championship matches extra exciting.

PETRIE: Yeah who doesn’t like anxiety inducing time limits!

The challenger was “The Virulence” Finn Whelan, the first ever OATH World Champion. He hasn’t held that title for some time but the dude can still go. The champion going into this match was “The Burning Heart” James Edwards, looking to successfully defend the championship for the fourth time.

MEARS: This is most definitely a battle of two of the best that OATH has seen it it’s short history. Whelan having won the first Event Horizon Series and becoming the first OATH World Champion. James Edwards having one of the best records in the company.

PETRIE: They can both definitely go. Whelan has been more of a dick recently and that jives with me so I think I’m pulling for him.

MEARS: You should be objective.

PETRIE: You should give up on that pipe dream.

The tron showed some footage of last week on Conviction where Whelan and Edwards teamed up to face Midnight Special. After starting the match, Whelan quickly tagged out and opted not to let Edwards tag him back in for the duration of the match. What a jerk. Doesn’t really matter because when Harvey Carbine decided to go after Whelan for disrespecting tag team wrestling Edwards was able to pin Josh Cherry for the victory.

Both competitors made their way to the ring and we got the championship introductions. The referee held up the championship, then handed it off to a production crew member and called for the bell. Whelan came hot out of the gate looking for a running dropkick and it connected. Edwards went down but got right back up, looking for a collar and elbow tie up.

MEARS: Finn Whelan knows how to win in high pressure scenarios but James Edwards has been seemingly possessed with the desire to be the best Intrepid Champion of all time.

Whelan swung behind Edwards and went for a German suplex but Edwards hooked his leg around Whelan’s and put a stop to that shit. Edwards bent forward, rolled through and looked to apply his signature heel hook but Whelan kicked him in the face and scrambled away.

PETRIE: Damn he went for that heel hook right away. Imagine having to tap out just a few minutes into the match. That would be a fucking statement for sure.

MEARS: Without a doubt. That is what James is all about, making statements.

“The Burning Heart” darted toward Whelan but Whelan sent him into the ropes. Edwards came back and looked for a high knee but Whelan sidestepped it. Whelan hit a sole butt and the crafty devil looked to hit his ScRM (Asai DDT) but Edwards shoved him into the ropes and hit him with Double Tap (Pair of consecutive spinning back fists). Whelan crumbled to the mat and Edwards covered.

1..

2..!

MEARS: Only a two count for the champion. He’ll have to do better than that!

Whelan kicked out but Edwards immediately transitioned up to his feet, holding Whelan’s left leg. Edwards hit some quick kicks to the back of Whelan’s left knee and then he applied a spinning leg lock. Whelan reached out for the ropes as Edwards wrenched on his left leg. Seeing that he couldn’t get to the ropes, Whelan opted to try a different strategy.

MEARS: You have to believe that Edwards is softening up Whelan’s left leg for another attempt at locking in that signature heel hook.

PETRIE: Well yeah. Obviously.

“The Virulence” used his free right leg to hit Edwards with some knees to the back of the head which forced the champion to break the hold. Edwards tried to keep the PRESSURE on but Whelan got up to his feet and blasted Edwards in the face with a forearm shiver. Whelan pulled Edwards in and lifted him high overhead with a vertical suplex.

MEARS: Whelan needs to build on this momentum. He can not let James Edwards get ahold of his left leg again.

Whelan tried to float over into a cover but Edwards kicked out immediately. Whelan tossed a kick with his right leg but Edwards caught his boot and then swept Whelan’s left leg which put Whelan on the mat. Still holding Whelan’s left leg, Edwards hit a few more kicks to the back of his knee. Damn he hates this man’s leg! Edwards then went for a spinning toe hold but Whelan kicked him in the rump and Edwards was sent stumbling forward through the ropes onto the apron.

With “The Burning Heart” on the apron, Whelan rushed him and smashed him in the mush with a forearm shiver. Whelan hit two more forearms and then led Edwards along the apron to the corner. Whelan smashed Edwards’ head off the ring post and Edwards fell off the apron to the floor. Oh my. Whelan then got an idea and ascended to the top rope.

MEARS: Is this the best idea Bad Mood? Whelan’s left leg is in rough shape. Coming off of the top rope seems like a bad strategy.

PETRIE: If he can land something big here it may just lead to him winning the title.

MEARS: Fair enough.

Edwards got to his feet on the outside and Whelan came crashing down from the top rope looking for a double axe handle but Edwards hit him with a shot to the midsection. Whelan did a full front flip and was laid out on the outside. Edwards got the challenger up and rolled him into the ring.

Back in the ring, Edwards took hold of Whelan and looked to set him up for a variation on a suplex. Fighting for his life, Whelan tossed some elbows back in an effort to break Edwards’ grip. It didn’t really work because Edwards was able to take Whelan over with RRE (Reverse Release Exploder Suplex).

MEARS: The Virulence is in trouble! We know what the RRE sets up!

PETRIE: What?

MEARS: Just watch.

It was danger city for Whelan at this point as he was in a daze and Edwards stood a few paces behind him, measuring him. As soon as Whelan got up to a knee, Edwards charged in from behind and went for Night Comes to the Cumberlands (Hidden Blade) but Whelan sensed it and dropped his head. Whelan popped up, hobbling, and he drove his shoulder into Edwards’ lower back. Edwards was driven into the corner where Whelan attacked his kidneys with a flurry of jabs.

MEARS: Here we go! This is the vicious side of Finn Whelan!

Whelan, out of desperation, introduced Edwards’ head to the top turnbuckle a few times before he took him out of the corner with a snap German suplex. Whelan then hobbled over to Edwards and covered him, demanding that the referee “start fucking counting”. How rude!

1..

2..

..!

PETRIE: Ah fuck not yet Finny.

Edwards was able to kick out and Whelan stood back up and delivered a hard soccer kick to the side of Edwards’ head! Whelan wanted to close in for the victory so he got Edwards up to his feet and set the champion up for Revelation 6:4 (The Bitter End)! As Whelan tried to lift Edwards, Whelan’s left leg gave out and he dropped to a knee.

MEARS: That left leg is too damaged! Whelan couldn’t execute Revelation 6:4.

PETRIE: He better figure out a new plan and fast.

“The Burning Heart” smashed Whelan in the face with Deadlights (Bicycle knee strike to the chin of a kneeling opponent). Whelan was seeing little birdies flying around his head when Edwards grabbed Whelan’s left leg and applied a heel hook! Whelan acted as if he was still conscious but he was loopy as fuck. The referee tried to get a verbal submission but Whelan just screamed in pain.

MEARS: I do not think that Finn Whelan is with us anymore! He is on dream street.

PETRIE: Where is dream street?

MEARS: In that very ring! Right now!

Whelan had nowhere to go, dead center in the middle of the ring. Whelan tried to reach out for the bottom rope but Edwards just ripped and tore at his leg. Whelan refused to give up but soon the choice wasn’t his. There was an audible pop and Whelan let out a blood curdling scream. Something had snapped in his leg and the referee was forced to call for the end of the match.

Winner: Still OATH Intrepid Champion, James Edwards

“My Name Is Human” kicked up and Edwards was handed the Intrepid Championship, successfully defending it for the fourth time. Edwards held the title high and then watched on as the EMTs came out to the ring...again.

MEARS: Oh no. This is bad for Finn Whelan. It may be his ACL, it could be anything. But we heard that pop and Whelan is definitely hurt.

EMTs, led by head trainer Sharon Thrace entered the ring and tended to Whelan. Whelan was clutching his leg in absolute agony. Something was very wrong. Edwards just watched on, slinging the title over his shoulder. Medical staff hovered over Whelan as the shot faded out.

Just outside the locker rooms backstage in The Citadel stood OATH Backstage Correspondent Vince Valerie. Valerie stood mugging for the camera with his signature shit eating grin. He is holding a pencil stick microphone.

VALERIE: Hello friendlies! I am number one OATH Interviewer Vince Valerie and I have made it my duty to get to the bottom of the hardest hitting stories here in OATH. One of the biggest stories to develop here tonight at Rapture is “The Outlaw” Josie Wales becoming the NEW OATH Tabula Rasa Champion. I wanted to try and get a word with her…

Valerie knocked on the door and by some stroke of magical fortune, it was TR Champion Josie Wales who opened the door. Wales stood, looking very pleased with herself, the championship draped over her shoulder.

VALERIE: Josie! Hello! It’s Vince Valerie, I’m sure you remember. I just wanted to see if I could get a word with you regarding your landmark championship victory tonight. How do you feel about finally winning a championship in OATH?

WALES: How do I feel? I feel like this was a long time coming. I have been in OATH for some time and I’ve suffered every set back you can imagine. But it has all paid off because now I stand before you not only as Tabula Rasa Champion...but as the first person to defeat FM Young.

A sly grin developed on Wales’ face. She was more than pleased about being the person to end Young’s reign and undefeated streak.

VALERIE: And what do you have to say about winning one of the falls in the 2 Out Of 3 Falls by count out? Do you feel that the victory is at all...tainted?

The grin on Wales’ face disappeared at that question. Wales glared a hole through Valerie.

WALES: I say that a victory is a victory. I won the last fall with a decisive pinfall so really, the rest of the match doesn’t matter. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a celebration to prepare for.

Wales slammed the door in Valerie’s face, catching his nose. Valerie was sent reeling backward and stood holding his nose as the scene ended.

The next match was a first ever for OATH as we got set for the grudge match between “The Pride of Nova Scotia” Declan Black and “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms. But this wasn’t just ANY grudge match motherfuckers. This was a CHAIN MATCH. Both competitors will have a chain tied around their wrists, linking them together. The first man to touch all four top turnbuckles in uninterrupted succession would be the winner. Weird as hell but let’s get to it.

MEARS: It is time for OATH’s first ever chain match. The last time these two men faced off there was not a decisive winner. Tonight, we are guaranteed to get one.

PETRIE: How is it guaranteed?

MEARS: Because...it...it just is.

Black and Helms were in the ring and the referee attached either end of the chain to their wrists. Once the referee was happy with the tightness level (cheeky), he called for the opening bell. Black immediately tried to pull Helms toward him using the chain but Helms slipped behind him and attempted to wrap the chain around Black’s neck!

PETRIE: Holy fuck he’s gonna murder him!

Out of complete fear, Black slipped out and fell to the mat, looking up at Helms. Homie just tried to strangle him with a steel chain. Helms paced toward Black, pulling the chain along. Black got up and held the chain, charging forward he clotheslined Helms with the chain. Helms dropped to the mat and gasped for breath.

MEARS: This match is already barbaric. I do not know how this was sanctioned.

PETRIE: They signed waivers...or something.

Using Helms’ own fun idea against him, Black knelt down behind Helms and tried to wrap the chain around Helms’ neck. Knowing that this would likely result in death, Helms dropped to his back and kicked Black in the head. Black staggered away and Helms got up. Helms yanked the chain and Black came stumbling toward him. Helms levelled Black with a lariat.

MEARS: That chain and how you use it is the name of the game in this contest.

PETRIE: Of course it is! It’s legal to use it so use the fucking thing.

Now probably would have been a good time to start trying to tap the turnbuckles but Helms was not about that. He wanted to inflict some pain on Black first. Helms doubled up the chain and then whipped Black in the back with it. Instantly a lengthy cut opened up on Black’s back as he let out in agony.

MEARS: Good Lord.

Black tried his best to crawl away but Helms stalked him looking to whip him again. Helms tried to lace Black’s back again but Black was able to roll out of the way. Black wrapped the chain around his fist, stood, and clocked Helms in the face with it. The Chairman dropped and he was busted open. Blood and guts, blood and guts, blood and guts!

MEARS: Maybe we won’t get a definitive winner tonight...if things keep up this way then neither man is walking out of this contest.

PETRIE: So they have to face each other again right? What kind of match would that be? A fucking Automatic Weapons Match?

MEARS: We’re in Canada, not the U.S.

PETRIE: Oh yeah. Right.

The Pride of Nova Scotia mounted Helms and started punching him in the dome with his steel chain wrapped fist. With each shot the wound on Helms’ forehead opened up wider. The referee could only watch on in horror as Helms became a bloody mess. Disgusting. Once satisfied with his display of brutality, Black began to walk toward the nearest corner.

MEARS: Declan is going to try and get the victory! He needs to touch all four corners without interruption.

PETRIE: Seems easy enough.

MEARS: Hardly.

The fans rained boos down on Black as he arrogantly tapped the first turnbuckle. A fun little light flickered on the ring post, turning from red to green. Black then started to make his way to another turnbuckle and there he tapped it for another green light. Black looked back to Helms, who was down and bleeding as he made for the third turnbuckle. But before he could reach it, the chain became taught.

PETRIE: Oh...no...

Black spun around to see that Helms, covered in blood, was holding the chain taught. Slowly, Helms started reeling Black in as Black did his best to plant his feet. Black turned and reached out for the third turnbuckle but Helms was reeling him in quicker now. Knowing that he could not reach it, Black turned and charged at Helms, hitting him in the side of the head with a knee trembler. The lights on all turnbuckles returned to red.

MEARS: Black’s progress was interrupted so he has to start all over.

PETRIE: That must be infuriating. Luckily Declan Black is not a slave to his emotions.

Frustrated now, Black started dropping elbows onto Helms’ forehead. Black stood Helms up and slapped him in the face because...well...he’s a dick. Black then hit a boot to Helms’ midsection and tried for a snap ddt but Helms stood firm. Helms hit some kidney shots on Black and then took him over with a release Northern Lights Suplex!

MEARS: Locke is still alive in this contest.

The bloody mess that was Helms stood up and his eyes widened. His face was thick with his own blood as he advanced on Black. Black tried to crawl away yet again but Helms stepped on the chain and Black couldn’t go any further. Helms doubled the chain up again and whipped Black for a second time, opening another long cut on Black’s back.

PETRIE: Somewhere Sparky Plugg is having a nightmare.

MEARS: Who?

PETRIE: He was a racecar driver or something.

The Pride of Nova Scotia now had steady streams of blood rolling down his back as Helms approached him and stomped on his spine. Helms then sat on Black’s back and wrenched back with a camel clutch. It was a pretty grizzly scene as the camera closed in on Helms’ bloody mug and Black screaming in agony.

After he was satisfied with the damage that he inflicted, Helms stood Black up and held him by his chin. Helms smiled in Black’s face and then pulled him into Shadows Over Heck (Exploder suplex lifted and dropped into a modified scoop powerslam). Black was driven into the mat and he was right fucked up. Helms had made his point.

MEARS: It seems that Locke Helms is going to try for the victory.

PETRIE: That’s what he should have been doing the whole time!

Helms tapped the first turnbuckle and got that green light. Then hit a second and a third in sequence. Helms glared back at Black and then made his way toward the fourth turnbuckle but Black was up and he pulled Helms back into an STO! Helms left a bloody face print on the mat and the tide in the contest had turned.

While still on the mat with Helms, Black transitioned into his 25:18 (Border City Stretch/Gargano Escape)! But Black modified the move and used the chain to rip back on Helms’ forehead. The cut on Helms’ forehead started literally spewing blood. It was really fucking gross. Black ripped back with everything he had and Helms seemingly passed out.

PETRIE: He’s out! Do it Declan! End this horror film. Fuck it’s so gross.

The referee indicated to Black that Helms was out so Black released the hold and then made for the turnbuckles. Black hit three in succession, getting three green lights and then went for the fourth. As Black approached the fourth turnbuckle something incredible happened.

MEARS: Is this for real?

PETRIE: How in the actual fuck…

Not only was Helms awake, but he was trying to stand. Black turned to face Helms and Black was absolutely irate. Black stomped over to Helms and blasted him with a forearm smash! The turnbuckle lights all returned to red. Black grabbed Helms and him in a ripcord and blasted him with Blackout (Rainmaker Lariat). Helms flew back and landed on his neck before his body came to rest face down on the canvas.

Black touched three turnbuckles and then touched the fourth. All four turnbuckles lit up green and the referee called for the end. This blood bath was over. Black dropped to a knee, his back covered in blood. Helms remained on the mat and the canvas was stained with blood...everywhere.

Winner: Declan Black

“Brenda Stubbert” cued up and Black collapsed. Both competitors were down and guess what? That’s right. The EMTs came to the ring...again. Hope they are getting paid well because they have their working boots on tonight.

Following an elaborate and high production value commercial for OATH Conviction, we cut back to the arena. “Mr. Blue Sky” cued up and OATH President Oscar R. Barlow made his way out onto the stage. The fans gave him a mixed reaction because most people don’t like suits. Barlow came to the ring looking very pleased. He reached the bottom of the ramp and tried to embrace some fans in the front row but they weren’t having it.

Barlow walked over to the ring steps and ascended. He wiped his feet on the ring apron and then entered through the ropes that a referee was holding open for him. Barlow accepted a microphone from a production assistant and his cheery music faded out.

BARLOW: Wrestling fans thank you all so much for joining us here tonight in the all new Citadel. OATH is happy to call Toronto it’s home and everyone in the company is so thankful to all of you here in attendance and all of you at home.

Fans popped for that one. Everyone likes being acknowledged. If there is a metaphorical fourth wall, it was just broken. Shattered.

BARLOW: I am out here tonight for two reasons. The first is that I am going to join my dear friends Benjamin Petrie and Matthew Mears on commentary for this evening’s main event. But more importantly, I am here to make a landmark announcement.

The audience buzzed about what Barlow meant.

BARLOW: Last year when my family started OATH Pro Wrestling, we used a series of shows over the course of two weeks to determine our first ever World Champion. It was a round robin tournament with the top point earners facing off at the first ever Event Horizon Event.

“Oh shit” was the collective vibe in the arena. The mere mention of Event Horizon means a lot to long time OATH fans as it was the primordial soup that we crawled out of.

BARLOW: On September 6th of this year OATH Pro Wrestling will bring to you our biggest event of 2020 when we produce Event Horizon II!

Giant pop. It was long rumored that Event Horizon was to be named OATH’s version of wrestling...mania but here it is. Confirmed.

BARLOW: To determine the challenger for the OATH World Championship we will once again hold the Event Horizon Series. Starting next week, eight of the top competitors in OATH will compete in two blocks. The top point earners in each block will face off at Conviction 27 with the winner going to the main event of Event Horizon II.

The audience was hot for this announcement. They were loving it. It was nice.

BARLOW: I am overjoyed and honored to once again bring Event Horizon to you amazing fans. Because I love wrestling and I love all of you! Barlow's genuine passion was palpable. Sure he's kind of a wiener but he is honest and genuine so it's kind of hard to get mad at that. BARLOW: But that is next week, for now we will determine who is the top competitor in OATH in our main event! Please enjoy!

Oscar R. Barlow took his place at the announce table as the introductions were made for the OATH World Championship match. “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima was out first and he made a point of walking around the ring to the announce table where he shouted some bullshit at Barlow.

BARLOW: I see you. I’m here.

MEARS: Thank you for joining us Mr. Barlow. I am surprised that you gave in to Reo’s demands.

BARLOW: This is not giving in Matthew. I am here to see our two top competitors in action. I am not here because Mr. Ojima threatened me.

PETRIE: Yeah sure boss.

“The Haunted” cued up and Erik Holland made his way out onto the stage, flanked by his paramour Lyric. Holland started down the ramp, with the OATH World Championship strapped around his waist but he quickly removed it and readied himself for the fight.

MEARS: Reo is not waiting! He’s going after Holland!

Ojima sprinted up the ramp and clobbered Holland with a forearm shiver. The two heavyweights started hitting each other with absolute bombs, which Holland got the upperhand due to his size advantage. He’s a big boy, our champ. Holland hit a thigh attack to Ojima’s midsection and then bealed him down the ramp. Ojima landed with a thud and rolled, coming to rest at the bottom of the steel ramp.

BARLOW: I may not see eye to eye with Mr. Ojima but I do admire his passion.

PETRIE: He routinely threatens you.

BARLOW: Oh I do not believe that he would ever act on such things. I sign his paychecks after all.

“The Stone Gargoyle” had taken worse bumps than that in his storied career and he was quickly back up. Holland charged down the ramp at Ojima as Lyric collected the World Championship. Holland tried for a clothesline but Ojima sent him hard into the ring apron. Ojima pressed Holland and hit him with a flurry of forearm smashes and then added an exclamation point with a giant headbutt.

MEARS: Are these two going to get in the ring at any point?

PETRIE: Technically they don’t have to...yet.

BARLOW: That is very true.

Lyric made her way around the side of the ring and handed the World Championship to the timekeeper. Ojima shouted something vile that I couldn’t really make out as he dropped an elbow onto the back of Holland’s neck before he whipped him HARD into the ring steps. Holland’s back collided with the ring steps so hard that they were knocked several feet out of place.

Ojima huffed and then charged and stepped off the bottom part of the ring steps, looking for a flying...something but Holland jumped up and clotheslined Ojima out of the air. Ojima landed hard on the ringside mats. Holland collected the challenger and hit him with a jab to the ear. Ouch. Holland then whipped Ojima along the apron and Ojima collided head first with the ring post.

BARLOW: I do not know if that had any real effect. Mr. Ojima has a very hard cranium.

PETRIE: You calling him stupid boss?

BARLOW: You said that Benjamin. Not me.

As Ojima lay down and out, Holland decided to look under the ring apron for something. Holland quickly found what he was looking for and it was a table. Given that the match hadn’t officially started yet, this wasn’t illegal. Holland swiftly set up the table and then turned his attention back toward the challenger. Holland stalked Ojima, who was getting up to his feet.

BARLOW: Interestingly, if Mr. Holland does not hit Mr. Ojima with the table and simply...puts him through it, it is not a disqualification

PETRIE: The fucking match hasn’t even started! Who cares?

BARLOW: Language Benjamin.

The two heavyweights collided again and started hammering on each other. This time Ojima got a decisive shot in and then he bounced Holland’s face off of the apron. Ojima, the crusty old fuck, led Holland toward the announce table. Lyric tried to get in the way but Ojima screamed “get the FUCK out of the way”. She had no choice but to oblige.

BARLOW: I will let everyone know now that I have barred both Mr. Davis and Mr. Jacobi from ringside. I do not want interference to have any influence on this championship contest.

Ojima grabbed Holland by the head and smashed it into the announce table. Ojima looked Barlow dead in the eyes as he repeatedly slammed Holland’s head into the announce table. Holland tried to fight back with a shot to Ojima’s midsection but Ojima responded by hitting Holland with a lariat that sent him over the announce table into the lap of the OATH President. Nearly 300lbs. of World Champion.

“The Stone Gargoyle” just laughed and then got into the ring. Ojima sat on the top rope and waited for Holland to compose himself. Holland got out of the pile at the announce table and stared into the ring with murderous intent. Holland charged and slid into the ring under the bottom rope. Ojima hopped off the top rope and charged to meet the champion only to get hit with Chopping Mall (Deep Six) from Holland.

BARLOW: Are we back? Can you hear me?

PETRIE: Yeah boss I can hear you. Fuck Ojima really hates you.

BARLOW: I honestly do not know why. I have been more than fair with him.

Ojima was nearly caught napping after that one. He was staring up at the arena lights but that view was replaced with Holland standing over him. “The Haunted” mounted Ojima and started punching the shit out of Ojima. Luckily for the challenger, Ojima was able to cover up and when Holland paused his onslaught Ojima looked up and spit in Holland’s face.

MEARS: The absolute disrespect from the challenger!

BARLOW: I believe that disgusting act may work against Mr. Ojima.

A close-up shot of Holland saw him slowly wiped the spit off his face. Holland responded by putting the boots to Ojima in an effort to keep “The Stone Gargoyle” down but Ojima would not stay down, he kept trying to get to his feet. Finally a lunging boot from Holland sent Ojima hard into the corner. Ojima caught himself on the top rope and then flipped Holland off.

BARLOW: As will that.

PETRIE: I think he WANTS to piss Holland off.

The World Champion responded to Ojima’s show of disrespect by charging into the corner, pancaking Ojima with a running body avalanche. Ojima almost fell out of the corner but Holland held him there and started laying into Ojima with some body shots. Holland then drove a series of quick back elbows into Ojima.

PETRIE: Yeah it worked.

MEARS: I would say so.

A lesser competitor would be finished at this point but Ojima shoved Holland away and then demanded more. Holland snarled and took one step toward Ojima, only for Ojima to catch him with a headbutt to the nose. And then another. Then another. Holland was rocked when Ojima gathered him up and dropped him with an ushigoroshi! An impressive show of strength from the challenger was punctuated with him shooting the half for a cover.

1..

2..!

MEARS: Erik kicks out! I can barely believe that Reo got him up for that move!

Holland kicked out with authority. Ojima took a moment to gather his breath as Holland started to stand, using the ropes to pull himself up. A split second before Holland was completely vertical, Ojima charged and hit a massive lariat that sent the World Champion spilling over the top rope to the floor. Holland landed on his feet but Ojima caught Holland with a baseball slide that sent the champion hard into a guard rail.

PETRIE: Are we not doing count outs today or what?

BARLOW: I instructed the referee to soften the count out rules for this contest. I do not want a match of this magnitude ending in such fashion.

MEARS: A reasonable decision in my opinion.

PETRIE: Stop sucking up Matty!

Ojima could smell blood in the water so he joined Holland on the outside and hit him with a running big boot, trying to send Holland’s head flying into the 200 section. It didn’t, it stayed attached. Ojima hit a knee strike to Holland’s midsection and then in an impressive show of old man strength, Ojima lifted Holland up for a powerbomb!

“The Haunted” was close enough to the ring that he was able to grab the middle rope and hoist himself off of Ojima’s shoulders. Holland stood on the apron and Ojima spun around only to eat a running soccer kick to the face from Holland. Ojima was knocked backward and took a pretty rough back bump.

MEARS: What a shot from the World Champion!

PETRIE: He’s trying to break Ojima’s jaw! How will he talk with a broken jaw?

MEARS: Not easily.

BARLOW: Mr. Ojima’s jaw is not broken.

With Ojima laid out on the floor, Holland measured him and then gave himself some runway. Holland let out a snarl as Lyric watched on and Holland charged along the ring apron and leapt off with an impressive cactus elbow! The near three hundred pound frame of Holland came crashing down on Ojima and drove all of the air out of the challenger. The fans were absolutely shocked.

MEARS: Good Lord!

PETRIE: I could hear that crunch from here. Holland CRUSHED Ojima. He is dead now!

BARLOW: You never miss an opportunity for hyperbole do you Mr. Petrie?

PETRIE: I literally have no idea what that means Boss.

Holland got Ojima up and rolled him back into the ring. Holland slid into the ring but Ojima was standing. Upon further inspection we could see that Ojima was seemingly out on his feet. So Holland lifted Ojima up and had him ready for Toxic Avenger (Death Valley Driver) but Ojima struggled enough that Holland opted to transition it into a spinning flapjack, dropping Ojima’s throat across the top rope. Holland covered.

1..

2..

..!

Ojima’s shoulder shot off the mat and the audience let out a collective “Oh!”. Holland mounted the champion again, hitting him with bombs in the face unlike any we had seen so far. Ojima was rocked and Holland stood him up. Holland let out a primal scream in Ojima’s face and then set him up for The Re-Animator (Tour Of The Islands) but Ojima slipped out! Ojima landed with his back to Holland, facing the referee. Ojima slipped a mule kick back and it caught Holland below the belt.

BARLOW: The referee can only call what he can see but that was a definite illegal move.

PETRIE: A crime isn’t a crime unless someone sees it.

BARLOW: I worry about how you function day-to-day Mr. Petrie.

The World Champion dropped to the mat and Ojima fell on him, mounting him. Ojima grabbed the back of Holland’s head and screamed in his face. Nice receipt. Ojima then started smashing his own head into Holland’s repeatedly. An onslaught of headbutts. Holland was busted open and Ojima started slamming the champion’s head into the canvas. Ojima covered.

1..

2..

..!

Holland’s shoulder shot off the mat and Ojima wiped his face in disbelief. “The Stone Gargoyle” then opted to slide out of the ring and look for a weapon. What he found was the table that Holland had set up earlier. As Ojima went to grab it, he saw that Holland was not only standing in the ring, but he was running toward him!

PETRIE: Look out Reo! He’s gonna crush you again!

“The Haunted” sprinted across the ring and in an impressive display of agility for the near three hundred pounder, Holland jumped over the top rope with a heavyweight dive but Ojima had him scouted. As Holland came down, Ojima used the champion’s momentum against him and guided him right through the table! The table shattered, sending splinters of wood everywhere.

MEARS: Good Lord! Erik Holland crashed and burned!

PETRIE: Yeah that gamble did not pay off. Guy is gonna lose his house!

Ojima quickly got Holland up and used all his strength to lift the champion’s dead weight into the ring. Ojima slid Holland in under the bottom rope and then went in after him. Ojima got Holland up to his feet and then with his last ounce of strength, Ojima lifted Holland up and planted him with Last Call (Running Powerslam). Ojima covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Winner: New OATH World Champion, Reo Ojima

The Citadel audience was in shock. “The Real Man” cued up and the shot switched to show Barlow at the announce table. Showing no expression, Barlow calmly removed his head set and placed it on the announce table. Barlow collected the World Championship and then made his way into the ring.

MEARS: This may not be the best idea on Mr. Barlow’s part.

PETRIE: He’s just showing respect to our new champion.

MEARS: I do not know that respect is going to factor into this exchange…

Ojima was on one knee as he watched Barlow head toward him, title in hand. The shot switched to show Zeke Davis and Baz Jacobi coming down the ramp...each armed with a steel chair. Back in the ring, Ojima stood up and Barlow reluctantly presented him with the World Title.

PETRIE: The boys are here! Let’s party!

Davis and Jacobi entered the ring and took their place on either side of Ojima. Ojima snatched the title from Barlow and put it over his shoulder. The crowd was silent, the tension was real. Then Ojima just nodded and Barlow looked confused...but only for a moment.

MEARS: Oh. Oh no.

The nod was a signal. Jacobi and Davis each nailed Barlow with a chair shot to the side of the head, sandwiching the President’s head between the two steel chairs. Barlow instantly dropped to the mat. Davis and Jacobi each slid one of Barlow’s arms through each chair. Ojima nodded again and the duo stomped on each chair, breaking both of Barlow’s arms.

MEARS: Good Lord no! They’ve broken Barlow’s arms!

Security started to flood the ring as Ojima, Davis, and Jacobi stood tall. Security stood between the trio and the OATH President but the damage was already done. The final shot of Rapture saw Ojima raise the World Championship high in the background, as Lyric checked on Holland in the foreground.

Results: • Jenna Sharpe def. Astaroth

• Mary Mallon def. Silvio Aprile

• Tyler War def. Tony Satriale

• El Diablo Blanco def. Annie Lapalm • Baz Jacobi def. Ben Macbeth • Josie Wales def. FM Young (2-1) to win the Tabula Rasa Title • Qiyanna Marshal def. Zeke Davis

• Umbra Knights def. Hell Realm to win the Tag Team Titles • Leah Aguero vs. Stephanie Matsuda was a No Contest • James Edwards def. Finn Whelan to retain the Intrepid Title • Declan Black def. Locke Helms • Reo Ojima def. Erik Holland to win the World Title