VIOLENT ENDS 2020: PART 2

Sunday November 8th, 2020 The Citadel in Toronto, Ontario

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The camera cuts to another part of The Citadel where we saw Alex Pierce walking into a room and setting his travel bag down before sitting down himself, even though he is not scheduled to be on the show tonight, he had performed on Catalyst in a losing effort. He almost left but decided to stay and see what the rest of the night had in store for the OATH roster.

VOICE: Whatever happened to you?

Alex’s eyes narrowed as he quickly stood up and scanned the room before finally he noticed a familiar figure leaning in the shadows of a hallway-that shadow being none other than Locke Helms.

PIERCE: Oh...it’s you.

HELMS: Still didn’t answer my question.

PIERCE: I don’t feel it’s any of your business.

Alex went to sit back down without a second thought as Locke shook his head.

HELMS: Of course it’s my business, Alex. You and I once set Japan ablaze with our footsteps and yet here I am, one of the most feared figures on the roster. A two time Intrepid Champion and constantly near the top of the card.

Locke walked over to Alex, indicating him with his right hand rather airily.

HELMS: You...struggling to stay afloat when you should be challenging Reo for the title tonight instead of that whelp, Shields.

PIERCE: Whatever you’re trying to do, Locke, it ain’t working.

Locke looked over at the other man and then chuckled for a moment, where the sound usually troubled or bothered other wrestlers on the OATH roster, for Alex it did nothing.

HELMS: I guess old age and injuries have finally caught up to you, leaving nothing but a crippled old fart that no longer deserves the title of “Ace”..especially since “she” pretty much left you high and..

Alex rolled his eyes before he surged to his feet, grabbing Locke by the front of his shirt, and slammed him up against the wall.

PIERCE: Enough!

HELMS (laughing): That’s it, there’s the fire that I know that is there. If you had shown that fire a few weeks ago, you would’ve handed Young her unworthy fucking head! You and I could’ve then had a match worthy of the last time you and I fought!!

Alex’s eyes narrowed sharply as he leaned in, his voice low and dark.

PIERCE: The last time that you and I fought for a title that I held, Locke, you lost and then spent six weeks on the shelf recovering from the fact that I busted your fucking jaw hard enough to crack it.

HELMS: Yes, but it would be worth it to watch you fucking be something worth fighting again, my old partner. David was right, you’re not a fucking hero...you never where. You’re like me, one of the darkest hearts in this entire promotion and it’s ‘bout time you started acting like it again.

Alex let out a growl of frustration as he simply dropped Locke to the ground before he stalked off, grabbing his bag as the camera closed in on Locke looking on with a look of slight pride as the screen faded.

CRYBABY: The following contest is a Trios Match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first accompanied to the ring by Astaroth, at a combined weight of 718lbs., the team of Ryan Terror, Adrestia Nyx, and Monstruo -- The Hell Realm!

“Welcome to Hell” by Terror Universal kicked up and The Citadel immediately started booing and throwing shit at the entrance ramp. The devil’s triad stepped out from behind the curtain and started making their way down the ramp. Terror and Nyx walked side by side as Monstruo hulked behind them. All three of them entered the ring and didn’t seem the slightest bit bothered by how much Toronto hated them.

CRYBABY: And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Bert Cocaine, at a combined weight of 595lbs., the team of Michael Sharpe and Switchblxde -- The Runaways and Kasey Kash!

“Liquid Swords" by GZA cued up. Rocco, Switch, and Kasey all charged down the ramp with Bert trailing behind him. The trio slid into the ring and all three went on the attack, catching The Hell Realm off guard! The referee called for the opening bell.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

The referee likely wanted to have one member from each team start the match but that wasn’t the case. Kasey caught Nyx in the chest with a high angle flipping dropkick that sent her through the ropes to the outside. Switch caught Terror with a leaping tornado ddt and Terror too was forced to powder out of the ring.

Monstruo stood in the middle of the ring and found himself surrounded by The Runaways and Kasey. The three of them immediately jumped on Monstruo and tried to take him out. The trio all peppered him with as many shots as they could and eventually they got him down to a knee.

MEARS: Monstruo is getting swarmed by The Runaways and Kasey Kash!

PETRIE: Yeah this is gonna last…

MEARS: You don’t believe in them?

PETRIE: I know better than to doubt Monstruo. This dude is literally from Hell.

The crowd was losing their fucking minds because Rocco, Switch, and Kasey were able to beat Monstruo down. That lasted exactly ten seconds before Monstruo erupted off the mat and knocked all three men down. Monstruo grabbed the closest body to him -- which was Kasey -- and lifted him high in the air with a gorilla press. Monstruo took one step and tossed Kasey over the top rope with Kasey landing with a hard thud on the outside of the ring.

Terror and Nyx slid back into the ring to cut Rocco and Switch off as they went after Monstruo. Terror caught Switch in the chin with Out Of The Shadows (Superkick) that sent him flying back into the corner. Rocco tried to throw hands with Nyx but she caught him with a hard jab to the ribs and then took him down with Phoenix Twist (Rolling Cutter)!

MEARS: The Runaways have been off their game since losing the Tag Team Titles in their hometown of Calgary. Then The Hell Realm targeted them and they have been consumed by getting revenge.

PETRIE: That’s what they get for trying to bring their stupid music to a wrestling show.

With Switch and Kasey down, Rocco was left all alone to deal with all three members of The Hell Realm. Bert tried to rouse Kasey on the outside but he was definitely hurt. Astaroth approached Bert and smacked him in the back of the head. Bert turned around and ate a superkick from Astaroth while back in the ring The Hell Realm swarmed Rocco.

Monstruo lifted Rocco off the mat by his neck and appeared as if he was going to lift him up for a chokeslam but Switch had climbed to the top rope. Before Terror or Nyx could get at him, Switch leaped from the top rope and caught Monstruo with a huge blockbuster! Rocco landed on his feet as Monstruo sat up and Rocco hit him with a seated blockbuster!

MEARS: One blockbuster was not enough!

PETRIE: You have to kill Monstruo to keep him down. Which is impossible because he is already dead.

It was Monstruo who was forced to bail out of the ring and Kasey was finally back up. Kasey got up onto the apron. Nyx tried to swing on Switch but Switch ducked underneath it and dropped her with a hangman’s neckbreaker! Rocco took Terror down with a German suplex as Kasey hit a springboard sick kick! That combination levelled Terror and Rocco covered him.

1..

2..!

Nyx threw her body onto the pile to break up the fall but Switch was there to pick her up and whip her hard into a corner. Switch grabbed Kasey and irish whipped him toward that very same corner and Kasey popped Nyx with a leaping knee strike to the chin. Nyx staggered right into a Double Spanish Fly from The Runaways. With both Terror and Nyx down, The Runaways and Kasey gestured for Monstruo to get back into the ring.

PETRIE: This is the dumbest thing I have seen in some time. And I have a TikTok account.

MEARS: Why?

PETRIE: I post video recipes.

MEARS: For what?

PETRIE: Crack.

You didn’t have to tell the big bastard twice as he went to get into the ring. Switch launched himself at the monster but Monstruo grabbed him by the throat, lifted him over the top rope and dropped him with a falling choke slam to the floor! The crowd collectively gasped as Switch landed with a hard thud on his back. In the ring Nyx rolled Kash up out of nowhere.

1..

2..!

Kasey kicked out and then was immediately cracked with Out of the Shadows from Terror that sent Kasey backward over the top rope to the floor. Monstruo entered the ring and grabbed Rocco. He levelled Rocco with a clothesline and then shot him into the ropes. On his return, Monstruo lifted Rocco up with a flapjack and as he came down Terror and Nyx caught him with a double ddt! Terror covered.

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here are your winners, The Hell Realm!

“Welcome to Hell” by Terror Universal cued up and Astaroth slipped into the ring to celebrate with the rest of his posse. Nyx, Terror, Monstruo, and Astaroth stood tall -- having destroyed The Runaways and Kasey Kash once again.

FM: You know, I’ve beaten Holland twice now. Once a while ago in a completely different company and that shouldn’t count. We’ve done this before is what I’m saying. The second time is important though because he hurt me that match and that’s a fact. Gotta give the dude that, I ended up in a dumb compression shirt for three weeks. I could barely fight. He may have managed that, but he didn’t win. This time Holland wants to win, but that’s not how this goes. He’s tried and tried, I am the Tiger that he just can’t beat. Man wants me to think he’s War, but I don’t fear war.

FM Young had her travel bag over her shoulder as she walked side by side with her friend Cass Baumer. The pair were trekking down one of the low lit backstage corridors of OATH’s Citadel, the stone walls pressed in on the hallway as they headed toward the guest area and then presumably the performer’s locker room. The pair were alone, presumably because Volta had been turned over to Super Tiger, to aid her and Minoru in their special dramatic tag team match and entrance.

BAUMER: You really think you should be taking him lightly? You’ve seen how well he did in the Thirteen Ghosts Battle Royal at Conviction: Hell And Back. And the Limbic Resonance that took out Jenkynx...

Cass’s voice trailed off while the two continued to walk, the OATH roster member a few steps ahead with the confident strut befitting a dominant champion.

FM: Let me get this straight here, Cass. I’m NOT AJ! I’ve trained AJ, and Erik better be able to hit that finisher more than once.

Cass was taken aback by her words but Effy continued.

FM: I give Holland all the credit, but he wants to compare himself to a god? Then I’m going to show him why that’s a bad idea.

The words fell from The Tiger’s lips with a proud slickness as the two turned the corner.

FM: He’s already done all he can. He’s brought me pain, he’s certainly injured me. I’ll go as far as to say that the beatdown he gave me cost me the Event Horizon Series. One match, though? One fight? He can’t do enough damage, I’m not seeing a situation where I can’t take whatever he can throw at me. He’s just never been able to stop me within the confines of one match, and this Intrepid title match is going to have that damn 15 minute time limit. Which is going to make it harder for Holland to get the job done, still I don’t care about the amount of damage. Even if next show I haveta go back to the compression shirt. I’m not losing tonight.

BAUMER: Good. Between Morgan, Minoru, Morgan, Super Tiger, Jamie, Volta, and everyone else, there’s a lot of people rooting for you tonight! Not to mention all the fans across the globe. You know what to avoid. You know how to hit Erik when he’s vulnerable. You’ve watched the tape, you’ve got the notes. Just don’t panic, fight smart, and the night belongs to you, eh?

FM: You sound like you’re the one panicking, Cass, I’m not panicking. I’ve done this, at this point in my career time in and time out, title defenses get easier. You just get more confident about it along the way, the nerves stop becoming overwhelming. It all just kind of reconciles itself into steal in your mind, like I said Erik and I have done this before. He might be more hungry than ever, but I’m not being kicked off my throne. Not yet. I’m at the top of my game and not ready for it to end. I have two world titles and the secondary title in OATH. Am I gonna get dethroned? Maybe, but Holland isn’t going to be the man to do it. He might be the God of War, but I am Wonder Woman. Despite what anyone say’s, I am a Champion worth my title and I intend to keep proving that in the face of everyone.

With that powerful remark, the student and the teacher neared the OATH offices until the man in a dark suit stopped them with an authoritative demeanor.

STRAKER: Ah, FM Young! It makes me proud to see you represent OATH as its prestigious Intrepid Champion. Good luck out there tonight.

FM: Thank you, Mr. Straker. I admit, I like that you’ve made people earn their number one contender spot for my Championship. I’ll keep defending it with that level of excellence.

STRAKER: I feel it’s important to keep to a proper hierarchy in OATH. We’re a meritocracy, after all. People have to earn their way to the top.

FM nods, pulling her bag up onto her shoulder as she got ready to walk past Straker to the locker rooms.

STRAKER: That’s not the reason I wanted to speak with you, though. I came to talk business.

To both their surprise, Mr. Straker’s eyes met with Cass Baumer.

BAUMER: Should we… talk in your office, then?

The OATH President nodded. Cass looked at FM as if to ask for permission to leave. FM nodded, reaching up to give Cass an encouraging pat on the shoulder with a small smile.

FM: I’ll be in the locker room getting ready for my match. Have a good meeting, catch up to ya later.

Baumer nodded with a little smile and the two walked in separate directions, Cass with Mr. Straker and FM Young on her own.

We opened inside an older looking movie theater with the words “PLEASE STAND BY” imaged across the screen. The light projecting onto the movie screen was bright and blinding, since our camera was situated facing said light. We moved past it, and we see the immense form of Erik Holland sitting exactly in the middle of the theater that we could now see was empty. He was quietly focused on the theater screen while we approached him.

HOLLAND: Violent Ends begins soon. The end of what has been a long, and very interesting journey. Straker...are you satisfied? Do you see the wreckage I’ve left over the last few months, the bodies I’ve broken, and were you pleased? I guess that all I needed to do was declare my intentions and let my skills do the rest of the talking. You know, I did this not just because I wanted to be the Intrepid Champion, but I think I needed to make a point. After losing the World Championship I went into a tailspin. I was directionless, losing match after match, and I needed motivation. I needed something to lock onto. And here I am, with all that is left standing in front of me in the form of FM Young. Lucky me, right?

Holland stood up now as the cameraman headed into the row behind him, so that Holland’s form was framed perfectly with the movie screen behind him.

HOLLAND: I have long said FM Young is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the industry, and I believe I discovered that first hand the first time we did battle.

Holland gave a hand signal, and the movie screen kicked up to life with black and white footage of all of FM Young and Erik Holland’s past matches. We couldn’t really tell which matches are which, but the violence and brutality that these two competitors created was evident.

HOLLAND: The Intrepid Championship is uniquely suited to you, Young. You have to completely dominate your opponent to hang onto the title--only a brief time limit to get it done, so you must be as aggressive and destructive as possible. And for months, FM, you have been exactly that. Just like I have, you've been destroying everyone they put in front of you. Until now. Until you, Godkiller, pick up your blade again and see that Erik Holland has taken the field.”

Erik, perhaps deliberately, froze the footage when we came to a still of FM Young getting her hand raised, with Erik flat on his back below her.

HOLLAND: We have collided before, Young, and by your will alone were you able to overcome me -- but I know I’ve done damage to you that you have yet to learn how to fix. The one thing that I wanted, the one thing I desired so deeply was to overcome you because i knew if I could beat YOU, that would be a win that I could truly be genuinely proud of. Now I get another chance to take you on with it ALL on the line. FM, simple question, because you and I are better known for what we do to the human body than we are with our words..

Erik crossed his arms.

HOLLAND: Can you do it again? Can you reach down to the bottoms of your boots and find what you found once before to conquer me again? Because if you cannot, then the one thing you’ve found in OATH that you’ve been so terribly proud of will be taken away, and I will take the Intrepid Championship instead to heights that you failed to reach. But the thing is, FM...I’m the only one that CAN beat you. I’m the only one built to withstand what you’ve got. I have learned so much since our last encounter and now I truly feel ready. I only wonder if you are, because I am not the Erik Holland you defeated in the past..

HOLLAND: You asked for this, FM. You told me there would be glory in this battle. All I have to do now is prove you right. So here we are, now, FM. Either leave with your shield...or on it.

Erik clapped his hands together, and all of a sudden, all at once, the screen and the theater went dark. When the lights return, Erik was gone.

"Will you tell these fools I'm not crazy! Make them listen to me before it's too late!"

The arena suddenly went completely pitch black.

"Listen to me. PLEASE listen. If you don't, if you won't...if you fail to understand, then the same incredible terror that's menacing me will STRIKE AT YOU!"

WE MUST SURVIVE!

"The Haunted" by Walls of Jericho ERUPTED over the sound system kicking up an air-raid siren style strobe light that pulsed steadily but angrily on the stage. Lyal "Lyric" Allen came bounding through the curtain first rocking her latest outrageous makeup and costume, waving to the crowd and bounding around like a super-ball. She went to center stage as she saw her beloved charge Erik Holland materializing onto the stage amid the lights and the pouring smoke from behind the curtain.

Lyric stopped and admired her man as he seemed to just wander down the ramp past her towards the ring, completely oblivious to anything other than the prospect of destroying his opponent. The loving smile melted away and Lyric put her game face on as she followed Holland with a confident strut to the ring. As the camera got a good look at the monster's face -- hidden by a pair of black welder's goggles and a black bandanna around his mouth with a barbed wire design -- he seemed to be in his own world, tilting his head this way and that to look at the audience in attendance, leaving his fists out to touch knuckles with the fans.

Erik and Lyric stopped as they got to ringside, Lyric sharing a stare with Holland as he seemed to wordlessly understand, approaching the steel steps and suddenly, explosively, lunging up them and into the ring. Then ended up sticking his head and upper body through the top and middle ropes as red strobes blazed all over the place. He stared out at the rolling, moshing swarm of fans, Lyric struted over and reached up, taking off the goggles, taking off the bandanna -- so we could see that face, twisted in a violent snarl, the teeth gritting, the eyes unblinking.

Finally as the chaos began to subside, Holland fell against a turnbuckle pad with his butt on the mat, muttering still, with a thousand yard stare locked onto the entryway. The lights returned to normal and the music faded, as the crowd brought up one last roar ready for the fight.

The arena went silent and then "Helix" by Amaranthe kicked up. OATH Intrepid Champion FM Young walked out from behind the curtain and made her way to the ring. The fans were cheering for her but in an odd turn, Holland got a bigger reaction. This fact was not lost on Young but this match was not about who the fans favored more -- it was about the title that was over her shoulder. Young reached the ring, ascended the steel stairs and stepped into the ring. She raised the title high and The Citadel cheered as Holland watched her from the corner.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a twenty minute time limit, and it is for the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Championship! Introducing first, the manager, this is Lyal ‘Lyric’ Allen! She represents the challenger, from Silent Hill, weighing 285lbs, “The Haunted” Erik Holland!

The decent pop for the former OATH World Champion and this time Young was clearly annoyed. She was the champion after all, and had been dominant since coming to OATH. She hadn’t given them a reason to favor Holland more than her.

CRYBABY: Introducing second, from Seville, Spain, weighing in at 210lbs, she is the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Champion, “The Tiger” FM Young!

Cheers roared for the champion but as previously stated they were not as supportive as those for Holland. Young shook off the lack of support and handed the referee her Intrepid Championship. The official held the title up for all to see, handed it off, and then called for the opening bell.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Right off the bell and these two veterans came nose to nose in the middle of the ring. Of course, Holland had to lower his head to Young’s level but the image was there. Holland was seething, Young was calm. Holland spoke to Young saying something along the lines of “I’ve come too far” and she responded with “And far left to go”.

The little exchange was all it took for Holland to want to haul off and nail Young with a right hand but Young dropped to a knee, swung behind him and applied a waist lock. Young tried for a German suplex but Holland hooked his leg around hers and halted any hopes of that.

MEARS: Erik Holland has a seventy five pound weight advantage on Young.

PETRIE: She’s lifted his dumb ass before. She will again.

Holland reached over his left shoulder and hooked Young with a ¾ facelock. The former World Champion dropped to a knee and brought Young over with a quick snapmare. Holland looked to apply a dragon sleeper but Young darted out of it and hit him with a succession of rapid jabs to the midsection.

The champion took off for the ropes and came back looking for a rising knee strike but Holland moved ever so slightly to the left that he was able to evade the knee and instead catch Young into a powerbomb position. Knowing that an early devastating move would be a boon to him, Holland looked to lift Young even higher in the air for a last ride style powerbomb!

MEARS: Here it comes! Could this be FM’s last ride?

PETRIE: Come on Mears.

MEARS: That is what the move is called.

PETRIE: By fuckin’ who?

As Holland lifted Young up she was able to throw her arms forward and put Holland off balance. The Haunted lost his grip and Young landed on her feet behind him. Young caught Holland with a dropkick to the back of the head that sent him stumbling into the ropes.

Holland hit the ropes chest first and they propelled him backward right into a snap German suplex from The Tiger. Holland opted to let his momentum carry him out of the ring under the bottom rope. Holland was quick up to his feet and Lyric approached him to encourage him but he gestured for her to stay put.

MEARS: This is the turning point here Bad Mood. Is Erik going to utilize everything at his disposal here at ringside or will he abide by Intrepid Title Rules?

PETRIE: If he was smart he would do whatever he has to do to win.

MEARS: He has said that he wants to do things the right way.

PETRIE: The right way is winning.

The momentary and unintentional distraction from Lyric gave Young the space to hit the opposing ropes and sprint toward Holland. Young flew through the ropes like an arrow, looking for a tope suicida but Holland sidestepped her again and was able to send her head first into the barricade. There was a collective gasp from everyone in the arena because of the force in which the crown of Young’s head hit the steel guard rail.

This was a moment for Holland to consider what kind of wrestler he wanted to be. Outside the ring was his playground but that is not what the Intrepid Title is about. Holland glanced over at Lyric and she didn’t give away what she was thinking, but Holland knew. With a heavy sigh, Holland got the champion up and slipped her into the ring -- ready to win the right way.

MEARS: He’s not going to do it! He’s gonna do his damage in the ring.

PETRIE: Idiot.

Once back in the ring Young tried to surprise Holland with a Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline) but as she twirled around Holland just straight up levelled her with a lariat of his own. He had seen this shit before, he knew how to react. With Young in a daze Holland hoisted her up and planted her with a massive release powerbomb. He shot the half and hooked her leg.

1..

2..!

The champion was able to kick out but Holland went right back on the attack. Holland led Young over to a corner and quickly positioned her on the top rope. Holland started to climb the turnbuckle to be on the same level as her, perhaps looking for a superplex. As Holland went to set it up, Young hit him with the biggest headbutt you have ever seen...right to the bridge of his nose!

PETRIE: Jesus! I think he has a broken nose.

MEARS: That is no good for his ability to breathe.

PETRIE: At least he can’t smell himself.

The challenger fell backward off of the top rope and landed with a thud on the canvas. Young wasted no time and came off the top rope with her BPB (Shooting Star Senton). Young’s full weight landed right across the monster’s sternum and he let out what sounded like a death gasp. Holland’s face went red -- all of the air had been knocked out of his body.

Young took a few moments to recover but when she saw Holland wheezing on the mat, she knew that she had to capitalize. Young got Holland up to his feet and he tried for a shot to her midsection but instead she stopped him dead with a knee to his chin. A few seconds and a brief struggle later Young had got the man who weighs 75lbs more than her up and hit him with Stand Alone Complex (Elevated Gutbuster)! Young quickly pinned as Holland gasped on the mat.

1..

2..!

MEARS: FM has found her target and she is going to fire with everything she has!

To the fans’ surprise and happiness, Holland was able to kick out. The champion immediately got him up and positioned him for Superchick (The Shiranui) but as she kicked off the ropes to tumble over top of him Holland held her in the air and threw her into the corner! Young landed with her back against the corner and then fell direction on the top of her head again. The force of the throw was otherworldly. Yeah, that’s the best way to put it.

Holland dropped to a knee, doing whatever he could to catch his breath as Young lay in the corner holding the top of her head. The referee was forced to check on Young as she had taken two bad head bumps. Lyric supported Holland from ringside and that seemed to be the thing that inspired him most to get back to his feet. Holland stood and the audience roared.

MEARS: Dear lord! Holland tossed Young like she weighed NOTHING!

PETRIE: Even I’ll admit...that was pretty great.

The Tiger used the ropes to pull herself up in the corner but Holland had charged in and he hit her with a running body avalanche. You could practically hear Holland’s bones crush. Holland grabbed the back of Young’s head and threw her onto the mat. Holland pulled himself up to a seated position on the top rope and he pointed at Young.

MEARS: The big man is going to fly!

The Haunted climbed even further up to the top rope and when he came off looking for his heavy top rope lariat, Young caught him with a jumping knee to the midsection! Holland was gasping for air yet again as Young rolled him up! Holland got his hand on the bottom rope but Young pounded on his arm and he let go -- the referee didn’t see it!

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and STILL OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Champion, FM Young!

“Helix” by Amaranthe cued up again and Young was handed that Intrepid Championship. Young was on her knees and she cradled the title. Holland was wide eyed and gasping for breath. Champion and challenger locked eyes for a brief moment before Young simply left the ring with her title. Lyric entered the ring to check on her breathless charge and he just watched as his title opportunity disappeared beyond the curtain.

We cut to the back where Matt Shields was sitting alone in a dimly lit room, well he might be alone, he was facing the back of an old wooden rocking chair and smiling.

SHIELDS: Soon Blanche, very very soon.

He smiled and nodded as he cracked his knuckles. The chair started to rock back and forth a bit causing his smile to widen.

SHIELDS: Yes, we’re going to finally be together. After so long apart, after your cries went unanswered for so long. I’m here, I have my opportunity, and I will rescue you.

Shields sat cross legged on a small equipment crate and nodded.

SHIELDS: Oh you know I will my sweet golden girl. I will pay Reo Ojima back ten fold.

Shields' smile faded slightly as he continued nodding his head.

SHIELDS: I know Blanche. All of the horrible things you had to endure at his hands. All of the anguish you have been through. All the times he couldn’t hear your voice. All the times he treated you like you were nothing more than some prize he could wave around to make him feel superior.

Shields looked ahead and now started to laugh a bit.

SHIELDS: You’re right, tonight his reign ends and I will make his hundred and however many days look like it was nothing. I will not let anyone rip us apart once you are safe in my arms.

Shields hopped off the equipment crate and went to his knees in front of the chair.

SHIELDS: After tonight, it’s you and me forever Blanche. Anyone and everyone who thinks they can rip us apart, who thinks they can take you from me or split me from you, will learn a violent and bloody lesson.

He put his hand on the chair and started to nod.

SHIELDS: Of course my sweet golden girl. They try and act like I’m crazy to cover up the fact they are jealous that you chose to speak to me and me alone. I came here because I could hear you crying out. Crying for us to find each other, begging me to save you and become whole again.

The camera moved around slightly to reveal he was talking to a picture of the OATH World Title, or “Blanche” as he called her. He looked up at the camera and started to seethe.

SHIELDS: HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT OUR PRIVATE CONVERSATION. I’M GETTING THE AXE.

Shields stood up and started searching for his axe, but looked back at the chair and nodded as a creepy sadistic smile came across his face.

SHIELDS: You’re right Blanche, the axe is too good for this creep. Interrupting us, trying to get a peek at you. The knife will work very well.

Shields looked at the camera as he raised a butcher knife high into the air and suddenly everything cut to black.

CRYBABY: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 235lbs., representing The Hell Realm, “The Chairman of Chaos” Locke Helms!

“Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG started playing and Locke Helms peeled back the curtain. The former two time Intrepid Champion stepped out onto the stage and conspicuous by his absence was Locke’s lackey Astaroth. Helms walked the length of the ramp and entered the ring.

CRYBABY: And his opponent, from Calgary, Alberta, weighing in at 130lbs., “The Canadian Wildcat” Jenna Sharpe!

"Missile" by Dorothy cued up but Jenna was nowhere to be seen. Helms stood facing the ramp, perhaps wondering if Jenna had decided not to show. That question was quickly answered when she appeared behind him, holding the funeral wreath that he had delivered to the arena. Before Helms knew what was happening, Jenna smashed it over the back of his head. Fully knowing that the Helms would want the match to start, the referee called for the bell.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Helms was rocked from the sneak attack and Jenna was ready to get some revenge on the man that cost her a World Title opportunity several weeks ago. Jenna took Helms’ back looking for a rear naked choke but Helms rolled through and transitioned it into an arm bar!

The Chairman of Chaos nearly had the hold locked in but Jenna rolled him up into a pin. It didn’t take because Helms rolled backward, got to his feet and took a charging Jenna over with a quick Diamond Rain (Spanish Fly). Helms opted not to cover, but recover.

MEARS: Massive early offense from Locke.

PETRIE: This man is constantly at the top of the pack in OATH. A solid singles victory for him here

Jenna tried to regain her faculties but Helms pressed his advantage. Helms shot Jenna hard into a corner and followed that up with a running back elbow. Helms hit several more back elbows to keep Jenna in the corner and then he placed her upside down in the corner with a tree of woe.

The Citadel knew what was coming, they had seen this many times. While Jenna was trapped in the tree of woe, Helms nailed her with a superkick to the mid-section. Helms then darted across the ring. The fans were booing him but he did not mind in the least.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe is competing on another level right now. She has shown that she is capable of facing the very best in OATH but I wonder if she has bitten off more than she can chew.

PETRIE: Of course she has! This is the former two time Intrepid Champion, the longest reigning Intrepid Champion -- Jenna is out of her element Donnie!

MEARS: Who is Donnie?

Helms charged toward Jenna in the corner and went for a running dropkick to the face to complete his Gallows Tree combination but Jenna sat up at the last second! Helms’ dropkick connected with the middle turnbuckle and he rolled backward into the center of the ring.

As Helms was trying to reconcile just exactly what had happened, Jenna came off the top rope with a missile dropkick that downed The Hell Realm member. Helms tried to rally back but he stumbled right into an impressive Michinoku Driver from the former Tabula Rasa Champion. Jenna reached forward and hooked Helms’ leg for the pinfall attempt.

1..

2..!

PETRIE: Gonna take a fuck load more than that honey!

MEARS: You should not call her that.

PETRIE: Because it’s demeaning?

MEARS: Because she’ll tear your arm off.

Helms kicked out quickly but Jenna immediately transitioned into a Fujiwara armbar! Helms did what he could to fight the hold but the Canadian national had him dead to rights in the centre of the ring. Helms was able to push his shoulder into the mat and roll forward to break the hold.

The two were back up to a vertical base when Helms caught Jenna with a roaring elbow. Jenna fell back into the ropes, which propelled her right back into another roaring elbow. This sequence repeated several times until Jenna responded with a basement dropkick to Helms’ left knee.

PETRIE: Ew! Did you see the way his leg just fuckin’ bent?

MEARS: That is bad news for Locke. Jenna is a submission specialist and she will exploit that.

PETRIE: Maybe she didn’t notice!

With The Chairman of Chaos kneeling, Jenna called out to her countrymen in The Citadel. Jenna darted at Helms, leaped over him with a front flip and planted him with a kneeling blockbuster. As soon as the two of them connected with the mat, Jenna rolled backward and applied a calf crusher. Helms reached for the bottom rope but he was a ways away.

Jenna pulled back on the hold with all of her might but she pulled back so far that Helms was able to get his arm around her neck and transition into a bulldog choke! Jenna was forced to break her hold in order to fight Helms off but the turntables had...turned.

MEARS: What a counter from Locke Helms!

PETRIE: Yeah she may be good with submissions but he’s better.

MEARS: He is quite skilled, no denying that.

It was Jenna now who was reaching out for the bottom rope but she could not quite get there. Helms had the hold locked in tight and Jenna’s face was a beat red. The referee was in perfect position to get the verbal submission but Jenna refused to give up. The Citadel cheered, trying to give her some of their power.

While still locked in the bulldog choke, Jenna started slithering her way into a position to get the bottom rope with her legs. Just as it seemed that the contest was lost for The Canadian Wildcat, she made one final push and hooked her left leg on the bottom rope.

MEARS: Jenna Sharpe made it to the ropes!

PETRIE: Yeah but look how she’s suckin’ wind.

The Citadel rejoiced as Helms was forced to break the hold. Helms released it and immediately stood Jenna up. She was rocked, stumbling on her feet. Jenna threw a wild punch but she was clearly in rough shape now. Helms easily evaded the shot, kicked her in the midsection and planted her with Downfall (Hammerlock DDT). Helms made the cover and the referee made the count.

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner, Locke Helms!

“Heavy Grind" by Enigma TNG kicked up again. The Citadel booed the shit out of Helms as he got his hand raised. The Chairman of Chaos slipped out of the ring and picked up what was left as the funeral wreath. He slowly walked up the steps and entered the ring. Helms lay the wreath beside Jenna, who was gasping for breath.

Backstage, the camera panned to a low traffic area of the arena. Next to a couple of shipping containers, Reo Ojima was in the middle of doing push-ups. The OATH World Title lies on top of one of the shipping containers while on another container lies a black towel and a customized ONI mask. Looking up, Reo noticed the camera and stopped mid push-up to address the camera.

OJIMA: Not really in the mood to talk to you guys. Not because I don’t have anything to say, I have plenty to say, but I’m getting in a mind frame to take on Shields that’s just going to be a straight up fight. Most of the matches I’ve been in with OATH I really never cared if I won or not. I’m just trying to collect that last big pay day before my body finally gives up on me.

Reo paused as he finished his last push-up before popping up to his feet.

OJIMA: But this match with Shields is different. I can take the attack from behind. That’s part of the wrestling business. But here’s the deal -- when you start calling a title, that you’ve never won, a name that you would to a prized possession…...that’s a big Fuck You to me since I still hold onto the title and you’re there with your hands empty. I’ve earned this title. What the hell has Shields done in OATH? Won a little battle royal? That’s luck. Now holding onto this title for over a hundred days and I’ve yet to be pinned cleanly for nearly a year here in OATH? That’s called dominance and I won’t let little shits like you disrespect me or my title.

Grabbing the OATH Title, Reo held it in front of the camera as he continued to address it.

OJIMA: So if this is some type of mind game Shields then you got me. Doing a better job than Edwards did. But you’re playing the wrong game, kid, because I plan on beating the shit out of your head with my feet until I have bits of your brain on the bottom of my boots….just like chewing gum. So if you don’t mind…

Placing the title back on the container, Reo put the ONI mask on his face and looked into the camera.

OJIMA: ...this ONI needs to sharpen his blades for war.

Shoving the camera away, they force cut the feed.

In the arena it was time for the main event. Crybaby was standing in the centre of the ring and the audience hushed in anticipation for her introductions. She stood still and waited for the competitors to make their entrances.

The lights in the arena went pitch black, then the screen suddenly lit up with static as a spotlight shines down and a red tricycle rolled out. The lights flashed erratically then started suddenly strobing as "The Jig Is Up" began to play. Through the strobing a few figures could be seen on the stage. As the chorus began, the lights returned to a dim white and we saw several women in blood stained bikinis and grotesque pig masks brandishing hacksaws.

They're all just gears in my machine

I savour every puzzled scream

A piece of them to carry with me

All systems go!

As the second verse kicked in, a man in a tattered black suit and an oversized clown mask walked out onto the stage. He raised his hand and there was a blood splattered kendo stick he pointed down towards the ring. He marched right to the ring, jumped up onto the apron, wiped his feet and stepped inside. He turned back to the ramp, removed his mask and there was Matt Shields. He pointed the kendo stick back up the ramp and smiled "Game's over Ojima." he said.

The music cut for a few tense moments and then “The Real Man” by SEATBELTS kicked up. The audience took that as a command to start booing as the OATH World Champion, “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima walked out onto the stage. Ojima was wearing a new ONI mask and marched to the ring with purpose. Once up the steel steps and in the ring, Ojima stepped right to Shields. The referee separated the two men and Ojima went to a corner and leaned his back against it.

CRYBABY: The following contest is your main event of the evening and it is for the OATH Pro Wrestling World Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from Dallas, Texas, weighing in at 235lbs., “The Hellhound” Matt Shields!

A small cheer for Shields, not so much because the crowd liked him but because they really hated Ojima. Shields didn’t seem to give a shit either way he just pointed the kendo stick at Ojima.

CRYBABY: And his opponent, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 239lbs., representing ONI, he is the OATH Pro Wrestling World Champion, “The Stone Gargoyle” Reo Ojima!

Ojima removed his ONI mask and handed over the World Championship to the referee. The zebra held the title up before he passed it on to a member of the ring crew. The referee asked both men if they were ready. Ojima spit over the top rope while Shields simply nodded.

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Well would you look at that, Shields did not dispose of his kendo stick. Shields charged at Ojima with a ‘fuck a disqualificaiton’ mentality as he swung the kendo stuck at Ojima’s left kidney. The champion caught the kendo stick against his body, trapping it with his arm.

Ojima stripped the kendo stick from Shields and tossed it over the top rope. Shields was taken aback that it was so easy for the old timer and was then shocked a second time when Ojima caught him with a palm strike to the face. Ojima quickly took Shields over with a hip toss and Shields landed right on his tailbone.

MEARS: Reo Ojima has been OATH World Champion for 119 days. He has defended it in the main event of Event Horizon. He has defended it in a 3 Stages of Hell Match.

PETRIE: Goddamn right he has. All incredible feats by our one true champion!

MEARS: They were...but why do I feel like this is his toughest challenge yet?

Shields was seated when Ojima soccer kicked him in the spin. Ojima stood Shields up and went for an Irish whip but Shields reversed the momentum. On his return, Ojima showed his veteran instinct when he utilized an odd move -- he hit Shields with a headbutt to the gut.

The Stone Gargoyle caught Shields with an uppercut and then took him over with another hip toss. Ojima kicked Shields in the spine again and then applied a chin lock, driving his knee into Shield’s spine. Ojima pulled back with all of his might.

MEARS: Ojima knows that he can not match Shields in youth and in turn in speed. He needs to keep the pace of this contest slow, he needs to control it.

PETRIE: And he will. Shields is too blinded by ‘Rescuing Blanche’. He don’t have the mental capacity to compete with Ojima’s mind games.

When Shields started to fight out of the hold Ojima started dropping some elbows onto his collarbone. Ojima switched his grip into an inverted face lock but Shields was able to stand. Ojima was trying to lock in his feared hold, Chinese Water Torture (Dragon Sleeper).

Shields fought out of Ojima’s grip before the latter could get it synched in. Shields slipped behind the champion and applied a half nelson. Ojima did his best to fight out but Shields put him on the canvas with a half nelson neckbreaker. Shields attempted a cover but Ojima rolled onto his stomach.

PETRIE: That is the veteran instinct of our World Champion. He ain’t gonna to be pinned so easily!

MEARS: That appeared to be desperation more than anything from where I am sitting.

PETRIE: We are sitting together!

MEARS: Then you should be able to see that.

The Hellhound dropped a few quick knees to Ojima’s left kidney and then applied a front chancery. Ojima fought up to a vertical base but Shields hit him with a knee to the midsection and then planted him with a swinging neckbreaker. This time Ojima rolled toward the bottom rope and hooked his arm over it.

A look of quiet satisfaction appeared on Shields’ face. The champion having to go for the ropes at this point in the contest told Shields everything that he needed to know. Shields charged in and nailed Ojima with a running knee to the face. Ojima was rocked as Shields got him back up to his feet.

MEARS: This is exactly what Reo needed to avoid. Matt is pushing the pace and Reo is not fast enough to counter any of the challenger’s attacks.

Holding Ojima by the chin, Shields started screaming “She is mine! I will rescue her!” which caused Ojima to throw a desperate right hand. Shields blocked it and hit Ojima with another knee into the midsection. Shields swung behind Ojima and planted him with a hangman’s neckbreaker. Shields covered the champion.

1..

2..!

MEARS: We quite nearly had a new World Champion just there.

PETRIE: Ojima is conservin’ energy. The big comeback is on its way.

MEARS: The contest may be over before it gets here!

Ojima’s arm shot off the mat but Shields immediately applied a double wrist lock. Ojima wasn’t having any of that, he knew that he needed to make a stand soon or Shields would overrun him. With his free hand Ojima hit some quick jabs to Shield’s stomach. Shields answered by breaking the hold and he smashed Ojima with a European uppercut. Shields was quick to get Ojima up and drop him with Majo No Toki (Fireman's Carry Neckbreaker)!

The champion was clearly in trouble now and Shields knew it. Rather than go for the kill, Shields decided that he wanted to make a statement and toy with the champion some. Shields scraped his boot across the back of Ojima’s head a few times and then kicked him as hard as he possibly could in the ribs.

MEARS: This an ill advised course of action for Matt. He can not toy with the champion.

PETRIE: Yeah this is dumb, kid. You already have him right pissed off, don’t push your luck!

The Citadel had grown quiet. Not because they were dissatisfied with their main event but they were not used to seeing the champion having his ass kicked so badly. Shields hefted Ojima up off the mat and took him over with a standard vertical suplex and floated over into a cover.

1..

2..!

Ojima kicked out and then went to roll to the outside but Shields was after him and hit him with a running punt to the gut. Ojima let out in pain, the old war horse was in serious danger of losing his prized championship. Shields stood Ojima up again but this time he took him over with a tiger suplex. Shields covered yet again.

1..

2..

..!

MEARS: Two near falls for Matt Shields. Reo can not seem to get an offense going.

PETRIE: Just wait. He’s gonna come at this fuckin’ kid like a freight train soon enough.

The champion kicked out again but Shields was not deterred. Shields applied a reverse chin lock just as the champion had done earlier in the contest but Shields repeatedly hit Ojima with knees to the spin while pulling back on the hold. There was nothing Ojima could do, he was at Shields’ mercy.

The Hellhound stood the champion up and in an impressive show of agility he popped up and cracked Ojima with a step up enziguiri! Reo fell backward into the ropes, which propelled him forward, right into a massive lariat from Shields. It was all but over for the World Champion.

MEARS: I am legitimately shocked Bad Mood. I did not see this contest going this way.

PETRIE: I’ve gotta be honest here Mears...neither did I.

MEARS: You sound upset Bad Mood. Not angry, but sad.

PETRIE: I think the reign might be over.

Looking to highlight his agility further, Shields positioned Ojima horizontally in front of the turnbuckle and then ascended to the top rope. Just as he did so, Leah Aguero came marching down to the ring. Shields noticed her but he just smiled. Shields took one second to flip Aguero off as she reached the bottom of the ramp and then he leaped from the top rope looking for Year Zero (Swanton Bomb) but Ojima moved out of the way just in time!

Ojima knew that he had to get to his feet, and fast, but the broken down veteran was having trouble. He almost looked concerned. Aguero pounded on the apron to show her support but Shields was back up too. Shields charged towards Ojima but the champion was able to hit him with a desperation spear. Reo mounted Shields and laid into him with a flurry of punches and elbows.

MEARS: The champion is coming back! He is fighting with everything that he has left!

PETRIE: Because that’s what champions do!

Shields was able to shove the champion off and the two were back up, facing off. Ojima darted towards Shields but was not fast enough, Shields was able to hit him with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline)! Ojima was turned inside out and Shields quickly gathered him up and then dropped him with Greetings From Crystal Lake (Air Raid Crash)! Shields covered.

1..

2..

..!

Reo Ojima did not kick out. Aguero pulled the referee out of the ring by his foot and then dropped him with a super kick. Shields stood up and had murder in his eyes once he realized what had happened. Shields went to exit the ring but then stopped dead in his tracks because he noticed someone else coming down the ramp. Aguero paid no mind, she slid into the ring and went for Shields but he hit her with 40 Legions (Discus Clothesline)!

MEARS: The fail safe did not work! Leah Aguero is NOT going to help Reo Ojima steal this championship.

PETRIE: The referee was counting too fast! Aguero is making sure that this is a level playing field.

MEARS: Yes of course. That must be it...

The figure who came down the ramp was none other than OATH Intrepid Champion FM Young. The audience popped for the presence of The Tiger but Shields went back to finish Ojima off. Aguero was down on the mat and didn’t seem to notice that Young was en route to the ring. Shields hoisted the champion off of the mat and set him up for Hellhound's Bite (Gory Neckbreaker).

PETRIE: No! Reo! No!

The referee was starting to stir on the outside and Aguero was getting to her feet in the ring. Shields was just about to drop Ojima with the Hellhound’s Bite when Young slid into the ring. Shields and Young were face to face and Shields released the champion just as Young hit Shields with Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). The crowd was shocked.

MEARS: What the fuck?

PETRIE: Yes! Yes! Yes!

MEARS: What is FM Young doing?

Young quickly got Shields up and hit him with Heart of the Phoenix (Lumbar Check)! Young draped Ojima’s arm over Shields as Aguero, perplexed, quickly exited the ring and slipped the referee into the ring. Young dropped to the mat and rolled out of the ring, undetected. The referee saw the cover and had no choice but to count the pin.

1..

2..

..3!

Ding, Ding, Ding!

CRYBABY: Here is your winner and STILL OATH Pro Wrestling World Champion, Reo Ojima!

“The Real Man” by SEATBELTS cued up. The Citadel was in shock, too shocked to even boo. Aguero retrieved the World Championship and entered the ring to hand it to Ojima. The champion was up on his knees as he held the title. There was a moment of tension as Young reentered the ring and stared down at the World Champion.

MEARS: Is FM Young a new member of ONI?

PETRIE: Reo and Leah look just as shocked as the rest of us!

The audience did not know what the fuck was going on until Young reached out a hand. Ojima hesitated before ultimately accepting it. Young helped him to his feet but Ojima could barely stand. Aguero draped one of his arms over her neck and supported him. There was a sense of general confusion as Violent Ends 2020 came to a close.

---

Results: • The Hell Realm def. Runaways & Kash

• FM Young def. Erik Holland; Still Intrepid Champion • Locke Helms def. Jenna Sharpe

• Reo Ojima def. Matt Shields; Still World Champion