parkereddy

I don't have an issue with Hook, I love Hook and I think he should move on to somewhere he's not losing to Jericho

That was a pretty good show, not one of their best PPVs because they have a stacked back catalogue at this point Okada/Pac easily my MOTN, so good and showed we need to get this mf Pac back to the top of this biz Ospreay/Danielson awesome but the ending deflated me personally and lessened my enjoyment Toni and Rosa I loved, Rosa is so good Hook/Jericho Jesus Christ, get both of these guys out of the company for entirely different reasons

I don't really buy that a corporation that gets over 1 billion in yearly revenue is worried about the costs of blood testing their employees, I think it's more of a media relations thing and keeping their product relatively "clean" by US television's strict standards. Standards which are still largely stuck in the days where concerned Christian parents were running rampant about their child hearing a curse word or a violent act on screen.

If the Devil is Jack Perry, I will not be watching AEW for the forseeable future

Officially going to sit down and watch a full 3 hour Raw tomorrow for the first time in at least 6 years. GOAT is back, baby.

International Relations I was on the phone with Vince McMahon, who absolutely loved the last show we put on. Great from top to bottom, despite the result in the main event... but missing something. "Where is your foreign heel, kid? Get the ball rolling on this. I expect to see one next time you run." Foreign heel... damn. Where the hell am I going to find a foreigner willing to run the West Virginia circuit?! I sit down with Bonnie and rack her brain from her time working overseas. Everyone she knows is busy as hell with a regular schedule in Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the US Southwest. Fuck it. Let's spin a globe and make a gamble. Aaaand STOP! Argentina, huh? Let's get to work. We hit the phones, trying to reach some talent agents in Argentina, asking about wrestling, trying desperately to get someone who understands English on the line. Finally, I get a name. Martin Karadagian. And he's on his way. Monday, Week 3, March 1970 - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia The contingency from Jim Crockett promotions approaches me backstage. David Crockett relays the information that dad is very satisfied with how the title feud is playing out, and that it's time to wrap it up. The next big show, it's time for the rubber match. Bob says that he's got a great idea moving forward with the feud. He's been on the phone with his trainer, his mentor, and he's willing to work for us for cheap if it's a program involving Bob. Bring him in, and we'll build a great story this month. You got it, boys. And here he is! My brand new, fresh off the plane from Argentina, foreign heel! I extend my hand. Good afternoon, Mr. Karadagian. Martin: "¿Hola, cómo estás? ¿Eres el jefe?" Me: "Pardon me?" Martin: "¿No hablas español?" Me: "Español? Well, uh. I'm afraid not, sir." Martin: *sigh.* Maybe my foreign heel is a bit too foreign. Thank god tonight's venue isn't far from the DC airport, or this guy might not have even made it! Uh, can someone go grab me an English-Spanish dictionary from the local library? A couple hours later, mid-show, Bonnie Watson rushes back with the dictionary. I flip through the pages and put together a rudimentary, violently incorrect, sentence. "Tu... luchar Jimmy Golden... y... crear... CALOR.... entender?" Martin laughs, but gets the message. While my frantic search for the dictionary was on, Bob Griffin introduces the idea of his mentor coming to town. Jim White gets a win in a surprisingly decent nothing match. Paula Kaye heels it up against one of our little person regulars. The Fuller brothers expand their tag resume. Then Martin hits the ring... and even without knowing the language, this guy's a god damn natural. He works our crowd... IN SPANISH, and still draws heat on the interview segment, following it up by destroying Jimmy Golden. Respect. I hand him the dictionary after he comes back in, and say "Aprender... Inglés... por favor." Then, Rita Boucher gets another big win, this time in the main event against Judy Grable. She solidifies her spot instantly as a top heel force in the company, and sets herself up beautifully as Bonnie Watson's next challenge.

He's Here. Thursday, Week 2, March 1970 - Charleston, West Virginia It's time. The night of Thesz's arrival in the territory. One night only. This is our chance to put out a real statement match... and Vince McMahon, Cowboy Bob Ellis, they're trying to take it from me. Cowboy Bob is planning to shoot on Thesz tonight. I've got to find a way to stop this. Tony Angelo and Cowboy Bob Ellis arrive to the show early. They greet me without a care in the world, as if I'm still oblivious of their plot. Good. I can't let them know that I know. I need Bob to think he has the element of surprise. The rest of the locker room trickles in, and there's Lou Thesz. I greet him as normal... because Bob and Tony are within earshot. I tell him he's on first with an interview segment in front of the crowd of 129 that has gathered in the local gym tonight... and to meet me in my office afterwards. Thesz finishes up his interview, and walks back through the curtains, heading for my office... only to be intercepted by Bob Ellis, wanting to talk through their match. Shit. That didn't work, and god knows they could be in there discussing that for the rest of the night. I need alternatives. The show goes on. I rack my brain for solutions. My mind instantly turns to my two most high profile male workers. Buck Robley and Bob Griffin. I pull them aside in confidence, and explain the situation. I ask what they can do to help. Griffin floats the idea that someone could run in and interfere. It wouldn't be the prettiest or most satisfying finish, but it puts a win in the column for Thesz. The only issue... Griffin's role as a face wouldn't allow it. Robley, however, is on board. Could he beat Bob Ellis in a shoot fight? Lets be honest, no. But he knows how to work the crowd into thinking this was planned, and as a last resort, it'll do. It's settled. If I can't warn Thesz, or Thesz can't beat Bob in shoot... Robley is the nuclear option. I walk towards the area where Bob, Tony, and Lou are discussing their match. It's time to make my move. "Tony, Bob - you're up for an interview segment." They look back at me in confusion. I hadn't told them this was happening tonight. But ultimately, they don't question it. They don't want to look too suspicious. They head to the ring, and while they speak, I speak with Lou for the first time. During the interview, I speak with Thesz. And, to my surprise, he already knew. He's no stranger to shoot wrestling in important situations. He even told me that his retirement tour had numerous instances just like this already. With Vince McMahon on the other end of the paycheck, he showed up to the arena ready to fight for his win. I reassure him that Buck Robley is waiting right behind the curtain tonight if things turn sour. He smiles, laughs, and tells me that won't be necessary, right as Angelo and Ellis return. Did they hear? Do they know he knows? Do they have their own tricks? I'm reassured, but still on edge. I speak to Buck Robley one last time before he heads out for the World Appalachian Title match. I tell him David Crockett will be heading out to interview him post-match. This will give him time to recover, get his breath back, and get ready to interfere in the main event if need be. Robley heads backstage right behind the curtain with me. I shake Thesz's hand as he enters. I shake Cowboy Bob's as a sly smile crosses his face. It's time. Angelo and a limping Bob Ellis hobble back into the locker room, furious. Thankfully... not directed at me. They had no idea. They didn't know the lengths I was willing to go to ensure their loss, and I plan to keep it that way. I tell Angelo that he and McMahon will get the show profits as soon as the merchandise sales are over. That lightened his spirits a bit, but he still has to face his boss in shame. Thesz thanks the crowd, signs autographs, and heads back with a knowing smile on his face. I hand him the fattest paycheck I've ever signed, and thank him for the excellent show. Show Rating: 49 To think I ever doubted a wrestling god.

Well, at least some of them, they’re created by other creators, not the AI. That’s the issue here.

There's a fundamental misunderstanding here. It's essentially just a moral question about intellectual property. One side believes that the moment an AI touches a render, it's completely new, no strings attached. One side believes that the renders in question are still the intellectual property of the creator, and had not been approved to be put through the AI in the first place. I would argue that there's no question - the second side is correct, and that to work, without permission, using their creations, and to go even further as to pass them off as your own or a new creation, is immoral and shouldn't be accepted by this community.

The Stairway to Heaven Monday, Week 1, March 1970 - Parkersburg, West Virginia The three most important men currently working my territory come up to me before the show today. They say they want to work together in the next couple weeks, to put together some great matches and build heat both for the world title feud, and for Thesz. I think that's a great idea - Buck and Bob, you'll both have a chance to work directly with Cowboy Bob Ellis, main eventing the last two shows before Charleston. On this week's show, we continue working our rivalries - the two main women's stories work a tag, where Natasha refuses to let up when she has Bonnie down in the corner, and gets disqualified. She looks brutal and ready for the title challenge. Vansky and Waldek both get wins over less important members of the roster, Vansky to keep McMahon satisfied, and Waldek to keep momentum. Fuller gets a win for the first time in the territory with his brother at his side, and the seed is planted for a successful teamup. And, of course, the main event. Cowboy & Buck get off a promo together, touting how together, they're unstoppable, and they run this territory. They proceed to get a decent tag win against resident losers Pat & Porckhop. Successful show. One more until Thesz. Monday, Week 2, March 1970 - Huntington, West Virginia This show started without issue. No big revelations backstage, no one asking for a spot they don't deserve. I got to the venue, I sat down, and I could book in peace. All was calm in the world of WVPW. By the end of the night, though, that would change. Tonight's big main event is Cowboy Bob vs Bob Griffin, 1v1. Griffin sets it up in an interview segment to start the show. The next three matches are standard affairs, building momentum and stacking wins for those who are in important programs. Bonnie cuts a subpar interview with Crockett, but what's new? The Fuller Brothers team for the first time, in impressive fashion, showing off great chemistry as brothers should. Then, main event time. It's an incredible match. It's the best of Cowboy Bob in the territory thus far, and likely the best of Griffin's career. It saw Buck Robley interfering to cost Griffin a potential win. It made Griffin look great, and made the crowd HATE Cowboy Bob. Everything I wanted was falling into place. Until I overheard one little conversation. Tony: "Bob - tell me you're ready to go. You looked like a million bucks out there, but when it comes to the real thing, we can count on you, right?" Bob: "Tony, I'm good to go. I've been sparring with some Olympic Wrestlers on my off days. Thesz is going down, tell McMahon he's got his payday, AND his front page headline." Tony: "I knew we could trust you, Bobby. You earned this. Don't let any half-wit booker tell you otherwise. A lot of guys wouldn't mess with Thesz like this, but that's why you get the big money, Bobby." Bob shakes his hand and smiles. "Thesz won't know what hit him."

A Cowboy Rides Into Town Monday, Week 4, February 1970 - Beckley, West Virginia I get to tonight's venue bright and early. The build for Thesz starts tonight, and I don't want to fuck it up or this territory will crumble before he even makes retirement. No sooner than I can sit down at a desk and start writing up a card for the night, the star of the show for the next 3 weeks walks in with a bag full of lunch for two. Bob: "Mornin'. You must be Mr. Eddy?" Me: "That I am! Glad to meet you, Mr. Ellis." *we shake hands* Bob: "Now, I trust Tony told you the terms of my bookings. He and Mr. McMahon, they can be a bit too intense for my likin' at times, but I'll keep it simple, and easy on ya. Give me a main event, and a babyface opponent the next three weeks, along with four or five minutes of interview time, and I'll have a program with Lou whipped up." Me: "Well, thank you, Bob. That's a lot more relaxed and straightforward than what those New Yorkers had to say, that's for sure." *we laugh, enjoy some lunch, and prepare for the night ahead. "Hey boss, I'd like you to meet a couple more young women's talents that were curious about the territory. We've got Marie Laverne, I saw her working up in Portland last week, and she's excellent at grappling. And here's Rita Boucher - sister of Betty Boucher? I'm sure you know her. Rita is trying to make a name for herself and this is absolutely the place to do it for women right now. Both are interested in the coming weeks if you have anything for them!" I shake both women's hands. Welcome to the division. Familiar WVPW talent Rip Collins then approaches me, flanked by a couple other men. Before he could speak, one of the men speaks for him. "Well hello, I hear you're lookin' to do some tag team business here in the mountains? Well, look no further boss man. I got your feature tag team right here. Rip Collins, Chuck Conley, the Scufflin' Hillbillies, managed by none other than yours truly, Cousin Alfred. What do you say?" I say.... let's give it a shot! We put on an excellent show here tonight in Buckley. The Scufflin' Hillbillies live up to their backstage hype, putting on a great performance vs Big Pat Roach & "Porkchop" Bobby Cash. Marie Laverne holds her own in the heel slot against Lorraine Johnson in a match that saw attempted interference by Paula Kaye. Uncle Elmer does Uncle Elmer things, furthering the story of Rob Fuller in the process. Natasha gets some interview time in to hype her upcoming match with Bonnie Watson, then gets a win in the match of the night over Ella Waldek. Then, it's Cowboy Bob time. Bob puts on a great performance. Easily the best any man has given on the show thus far. He gives a convincing heel victory over one of our best, Ron Fuller, in a match that portrayed a coherent story from start to finish. Then, he gets on the mic alongside David Crockett. Time for the big reveal. David: "Cowboy Bob Ellis, what a performance here tonight! But let me ask you the one question on everyone's minds. What brings you to West Virginia Professional Wrestling? Bob: "Well, Dave. I've been hearing rumors. Rumors that a certain 3 time NWA World's Heavyweight Champion, rumors that a certain wrestling legend, rumors that a certain LOU THESZ were on the retirement path. And that path leads right through Charleston, West Virginia. I couldn't help myself, David. I couldn't HELP but come down here, and become the biggest, baddest obstacle he's ever faced in his decades of wrestling. Unfortunately for Mr. Thesz, his long, winding path ENDS here. With a big bulldog smashing his big ol' face right into the mat... The COWBOY, Bob Ellis, is going to be the man who ENDS Lou Thesz's career. Show Rating: 41

Just got a new logo! Expect to see it on shows from here on out! I hope that it encapsulates the true spirit of a bland, semi-governmental entity drawing 50 fans a night. Also, shoutout to Cooldude from over on the Dog Pound discord, who made the former logo all the way back in 2020, which I used on and off for YEARS. Love it.

A Phone Call With God After our first show in Charleston, I sit down and check our finances. We're profitable. No one's really showing up to our shows... but these venues are dirt cheap, and we don't have to pay Athletic Commission fees. Plus, we got sponsored by a local diner around the corner from the gym we ran, and their check cleared. Feeling content with our profit, I kick my feet up, and check the local paper. LOU THESZ EMBARKS ON "RETIREMENT TOUR" I'm shocked. Thesz has been a staple of the NWA, it's figurehead, its standardbearer, for... longer than I've been alive. And here he is, on a retirement tour right as I get the book handed to me out of nowhere. The next thought that comes to mind is... I can make some real money off of this, but I'm going to need help. Monday, Week 3, February 1970 - Elkins, West Virginia I get to the locker room, and coop up in my impromptu office for the night. My mind is racing. Could I even afford his rate? Who would he face? What's the most profitable matchup here? I see Tony Angelo walk by, and I nervously rush him over. Tony: "What's the news, boss?" Me: "Tony - need your advice here. I'm sure you've heard, Thesz is retiring. He's out of St Louis, he's out of Iowa. Limited bookings throughout the NWA for the next three months. What are my odds of landing a single match? Tony: *laughs* "You? Zero. McMahon? Damn near 100 - if the money's good. I got you covered, kid. Run the show tonight, and I'll make some phone calls." God bless you, Tony. David Crockett approaches, limping like a man who hasn't sat down in ages. David: "Boss, I haven't sat down in a week. This tailbone injury... it's too much for me. I'm not sure if I'm cut out to be a wrestler." Me: "I respect the decision, David. How about we keep you to interviews?" David: "How about one match a month? To keep sharp, you know? For if I change my mind." Me: "You got it." Thank god. That kid STUNK in the ring. We run a typical house show tonight, a lot of stuff staying the same with programs continuing on from the last show. Griffin still chasing Robley's World Appalachian Title. Natasha on a rampage trying to dethrone Bonnie. But we've got some new faces in, with some new programs. Ron Fuller came to me with an idea involving his younger brother Robert, and it fits with Crockett's demand that we focus more on tag teams. Ron's a born face, and Robert's got all the makings of a cowardly heel at the young age of 18. Ron's idea was that his brother would come in, struggle, join up with Ron in a team, get some wins, only to be betrayed. I love it. Building a young heel, putting on some good tags in the meanwhile. Let's run with it. Some new women showed up on the scene today, too. First off, Paula Kaye. She's been working the undercard for McMahon recently, and heard about the success of women's work in our territory. She wants in. We need a heel, so she'll play that role. Secondly, the duo of Diamond Lil' and Darling Dagmar. A pair of little people who want a heel run. They don't expect to win, and I respect that. I'm going to run them in handicap matches against our faces. Room for one more? "Mr Eddy! This here's my good friend Pat Roach - from Birmingham. And that's England, not Alabama! We heard you're lookin' for tag team workers, and I think we can fill a slot at the very least! I've even got a fun act worked out for us. He'll say something in that silly accent of his, and I'll translate it into proper English these good southern folk can understand." God damn it I love you Bobby. I'll make it happen, "Porkchop". So that's that. A lot of buzz in the territory, a lot of people coming our way after our big show. A crowd of 53 shows up for this house show, noticably more than last month. Let's show them a good time. We give out a pair of interviews to the new champions, give Elmer and Rip wins over the resident jobbers, all good. The handicap match formula is tried out, and works well. Gets heat on them, while also getting a good win for whatever face I put against them that week. Vansky over Fuller satisfies twofold - Vansky/McMahon camp is pleased with a win, and it sets Robert onto the path of teaming with Ron. And of course, the tag main event. Pat & Porkchop don't disappoint, putting on a good match and giving a win to the champ. Show Rating: 34 Tony Angelo was on the phone with McMahon practically the whole night. I don't want to know how much he racked up in long distance calls. But after the main event finished, he approaches me. Tony: "Alright boss. I've heard from McMahon. I've heard from Thesz. Now - you know what a big deal this is, don't you?" Me: "Well, absolutely I -" Tony: "No, listen kid. As far as I'm concerned - I've just made a phone call to god for you. This is Lou Thesz. Outside of New York, Lou Thesz IS wrestling. And he hasn't faced a WWWF contracted talent in decades. We're going to make that happen right here in West Virginia." Me: "Well Tony - I can't thank you enough! Who will he be facing?" Tony: "We're bringing down Cowboy Bob Ellis. They haven't faced each other 1 on 1 in 6 years, that's your selling point. Now, for Vince's selling point. Any profit you make off this show? It goes to New York. AND. Cowboy Bob is coming to the territory early. He's main eventing EVERY NIGHT. And WINNING every night. Are we clear, and do we have a deal?" I think it over. I can have the best wrestler in the world, in a once in a lifetime match, but I don't keep the profit? What's the point?! Fuck it. It's LOU THESZ. "We have a deal."

7. HGC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE ROYALE: SAM STRONG 6. HGC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Romeo Heartthrob vs. Liberty 5. HGC WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: Black Serpent Cult vs. Vessey Brothers 4. Jack Bruce vs. Dusty Streets 3. HGC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Mr. Lucha © vs. Golden Fox (1st defense) 2. HGC HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP: Monty Walker vs. Charlie Homicide 1. Yosuke Narita vs. The Danger Kid

If there was any question on whether the Bloodline story had jumped the shark, that was answered in Saudi Arabia. What started out as a decent, higher-than-normal paced Roman title defense fell totally flat when they did the same. exact. ending. Again.