WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Uncrewed" data-cite="Uncrewed" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Name the three mystery entrants (one point each):WWE guy, Jim Duggan, & Stevie Ray</div></blockquote> You'd have to actually name the WWE guy to get credit for it. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 20, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

May 2003: Road to Mayhem <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Backstories:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The King Comes for his Throne</div> -Even if it was extremely tainted, the fact remained that King Corino pinned Steve Austin at Clash of the Champions. In the face of that, he was made the new #1 contender for Rey Mysterio Jr's world title, which was revealed on the April 28th Nitro when a Mysterio highlight package transitioned into a pre-taped promo from Corino. In a fantastic segment, Corino said that Rey's inspirational, improbable world title run would surely become a box office smash if the people from Hollywood got their hands on it. But the feel-good story of the year was about to come to an end, because the King was coming for his throne at Mayhem. Champion and challenger met in Piper's Pit, where Corino bragged about The Empire being united in their goal to make sure he brought home the World Heavyweight Championship. To prove the point, Eric Bischoff ordered the group to attack. Rey had brought his friends Konnan and Kidman out with him to even the odds in the event something like that happened, but Jamie Knoble getting in on the action caught them by surprise. With the rest of the group dealing with Kidman and Konnan, a seemingly reluctant Knoble blindsided Mysterio and locked him in the guillotine choke. Corino and Bischoff watched with glee as the champion was choked out. Mysterio met Knoble one on one in the main event of the go-home show. Knoble worked over Rey's surgically repaired knees extensively, almost to the exclusion of anything else, before Mysterio did eventually come away with the win. Corino tried to attack him after the match, but with the rest of the group having already left the building for the night (thanks to a certain Hellraiser), it was a fair fight. Champion and challenger fought, neither one getting a clear upper hand as the show faded to black. These two had a great match in the finals of the Stu Hart Classic, and then an even better one on Nitro in February when they went to that double count out in a UFS match. Now, with both guys being hotter than ever before, in a PPV main event and the world title worked in, my expectations are sky high. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">We Can't Always Get What We Want</div> -After being forced to take a week off by management in a futile hope to let things blow over, Steve Austin was back on May 5th, and he wanted one thing: Goldberg! Unfortunately for him, Eric Bischoff had some bad news: he employed Goldberg personally, instead of him being a normal contracted WCW wrestler. That meant it was up to him to sign off on any matches WCW wanted to put Goldberg in, and he promised that he would NEVER agree to a match between Austin and Goldberg! "I'd say I'm sorry to disappoint you, but who am I kidding? I love it!" Bischoff said with a laugh. When Bobby Heenan caught up to him later in the night, Austin said that if Bischoff didn't want to make that match, he'd just have to convince him--and he'd been told he was a VERY persuasive SOB! Arn Anderson met Austin in the parking lot the next week, saying he knew his blood was running hot and he understood the feeling, but he warned him not to do anything rash. Austin didn't heed the advice, because he later crashed an Empire backstage promo wielding a chair, forcing Bischoff and most of the group to flee the building! Later still, Arn called Austin into his office and said that his hands were tied, and action had to be taken. Since Austin had violated the restraining order Bischoff had on him, Arn was compelled to suspend Steve effective immediately--meaning his spot in the Mayhem match was now gone! Austin wasn't happy with that, but he said he respected Arn as a "straight shooter" and knew he was only doing what he had to do. However... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Steve Austin, 5/12/03 "You can take me outta that match if that's what you gotta do, Double A. But if Bischoff or Goldberg think they're safe from me this Sunday, they've got another thing comin'!"</div></blockquote> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Company Man</div> -Everyone was waiting to hear Bill Goldberg explain why he'd aligned himself with Eric Bischoff upon his return to WCW. They didn't have to wait long, because he cut a promo at the beginning of the next Nitro. He talked about bursting onto the scene and picking up the torch as the leader of WCW, a position he'd held with pride. But when WCW left Turner and the 'new era' began, where was he? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Bill Goldberg, 4/28/03 "I sat there waiting for a phone call I knew was going to come. WCW was here to stay, and Goldberg was ready to continue being 'the man' as soon as they offered me a contract! But the phone call never came. "The new owners had a different vision for what WCW was gonna become, and Bill Goldberg just didn't fit. Or at least that's what they told me. Personally I think somebody was jealous of my success and didn't want me around anymore, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that even though I was the biggest superstar in the history of WCW, there was no longer a place for Bill Goldberg. And it pissed me off. Then I saw Steve Austin show up in WCW, and it REALLY pissed me off. There's no room for me, but you roll out the red carpet for THAT guy, on MY turf? You might as well have spit right in my face! And you fans, you cheered him! You turned your backs on me, just like the company did! "Then Eric Bischoff called me. Now I know a lotta people hate Eric, but fact is, it was him that first gave Goldberg an opportunity. Eric agreed that it wasn't right for a guy like Austin to come back and collect a nice big fat paycheck in the company that I helped keep alive, and he offered to hire me personally. If WCW didn't want to pay me, that's fine, because I could work directly for Eric. "A lot of people have been telling me I 'sold out', but WCW didn't want me anymore, and now I've found a new home! And if you don't like it, you can try and do something about it! But be careful, or you might get hurt just like Austin did!" </div></blockquote> Sting appeared when Goldberg was done and said he was disappointed in Bill. He thought Bill was smart enough to see through a guy like Bischoff, who is a user and a manipulator. After a short squash on May 5th, Goldberg grabbed the mic and called Sting a hypocrite, because how dare Sting question him when WCW kept Sting around like an old relic of the past while the hottest star of today, Goldberg, was left out in the cold? But if Sting was so disappointed in him, he'd happily give Sting the chance to show him the "error of his ways" one on one at Mayhem, a challenge Sting was quick to accept. Goldberg had another relatively quick squash on May 12th, but when he tried to inflict further punishment on Ernest Miller after the match, Sting hit the ring with his baseball bat. Goldberg backed down that time, but there'll be no bats allowed at Mayhem. Who knows what to expect here? Sting's way past his prime and Bill is still rusty, not that he was ever a ring general anyway. At least the fans should react. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Not So Hardcore?</div> -Bobby Roode and Ric Flair continue to play up their chair assault of Rob Van Dam, laughing at the idea of one-upping "Mr. Hardcore" at what's supposed to be his own game. RVD was seen speaking on the phone backstage on May 5th, and he agreed with the person on the other end: he really has been missing something lately, especially after being left lying by Bobby Roode and the steel chair. He was having another chat on the phone the next week, and was saying he didn't need any help and would be fine on his own when Roode and Flair interrupted. They advised him to call that person back and tell them he'd changed his mind, because he was going to need all the help he could get if he found himself in the ring with "the new hardcore icon", Bobby Roode, during the 30-man Mayhem match. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">30 Men Enter, One Stands Tall</div> -Our answer to the Royal Rumble returns with the second annual Mayhem match. 30 participants entering at timed intervals, just like the Rumble, but there are no over the top rope eliminations here. There are four ways to be eliminated: pinfall, submission, knock out or referee stoppage. With a World title shot at Great American Bash going to the winner, all the contenders are lining up. Will it be CM Punk or Lance Storm breaking out from True Heroes? Will Shane Douglas command the spotlight again, and this time claim the ultimate prize? Can Scott Steiner put on a show for all his freaks en route to becoming a three time champion? Might DDP win the match for the second year in a row? Or will it be a member of Salvation, who staked their claim by interrupting a True Heroes pre-taped promo and beating both Punk and Storm down? Or, perhaps, could it be a dark horse? Hopefully we've presented multiple viable options that can keep the fans guessing. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Palumbo Looms Large</div> -In an interview, AJ Styles said he was obviously disappointed to lose in his World Heavyweight Championship match, but he was proud of his effort and gave all the credit to Rey for being just a little bit better. Chuck Palumbo strolled in, laughed in his face and said that AJ and Rey might both be really good, but a good big man like himself can always beat a good little man. Palumbo sat in on color commentary during AJ's match against Psychosis the following week, where a title match for Mayhem was announced. Palumbo spent the match giving AJ backhanded compliments, calling him a "great little wrestler", but saying that everybody knows size matters in the ring. They didn't have any interaction on the May 12th show, though The Empire did comment on the match and on bringing the US title under their control before they were chased out of the building by Austin. This will be an interesting test for Styles to see how good a match he can get out of the limited Palumbo. AJ's stock has never been higher after last month's match with Rey, and he'll want to produce something great here. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Dragon vs. Phoenix</div> -Bryan Danielson joined commentary for Hayabusa's win over Psychosis on 4/28, and he said he respected the death-defying aerial style of "The Phoenix" and knew his first title defense would be a tough one, but he couldn't afford to lose the title quickly for the second time. Danielson had a tune-up win over Hayabusa's frequent partner Jinsei Shinzaki on May 5th, with the challenger watching on from the aisle. It's a babyface vs. babyface match here, but the action should be really good. Though I haven't mapped it all out yet, this is a strong candidate to open the show and get the crowd rocking. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">A Makeover for the Tag Team Titles</div> -Made in Italy won a three-way match against Volador & Aguila and The Shooting Stars, in the process earning a title shot against the Hardys at Mayhem. They took the mic after the match to say that Matt and Jeff had disgraced the tag team titles with their outlandish fashion sense and multicolored hair long enough, and it was time that the division got a much-needed makeover on top. The challengers made a nuisance of themselves the next week, with Tony, Johnny and Dawn Marie all getting involved to help The Unnatural beat Matt in a singles match. The two teams were on opposite sides of a six man on May 12th, with the Hardys' side winning when Sean O'Haire beat Mamaluke. Their feud with the Steiners was big, but this is the biggest spot yet for Made in Italy. Hopefully they can deliver. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Revenge via Roadblock</div> -Sean O'Haire's win over Hugh Morrus on 4/28 was his 9th successful defense, putting him just one away from being able to vacate the title and challenge for the US belt. Fit Finlay reached this same mark before O'Haire won the title from him, and it was for this reason that he attacked O'Haire following the match with Morrus. O'Haire called Finlay a baby for doing something like that. If he'd wanted a rematch, all he had to do was ask. He was going to talk to the front office and insist that match was made, and it would be perfect for him to make his tenth defense at Mayhem by beating Finlay. In a six man tag on May 12th, Finlay could only watch from the apron as O'Haire pinned Tony Mamaluke. But he knew that on Sunday, it'd be all up to him to return the favor O'Haire dealt him in January by ending his title reign one defense shy of the US title benchmark. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 4/28: <img alt="aL75H5U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aL75H5U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -This was Booker T's last appearance before leaving for WWE. He was furious about putting Knoble over clean, as if I was going to care. -The Harry Smith/Shawn Stasiak and Minoru Tanaka/Elix Skipper matches were billed as qualifiers for the Mayhem battle royal, a gimmick we ran with some lower card matches to add a bit of intrigue. -You could see Bobby Roode showing some more charisma in his promo just from hanging around Flair. -"You need to get ridda this Mini Coop Tanaka guy. Nobody wants to watch no karate man doin' that UFC bull--!" -Scott Steiner 5/5: <img alt="3d2ocx5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3d2ocx5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -The Jung Dragons beat Volador and Aguila in a Mayhem qualifier. -Chuck Palumbo was on color commentary for the AJ Styles/Psychosis match. -Jamie Knoble officially turned heel during the Piper's Pit segment by attacking Mysterio. The turn went well. 5/12: <img alt="dWFye0K.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dWFye0K.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -One week after his heel turn, Jamie Knoble moved away from his old young lion gimmick and into being a glorified lackey for The Empire. It's looking like a big success to start with. -This was the debut of Brian Kendrick after his developmental call-up. Mike Lockwood, aka Crash Holly, was furious about putting over the unknown kid in this Mayhem qualifying match, but he was only here for one day, so that's his problem. -Kendrick's cocky youth character got off to a very good start. -Lisa Moretti, the former Ivory, didn't convince the crowd very much with her attempt at an old school heel. -The Shooting Stars beat 3 Count in a Mayhem qualifying match. -"Who the hell's Brian Candlestick? Nobody wants to see that skinny geek!" -Scott Steiner -"Kendrick's going to be money. You should give him a big push right away." -CM Punk </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Fan Scorecard: World Heavyweight Championship: King Corino vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. {©} Sting vs. Bill Goldberg World Tag Team Championship: Made in Italy vs. The Hardys {©} United States Heavyweight Championship: Chuck Palumbo vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©} World Television Championship: Fit Finlay vs. Sean O'Haire {©} Cruiserweight Championship: Hayabusa vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©} What will be match of the night? How many championships will change hands? (the Mayhem match does not count) THE MAYHEM MATCH Name the three mystery entrants (one point each): Most eliminations: Longest time in match: The Final Four: Runner up: Winner (worth 3 points): General diary comments/questions/critiques: </div></blockquote> Mayhem entrant list: 1. Alexander 2. Billy Kidman 3. Bobby Roode 4. Brian Adams 5. Brian Kendrick 6. Chavo Guerrero Jr. 7. Christopher Daniels 8. CM Punk 9. Diamond Dallas Page 10. Harry Smith 11. Hugh Morrus 12. Jamie Knoble 13. Kaz Hayashi 14. Konnan 15. Lance Storm 16. Mark Jindrak 17. Minoru Tanaka 18. Rick Steiner 19. Rob Van Dam 20. Scott Steiner 21. Shane Douglas 22. Shane Helms 23. TAKA 24. Teddy Hart 25. The Destroyer 26. The Unnatural 27. Yang Plus three mystery entrants! <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Wolfman84" data-cite="Wolfman84" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Serious question how close was Rey Mysterio to leaving? Also with so much new talent the lost of Booker T. can't hurt long term but might short due to remaking one key story line. All and all great show TFC and interesting signing of Goldberg.</div></blockquote> It was very close. I could never get him to the point that he clearly favored one offer over the other. He remained at 'seriously considering both offers', so all I could do was cross my fingers and hope for the best, because I decided I wasn't going to cheat the system by going back to a prior save and renegotiating if things didn't go my way. Fortunately he agreed to the deal the day of the Clash go-home show. If he'd taken even one day longer, that PPV would have looked very different. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow Sean O'Hare squashing Book really helped him in Japan for him to take RVD's spot????</div></blockquote> Yep, it gave him a nice little boost in popularity worldwide. He's at B+ in Japan now. RVD is still more over than him in every region, but O'Haire's not too far behind in Japan now, and his star quality puts him over the top. His star quality is equal to that of Mysterio (who bulked up, don't forget), and the only males who are above them are Goldberg (#1), Austin (2), Jeff Hardy (3) and Punk (4). <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>SEAN O'HAIRE is big in japan? HOW??? I mean, yeah, this is the country that turned Bob Sapp into a national icon, but still... Speaking of sean, how's his growth skill wise and pop wise? Considering that he just squashed booker t AND he's big in japan, it must be big, right?</div></blockquote> I just covered his popularity gains, which have been nice. In-ring and on the mic he's okay. He's never going to be one of the best workers in the company, not with the roster I've got, but he should be able to have very good matches with strong opponents to work with. Fortunately there is no shortage of great workers to choose from. As for why he's more popular in Japan than elsewhere, that's a byproduct of getting a strong TV deal there earlier. I got a good one early on in Australia as well, so if you were to look at my roster, you'd see that most of the guys who weren't as over at the start and were built up by me are more popular in Japan and Australia than anywhere else. That gap is starting to close a bit now that I'm on the USA Network though. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The national battle is getting tighter and tighter! Boy, this is an exciting time!</div></blockquote> That's the single biggest reason I signed Goldberg. I do have plans for his character that I'm excited about, but he's a huge difference-maker in the national battles. I still have some catching up to do outside of Japan though. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Man, new japan becoming cult. Well, this is 2003, so it's realistic, but damn... really want to see how dragon gate in this universe would be like. Would the toryumon wrestlers come back, or will it use its own roster?</div></blockquote> The situation is VERY bad in New Japan, which you'll hear a bit more about in the next news update. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Also, how's ROH in this timeline? Did candido get a job there?</div></blockquote> ROH is just kind of there. They've actually lost popularity in their region since their debut, but they were at a lower point several months ago and have been bouncing back so far in 2003, so there's room for a bit of hope at least. Their big problem is that so many of the great young workers that made up the foundation of early ROH are in my WCW. Candido hasn't been signed by anyone. He's done a big pile of absolutely nothing since he asked for his release. He hasn't even worked on an indy show! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Satyr24" data-cite="Satyr24" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm wondering if the WWE signing will put you higher then WWE in the national battle, I'm guessing he isn't appearing on it yet as his contract has started yet</div></blockquote> If we're looking at the US, I'm about 70-80 points behind WWE. So his score would need to be 70-80 points higher than RVD's, assuming everything else from both companies remained the same as last month. Not too many of those guys around.
- January 20, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003 Renaissance Update and May 2003 National Battle Report http://i.imgur.com/2aDyraK.png <hr noshade size=3> National Battle Report: May 2003 <hr noshade size=3> I know what you mean. He definitely works better as a face, and it was beyond stupid for WCW to turn him when they were struggling and he was the one guy who MIGHT have been able to help (but probably not, because they were such a mess in general.) I've actually written out Goldberg's promo within the Road to Mayhem post you'll be seeing eventually, so hopefully his motivations will make sense. I never really saw the Dusty and Murdoch run. Right after Dusty died I watched him vs. Inoki on NJPW World, and it's the only time I've ever seen him wrestle as a heel. It was weird. Yeah, what does Goldberg need those cops for anyway? I considered leaving this unanswered and continuing the tease, but I might as well come out and say it now: "REDACTED" actually applied to TWO people on that creative meeting. Goldberg was the one on the franchise players list. The WWE signing appears on the show stoppers and ring generals lists. In terms of star power, that's absolutely the biggest match I can book. I don't think even WWE has two guys with that level of popularity that they can book together. But does that mean it's the match Bret Hart would want to put in the main event of the biggest show of the year? I guess we'll have to find out. It's ironic because he held the world title for 7 months, but calling him an occasional main eventer isn't off the mark with how often he was either bumped out of the main event or not even put in a match on the show. It played into the storyline, but it was also done because other matches were more important or had the potential to be better.
- January 17, 2018
- 2,912 replies
Ring of Honor: Where Superstars Are Born (RW 2018+)

The Final Countdown replied to Texasrangers13's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

Women of Honor 10-Woman Battle Royal: Maximum Mecca (Local Talent), Solo Darling, Mandy Leon, Scarlett Bourdeaux, Deonna Purrazzo, Priscilla Kelly, Kelly Klein, Faye Jackson, Jessie Brooks, Sumie Sakai. Dalton Castle w/ The Boys vs. Odinson w/ Matt Taven Tag Match: Caprice Coleman and Shane Taylor vs. Coast 2 Coast Honor Series, Fifth Match Series Tied 2-2, Pure Wrestling Rules: Jay Lethal vs Low-Ki ROH TV: Marty Scurll {C} vs. Will Ospreay ROH 6-Man Tag: SoCal Uncensored 2.0 {C} vs. War Machine and Chris Sabin ROH Tag: Briscoe Brothers {C} vs. Young Bucks ROH World: Alex Shelley vs. Cody {C}
- January 16, 2018
- 384 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Clash of the Champions Wrap-up and Hall of Champions <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">April 20th, 2003 Less than an hour after the conclusion of Clash of the Champions</div> I sat in my hotel room, chuckling to myself at the early comments flooding our message boards. Many people were asking if I'd been fired (obviously not possible since I'm the owner) or had been overruled (again, not possible), because surely there's no way I would ever hire Bill Goldberg after he ended my career! It seems like almost everybody believes that I hate Bill, but they're mistaken on that. I do think he was careless in that match, but it's part of the job. There's not any bad blood between us now, and there wasn't back then either. I've always gotten along well with Bill, though I know some people find him to be selfish. Some people are also worried that this is a sign we're abandoning our current focus on great ring work to go back to the old days of WCW, when the dinosaurs like Hogan dominated the main events while the Jerichos and Guerreros and Mysterios busted their asses in the openers. That's not going to happen. We're going to continue presenting the best wrestling matches in the world, and having a superstar like Bill in the fold will hopefully get more eyeballs on the product, where they'll then see how great guys like Rey, AJ, Punk and Storm are. Oh, and speaking of Rey... <div style="text-align:center;">Six days earlier Dayton, Ohio Bret Hart's office</div> "Here it is," Rey said, pushing the contract offer across the desk. I glanced at it, and sure enough, there was his signature. It was official: Vince did his very best to pry my top guy and champion from me, just like he'd done to so many territories in the '80s. But unlike those territorial owners, I'd amassed the funds to fight back. He'd failed. Rey Mysterio Jr. had just signed a brand new contract that will keep him with WCW until 2008. "Thanks," I said, grinning at him. "You won't regret this." "I'm a top guy, and I'm getting paid more money than Steve Austin," he said, chuckling. "I know I won't." "You're worth it," I said, and I meant it. I'd had to pay dearly to make this happen, but this wasn't someone I could let slip through my fingers if I could help it. He's always been a fantastic worker, and now he's got the superstar look and the popularity to match. Guys like that don't grow on trees. "I appreciate that, Bret, and I appreciate you giving me this chance. No one else has ever believed I could be a major headliner." We shook hands before he left, both of us smiling. He had plenty of reason to smile, of course. He was now one of the highest-paid guys in the entire business. His hard work had brought him a big payday. And between him staying and my big signing from WWE, I definitely felt I'd gotten the better of this recent skirmish with Vince. I'd worked out what I thought was a pretty damn good backup plan in the event Rey left, but now my options were wide-open. With the short-term crisis averted, it was time to return my focus to the big picture. Retaining Rey was huge, and made the loss of Booker T far more bearable. Maybe I could've done more to try and hold onto Booker, but I want to try and be smart about managing my payroll and chose to put most of my effort into keeping Rey. Booker will now be among the highest-paid guys in the WWE, even before you factor in the big bonus he'll get every time he appears on-screen. He obviously wasn't happy about being squashed by Sean O'Haire, but I spent years doing everything I could to keep him happy, protecting him and keeping him looking strong as much as possible. He was damn sure going to repay that on his final PPV by trying to give somebody else a rub, and O'Haire was the choice. We'll write him out officially on the next Nitro. I think our young, talented roster won't be affected too much by the loss of Booker, but he does create a big hole in my long-term plans. It was going to gradually be revealed that Bischoff had used Booker's obsession with the world title against him, luring him to The Empire with grand promises of a sixth title reign while actually using him as nothing more than a pawn. It would've all led up to a Booker face turn and a big Starrcade match with Corino, but that's all out the window now. Time to go back to the drawing board. The day of the Clash didn't get off to the best start. Jeff Hardy was extremely late to the building, to the point I started worrying we might need to make a backup plan. I told him off when he finally did show up, and switched the finish so Matt got the pin instead of him. Not exactly what I want to see from a guy I hope will become one of the cornerstones of the company. I knew Austin wouldn't be too thrilled losing to Corino, but he was okay with it when I laid out the planned finish. He realized the nature of the loss wouldn't do much to damage him, and it was also necessary for the story. I did make sure to praise him in the post-show speech, right before leading a round of applause for AJ and Rey for their great main event. After the show went off the air, we had Goldberg squash Lash Leroux in like a minute. Just a chance for Bill to work off a bit of the ring rust, since it's been awhile since he worked. This was a great night. Not even Scott Steiner ranting about me needing to fire Aguila or Shannon Moore complaining about his push were going to hurt my mood. Rey was sticking around, Goldberg made his shocking return, we put on a fantastic show that blew Backlash out of the water by all accounts, and we've got our brand new WWE signing waiting in the wings. If Vince isn't worried yet, he will be soon.</div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg </div> WWE ran their own PPV, Backlash, on April 20th as well. The best match on the show was Kurt Angle retaining the ECW title against Chris Benoit in a Wrestlemania rematch, but that was only the semi-main event. (And it wasn't as good as Unnatural vs. Storm or Rey vs. AJ anyway!) The main event saw Big Show and Triple H win a tag match against Scott Hall and Mr. Perfect. Uhh...okay? That match was good, but it was a weird choice to put in the main event. Less than a month after the biggest night of his career, WWE Champion Chris Jericho's only appearance on the show was in a confrontation with Angle. Kinda thought they'd have him defend the title there, but hey, I guess Val Venis beating Funaki by DQ was an essential part of this PPV. The show was good, but ours was much better. <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="u9bsFuK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> NITRO BRAND World Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg Rey Mysterio Jr. http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg Won: December 29th, 2002 from Booker T at Starrcade in Sydney, Australia Previous Champions (since March 2001): Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days) Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days) Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 3001 (168 days) Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days) United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg AJ Styles <img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: December 29th, 2002 from Shane Douglas at Starrcade in Sydney, Australia Previous Champions (since March 2001): Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days) Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days) Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days) Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days) Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days) Cruiserweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson (2nd reign) <img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: April 20th, 2003 from Christopher Daniels at Clash of the Champions in Toda, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days) American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days) AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days) TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days) Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days) Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days) World Television Champion: <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sean O'Haire http://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg Won: January 26th, 2003 from Fit Finlay at Sin in Denver, Colorado Previous Champions (since July 2002): Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days) World Tag Team Champions: http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy, 2nd reign for both individually and as a team) http://i.imgur.com/YIpiDFE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpg Won: December 29th, 2002 from True Heroes in a ladder match at Starrcade in Sydney, Australia Previous Champions (since March 2001): True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days) The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days) ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May): <img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2002: Diamond Dallas Page Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November): <img alt="1qogKhQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1qogKhQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2002: Rey Mysterio Jr. 2001: Rob Van Dam </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2aDyraK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2aDyraK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> RENAISSANCE BRAND World Women's Champion: http://i.imgur.com/741TrEA.jpg Manami Toyota (4th reign) http://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpg Won: October 5th, 2002 from Etsuko Mita on Women's Wrestling Renaissance in Tokyo, Japan ((This was formerly the WWWA World Championship, the top title in All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling. The title was renamed the WCW World Women's Championship upon WCW buying AJW, and its title lineage was kept intact.)) Previous Champions (since January 2002): Etsuko Mita: January 9th, 2002-October 5th, 2002 (269 days) </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Ultimate Fan Series 2003: Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson) 2002: The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes) 2001: The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright) 1989? Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers) </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Scores (out of a possible 11 points): Kijar: 10 DGenerationMC: 9 Happy0wns: 9 Warhawk8492: 9 chrismday: 9 ElectricX: 9 James The Animator: 8 Dead_Jester: 8 Theheel: 8 Smasher1311: 8 kinnikuniverse: 7 DavidCorperial: 7 crackerjack: 7 Danny_H22: 6 K-Nection: 6 Uncrewed: 6 Satyr24: 6 evileddie10: 6 JMike: 6 Nobby_McDonald: 6 Texasrangers13: 6 Cro Cop Rules: 6 2Sweet: 6 The Pitbull: 6 deanohbk: 5 jscotty: 5 Rateddc: 5 DHK1989: 5 michgcs: 5 Wolfman84: 5 WilburTrey: 5 Ian carlisle: 5 KnowYourEnemy: 4 bonnie: 4 GingeyOne: 4 Beejus: 4 </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Standings in prediction contest after two shows: Warhawk8492: 15 Kijar: 15 Happy0wns: 14 James The Animator: 13 DGenerationMC: 13 kinnikuniverse: 12 Satyr24: 12 Theheel: 12 chrismday: 12 Dead_Jester: 11 K-Nection: 10 JMike: 10 evileddie10: 10 michgcs: 9 jscotty: 9 DavidCorperial: 9 ElectricX: 9 Rateddc: 8 Smasher1311: 8 GingeyOne: 7 Beejus: 7 Danny_H22: 7 crackerjack: 7 KnowYourEnemy: 6 deanohbk: 6 Uncrewed: 6 Nobby_McDonald: 6 Texasrangers13: 6 Cro Cop Rules: 6 2Sweet: 6 The Pitbull: 6 DHK1989: 5 Wolfman84: 5 WilburTrey: 5 Ian carlisle: 5 bonnie: 5 cbacon87: 2 </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Goldberg isn't the big WWE signing, guys. He's never been in WWE in this universe; he's been on hiatus since the game started. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Hold on, Bischoff - Sama speaks japanese? Since when??? And why do I imagine Frieza ' s voice coming out of his mouth??? </div></blockquote> He's developed passable Japanese skills. I'm guessing he picked it up appearing as Etsuko Mita's manager on the Renaissance shows, because all of the American members of the Renaissance roster have developed some level of Japanese as well. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Bill Goldberg coming back as a heel is one of those WCW 2000-esque decisions that just has me recoiling. Interested to see how you work this out.</div></blockquote> Unlike the train wreck that was WCW in 2000, I have what I believe is a character explanation that makes sense, as well as a long-term plan for all of this. It's not being done just for the sake of a nonsensical "SWERVE!"
- January 16, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 20th, 2003: Clash of the Champions <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IGD8Kh3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IGD8Kh3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> April 20th, 2003 From the Toda Motorboat Race Place in Toda, Japan Attendance: 25,000 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="2nqjRO5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2nqjRO5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: "Learn to Fly" by The Foo Fighters <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7dwuzqF6huc" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/7dwuzqF6huc"</a> frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender's Match: Hayabusa vs. Kaz Hayashi (w/Stacy Keibler) http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="paNPh85.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/paNPh85.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Reverting back to a long WCW tradition, a cruiserweight match opened the PPV. In keeping with that tradition, they got the show off to a hot start and excited the crowd. There were instances where they got too caught up in their aerial high spots and didn't pay enough attention to making the match psychologically sound, but both guys did very well overall. This was exactly what you want out of a PPV opener. In this battle of high fliers, it was Hayabusa who dropped Hayashi with a springboard spinning heel kick and then hit the Phoenix Splash to win the match and become the new #1 contender. This decision was a toss-up the whole way through, and I made the call to go with Hayabusa literally the afternoon of the show. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg The Steiner Brothers vs. The Hardys {©} http://i.imgur.com/k45HPCq.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/JJpe0Lr.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/YIpiDFE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpg</div> Ordinarily there wouldn't be as much heat in an all-babyface match, but Scott's promos on the Matt/Lita/Shane McMahon scandal injected considerable drama into the mix. Scott and both Hardys did great, between Matt's heated exchanges with "Big Poppa Pump" and Jeff's exciting high spots, but Rick was a major weak link. At this stage of his career he'd have struggled to keep up with these three even on his best day, and this was far from his best day. He was really dragging here, hitting some sloppy suplexes and ineffective-looking punches. The match also suffered from a lack of selling and some less than stellar story telling, which might have been a result of neither team being clearly defined as villains. All in all though, I was pretty happy with the way this match turned out. The initial planned finish of this match was for Jeff to defeat Rick with a Swanton, but plans change. Instead, Jeff was suplexed over the top rope and to the floor and the Steiners zeroed in on Matt. They did a number on him with punches and kicks, then Scott broke away to attack Jeff when he saw him stirring on the floor. Rick prepared to finish the match off with a flying bulldog off the top rope, but instead he jumped into a back elbow to the jaw. Matt snapped off the Twist of Fate, and the pin was recorded before Scott could make his way back into the ring for the save. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels {©} (w/Brian Adams) <img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9hagqOD.jpg</div> Unlike most of the matches on the show, I let them call this one in the ring, which is once again a testament to the faith I have in Danielson's ring generalship despite only being 21 years old. My only instructions, beyond the finish, were for them to go all out to try and put on a memorable match. While this wasn't a classic or anything, I'd say they succeeded. Both guys did very well. Danielson was probably better, but only by a razor thin margin. One thing that we didn't dwell on in the build, but Mike and I did mention on commentary tonight, was the fact that Daniels' title reign began at September's War Games when he took the title off of Danielson, who at the time was still donning the mask of the American Dragon. He'd only held the title for a month back then, but he was a different wrestler now. Rather than losing his confidence along with the mask, he'd only become a better and more focused wrestler. He persistently stayed with his ground attack here, and he also had the Fallen Angel well-scouted, avoiding or countering most of his signature moves. That factored into the finish as well, as Danielson spun out of an attempted Last Rites and swiftly locked on a crossface chickenwing. Daniels was on the mat and trapped in the center of the ring before he knew it, and he was forced to tap out and concede the championship! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LEPRnye.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LEPRnye.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Primarily to give a momentary breather between matches (but also as a teaser for later in the show), we aired a very short angle where Eric Bischoff introduced King Corino to "the backup plan." Said "backup plan" was concealed behind the door of the Empire locker room, so the camera and the fans didn't get a glimpse of who or what it was. All we could see was Corino, who was shocked at first until a wide smile slowly spread across his face. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">CM Punk vs. The Destroyer (w/Father Isaac) <img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg </div> To help this match feel different from any of the others, and to take advantage of what The Destroyer does best, we made this a wild brawl. Even though it wasn't a gimmick match or anything, they spent a ton of time fighting around ringside and using the environment to their advantage, which included Destroyer hitting a military press slam on the entrance ramp and Punk driving the back of his opponent's head into the ring post with a Russian leg sweep of sorts. I thought these two guys worked very well together, with Punk's calculated approach to negating the big man's strength making for a good mix. There were some psychology issues as Punk isn't quite the ring general that his partner Lance Storm is, but he still turned in a great performance and was the obvious star of the match. I think he might have even helped Destroyer improve his technical skills slightly during the little mat wrestling they sprinkled in between the brawling. Even with all of the brawling, it was actually smooth technique that decided the outcome. After surviving some high-impact throws, Punk took the big man's legs out from under him and got him in the Second City Stretch for a tap out. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Rob Van Dam vs. Bobby Roode (w/Ric Flair) http://i.imgur.com/uj4FkBt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This was a huge moment for Bobby Roode, both the character and the man playing him. It was only his second singles match on PPV, and his first with a bona fide main event player like RVD. I thought he held up his end reasonably well here, but it was no surprise that Van Dam was on another level. Bobby's a great worker and everything, but RVD is an excellent one, plus he's a legitimate superstar. I had them go all out here, and of course that's right in RVD's comfort zone, giving him free rein to work in all of his flashy spots. Roode did all he could to make this a technical bout, wanting to keep RVD on the mat so he couldn't make use of his kicks or his various aerial moves. It all wound up being for naught, though, because Van Dam was not going to be thrown off his game. Seeing that things were getting progressively worse for his client as the match wore on, Flair slipped a steel chair into the ring. As Van Dam came flying off the top rope, Roode whacked him in the ribs with the chair, in full view of the referee! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div> Obviously that resulted in a DQ win for RVD, but he didn't look much like a winner as Roode wore him out with the chair. He delivered several chair shots across the back and a couple to the legs as well while Flair strutted into the ring. "How're you doing now, Mr. Hardcore? Not feeling so extreme now, are ya pal! WOOOOOOOO!" Flair shouted of-microphone. Upon Flair's request, Roode took a step back so the Nature Boy could get in his own shots. He did some theatrical strutting and then slapped on the figure four, with Roode getting in some kicks to the stomach and head just for good measure. The heels finally allowed themselves to be escorted back up the ramp by officials, and they shared a smile and a high five on their way out. You could see just how much the Japanese crowd loves Van Dam here. Their support of him was obvious during the beating, and it made him feel like a real star and turned this into an extremely successful angle. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Ultimate Fan Series Final Round: #3 Sin-free Society vs. #4 Satyr's Hopeful Few (series tied 2-2) Lance Storm (Society) vs. The Unnatural (Hopeful Few) (w/Father Isaac) <img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg </div> After two previous rounds and four matches in these finals, it all came down to this one last match between Lance Storm and The Unnatural to decide it. I'll admit to being slightly nervous here with this being Lance's first major match since his face turn, given that he's much better as a heel, but I had faith in his ability as well as Dustin's. To that end, I gave them around 22-23 minutes, let them take their time and call it in the ring. Both of them rose to the occasion, delivering a fantastic match that was well above anything else to this point. Between Lance's world class technical skills and the all-around ability and heel presence of The Unnatural, both guys did very well in this one. Unnatural was the better of the two, but there definitely wasn't a weak link in this chain. Lance had been doing his usual mat wrestling approach, focusing on The Unnatural's neck. His strategy got derailed for a good portion of the match, basically whenever Dustin was able to turn it into a brawl. After pulling a page out of his father's book with a bulldog, Dustin went for Unnatural Selection--but Lance brilliantly countered it into what started out as his old rolling half crab, and then morphed into the <a href="https://imgur.com/9nUCbkC" rel="external nofollow">Calgary Clutch!</a> The Unnatural struggled, but the hold was perfectly applied and he was nowhere near the ropes! Showing both ingenuity and deviousness, The Unnatural stuck his thumb right in Lance's eye! That drew boos from the respectful Japanese fans, but all Unnatural cared about was the fact that it allowed him to get free of his precarious predicament. Lance was still trying to recover from that illegal eye gouge when he was hit with Unnatural Selection! The Unnatural made the cover, hooked the leg, and Nick Patrick counted the one... two... three! The Unnatural wins, and so do Satyr's Hopeful Few! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A <img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9hagqOD.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/OophliK.jpg<img alt="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The rest of Satyr's Hopeful Few joined The Unnatural and Father Isaac in the ring to celebrate, and Arn Anderson brought the trophy to ringside to display it for the fans. There weren't any words spoken on-mic due to the language barrier, but I thought Unnatural came across well as the de facto star of the team, and Mortis looked good as well. Alexander looked somewhat out of place, and there was an awkward moment where Arn went to grab the mic just out of reflex, then remembered where he was and abruptly went the other way. Brian Adams being there helped Daniels as well, their easy chemistry coming into play. On commentary, Mike and I pointed out that the team manager 'Satyr24' will be on hand at next month's Mayhem for the official trophy presentation, where he will reveal which title each team member will challenge for. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Booker T (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. Sean O'Haire {©} <img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/iwFA1pe.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg</div> Booker T was going to win this match and this championship by any means necessary. He charged at O'Haire not merely before the bell, but before he could even take the belt off. He got in a couple of good forearms to the back of the head and then some punches to the face, ignoring referee Marty Rubalcaba's attempts to order him to back off. He went straight for the Book End--but O'Haire elbowed his way out of it, then struck with a standing spin kick. Not bothering to take the title off, O'Haire yanked Booker up by his hair, lifted him onto his shoulders, and...Widow Maker! He made the cover, and got the one... two... three! O'Haire pinned the 5-time World Heavyweight Champion in just 02:05, so quickly that he'd never taken the TV Championship belt off! He seemed a bit off his game in trying to execute this surprise squash, but Booker did his job (or should I say did THE job) well. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mS6Goca.jpg</div> As the shock of the last match wore off, Shane Douglas marched down the ramp, dragging a skinny Japanese man along with him in what was basically a headlock. He ordered the man (who attentive fans would recognize as Yamaguchi-san from the WWF Attitude era, though we never identified him) to translate his message to the fans and the wrestlers in the back. Yamaguchi was supposed to sound frightened as he spoke into the microphone, but he probably did TOO good a job there, because he stuttered so badly he was somewhat hard to understand. That's what I was told later by actual Japanese speakers, at least. Anyway, the point was that since Douglas was not booked on this show and had become a forgotten man since his failure to win the world title last month at Slamboree, he was taking it upon himself to grab the spotlight by force. As such, he was issuing an immediate open challenge to anyone in the back, and he wasn't leaving the ring until his challenge was accepted. After a pause, the gauntlet was eventually taken up by... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="MLumza7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MLumza7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Minoru Tanaka! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B Minoru Tanaka vs. Shane Douglas <img alt="MLumza7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MLumza7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/mS6Goca.jpg </div> An unannounced bonus match! I made the decision to add this to the show the day of because we had ample time for it, plus I wanted Shane to make an appearance on the PPV itself instead of working a dark match. It was also a good chance to put Minoru on TV, since he was obviously going to get a much better reaction here in Japan. The match itself was pretty good; roughly on par with the majority of the show, really. Maybe they could have told a more effective story, but there's only so much you can do with a match with zero buildup that you didn't even know was happening until a few hours earlier. Both guys did a good job, and it was nice to see Douglas draw some additional fire out of Minoru during the brawling exchanges. Minoru worked his quasi-shoot style here, with lots of MMA-inspired kicks and submission attempts. Shane did a nice job reacting to his style and selling that he was a force to be reckoned with, which was important since our viewing audience outside of Japan hasn't really had any exposure to Minoru. There was a dramatic moment where Shane teased tapping out to an ankle lock, only to make it to the ropes. In the end it was Shane who won the match with a submission of his own, as he got Tanaka down on the mat and locked in the crossface. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. King Corino (w/Eric Bischoff) <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Expectations were high from fans for this one, with many predicting that this would be the match of the night. They had no idea what they were in for. They didn't waste any time here, getting straight to it with a heated bit of fisticuffs right at the bell. Both guys knew their roles here and executed them skillfully. Corino was very good, but Austin was nothing short of fantastic, putting in great effort and getting the superstar reaction just as he does everywhere in the world. Corino was a total pro here, bumping and feeding "The Hellraiser" as Austin went on a rampage. I'm sure this match could have been a classic, if things had been different. But it wasn't to be, at least not on this day. It was around the ten minute mark when Austin went for a clothesline, but Corino ducked and instead it was referee Marty Rubalcaba who got clobbered. That wasn't an opportunity that The Empire would fail to make the most of. Almost immediately, Bischoff waved to the back. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/iwFA1pe.jpg</div> Down came Booker T, running at full-speed, and I made the quip that of course he had plenty of energy left, because he couldn't have used up much of it getting beaten in two minutes. Booker measured Austin for one of his Harlem Sidekicks, but Austin ducked it, and...STUNNER! Corino attempted to hit Austin from behind, but Steve spun around, blocked it, kicked him in the gut, and....a STUNNER for Corino as well! Bischoff shook his head, scowling as Austin used his foot to nudge Booker under the rope and out to the floor like yesterday's garbage. Steve taunted Eric briefly before returning his attention to Corino, getting into a mount position and pummeling him with right hands. Bischoff turned his back to the ring, leading Mike and I to suggest that he was giving the match up as a lost cause. That was far from the truth, though. Eric shouted for "THE BACKUP PLAN! THE BACKUP PLAN!" And then... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> ...GOLDBERG! The OOOOOHS of the Japanese fans were a different reaction than this would've gotten in the US, but it was still a sign that they considered him a big name and were shocked to see him. He slipped in from the side, and when Austin got off Corino and back to his feet, he turned around right into a SPEAR! Goldberg didn't stop there either. He lifted Austin up, high into the air, and drove him into the mat with a thunderous Jackhammer! He physically dragged Corino on top of a prone Austin, and Bischoff slapped Rubalcaba until he could crawl over and make the count, giving Corino a treacherous pinfall victory over Steve Austin! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/3ZTpoTU.jpg<img alt="Z3xclCp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z3xclCp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> After the match, the rest of The Empire (minus Etsuko Mita, who was working a Renaissance house show, and the still-down Booker T) joined Bischoff, Corino and Booker in the ring. The group surrounded Bischoff, who flashed that smug smile like only he can. He had the gall to put one foot on top of Austin's chest as he took the microphone and cut a promo, in Japanese. You could see he looked lost sometimes as he tried to deliver his speech with the right inflection, but I give him all the credit in the world simply for being able to get his point across in a foreign language. It was a fairly standard promo about The Empire being stronger than ever now that his greatest creation, Goldberg, has joined the group, but it worked. A big reason why it worked was just how much the fans love Austin. Cutting that promo while casually stepping on Steve's chest was a tremendous visual, especially after all the stuff with the restraining order. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A*</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. {©} <img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</div> We ran a pre-match video showcasing both men's title victories at Starrcade, with AJ beating Shane Douglas and Rey pinning Booker T. It then moved on to playing up the idea that Rey was an innovator of aerial wrestling and ahead of his time, but Styles was the natural evolution of that style in the next generation. It worked really well with the PPV's theme song, and our production team deserves a lot of credit for how great this turned out. It ended with shots of both champions stretching and getting themselves mentally prepared moments before their entrances. Tenay's announcing wasn't great here as I think he took the theme of Styles being the next generation too far, to the point that it made it feel like Rey is past his prime. Still, this was a great segment overall. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A*</div> We were probably lucky that this show was in Japan, because the smark portion of our American fanbase would've been vocal about the rumors swirling about Rey's contract status. As it was, the fans in attendance sat back and focused on the match, and they were rewarded for it. For well over thirty minutes, Styles and Mysterio showed the world what a modern wrestling match should be. There were plenty of visually impressive moves off the top rope, springboard attacks and dives to the floor, but the match was by no means a spotfest. These guys know how to work and tell a story, and they told a great one here. The crux of the story was that Rey, for perhaps the first time in his career, did not have an obvious advantage in speed and aerial acrobatics, and he had to try and adjust to that. They told that story wonderfully, with several memorable moments of Rey attempting a flying move, only for AJ to use his own speed to counter. Realizing that he couldn't rely on his usual style to take control of this match, Mysterio started adopting a more ground-based attack with slick chain wrestling and submissions. It was a good idea told incredibly well, and it went a long way towards making up for there being no heel in the match. AJ came within an eyelash of a career-defining three count time after time, but he showed the downside of high risk offense when he put it all on the line going for the Spiral Tap only to come up empty when Rey rolled out of the way. Seeing his opportunity, Rey hurried out to the apron. The moment AJ got back to his feet, Rey took flight with his springboard hurricanrana, the same move that won him the title! ...But AJ caught him! He stepped through, hooking his legs underneath Mysterio's arms, and... STYLES CLASH! He rolled Mysterio onto his back, and the Japanese fans rose to their feet as head referee Nick Patrick's hand slapped the canvas once... twice... three! ...No! Rey got his shoulder up at the last possible moment! AJ looked up in disbelief at the referee, and Mike and I jumped all over it, saying that the 23-year old was showing his inexperience by taking too much time to follow up. When he did eventually regain his focus, he grabbed Rey by the leg and dragged him close to the corner. He attempted a springboard attack, but Rey jumped onto the top rope and hit a beautiful flying hurricanrana that sent AJ crashing down onto the mat hard. Not trusting that to be enough, Rey went to the apron for a springboard of his own, and connected with a springboard headbutt. He hooked the leg, and the count was made once... twice... ...and a third time! Mysterio retained! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: A*</div> <hr noshade size=3> I have a feeling the signing of Goldberg will raise some eyebrows. One thing I will say is that, in this mod at least, his in-ring skills aren't half bad. They aren't amazing either, but he's not a useless slug or anything. Of course there's also the fact that I'm playing as Bret, who had his career ended at least in large part due to a Goldberg kick to the head. Bret himself seems to place almost all of the blame on that one spot. I personally think the fact that he continued to work through it had a lot more to do with it than gets mentioned, but that's not really what's important here anyway. A lot of people think that Bret hates Goldberg in real life, but I've looked into it and am going to try and paraphrase Bret's actual comments on Bill into my post-show wrap-up. As always, my thanks to K-Nection for his continued awesomeness in creating these wonderful PPV posters. He gets extra special bonus awesome points this time for waiting until I got back to him to confirm the main event of the show, which was up in the air until very late in the process. Unnatural vs. Storm was a 95. Rey vs. AJ was match of the night with a 98, which I find really impressive for a match between two babyfaces. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Pitbull" data-cite="The Pitbull" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General comments : Never thought Dustin Rhodes will get involved in 5 star matches. You made him awesome. Rey was awesome, but i loved him as a fighting champ not an underdog. Last , but not least, you made Corino awesome. One of my all time favorites and you book him outstandingly.</div></blockquote> I didn't think he would either! Dustin's been one of the real overachievers in this diary, because when I started I pictured him in a pretty similar role to what Hugh Morrus and Konnan have been--a jobber to the stars, basically. He's a lot of fun to write though. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I feel like I'll get used to the new format in due time. It looks very slick and polished, and I like that your segment names in the show recaps are enough to-the-point to get a feel for what happened if it wasn't a segment that you gave a bigger description to.</div></blockquote> 'Slick and polished' is exactly what I was shooting for! It's actually been a bit of an adjustment trying to give my segments more descriptive names now that I'm screenshotting the TV shows, because my usual habit is to be very simplistic with those. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>RVD - Roode just isn't really in Rob's league yet, and I don't think any amount of strong or protect notes will help him from being unhappy if he were to eat a loss here.</div></blockquote> I didn't even try it, but I have no doubt you're correct on that. Fortunately I didn't need him to lose to take this where I want it to go. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James The Animator" data-cite="James The Animator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Nobody's giving Hayabusa any love. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Maybe they've learned their lesson now! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 15, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

I have no story updates to offer today. Usually I wouldn't make another post until the show itself, but I figured it was necessary so I could clarify one thing: Yes, anyone is more than welcome to change their predictions at any time before the PPV is posted. Don't make a whole new post to do it though, because that will confuse me when I go to add all these up. Just go back and modify your original post if you've changed your mind on anything. That rule has always been in effect, and it still applies here even with the additional information I offered in that last story update. Anyway, I ran the show in-game last night, and I'm about to start my write-up. It could possibly be up sometime on Sunday, but Monday may be more realistic. I guess it could wind up being later if I wind up being busier than I expect, but I'm setting Monday as my target. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Rey...say it isn't so...</div></blockquote> That was my exact reaction when I got the first notification. <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> ....I don't know what to say....see, the difference between you and me is that I would've used the editor to solve everything that I didn't like. Yes, I'm cheating, but this is my game, I do whatever I want with it! But knowing you don't play with the editor... I don't even know if I want to continue reading this.... I'm so used to see the richest and the best always winning in real life that I read fiction like this just for catharsis.... Oh, forget what I said! I WILL SUPPORT THIS DIARY UNTIL THE END!!! AND KNOBLEMANIA WILL BE GREATER THAN ANYTHING IN WCW!!!</div></blockquote> It's not that I NEVER use the editor in-game, but it's usually only if there's something I feel needs to be added/changed. I'm not going to arbitrarily use it just to give myself an advantage, no. I have no problem with other people doing so; it's your game, play it however you like. But personally, that would take a lot of the fun out of it for me. KNOBLEMANIA FOREVER, BROTHER! (Ironically, Knoble might wind up benefiting in a big way from all of this, but I can't say any more about that right now.) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James The Animator" data-cite="James The Animator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I hope that Rey is loyal to WCW after all the years he's worked here. If not, you might be screwed.</div></blockquote> He isn't. The only roster members who are loyal to WCW are Sting (before the game, obviously) and Corino (no idea how that one happened.) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Also, sorry for last night. I was in a negative mood and i shouldnt have read this thread before sleeping. Had trouble sleeping. I tend to get way too emotional about things that are, in the end, totally unimportant. Just to let you know,TFC, that losing rey is not the end of the world. After all, its just a game in the end.</div></blockquote> I don't think you said anything that needs an apology. And no worries, I wasn't nearly as stressed out by these contract negotiations as Bret was! I actually found the whole thing really intriguing. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Overall, i just don't want you to give up. There's still a big light shining on you!</div></blockquote> I definitely wouldn't stop playing just because one guy got stolen from me, no matter who it was. I wanted a game world where this kind of thing would be possible, after all. It makes things more interesting, especially if WWE is going to try and do it to me instead of it being a one-way street of only me trying to steal their best guys. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I mean, he's got Austin, and he's got another top WWF star. TFC got the upper hand -- losing your champ hurts, but he can always drop the belt. I'm more worried that A.J. has a low overness cap and therefore limited potential as champion. He should be a main eventer by now. </div></blockquote> I don't think we have anything to worry about with regards to AJ's overness cap. He's had massive gains in Japan over the past couple of months and is knocking on the door of the 90s there. If he can hit that in the US, he'll be just fine. I think his autopush is in the same boat Rey's was right up until Starrcade season, or maybe even through Starrcade, where Rey was more popular than other guys who were main eventers but was stuck at Upper Mid because his style is Cruiserweight. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I bet Vince will unmask Rey if he joins Vince. TFC. you'll tell us if Rey loses his mask, again, right?</div></blockquote> That would probably be something Bret would report on, yeah.
- January 12, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Pre-Clash of the Champions News and Notes <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">April 14th, 2003 Dayton, Ohio The Afternoon--Before Nitro</div> Today was the day of truth. Negotiations had gone back and forth, but today I was going to get my answer. I'd already resigned myself to losing one of the major stars Vince targeted. I did come back with multiple counteroffers to try and sway him. I matched Vince in offering a hiring veto, but creative control was a no go for me. That's something I won't hand out to anyone, no matter what. I believe my base financial offer was competitive, and might have even been slightly higher than what WWE gave, but I could only shake my head when he told me they would be paying him a bonus of 20% of that figure every single time he appeared on screen, whether it be on TV or PPV. I was willing to offer a similar perk for PPVs, but doing it on TV as well just didn't make financial sense to me. It was no surprise when he called me yesterday to tell me he was signing with WWE. That made today even more important. I hadn't spent all my time fending off Vince though. These moves won't generate the headlines our big coup will once it inevitably leaks, but I've signed another trio of people away from the WWE. -I signed a particular non-wrestler to a deal. They could wear a variety of hats for us, from manager to personality to color commentator. I spent a little more money here than I really probably should on a non-wrestler. I think I was feeling particularly vindictive and just wanted to sign someone away in retaliation, but hopefully it'll be worth it. They'll also fit in nicely with a story we've currently got running too. Aside from him, I signed away a couple of Vince's developmental talents: -Lisa Marie Varon has agreed to leave WWE's developmental system and join us. They offered her an extension, but she wants to be a wrestler and was tired of being used strictly as a manager. She'll probably be in 5SSW to start, but I think she'll be on Renaissance sooner or later. She's a former bodybuilder and fitness competitor with a good look, and she says she's been working on honing her in-ring skills despite them not booking her in actual matches. I actually have a ready-made idea for her once she's on Renaissance. -I also came to terms with Shelton Benjamin. Shelton was an amateur wrestler at Minnesota the same time Brock Lesnar was there, but unlike Brock he never got the call to hit the main roster. He has no blowaway skills but is passable at just about everything, and he is a super athlete. WWE did offer him an extension but they didn't try very hard to improve their offer once I jumped in, so I guess they don't value him too highly. I'd love it if he can prove them wrong with us. Those were really just appetizers, though. Distractions from the main course. All three have the potential to be solid contributors to WCW's future in their own ways, but nothing like this. This is a shootout, and I need all the ammunition I can get my hands on. If Vince steals this guy away from me, he's not stealing a bullet that can then be fired back at me. More like a grenade that he can lob right at my foundation. I don't think it would kill us, but it would be a major blow for sure. That's why I went all out, did everything I could to try and convince him to stay. While I made an honest effort to keep Vince's other target, I went above and beyond for this guy. If he stays, his base pay will be even higher than Austin's, and he'll get the same perks as Steve (house shows off, hiring veto), PLUS wage matching and a 20% PPV bonus. Not even Steve got those last two, but he wasn't the beneficiary of a bidding war. I didn't offer creative control. That remains the one thing I refuse to budge on, but I'll admit I was tempted here, especially since I know Vince DID offer it to him. I just have to hope the rest of my terms will be enough to make up for it. Today's the deadline. If he's going to be leaving, this Sunday will be his last PPV with us and I need to plan accordingly--not just for Sunday, but for the next month, six months, the next year. He promised to give me an answer today though, so all I could do was wait. Speak of the devil. I saw him walk out of catering, and he said a quick goodbye to Billy Kidman before coming over to me. I sat up, put my booking notebook down and took a deep breath. "Well," I said, "you have an answer for me?" Please let it be good news. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</div> "Yeah, I do," Rey said. "Can we talk in your office?" </div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg </div> Arn Anderson will be sticking around, but he'll only be under a PPA deal now. Mike Sanders finally realized I had no intention of ever doing anything with him. He came to me to ask for his release, and I was happy to give it to him. He had over two years left on his deal that we now don't have to pay him, but it's not like he was making much anyway. He wanted an opportunity to prove himself that he wasn't going to get from me, so now he has a chance to latch on somewhere else. I wish him luck, and there are no hard feelings on my end. Jason Jett did the same, and I gave it to him. I don't think it was so much the lack of push in his case as it was my refusal to give him a raise. I guess you could say those two things kind of go hand in hand though. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg </div> Rhyno re-signed with the WWE. I did negotiate with him, but didn't pursue him seriously. At least I drove up the price a bit! Eli Blu re-signed too. He's probably better known as one of the Harris boys, though I'm not sure which one plays Eli and which one is Jacob, and I don't really care either. Vince is welcome to him. Oh, and Barry Windham, aka The Stalker, signed an extension. I know Barry was considered one of the best in the world at one point, but those days are long gone. I guess it doesn't matter much since he's just being used as an opening match guy. I'm told that Jericho has started dating a woman outside the business. Best of luck to him. <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg </div> New Japan's 'Glory of History' event took place on April 11th. They finally filled the vacancy created when Yuji Nagata tore his quad, and they once again returned to a big name from the previous generation to carry the torch. Riki Choshu beat Masahiro Chono in the main event of the show to claim the vacant IWGP Heavyweight title. It's the fourth time the 51-year old Choshu has won the title, but the first in over a decade. That seemed like a poor decision to me, and the match being one of the worst on the entire card would back my opinion up. Easily the best match came in the third to last spot, when Tatsumi Fujinami, Koji Kanemoto and Satoshi Kojima won a six man tag against Manabu Nakanishi, Osamu Nishimura and Don Frye. With such a poor main event dragging it down, this was the worst big show NJPW has put on in years. This company isn't doing themselves any favors in their booking, and their mistakes are hurting them all the more now that they're caught up in a 3-way national fight with us and Vince in Japan. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/syuSRKH.jpg </div> All Japan's annual Champion's Carnival tournament wrapped up on April 12th, and in a bit of a surprise, Jushin Liger won the prestigious trophy by beating Genichiro Tenryu. That was a great match, but a pair of MOTYCs were produced earlier in the tournament when Toshiaki Kawada beat Hiroshi Hase and Liger defeated Keiji Mutoh. This was an excellent show for anyone, never mind a company of their current size, though All Japan's big event in March was even better. I wonder if booking Liger to win the tournament was an attempt to sway him to their side when Jushin is eventually forced to choose between them and New Japan? He's just a midcarder in NJPW, so maybe the lure of being a main eventer in AJPW will be enough to get him to leave his longtime home. <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i.imgur.com/1eeVS9d.jpg </div> I've been hearing rumors that Big Japan Pro Wrestling is on its last legs. First ECW, then CZW and now potentially BJPW. I guess the hardcore fad is truly dead, and I can't say I'm upset about it. <hr noshade size=3> DUN DUN DUN! I debated whether or not to reveal the identity of either or both of the people Vince was trying to steal, but I thought this would make the PPV an even more interesting read! Question: does anybody have a good picture of Victoria/Lisa Marie Varon looking suitably crazy, like from her initial heel run in WWE? None of the pictures in the mSp pack or Taker's cuts have been quite what I'm looking for. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James The Animator" data-cite="James The Animator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: The new format looks very good! The only drawback to it is that we might have to wait a bit longer for updates. But the content is definitely worth the wait. I'm definitely looking forward to the show, as well as seeing which big name from WWE just came in!</div></blockquote> Obviously it's too early for me to know how it'll work out over the long haul, but at least so far I've actually found this style makes it easier for me to get through shows more quickly. I'm a writer at heart, so spending more time writing about the major storylines and less time describing filler segments and copying down segment grades is very appealing to me. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Uncrewed" data-cite="Uncrewed" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Wait, Reno is the champ in Wildside? Bring him up and push him to the moon! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Outside of David Flair he's probably the worst worker in Wildside, at least of the developmental guys. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Kijar" data-cite="Kijar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>World Heavyweight Championship: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. {©} A world where this is a WCW main event is a world I want to live in.</div></blockquote> ...But will it be a one time only match, before Rey takes a big money offer to go job to Big Show? <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="JMike" data-cite="JMike" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: At first I didn't care for the format but now it's growing on me. I think it works better on Nitro than on Renaissance because there's more storylines going on. I also like the fact that we can see all the dark matches and stuff. Was not expecting a True Heroes turn</div></blockquote> Yeah, it was designed with Nitro in mind. Another thing to remember is that there were only two weeks of Renaissance to cover before that PPV, so none of us, myself included, have seen how it'll function under a more standard timeframe. I tried not to hint too much about the Heroes' impending face turns, but I'd been planning it for awhile. Doing it in the finals of the UFS and with Salvation as their nemesis actually meshed shockingly well with where I was already planning on going, which is one of the major reasons I put these two teams in the finals. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Happy0wns" data-cite="Happy0wns" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: After the women's update I was a little on the fence, but after seeing the latest update, I'm a fan of the new style, really easy to follow, i enjoy it.</div></blockquote> I'm glad to hear it! This is actually more in line with what my original concept was when I first started the dynasty, and I'm liking the move so far. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Hays Bush’s </div></blockquote> This is one of the best autocorrects I've ever seen! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />:p <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Theheel" data-cite="Theheel" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> "The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. King Corino I like Austin to get the win here but look for the Embassy to get their heat back after the match. Corino has been so good and improved so much, I hate to see him lose this one.</div></blockquote> ...I think these promos probably wouldn't be going as well if it were Prince Nana doing the talking instead of Bischoff! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 12, 2018
- 2,912 replies
Ring of Honor: Where Superstars Are Born (RW 2018+)

The Final Countdown replied to Texasrangers13's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

ROH World Title: Cody {C} vs. Kenny Omega On Omega: I thought he was a bit of a dork in his initial ROH run, 10 years ago or however long ago that was. He's STILL a dork...but when it's big match time I think there are very few in the world better than him. (And maybe just one, namely the guy who makes it rain money.) ROH Tag Titles, Ladder Warfare: Briscoe Brothers {C} vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. War Machine ROH 6-Man Tag Titles: CHAOS (Ishii, Okada, Yano) vs. SoCal Uncensored 2.0 {C} ROH TV Title: Kenny King {C} vs. Marty Scurll Tag Bout: EVIL and SANADA vs. The Young Bucks Grudge Match: Hiromu Takahashi vs. Odinson Junior Heavyweight Showcase: Flip Gordon vs. Juice Robinson vs. Kota Ibushi vs. Will Ospreay Triple Threat: Jay Lethal vs. Low-Ki vs. Ricochet Dalton Castle vs. Tetsuya Naito
- January 11, 2018
- 384 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Road to Clash of the Champions <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="BgAsYSJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BgAsYSJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Backstories:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">A Clash of Babyface Kings</div> -We're continuing on with our new tradition of having the United States Champion challenge for the biggest prize in WCW, the World Heavyweight title, at Clash of the Champions, and for the second year in a row it will be an all-babyface affair. Last year Rey Mysterio Jr. was in the role of the challenger against RVD, but this year he's defending against young AJ Styles. This is without a doubt the biggest match of AJ's career to this point. It won't be his first PPV main event, as he was involved in the War Games match last year, but this time the spotlight will be more on him since it's a singles. It's a huge spot for him, but I believe he'll be up to the task. At the beginning we pushed the idea that this would be a friendly contest between two sportsmen. This continued despite Roddy Piper trying and failing to stir the pot and create tension between the two men on Piper's Pit, but the story then received a new twist when The Unnatural crashed the Pit and said he regretted to inform AJ that he was going to be forced to shatter his dreams. He had obligations to fulfill and debts to pay, and the first step towards doing so was going to happen the following week, where he would use his US title shot earned in last year's UFS. When the time came for Unnatural's title shot, the rest of Salvation interfered early and often to swing things in their brother's favor. Rey Mysterio Jr. had seen enough from the back, and he ran down to even the odds. His presence threw Unnatural off just enough for AJ to surprise him with a springboard forearm, then hit the Styles Clash to retain his title and make the match against Mysterio official. The two champions found themselves outnumbered after the match but received some unlikely aid from True Heroes, who had their own issues with Salvation thanks to the ongoing UFS finals. They made for an improbable quartet when they took on all of Salvation in an eight man tag on the go home show. Neither of them factored into the finish and there was no hint of awkwardness between them in teaming, so the match is still being presented as "may the best man win." </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Restraining The Hellraiser</div> -Steve Austin's first-ever match on Nitro was a great one, as he beat Chavo Guerrero Jr. in the main event of the March 24th show. But the real story came after the match, when The Empire presented Austin with a restraining order that would result in "severe legal and financial consequences" if Austin were to attack Eric Bischoff (who will be wearing a neck brace for the foreseeable future in order to milk the Stunner he took at SuperBrawl.) The following week Austin got one over on the group by instead hitting King Corino with a Stunner after his match while Bischoff could do nothing but watch. Corino wasn't going to stand for that. On April 7th he yanked the microphone away from a nonplussed Jamie Knoble to go on a diatribe directed at Austin. He insulted his way of life, called him a drunk coward and said Austin didn't have the guts to try and take him on when his back wasn't turned. Later in the show, Austin delivered a pre-taped promo where he said he wouldn't just look Corino right in his beady little eyes--he would stomp a mudhole in him and walk it dry! The Empire attempted to soften Austin up with an ambush in the ring six days before the PPV, but Booker T accidentally struck Chuck Palumbo with a lariat, and among the chaos Austin dropped the reluctantly participating Jamie Knoble with a Stunner before slipping out the back door. A camera covertly recorded some apparent friction between The Empire later in the night, as Corino and Bischoff reprimanded Booker for his errant clothesline that helped Austin slip the trap. Can the group get on the same page before Corino's showdown with Austin? And who was Bischoff talking to on the phone? That's for me to know, and the fans to (hopefully) order the PPV to find out! </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Ultimate Finale</div> -To the surprise of pretty much no one, the Ultimate Fan Series finals are coming right down to the wire. After the early wins from Alexander and CM Punk, Melissa Anderson put Satyr's Hopeful Few one win away from victory by beating Daffney at the Unified PPV. With his back to the wall, Kaz Hayashi delivered for the Sin-free Society in a must-win situation with a clutch non-title win over Cruiserweight Champion Christopher Daniels. Now it all comes down to one match at Clash of the Champions: Lance Storm vs. The Unnatural. Storm (along with his partner CM Punk) and The Unnatural have been featured players all finals long, with Punk and Dustin doing most of the talking for the teams on TV. True Heroes have been getting their share of cheers in recent months just out of respect for how good they are, and we played to that with some subtle lines designed to get the fans even further behind them. The turn was fully completed when they made the save for Mysterio and Styles at the end of the April 7th show, so even though Lance is more natural as a heel, we'll be trying to portray him as the hero in this final match. The Heroes coexisted with former rivals Rey Mysterio Jr. and AJ Styles in the eight man tag the following week, but The Unnatural got the advantage six days before the final match by pinning Storm. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">RVD Gets Roode</div> -Ric Flair was quick to proclaim to the world that his new protégé Bobby Roode is not the 'next Ric Flair', but the first Bobby Roode. There won't be any Nature Boy knock-off robes or styling and profiling, because Roode is going to be his own man and carve his own path, with Flair there to advise him. RVD replied on the March 31st Nitro by saying that he doesn't care about Bobby Roode's image or what path he hopes to carve, because the path he's chosen has put him on a collision course with the Whole Dam Show. Flair and Roode accepted the challenge the following week, warning Van Dam that he'd be taken to school at Clash of the Champions. After RVD won a competitive match against Shane Helms on the go-home show, Roode ambushed him and wore him out with a steel chair. Roode and Flair mocked RVD on the microphone, saying "Mr. Hardcore" didn't look so tough now. But on color, I was quick to point out that Roode will have to take on RVD face to face at Clash of the Champions rather than jumping him from behind with a chair. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Brothers vs. Brothers</div> -The Steiners still had a tag team title shot outstanding from last year's UFS, so I figured it was probably time to make use of that. They made their intentions clear on the March 24th Nitro, grabbing the mic after a squash win to state they'd be taking those belts for a fifth time and prove that they're not only the best brother tag team of all time, but the best team of all time, period! Jeff Hardy beat Rick Steiner in a rather standard singles match the next week, but Scott Steiner's temper led to a post-bell shoving match between the teams. Big Poppa Pump truly made things personal on April 7th, when the Steiners interrupted a Hardys interview and told them he was going to "take your girlfriends just like Vince's kid did, 'cept I'll break ya in half first!" That improvised reference to Matt's real-life drama couldn't have made either Hardy happy in reality, but it also added a touch of personal dislike to what is an all-babyface matchup. That point was really driven home the following week, when the Hardys crashed a Steiners interview with WCW.com and a brawl erupted between the two teams (though not before Scott again threw the Lita/Shane McMahon scandal in Matt's face.) </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">O'Haire's Empirical Problem</div> -After making his 6th successful title defense against Harry Smith, Sean O'Haire was challenged by TAKA (well, it was Bischoff on TAKA's behalf, but you get the point.) O'Haire accepted the challenge and defeated TAKA on the April 14th Nitro, but afterwards Booker T stepped into the aisle and said that Sean wouldn't have nearly so much luck if he defended that belt against the best that The Empire has to offer (meaning himself, obviously.) Never one to back down, O'Haire accepted the challenge and here we are. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Destroying a Punk?</div> -This was a late addition to the show, based on reshuffling a few things, but it's a logical progression building off of other events. Punk and Lance Storm turned face making the save against Salvation, and with Lance obviously busy with his UFS match against The Unnatural, it was only natural (heh) to pair Punk up with another member of Salvation. The match was announced on the go home show, with Salvation saying Punk would pay a heavy physical price for his transgressions courtesy of their own personal Destroyer. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Angels and Dragons</div> -The program between Bryan Danielson and Christopher Daniels began on the March 24th Nitro, where Daniels mocked Danielson for thinking he had any chance of defeating Daniels' UFS partner The Unnatural the night before. Danielson had enough of the bragging and said that he might not have been good enough to beat The Unnatural on that night, but he knew he was good enough to beat Daniels and take his title on any night. Daniels said he would consider giving him the chance to prove it, but only if he could defeat his bodyguard Brian Adams the following week. Despite the size difference, Danielson succeeded and earned his title shot. Danielson had a great view beside me and Mike on the April 7th show when Daniels lost his UFS match against Kaz Hayashi, failing in his chance to wrap the series up for the Hopeful Few. Though Danielson stayed at the desk the entire time and made no effort to get involved in any way, Daniels still blamed the loss on his "distraction" the following week. Bryan laughed off the accusation and said that if him sitting at ringside was such a problem for him, he was going to be in for all kinds of trouble when he was in the ring with him on Sunday. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Cruiserweight Contendership</div> -After beating reigning Cruiserweight Champion Christopher Daniels in their UFS match, Kaz Hayashi went to Arn Anderson and said that the planned Bryan Danielson/Christopher Daniels title match should be cancelled so he could get a title match instead. Arn wasn't going to do that, but he did book Hayashi in a #1 contender's match against a cruiserweight who had won a match earlier in the show: Hayabusa. This was another late addition that came about due to reshuffling the show, but I think it'll be good. Especially since the show is being held in Japan, where both guys are considerably more over. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 3/31: <img alt="YWvrIKP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YWvrIKP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 4/7: <img alt="jWfO7Jm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jWfO7Jm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Hugh Morrus was very unhappy about putting over Made in Italy, but I wasn't concerned. This is his role, and he's going to have to get used to it. -The Unnatural wasn't fond of the idea of losing to AJ Styles, pointing out that he was quite a bit more over than AJ and this would probably put a damper on what's turning into the best run of his career. The match design was going to protect him though, with all of the interference and outside shenanigans, so he went along with it after he got the full booking plans. -We completed the face turns of CM Punk and Lance Storm in the closing angle, where they saved AJ and Rey. Both turns were moderately successful, but Punk's new cocky rebel gimmick was only average to begin with. Lance's legitimate wrestling machine gimmick is above average though. 4/14: <img alt="cIeQosx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cIeQosx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Chris Harris and James Storm made their main roster return on the pre-show under the team name The American Outlaws. -Sean O'Haire and TAKA had no chemistry as opponents. -Scott Steiner struggled when going off-script, focusing so much on taunting Matt about Shane McMahon and Lita that it temporarily got the segment sidetracked. -What a main event! I gave it a ton of time to make sure all eight guys got featured, but I wasn't expecting that kind of magic! </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Fan Scorecard: World Heavyweight Championship: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. {©} "The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. King Corino Ultimate Fan Series Finals--The Decisive Match: Lance Storm (Sin-free Society) vs. The Unnatural (Satyr's Hopeful Few) Rob Van Dam vs. Bobby Roode World Tag Team Championship: The Steiner Brothers vs. The Hardys {©} World Television Championship: Booker T vs. Sean O'Haire {©} CM Punk vs. The Destroyer Cruiserweight Championship: "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels {©} Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender's Match: Hayabusa vs. Kaz Hayashi What will be match of the night? How many championships will change hands? General diary comments/questions/critiques: </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Texasrangers13" data-cite="Texasrangers13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Love the tease, and overview on the roster. How is Alex Wright doing? La Parka? Prince Iaukea? ... all personal cheeseballs</div></blockquote> Alex Wright turned heel and joined Salvation, being re-named Alexander in the process. He and Mortis form the team The Unbound. La Parka works in CMLL and IWRG, and was #190 in the last Power 500. Prince Iaukea is technically a "semi-active wrestler", but he's never had a match since the start of the game. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="JMike" data-cite="JMike" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I have a feeling I know who it is but I won't say freaking anything. Two questions, what's Nakamura's best match in NWA Wildside so far and who is the NWA Wildside champion?</div></blockquote> Nak's best match is his most recent one, a TV loss to Brian Kendrick. He's an Enhancement Talent down there, so he's doing nothing but losing. I'll have to work on his momentum when he gets called up. The champ in Wildside is Reno. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Also, who's impressing the most in developpement? Is samoa joe still kicking butt in japan?</div></blockquote> I pay more attention to how their skills are developing as opposed to their match grades, but off the top of my head I'd probably say Kendrick. Joe's doing great in Zero-One, yeah. I'll surely make a move to bring him in sooner or later, but he's probably better off over there right now instead of down in Wildside.
- January 10, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

Spring 2003 Roster Update <div style="text-align:center;">Spring 2003 Roster Breakdown: (Faces in blue, heels in red) </div> MAIN ROSTER <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Main Event:</div> Diamond Dallas Page Rey Mysterio Jr. (World Heavyweight Champion) Rick Steiner Rob Van Dam Scott Steiner Steve Austin Sting Booker T Chuck Palumbo CM Punk King Corino Lance Storm Mortis Shane Douglas The Unnatural </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Upper Midcard:</div> AJ Styles (United States Heavyweight Champion) Bryan Danielson Hugh Morrus Jamie Knoble Jeff Hardy (World Tag Team Champion) Konnan Matt Hardy (World Tag Team Champion) Sean O'Haire (World Television Champion) Alexander Brian Adams Christopher Daniels (Cruiserweight Champion) Fit Finlay Kaz Hayashi TAKA The Destroyer </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Midcard:</div> Billy Kidman Ernest Miller Harry Smith Hayabusa Mark Jindrak Norman Smiley Bobby Roode Chavo Guerrero Jr. Johnny Parisi Mike Sanders Shane Helms Shawn Stasiak Yang </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Lower Midcard:</div> Aguila Big Vito Volador Jr. Cash Psychosis Tony Mamaluke </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Opener:</div> Jason Jett Lash Leroux Teddy Hart Billy Kim Evan Karagis Shannon Moore </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Enhancement Talent:</div> Minoru Tanaka Elix Skipper </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Announcer:</div> Mike Tenay </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Color Commentator:</div> Bret Hart Bobby Heenan </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Road Agent:</div> Ricky Steamboat Bob Orton Jr.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Personality:</div> Arn Anderson Ric Flair Roddy Piper</div></blockquote> RENAISSANCE <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Main Event:</div> Chigusa Nagayo Manami Toyota (World Women's Champion) Aja Kong Devil Masami </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Upper Midcard:</div> Kyoko Inoue Toshiyo Yamada Etsuko Mita Takako Inoue </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Midcard:</div> Alexis Laree Allison Corino Meiko Satomura Melissa Anderson Nattie Neidhart Daffney Shinobu Kandori</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Lower Midcard:</div> Kaori Yoneyama LuFisto Sonoko Kato </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Opener:</div> Mary Apache Katarina Waters </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Enhancement Talent:</div> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Announcer:</div> Joey Styles </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Color Commentator:</div> Tracy Brooks </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Road Agent:</div> Dusty Rhodes </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">On Vacation:</div> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Out Of Action:</div> Akira Hokuto (rehab) Buff Bagwell (spinal column injury) Davey Boy Smith (rehab) Jinsei Shinzaki (minor knee injury) Toshie Uematsu (rehab)</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Active Tag Teams:</div> 3 Count (Evan Karagis and Shannon Moore) Daffney and LuFisto Jung Dragons (Kaz Hayashi and Yang) Made in Italy (Johnny Parisi and Tony Mamaluke) Our Generation (Melissa Anderson and Nattie Neidhart) The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) The Shooting Stars (Billy Kidman and Teddy Hart) The Smiths (Davey Boy Smith and Harry Smith) The Unbound (Mortis and Alexander) True Heroes (CM Punk and Lance Storm) Volador Jr. and Aguila </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Factions:</div> Salvation (Father Isaac, Alexander, Mortis, The Destroyer and The Unnatural) The Empire (Booker T, Eric Bischoff, Etsuko Mita, Jamie Knoble, King Corino, TAKA, Chuck Palumbo and Tammy Sytch) </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Managerial Assignments:</div> Dawn Marie (Johnny Parisi and Tony Mamaluke) Eric Bischoff (Booker T, King Corino, TAKA and Etsuko Mita) Father Isaac (Alexander, Mortis, The Destroyer and The Unnatural) Kimberly Page (None) Stacy Keibler (Kaz Hayashi and Yang) Tammy Sytch (Chuck Palumbo) Torrie Wilson (Billy Kidman and Teddy Hart) </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">In Developmental:</div> Austin Aries Brian Kendrick Chris Harris Colt Cabana David Flair El Generico James Storm Johnny the Bull Kaoru Ito Kevin Steen Kid Romeo Lacey Lizzy Valentine Mariko Yoshida Mercedes Martinez Paul London Reno Shinsuke Nakamura TJ Wilson</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Creative Meeting:</div> Franchise Players: 1. Steve Austin 2. REDACTED 3. Rey Mysterio Jr. 4. Rob Van Dam 5. CM Punk Next Big Things: 1. Jeff Hardy 2. Meiko Satomura 3. AJ Styles 4. Volador Jr. 5. Alexis Laree Hot Prospects: 1. Meiko Satomura 2. Melissa Anderson 3. Allison Corino 4. Alexis Laree 5. Volador Jr. Talk the Talk: 1. Steve Austin 2. Ric Flair 3. CM Punk 4. Dusty Rhodes 5. Roddy Piper Show Stoppers: 1. Rey Misterio Jr. 2. Jeff Hardy 3. Rob Van Dam 4. REDACTED 5. Manami Toyota Ring Generals: 1. REDACTED 2. Rey Misterio Jr. 3. Bryan Danielson 4. Lance Storm 5. AJ Styles Who's Hot: 1. Diamond Dallas Page 2. Meiko Satomura 3. The Unnatural 4. Shane Douglas 5. Sting Who's Not: 1. Big Vito 2. Mike Sanders 3. Ernest Miller 4. Sonoko Kato 5. Kaori Yoneyama Time Decline: 1. Sting 4. Diamond Dallas Page 3. Fit Finlay 4. Rick Steiner 5. Aja Kong Hidden Gems: 1. Jay Briscoe 2. Kenny Omega 3. Simon Diamond 4. Scoot Andrews 5. Andy Douglas</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Even though he's not available yet, I decided to give the new signee from WWE a push just to tease you with the REDACTED bits of the creative meeting! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 9, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Unified Wrap-up <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">April 7th, 2003 On a plane somewhere over the Pacific Ocean</div> I really wish I had enough confidence in Tracy Brooks to let her be the sole color commentator on these Renaissance PPVs, but I knew my presence was needed in Sapporo for Unified. Still, having to hop straight onto a plane so I can be at Nitro is never fun. At least the PPV turned out well. I made sure to praise Chigusa Nagayo and Etsuko Mita after the show for their match of the night, and also applauded Manami Toyota for performing at the 'ace' level for Renaissance. All three women seemed pleased. Now we're down to just the one singles belt for the brand, which was always the plan. I suppose we could possibly introduce a midcard title somewhere down the road, but I don't see a need for it right now. We will, however, be introducing tag team titles very soon, and that will be one of the major stories unfolding on Renaissance TV in between PPVs. While in Japan I also worked out a contract extension with Katarina Waters, who has been working in our developmental territory 5SSW. She seemed to want to come up to the main roster rather than signing an extension to keep her in 5SSW, so I agreed to bring her up to Renaissance imminently. We could probably use another body on the roster anyway, especially if we'll be doing more tag matches now. I was in the midst of passing the time on the plane by reading The Summons, the latest book by John Grisham, when my open laptop dinged to let me know I'd gotten a new e-mail. I took a half-hearted glance out of the corner of my eye while keeping one finger in the book, but the book soon fell off my lap and to the floor, forgotten. I stared at the sender, and more importantly the subject line, with wide eyes. Was this for real? Surely it couldn't be. Eagerly I opened the e-mail up, and my eyes widened further as I read its contents. Vince didn't even try to improve his original offer, even though I told him yours was better and I was seriously thinking of taking it. Maybe he thinks I'm bluffing, but I'm not. Send the papers over to the house, and I'll have them signed as soon as I'm back home. See you when my contract's up next month, Hitman. A smile slowly spread across my face as the message sank in. Maybe Vince was so focused on trying to steal my guys that he wasn't worried about protecting his own roster, or maybe he believed we were the bush leagues and no one would turn him down to jump ship. Whatever the reason, I'd just stolen one of the best wrestlers in the world right out from under his nose. Your move, Vinnie.</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Scores (out of a possible 8 points): Satyr24: 6 Warhawk8492: 6 Kijar: 5 Happy0wns: 5 James The Animator: 5 kinnikuniverse: 5 K-Nection: 4 JMike: 4 DGenerationMC: 4 Theheel: 4 michgcs: 4 evileddie10: 4 jscotty: 4 Dead_Jester: 3 chrismday: 3 Rateddc: 3 GingeyOne: 3 Beejus: 3 DavidCorperial: 2 cbacon87: 2 KnowYourEnemy: 2 deanohbk: 1 bonnie: 1 Danny_H22: 1 </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> If you're curious: Chigusa vs. Etsuko got an 88 (so on the high end of the B+ range, nearly an A) while the main event was an 83 (right on the fence of B and B+). The matches really weren't very close despite both technically being rated B+. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Will a new WCW Women's Title belt eventually be revealed, or will they continue to stick with the old WWWA belt? Just curious.</div></blockquote> I'll probably be sticking with the WWWA belt. Partially because I like the look and the heritage of it, and partially because my options for replacements are limited. There are a couple of different WCW women's title designs already with cuts I could use, but I'm not a big fan of the way either of them look. Plus I kind of associate those titles with the real WCW's previous attempt to establish a women's division, which was a complete failure. Welcome to the board, by the way! Thanks for making your first post here! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Loved this show! I know Toyota is going to be a great champion for you but it is interesting to see Mita holding it down in the midcard like she is! At the moment she is the clear number 2 as far as ring performances go in Renaissance. She has the long term potential of eventually winning that belt back one day.</div></blockquote> Manami's the obvious choice as champion right now. She's the most over person on the brand, and the only one the game rates as an Excellent in-ring worker. Etsuko's doing good work, but I'm not so sure she's the clear #2 right now. It feels like Chigusa Nagayo exceeds my expectations every time I put her in a match, and this show was no exception. She may be the second oldest person on the roster (Devil Masami being the oldest), but she's been doing a great job and is someone I feel like I can rely on to put on good TV main events. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>YASS, my best prediction result yet! UFS, HERE I COME!!</div></blockquote> The prediction contest for the UFS doesn't start until July. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for the WWE side of the bidding war, it can't be jericho, as he just won the belt. I hope it's eddie and/or angle. I'd love krispin wah too, but...yeah.</div></blockquote> Title or no title, you'd better believe Bret will be making a strong push to sign Jericho if and when he becomes available. Benoit....probably not.
- January 8, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Dangerous Territory

The Final Countdown replied to James Casey's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

A hard pass from me on them as an invading faction. I like the idea of Warrior as a tweener, the 'Ultimate Warrior' who just wants to fight everyone. Him as an anti-tradtionalist heel could be fun too. Bret joining the Alliance could easily overshadow Owen. I'm a fan of him aligning with Sting but refusing to acknowledge Owen. It's an interesting little wrinkle, and lends itself to so many possibilities. Shawn Michaels with the Diamond Mine is a perfect fit. Obviously there's the Kliq connection, but leaving all of that out, the cocky early '90s heel Michaels would have been right at home with those characters.
- January 8, 2018
- 1,060 replies
Ring of Honor: Where Superstars Are Born (RW 2018+)

The Final Countdown replied to Texasrangers13's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

Nick Jackson vs. Tetsuya Naito Kazuchika Okada/Tomohiro Ishii vs. The Addiction Punishment Martinez vs. Toru Yano Best Friends vs. EVIL/SANADA Flip Gordon vs. Hiromu Takahashi Juice Robinson vs. Odinson Kota Ibushi vs. Will Ospreay Kenny King/The Dawgs vs. Kenny Omega/Hangman Page/Marty Scurll
- January 8, 2018
- 384 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 6th, 2003: Unified <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="I3yBlF2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I3yBlF2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> April 6th, 2003 From Sapporo, Japan Attendance: 23,000 Announce Team: Joey Styles, Tracy Brooks and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="jUhTewM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jUhTewM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cyeakzQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cyeakzQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0J2QdDbelmY" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/0J2QdDbelmY"</a> frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Nattie Neidhart vs. Shinobu Kandori http://i.imgur.com/MAaFqtV.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gfF32sn.jpg </div> A few hours after her very real ass kicking at the hands of Momoe Nakanishi, it was time for Shinobu to go to work. This match was nothing special, but it was a decent opener that got the show started on a positive note. Both women were at about the same level of performance here, each doing their job and getting the crowd hotter. Shinobu worked some of her judo techniques into the match and tried to maneuver for a submission, but Nattie fought her off and hit a discus clothesline to get the pin. Nattie was always going to get the win here, but Kandori did her long term prospects no favors with her antics earlier in the day. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Momoe Nakanishi vs. LuFisto <img alt="5P9dIaj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5P9dIaj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="nduX6fx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nduX6fx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This match was a bit of a step up from the opener. The bulk of the credit for that belongs to Momoe. While LuFisto is solid, Momoe was definitely leading the way here. She's a very likeable babyface, and her personality as an expert of flash pins continues to get more over. She went for several such pin variations throughout the match, with LuFisto continuing to kick out. LuFisto's greatest success in the match came when she was able to get down and dirty and turn things into more of a brawl, but <a href="https://imgur.com/JDEIFjp" rel="external nofollow">the Momo*Latch</a> resulted in a second straight babyface win. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/iVkKXFP.jpg</div> We aired a video recapping the dispute between Aja Kong and Manami Toyota over who is the true world champion, with comments from both women. The story started back in January 2002, when Kong left AJW and focused on her work in GAEA, in the process vacating what was then known as the WWWA World title. That was the title that eventually wound up becoming renamed the WCW World Women's Championship when we purchased AJW, and months later when we bought GAEA as well, Aja Kong joined our roster and brought that promotion's top title, the AAAW Singles belt, with her. Aja glared into the camera and said no one had been good enough to beat her for the belt Manami now wore, just like no one was good enough to take the AAAW Singles title now. She cannot be beaten, and tonight all of Manami's adoring fans in Sapporo will be forced to watch as their hero is put in her place. For her part, Manami said she knew she was in for a grave challenge tonight. She'd battled Aja many times over the years, and it was a fierce battle each time. Sometimes she won, as she did in March 1995 when she ended Aja's nearly two and a half year long reign as WWWA World Champion. Sometimes she lost, and she was not ashamed of that. But this was a new day, a new era and a new world for women's wrestling, and she planned on proving to all the fans watching all around the world that she is the greatest female wrestler on the planet. Tracy's commentary was noticeably weak here, but the segment itself was great and it made an already hot story even hotter as we prepare for the big main event. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Toshiyo Yamada vs. Takako Inoue http://i.imgur.com/zVT0XcD.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SKNBQrE.jpg </div> I expected this to be pretty good, and I wasn't disappointed. This was the best match of the night to this point, with both women doing a good job. I thought Takako was slightly better, probably because she's more charismatic and can project as a star better than Yamada, who is talented but not much of an entertainer. That said, the work of both women was good, showcasing their well-rounded skillsets. Toshiyo threw lots of kicks here as per usual, and Takako made a show of trying to avoid taking any blows to the face. (Not that that wouldn't be a logical thing to do, but here it was more about her being superficially concerned with her appearance.) Inoue did some nice heel work, playing to the fans when she had control and mockingly asking Toshiyo if "oneesama" (big sister, a reference to her partner Manami Toyota in this case) was too busy to worry about her tonight. Takako's arrogance came back to bite her when Toshiyo connected with a flurry of kicks, culminating with a corkscrew roundhouse kick to the face that finished her off. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Ultimate Fan Series Finals: #3 Sin-free Society vs. #4 Satyr's Hopeful Few (series tied 1-1) Daffney (Society) vs. Melissa Anderson (S.H.F.) http://i.imgur.com/ZHerQIf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/OophliK.jpg </div> This was obviously a big match with the UFS implications, and there's also some history between these two with the tag team feud between Our Generation and the Daffney/LuFisto pairing. I had originally envisioned doing a big blowoff tag match for that feud on this show, but that plan was abandoned when I decided to take advantage of the timing of this show and include the UFS finals here. Unfortunately, it turned out that these two women just didn't work well together at all without their partners there to join in. Both women worked hard, with Melissa's performance being slightly better. The match itself was fine, but obviously it could've gone better without the bad chemistry in place to drag it down. The idea we sold here was that Melissa was the more skilled wrestler, but Daffney's wild and unpredictable style made it difficult for "Arn's niece" to gain the upper hand. She even teased spitting the poison mist at one point, but seemed to think better of it when Charles Robinson insisted she would be disqualified (and thus put the Society one loss away from elimination.) Eventually Melissa rattled Daffney's brains with a spinebuster and got the duke with a bridging German suplex, putting the Hopeful Few ahead in the series 2-1. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Chigusa Nagayo vs. Etsuko Mita (w/Eric Bischoff) http://i.imgur.com/XvzeNmR.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/cAw5Dl8.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/eX0IXCy.jpg </div> There was a pre-match package recapping the feud, with comments from both participants interspersed. Mita did a good job with her delivery, coming across as genuinely dismissive of anything she could hope to learn from Chigusa, and Bischoff added to that simply by standing there and being his naturally smug self. Tracy's announcing was again a detriment to the segment, but it was still a strong one. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div> I had pretty high hopes for this one, so I gave them a good amount of time and told them to start off slow and really draw out the drama for maximum effect on the fans. Both Chigusa and Etsuko thrived under those directions, each turning in strong performances. I'd say Chigusa was slightly better, but it's splitting hairs and honestly irrelevant because their output was well above any other match to this point. With Bischoff egging her on, Mita went out of her way to try and show up the veteran. It worked well because Etsuko is a very good heel, but even more importantly, Chigusa is a truly top notch babyface. The fans love her and naturally rally around her, and it enhances every match she's in. The fans urged her on, cheering when she kicked out of a superplex, sighing in relief when she evaded Mita's signature Death Valley Driver, and coming to their feet when she executed a folding powerbomb. They were momentarily disappointed when Mita got a shoulder up just before three, but the veteran wasted no time in going right back on the attack. She pulled Etsuko to her feet and hit her with the 'Super Freak II' (a spinning Doctor Bomb), and there was no kick-out this time. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Meiko Satomura vs. Devil Masami <img alt="OCuJKqq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OCuJKqq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gOVE3CN.jpg </div> The first singles meeting between these two in WCW was less about the action and more about the story being told. That might have kept the match from fulfilling its maximum potential, but it also wasn't helped by Devil having an off night. When she was supposed to be ruthlessly punishing Meiko, her offense just didn't look as credible as it usually does. There's nothing negative to be said about Meiko's performance, though Devil still contributed slightly more to the match based on her good brawling skills and superior charisma. The match itself was fairly good, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't expected it to be better. Still, I tentatively viewed it as the third best match coming in, which was why I put it in this semi main event slot to act as a bit of a buffer between Chigusa/Mita and the main event. The story here was that Devil was more interested in trying to beat on her opponent than actually win the match, even passing up multiple potential pinning situations in order to inflict more punishment. Meiko had no such qualms, but she found Masami to be a tough nut to crack. She thought she had an opportunity to connect with her signature Scorpio Rising kick, but Masami had actually been suckering her in and put her on her back with a hard lariat. From there Devil slapped on her sleeper hold, which has made numerous opponents pass out. Meiko squirmed and struggled, but was fading fast. Just when it seemed like she was done, she summoned one last bit of fight. Meiko burst out of Devil's grip, surprised her with a go-behind and rolled her up for a sudden three count, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/7IEXPEL.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/741TrEA.jpg Aja Kong {©} vs. Manami Toyota {©} http://i.imgur.com/iVkKXFP.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpg</div> The pace of this match became clear right from the opening bell, when rather than coming after each other and getting the action started off quickly, the two champions had a staredown in the center of the ring. Make no mistake: this was going to be a slow, deliberate match that gradually built to high drama later on. Given Aja's physical limitations at this point of her career, I figured this was for the best. Trusting in the psychological savvy of Toyota, I let them call this one in the ring and do whatever they felt was best to keep the crowd invested. They had a very good match, but I think it'd be fair to say it was a slight disappointment. It was clearly a step down from Manami's title match with Devil Masami from the first Renaissance PPV, and even Kong's semi main event against Chigusa Nagayo from the same show was slightly better than this. It was good, but Nagayo vs. Mita wound up being the best match from this show, which I would not have expected heading in. I can't blame Toyota too much for that though. She did her part and had another great individual outing, probably the best all night, but Kong just couldn't match her level. The story early on was Toyota throwing dropkicks, flying forearms and a bevy of other attacks at Kong, only for her to shrug each and every one off with little to no effect and dare Manami to try and stop her. She did stagger Aja with a missile dropkick, but when she went back up top to try and repeat the move, Kong caught her out of mid-air and drove her into the mat with a powerslam. Thus began an extended run of Kong brutalizing her smaller opponent with slams, splashes and strikes. Toyota beautifully sold having the breath knocked out of her body with a splash from the second rope, but still got a shoulder up before she could be defeated. Manami ducked underneath the Uraken backfist and started rallying back with some forearms before heading back up to the top rope, but she was again thwarted. This time Aja cut her off and launched her halfway across the ring with a military press. With a smile, Aja slapped Manami across the face a few times before lifting her into the air and delivering a vicious <a href="https://i.imgur.com/lbADeZd.gifv" rel="external nofollow">Aja Bomb!</a> The fans in Sapporo went silent as Charles Robinson counted once, twice... ...but Toyota got a shoulder up before the three! Aja let out an angry snarl and began peppering Manami with blows to the face. She picked Toyota up for a powerbomb, but the WCW World Champion showed championship poise by countering it into a facebuster. Manami went back to the top rope yet again, and yet again Kong was there to greet her. She climbed up and joined Toyota on the ropes this time, intending to throw her back down from an elevated height. She wrapped her hand around Manami's throat in what apparently was going to be a chokeslam, but Toyota blocked it and rocked Kong with several forearms to the face. But with her back to the floor and Aja's bulk being almost impossible to move from that angle, there wasn't much Toyota could do to follow up. Knowing she was in a bad position, Manami slid through Kong's legs until her feet were back on the mat, but they weren't there for long. She quickly climbed back up the ropes, standing on the top rope behind Kong. Those who knew Toyota's pre-WCW career well came to their feet, recognizing this setup...and sure enough, she nailed the <a href="https://i.imgur.com/uLcmzUo.gifv" rel="external nofollow">Victory Star Drop!</a> Not even the mighty Kong was kicking out of that one! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B+ <img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I came into the ring after the match and presented Toyota with both titles, officially making her the undisputed world champion and #1 women's wrestler in the world. (We probably won't refer to the belt as the undisputed/unified title or anything like that though; I'd like to keep it simple.) She shook my hand and bowed, then took the microphone to thank the fans. While I couldn't understand her speech to the Japanese fans, there was no doubt that it got over. I rewatched it later with subtitles, and basically she'd thanked the fans for their support, said it felt good to remove any doubt about the validity of her status as the world champion, and promised that she would continue to represent Renaissance and WCW as the champion with pride until someone rose to the occasion and defeated her. She asked the fans to continue watching and supporting Renaissance and WCW, because together, WCW and the fans can change the wrestling world! I felt it was necessary for someone to present Toyota with the two belts to drive the moment home, and there was no one better than me to do it. My presence was really missed at the desk though. Tracy did a poor job on color, and it was magnified without me there to help Joey mask her weaknesses. She does continue to improve, but it's going more slowly than I'd like. I'm not sure we have a better option though. Anyway, the promo itself was great and sent the fans home happy. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: B+</div> <hr noshade size=3> Lots of speculation about who Vince is trying to steal, which is obviously what I was going for! I'm not going to give anything away here, but I'll probably include another little teaser in the post-Unified story update tomorrow. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bluestillidie00" data-cite="Bluestillidie00" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Predicting RVD or Rey is caught up in the bidding war. Maybe Punk? Anyway, good to see you back dude, favourite diary by far.</div></blockquote> Thanks, I appreciate it! It's nice to know so many people are enjoying this and are happy to see it return from its brief hiatus. Sometimes I need to take a bit of a step back to recharge the batteries and focus on other things, and it's reassuring that people are willing to wait those periods out. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GingeyOne" data-cite="GingeyOne" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: Great to have you back! I am writing this from a Japanese laundrette on my trip to Wrestle Kingdom! Cool to see Jericho get the big push in this WWE after his amazing performance against Omega. It has really revitalised me as a fan of his!</div></blockquote> Oh man, I'm seriously jealous! I hope you enjoyed yourself. I'd love to see an NJPW show live, never mind Wrestle Kingdom. I'm not a huge fan of flying though, so I probably wouldn't do well on a trip halfway across the world. Other than ROH regulars like Cody and the Bucks, the only NJPW guys I get to see live are the ones that come to ROH on excursion (so Hiromu/Kamaitachi in 2016, and Jay White, Sho and Yoh last summer. If ROH comes to my area in the summer again like they have for the past several years, maybe I'll be seeing Kitamura this time?) I'm totally with you on Jericho. I've been a fan of his ever since he turned heel in WCW and had that incredibly entertaining run in the cruiserweight division. I was kind of sad watching him wrestle AJ Styles a couple of years ago, because it just didn't impress me. His angles with Kevin Owens were a lot of fun, but this whole thing with Omega has just been on a different level. The build-up was great, but the match really blew me away! It was quite possibly my favorite Jericho match ever. The only other contender I can really think of was that ladder match he had with Shawn, but that was what, over nine years ago? He's always been a master of reinventing himself and adding different facets to his character, but I never would've thought he'd have a match of this caliber in 2018! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Looking forward to he bidding wars to begin. It will be interesting to see the lay of the land after it all. Defections are something Wrestling is missing these days!</div></blockquote> I totally agree. That's one of the reasons I wanted to do something in this time period rather than a later one where WWE had already taken everything over. I think the game world has gotten a whole lot more interesting now that I've hit national. WWE can steal my guys, but I'm in a position to try and do the same! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Aw, sucks for doi! Btw are you gonna open dragon gate, like you mentioned back then?</div></blockquote> Yeah, I probably should. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>OMG, wrestle kingdom was awesome! Just when i thought that new japan sucks now that nakamura and shibata are gone and that they lost what made them unique thanks to too many foreigners and going American, they deliver an awesome show that surpassed my expectation!</div></blockquote> I understand what you mean. Gedo was apparently a big fan of American territory wrestling, and it shows in his booking. The product is a blend of US wrestling and traditional Japanese style, for better or worse. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Honestly, i loved new japan more when it was obscure and Japanese and an Internet only thing.Im sorry, I know thats hipster AF, but That's really how i feel.</div></blockquote> While I've watched certain individual matches and shows from Japan since about 1999, that was pretty infrequent and I only became an avid New Japan fan a few years ago. I get what you mean though, because I probably feel pretty similarly about ROH. Last year was apparently their best year ever business-wise, but I was a much bigger fan of the company in 2005 or 2006. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bluestillidie00" data-cite="Bluestillidie00" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Because he can half arse it and get a shit ton of money. No point working this hard hitting main events which will **** your body up, for less money than a safer, less draining style.</div></blockquote> Yep, pretty much this, plus I think he always wanted to try becoming a star in America. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You're vastly overrating the popularity of NJPW in America, it still is an internet only thing.</div></blockquote> It's exponentially bigger than it was even a year or two ago, but yeah, it's still very much a niche thing. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Man, TFC, you have a way to build intrigue and suspense!</div></blockquote> I do what I can! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Sorry I don't have much to add about these matches, but I will say I'm happy seeing this back at the top of the forum again <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> You and me both! I hope to see Hate the Game up there again soon as well! <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 8, 2018
- 2,912 replies
Ring of Honor: Where Superstars Are Born (RW 2018+)

The Final Countdown replied to Texasrangers13's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Tetsuya Naito, EVIL and SANADA Kazuchika Okada vs. Rocky Romero The Addiction vs. Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano Flip Gordon and Juice Robinson vs. Odinson and Hiromu Takahashi Jonathan Gresham vs. Rhett Titus Jay Lethal vs. Kota Ibushi
- January 7, 2018
- 384 replies
WCW: Dangerous Territory

The Final Countdown replied to James Casey's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>(for the record I think the first diary I read that I was more interested in the storytelling aspect was many years ago and I can’t actually remember what it was called, I was only a dirty lurker back then....the “narrator” was called The Kid though and did a p*ss test for Mr. Perfect)</div></blockquote> The Kid and the Business, by Boomking. Boom's behind the curtain scenes were awesome.
- January 6, 2018
- 1,060 replies
The NJPW Discussion Thread

The Final Countdown replied to Dave_Scott's topic in The Dog Pound

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Poputt" data-cite="Poputt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What the hell was up with that awful cosplay crap Omega was wearing at the beginning of his match with Jericho? They were building this as some serious old school feud and then he comes out dressed like... a BDSM furry? With a nerf gun? I don't get it. At least the match was good.</div></blockquote> Yeah, if I were to make any complaint about the match, this would be it. At any other time I would've had no problem with it, including last year's Dome match against Okada, but it looked woefully out of place after the build. I seriously wanted Jericho to yank the fake gun out of his hands and bash him in the head with it. (That would've been awesome, actually.)
- January 6, 2018
- 516 replies
WCW: Dangerous Territory

The Final Countdown replied to James Casey's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

Easy E's mid '90s fiscal responsibility is already in effect, I see.
- January 6, 2018
- 1,060 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Pre-Unified News and Notes http://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg Current bidding wars aside, we also got several roster members signed to extensions: -Kidman, Chavo, DDP, O'Haire, Rick Steiner, AJ Styles and Mortis all signed written, exclusive contract extensions of varying lengths. -Hugh Morrus is also sticking around for now, but I've moved him to a pay-per-appearance deal. -Ric Flair, Stacy Keibler and Nick Patrick all signed new contracts for their non-wrestling roles. Hopefully this means Ric has given up on the idea of working any more matches for us. -Johnny the Bull signed an extension and will remain in our developmental system until I'm ready to bring him back to the main roster. There was some development on the broadcasting front: -We signed a fresh one year extension to keep Nitro in prime time on the USA Network. I expected to be able to get this deal done with our recent gains in national attention, but it's still reassuring to make it official. -In the British Isles, Nitro will be moving from Channel 5 to a prime time spot on ITV. This is a good move that puts our coverage in the country on even footing with WWE's spot on Channel 4. -In Europe, Nitro will be staying put on Sky Euro for another six months. On the PPV side: -We're moving Nitro off of Cablevision and onto Dish Network in the US, which is a big step up. Scott Steiner bruised his ass during a tag match on the March 24th Nitro. Fortunately it didn't keep him out, and we were able to proceed as planned with his match for Clash of the Champions. After getting word that Aja Kong was irritating some of the other women on Renaissance with her selfish behavior, I called her up and gave her a stern warning. I was later told that she seemed more annoyed that usual for the rest of the night, so I don't think the message really took. http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg -I've initiated contact with a handful of WWE performers who have expiring contracts, but there are several others they've already locked up to extensions. That list looks like this: -Test, Michael Cole, Perry Saturn, Tazz, Steve Keirn, Teddy Long, Tim White, Terri, Jack Doan, Bruce Prichard and Dave Hebner No one there I have any real interest in bringing in, and I made no attempt to negotiate with any of them. Vince will be in for more of a fight on a few others though. http://i.imgur.com/HLY8nvy.jpg NOAH's most recent big show, 'Spring Navigation', was held on April 3rd. It wasn't a bad show technically, but it was well below what they've been churning out month after month. Akira Taue retained the GHC Heavyweight title over Masao Inoue in a fairly standard semi main event. The main event saw Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Daisuke Ikeda defeat Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa. That was the match of the night, but even that was a pretty disappointing match by their standards. This show also featured appearances by a couple of WCW guys via our talent trade agreement, as Hugh Morrus lost to Rusher Kimura and Harry Smith was defeated by Akitoshi Saito. http://i.imgur.com/JO5PDMM.jpg The group held their latest show, 'Victory', on March 24th. Mantaur continued to take center stage, retaining the TNA title against Eddie Colon (the young son of Carlos Colon) in a main event that wasn't great. There were a few better matches on the show, but they weren't way better or anything. The best performer was probably Ruckus, who had co-match of the night as he unsuccessfully challenged Kent Kohl for the X Division title. This show also saw a title change, as Chris Parks won the NWA North American Heavyweight belt from Sean Royal. The show was among their worst so far. http://i.imgur.com/1eeVS9d.jpg Bad news for Naruki Doi, a really promising 22 year old who has been impressing people with his work in Michinoku Pro. He broke his neck during a match against Genki Horiguchi on March 24th, so he'll probably be out for a year or more, if he ever comes back. <hr noshade size=3> Yep. What I'm still unsure about right now is how this will work for Renaissance in the future. There were only two weeks to cover this time, but there will be significantly more to deal with in the future, especially if I stick to my schedule of one Renaissance PPV every three months. I might need to do an update post for Renaissance every month, maybe with just the result screenshots in the months in between PPVs. She's pretty great! The answer, at least for me, was a resounding 'yes.' That match was fantastic. I'll say this much: there are main eventers from both companies being bid over right now. It's a pretty tense time!
- January 5, 2018
- 2,912 replies
The NJPW Discussion Thread

The Final Countdown replied to Dave_Scott's topic in The Dog Pound

Haha...yeah, those pants were hideous. I won't go into specifics because I don't want to spoil anything for anybody who wants to watch and hasn't had a chance to yet, but I really enjoyed the show. I though basically every match delivered on expectations outside of Tanahashi vs. Jay White. I need to give the main event another watch in a few days because I got interrupted several times while watching, but among everything else, I think my favorite match was probably Omega vs. Jericho. I thought it would be a pretty good match going in, but it blew away my expectations. I might have enjoyed it more than any other Jericho match, which says quite a lot since he's been one of my favorites since 1998.
- January 4, 2018
- 516 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Pfft, my Nitro the next night got a better grade. I don't sweat WWE! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> ...I think Vince might have read this, because there are some serious bidding wars developing right now. <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />:eek:<img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 4, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: Road to Unified <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="I3yBlF2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I3yBlF2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Backstories:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Unification</div> -We've been slowly building to this match basically from the moment we bought GAEA over the summer: the big title unification match, where Manami Toyota puts her WCW World title on the line against Aja Kong's AAAW Singles belt. This is a natural PPV headliner, and after both women came up big in the top two matches of our first Renaissance PPV back in January, I have high hopes here. This match was already made official with the contract signing, so the last two weeks of build were just about trying to get the fan interest even higher. On the March 29th Renaissance, Toyota teamed with Meiko Satomura against Kong and Devil Masami in a big TV main event. Toyota won that match for her team by pinning Masami, but the heels got the last laugh by laying their enemies out to close the show. The champions were kept apart on the go-home show taped on April 1st (aired April 5th), where we aired pre-taped promos from the two women. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">No Tomorrow</div> -After Etsuko Mita failed to regain the World title from Manami Toyota on the February 15th Renaissance, Chigusa Nagayo attempted to offer a little veteran wisdom and assure Mita that she'd have another chance at stardom. (A little strange since Etsuko's a 15 year pro, but Chigusa has her beat by eight years, so there!) Etsuko didn't appreciate it, saying that she didn't need any advice from a "washed-up former star." Thus began a war of words, though we kept them away from actually wrestling each other, wanting to save it for this show. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">A Devilish Encounter for the Future Ace</div> -We view 23-year old Meiko Satomura as a potential future top star on Renaissance, and we make no secret of that on television. She's in for her biggest match yet on Unified, where she'll wrestle Devil Masami one on one. This feud started when Masami attacked Satomura backstage on the February 1st Renaissance. When asked to explain her actions, Devil said that she attacked Meiko for no other reason than that she could, and she felt like it. Satomura subsequently stood up for herself, refusing to be bullied, and also acted to try and stop her from attacking anyone else. The slow build led up to this being set up for the PPV. As noted earlier, Satomura was on the winning side of a tag match with Manami Toyota against Devil and Aja Kong, only for Devil to put her to sleep after the match. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">No Beauty in Playing Second Fiddle</div> -After Toshiyo Yamada won a singles match on the March 22nd Renaissance, Takako Inoue came into the aisle and taunted her, saying it was odd to see her actually standing on her own since all she's basically Manami Toyota's glorified sidekick. Obviously Yamada didn't take kindly to that, and a match was soon agreed to. On the go-home show, Toshiyo vowed to mess up the vain Takako's looks with some kicks to the face! It can be hard to build storylines with Toshiyo because talking on the microphone is not her strong suit at all, but she's really talented in the ring, as is Takako, so this should be a good one. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Ladies' Night in the UFS</div> -It just so happened that the Ultimate Fan Series finals between the Sin-free Society and Satyr's Hopeful Few coincided with this PPV, so it was only natural that we include the match between the Society's Daffney and Melissa Anderson from the Hopeful Few here. They've been at each others' throats for months now, along with their respective partners LuFisto and Nattie Neidhart. That portion of the feud ended when Our Generation beat Daffney and LuFisto on the March 22nd Renaissance, but the following week Daffney confronted Melissa backstage and told her she would have the last laugh by beating her and helping her team win the UFS (and naturally, she punctuated this with a laugh that resembled one of her high-pitched screams.) The finals began on the March 24th Nitro, where Alexander beat Finlay to draw first blood for the Hopeful Few. CM Punk responded the following week with a win over Mortis, so the series is tied at one win apiece heading into this match. Whoever wins will put their team just one win away from ultimate victory, so I'm sure both team managers will be watching this one closely. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Rounding Out the Card</div> -There are two more matches on the show that didn't receive any noticeable build, though we did have some interaction between the women in question on the go-home Renaissance. Momoe Nakanishi will wrestle LuFisto, and that match was set up when Momoe pinned LuFisto with one of her famous sudden flash pins in an eight woman tag. That match also included Nattie Neidhart on Momoe's team and Shinobu Kandori on LuFisto's team, and those two women will have a match of their own. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 4/5: <img alt="6wq5Uul.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6wq5Uul.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Fan Scorecard: WCW Women's World Championship/AAAW Singles Championship Unification Match: Manami Toyota {©} vs. Aja Kong {©} Meiko Satomura vs. Devil Masami Chigusa Nagayo vs. Etsuko Mita Ultimate Fan Series Finals (#3 Sin-free Society vs. #4 Satyr's Hopeful Few): Daffney (Society) vs. Melissa Anderson (S.H.F.) Toshiyo Yamada vs. Takako Inoue Nattie Neidhart vs. Shinobu Kandori Momoe Nakanishi vs. LuFisto What will be match of the night? General diary comments/questions/critiques: </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Let me know what you think of the new format. Any comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. I was happy to get this done today, because tomorrow is WrestleKingdom day for me! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So a big thank you to TFC for giving me the opportunity to book WrestleMania XIX, I had a blast. So without further ado I present to you WrestleMania!</div></blockquote> You did a good job with it! And thank YOU for setting all those contracts back a day so we can make sure WWE doesn't mysteriously lose like a fourth of their roster! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow good job booking Mania! I'm utterly shocked that Scott didn't show up a drunken mess so that probably helped a lot.</div></blockquote> I'm not sure if Hall was, but I can say for sure that X-Pac worked impaired because I had to handle that incident the next day (before I got rid of the user character controlling Vince.) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Theheel" data-cite="Theheel" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Nice WM card, keep the pressure on good ole Bret Looking forward to the continued rise of WCW</div></blockquote> Pfft, my Nitro the next night got a better grade. I don't sweat WWE! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
- January 4, 2018
- 2,912 replies
WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown replied to The Final Countdown's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 Dynasties

April 2003: National Battle Report <div style="text-align:center;">National Battle Report: April 2003</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ebDwXEW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ebDwXEW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> USA</div> #1: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (855) 3) The Undertaker (818) 4) Triple H (814) 5) Kurt Angle (727) Total Points: 4,214 #2: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (980 points) 2) Rey Mysterio Jr. (734) 3) CM Punk (724) 4) Booker T (723) 5) Jeff Hardy (721) Total Points: 3,882</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ieBLbQ1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ieBLbQ1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> British Isles</div> #1: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (884) 3) The Undertaker (810) 4) Triple H (791) 5) Big Show (726) Total Points: 4,211 #2: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (980 points) 2) Rey Mysterio Jr. (732) 3) Booker T (731) 4) Jeff Hardy (708) 5) Scott Steiner (681) Total Points: 3,832</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1eeVS9d.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1eeVS9d.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Japan</div> #1: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (865) 3) Triple H (838) 4) The Undertaker (824) 5) Kurt Angle (727) Total Points: 4,254 #2: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (980 points) 2) CM Punk (849) 3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (791) 4) Jeff Hardy (761) 5) Rob Van Dam (743) Total Points: 4,124 #3: <img alt="sDkxtEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> New Japan Pro Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Masahiro Chrono (795 points) 2) Riki Choshu (793) 3) Tatsumi Fujinami (602) 4) Manabu Nakanishi (545) 5) N/A Total Points: 2,735</div></blockquote> I put down the report from the Observer with a sigh. I hadn't expected to surpass Vince overnight or anything, but it was still a bit disappointing to see how much ground we still have to make up when it comes to establishing stars, stars on the level that make casual fans tune in. If Rocky went to Hollywood full-time this would be a very different fight, but as things currently stand, we're going to have a tough time matching the kind of drawing power that guy brings to the table. We're a lot closer in Japan though, and that's in large part due to the great television exposure we've had over there with TV Asahi. Our coverage in the US was well below that level until recently, but hopefully we'll see the deal with USA Network pay dividends in the future. It's the future that I believe in. It's the guys like Rey Mysterio Jr., CM Punk and Jeff Hardy who will lead the way in WCW's future. But what about the present? Is there something I could do, a move I could make, a star I could acquire, that could bridge the gap right now and let us go toe to toe with Vince immediately? Time to give it some thought. I hear that several of Vince's wrestlers are due for renegotiation over the next month or so. Maybe one of them could be a difference maker? Or maybe there's a free agent out there who could draw some new eyeballs to Nitro? <hr noshade size=3> ....And we're back! A new year, and a new format incoming for Heart and Soul. You'll see it in my next post, which will be the setup for Unified. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="JMike" data-cite="JMike" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I second this, he's above average on the mic.</div></blockquote> "Above Average" is actually a pretty fitting description of his microphone skills in the game. Only slightly above average though, and there's nothing else about him that reaches that level. Aside from that, I never really cared about him. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James Casey" data-cite="James Casey" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's very appropriate for Dusty to be bandaged in his HOF photo - hardly the first willing bleeder in wrestling, but one of the best for raising drama that way.</div></blockquote> Hence all the scar tissue on his forehead! He gave Abdullah a run for his money in that department!
- January 3, 2018
- 2,912 replies
The Video Game Thread

The Final Countdown replied to Genadi's topic in The Dog Pound

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28397" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Your PS2 still works? I wish my PS2 still worked. I have a ton of games for it but I cannot use it. Same goes with my original XBOX. The thing that I find funny is my Genesis which predates both of those by a decade or so, still works pretty good.</div></blockquote> Yep, my one and only PS2 is still going strong almost seventeen years after I bought it. My SNES is still operational too. My 360 isn't so lucky though. Technically it still runs, but I can't get it to recognize any of the controllers, so it doesn't do me much good.
- January 1, 2018
- 3,769 replies

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