The Final Countdown

I think he might have been in a pre-show battle royal at Double or Nothing, but I was moving that day and didn't watch that show.

I have never seen Orange Cassidy wrestle, and I have a feeling I'm going to hate it when I do. I don't mind him too much in the small doses they're currently putting him out there for though.

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Greylocke" data-cite="Greylocke" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46243" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The weakest of the 4 episodes thus far IMO. The semi-finals of the tag tournament aren't as enjoyable for me, partly because the Lucha Bros' attack on SCU last week kind of gave away the results.</div></blockquote><p> I think they even got into a scuffle on the very first week of TV too, before the tournament even started. They telegraphed the finals pretty hard, but I'll still take that over a final involving the Dark Order.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46243" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>On that note, AEW lacks promo segments and mic time for those outside the main event scene. More of that would be nice.</div></blockquote><p> Agreed. I don't want 10-15 minute promo segments all over the place, but a couple more 3-5 minute promos per show would be a good idea I think.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46243" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Jaimie Hayter would be a nice pick-up for the woman's division if they actually signed her, since they're kind of lacking in good English-speaking women workers at the moment, but I'm inclined to belief she's just on loan from Stardom and won't be around too long. Although the attack from Brandi can be both a good and a bad sign. Good because if they have a story for her she'll at least be staying a while. Bad because if this leads to her wrestling Brandi Rhodes then I have no interest in seeing it. Hopefully Brandi'll be bringing in henchwomen to do her fighting instead.<p> </p></div></blockquote><p> Bea and Riho have joint contracts with both companies, so I could easily see Hayter getting something similar. I don't think she's actually under contract to Stardom anyway though.</p><p> </p><p> I'm with you on hoping she won't be in a feud with Brandi. Brandi has no business being in the ring for a company of this size. If she wants to wrestle, let her go work smaller indies on the weekends so she can actually try and improve. Awesome Kong is her henchwoman, but I think she's only been on some of the PPVs and not Dynamite yet IIRC.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28397" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Watching the videos about the bugs was mildly amusing at times, but it's really not funny at all. I get their position: Yukes left with their assets and they were basically screwed. But they should've just delayed the release by a year. Don't know what the best solution would've been.</div></blockquote><p> I'd imagine they have a contract with WWE that requires a yearly release.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46243" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Britt Baker is getting that "get off my tv" kind of heat from me.... I'm rejecting her more than I ever did Roman Reigns.</div></blockquote><p> Yeah, her push is far greater than her actual ability. Maybe she'll be good eventually, but right now she's way too green to be a cornerstone of a division for a major company like this.</p><p> </p><p> Also, if I hear JR say "She's a dentist!" one more time, I'm going to lose it.</p>

February 15th, 2004: Post-SuperBrawl <hr noshade size=3>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26106" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Silas would be a major step up from Taven, but Rush is awesome.</div></blockquote><p> For sure. I always found Silas fairly entertaining, albeit firmly as a midcard guy when I was watching, while I never cared for Taven. I haven't seen Rush enough to really comment. The only ROH match I've seen him in was the MSG show where he squashed Dalton Castle, and on the rare occasion he pops up in NJPW it's usually on a tour I tend to skip.</p>

The fact that Silas Young and Matt Taven are about the best that can be cited for remaining 'homegrown' ROH guys speaks volumes about how terrible they've gotten at developing talent. They've always struggled to hold onto it because of the money bigger companies throw around, but in the past they were great about building up a fresh crop of guys to replace the departed stars. Not anymore.

<p>SuperBrawl XIV, Part II</p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg</span></p><p> I knew what to expect from AJ Styles and Rob Van Dam. I just gave them time, let them do their thing and watched the magic. They both were awesome, with RVD probably being the best individual performer up to this point. Flair’s warning about going it alone played into the finish, as a Heyman distraction opened the door for RVD to retain his title. Per the storyline, AJ can no longer challenge for the title until RVD loses it. <strong>Grade: 99</strong></p><p> </p><p> The decisive match between the Rated R Superstars and VIP Pass was also a collision between former Empire members Goldberg and King Corino. This match was more about story than action. Both guys did pretty good, but a lack of selling from Goldberg made this simply a good match instead of a great one. Prince Devitt tried to interfere, but Goldberg fought him off and beat Corino with the Jackhammer to send the Superstars to the Semifinal. <strong>Grade: 84</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Salvation did a backstage interview with Becky Bayless where Unnatural said that unity is strength, and that’s why he would defeat Steve Austin in the main event. When Becky asked if we would see the masked man from Nitro again tonight, he refused to answer. Also, why the hell did I have the masked man show up on Nitro instead of waiting for the PPV? I know it was only a few days ago, but I’m baffled by that decision. <strong>Grade: 100</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The grudge rematch from Starrcade between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero was excellent. Not a contender for MOTN, but that’s just because there was some amazing stuff on this show. It was a slow build with lots of lucha offense mixed with some brawling to sell their rivalry, but in the end Eddie avenged his Starrcade loss after a stealthy low blow behind the ref’s back. <strong>Grade: 95</strong></p><p> </p><p> The bonus match between Steenerico and Made in Italy was next to calm the crowd, and it did that job effectively. Pretty standard tag fare, with Parisi getting the pin for his team. <strong>Grade: 76</strong></p><p> </p><p> Up next was the rubber match between The K-Nections and The Limitless, with Bobby Roode and Kaz Hayashi representing the squads. This was one that went down to the wire, but in the end Hayashi got the duke. The bigger concern for me was a scary-looking neck bump he took, but I’d have to wait until after the show to find out more. <strong>Grade: 81</strong></p><p> </p><p> We cut to a backstage promo from Austin, who was his usual fiery self as he guaranteed he would stomp a mudhole in The Unnatural and win the title no matter how many members of Salvation he had to take down on his way. Great stuff from an all-time great babyface, and it started to get the crowd pumping again. <strong>Grade: 100</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg</span></p><p> What a sensational match this was! Sean O’Haire was the closest thing to a ‘weak link’, but he was great; it was just that the Heroes are the best tag team in the world in my humble opinion, and Shane Douglas did a great job too. The Dangerous Alliance duo battered the champions for large stretches of the match, but the experience of the Heroes allowed them to snatch a victory from Douglas. <strong>Grade: 99</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg</span></p><p> This match had a ton of hype behind it. We’d kept Austin out of the title picture for the last year, but here was his big shot in the main event of a major PPV, and against a red-hot heel on the biggest run of his career. There were big expectations, and both guys lived up to them. It was a classic title match, but based on the storyline I think everyone knew there would be some kind of interference at some point. After a ref bump, all eyes turned to the entrance ramp. Mortis, The Destroyer and the masked man all ran out, but Austin fought them all off. The masked man took a huge bump over the ropes and onto the ramp, and then Destroyer and Mortis both ate Stunners. But Mike and I sold our shock as the masked man recovered and got back to his feet, showing an incredible tolerance for pain. Then the mask came off. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="tsnkic4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tsnkic4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Jeff Hardy, decked out in facepaint, came back into the ring and caught Austin by surprise with an inverted Twist of Fate. From there an Unnatural Selection delivered the exclamation point on a successful title defense. <strong>Grade: 99</strong></p><p> </p><p> After the match Unnatural told Jeff, or “Enigma” as he called him, to finish Austin off. With the rest of Salvation setting Austin up and holding him in place, he delivered a Swanton that drove Austin through a table to close the show! <strong>Grade: 100</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Show Grade: 98</strong></p>

February 15th, 2004: SuperBrawl XIV, Part I February 15th, 2004 From Seattle, Washington Attendance: 39,000 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart

Hello again! So just to update you on where I'm at, I left my old job last week and am now focusing on writing full-time. That means I do have more time to spend on this, at least theoretically. But since before this was my primary writing project, and now I'll be spending several hours a day every day writing other things, any continuation of this is going to need to evolve into a format that is quicker and easier for me to put together. I'm thinking that'll include a lot less fancy formatting, as well as shorter descriptions of the segments in general. I might treat it like a stream of consciousness thing, where it's just Bret reacting to each segment and giving his thoughts on how successful it was. I have no clue how any of this will work out, but I hope you're willing to find out with me. I'll post what was previously written for SuperBrawl, however much that was (I honestly don't remember) today or tomorrow, and then I'll see about trying a new format out for the remainder of that show.

...Rhett Titus on color? Ugh. That sounds awful. Thanks; nice that somebody actually remembers that thing with how many years it's been! I have fond memories of that. I also have fond memories of the old ROH, but modern ROH just isn't for me. They've done a miserable job of building new stars up. I love New Japan; I'm currently as invested in that as I ever was in ROH, if not more. But ROH depending so heavily on NJPW guest stars to carry their business was a gigantic mistake. If I want to follow those guys, why wouldn't I do so via New Japan itself through its own subscription service with English commentary for every show, where they actually have goals, feuds and long-term character development? If ROH actually brought a few notable NJPW guys to a show close to me, I'd definitely pay to go see them--but it's not like I'd suddenly become an ROH fan again. If they want me to follow their product, watch the TV show, possibly get their subscription service, they need to give me something I can't get anywhere else. (And Matt Taven doesn't count, at least not for me.) And they had a big head start on AEW too. ROH started sprinkling women's matches into their product back when I still watched their TV show, and I'm pretty sure I stopped watching sometime before Cody won the World title (that's coincidental, and nothing to do with Cody himself.) They should've been able to put a strong division together and lock up plenty of talented women that WWE didn't pick up for one reason or another, but it seems like they've failed pretty miserably. Now with AEW on the scene, Impact seemingly rebuilding their own division and WWE pursuing people even more aggressivly if for no other reason than to keep AEW from getting them, it's probably too little, too late for ROH to field a good division.

<p>I haven't closely followed ROH in several years, but wasn't the original 'leader' of Lifeblood Juice Robinson? That made zero sense to me when I heard that. Juice is an NXT product who left, voluntarily became a 'young lion' and reshaped himself in the NJPW dojo and is now very much a New Japan guy. That's not exactly a guy I'd throw in a stable aiming to bring ROH back to its roots.</p><p> </p><p> Also, I would find it hilarious if Taven left ROH while Scurll was under contract. That would make the finish of that ladder match even more of a screwup than it was when it first happened, IMO.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="franticloser" data-cite="franticloser" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>TFC you alive man?</div></blockquote><p> I guess that's my cue to pop in here, huh? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I'm alive and well. As for this diary? That's...debatable, I guess?</p><p> </p><p> So here's the situation. I'm miserable and fed up with my job in retail, so over the past couple of months I've made a genuine effort to try and make money via writing. Too early to tell how that's going to turn out long term, but I'm hopeful.</p><p> </p><p> That has meant that my free time has largely gone into other writing projects, leaving me without the time or desire to work on this. As much as I'd love to focus on this, writing about The Unnatural isn't going to pay for my health insurance. <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Even setting that aside, I also feel like the format, particularly with PPVs, is in need of streamlining. I would like to continue on with this, as I feel like there's still plenty of potential stories I could tell, but it'll be dependent on my free time/my ability to develop a smoother process for my PPV writeups. With any luck I'll make enough money with my other writing that I'll be able to leave my 'normal' job, which would certainly free up more time for me to focus on more enjoyable activities, like this one.</p>

I can't imagine that happening unless he's hurt or there was a scheduling/personal issue. Adding the G1 stipulation did make me wonder about that though. Why tack that on unless there's a reason for it?

February 2004: Road to SuperBrawl XIV The Backstories:

Introducing women's tag belts would be a logical step, but I think it'd have been better to wait like a year or so in. That way the singles women's title would already be well established, and hopefully you've been able to set up at least five or six regular women's teams.

I consider Naito the heavy favorite. They've been teasing the idea of him attempting to hold both belts at once all year. I think he's talked about that too much to not at least get a title match and have an opportunity to do it. And since he isn't in the same block as Okada, the most logical path is by winning the tournament.

<p>January Renaissance Update and February National Battle Report</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="JJBwRaP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJBwRaP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">January 2004 Update</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> -The big story following Dream Slam was obviously Akira Hokuto unseating Manami Toyota. Chigusa Nagayo and Meiko Satomura had a friendly chat backstage, and both confirmed that they hoped to challenge the new champion. Hokuto wound up suggesting that Chigusa and Meiko have a "beat the clock" challenge, where the two women would have singles matches, and if they both won then whoever won in the shorter match time would be her first challenger. When the challenge commenced on 1/31, Chigusa Nagayo won her match in 09:26, but Meiko eclipsed her with a time of 08:20 to earn the first title shot against Hokuto. </p><p> </p><p> -It didn't take long for Etsuko Mita and Kaoru Ito to put Our Generation on notice, boasting that they would make sure that the new champions' time on top would be very brief. Ito tried to drive that message home in a singles match against Melissa, but Nattie prevented Etsuko from interfering and Melissa got her hand raised. Undeterred, the next week Mita told Our Generation that such a minor setback proved nothing. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Show Summaries:</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>1/17:</strong></p><p> <img alt="8OqKdul.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OqKdul.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em>Notes from this show:</em></p><p><em> -I've been told that Meiko Satomura and The Beautiful Nightmare seemed to be getting along really well backstage.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> -We're transitioning Melissa Anderson into a character that emphasizes her "second generation" heritage, but in a cool, laid-back way. Unfortunately the shift in character got a below average reception to begin with.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>1/24:</strong></p><p> <img alt="MriR9ES.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MriR9ES.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em>Notes from this show:</em></p><p><em> "I know she's only working as enhancement right now, but I think Hailey Hatred could become pretty good." -Nattie Neidhart</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>1/31:</strong></p><p> <img alt="gJNiCon.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gJNiCon.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> <hr noshade size=3></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;">National Battle Report: February 2004</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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" /><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="font-size:18px;">USA</span></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#1:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Championship Wrestling</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) Steve Austin (985 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Bill Goldberg (970)</em></p><p><em> 3) CM Punk (799)</em></p><p><em> 4) Rob Van Dam (758)</em></p><p><em> 5) Mortis (748)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,260</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#2:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Wrestling Entertainment</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) The Rock (1000 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Hollywood Hogan (830)</em></p><p><em> 3) The Undertaker (810)</em></p><p><em> 4) Triple H (806)</em></p><p><em> 5) Big Show (754)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,200</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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" /><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="font-size:18px;">British Isles</span></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#1:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Championship Wrestling</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) Steve Austin (985 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Bill Goldberg (973)</em></p><p><em> 3) CM Punk (790)</em></p><p><em> 4) Rob Van Dam (757)</em></p><p><em> 5) Rey Mysterio Jr. (738) </em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,243</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#2:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Wrestling Entertainment</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) The Rock (1000 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Hollywood Hogan (856)</em></p><p><em> 3) Triple H (818)</em></p><p><em> 4) The Undertaker (810)</em></p><p><em> 5) Big Show (753)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,237</strong></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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" /><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Japan</span></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#1:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Championship Wrestling</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) Steve Austin (985 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Bill Goldberg (950)</em></p><p><em> 3) CM Punk (804)</em></p><p><em> 4) Rey Mysterio Jr. (759)</em></p><p><em> 5) Rob Van Dam (759)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,257</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#2:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Wrestling Entertainment</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) The Rock (1000 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Hollywood Hogan (829)</em></p><p><em> 3) The Undertaker (810)</em></p><p><em> 4) Triple H (810)</em></p><p><em> 5) Big Show (750)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,199</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#3:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>New Japan Pro Wrestling</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>New Japan fell to Cult at the end of the month.</em></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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="mUExTtD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mUExTtD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Europe</span></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#1:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Wrestling Entertainment</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) The Rock (1000 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Hollywood Hogan (838)</em></p><p><em> 3) The Undertaker (810)</em></p><p><em> 4) Triple H (808)</em></p><p><em> 5) Big Show (754)</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,210</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>#2:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Championship Wrestling</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Top 5 Stars:</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 1) Steve Austin (987 points)</em></p><p><em> 2) Bill Goldberg (929)</em></p><p><em> 3) CM Punk (786)</em></p><p><em> 4) Rob Van Dam (749) </em></p><p><em> 5) Rey Mysterio Jr. (732) </em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Total Points: 4,183</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>According to Wikipedia, Jericho and Lance Hoyt/Archer are in as well. Couldn’t care less about Lance, but Jericho should provide some decent match ups. <p> </p><p> I really want to see Moxley vs Minoru Suzuki real bad. Hope that happens in G1.</p></div></blockquote><p> Jericho teased the idea of being in, but I'm skeptical about it actually happening. If he was going to be in I think they would've plugged him as appearing on Night 1 in Dallas, like they've done with most of the major stars already.</p>

<p>UFS 2004 Preview</p><p> </p><p> <em>Drafting for the 2004 Ultimate Fan Series was held on WCW.com after Starrcade. It will follow the same format as last year, with four males and one female per team. The tournament is set to begin tomorrow night on Nitro. The first round will wrap up at SuperBrawl, and the plan at the moment is to conclude the final round at April's PPV. As always, the winning team earns title shots for each member and a kayfabe "big cash prize."</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#1 The Dead Jesters, managed by Marshal Van Black (Dead_Jester):</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Hz5OM83.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Hz5OM83.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eTShQmA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eTShQmA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: Steve Austin </p><p> Round 2: Eddie Guerrero</p><p> Round 3: Akira Hokuto</p><p> Round 4: Shane Douglas</p><p> Round 5: Christopher Daniels </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#2 Rated R Superstars, managed by Rateddc:</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="OCuJKqq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OCuJKqq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/5Xhxf90.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: Bill Goldberg</p><p> Round 2: AJ Styles</p><p> Round 3: Meiko Satomura</p><p> Round 4: Jamie Knoble</p><p> Round 5: Fit Finlay</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#3 The Golden Company, managed by GingeyOne:</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/q5GmbOH.jpg</span><img alt="O9ealYT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O9ealYT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: The Unnatural </p><p> Round 2: Manami Toyota</p><p> Round 3: TAKA</p><p> Round 4: Harry Smith</p><p> Round 5: Kevin Steen</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#4 The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (K-Nection):</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/OophliK.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg</span><img alt="8I6oa2T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8I6oa2T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: CM Punk </p><p> Round 2: Lance Storm</p><p> Round 3: Melissa Anderson</p><p> Round 4: Bobby Roode</p><p> Round 5: Colt Cabana</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#5 The Limitless, managed by James Kato (James The Animator):</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="c5XJDHD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c5XJDHD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg</span><img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Fr5nOJR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Fr5nOJR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: Sean O'Haire</p><p> Round 2: Mortis</p><p> Round 3: Yang</p><p> Round 4: Daffney</p><p> Round 5: Kaz Hayashi</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#6 Uncrewed's Crew, managed by Mike Storm (Uncrewed):</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/iVkKXFP.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg</span><img alt="VZZhIwN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZZhIwN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: Rob Van Dam</p><p> Round 2: Matt Hardy</p><p> Round 3: Aja Kong</p><p> Round 4: Shane Helms</p><p> Round 5: Paul London</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#7 VIP Pass, managed by JMike:</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg</span><img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/VwQDgVe.jpg</span><img alt="IH9oFdP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IH9oFdP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: King Corino</p><p> Round 2: The Destroyer</p><p> Round 3: Brian Kendrick</p><p> Round 4: Alexis Laree</p><p> Round 5: Great Sasuke</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#8 Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional, managed by Eddie Lopez (evileddie10):</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</span><img alt="vtYAboC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vtYAboC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpg</span><img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5P9dIaj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5P9dIaj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Round 1: Rey Mysterio Jr.</p><p> Round 2: Billy Kidman</p><p> Round 3: Hayabusa</p><p> Round 4: Chavo Guerrero Jr.</p><p> Round 5: Momoe Nakanishi</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;">Who will win the 2004 Ultimate Fan Series?</span></p><p> (Worth three points in the next prediction contest)</p><p> </p><p> BONUS: What promotion will Steve Austin sign with? (1 point)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <hr noshade size=3></p><p> </p><p> These two questions will be open until I post the SuperBrawl preview. Once that's up, both of these will be closed for answers or edits.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>I can't tell what is more impressive? True Heroes pulling a 99 out of Made in Italy or Dustin pulling a 100 out of Matt Hardy <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> Dustin has been on a legendary run though!</p></div></blockquote><p> I think option B is more impressive just because it's only the second 100 we've ever had, while there have been lots of 99's.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="franticloser" data-cite="franticloser" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I am solidly tied for fourth, hopefully I can finally pull out a win finally afters to many years to remember haha! Also good job on amazing event with Dustin and Hardy pulling out a 100! Who was the strongest wrestler in the True Heroes vs Italian Made? Because strap a rocket on them now! Can't wait to see if Austin is staying or not, curious to see where he would go next in WCW.</div></blockquote><p> If you do you'll have the option to book Mania in-game. Original UFS winner BHK has a pretty solid lead considering there's only been two shows in the contest though, so the rest of you have some catching up to do! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> That'd be Punk; he had a perfect 100 individual rating. But Storm is the reason the match didn't get dinged with a psychology penalty, so there's that to consider.</p>

<p>January 2004: Post-Sin News and Hall of Champions</p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>January 25th, 2004</strong></p><p><strong> London, England</strong></p><p><strong> Post-Sin</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> I polished off my beer and sat back in my chair with a smile. I hadn't really gone all out to stack this show with huge matches, but it had still been a big success.</p><p> </p><p> I'd led a round of applause for Dustin and Hardy after the show, and the rest of the boys joined in. We all knew we'd seen something special out there. I also gave a nod to the participants in the tag title match for their own excellence, and made a comment about the hype surrounding Johnny Parisi's potential being well-deserved.</p><p> </p><p> Dusty Rhodes was laughing it up with the boys, many of whom he hadn't seen much of recently. That would obviously be changing now that he was our on-screen President. Arn Anderson was deep in conversation with Ric Flair as they drank their own beer. Arn is staying with WCW, but he won't be around the boys as much. He and Dusty are basically swapping places; Dusty is the new authority figure, while Arn is filling Dream's old role as the primary road agent for Renaissance. Speaking of Renaissance, I got word right after returning backstage that our new Women's World Champion Akira Hokuto had signed our 2-year contract extension offer.</p><p> </p><p> I was just in the middle of wishing Lash Leroux well on his divorce when the crowd parted and Steve Austin walked towards me, a serious expression on his face. I shook Lash's hand and turned so I could give Steve my undivided attention.</p><p> </p><p> "I've made my decision, Bret," he said. I couldn't tell from his face or his voice if this would be good news or bad news for me. Either way, this wasn't the place to discuss it.</p><p> </p><p> "Let's talk in my office," I said, nodding for him to follow me away from the post-show gathering. This had been a great show for us, headlined by an instant classic world title match. But in the big picture, this night was going to be most remembered for the decision made by the biggest star in the business.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> <hr noshade size=3></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Hall of Champions:</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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="5syC0e6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5syC0e6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Heavyweight Champion:</span></strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>The Unnatural</strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>Won:</strong> June 15th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</p><p> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (since March 2001):</em></p><p> Rey Mysterio Jr.: December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days)</p><p> Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days)</p><p> Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days)</p><p> Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (168 days)</p><p> Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">United States Heavyweight Champion:</span></strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>Rob Van Dam</strong></p><p> <img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won:</strong> September 21st, 2003 from AJ Styles at War Games in Houston, Texas</p><p> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (since March 2001):</em></p><p> AJ Styles: December 29th, 2002-September 21st, 2003 (266 days)</p><p> Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days)</p><p> Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days)</p><p> Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days)</p><p> Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days)</p><p> Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cruiserweight Champion:</span></strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>TAKA (#2)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>Won:</strong> December 28th, 2003 from Chavo Guerrero Jr. at Starrcade: The 20th Anniversary in Greensboro, North Carolina</p><p> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (since March 2001):</em></p><p> Chavo Guerrero Jr. (#3): October 19th, 2003-December 28th, 2003 (70 days)</p><p> Jamie Knoble: September 21st, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (28 days)</p><p> Bryan Danielson (#2): April 20th, 2003-September 21st, 2003 (154 days)</p><p> Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days)</p><p> American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days)</p><p> AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days)</p><p> TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days)</p><p> Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days)</p><p> Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Television Champion:</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Brian Kendrick</strong></p><p> <img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won:</strong> January 19th, 2004 in a ten men battle royal for the vacant title at Sin in London, England</p><p> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (since July 2002):</em></p><p> ((Hardy reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 1/19/04 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match))</p><p> Matt Hardy: October 19th, 2003-January 19th, 2004 (92 days)</p><p> Bobby Roode: August 24th, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (56 days)</p><p> ((O'Haire reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 7/21/03 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match))</p><p> Sean O'Haire: January 26th, 2003-July 21st, 2003 (176 days)</p><p> Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Tag Team Champions:</span></strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk, #3 as a team)</strong></p><p> <img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won:</strong> December 28th, 2003 from Mortis and The Destroyer at Starrcade: The 20th Anniversary in Greensboro, North Carolina</p><p> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (since March 2001):</em></p><p> Salvation (Mortis, Alexander and The Destroyer): August 24th, 2003-December 28th, 2003 (126 days)</p><p> Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams (#3 for Adams): June 15th, 2003-August 24th, 2003 (70 days)</p><p> The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (#2): December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days)</p><p> True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) (#2): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days)</p><p> The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days)</p><p> True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days)</p><p> The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#FF0000;">ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May):</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong>2003:</strong> Eddie Guerrero</p><p> <strong>2002:</strong> Diamond Dallas Page</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November):</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="305ySKD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/305ySKD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong>2003:</strong> Jeff Hardy</p><p> <strong>2002:</strong> Rey Mysterio Jr.</p><p> <strong>2001:</strong> Rob Van Dam</p><p> </p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">The Ultimate Fan Series</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>2003:</strong> Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson)</p><p> </p><p> <strong>2002:</strong> The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes)</p><p> </p><p> <strong>2001:</strong> The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright)</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#808080;"><strong><em>1989?</em></strong></span><span style="color:#808080;"><em> Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers)</em></span> </p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <hr noshade size=3></p><p> </p><p> </p><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):<p> </p><p> BHK6: 11</p><p> </p><p> bonnie: 10</p><p> </p><p> Uncrewed: 9</p><p> Dead_Jester: 9</p><p> K-Nection: 9</p><p> Cro Cop Rules: 9</p><p> GingeyOne: 9</p><p> James The Animator: 9</p><p> </p><p> Danny_H22: 8</p><p> WilburTrey: 8</p><p> franticloser: 8</p><p> DavidCorperial: 8</p><p> SagaJoestar: 8</p><p> Rateddc: 8</p><p> Wolfman84: 8</p><p> </p><p> odan: 7</p><p> Satyr24: 7</p><p> kinnikuniverse: 7</p><p> DGenerationMC: 7</p><p> crackerjack: 7</p><p> Forrest01: 7</p><p> Nobby_McDonald: 7</p><p> Happy0wns: 7</p><p> </p><p> JMike: 6</p><p> DHK1989: 6</p><p> ElectricX: 6</p><p> evileddie10: 6</p><p> sportsfanmas: 6</p><p> Kijar: 6</p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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 2 shows:<p> </p><p> BHK6: 19</p><p> </p><p> Dead_Jester: 16</p><p> </p><p> K-Nection: 14</p><p> Cro Cop Rules: 14</p><p> </p><p> JMike: 13</p><p> evileddie10: 13</p><p> WilburTrey: 13</p><p> franticloser: 13</p><p> Uncrewed: 13</p><p> bonnie: 13</p><p> </p><p> DHK1989: 12</p><p> DGenerationMC: 12</p><p> Rateddc: 12</p><p> GingeyOne: 12</p><p> James The Animator: 12</p><p> </p><p> Satyr24: 11</p><p> Danny_H22: 11</p><p> DavidCorperial: 11</p><p> </p><p> Nobby_McDonald: 9</p><p> </p><p> SagaJoestar: 8</p><p> Wolfman84: 8</p><p> </p><p> odan: 7</p><p> kinnikuniverse: 7</p><p> crackerjack: 7</p><p> Forrest01: 7</p><p> Happy0wns: 7</p><p> </p><p> ElectricX: 6</p><p> sportsfanmas: 6</p><p> Kijar: 6</p><p> CobheadJake: 6</p><p> </p><p> deanohbk: 5</p></div></blockquote>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheGhost" data-cite="TheGhost" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Im just curious as to where New Japan is going now as everything just seems a mess. Okada looks to have no one fresh lined up, it looks like Jay White is in line for a title match and I am just not interested. </p></div></blockquote><p> This is the time of year when the title goes on the backburner and all the focus is on the G1, so he doesn't really need to have challengers lined up yet.</p><p> </p><p> I liked Dominion, but wasn't really a fan of Ibushi/Naito. I haven't enjoyed any of their matches against each other this year. Those two are extremely reckless when working together, and I get so worried about their health that I can't get caught up in enjoying the match.</p>

<p>January 25th, 2004: Sin</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fnvFRxI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnvFRxI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <strong>January 25th, 2004</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> From London, England</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 33,000</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <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" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Official Theme Song: "Sin" by Stone Temple Pilots </strong></p><p> </p><p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03QirpkOvZ8?rel=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/03QirpkOvZ8?rel=0"</a> frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>Arn Anderson stood in the ring after the short opening video. He gave a short speech thanking the WCW ownership for trusting him to captain the ship for the last nearly three years, and he also thanked the wrestlers for putting on such amazing action between the ropes and the fans for paying their hard earned money to watch it. "All of us, together, have taken WCW to new heights, and it has been an honor to be a part of it! But recent events have convinced me that it's time for me to step down and hand the keys to the castle over to someone else. The powers-that-be have spent the last few weeks narrowing down their list of candidates, and I can say that in my humble opinion they've made a great choice. In years gone by this man and I didn't always see eye to eye, but no one can question his knowledge of professional wrestling, and no one could ever claim that he isn't passionate about World Championship Wrestling. It is my honor to welcome the new President of World Championship Wrestling... </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="9jPbDOB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9jPbDOB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Dusty got a nice round of applause, which he ate up as he walked down the ramp. He shook hands with his old rival and accepted the microphone. I'm not going to try and transcribe what exactly he said, but in his own unique style Dusty said he was excited for the opportunity and promised to do his best to keep WCW rolling like a ball of fire, all the way to the pay winda, daddy! (OK, I lied; there's a little bit of Dusty-ism.) This angle wasn't anything special, but it did the job and was a solid way to get the London fans interested right at the top of the show. I also think Dusty is getting more comfortable in his role as a wholesome legend, which should be really fitting as a character in a position of authority. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 74</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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" /><p> <strong>10-Man Battle Royal:</strong></p><p> <img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg</span><img alt="8I6oa2T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8I6oa2T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/5Xhxf90.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/a0mKYEd.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/J3M8Nhg.jpg</span><img alt="VZZhIwN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZZhIwN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg</span><img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>A battle royal seemed like a good way to fill this vacancy, plus it was a good way to get several mid-level guys on the PPV. Some of these guys, like Jindrak, Konnan and Fit, don't get many chances to work on PPV these days, so that was nice. As for the match itself, there's not a ton to say. It was a pretty standard battle royal. I was kind of impressed with the brawling Chavo and Kendrick displayed, and the match succeeded in getting the crowd hotter.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Yang was eliminating people in rapid succession and proving to be a real threat, so a group effort commenced to get him out. That left us with our final four: Kendrick, Guerrero, Daniels and London. They paired off, Kendrick battling Chavo while Daniels met up with London. Chavo's attempted brainbuster was blocked and Kendrick countered with a vertical suplex lift into an elimination. Meanwhile a dropsault from London knocked Daniels off the apron and to the floor, leaving us with our two finalists. They had a fast-paced exchange, with London showing off some improved technical chops. Kendrick went for Sliced Bread, but London shoved him away and connected with a dropsault to the back that sent Kendrick over the top rope!</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> London began celebrating...only to be grabbed from behind and thrown out of the ring by Kendrick! Mike and I were confused, especially when referee Mark Johnson rose Kendrick's hand. A replay showed that Brian had held onto the top rope, made sure his feet didn't touch the floor and pulled off his trainer Shawn Michaels' old "skin the cat" trick. Kendrick was officially the new TV Champion!</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 82</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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="6Q4ZNvd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Q4ZNvd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg</span><img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>Ric Flair and Bobby Roode summoned AJ Styles to the ring. AJ came out in street clothes; we pointed out that he wasn't booked on the show, but was in attendance to do some PR work and a meet and greet with fans. Flair confirmed that he'd been scouting Styles during his match against Brian Kendrick on the January 5th Nitro, but said he'd had an eye on him for far longer than that.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> "When I stepped into War Games with my career on the line in 2002, you were one of the men I picked to step into war at my side! And you've only gotten stronger since then. AJ Styles, you really are PHENOMENAL, woo! But hopefully you've been learning an important lesson recently, and it's a lesson I learned decades ago. If you want to make it to the top in professional wrestling, if you wanna be the heavyweight champion of the world some day, you can't go it alone! You need people watching your back! That's something I knew for years, and that's what the Four Horsemen was all about. And all you need to do is look at the list of champions here in WCW to see that it applies now more than ever. You think Dustin Rhodes would be champion of the world without Salvation? How about Rob Van Dam and the Dangerous Alliance? It's a fact of life, AJ: there's strength in numbers. And that's why I want you and Bobby Roode to work together!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> AJ looked very surprised by the offer, and unsure how to respond. I thought he did a fantastic job in his delivery, selling the idea that he didn't know what to think or what was the best decision to make. Roode was also great, reminding Styles about his losses to Sean O'Haire at Starrcade and in the Stu Hart Classic. "If we were working together, you would've won that tournament, and I'd still be the Television Champion! We're both championship caliber wrestlers on our own, but on the same side? We'd be unstoppable!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> AJ acknowledged Roode's point; it was true that what would eventually become the Dangerous Alliance had directly interfered in his Stu Hart Classic Semifinal match against Sean O'Haire. Maybe if he'd had someone there to stop that from happening, he'd have won the whole thing and would be the world champion by now? He still wasn't sure what to say though, but Flair gave him an out. "We don't need an answer tonight, AJ," he said. "Just think it over, and get back to us when you're ready to rule the world! WOOOOOOO!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Tenay's announcing wasn't the greatest here, but it was still a home run of a segment. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 100</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Aguila and Volador Jr. vs. The Calgary Bulldogs</strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/lbbhIiU.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/1MyVk8f.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/q5GmbOH.jpg</span><img alt="mzXDs8i.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mzXDs8i.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>If anyone needed proof that Harry Smith is a full-blown heel now, The Stampede Bulldogs jumped their opponents from behind before the bell. Despite their name being an obvious reference to Davey Boy and Dynamite, on commentary I likened them to the original, win-at-all-costs heel version of the Hart Foundation, with Harry as the powerhouse "anvil" while TJ filled my role as the smaller, more technically gifted member of the team. I think it's a fitting comparison.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> TJ was the weak link from a performance standpoint, but that's just because the fans aren't reacting to him much yet. That'll change as he gets continued exposure. Everyone else was roughly on the same level.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> We focused mainly on telling the story here and establishing the heel presence of the Bulldogs. It was a pretty open match, but the Bulldogs were willing to take any shortcuts they needed to regain control. They did just that at the end, with Harry getting in a cheap shot on Aguila from the apron. Then they polished Volador off with a modern take on our old Hart Attack finisher, except TJ delivered a lariat off of a springboard instead of running the ropes. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 79</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg</span><p> <strong>Kaz Hayashi (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. TAKA (w/Tammy Sytch){©} </strong></p><p> <img alt="paNPh85.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/paNPh85.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg</span><img alt="wZR2OGz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZR2OGz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>Before the match, Tammy grabbed the microphone from the ring announcer and yelled at Keibler. She called her a "low-rent, generic brand wannabe Tammy Sytch" and said she'd already perfected the role so Stacy should just go away. Keibler just laughed and struck a pose for the fans, who ate it up. The fans had fun here, and I thought TAKA looked excellent as he smiled along and nodded at just the right points in Tammy's promo, and pretended to be disgusted when the spotlight was on Stacy.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 85</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>With the fun little pre-match stuff over, it was time for the guys to take over. There was always going to be difficulty in fully engaging the fans here with it being an all heel matchup, but I simply didn't have a viable face lined up for TAKA to defend against here. Plus I don't think it's the worst thing to do this once in a while; why shouldn't heels fight if they both want the same prize? </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Kaz served as the de facto face, but the crowd reaction was noticeably muted. They worked hard though. I told them to go all out and try to deliver great action to counter the lack of crowd reaction. Kaz was very good and TAKA was awesome, with both guys pulling off some eye-popping aerial spots, but the crowd level ensured this was the worst match on the show. (Still not too bad though.) After Hayashi came up empty on a back senton off the top rope, TAKA made him pay with the Michinoku Driver. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 76</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/FIVYBul.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>We didn't advertise this angle because it's something I only came up with a few days before the show, but Jamie Knoble was a guest on Piper's Pit. They both had a good laugh about The Empire dissolving, and Knoble said he felt freer than he had in a year. Piper came across well, like he genuinely liked Knoble and was happy to see him on his own, and Knoble did a good job at getting across how excited he was. When Roddy asked him what was next in his career, Knoble did not hesitate. "I had a little taste of gold when I was the cruiserweight champion last year, but it wasn't near enough. What I want is to win another title, and this West Virginia boy will go through any champion he's got to!" </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IH9oFdP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IH9oFdP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>Out stepped The Great Sasuke, wearing his UWA Welterweight title. He slowly walked down the ramp, and when he got into the ring he took his belt off and held it up near Knoble's face to taunt him. Jamie grit his teeth at the disrespect, but stood there and nodded. Sasuke didn't get much of a reaction when he came out, which probably hurt the impact of this angle somewhat.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 82</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg</span><p> <strong>Hayabusa vs. Rob Van Dam (w/Paul Heyman) {©} </strong></p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>Much like the last match, I told Hayabusa and RVD to waste no time in getting to the action. This was an all-out spotfest almost from the opening bell. That's a style that I think suits both guys pretty well, and that was backed up here for the most part, but unfortunately it seemed like Hayabusa didn't handle the pressure too well. He was okay, but RVD looked right at home. He pulled off many of the flashy high spots he's been known for, but did so with the right amount of swagger and arrogance to keep people booing him. As far as individual performances go, RVD was the best of the night to this point. The match itself was good also, though RVD can and has had much stronger.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Dives to the floor, creative spots on the guardrail, ramp and around ringside, and of course moves off the top rope--you name it, this match had it. The English crowd bought into a near-fall when Hayabusa evaded a spin kick and planted RVD into the canvas with a Falcon Arrow, but the champion kicked out just in time. That was as close as Hayabusa would come to the championship. The match continued on for several more minutes, but after a few well-placed martial arts kicks, Van Dam set Hayabusa up with a rolling fireman's carry slam and hit the Five Star Frog Splash to retain his title. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 83</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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="O9ealYT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O9ealYT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5pRDGUG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5pRDGUG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="m936mtC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/m936mtC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>Becky Bayless welcomed newcomers Kevin Steen and El Generico, collectively known as 'Steenerico', to the backstage interview set. The purpose of this segment was to further establish and introduce these two guys and the dynamic between them. The idea is that Steen is no-nonsense and here to win, while Generico...is a pale white dude in a lucha mask who talks in phony Spanish. Steen would be in the middle of answering one of Becky's questions when Generico would jump in with some nonsense that derailed everything. Eventually Steen got so frustrated that he glared at Generico, shouted "be serious!" and stormed off the set.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Generico's delivery of his lines wasn't the greatest; it was played for laughs, but the timing and the lines themselves just didn't work that well. The fans were pretty dead here, which honestly was to be expected here. These two are still almost unknowns, but I think they've both got potential to be moneymakers down the line. Despite some really good work by Becky to keep things from completely falling apart, this angle didn't interest the fans too much.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 55</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote> <p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg</span><p> <strong>Made in Italy (w/Dawn Marie) vs. True Heroes {©} </strong></p><p> <img alt="wjcJIfQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wjcJIfQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/h1ELRYf.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/racEiy5.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg%5D</span><img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>I viewed this as a major opportunity for Made in Italy to prove that they can hang with the best and hold up their own end. For Johnny Parisi in particular, who lots of people in the company are very high on as a potential future main event star, this was a chance to make a major statement. I gave the teams plenty of time and told them to call it in the ring, fully trusting Lance Storm to be able to read the crowd. It was a smash success by any way you can measure it. Made in Italy handled the moment well, turning in very good performances. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> To no one's surprise though, it was the Heroes who truly stood out here. Lance was fantastic as usual, keeping the match humming at a good pace and showing off some crisp technical skills. He even did some on-the-job training in a chain wrestling sequence with Parisi that will hopefully help the kid up his game in the future. And as great as Lance was, Punk was even better. He was simply flawless; everything he did looked great, he had a ton of fire on the hot tag, and the London fans treated him like a superstar. Thanks to the Heroes this was an amazing match; the best tag title match since their ladder match with the Hardys that headlined Starrcade 2002.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> The story here in this match was that the teamwork of Made in Italy was strong and they were a formidable opponent, but not even they could match the skill, team chemistry and big match experience of the champions. But one wild card that Made in Italy always has is Dawn Marie, and that was even more intriguing here with the long history between her and Storm in ECW. We played off of that on Nitro, and we went back to it here. At a key moment, just as the champions were setting up for the Heroic Finish, Dawn climbed onto the apron and shouted out to get Lance's attention. He broke away despite Punk's protests, and he stared at Dawn with an unreadable expression on his face. It seemed that Dawn had played on her personal history with Lance to turn the tide in the favor of the challengers.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ...And then, Lance drilled Mamaluke with a superkick to the jaw! Dawn screamed and started throwing a tantrum on the apron, but Lance tuned her out and applied the Calgary Clutch for the submission win. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 99</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>The Shooting Stars (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. The Dangerous Alliance (w/Paul Heyman)</strong></p><p> <img alt="uOGLnPZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uOGLnPZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vtYAboC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vtYAboC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/0QMJTAT.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><img alt="c5XJDHD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c5XJDHD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eTShQmA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eTShQmA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>I thought this would be a fitting spot on the card to have a cooldown match, and that wound up being even more necessary than I'd expected given how great the tag title match turned out. The match succeeded in both of its goals: to give the fans a moment to exhale, and to show off the Dangerous Alliance. One thing that was evident to me in their amazing Nitro match against Mysterio and Austin was that Douglas and O'Haire work really well together as a team, so to me it became even more important to build them up here.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Teddy was off his game tonight; still okay, but the worst performer of the match. He's definitely the least over of the four, so that's to be expected. Surprisingly, at least to me, Kidman and O'Haire separated themselves from the other two here, performing at another level. The fans were into Billy trying to use his speed to chop O'Haire down to size, and he did a really good job selling Sean's power offense too. Teddy tried to join in the fun, but once O'Haire got his hands on him and grounded him it was all over. Sean finished Teddy off with the new finisher he debuted at Starrcade, which we're now calling </em><a href="https://imgur.com/4M83Jrw" rel="external nofollow"><em>the Cyclone.</em></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 81</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>King Corino was in a happy mood as he came to the ring for his big announcement. He poked fun at the internet speculation that his announcement was going to be that he was chosen as the president of WCW. "I'm finally free of The Empire--no way am I going to go back to overseeing a bunch of incompetent idiots!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> No, his announcement was much bigger, much grander. "As everyone knows, I'm the king of WCW, and now I no longer have The Empire to drag me down. But that doesn't mean I'm going to walk alone. Like any good king, I want to make sure my dynasty continues after I'm gone. Not like that, you perverts!" he said when some of the fans 'oohed', showing off his quick wit and ability to play off of the crowd. "I'm talking about a protege, someone who I can pass on everything I know to, someone who one day will inherit the King's throne. Morons and imbeciles, bow down and pay homage to your future ruler....</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="6b9s6ew.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6b9s6ew.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>"PRINCE Devitt!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> There wasn't much of a reaction when the former Fergal Devitt came out, and why would there be? This was his TV debut, so unless they avidly followed Japanese wrestling and had seen his work in Michinoku Pro there wouldn't have been much reason for them to know who he was. He was all smiles as she shook Corino's hand and thanked him profusely for the opportunity. He promised that unlike those ingrates in The Empire, he would not waste Corino's time. He would prove himself worthy of the title of Prince. The kid did his best, but you could see how nervous he was as he flubbed several lines. The crowd still being cooled off probably didn't help matters either. But this segment wasn't over just yet. Actually, it was just getting started. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="9jPbDOB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9jPbDOB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>Corino shook his head when Dusty Rhodes showed up on the ramp, and said he wasn't interested in taking his spot as President no matter how much he begged. Dusty chuckled and said he'd keep that in mind, but actually he was there with something else in mind. While his appointment as president only became public knowledge tonight, he and WCW had reached an agreement weeks ago. In that time, while Arn kept handling the day to day operations, Dusty had been busy. "The American Dream wants WCW to stay number one forever and ever and a day, and we're gonna do it by puttin' on the best matches we can, night after night after night, daddy! And King Corino, you're one of the best we got, whether the people like ya or not. That's why I've already signed a huge match for you to show what you can do at SuperBrawl XIV!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Corino smiled and said it was nice that Dusty recognized where his bread was buttered; maybe he'd actually be okay at this job! Dusty thanked him for the praise, but said he might not be such a fan in just a second. "You see, your opponent isn't any normal man. He's actually my first recruit, and has signed an official full-time WCW contract. And he's a guy you know pretty well..." </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>"BILL GOLDBERG!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Goldberg's face appeared on the video screen, and his message to Corino was short and sweet: "YOU'RE NEXT!"</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Goldberg "signing" with WCW after The Empire dissolved wasn't much of a surprise, but he still got a massive pop. The London crowd erupted in Goldberg chants, treating him like a big time star. It wasn't quite enough to offset the lack of interest when Devitt was talking, but I'd still call it a success.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 83</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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="9jPbDOB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9jPbDOB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/4Hgahfk.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>The camera followed Dusty as he returned backstage, and he was commenting about Goldberg's signing and the impact he was going to have when he stumbled upon Salvation, who were preparing for The Unnatural's title defense against Matt Hardy. Father and son had a staredown which eventually resulted in Dustin walking off without a word, the rest of Salvation close behind him. Unnatural was great here, telling a compelling story without ever opening his mouth. Mortis also looked like a star, but Dusty didn't come across great. I felt it was important to have this interaction right away, and I'm happy with the way it went down. Plus it served to continue to build the crowd's excitement level back up before our final two matches. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 88</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">#1 Contender's Match:</span></strong></p><p><strong> "The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.</strong></p><p> <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>This wasn't a match I expected to run, but it seemed like the logical direction to go after both guys won in probably the two biggest non-title matches at Starrcade. Obviously things didn't hum quite as well as they would have in the traditional face vs. heel setup, but the fans were still very into this match. Austin's the biggest star in the world and it showed, but Rey had plenty of crowd support too. There were cheers when both guys were on offense, and dueling chants were frequent. It was a unique atmosphere for sure. Both guys are capable of better and have produced better, but this was still a great match. Rey was great, and Austin was almost perfect. It wasn't as good as the tag title match, but I have no complaints at all.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> I had no worries about letting these guys do whatever they wanted. It was interesting to see that Austin shifted into a subtle heel role in this match. It made sense with Rey being the smaller guy, and I also know that Steve personally prefers working as a heel (ironic considering how much money he's made as a face.) He was a bit nastier here, going beyond his usual straightforward brawling and mixing in some chokes, eye gouges and other dirty tactics. That was successful in getting some louder reactions for Rey as he fought back with his speed and exciting aerial offense. One point I wanted to establish in this match was that Mysterio is on the same level as Austin and capable of going toe-to-toe with him, and I think this was an absolute success when it comes to that.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> One of the themes of this match was that Rey was too quick and always able to slip free whenever Austin tried to hit him with the Stunner. Once he caught his foot on the kick prelude and hit a dropkick to the knee. Another time he slipped out the back side and took control with a dropkick to the back, and another time he countered into a rolling prawn hold for a near fall. Austin went back to the well late in the match, but Rey once again had a counter as he shoved Austin off to escape. There was very nearly a mirror image of the Austin/Goldberg match at Starrcade where referee Nick Patrick was bowled over in that scenario, but this time Austin was able to put on the brakes just in time to avoid the collision with Mark Johnson. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>Out of nowhere, Eddie Guerrero spun Mysterio around and dropped him on his head with a brainbuster! Just as quickly as he'd appeared, he rolled outside and crawled under the ring. It had all happened so fast that neither Austin or Johnson had seen it as they took a few seconds to shake off their near-collision. Austin looked puzzled at why Mysterio was suddenly down, and he barked at him to get up so they could finish this. Rey eventually did shake it off and get up to his feet, but Austin was ready for him. This time he didn't have a counter for the Stunner dialed up, so Austin was the new #1 contender. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 92</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg</span><p> <strong>Matt Hardy vs. The Unnatural {©} (w/Father Isaac) </strong></p><p> <img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</span><span>http://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>From a storyline standpoint, there were many questions about this match. Would Matt Hardy's anger about what happened to his brother Jeff make him too enraged to wrestle a smart match, or would it fuel him to victory? Would the rough schedule of title defenses Matt had taken on in the last few weeks to get this match take their toll? Could he succeed where his younger brother failed? </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> From my seat there was really only one question. How would Matt do in a major PPV main event as a singles wrestler? Jeff had proven he could deliver, but this was Matt's first chance in such a position. As it turned out, there was nothing to worry about. This match not only lived up to Unnatural's title defense against Jeff at Starrcade, it surpassed it. This was actually stronger than any of Unnatural's previous defenses, better than any singles match since I bought the company, and on par with the amazing tag match between Austin/Mysterio and The Dangerous Alliance on Nitro. This was about as perfect as pro wrestling gets. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Matt was great here in blending together all the different bullet points for this match. He brought an improved brawling game and intensity to the table, establishing his anger and straddling the line between wrestling a match to try and win a title and losing control in the name of inflicting pain. And as great as he was, Unnatural was just that bit better. That wrestler of the year award was richly deserved; I don't think there's anybody in the world as good as him right now overall.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> They told an amazing story here, blending together Matt's rage and fatigue and Unnatural's mind games and opportunistic approach beautifully. Dustin did his best to rile Hardy up, actively accepting more punishment in an effort to get his challenger to lose his cool and make a mistake. He threw in plenty of stall tactics, and also did lots of mat wrestling to try and prolong the match to test Matt's stamina. He was a perfect heel foil, and it added so much heat to every Hardy comeback.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Hardy pushed through his fatigue and went for it all with the Twist of Fate, but Unnatural spun out of it and turned it into the Unnatural Selection! Nick Patrick counted once...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> twice...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ...but Hardy kicked out!</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Unnatural was in disbelief, and the crowd exploded. He pummeled Hardy with some fists and hit his old Curtain Call WWF finish, but that wasn't enough to finish Matt either. The champion attempted a running bulldog, but Hardy shoved him forward and Unnatural went chest-first into the buckles. Unnatural staggered out...and got hit by the Twist of Fate! Hardy hooked the leg, and got a one...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> two...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....THREE!</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ...No, Nick Patrick spotted Unnatural's foot across the bottom rope and waved it off! Hardy shouted to the sky...then looked at the corner. He dragged Unnatural into position and climbed up to the top rope. While perched up top, he flashed the Hardy Boys hand sign and took flight with Jeff's Swanton Bomb!</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Unnatural got the knees up! Matt rolled around and held his back in pain, and his foe was quick to capitalize. He pulled Hardy up to his feet and executed the second Unnatural Selection of the match. Nick Patrick's hand slapped the mat once...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> twice..</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ...and a third time. It was an incredible effort and an unbelievable performance, but Matt Hardy came up just short. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: 100</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Show Overall Grade: 97</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<p>January 2004: Pre-Sin News and Notes</p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>January 25th, 2003</strong></p><p><strong> London, England</strong></p><p><strong> Hours before Sin</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> I sat at my desk in the office I'd set up in the arena, staring at my computer screen and wishing it could provide me the answers I needed. That wasn't going to happen, obviously, but one could dream.</p><p> </p><p> Without really thinking about it, I pulled out my cell and listened to the message that had been left several days earlier. There wasn't any real reason to do so; I knew every word by heart by this point. That didn't stop me from listening to it one more time though.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">"Hey pal. Bret, I have to say that I'm impressed. Quite frankly I didn't think you'd last a year running WCW, but here you are, not only hanging around but emerging as legitimate competition. Of course we both know that the only way you've been able to do so is by promoting stars I created, such as Stone Cold, Goldust, Eddie Guerrero and the Hardys, but you've done it nevertheless. But that's about to end.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> "I have it on good authority that Steve's contract with you is just about up, and I've had just about enough of you taking a major attraction that I created and using him against me. Your predecessors did the same thing with Hulk, Randy, Diesel and Razor, but this time I'm in a position to fight back. Unlike Eric, you don't have Ted Turner bankrolling you. Oh, I'm sure you've built up quite a war chest with how well you've done over the past few years, but I have even more resources. And I'm going to use every last one of them to make sure "Stone Cold" Steve Austin comes back home where he belongs."</span></strong></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> <em>Fergal Devitt had apparently been complaining to the trainers in Wildside that he wanted to come up to the main roster. Terry Taylor seemed to think the kid would benefit with some more time down there, but I figured if he was going to be unhappy down there I'd just give him the call and see if he can sink or swim. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/syuSRKH.jpg</span> </div><p></p><p></p><p> <em>Genichiro Tenryu left the company. From what I've heard, he just felt like he'd been there long enough and it was time to leave. He was still one of their top stars despite being 53 years old, but he was also their booker, so Motoko Baba had to find someone else to run things.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> She went outside the company to find her next booker, turning to Takashi Okamura. Okamura is a former professional wrestler who was trained by Ultimo Dragon and worked matches for WAR in the '90s, but in recent years he's transitioned to an out of ring role. He'd worked in a behind the scenes capacity for the now defunct BattlARTS and the Japanese branch of Toryumon, and was doing road agent work for Zero One until Motoko gave him the call. He'll be leaving Zero One behind to book All Japan full time.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Just one day after Okamura's hiring was announced, All Japan held their first PPV of the year on January 22nd. No match truly stood out from the pack, but the main and semi main events scored identical 81 scores. In the first, Hiroshi Hase retained the Triple Crown over Shinya Hashimoto, and in the second Takao Omori and Keiji Mutoh successfully defended the Unified Tag titles against Masanobu Fuchi and Mike Barton. The show overall got a 73, which is about in line with their recent showings. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/JO5PDMM.jpg</span> </div><p></p><p></p><p> <em>TNA held their first show of the year, Final Resolution, on January 18th. Marc Mero retained the TNA World title over Frankie Kazarian in a decent 52 rated main event. The 69 rated semi main where Jeff Jarrett beat Matt Sydal was not only far and away the best match on the show, but the best match in company history. Had that been the show closer this probably would've been a new high point for them, but instead it received a 54 from the Observer. That's down from the last few months, but still much better than they were doing during the Mantuar era.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <hr noshade size=3></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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><p> General diary comments/questions/critiques: Shane Douglas getting a one hundred? I'll take things that will never happen for 300, Alex. Speaking of things that won't happen I'd kill for Made in Italy winning</p></div></blockquote><p> And Shane Douglas in 2004, at that! To be fair he was the lowest performer in the match (though he was still pretty good.) O'Haire's score for that match was higher than Rey's, which I found interesting.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sportsfanmas" data-cite="sportsfanmas" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow, I am so far behind on this and other dynasty reports because I've been so busy trying to stick with one of my own. At this point, I wonder if it is even worth predicting, as I probably have no chance in a prediction contest. Great stuff though! Glad to see this one back.</div></blockquote><p> Hey, nothing wrong with that! I'm guilty of the same, honestly; I fell really far behind on other diaries while I was away</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="odan" data-cite="odan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> General diary comments/questions/critiques: caught up again, and still loving this diary. if only reality could have been like this.</p></div></blockquote><p> If only! Hopefully AEW can at least become a player in modern times, though obviously it's unrealistic to think they can be on legitimate equal footing with WWE like WCW was at one point.</p>