The Final Countdown

October 27, 2019

Was he in the ring any on the pre-per views? I thought I remembered hearing that but I didn't pay nearly as close attention to the cards of the pre-TV shows.

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.

October 27, 2019

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.

October 26, 2019

<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> 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. <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> 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. <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. </div></blockquote> 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. 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.

October 24, 2019

<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> I'd imagine they have a contract with WWE that requires a yearly release.

October 24, 2019

<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> 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. Also, if I hear JR say "She's a dentist!" one more time, I'm going to lose it.

October 22, 2019

February 15th, 2004: Post-SuperBrawl

"Best of luck, Steve. No hard feelings."

Steve Austin shook my hand, and we clanked beers in a little salute.

"Thanks, Bret. Sorry to cut and run, but I gotta do what's best for me."

"I understand," I told him, and I really did. He got an offer for both money and length that I just wasn't prepared to match, no matter how big a star he is. With his age and the state of his neck, I felt it was too big a risk.

"Thanks for everything you did for us this year," I told him. "It was quite a run."

"Yeah, it sure as hell was. Never thought I'd come back to WCW after Bischoff fired my ass, but it was a hell of a year. Keep kickin' ass, Hitman."

"We will," I said, clapping him on the back.

The bidding war between us and WWF for Steve's services had been the talk of the internet and the dirt sheets for weeks. Vince and I butted heads, matching each other's offers and sweetening the pot however we could to try and secure the services of arguably the biggest star in wrestling history. We both knew we were in the midst of a serious fight, and after the ground we'd gained on them over the last year or so, Steve Austin had the potential to swing that fight back into WWF's favor just like he did in 1998.

But a funny thing happened. Vince and I were so focused on each other that we forgot there were other players in the game. And one of those players snuck in the back door and turned the entire industry on its head.

http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg

New Japan Pro Wrestling has had a topsy turvy last few years. They’ve had moments of growth, but they just as quickly seem to get knocked right back down. Inoki has been feeling the pressure not just from us and WWF encroaching his territory, but the other Japanese groups like NOAH, All Japan and Zero-One breathing down their neck. Apparently feeling desperate, he not only matched if not exceeded the kind of money we were offering Austin, he also tacked on more years than either of us were comfortable matching.

Inoki has gone all in. He doesn’t have the kind of resources WWF or even we do, yet he’s pumping massive amounts of money into acquiring Steve Austin. Maybe Steve will lead them on a big rise like he did for WWF, and like he helped us do over the past year as he stood up and fought WWF on an even footing. But if he doesn’t make that kind of difference, this deal might very well wind up sinking the entire company.

Prediction Scores (out of a possible 11 points):

DavidCorperial: 9
BHK6: 9

SagaJoestar: 8
DHK1989: 8
Deanohbk: 8
Satyr24: 8
Franticloser: 8
Happy0wns: 8
Rateddc: 8
CobheadJake: 8
James The Animator: 8
Sportsfanmas: 8
Uncrewed: 8

Odan: 7
Kijar: 7
DGenerationMC: 7
JMike: 7
K-Nection: 7
WilburTrey: 7
Crackerjack: 7
Scarletspeed7: 7
XMultiGames: 7
GingeyOne: 7

ElectricX: 6
Evileddie10: 6
Nobby_McDonald: 6
Wolfman84: 6

Jaysin: 5
Forrest01: 5
Dead_Jester: 5
Danny_H22: 5

Standings in prediction contest after 3 shows:

BHK6: 28

Dead_Jester: 21

K-Nection: 21
franticloser: 21
Uncrewed: 21

JMike: 20
WilburTrey: 20
DHK1989: 20
Rateddc: 20
James The Animator: 20
DavidCorperial: 20

Satyr24: 19
DGenerationMC: 19
evileddie10: 19
GingeyOne: 19

Danny_H22: 16
SagaJoestar: 16

Nobby_McDonald: 15
Happy0wns: 15

Wolfman84: 14
Cro Cop Rules: 14
odan: 14
crackerjack: 14
sportsfanmas: 14
CobheadJake: 14

bonnie: 13
Kijar: 13
deanohbk: 13

Forrest01: 12
ElectricX: 12

Scarletspeed7: 7
XMultiGames: 7
kinnikuniverse: 7

Jaysin: 5

October 20, 2019

<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> 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.

October 19, 2019

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.

October 18, 2019

SuperBrawl XIV, Part II

http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg

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. Grade: 99

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. Grade: 84

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. Grade: 100

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. Grade: 95

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. Grade: 76

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. Grade: 81

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. Grade: 100

http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg

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. Grade: 99

http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg

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.

<img alt="tsnkic4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tsnkic4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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. Grade: 99

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! Grade: 100

Show Grade: 98

October 17, 2019

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

Jamie Knoble vs. The Great Sasuke {©}
http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg

This felt like a good, fast-paced way to get the show started. Knoble and Sasuke seemed to naturally bring out the best in each other, performing their offense smoothly and elevating their performances. Unfortunately there were some issues with the flow of the match despite me having the road agent work closely with them to put it together, so that did hurt things a bit. Still, Sasuke's work was good and Knoble's was nearly great, so this was a solid way to open SuperBrawl XIV.

This was an even, back and forth match with each guy employing a different strategy. Sasuke got plenty of near-falls, including a really close one after his Thunder Fire Powerbomb, but Knoble succeeded in grounding him with mat wrestling and got a guillotine choke locked in. Sasuke struggled, but Knoble had the hold in tight and forced a tap out to win the title!

Grade: 81

http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg

Christopher Daniels made his entrance for his scheduled match against Chavo Guerrero Jr, but there was no sign of Chavo when his music played. It kept playing, but still no Chavo. Mike and I wondered if Chavo was just not bothering to show up because their UFS series was already mathematically decided, like Daniels said he should on Nitro. Daniels seemed to have the same thought, and he found it hilarious. As he laughed in the ring, Mike said he was getting word that Chavo had been spotted in the back and we were going to hurry to get a camera back there.

The camera arrived to see Chavo still in his street clothes, carrying his bags and walking towards the exit. Becky Bayless tried to get an impromptu comment from him, but he ignored both her and the camera and walked out.

Grade: 81

http://i.imgur.com/h1ELRYf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/racEiy5.jpg

Having seen what just happened, Kevin Steen and El Generico hurried to Dusty Rhodes' office to ask for an impromptu match to fill the now free time. They happened to come in as Dusty was in the middle of a separate conversation with Made in Italy, who didn't appreciate the interruption. The two teams bickered for a bit, but it gave Dream an idea. "We advertised ten matches tonight, and we're givin' the people ten matches!" He told both teams to get their gear and get ready, because he was putting them against each other later on tonight in a bonus tag match. Steen didn't do too great during this segment, but I thought Dusty was very likable.

This was a very late addition because of my decision to not do the Daniels/Chavo match for story purposes. I like what we did with Chavo and think it opens up some interesting possibilities, and I was also happy to get both of these teams on the show.

Grade: 66

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick {©}
http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg

We went back to an old rivalry here, as these two TWA graduates have been at odds really since they came to WCW. I had Ricky Steamboat work with these guys pretty closely to put the match together, but unfortunately this was the worst of their three singles matches on the main roster. I didn't expect that since Kendrick's stock in the company and with the fans has gone up quite a bit over the last several months, but I guess it is what it is. The match wasn't terrible or anything; London was okay, and Brian was good.

London showed off some increased technical abilities, and it played into the story of the match pretty well. Kendrick had been expecting a more aerial attack from his opponent, and was frustrated by London's unanticipated strategy. This match came within a couple of minutes of the fifteen minute TV title time limit, but Kendrick finally solved his pesky challenger with an elbow to the jaw, and then a Sliced Bread to make his second successful title defense.

Grade: 77

Ultimate Fan Series Opening Round: #3 The Golden Company vs. #6 Uncrewed's Crew (series tied 2-2)
TAKA (w/Tammy Sytch) (GC) vs. Matt Hardy (UC)
http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg

Our first of three "win or go home" UFS matches had a heavy favorite judging by the online chatter, but this was actually a match result I debated for quite some time. I can see why most people thought Hardy was a shoo-in based on his main event with Dustin last month, but TAKA has become a pretty credible heel threat in his own right. Plus there are lots of moving parts in the UFS; it isn't just about this one match or even this one series, but how the result impacts the entire UFS booking plans. Even the day of the show, I was still not completely sure who was going to win here.

Not only was this a toss-up in my head, but it was presented as a toss-up between two very evenly matched wrestlers. I let them call it in the ring, and despite some issues with the psychology they had a great match. Hardy did a great job, adapting to working with a smaller opponent by working a different style, using a lot more power moves and throws than he would against most opponents. TAKA was even a little bit better, executing some great aerial spots but also mixing in just enough cowardly heel to stop the fans from getting behind him. With both guys coming through, this was far and away the best match on the show to this point.

The seesaw nature of the match kept up the whole way through, with both guys hitting some big spots and racking up the near falls. There were some finisher teases and counters sprinkled in throughout, and it came back in one final burst as TAKA picked Hardy up for the Michinoku Driver only for Matt to slip out. Once Matt regained his footing, he spun TAKA around and drove his face into the mat with the Twist of Fate to win the match and the series for Uncrewed's Crew.

Grade: 91

http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg

AJ Styles' last chance at RVD's US title was up next, and as he was warming up near the curtain Bobby Roode and Ric Flair walked up to wish him luck and offer to watch his back so the Dangerous Alliance couldn't screw him over again. AJ seemed to consider it for a moment, but eventually he shook his head and said this was something he needed to do on his own. Flair and Roode were disappointed, but promised to respect his wishes. "I just don't hope you come to regret it, kid, because if going it alone tonight backfires, it'll be too late to do anything about it," Flair cautioned him.

Grade: 95

October 17, 2019

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.

September 6, 2019

They have to stop having Rhett Titus do commentary on matches, even if it is only for one match. The guy just does not have a good speaking voice.

...Rhett Titus on color? Ugh. That sounds awful.

But you're Mr. ROH on this board. Say it ain't so.

Seriously though, you're ROH dairy was one of the best I have ever read and as I have said previously on here I can see why people are no longer watching ROH.

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.)

Exactly. Their Women's division is just trash. I am not sure if it is because all of the good talent has been snatched up by WWE and AEW or what. But the talent is simply not there much like it is not there on the men's side of the coin either.

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.

September 5, 2019

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.

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.

September 5, 2019

<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> 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" /> I'm alive and well. As for this diary? That's...debatable, I guess? 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. 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" /> 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.

June 24, 2019

ZSJ is putting his G1 spot on the line against Yoshi-Hashi. Gonna be super salty if ZSJ loses.

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?

June 22, 2019

February 2004: Road to SuperBrawl XIV

The Backstories:

Scaling the Summit

January 26th:
Dusty Rhodes oversaw the official contract signing for the main event of SuperBrawl XIV: Steve Austin vs. The Unnatural for the World Heavyweight Championship. Austin cut a promo that blended his character and real life together extremely well, vaguely referencing his contract negotiations in the process.

"Everybody wants to know what's next for Steve Austin. You know what's on my mind right now? It damn sure ain't how many zeroes are in my paycheck. The only thing I give a damn about right now is whippin' your ass at SuperBrawl XIV and winning the one thing I've never won in my career, the WCW title!"

"You talk a big game, Steven, but I see through the facade," Unnatural replied. "Your attention is divided in countless different directions at once. And the cause for it all? You know your career will never truly be complete unless you can win this shiny gold championship belt my beloved Father Isaac currently holds in his hands. As brightly as your star shines, what is it worth if you cannot reach the mountain's summit? You want the world to think you are fearless, but in truth you are terrified...terrified of failure. Your entire legacy hinges on this one match, this one moment in time. If you fail, you may never get another chance. But you are so focused on avoiding that cruel fate, you have forgotten one of your own cardinal rules. We're assembled here for a professional contract signing, but as your own saying goes...don't trust anybody."

Before Austin could even react, the other members of Salvation struck Austin from behind. He fought back with punches on Destroyer and Mortis, but Unnatural wacked him in the side of the head with the title belt. Dusty tried to reason with the champion, but he was completely ignored. The man once known as Dustin Rhodes dragged a struggling Austin onto the table and drove him through it with Unnatural Selection!

February 2nd:
After Unnatural's UFS match, he wished Austin well in his own UFS match later in the night against Rey Mysterio Jr. "You should give this match your all, and hope your teammates can do the same," he said. "The Ultimate Fan Series is crucial for you, Steven, because it's a potential lifeline for you after you fail at SuperBrawl."

Austin did indeed give it his all, his rematch against Mysterio captivating the fans even more than their original match at Sin. There was no Eddie Guerrero to ruin things this time, but the ending was still marred thanks to Salvation. Father Isaac held Nick Patrick's attention while Unnatural, Mortis and Destroyer all attacked Austin on the floor. Moments later Mysterio, none the wiser, defeated Austin to hand him a UFS defeat.

February 9th:
At the top of the show, Austin made it clear to Dusty Rhodes that no order he could give would stop him from stomping a mudhole in every last member of Salvation tonight!

He made good on that promise, attacking Mortis following the main event. He was smart enough to know what was coming too; he brought a chair with him, and when Unnatural and Destroyer showed their faces he held the chair tight and stared them both down, daring them to come and try it. But what he never saw coming was a fourth, mask-clad man slipping in from the other side and hitting him in the back of the head with a pipe! Afterwards Unnatural calmly walked into the ring and sat down, while flanked by Mortis, Destroyer and the masked man.

"Do you see the futility now, Steven?" he asked. "Is it setting in yet that you are destined to never hold the WCW World Heavyweight Championship? We are teaching you a very important lesson; trying to take on the world all by yourself is the height of arrogance. Perhaps one day you will take this truth to heart and accept that if you ever wish to be your best, you'll need to accept a helping hand. But it is far too late for you to forge any bond strong enough to overcome our brotherhood this Sunday at SuperBrawl XIV!"

Even

January 26th:
In Eddie Guerrero's mind, he and former friend Rey Mysterio Jr. were now "even." "He cost me multiple world title shots, and now I've done the same to him. As far as I'm concerned, we're done," he said during an in-ring promo

Rey had other thoughts entirely. He showed up on the video screen to reveal that he'd spoken to Dusty Rhodes, and Dream had agreed to make a match between Mysterio and Guerrero at SuperBrawl XIV. "Next week I've got a second chance at Steve Austin in a UFS match. But at SuperBrawl, Eddie, it'll be the same as at Starrcade: me with my hand raised, and you as a bitter, sore loser."

February 2nd:
When Becky Bayless asked Eddie if he planned to ruin Rey's rematch against Austin, he laughed and said there was no need. "Rey's a loser, and he always has been. He doesn't need my help to lose; it's what he does best. Well, second best, because he's even better at stabbing his friends in the back and stealing their title shots!" True to his word, Eddie did not show his face during the main event.

February 9th:
Eddie was in action, picking up a massive UFS win over one of Rey's best friends, Kidman. He rubbed this fact in after the match, telling Kidman that this was Rey's fault and he needed to stop trusting him if he didn't want to keep ending up in this situation. When he started mocking Torrie Wilson as well, Rey had enough. He ran out from the back and chased off Eddie, who smirked and waved at him as he strutted back up the aisle.

King Meets Man

January 26th:
King Corino watched in approval as his underling Prince Devitt defeated Minoru Tanaka, but King and Prince both beat a hasty retreat to the dressing room when Goldberg showed his face and chased them back up the aisle.

February 2nd:
Corino and Devitt were guests on Piper's Pit, and Corino insisted to Roddy that he wasn't afraid of Goldberg. "I'm not afraid of him. He should be afraid of ME! And after SuperBrawl XIV, he'll be too scared to ever step into the ring with me again!"

Strong words, but his actions said something differently once Goldberg crashed the party. Corino threw Devitt directly into Goldberg's path, sacrificing his protégé to a Spear so he himself could escape.

February 9th:
In his first match since Starrcade, Goldberg was too strong for Prince Devitt and Jackhammered his way to a win. Corino, who had watched the match closely from Devitt's corner, slithered into the ring and hit Goldberg square in the back with a steel chair as his hand was being raised! Goldberg stubbornly stayed on his feet, but a second shot dropped him to his knees. Five more hard shots were enough to put even the tough Goldberg down and out of it, but that wasn't quite enough for Corino. He picked Goldberg up and delivered a piledriver, and only then was he willing to leave the ring, half-dragging Devitt along with him.

Danger for the Heroes

January 26th:
In a huge UFS showdown of first round picks, Sean O'Haire of The Limitless got a clean main event victory over The K-Nections' CM Punk via the Cyclone.

February 2nd:
After wrapping up a quick squash, Heyman spoke up on Douglas and O'Haire's behalf. "The Dangerous Alliance is set to take over WCW. The teamwork between Sean O'Haire and Shane Douglas is undeniable. And after the public demolition of CM Punk last week courtesy of Sean O'Haire, can anyone deny that these men are the uncrowned World Tag Team Champions?"

One man who didn't disagree that the DA at least deserved a shot was Punk himself. With Lance Storm at his side, Punk gave O'Haire credit for getting the best of him the previous week, and agreed that the DA deserved the next shot at the titles. That set up a big tag title match for SuperBrawl XIV.

February 9th:
Both teams were guests on Piper's Pit, but it was mainly Punk and Heyman verbally sparring once again. Punk had no problem giving Heyman respect, calling him a "wrestling genius" and acknowledging that he'd put a great team together. "But even if your team is great, the best in the world when it comes to tag team wrestling is True Heroes, and we'll prove it to the world once again at SuperBrawl!"

Heyman, too, complimented the champions. "I've always known how good Lance Storm is; that's why I gave him his first major US exposure as part of ECW! And Punk? I like your style, kid! You're great, and you've got no problem letting people know it! Had the chips fallen differently, you could've been a card-carrying member of the Dangerous Alliance! But as things stand, both of you are simply roadblocks. And when something is blocking the Dangerous Alliance from getting what we want, we run it over!"

Tempers flared between the teams, but Heyman pulled his men back and assured there would be no violence. "Save it for Sunday, when the lights are brightest and the gold is on the line!" he ordered.

Unfinished Business

February 2nd:
AJ Styles came to the ring with purpose. He said he still had unfinished business with the Dangerous Alliance, specifically Rob Van Dam. "You guys screwed me in the Stu Hart Classic, but even before that you stole the United States title from me! You've only got that thing because of your pals Heyman and Douglas, and I never got a chance to win it back! If you've got any guts, you'll give me that chance!"

Heyman and RVD stepped into the aisle to respond, with Heyman laughing and shaking his head. "What's in it for us?" he asked. "Perhaps if you'd beaten Sean O'Haire at Starrcade, or if you'd even had a match at Sin, this might be worth discussing. But as it stands, I don't see why we or the WCW officials should even entertain this offer!" AJ's answer was quick: they'd never have to deal with him again. If he tried and failed to win the title at SuperBrawl, he'd never challenge for it again as long as RVD was champion. Seeing a chance to permanently remove a serious threat to their reign, Heyman told Styles he had a deal.

February 9th:
After RVD's UFS match ended, Heyman got on the microphone to wonder aloud if AJ Styles had any regrets one week later. "This is a big risk you're taking, kid. Because when you fail--and you WILL fail--to win the title this Sunday at SuperBrawl XIV, you'll have to wait until Rob Van Dam is no longer the United States Champion before you can ever be eligible to challenge for it again. And you may be waiting for the rest of your career, because Rob-Van-Dam will hold onto this championship for as long as he feels like it!"

Styles, smiling, certainly didn't look like he was having second thoughts. He said he was more than willing to take this risk, because he was betting on himself to get the job done.

AJ was approached backstage by Ric Flair and Bobby Roode later in the night, and they offered to have his back and make sure the Dangerous Alliance didn't try and help RVD out. He seemed to be considering the offer, but before he could answer they were interrupted by the Jung Dragons. Yang had a laugh about the poor start Roode's K-Nections were off to in the UFS, and they suggested he stop worrying about AJ and focus on his UFS match against Kaz Hayashi at SuperBrawl--if the K-Nections were even still alive mathematically!

Caught by Surprise

January 26th:
Brian Kendrick's TV title celebration on WCW.com was interrupted by Paul London. Referencing that moment where he'd thought Kendrick was eliminated and he'd won the title, London said Brian had caught him by surprise. But he promised that it wouldn't happen again, especially if that title was on the line.

February 2nd:
No advancement of this story this week, as London was busy with his UFS match.

February 9th:
London sat in on color during Kendrick's UFS match, which also doubled as a TV title defense against Jamie Knoble. With some help from Great Sasuke, Kendrick's first defense was in the books. During the match it was noted that London had been granted the next shot at the title, so with Kendrick's win that match became official for SuperBrawl.

A Redneck's Golden Pursuit

January 26th:
Stemming from their showdown on Piper's Pit at Sin, Dusty Rhodes booked a Jamie Knoble/Great Sasuke match for the UWA Welterweight title at SuperBrawl XIV.

February 2nd:
After Sasuke's UFS match, Knoble cut a promo on him. He said he respected Sasuke's ability and his accomplishments internationally, but he wasn't going to let that stop him. "That's a nice shiny belt you got there, and it's gonna look awfully good wrapped around this country boy's waist!"

February 9th:
As noted, Sasuke attacked Knoble during his TV title match against Brian Kendrick, making sure that Jamie would still be beltless heading into SuperBrawl.

UFS, Opening Round: #1 The Dead Jesters vs. #8 Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional

January 26th:
Shane Douglas grounded and outwrestled the high flying Hayabusa, submitting him with a Crossface. (1-0)

February 2nd:
As previously noted, Rey Mysterio Jr. avenged his Sin loss to Steve Austin (albeit with some help from Salvation), and in the process evened this series. (1-1)

February 7th (Renaissance):
Momoe Nakanishi faced long odds going up against the Dead Jesters' representative, World Champion Akira Hokuto. Though Hokuto didn't necessarily need the help, The Beautiful Nightmare came out and distracted Nakanishi during the match, which made Hokuto's path to victory that much easier. (2-1)

February 9th:
It was up to Billy Kidman to keep Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional alive, and he gave maximum effort against Eddie Guerrero. Unfortunately for him it wasn't enough, and Guerrero clinched the win for the Dead Jesters with a Frog Splash. This surely caught fans by surprise, as every previous UFS series has come down to the last match. That's the logical thing to do when you're able to arrange this stuff; I'm sure the NHL would love for every Stanley Cup Final to come down to the 7th game. But if we did it every time it would eliminate all the drama from every previous match, so we used this opportunity to throw a curve. Later on Christopher Daniels taunted Chavo Guerrero Jr about his team's failure and said he might as well just not show up for their match at SuperBrawl since there would now be nothing to fight for, but Chavo just shook his head and walked off. (3-1)

UFS, Opening Round: #2 Rated R Superstars vs. #7 VIP Pass

January 26th:
AJ Styles was just too quick for The Destroyer, beating the larger man with the Spiral Tap. (1-0)

February 2nd:
In a battle of internationally-experienced heels, Great Sasuke was a step too quick for Fit Finlay of the Rated R Superstars. (1-1)

February 9th:
As noted, Brian Kendrick of VIP Pass beat Jamie Knoble with some help from Sasuke. (1-2)

February 14th (Renaissance):
Meiko Satomura has her sights set on Akira Hokuto's World Championship, but she remained focused and defeated Alexis Laree to tie this series at two wins apiece. This guaranteed that the big Goldberg/Corino match at SuperBrawl would determine the winner of the series. (2-2)

UFS, Opening Round: #3 The Golden Company vs. #6 Uncrewed's Crew

January 26th:
Kevin Steen showed flashes of some impressive power offense and brawling, but the experience of Shane Helms and a Vertebreaker was too much for the newcomer. (0-1)

January 31st (Renaissance):
True to her words in the group segment on Nitro following Steen's loss, Manami Toyota overcame her longtime rival Aja Kong to get the Golden Company on the board. (1-1)

February 2nd:
The Crew's Paul London gave everything he had to try and score the biggest win of his career, but he was in the ring against the current best in the world, the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. An Unnatural Selection ended the young man's night about 13 minutes in and put the Golden Company one win from advancing. (2-1)

February 9th:
RVD of Uncrewed's Crew might have his US title defense against AJ Styles coming up, but he was focused enough to beat Harry Smith and push the series to a decisive fifth match between TAKA and Matt Hardy at SuperBrawl. Hardy came up to TAKA later to tell him he was in trouble now, because this was a match he couldn't afford to lose. (2-2)

UFS, Opening Round: #4 The K-Nections vs. #5 The Limitless

January 26th:
Sean O'Haire defeated CM Punk. (0-1)

February 2nd:
Bobby Heenan did his best to guide Colt Cabana to victory by any means necessary, but it wasn't enough to stop Yang Time. Thanks to one half of the Jung Dragons, The K-Nections had their backs against the wall right away. (0-2)

February 9th:
The Limitless were one win away from a sweep, and sent a very capable wrestler in Mortis to try and get it done. But the K-Nections sent out a great one of their own in Lance Storm, and after a tremendous main event, Lance got the tap out to keep the K-Nections alive. (1-2)

February 14th (Renaissance):
Melissa Anderson is one half of the tag champions, but she showed she can still get the job done on her own by making Daffney tap out here. After being behind 0-2, the K-Nections now pushed this series to a winner take all match between Bobby Roode and Kaz Hayashi at SuperBrawl. (2-2)

Show Summaries:

1/26:

Notes from this show:
-Johnny Parisi cheered up Lash Leroux about his ongoing divorce before the show, and the two wound up telling some great stories that entertained the rest of the boys.

-Minoru Tanaka was not at all happy about putting over Prince Devitt, but I didn't really care since it was his last show.

"The fans have never really connected with Minoru Tanaka. It's probably for the best that he's leaving." -The Unnatural

2/2:

Notes from this show:
-I guess Ric Flair felt that Petey Williams disrespected someone in some way, because he called him before the wrestler's court and told him to buy drinks for everybody after the show. Maybe Ric just wanted free drinks.

-I haven't actually re-signed Davey Boy Smith. He happened to be in town and stopped in for a visit, so I decided to throw him on TV for one night to let him interact with Harry in his newly heel role.

"I like Harry Smith. He's going to be good." -CM Punk

2/9:

Notes from this show:
-I don't really know all the details, but it sounds like Volador Jr. pulled off some kind of legendary prank that had everybody in the locker room laughing their butts off before the show. All I know is that it involved shaving cream, a cowboy hat and one of Ric Flair's old ring robes.

-Paul London's work on color during the Kendrick/Knoble title match left a lot to be desired, and he and Mike were awful together.

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: "The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. The Unnatural {©}

Ultimate Fan Series, Opening Round (#1 The Dead Jesters vs. #8 Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional): Christopher Daniels (Dead Jesters) vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. (Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional)

Ultimate Fan Series, Opening Round (#2 Rated R Superstars vs. #7 VIP Pass): Goldberg (RRS) vs. King Corino (VIP)

Ultimate Fan Series, Opening Round (#3 The Golden Company vs. #6 Uncrewed's Crew): TAKA (GC) vs. Matt Hardy (UC)

Ultimate Fan Series, Opening Round (#4 The K-Nections vs. #5 The Limitless): Bobby Roode (K-Nections) vs. Kaz Hayashi (Limitless)

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Eddie Guerrero

World Tag Team Championship: The Dangerous Alliance vs. True Heroes {©}

United States Heavyweight Championship: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam {©}
(If Styles doesn't win the title, he can never get another shot as long as RVD is champion)

World Television Championship: Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick {©}

UWA Welterweight Championship: Jamie Knoble vs. Great Sasuke {©}

What will be match of the night?

How many championships will change hands?

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

June 19, 2019

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.

June 19, 2019

I'm pretty sure Ibushi is the narrative. This has gotta be his year right? If the neck is good enough to go he's gotta win this thing right? Okada vs. Ibushi in the dome, you could do Omega vs. Jay White or something the first night of WK. The story writes itself.

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.

June 17, 2019

January Renaissance Update and February National Battle Report <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> <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;">January 2004 Update</div> -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. -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. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 1/17: <img alt="8OqKdul.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OqKdul.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -I've been told that Meiko Satomura and The Beautiful Nightmare seemed to be getting along really well backstage. -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. 1/24: <img alt="MriR9ES.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MriR9ES.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: "I know she's only working as enhancement right now, but I think Hailey Hatred could become pretty good." -Nattie Neidhart 1/31: <img alt="gJNiCon.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gJNiCon.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">National Battle Report: February 2004</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ebDwXEW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ebDwXEW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> USA</div> #1: <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (985 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (970) 3) CM Punk (799) 4) Rob Van Dam (758) 5) Mortis (748) Total Points: 4,260 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (830) 3) The Undertaker (810) 4) Triple H (806) 5) Big Show (754) Total Points: 4,200 </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ieBLbQ1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ieBLbQ1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> British Isles</div> #1: <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (985 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (973) 3) CM Punk (790) 4) Rob Van Dam (757) 5) Rey Mysterio Jr. (738) Total Points: 4,243 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (856) 3) Triple H (818) 4) The Undertaker (810) 5) Big Show (753) Total Points: 4,237</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1eeVS9d.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1eeVS9d.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Japan</div> #1: <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (985 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (950) 3) CM Punk (804) 4) Rey Mysterio Jr. (759) 5) Rob Van Dam (759) Total Points: 4,257 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (829) 3) The Undertaker (810) 4) Triple H (810) 5) Big Show (750) Total Points: 4,199 #3: http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg New Japan Pro Wrestling New Japan fell to Cult at the end of the month.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mUExTtD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mUExTtD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Europe</div> #1: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (838) 3) The Undertaker (810) 4) Triple H (808) 5) Big Show (754) Total Points: 4,210 #2: <img alt="FlfrjkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FlfrjkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (987 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (929) 3) CM Punk (786) 4) Rob Van Dam (749) 5) Rey Mysterio Jr. (732) Total Points: 4,183 </div></blockquote>

June 15, 2019

<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. I really want to see Moxley vs Minoru Suzuki real bad. Hope that happens in G1.</div></blockquote> 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.

June 13, 2019

UFS 2004 Preview 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." <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;">#1 The Dead Jesters, managed by Marshal Van Black (Dead_Jester): <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" />http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg</div> Round 1: Steve Austin Round 2: Eddie Guerrero Round 3: Akira Hokuto Round 4: Shane Douglas Round 5: Christopher Daniels </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#2 Rated R Superstars, managed by Rateddc: <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" />http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/5Xhxf90.jpg</div> Round 1: Bill Goldberg Round 2: AJ Styles Round 3: Meiko Satomura Round 4: Jamie Knoble Round 5: Fit Finlay</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#3 The Golden Company, managed by GingeyOne: http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/q5GmbOH.jpg<img alt="O9ealYT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O9ealYT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Round 1: The Unnatural Round 2: Manami Toyota Round 3: TAKA Round 4: Harry Smith Round 5: Kevin Steen</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#4 The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (K-Nection): <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" />http://i.imgur.com/OophliK.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="8I6oa2T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8I6oa2T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Round 1: CM Punk Round 2: Lance Storm Round 3: Melissa Anderson Round 4: Bobby Roode Round 5: Colt Cabana</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#5 The Limitless, managed by James Kato (James The Animator): <img alt="c5XJDHD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c5XJDHD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg<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" /></div> Round 1: Sean O'Haire Round 2: Mortis Round 3: Yang Round 4: Daffney Round 5: Kaz Hayashi</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#6 Uncrewed's Crew, managed by Mike Storm (Uncrewed): <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" />http://i.imgur.com/iVkKXFP.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg<img alt="VZZhIwN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZZhIwN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Round 1: Rob Van Dam Round 2: Matt Hardy Round 3: Aja Kong Round 4: Shane Helms Round 5: Paul London</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#7 VIP Pass, managed by JMike: <img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg<img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/VwQDgVe.jpg<img alt="IH9oFdP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IH9oFdP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Round 1: King Corino Round 2: The Destroyer Round 3: Brian Kendrick Round 4: Alexis Laree Round 5: Great Sasuke</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#8 Los Guerreros del Cielo Internacional, managed by Eddie Lopez (evileddie10): http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg<img alt="vtYAboC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vtYAboC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpg<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" /></div> Round 1: Rey Mysterio Jr. Round 2: Billy Kidman Round 3: Hayabusa Round 4: Chavo Guerrero Jr. Round 5: Momoe Nakanishi</div></blockquote> Who will win the 2004 Ultimate Fan Series? (Worth three points in the next prediction contest) BONUS: What promotion will Steve Austin sign with? (1 point) <hr noshade size=3> 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. <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" /> Dustin has been on a legendary run though!</div></blockquote> 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. <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> 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" /> 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.

June 12, 2019

January 2004: Post-Sin News and Hall of Champions <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">January 25th, 2004 London, England Post-Sin</div> 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. "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.</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5syC0e6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5syC0e6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg The Unnatural http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg Won: June 15th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Previous Champions (since March 2001): Rey Mysterio Jr.: December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days) Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days) Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (168 days) Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days) United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Rob Van Dam <img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: September 21st, 2003 from AJ Styles at War Games in Houston, Texas Previous Champions (since March 2001): AJ Styles: December 29th, 2002-September 21st, 2003 (266 days) Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days) Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days) Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days) Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days) Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days) Cruiserweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg TAKA (#2) http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg Won: December 28th, 2003 from Chavo Guerrero Jr. at Starrcade: The 20th Anniversary in Greensboro, North Carolina Previous Champions (since March 2001): Chavo Guerrero Jr. (#3): October 19th, 2003-December 28th, 2003 (70 days) Jamie Knoble: September 21st, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (28 days) Bryan Danielson (#2): April 20th, 2003-September 21st, 2003 (154 days) Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days) American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days) AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days) TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days) Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days) Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days) World Television Champion: <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Brian Kendrick <img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: January 19th, 2004 in a ten men battle royal for the vacant title at Sin in London, England Previous Champions (since July 2002): ((Hardy reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 1/19/04 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match)) Matt Hardy: October 19th, 2003-January 19th, 2004 (92 days) Bobby Roode: August 24th, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (56 days) ((O'Haire reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 7/21/03 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match)) Sean O'Haire: January 26th, 2003-July 21st, 2003 (176 days) Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days) World Tag Team Champions: http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk, #3 as a team) <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" /> Won: December 28th, 2003 from Mortis and The Destroyer at Starrcade: The 20th Anniversary in Greensboro, North Carolina Previous Champions (since March 2001): Salvation (Mortis, Alexander and The Destroyer): August 24th, 2003-December 28th, 2003 (126 days) Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams (#3 for Adams): June 15th, 2003-August 24th, 2003 (70 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (#2): December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) (#2): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days) The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days) ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May): <img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2003: Eddie Guerrero 2002: Diamond Dallas Page Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November): <img alt="305ySKD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/305ySKD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2003: Jeff Hardy 2002: Rey Mysterio Jr. 2001: Rob Van Dam </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Ultimate Fan Series 2003: Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson) 2002: The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes) 2001: The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright) 1989? Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers) </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Scores (out of a possible 11 points): BHK6: 11 bonnie: 10 Uncrewed: 9 Dead_Jester: 9 K-Nection: 9 Cro Cop Rules: 9 GingeyOne: 9 James The Animator: 9 Danny_H22: 8 WilburTrey: 8 franticloser: 8 DavidCorperial: 8 SagaJoestar: 8 Rateddc: 8 Wolfman84: 8 odan: 7 Satyr24: 7 kinnikuniverse: 7 DGenerationMC: 7 crackerjack: 7 Forrest01: 7 Nobby_McDonald: 7 Happy0wns: 7 JMike: 6 DHK1989: 6 ElectricX: 6 evileddie10: 6 sportsfanmas: 6 Kijar: 6 </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Standings in prediction contest after 2 shows: BHK6: 19 Dead_Jester: 16 K-Nection: 14 Cro Cop Rules: 14 JMike: 13 evileddie10: 13 WilburTrey: 13 franticloser: 13 Uncrewed: 13 bonnie: 13 DHK1989: 12 DGenerationMC: 12 Rateddc: 12 GingeyOne: 12 James The Animator: 12 Satyr24: 11 Danny_H22: 11 DavidCorperial: 11 Nobby_McDonald: 9 SagaJoestar: 8 Wolfman84: 8 odan: 7 kinnikuniverse: 7 crackerjack: 7 Forrest01: 7 Happy0wns: 7 ElectricX: 6 sportsfanmas: 6 Kijar: 6 CobheadJake: 6 deanohbk: 5</div></blockquote>

June 12, 2019

<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> 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. </div></blockquote> 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. 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.

June 11, 2019

January 25th, 2004: Sin <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" /> January 25th, 2004 From London, England Attendance: 33,000 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="2nqjRO5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2nqjRO5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: "Sin" by Stone Temple Pilots <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> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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... <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> "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes!" 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 74</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 10-Man Battle Royal: <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" />http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg<img alt="8I6oa2T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8I6oa2T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/5Xhxf90.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/a0mKYEd.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/J3M8Nhg.jpg<img alt="VZZhIwN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZZhIwN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg<img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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. 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! 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! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="6Q4ZNvd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Q4ZNvd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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. "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!" 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!" 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!" Tenay's announcing wasn't the greatest here, but it was still a home run of a segment. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Aguila and Volador Jr. vs. The Calgary Bulldogs http://i.imgur.com/lbbhIiU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1MyVk8f.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/q5GmbOH.jpg<img alt="mzXDs8i.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mzXDs8i.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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. 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. 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 79</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Kaz Hayashi (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. TAKA (w/Tammy Sytch){©} <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" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg<img alt="wZR2OGz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZR2OGz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 85</div> 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? 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 76</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/FIVYBul.jpg</div> 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!" <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> 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Hayabusa vs. Rob Van Dam (w/Paul Heyman) {©} http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<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" /></div> 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. 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 83</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="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> 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. 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 55</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg Made in Italy (w/Dawn Marie) vs. True Heroes {©} <img alt="wjcJIfQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wjcJIfQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/h1ELRYf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/racEiy5.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg%5D<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" /></div> 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. 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. 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. ...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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Shooting Stars (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. The Dangerous Alliance (w/Paul Heyman) <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" />http://i.imgur.com/0QMJTAT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<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" /></div> 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. 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 <a href="https://imgur.com/4M83Jrw" rel="external nofollow">the Cyclone.</a> <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 81</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> 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!" 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.... <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> "PRINCE Devitt!" 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. <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> 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!" 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..." <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> "BILL GOLDBERG!" Goldberg's face appeared on the video screen, and his message to Corino was short and sweet: "YOU'RE NEXT!" 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 83</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="9jPbDOB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9jPbDOB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4Hgahfk.jpg</div> 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 88</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#1 Contender's Match: "The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg </div> 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. 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. 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. <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> 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. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 92</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg Matt Hardy vs. The Unnatural {©} (w/Father Isaac) <img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> 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? 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. 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. 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. 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... twice... ...but Hardy kicked out! 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... two... .....THREE! ...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! 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... twice.. ...and a third time. It was an incredible effort and an unbelievable performance, but Matt Hardy came up just short. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: 97</div>

June 6, 2019

January 2004: Pre-Sin News and Notes <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">January 25th, 2003 London, England Hours before Sin</div> 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. 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. "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. "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." </div></blockquote> <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> 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. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/syuSRKH.jpg </div> 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. 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. 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. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/JO5PDMM.jpg </div> 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. <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="JMike" data-cite="JMike" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: 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</div></blockquote> 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. <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> Hey, nothing wrong with that! I'm guilty of the same, honestly; I fell really far behind on other diaries while I was away <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> General diary comments/questions/critiques: caught up again, and still loving this diary. if only reality could have been like this.</div></blockquote> 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.

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