Devilb0y

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Booker's Notes</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> You see what happens when the odds are even, Edd? The lesson here is that cheaters never prosper (I think). One week to go now until Total Mayhem, and I won't give too much away but there's going to be another big singles match next week.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Show Notes</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Those midcard segment ratings suck almost across the board, but it's because I'm using guys who are low overness in midcard feuds and is pretty much expected. I will persevere with sheer bloody-mindedness to get the likes of Blackfyre and Ernest Youngman over. The main event and the angles can more than cover the slack.<br /> <br /></li><li>Another disappointing match rating for Edd Stone. 69 just isn't good enough for someone whose overness is now in the mid 70s. He has proven to me at this point that he needs a talented worker in the ring with him to have a great match. This doesn't really change my plans with him <em>too much</em>, it just means that I need to be realistic about who he will face in future.</li></ul><p></p><p> </p><p> Seem to be stuck on 83 as a show rating at the moment (not that I'm complaining; it increases my overness which is all I can ask at the moment). Still, here's hoping we can bump that up in the next couple of shows (Total Mayhem especially!).</p><p> </p><p> Obviously this has gone up pretty early. As per usual we'll do the prediction scores tomorrow with the preview for next week, then a Saturday Night Showcase a few days after that. Onwards and upwards!</p>

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 3</span></strong></span></p><p> Iowa State Fayre, Mid West - 12’708</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="1U9n1C4.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1U9n1C4.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">(Pre Show)</p><p> <strong>Freddy Huggins (1-6-0) def Human Arsenal (2-5-1)</strong></p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> 67</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 15:50</div></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">(Pre Show)</p><p> <strong>American Ultra (10-2-0) def T-Bone Bright & Chance Fortune (0-0-0)</strong></p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> 50</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 10:11</div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="XNzD9RF.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XNzD9RF.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <span style="font-size:10px;"><em>"I know you want to see who would have won here tonight as much as I do...</em></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="2LXVBYN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2LXVBYN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <span style="font-size:10px;"><em>"Get the hell out of this arena! I still run The Syndicate, you hear me, Doc?”"</em></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="dvhucAf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dvhucAf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <span style="color:#8B0000;"><strong>Total Mayhem XXIV: The Clash In California</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#8B0000;"> The Wolf and The Dark Rock God square off</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="6VXuibm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6VXuibm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zuQGx1H1Qh8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Five Finger Death Punch - The Pride"></iframe></div></div> by Five Finger Death Punch</div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> As fireworks explode in sequence around the Iowa State Fayre arena particular attention is drawn to the enormous “Total Mayhem XXIV” sign which now hands to one side of the entrance ramp, ominously. We are two weeks out from the biggest show of the year and everyone in attendance, staff and fans alike, can feel the excitement building to a fever pitch. Not least out announce team for the evening of Shawn Doakes, Ernie Turner and Jasmine Saunders.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7kSPGz5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7kSPGz5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fzyOKYn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fzyOKYn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JagOiTz.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JagOiTz.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>SD:</strong> Hello and welcome, once again, to TCW Presents: Total Wrestling. We’re coming to you live from Des Moines and we’ve got a hell of a show in store for you tonight.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>JS:</strong> The Syndicate will look to prove that they’re all on the same page as they face off against Mighty Mo, Sammy Bach and Joshua Taylor. Doc Hammond and Wolf Hawkins in particular will be looking to turn in good performances there.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ET:</strong> And in a truly bone-headed move, they - and by “they” I mean “Wolf Hawkins” - have sidelined Rogue for this one. At least he’ll be at ringside.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>SD:</strong> I hope we’re going to see more about the mysterious figure who contacted Eddie Peak last week.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ET:</strong> Sure Blackfyre does too. He needs all the help he can get.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>JS:</strong> And if their barbs on social media this week are anything to go by, we may well be seeing a direct clash between our World Champion - Aaron Andrews - and the challenger for his</p><p> title - Jay Chord - here tonight.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>SD:</strong> I have a feeling you may be right, Jasmine. In fact, our champ is scheduled to talk to us right now. Don’t touch that dial, folks!</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ET:</strong> ...</div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Not one to stand on ceremony, the arena is rocked by the World Champion’s theme music the moment the announcers are done introducing the show.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5A97zG3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5A97zG3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/aflaAveflvU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Fire From The Gods - Right Now (Official Music Video)"></iframe></div></div> by Fire From The Gods</div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The Ace is in his in-ring gear and looks ready for anything, which is good, because most people in the arena know exactly who he’s about to call out. It’s hard to ignore the limp in his step and the athletic tape on his right shoulder as he makes his way down to the ring; there’s no doubt that Andrews is walking wounded at the moment after a series of gruelling encounters.</p><p> </p><p> He graciously accepts the applause from the crowd and waits a minute for them to settle down before launching into his promo.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>AA:</strong> So I got to thinking after my little chat with Chord last week. He talked about how he wouldn’t willingly give up an advantage just because I tried to goad him into it. Which is fair enough. Dude’s smarter than I gave him credit for, I’ll say that. But the thing is, I’m not just going to sit around and wait for all three of the Heritage to show up at Total Mayhem and make my match with Chord that much more difficult. I’m smart enough to know that I need to do something about that.</p><p> </p><p> So, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, Heritage: get your asses out here.</div></p><p> </p><p> There’s a long pause, one suspects deliberately stretched out to annoy the Ace, before Jay Chord’s music - and the unofficial theme of The Heritage - hits…</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="orQGI7Y.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/orQGI7Y.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="zgYJANV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zgYJANV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6XPcyNb.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6XPcyNb.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/w1YaNZcUPGc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Black Label Society"></iframe></div></div> by Black Label Society</div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> These three are working tonight too, and as they emerge out onto the stage in their ring gear with the matching Heritage knee pads and arm bands, they are laughing confidently.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>JC:</strong> Honestly, Andrews, this is getting kind of embarrassing. You’re worried that you’re going to lose at Total Mayhem and need to start making excuses for yourself. We get it. But talking about it EVERY show? It’s just desperate...</div></p><p> </p><p> The crowd boo that roundly.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>JC:</strong> It’s actually really sad.</div></p><p> </p><p> More boos, and The Heritage laugh among themselves.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>AA:</strong> Yeah, yeah, you guys are super confident and calculating, I get mad and make fun of your dad, you get angry and storm off, we’ve done this before. How about you shut up for a second and listen? I’m not talking to you tonight, Chord. I’m talking to <em>him</em>...</div></p><p> </p><p> Andrews points and the camera cuts from his finger to where he is pointing: straight at Edd Stone.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>AA:</strong> Got a proposition for you Stone. One I think you’re gonna like. We go at it tonight. If I win, you’re barred from ringside at Total Mayhem…</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ES:</strong> And what if I win?</div></p><p> </p><p> Stone notably grabbed the mic out of Jay’s hand to interrupt there and the crowd respond to the look of disdain that Chord shoots his Heritage team mate with a collective “Oooooooh”. The Ace grins wryly.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>AA:</strong> Thought you might say that. How about we make it for the title? Seems only fair; you didn’t lose clean at Where Angels Fear To Tread after all. You beat me, you’re a World Champion.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ES:</strong> You’re o...</div></p><p> </p><p> Chord snatches the mic back out of Stone’s hand and - although we can’t hear what the three are saying - it’s clear that Jay is trying to calm the Canadian Animal down. The discussion becomes more emphatic, bordering on aggressive until Chord eventually rolls his eyes and presses the mic into Stone’s chest before walking off.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>AA:</strong> I’m waiting for an answer, Edd. You and me, tonight. Title on the line.”</p><p> </p><p> <strong>ES:</strong> You’re on.</div></p><p> </p><p> Andrews grins and stares up at the two remaining members of The Heritage as Gauge attempts to pull Stone - who is grinning maliciously - backstage, presumably to patch things up with Chord.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 86</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> Well that was certainly more than we were expecting. Another title shot for Edd Stone tonight, so soon after the last one!</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> And there’ll be no escaping by getting his opponent DQed for Andrews this time. Stone is gonna finish the job tonight.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> The only one who’s gonna need to escape after tonight is Stone, escaping the wrath of Jay Chord for costing him one third of his advantage over Aaron Andrews.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="CYX2vF7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CYX2vF7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="VnFABmp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VnFABmp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1)</strong> </p><p> <strong>Koshiro Ino (2-1-0) vs Jeremie Courtney (0-3-0)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>Ino looks like he could rip a phone book in half</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> Jeremie Courtney has been something of a sacrificial lamb as of late and it once again proves to be an unsurprising result for him as Ino tosses him bodily around the ring for a couple of minutes, with Courtney getting in basically no offense, before he is whipped into the corner, staggers out and is spiked into the mat with an incredibly stiff Kobra’s Bite for the pinfall victory.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 51</strong></p><p> (Courtney: 33, Ino: 64)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 2:18</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Koshiro Ino via pinfall</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> Courtney really should stop answering Jack Bruce’s phone calls.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> Dude’s gotta eat. Anyway, I think Ino may have taken it easy on him there.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> If that was Ino taking it easy I don’t want to see him really opening up, and nor does Freddy Huggins, I imagine.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="AKLPPKc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AKLPPKc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ppctVM7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ppctVM7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vlZrD5T.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vlZrD5T.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="T1nxS5x.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/T1nxS5x.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="keLjUvy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/keLjUvy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="p2dVlnl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/p2dVlnl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Tag Match (3 vs 3)</strong> </p><p> <strong>Sammy Bach, Mighty Mo & Joshua Taylor (1-0-0) vs The Syndicate (Wolf Hawkins, Doc Hammond & Roderick Remus) w/ Rogue (0-0-0)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>Doc and Roderick look contrite, Rogue - quite notably - doesn’t.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> Sammy Bach and Mighty Mo both make no bones about the fact that they want to face Wolf Hawkins and Doc Hammond respectively, and the Syndicate play on this by rotating their legal man in and out, never giving the pair what they’re after, much to the annoyance of the fans. Roderick Remus at one point laughs at Mighty Mo as he blind tags Doc out of the match and then eats a massive lariat for his troubles.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>Joshua Taylor just about took Remus’ head off with that kick, but he’s not the legal man...</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> JT really comes into the match in the second-half and gets a chance to showcase his striking talent, as well as his all-round ability when given an opportunity to just cut loose, culminating in a moment where he flattens the “Real Deal” with a running front kick that looks like it may well have killed him. However, Remus isn’t actually legal and JT has been so caught up in his all-out offense that he hasn’t noticed Wolf regaining his feet behind him until too late as he eats a Full Moon Rising and is covered for the pin.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 82</strong></p><p> (Bach: 77, Doc: 66, JT: 72, Mo: 74, Remus: 59, Wolf: 89)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 19:53</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> The Syndicate via pinfall (Wolf Hawkins over Joshua Taylor)</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> A close-run thing there ends with wolf nailing that devastating running knee, he can finish you in an instant with that.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> As Sammy Bach will learn at Total Mayhem.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> I wouldn’t read too much into this result. I’m sure Mo and Bach won’t.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Mi8Yim3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Mi8Yim3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="icNm9Ke.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/icNm9Ke.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1)</strong> </p><p> <strong>John Blackfyre (4-1-0) vs Troy Tornado (2-4-0)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>Blackfyre needs to have eyes in his back here, he’s been stalking Eddie Peak, you can bet Peak is stalking him right back</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> If Blackfyre is concerned about the possible interference of Eddie Peak he doesn’t show it as he goes toe to toe with Troy Tornado, whose egomaniacal schtick makes for an interesting contrast with Blackfyre’s waifish, unkempt appearance. Troy plays up the fact he is disdainful of facing someone who looks the way the Man In Black does and this ultimately plays into the finish where Troy’s cockiness leads to him missing a diving clothesline, eating a superkick and then tapping out to the Gloomweaver Clutch.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 51</strong></p><p> (Blackfyre: 45, Troy: 56)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 9:50</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> John Blackfyre via submission</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> A huge win for Blackfyre there. Surely the biggest scalp he has taken so far in his fledgling career!</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> If he can beat Troy… honestly, I’d be a little worried if I were Peak...</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> You panicking, Ernie? Because I sure would be. Blackfyre is gunning for Peak, and whoever his friend is.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> As if on queue we cut to an underground parking lot where Eddie Peak is standing in a light grey hoodie stained in what looks like axel grease, waiting for someone - or something.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="z0jfV0p.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z0jfV0p.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The gentle hum of the night air and distant traffic is suddenly punctuated by the phone in Peak’s hand loudly vibrating. He looks down at the screen and the camera zoom in to reveal that he has received a message from an unknown number.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>”100 yard ahead of you. Behind the red sedan.”</em></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Peak sets off at a walk and the camera follows at a safe distance. He comes to a halt at the back wall of the parking lot, pressing his hand up against the concrete as he looks around for the red car mentioned in the text. Spotting it, he takes a few dozen paces to his right, to where the front of his head and torso are obscured by a supporting pillar. It becomes clear that he has seen someone the camera can’t, as he begins talking...</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>EP:</strong> You got a lot of nerve dragging me out here like this.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> Can’t risk being seen. Not yet. I’ve got some loose ends I need to tie up first.</div></p><p> </p><p> The voice is almost painfully gravelly. Like a 30-a-day smoker with a chest infection.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>EP:</strong> And I’m supposed to care about any of that? You better start marking sense, and fast, because I’ve got better things to do than freezing my ass off out here.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> You’re going to lose at Total Mayhem, Eddie. I can see it. The world can see it. You don’t have what it takes to be Blackfyre fairly.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>EP:</strong> Is that right?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> Yes.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>EP:</strong> And what exactly do you suggest I do about that?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> Beat him <em>unfairly</em>.</div></p><p> </p><p> Eddie can’t help but laugh, though he’s clearly still bristling at the suggestion that he can’t get the job done on his own.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>EP:</strong> And that’s where you come in?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> Got it in one.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>EP:</strong> And why me? To what do I owe the privilege?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>???:</strong> Blackfyre’s not the only agent of chaos around here.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>EP:</strong> So what’s the plan? Goddamit, don’t just walk away from me… you son of a...</div></p><p> </p><p> Peak takes a few paces forward and then stops. The camera follows him, looping around the pillar to follow his gaze just in time to see - through the shadows - the outline of a hulking figure pacing out of the parking lot.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 64</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> Who - or what - the hell was that?</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> You were talking about panicking?</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> Whoever that is, Blackfyre will need to watch his back. He looked in fine form here tonight, but I still don’t like his chances against these odds.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Hlk4HIh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Hlk4HIh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Mwb4vYq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Mwb4vYq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="W6p8Lna.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6p8Lna.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="E2J8wyf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E2J8wyf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="c92qrSW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c92qrSW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KZaDumk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KZaDumk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Tag Match (3 vs 3)</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ernest Youngman & The Elite (0-0-0) vs One Man Army, Tana The Mighty & Benny Benson (0-0-0)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>Youngman looking like he fits right in alongside the technical excellence of The Elite, which probably annoys them</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> The story of this match is clear from the offset: that Ernest Youngman is a rising star and this is an opportunity for him to be showcased alongside some veteran talent. Although his involvement is limited, it is telling that he is given several spots to looking strong including one where Benson sells Youngman’s signature ankle lock like his leg is about to be snapped and half. Eventually, however, One Man Army is able to rally, hits a Guided Missile on Eddie Chandler for the victory.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 63</strong></p><p> (Benson: 59, Chandler: 50, Johnson: 54, One Man Army: 68, Tana: 57, Youngman: 50)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 10:05</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> One Man Army, Tana The Mighty & Benny Benson via pinfall (One Man Army over Eddie Chandler)</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> One Man Army gets his team a definitive victory there, but if rumours are to be believed Ernest Youngman has some powerful groups looking at him at the moment...</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> And he has done his case no harm at all with this performance</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> Dude’s got it all in his locker; he’s got “Big Deal” written all over him.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> After a short ad break we are taken backstage where Haley Buck is standing ready to conduct an interview with Masked Patriot.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PeSGow6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PeSGow6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Patriot isn’t wrestling tonight but is still wearing his star-spangled tights along with a stringer vest that shows off his muscular and almost worryingly baby-oiled physique.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>HB:</strong> Patriot, thanks for taking the time. Your war with The 1% has run on for several weeks now. How do you see this ending?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> Haley, I really don’t like the word “War”. It implies a certain animosity that I simply don’t feel exists between those 1% boys and myself.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>HB:</strong> You… don’t believe there is any animosity between The 1% and you?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> None whatsoever!</p><p> </p><p> <strong>HB:</strong> And have you asked them that?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> Oh I don’t think that’s really necessary. We have so much in common. We all like eating healthy, cheering for the home team and I have a <em>sneaking suspicion</em> that Nelson Callum may be as partial to a slice of apple pie as I am.</div></p><p> </p><p> Buck seems at a loss for words and takes several seconds to respond.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>HB:</strong> ...quite. Well, where do you see this… <em>friendly rivalry</em> going from here?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> To Total Mayhem XXIV of course! They’ve won won. I’ve won one. It only makes sense for us to go at it one more time to see who the better man is.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>HB:</strong> So… which one? Or do you plan on fighting all four of them this time?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> Well Nelson Callum of course. We’ve not faced each other before and I like the cut of that young man’s jib.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>HB:</strong> Alright I’m just not even going to try and unpack that one. Just so we’re clear, you’re officially offering to face Nelson Callum at Total Mayhem to settle the score between The 1% and yourself?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MP:</strong> Well there isn’t a score to settle, but yes, that’s about the size of it.</div></p><p> </p><p> Haley Buck breathes a sigh of relief and turns to face the camera, her eyes indicating that she is desperate for the interview to end. Patriot, meanwhile, flashes his a grin and throws a thumbs up to the camera as it fades to black.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 57</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> An open challenge to The 1% has been issued by Masked Patriot. Surely they will accept?</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> And bring the full weight of the stable down on him, I reckon. He’s really not all there.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> What the Patriot lacks in brains he makes up for in enthusiasm and muscles!</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="zgYJANV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zgYJANV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="B6vWclZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B6vWclZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1)</strong> </p><p> <strong>Greg Gauge (5-4-0) vs Chris Caulfield (DEBUT)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>Chris Caulfied is a veteran of the squared circle with enough experience to fill two careers, but Greg Gauge is Greg Gauge.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> The Hardcore American’s TCW debut doesn’t exactly go as planned. His entrance is met with enthusiastic cheers from the fans in attendance and he begins the match showing his usual blend of bluster and toughness, but ultimately the difference in fitness begins to show. Caulfield’s age catches up with him and Gauge begins to run rings around him with some bruising strikes that Caulfield does his best to tough out. However there is nothing he can do but tap out when Gauge sweeps his legs out from under him and hits the Proton Lock.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 44</strong></p><p> (Caulfield: 37, Gauge: 62)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 3:25</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Greg Gauge via submission</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> Welcome to TCW, Caulfield. Don’t bother unpacking your bag, you won’t be here long.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> An unbelievable lack of respect for an absolute legend in our business from Ernie there.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> Be that as it may, that Legend just tapped out to Greg Gauge in under five minutes.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Gauge’s theme song can still be heard booming around the arena as the camera cuts to an office backstage where Jack Bruce is on the phone.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="unZYIMj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/unZYIMj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> He’s in a light blue suit and looks to be conducting a fairly casual conversation given the jovial expression on his face.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>JB:</strong> Yeah, Gauge is just finishing up now…</p><p> </p><p> ...nah, Lau can’t compete till the end of the month. You know that, we’ve been over this already…</p><p> </p><p> ...man, I honestly can’t wait to see you. This place has been crying out for someone like you, and your boy…</p><p> </p><p> ...Yeah…</p><p> </p><p> ...Yeah I’ll make sure you have the run of the place, don’t worry about that. Just remember what I said: you gotta keep him <em>focused</em> on those Heritage boys. It’s apparently not legal for me to put that in a contract, but if you go back on this I’ll be pissed…</p><p> </p><p> ...Yeah…</p><p> </p><p> ...Okay, I’ll see you round home slice.</div></p><p> </p><p> He hangs up the phone and reclines in his leather chair with his hands behind his head, looking awful pleased with himself.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 95</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> What on earth was that about?</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> Bruce is scheming is what’s up. He has been outplayed by The Heritage and so has to go under the table to weaken their position.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> That may be true, but who was he going under the table with?</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="w3ZSY4k.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w3ZSY4k.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>World Heavyweight Title</strong></p><p> <img alt="6XPcyNb.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6XPcyNb.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">VS</span></strong> <img alt="5A97zG3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5A97zG3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1)</strong> </p><p> <strong>Edd Stone w/ Jay Chord & Greg Gauge (4-4-1) vs Aaron Andrews (6-1-0) © (9th Defence)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><em>The Heritage turned up in force, but it looks like Andrews put out a call of his own...</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> As Stone and Andrews stand across the ring from one another the announcers remark on the fact that the Ace doesn’t look overly concerned with both members of The Heritage being in Stone’s corner. It soon becomes clear why…</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="6ibAGCD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ibAGCD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BsFOSnh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BsFOSnh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ZQ8itDYP6HU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Black Stone Cherry - White Trash Millionaire [OFFICIAL VIDEO]"></iframe></div></div> by Black Stone Cherry</div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> ...as the World Tag Team Champions - The Roughnecks - swagger down to the ring looking like they’re a few beers deep and spoiling for a fight with Edd Stone, Greg Gauge or anyone who gets in their way. Jay Chord is furious, but chief referee Ray Johnson is having none of it.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>Stone having to do some rapid recalculations here. He expected to have a numbers advantage. What now kid!?</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> The 24 Hour Party Animal feels like he’s caught between two ideas - trying to win his first World Title and sticking to the obvious game plan of punishing Andrews as much as possible - and he does neither well. With The Roughnecks patrolling the ringside area to keep his Heritage stable mates in check, Stone is subjected to a sequence of German Suplexes from the Ace and looks to be out on his feet after a rasping forearm crashes into his neck.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>The Heritage are making their move, and things are getting really hairy in that ring right now.</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> It was only a matter of time until Chord and Gauge made their presence felt and it comes as the Ace looks set to finish Stone off after hitting him with a Gut Check and signalling for the Into The Blue. Chord jumps on the apron and tries to distract Ray Johnson while Gauge hits the ring, but Andrews drops him with a DDT and pushes him out of the ring, at which point The Roughnecks open up on both men with the ringside area descending into chaos. Stone has recovered just enough to try hitting a reverse DDT on the semi-distracted Andrews who is able to counter it into a go-behind and another German Suplex, and while the brawl continues on the outside he hits the Into The Blue and covers Stone for the win.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 81</strong></p><p> (Ace: 85, Stone: 69)</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 24:27</p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Aaron Andrews via pinfall</p><p> </p><p> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Ymc7HJr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ymc7HJr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em><strong>ET:</strong></em><em> Aaron Andrews should be stripped of that damned title for flagrantly abusing the rules by getting The Roughnecks out here to help him out!</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>JS:</strong></em><em> Funny how neither you nor the Heritage seem to like it when their own tactics are used against them.</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>SD:</strong></em><em> Edd Stone has lost this match, he must be absent from ringside at Total Mayhem and Aaron Andrews’ chances of retaining have now gotten that much brighter! We’ll see you next week at Total Wrestling; good night everybody!</em></p></div><p></p><p></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Overall Show Rating:</strong></span></span><strong> 83</strong></p></div><p></p><p></div></p>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #295D83; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Saturday Night Showcase is TCW's exciting new show, giving their talent - both young and old - an opportunity to showcase their skills on the largest platform in the world. Whether they are attempting to gain some momentum for a title run or make a name for themselves... Saturday Nights Are Alright For Fighting. </div> TCW Presents Saturday Night Showcase - May 2020, Week 2 Pennsylvania Park, Tri State - 2,000 (SELLOUT) by Solence <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Rich & Famous (6-5-0) def Danny Fonzarelli & Bart Biggins Rating: 52 Length: 9:45</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Rich & Famous (7-5-0) def Bart Biggins & Benny Benson (0-0-0) Rating: 55 Length: 10:10</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Davis Wayne Newton (0-2-0) def Flying Jimmy Foxx (0-2-0) Rating: 50 Length: 9:47</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">As has become a recent tradition on Saturday Night Showcase, a pre-recorded promo package from John Blackfyre plays. It's material we haven't heard before, even if it's saying a lot of the same kinds of things we've heard from him in the past. Largely about Eddie Peak. Rating: 52</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Nelson Callum (2-2-0) def Human Arsenal (2-4-1) Rating: 56 Length: 9:57</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Masked Patriot (2-2-0) def Eddie Chandler (0-1-0) Rating: 53 Length: 16:14</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Overall Show Rating: 53 </div>

Another week of results in the books, and this time we have a winner by default . Although let that take nothing away from their performance as, with a clean sweep of correct predictions eayragt has done a phenomenal job of seeing all of my carefully planned-out booking decisions coming . I'm particularly impressed you called the Sammy Bach and Syndicate victories. Those were the toughest ones to get and you nailed both! eayragt: 7/7 Congratulations are due for another strong week! You're now in a commanding position for the worker profile at the end of the month. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> This Month Prediction Scores: eayragt: 2 Overall Running Prediction Scores: christmas_ape: 11 DarEatWorld: 1 eayragt: 7 Herrbear: 2 kanegan: 2 KnowYourEnemy: 1 Sco xY2Jx: 1 TJ94: 2 Xendarii: 7</div>

Awesome, thank you for checking it out again! I do love a stable, it must be said. And The Syndicate badly needed a rework from the games start with 3 out of the 4 members in their 40s (though luckily Doc isn't in time decline yet). Keep an eye out for other new members in the near future...

Preview: TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 3 (to be posted by 15/08/2020) We're now half-way to Total Mayhem XXIV and Total Wrestling is set to drill down on the real money-making feud of that show: Aaron "Ace" Andrews defending his World Heavyweight Title against Jay Chord. But up and down the card are matches which are building to their own storylines. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> World Heavyweight Title Match Edd Stone w/ Greg Gauge & Jay Chord vs Aaron Andrews © Tale of the Tape: Stone gets a re-match at the World Title on the proviso that, should Andrews win, he will be barred from ringside when he faces Jay Chord at Total Mayhem. But if he thinks The Heritage are going to leave him alone during this match then he surely has another thing coming. Greg Gauge vs Chris Caulfield Tale of the Tape: Gauge looks to warm up for his Total Mayhem International Title match by taking on the veteran brawler Chris Caulfield in his TCW debut. Ernest Youngman & The Elite vs One Man Army, Tana the Mighty and Benny Benson Tale of the Tape: Benson, Tana and OMA have been out of sorts recently and will look to bounce back in this multi-man against the in-form Youngman and the former Syndicate members: The Elite. John Blackfyre vs Troy Tornado Tale of the Tape: Blackfyre makes his first in-ring appearance since losing to Wolf Hawkins last month as he takes on the egomaniacal Troy Tornado, easily one of the toughest opponents his has faced thus far in his budding career. Sammy Bach, Mighty Mo and Joshua Taylor vs The Syndicate (Wolf Hawkins, Doc Hammond and Roderick Remus) w/ Rogue Tale of the Tape: Rogue is sidelined for this one after costing Wolf his singles match with Sammy Bach last week. In the ring Bach and Wolf will be looking to take each other's measure as they build to a rubber match at Total Mayhem, meanwhile Mighty Mo will be looking to score a victory over Doc Hammond to make a point about their upcoming #1 Contenders match. Koshiro Ino vs Jeremie Courtney Tale of the Tape: Ino looks to bounce back from a loss to Jay Chord, and Jeremie Courtney is the unfortunate soul in his way. (Pre Show) American Ultra vs T-Bone Bright and Chance Fortune Tale of the Tape: American Ultra continue to gain a groundswell of popularity behind strong performances in dark matches and will look to maintain that here. (Pre Show) Human Arsenal vs Freddy Huggins w/ Laura Catherine Huggins & Killer Shark Tale of the Tape: Freddy Huggins has looked more like his old self in recent weeks and - with the addition of Killer Shark to his entourage - feels safe from Koshiro Ino. But is that all a smokescreen? And will he be able to focus enough to put Human Arsenal down for the count?</div>

Booker's Notes We're half-way to Total Mayhem, which is kind of nuts in and of itself, and we have pretty much all of our big matches at least booked and give a segment to help build it. Total Mayhem is a really long show and finding the time to promote all of the storylines I want to do for it is proving tough, but we shall endeavour to get there! Show Notes I don't love giving away singles matches for free that I'm then going to repeat on a PPV, but with a non-clean finish we at least have something left to see out of Bach vs Hawkins. I have high, high hopes for this one. And I'm really enjoying sowing some seeds of dissent in The Syndicate. I've always loved Rogue and he's great at playing a guy who just comes in and disrupts stuff. Peak and Blackfyre continue to be my outlet for doing weird stuff, with another - as of yet unamed - person now involved. More from that soon. Gauge and Lau are so legit as workers that I have a feeling their match may steal the show. We'll see. I'm starting to get a sense for Gauge's character which should hopefully make for some good angles going forward. Chord vs Andrews is the obvious main event of Total Mayhem. So obvious that I'm not promoting it as much as I probably should. I'll be looking to rectify that by making it the focus of the next few shows. Keep an eye out for the prediction scores tomorrow, followed by the Total Wrestling Preview and Saturday Night Showcase later in the week!

TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 2 Isaak Road Arena, Mid Atlantic - 12’896 <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">(Pre Show) Ernest Youngman, Troy Tornado & Marc Speed def Bart Biggins, Elliot Thomas & Dean Daniels Rating: 57 Length: 10:09</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> The Ace: Passion and Fire "...that’s an ‘L’ you can’t afford to take right now..." “I’ll live with that risk.” The Heritage: Pressure Makes Diamonds "You’ve forgotten what it’s like to scratch and claw and grind for everything you have" Total Mayhem XXIV: The Clash In California Chord and the Ace for the World Title <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> by Five Finger Death Punch TCW’s recent - and much-touted- success in the ratings and viewer numbers is on display tonight as they move from their usual ten thousand seater arenas into a bigger class of venue, and despite not being sold out the extra thousands of fans certainly make their voices heard as the camera swoops across them to open the show while our announce team of Shawn Doakes, Ernie Turner and Jasmine Saunders run down tonight’s action. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">SD: Hello and welcome to TCW Presents Total Wrestling! The best dang wrestling in the world today! ET: “Dang”?! SD: Last week saw some truly momentous events unfold. “The King of Forward Thinking” Rogue made an appearance on TCW TV and agreed to join The Syndicate, much to Wolf Hawkins dismay. And there is every possibility that we will see this new-look stable tonight as Wolf takes on Sammy Bach in singles action for our main event. ET: He’s seriously not going to address using the word, “Dang”? Jasmine? How do you feel about this? JS: And of course we saw the re-instatement of the International Title last week, with Mikey Lau and Greg Gauge agreeing to face one another for the belt at Total Mayhem XXIV. Word has it that Jack Bruce actually has the new belt - fully re-designed - in the building tonight. ET: I guess not. Both of you seem to be glossing over the fact that both The Syndicate and The Heritage are now operating from positions of obvious strength in these disputes. Lau has always been a loner and that’ll cost him at Total Mayhem, and Bach’s allies are all too busy to help him against The Syndicate. JS: That would normally be true, except that in tonight’s case those allies of Bach will be in action against the remaining members of the Syndicate; Andrews, Mo and Hocking look to put down the new-look faction as they face Rogue, Doc Hammond and Roderick Remus. ET: ... SD: And while we know that The Heritage will receive a shot at the World Tag Team titles at Total Mayhem, the Roughnecks will tonight be looking to make sure they are the ones to defend the titles in that match as they face Rich & Famous with the belts on the line. It’s all action tonight folks so strap yourselves in!</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> He was absent from the show last week - recovering from the injuries The Heritage dealt him at Where Angels Fear To Tread - so the crowd are over-joyed to hear the familiar theme song of the World Champion to open the show... by Fire From The Gods Aaron Andrews strides confidently out onto the stage in his ring gear - white and red tights, white boots and taped fists and forearms - looking like he is ready for anything. But despite his outwardly positive appearance the sharp-eyed among the fans can clearly tell that he is carrying significant injuries in the vaguely-concealed limp to his step, the nasty lookin cut above his right eye and a general fatigued expression on his face. Nonetheless he smiles and high fives fans as he proceeds down the ramp before calling for quiet as he steps into the ring. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">AA: Dude, I fell asleep in my hotel room the night after Where Angels Fear To Tread and slept through like 7 alarms, I’m so embarrassed. Seems like you guys missed me last week.</div> The crowd cheer. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">AA: So… Jay Chord...</div> That’s all it takes to get the crowd to angrily boo these days. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">AA: Let’s be real; I’ve not done a good job of putting my money where my mouth is when it comes to Chord. So far. He beat me a few weeks ago on TV and every time I seem to turn my back on him he’s there with his two attack dogs ready to take advantage. I’m getting kind of sick of it to be honest. And the single worst thing about all three of those guys is that they carry themselves around backstage like they’ve actually done something. Ooooh, you made the World Champion bleed a couple of times and lost a match by DQ because you didn’t think you could win - yeah, Stone, I’m talking to you - how impressive. Someone call the Hall of Fame to reserve your spots.</div> The Ace shifts his weight from one leg to the other and visibly winces which pulls the crowds laughter and cheers up short. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">AA: Am I at 100%? No sense in lying. Of course I’m not. But The Heritage are crazy if they think that they’re the first guys to come up with the idea of trying to chip away at me before a big match. I can’t even remember the last time I WAS at 100% to tell you the truth. And do you know the really sad thing about those guys? Chord CAN beat me. I’m not gonna sugar-coat it. He did it two weeks ago. There is a chance, albeit a small one, that he can win against me. Yeah, I had my mind on my title match and yeah, his Heritage buddies still showed up and distracted me, but Chord has the god-given talent to exist at the top of this business. But instead of actually working for it all three of them just want to take shortcuts. They talk about grinding to get what they’ve got, that their names made things harder for them but we all know that’s a bunch of bulls***. Those names weigh as much or as little as you want them to, Chord, and the positives more than outweighed the negatives...</div> Andrews is cut off by a theme song which surprises no one in the arena. The Heritage have heard enough. by Black Label Society All three men walk out onto the stage in their ring gear with smug, insufferable looks on their faces. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: Andrews, for someone who has managed to hold a World Title for the better part of a year you sure have a habit of making excuses for yourself. “Poor me, poor me, I hurt my little leg and now I’m worried I’m gonna lose to Jay AGAIN”... AA: Man, you’re talking a lot for someone stood with his two buddies on the other side of the building. Why don’t you come down here to talk to me? Alone, preferably but bring those two jackasses as well if they also want to get smacked in the mouth.</div> Chord looks around at Edd Stone and Greg Gauge and all three laugh. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: That’s kinda the thing with you, Andrews, you’re not as smart as you think you are. You think you can goad me into giving up an advantage in the name of what? Pride? Psshtt. My pride will come from standing over your broken body at Total Mayhem with the World Heavyweight Title in my hand. Until then I’ll continue to operate from a position of strength and you…</div> He gestures down at Andrews in the ring and pauses, making a face which suggests that he is struggling to come up with a description for how the Ace operates. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: ...will continue to be the guy who stumbled into the World Title by being in the right place at the right time. The guy who can’t actually stand up to the kind of brains and talent that it takes to exist in this rarified air. It’s a hard lesson, Ace. I get it. And you’re starting to learn it already. AA: You’ve got a lesson of your own to learn to jumped-up daddy’s boy - where is Rip by the way? I notice he hasn’t even acknowledged your “success”...</div> Chord bristles, his eyes going white-hot with rage, but doesn’t move. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">AA: ..that having powerful friends will only get you so far in this business. If you don’t have THEM - the fans - on your side, if you don’t have the heart to stand and fight when the odds look like they might not be in your favour, then all you’ll be is a quickly-forgotten memory. A fragment of your dad’s shadow, and not a particularly big one. Now unless you boys wanna hit the ring I suggest you get out of here. I’ll see you at Total Mayhem, Chord.</div> The Heritage exchange another glance with Gauge and Stone cautiously trying to calm down Chord, who is clearly furious. The show goes to an ad break with a split screen of Andrews and Chord, contrasting their faces. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 95 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: Some real fire in the champ’s belly there. He has his sights set on Chord and appears to have found a way to get under his skin. ET: That’s all water off a duck’s back. And let’s not forget that Chord will have the numbers in his favour. JS: Assuming Stone and Gauge can still contribute anything after facing The Roughnecks AND Mikey Lau in one night. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> World Tag Team Titles VS Standard Tag Match (2 vs 2) Rich & Famous w/ Nelson Callum (7-4-0) vs The Roughnecks (4-1-0) © (4th Defence) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rich & Famous have the bodies, but do they actually have the toughness to get this done? </div> The Roughnecks get things started like they have a point to prove after their loss to The Heritage, using their size and strength to over-power Rich & Famous, who seem to be spending most of their time going between muscle poses and remonstrating with Nelson Callum at ringside; the name “Masked Patriot” is exchanged between them more than once. The 1% are classic heels and spend much of the match cheating to get ahead but are eventually caught with a Dead Hand to Jake Idol from Marshall Dillon which is enough to put them away. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 62 (Diamond: 57, Dillon: 62, Idol: 55, Jackpot: 47) Length: 9:51 Winner: The Roughnecks via pinfall (Marshall Dillon over Jake Idol) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Godammit. The 1% need to get their minds off of the Patriot and onto these kinds of opportunities. SD: The Roughnecks make a emphatic defense of their titles here; they’ll be looking forward to a match with The Heritage with renewed confidence now. JS: Greg Gauge might be re-considering his decision to pull double duty at Total Mayhem after this, </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) T-Bone Bright (1-2-1) vs Freddy Huggins w/ Laura Catherine Huggins (2-6-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Oh are you here from one of those fan competitions? “Be a wrestler for a day” or something? </div> T-Bone Bright is 260lbs of pure muscle and is presented as a threat despite his inexperience, but it’s clear from the outset that Freddy has his number and is effectively toying with him. There are similarities between the in-ring style of T-Bone and Koshiro Ino which the commentary team draw attention to, particularly when Huggins begins to dominate. Bright at one point is goaded into charging into the corner, Huggins catches him in a victory roll for a near fall and then nails a springboard knee to drop his opponent, followed by the Huggins Kiss for the win. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 65 (Bright: 52, Huggins: 67) Length: 9:59 Winner: Freddy Huggins via pinfall <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: That might be a record time for a win! Under a minute, wow! ET: That knee isn’t looking too great though. And you can bet Doc is watching and has made a note of it. JS: It pains me to agree with Ernie, but it’s true: Mo looked imperious here but there’s no doubt that Doc will be able to exploit that injury. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> Once the ring is cleared of wrestlers, a plinth is placed in its centre by a couple of ring-hands and a few minutes later the GM’s music hits... by Motley Crue Jack Bruce emerges in a suit with what is clearly a belt under his arm, draped in a red velvet sheet to conceal it. He has a typically wry smile on his face, clearly enjoying the fact that he gets to be the centre of attention again. He enters the ring, places the concealed belt on the plinth and is handed a microphone. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: You guys figured out what’s underneath the sheet huh? Can’t get anything past you. </div> The crowd cheer for themselves, which makes Bruce laugh. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Alright, alright, we all know how this goes. I’m not gonna delay any longer. Ladies and gentlemen: the International Title is in the building. It’s been away for a while, but it’s back. Look at the men who have held this belt and you can see why it is regarded as one of the most prestigious titles in North America. Troy Tornado, Rick Law and Rocky Golden...</div> The crowd erupt into boos, especially for Rocky Golden. Bruce acknowledges the response and holds up a hand. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Not all of them were popular, clearly. But what about Sam Keith?</div> The boos turn to cheers. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: And it’s not just former guys who rate this belt highly. Aaron Andrews, Joshua Taylor, Wolf Hawkins and Mighty Mo have all held this belt. Ask any man back there what they think of it and they will tell you that to hold it is a dream. And for one of Greg Gauge and Mikey Lau at Total Mayhem; that dream will be coming true. So, without further ado, I want the competitors out here to witness this.</div> by Dance With The Dead Gauge is the first to answer the summons, walking down to the ring in his navy trunks and kickpads. But the fans don’t need to wait long… by In This Moment Lau emerges through the smoke and flashing lights on stage in a black hoodie, looking like he has just come from a training session. He doesn’t take his eyes off of Gauge as he prowls down the ramp and enters the ring himself. After a minute of tense silence Jack Bruce continues… <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Gauge, Lau, I’m not asking you to like one another, but you WILL honour the legacy of this title. I have no doubt you will have a hell of a match; think of this as an opportunity to put your mark on the company. This is a career-making match, gentlemen…</div> Gauge suddenly snatches the microphone from Bruce’s hand and shoves him to one side before advancing on Lau. The two stand almost nose-to-nose. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">GG: I already have a career, Bruce. I’ve already put my mark on this company. The fact you can’t see that is embarrassing. This isn’t about me. This is about him...</div> Lau shifts his weight gently from one foot to another, swaying from side to side as he stares a hole through Gauge. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">GG: You got the jump on me at Where Angels Fear To Tread. Not many men can say they’ve put me down. I’ll give you that. But you made a powerful enemy that day, Lau. Wherever you are, that’s where I’m gonna be. I’ll haunt your steps every moment that you’re in this company, until you go back where you came from. Understand?</div> Lau’s face creases into a humourless grin and he presses his forehead against Gauge’s, who eventually pulls back, ushered by Jack Bruce who gets between the two men before the situation can escalate. With a new mic in hand, he attempts to maintain some decorum. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Jesus christ, alright you two. Enough. Here’s what you’ll be fighting for; half some goddamn respect...</div> Bruce pulls the sheet off of the new International Title but the pomp of the situation has been overshadowed by the tension between Gauge and Lau… …and if it wasn’t already obvious that these two despise each other then the fact that neither even spares a glance at the title is confirmation. Between them, Bruce sighs and gathers up the belt. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Wait until Total Mayhem, boys. Save it. Alright? Don’t make me call security.</div> Lau’s grin drops and he turns his back on Gauge to exit the ring. The son of Sam Keith storms across the ring and looks like he is planning to attack Lau from behind, but Lau spins, ready to fight, and both men freeze. Gauge smirks and Lau mouths “Next time” before leaving. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 83 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: I don’t even know how you sneak up on someone with the reflexes of Mikey Lau JS: You don’t. Not if you value your teeth. ET: Gauge is more fired up than I’ve seen him in months, I wouldn’t write him off either. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Joshua Taylor (6-6-1) vs Jeremie Courtney (0-2-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Fans online want to know who Joshua Taylor’s opponent at Total Mayhem is going to be. The real question - based on this - is: who would want to be? </div> Jeremie Courtney is well established as a jobber at this point and the match plays out exactly as the fans expect it to, with JT getting in his big moves - including a series of Dragon Screws and his new “Destiny” finisher - before putting Courtney down with the Butterfly Lock. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 50 (Courtney: 31, JT: 65) Length: 1:43 Winner: Joshua Taylor via submission <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: That’s two strong performances in two weeks from JT now. He’s building momentum for Total Mayhem ET: Momentum only means something if you have a match. JT doesn’t, so he should just stay home. JS: I’ll let you be the one to tell JT that he isn’t booked on a Total Mayhem card, Ernie. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> The camera feed cuts to what appears to be a pre-recorded segment as we see Eddie Peak relaxing in a bar. He is slumped across the table in a dimly lit booth and appears to be several beers deep already. He is talking - or, more accurately - shouting - to himself. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">EP: Why would I even be scared of him? Just a kid in a trenchcoat. I give zero sh**s about Blackfyre. People just keep asking about it.</div> The camera dolly’s forward to the point where Peak’s head and upper body fill most of the screen. Then, a voice comes from off-screen, gravelly and rasping. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">???:: ‘Nother drink, Eddie? EP: Who said that?</div> Eddie’s head lolls from one side to the other. He’s clearly worse for wear but his still has those shark eyes, looking for prey, hinting at the violence he is capable of. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">???:: I need your help. And you could do with mine. There’s a phone number in the booth behind you. Call it. EP: Why?</div> Peak gets no response and eventually stands up and walks around to the clearly empty booth behind him. There is no sign of the source of the voice, only a scrappy piece of paper with a phone number written on it in dark marker. Peak flips the paper to reveal a symbol… He doesn’t seem to know what to make of it, and the camera fades to black. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 54 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: The hell was that? JS: I don’t think Peak knows. I definitely don’t. SD: Could the scales be shifting back in Subject Zero’s favour now? How will Blackfyre take the appearance of Peak’s mysterious ally? </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Tag Match (3 vs 3) The Heritage (1-0-1) vs Tana the Mighty, Fro Sure & Jackson Laine (0-0-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">The Heritage are treating this as a warm-up match, and it shows </div> Tana the Mighty hasn’t been seen on TV since he and Mighty Mo dropped the World Tag Titles and he appears to have used the break to sharpen up as he gets some nice offense in to start things off. He is able to force all three members of the Heritage to retreat from the ring and collect themselves before continuing on, clearly surprised at the staunch opposition he is providing. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> The lack of maturity in these young men’s performances shouldn’t distract from their promise </div> Eventually Fro Sure and Jackson Laine’s relative lack of experience at this level is exposed and The Heritage zero in on these weaker members of the team rather than continuing to battle against the resurgent Tana the Mighty. The end result being that Tana is distracted on the outside by Edd Stone while Jay Chord puts Fro Sure down with a Cradle Piledriver. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 76 (Chord: 82, Fro: 57, Gauge: 83, Jackson: 51, Stone: 74, Tana: 57) Length: 10:16 Winner: The Heritage via pinfall (Jay Chord over Fro Sure) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: A strong showing from Tana there, but ultimately not enough to knock off The Heritage. ET: You say that like there was ever any doubt. JS: Beating them is looking decidedly tough at the moment, I have to be honest. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> After a short advertisement break we return to a rolling shot of a corridor backstage where Freddy Huggins is walking in his usual red crushed velvet ring gear. He looks decidedly pleased with himself - presumably after his victory tonight. His sister Laura and Killer Shark follow in his wake, really completing the image of a celebrity entourage. Suddenly his phone rings. We say “his” phone, but it is Laura who produces and answers it. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">LH: Desk of Frederick Huggins, how can I help? ...right… ...I’m sorry, could you say that name again for me please? Perhaps slightly slower this time... ...I’m sorry, Mr. “Ino”, Frederick is fully booked until September 2022, but if you’d like I can put your name down and we may be able to squeeze you in for your autograph signing or whatever it is you want...</div> Freddy spins around and snatches the phone from his sister, muttering something about her being incompetent. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">FH: Koshiro. Great to hear from you. I hope there are no hard feelings after last week...</div> While Freddy is talking on the phone he shoos Laura and Shark away, then continues walking down the hallway, his attention wrapped up in the call. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">FH: You’ll of course understand that I’m a little sceptical about us meeting in person. We haven’t been on the best of terms, of course… ...right… ...while I appreciate the diplomacy, I really don’t need anyone to “guarantee my safety” thank you very much.</div> Huggins laughs to himself… <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">FH: No, I think it’s you that needs to “Watch out” act...</div> ...then walks into something. Or, more accurately, someone’s chest. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">FH: ...ually...</div> He looks up, his face taking a comically long time to recognise the wide upper body and the muscle bands and the face paint of Koshiro Ino, who smiles down at him before grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and tossing him against the wall, leaving a Huggins-sized dent in it. Freddy screams for help but it is too late as Ino picks him up and plants him through a table full of refreshments. Ino exits the scene casually and a few seconds later Laura Catherine Huggins and Killer Shark arrive to find an unconscious Freddy in a puddle of orange juice and broken wood. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 59 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Ino, the coward that he is, blindsides Freddy Huggins for no reason! His face is worth millions of dollars! How dare he! JS: Oh give it a rest, Ernie. SD: A case of what goes around comes around for Freddy, but how will this pan out when the pair meet again at Total Mayhem? </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Tag Match (3 vs 3) Aaron Andrews, Mighty Mo & Matt Hocking (0-0-0) vs The Syndicate (Rogue, Doc Hammond & Roderick Remus) (0-0-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">The Ace is pointedly not as involved in this match as he would like to be. He’s clearly nursing an injury or two. </div> The Syndicate cool the face teams heat early on with Rogue calling the shots from the apron while Doc and Remus do the lion’s share of the work. Hocking and Mo carry much of the early burden themselves as Andrews is clearly hurt. The Ace tries to get involved, but Mo insist that he sit out much of the action - as much out of fear of him costing them the match as anything else. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Doc getting in Mo’s head here. And it seems like it’s working. </div> As if effectively being a man down isn’t frustrating enough, Mo then has to endure the psychological games of Doc Hammond who sets about punishing Matt Hocking as a means of taunting his Total Mayhem opponent into making a mistake. However, it is Rogue who eventually proves to be the decider as he flattens Hocking with a Crashing On then dives across the ring to wrap up Mo as Doc Hammond cinches in the Welcome To Parris Island for the submission victory. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 79 (Ace: 85, Doc: 65, Hocking: 67, Mo: 72, Remus: 57, Rogue: 62) Length: 20:25 Winner: The Syndicate via submission (Doc Hammond over Matt Hocking) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: Doc steals one from Mo there, and that’s gotta affect Mo’s mental state going into their Total Mayhem match. ET: The Doc is the master of mind games, but how about Rogue for being an impact player there? Conserved himself until the right moment to strike. That’s what veterans do. JS: I’m sure Remus and Doc were just thrilled about that. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Sammy Bach (5-3-0) vs Wolf Hawkins (14-1-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Wolf being surprisingly respectful in the early running here. These two have met before this year, with Wolf winning, but not behaving like this. </div> The opening of the match is a tense affair, dominated by chain wrestling and near-misses for both men who seem to be feeling one another out despite knowing each other quite well. Bach gets the first opening when he hits a nice hurricanrana and then follows it up with a missile dropkick. Both men rise to their knees and nod respectfully to each other and the fans greet the show with applause; it’s a far cry from the Wolf we know. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Both men fixed on one another, nothing will distract either of them from the goal of seeing who is better on the night. </div> Wolf bites back with some of his own offense but is undone once more when he goes for an early brain buster which Sammy is able to roll out of and responds by planting Hawkins with a great bridging German Suplex. The fans are really into the match at this point, clapping and cheering for every exchange and fully on board with both competitors despite Wolf technically being a heel. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">And just like that a great match comes crashing down... </div> It’s clear the match is in its end game. Both men are tired, bruised but still ultimately looking to settle things fairly when there is an unwanted interference... The Syndicate appear at the top of the ramp with towels around their necks, busy congratulating one another on their victory in the previous match and - ostensibly - just cheering Wolf on. Both Hawkins and Sammy notice the distraction and Bach unhappily remonstrates with Wolf who seems to be suggesting that it’s nothing to do with him. And as the match gets back underway it becomes clear that this is the case. Bach begins to get the upper hand and the camera picks out Rogue’s face suddenly becoming very serious as he whispers something to Doc Hammond and Roderick Remus, who advance on the ring. It’s not clear if anyone is really poised to win the match, but the question is rendered moot when Doc and Remus slide under the ropes and begin attacking Sammy Bach, forcing chief referee Ray Johnson to call for a DQ. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 80 (Bach: 72, Wolf: 95) Length: 20:05 Winner: Sammy Bach via DQ <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Great move from Rogue. He saw his boy was in trouble and saved him from a clean loss. JS: In trouble? What match were you watching? He just killed a great match. SD: And Wolf isn’t happy about it at all. Look at him shouting up at Rogue and forcing Doc and Remus off of Bach! </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> by Nine Inch Nails The assault is promptly stopped by a furious Wolf Hawkins who barks orders at Doc Hammond and Roderick Remus, presumably to remind them who runs The Syndicate. A bruised but conscious Bach is helped to his feet by Ray Johnson and - stunningly - Wolf Hawkins - who then leaves the ring with The Syndicate. But, as Wolf is ordering his men back up the ramp and loudly expressing his anger with Rogue - who is wearing a “Who? Me?” kind of expression - Sammy gets on the mic. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">SB: Wolf, I know that you want to see who would have won here tonight as much as I do...</div> Wolf nods and cannot conceal the anger in his eyes at he stares at the rest of The Syndicate. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">SB: Well, let’s do it. You and me at Total Mayhem. First time ever. No Syndicate. No hijinks. Just us seeing who the better man is. You in?</div> Wolf seems to consider for a moment before nodding again and shouting… <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">WH: YOU BET YOUR ASS!</div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 92 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: What a match that’ll be! These two put on one hell of a show tonight, imagine them going at it on the grandest stage of them all: Total Mayhem! JS: Team Sammy reporting for duty. ET: I don’t care for Wolf’s behaviour, but with The Syndicate in his corner there’s no way he can lose! </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Overall Show Rating: 83 </div>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DirigoJoe" data-cite="DirigoJoe" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49598" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>How do you make the quote boxes look so crisp? I need to brush on on my skills!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Shadows and borders in HTML, basically. My skills with it are super basic compared to some of the guys on here, but this is an example of the kind of HTML I use (with the opening '<' and the closing '>' removed so it isn't rendered as a box).</p><p> </p><p> div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><p> <strong>Rich & Famous (6-4-0) def Bart Biggins & Benny Benson (0-0-0)</strong></p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> 55</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 10:10</div</p><p> </p><p> Turns into this:</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"></p><p> <strong>Rich & Famous (6-4-0) def Bart Biggins & Benny Benson (0-0-0)</strong></p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> 55</p><p> <strong>Length:</strong> 10:10</div></p>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #295D83; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Saturday Night Showcase is TCW's exciting new show, giving their talent - both young and old - an opportunity to showcase their skills on the largest platform in the world. Whether they are attempting to gain some momentum for a title run or make a name for themselves... Saturday Nights Are Alright For Fighting. </div> TCW Presents Saturday Night Showcase - May 2020, Week 1 Washington State Gymnasium, North West - 2,000 (SELLOUT) by Solence <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">A hype package is played, including highlights of the history of the International Title as well as replaying parts of the exchange between Greg Gauge and Mikey Lau on Total Wrestling. Rating: 83</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Nelson Callum (1-2-0) def Flying Jimmy Foxx (0-1-0) Rating: 52 Length: 10:26</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Rich & Famous (6-4-0) def Bart Biggins & Benny Benson (0-0-0) Rating: 55 Length: 10:10</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Ernest Youngman addresses the live crowd, claiming that his recent form makes him one of the most dangerous workers in the company (he has two wins in a row). They do not respond well to him. Rating: 37</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Killer Shark (2-2-0) def Human Arsenal (2-3-1) Rating: 41 Length: 2:22</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> John Blackfyre (3-1-0) def Eddie Chandler (0-0-0) Rating: 54 Length: 9:37</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Overall Show Rating: 61 </div>

May 6th 2020 - Eye On The Ring, Konrad Douglas The Rise and Rise of TCW The writing has been on the wall for a while now, but with their April press release TCW have confirmed that they are performing above expectations in terms of viewer numbers, fan satisfaction and - ultimately - the size of the audience they are playing too. While it's always slightly risky to read too much into TV ratings and the raw data one could forgive the TCW brass for being excited as they have officially leap-frogged SWF in the rankings into second place in North America and appear to have their sights set firmly on USPW. Between the investment in the TCW network reaping dividends, the debut of the new 'B' show Saturday Night Showcase and the move away from Mid-Atlantic and towards their own internal developmental company in Lone Star Classics, TCW are making the kind of moves which will set them up with a foundation to fight from going forward. Can they realistically take on USPW with the kind of money they have behind them? It's hard to say. But we know that not everyone is motivated by money: Jay Chord signed a new deal when every company in the world wanted to sign him and we've seen the debuts of former SWF stars like Mikey Lau and Rogue as well as midcard talents Marshall Dillon and Masked Patriot. Bottom line: there are guys willing to go where wrestling is the focus, and that's TCW. With their momentum at a unprecedented level I wouldn't put it past them to make more than a few new signings before the year is over. <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> Lone Star Classics announce first batch of recruits Genghis Rahn and Bradford Peverell have wasted no time in filling their roster with their first "class" of LSC trainees, and there are some exciting names among them. Cooper Christie, Dreadnought, Papa Swoll, Prime Time Jack Pryde and SubUrban Legend join Mutant, Will Beaumont, Yuta Isono, Joey Fili, Jaylon Martins and Nebo St. Hubbins to round out most of the class. Perhaps the biggest news is two-fold however. First, TCW is branching out into foreign talent by investing in a Japanese stable to keep Yuta Isono - who many see as a future World Champion - company. This stable contains the warrior monk Orange Tsuchie, Takenori Doi and Tsuneyo Yanagimoto. And the other big 'signing' is a former main roster member: Nick Booth. The ex-Sinner Society man has been sent down to developmental - yes, again - to polish up his ring work. The top dogs at TCW still clearly feel like there is enough upside to Nasty Night to persist with him but it's hard to argue that he hasn't been a disappointment in his time with the company. At 25 he is still young enough to turn this around, but at the moment his career only appears to be heading in one direction. Who knows though? Maybe a run in LSC will be just what the doctor ordered. <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div>

Preview: TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 2 (to be posted by 08/08/2020) The International Title is back. Rogue is Television Champion and Aaron Andrews hasn't been seen on TV for over a week now as he nurses the injuries he sustained at Where Angels Fear To Tread. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Sammy Bach vs Wolf Hawkins Tale of the Tape: These two have faced each other once before this year with Wolf scoring a pinfall victory. But that was against a Sammy who was at his lowest ebb. This would be a big scalp for Wolf to take, or the kind of confidence-boosting victory that could catapult Bach back into the World Title scene. Aaron Andrews, Mighty Mo & Matt Hocking vs The Syndicate (Doc Hammond, Roderick Remus & Rogue) Tale of the Tape: Andrews returns to the ring - possibly too soon, against the new and improved Syndicate. Mo will be looking to make a statement against his Total Mayhem opponent Doc Hammond here. The Heritage (Jay Chord, Edd Stone & Greg Gauge) vs Tana The Mighty, Fro Sure & Jackson Laine Tale of the Tape: The Heritage look to continue their excellent momentum by putting to bed the veteran / rookie combo team. Joshua Taylor vs Jeremie Courtney Tale of the Tape: Taylor looked great against Davis Wayne Newton last week and will look to carry that form into this match against Courtney, who must be concerned for his safety. T-Bone Bright vs Freddy Huggins Tale of the Tape: Huggins announced last week that he would not go quietly into that dark night when he attacked Koshiro Ino, re-igniting their feud. He will look to prove a further point in singles competition against the dangerous power of T-Bone Bright. World Tag Team Titles Rich & Famous vs The Roughnecks © Tale of the Tape: The World Tag Team Champions look to bounce back from a loss to Edd Stone and Greg Gauge last week by defending their titles against The 1% - their second title shot in a month. (Pre Show) Ernest Youngman, Troy Tornado & Marc Speed vs Bart Biggins, Elliot Thomas & Dean Daniels Tale of the Tape: Youngman and Troy Tornado have looked to be on the same page, leading to some big victories for the new superstar in recent weeks. Form that he will hope to continue here,</div>

Another week, another prediction score roundup. And you guys all did well; correctly predicting that you never bet against a question mark, that The Heritage are going into a tag feud with The Roughnecks (note that Greg Gauge will be pulling double duty at Total Mayhem) and that Mighty Mo was gonna flatten Maverick. Reviewing the scores: christmas_ape: 5/8 Dalton: 6/8 eayragt: 8/8 Good scores all round with last month's winner eayragt taking the initial 'W'. Congratulations are due, please enjoy the several boxes of SWF merchandise that Mikey Lau and Rogue brought with them to our offices. We don't need them so they're yours now. Good luck! <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> This Month Prediction Scores: eayragt: 1 Overall Running Prediction Scores: christmas_ape: 11 DarEatWorld: 1 eayragt: 6 Herrbear: 2 kanegan: 2 KnowYourEnemy: 1 Sco xY2Jx: 1 TJ94: 2 Xendarii: 7</div>

Booker's Notes Here we go! We're into May and the road to Total Mayhem XXIV. I have LOADS of storylines I'm trying to juggle this month, too many potentially. But Total Mayhem is the longest show of the year and I both want to fill it with compelling stuff and give all of my guys something meaningful to do. I'd hate to have filler matches on TCW's equivalent of Wrestlemania. Show Notes It feels a bit ridiculous how thick and fast the former SWF staff are debuting at the moment and I can honestly say that I'm trying to only sign guys I have a plan for, rather than simply collecting every over or vaguely talented worker in the world so that my competitors can't have them. There's no fun in that. But here we are: Rogue is in TCW and - more importantly - The Syndicate. Along with the addition of Roderick Remus and the firing of The Elite I've now given that stable the first of what will be a few major overhauls. And frankly they needed it. The Elite are well over 40 and into time decline, so I couldn't trust them to carry their own weight in a Syndicate-focused storyline, which meant the stable had to take a back seat to Wolf's singles exploits. Following on from that Matt Hocking drops his Television Title after 3 months to Rogue. As someone pointed out, Hocking is probably too big for the title now and has been fighting non-title matches against other guys who are too over for the title when he should have lost it sooner. Rogue is DEEP in time decline if his 58 match rating is anything to go by (he's very talented and his overness is in the low 70s) so he's about right for the Television title. I have plans for him, it and The Syndicate. Meanwhile, Hocking is now free to perform in bigger storylines guilt-free Wolf and Remus vs Benson and OMA is the match of the night behind another casual high-90s personal performance from Wolf. He is the man who can do no wrong, though God forbid he gets injured. Jay Chord proves he can carry a main event against an upper midcarder here. Sad to give Ino his first loss so soon after his debut but it was as a result of some overbooking with Huggins and Killer Shark revealing their alliance and furthers their feud. I'll be looking to give Huggins a bit more love in the coming months and this feud will also give Killer Shark - another guy who I've probably under-utilised thus far - something to do. And the International Title is back baby! Cards on the table: I don't like Television Titles. I find them very limiting and would rather just have a solid midcard belt or two without the restrictions of when and where it can be defended. So having the International Title back is a no-brainer for me. I've always been a massive fan of how the New Japan IWGP Intercontinental Title was booked when Shinsuke Nakamura held it; as essentially a main event title which could headline a PPV and was almost on a level with the World Title. That's what I want the International Title to be. We'll see who out of Greg Gauge and Mikey Lau can claim it. Overall another good show. We continue to grow in popularity which is always nice to see. Another debut in the books. A belt announcement. All went to plan. We'll review the prediction scores tomorrow, and look out for an EOTR segment, next week's preview and Saturday Night Showcase later in the week.

TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 1 Louisiana Auditorium, South East - 10’000 (SELLOUT) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">(Pre Show) Freddy Huggins def Human Arsenal Rating: 63 Length: 10:05</div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">(Pre Show) Ernest Youngman & Troy Tornado def Hammer & Anvil Rating: 56 Length: 10:16</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> "Eddie Peak is back and he has just cost John Blackfyre what would have been one of the most stunning upset victories we have ever seen!" "Bach has finally done it! His torrid 2020 is finally back on track with a statement victory over one of the fastest rising stars in the company!" "WOULD SOMEONE STOP THIS? ANDREWS IS STILL OUR CHAMP, YET WHO IS THERE TO HELP HIM NOW!?" <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> by Five Finger Death Punch TCW returns to Louisiana and the historic Auditorium for the first time in over a month tonight, and the sold-out crowd in the arena are letting us all know how happy they are about thet with raucous cheers. The TCW universe is alive with buzz after the internet was lit up by discussion about the debut of Mikey Lau and the success of Where Angels Fear To Tread, a statement of a pay per view which has put both USPW and SWF on notice. A camera pans across a sea of signs and waving arms before cutting to a front-view of our announce team: Shawn Doakes, Ernie Turner and Jasmine Saunders. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">SD: Well how about that for a pay per view? Where Angels Fear To Tread is in the books, but the outcomes will be felt for some time yet. Aaron Andrews: decimated... ET: Great! SD: John Blackfyre finally pinned.. ET: Excellent! SD: And Mikey Lau making his shock debut... ET: Yep, I knew you were going to ruin it. JS: And a new set of challengers emerge for the World Title, with Mighty Mo and Doc Hammond ready to square off at Total Mayhem XXIV for a shot at the big one. Not to mention - and I say this as the biggest Sammy fan out there - our boy Bach is BACK ON TOP BABY. ET: Professional objectivity is just going out the window early tonight, huh? JS: Do you even listen to yourself speak? SD: We can’t stand on ceremony though folks! We’re on the road to Total Mayhem XXIV; first stop: The Heritage, who have something to say about the results of this Sunday!</div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> The opening guitar riff of “Crazy Horse” is met with derision and boos as The Heritage appear on stage in their own gear; a first for the stable. Edd Stone’s snapback is now Heritage branded and all three have a gold and white ‘H’ emblazoned on one piece of gear; Gauge and Chord have it on their right knee pad while Stone has it on his right elbow pad. They saunter down to the ring, mics in hand, looking exceptionally pleased with themselves. by Black Label Society The group enter the ring as one and take up casual positions against the ropes with Gauge and Stone jawing with the fans at ringside while Jay attempts to bring the mic to his lips to speak. The crowd’s boos are thunderous. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: It’s funny...</div> The boos rise to such a level that he has to stop. He smiles coldly and the other two members of the Heritage laugh. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: You’re going to want to hear what we have to say, you morons...</div> Even more boos. After a minute or so Jay decides to persevere. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: All of you out there who are chanting for Ace right now: he’s not here. We made damn sure of that on Sunday.</div> Stone mockingly starts an “Aaron Andrews” chant while Gauge gives him a side-eye and folds his arms. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JC: And it’s a wise move not to be, because if he were we’d beat him senseless again, leave him in another pool of his own blood to contemplate what his life is going to be like after I take that title from him at Total Mayhem. And rest assured, I’ll be taking that title...</div> Chord is cut off by a theme song which brings the crowd to their feet in raucous cheers. by In This Moment Mikey Lau steps through the smoke on the stage in his all black ring gear, looking just as ready to take out The Heritage as he was on Sunday. The crowd egg him on as he starts shadow boxing and walking menacingly down the ramp, only for their cheers to turn to boos as… ...a vaguely panicked Jack Bruce sprints down the ramp and stands in front of Lau with a hand on his shoulder to stop him advancing any further. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Man, you guys just don’t know when to quit huh? I really don’t want to just let Lau step in that ring and destroy you again. You might say I’m saving him for Total Mayhem… JC: Why? Lau’s a big boy, he can make his own choices. And we’re ready for him now; we won’t be surprised again. JB: Glad you asked, Jay. One of the terms of Mikey Lau joining the company was that his debut match take place for a title at Total Mayhem...</div> The crowd roar. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Now, now, I have to disappoint some of you. It won’t be for the World Title. The contracts are already drawn up and signed for that. Lau can’t be a part of it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t put him in a match for a title that he will make equally valuable. A title as historic as the World Title. With just as much credibility. A belt held by the greatest work horses our industry has ever known. A title for a, dare I say, International superstar just like Mikey Lau?</div> The crowd’s vague sense of confusion turns to cheers again. It may not be the World Title, but it’s a belt they’ve wanted back since the day it was retired. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JB: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to announce to you that Mikey Lau will debut at Total Mayhem XXIV fighting whichever one of The Heritage feels like shortening their career for the newly re-instated and historic INTERNATIONAL TITLE!</div> The Heritage look at one another with a mixture of contempt and thinly-veiled concern on their faces. Greg Gauge steps forward, cracking his neck. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">GG: You put me down once, Lau. I’ll give you that. But you’re not the only guy in this company who wears kickpads. Let’s see how you hold up against me when I’m fresh and ready for you.</div> The rest of the Heritage nod and the camera cuts to Mikey Lau who grins and runs a thumb over his throat before turning around and walking away. Meanwhile Jack Bruce breaths a sigh of relief. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 82 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: The International Title is back and will be awarded at Total Mayhem XXIV! ET: It’s about time ol’ white strap made a return. And it’ll look great on Greg Gauge’s waist. JS: It’s a belt that has been held by just about every Hall of Famer this company has ever seen. Whoever it goes to will be a worthy champion (though it’ll be Mikey). </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Joshua Taylor (5-4-1) vs Davis Wayne Newton (0-1-0) w/ Nelson Callum <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">The hell are you doing here? Can you even hear the headset in that thing? </div> Seconds before the match begins there is an unexpected visitor who makes his way down the ramp, waving to fans… ...Masked Patriot promptly plants himself next to Ernie Turner, grabs a headset and introduces himself to the rest of the announce team with the intention of calling the match. Meanwhile, in the ring, Davis Wayne Newton and Nelson Callum both have been thoroughly distracted by the interruption. And distracted is the last thing you want to be when Joshua Taylor is around. The veteran takes full advantage by making short work of the 1% man, with a series of painful looking holds culminating in a Destiny and a Butterfly Lock for the submission victory. When the match is over Patriot attempts to shake hands with Nelson Callum who furiously storms off leaving Newton to be helped to the back by the trainees at ringside. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 65 (Newton: 53, JT: 70) Length: 9:33 Winner: Joshua Taylor via submission <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Well that was a resounding endorsement for our skills as an announce team at least. A great example of how NOT to call a match. JS: Oh he was fine. I think you’re worried for your job, Ernie. SD: The big question is how will The 1% respond to this? It doesn’t appear like Masked Patriot has any intention of letting things lie as they are. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Maverick (0-4-0) vs Mighty Mo (2-4-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Mo is one match away from his first shot at the World Title, and you can see why. </div> What everyone expects to be a open-and-shut affair proves to be exactly that as Mo man-handles Maverick around the ring for several minutes. It’s clear that he is protecting his injured leg a little and what tiny amounts of offense Maverick is able to get in revolve around targeting the injury, but ultimately it is to no avail as the veteran is planted with a Hopes Fall spinebuster for the win. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 62 (Maverick: 38, Mo: 75) Length: 0:51 Winner: Mighty Mo via pinfall <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: That might be a record time for a win! Under a minute, wow! ET: That knee isn’t looking too great though. And you can bet Doc is watching and has made a note of it. JS: It pains me to agree with Ernie, but it’s true: Mo looked imperious here but there’s no doubt that Doc will be able to exploit that injury. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> As a basically unconscious Maverick is helped to the back, Mo grabs a mic... by Vo Williams <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">MM: Feels like I’m doin’ a lot of these recently. Having to stare at a camera and announce that I’m gonna kick someone’s ass in a few weeks time. Least I know I’m putting my money where my mouth is. Troy learned his lesson and got his; Doc - yours is comin’ too. I’ve been waiting for 10 LONG years. I don’t care whether you put your Syndicate buddies, your grandma or a goddamn brick wall in my way. At Total Mayhem I am claiming my first ever shot at the World Heavyweight Title. The Age of Mo is now.</div> He drops the mic and shifts his weight to his un-injured leg, grimacing a little as he stares down the hard cam while his music starts up again. by Vo Williams <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 79 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: Mo is as determined as I can ever see him. He can almost touch a World Title shot that he has been after for ten years. ET: If he was as good as he claims he would have had one by now. And he’s acting like Doc Hammond is no opposition at all. I think The Syndicate might have something to say about that. JS: The fact that The Syndicate even need to be involved speaks volumes about who is more deserving of the shot. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> We get a short ad break and when we return The Syndicate are all sat in their dressing room with Wolf deep in though in a folding chair in the corner while Doc Hammond sits next to Roderick Remus and The Elite lounge against the wall. It’s clear from the way they are speaking that we are joining them mid-conversation... <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">DH: ...we gotta let him in, Wolf. It’s time to freshen things up.</div> It’s clear from his hands that he’s talking about Remus. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">WH: So we just let in any talented guy now? Who else you got waiting out there? ??: Well, now that you mention it...</div> Everyone in the room turns to look at the door. The Elite exchange stunned looks and the camera zooms out to reveal… Rogue paces into shot wearing white suit trousers, a red shirt and a waist coat and loafers. He smiles in that typical devilish way and pushes some hair back out of his face. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">R: You know what they say about leaving the door open for the devil?</div> Rogue grins and drifts around the edge room to plant himself on the arm of the chair that Doc Hammond is in. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">DH: We got the call. Sorry to not loop you in, Wolf, but you were busy with this Blackfyre stuff. We took a vote and we all agreed that Rogue was in. WH: Nice to know my vote still counts for something round here. Last time I checked, I still ran this group.</div> Wolf stands and advances towards Rogue, who simply smiles up at him and brushes a strand of hair out of his face, which remains neutral. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">R: There’s no reason for this to descend into animosity, chaps. Why don’t we put it to the test tonight? If I can beat Hocking, we’ll say no more about my membership. And if young Roderick here can aid you to a victory in your tag match tonight, he’s in. Sound fair enough?</div> Wolf remains tight lipped and eyes Rogue skeptically while Doc nods hopefully beside him. Roderick Remus grins from his seat but - wisely - remains quiet. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">WH: Fine. But you remember who runs things around here. I get a sniff of you going behind my back again and we’re going to fall out. R: Wouldn’t dream of it! Oh captain, my captain. Et cetera, et cetera...</div> The Syndicate all begin filing out of the room with Rogue, Doc and The Elite the last to leave. As Rogue and Doc walk past the veteran tag team they lean in closely and say - just loud enough for the camera mics to pick it up… <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">R: By the way chaps, sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you’re out. Onwards and upwards, eh? DH: Sorry boys. No room for two tag teams.</div> Rogue smiles without a shred of empathy and pats Nate Johnson on the shoulder before he and Doc leave the room, leaving The Elite continuing to exchange stunned glances as the camera fades to black. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 90 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Holy crap, Rogue just turned up in TCW! Where did this come from!? SD: That’s an enormous get for The Syndicate, regardless of how Wolf may feel about it. JS: And he’s already making power moves, kicking out The Elite and landing “try-outs” for himself and Roderick Remus. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Tag Match (2 vs 2) The Roughnecks (4-0-0) vs The Heritage (0-1-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">The word from the back is that The Heritage have an eye on every belt in the company. They’re making a case for the World Tag Titles here. </div> There is a distinct clash of styles when it comes to the hard-drinking Roughnecks and the technical excellence of The Heritage but the end result is a really entertaining clash, mainly featuring Dave Diamond posturing for control of the match with Greg Gauge while Stone and Dillon occasionally come in for big high spot. It’s clear from the out-set that Gauge is desperate to get a win under his belt to erase the memory of his loss to Sammy Bach on Sunday and he turns in a real clinic of a performance with Diamond really selling his arsenal of submission holds. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">You’re a disgrace to the Tag Titles. </div> At one point Diamond is able to wobble to his feet - his leg badly hurt after a series of leg locks and grapevines - and Gauge taunts him before going for a big roundhouse, which Diamond ducks before nailing a DDT. He attempts to fall backwards for a tag to Dillon but Stone has headed him off at the pass and pulled the other Roughneck off of the apron. Gauge and Diamond get to their feet at the same time and begin to brawl with Gauge getting the upper hand after he resorts to a low blow and he is able to capitalise on this by cinching in the Proton Lock for the victory. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 74 (Diamond: 56, Dillon: 59, Gauge: 79, Stone: 71) Length: 15:41 Winner: The Heritage via submission (Greg Gauge over Dave Diamond) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: The Heritage win! They will get a shot at the World Tag Team Titles at Total Mayhem! ET: The Heritage are coming for all of the gold, Shawn! Watch this space! JS: They still need to win the titles, Ernie. The Roughnecks will have those under-handed tactics scouted when the teams meat at the end of the month. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> Television Title VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Rogue (0-0-0) vs Matt Hocking (7-3-0) © (6th Defence) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">I didn’t come here to lose, unfortunately </div> Rogue makes the entrance for his debut with the kind of swagger fans around the world have come to expect for him. He wears his suit to the ring and takes a painfully long time to dis-robe prior to the bell, a tactic which visibly and audibly frustrates Matt Hocking. It’s a rare thing for someone to steal the spotlight from the Shocking Superstar. When the pair finally lock up Rogue begs off a couple of times to adjust his tights, then to check on a shoulder injury and when Hocking charges in having had enough of the delays Rogue immediately reveals he was playing possum and attacks, unloading on Hocking with some nasty kicks and a great rope rebound suplex. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rogue is a master of in-ring psychology. He doesn’t need to be the fastest or the strongest, because he’s the smartest. </div> Hocking begins a comeback which is cut off when Rogue staggers to his feet in a dizzy state only to reveal that he was - once again - play acting as he nonchalantly steps aside when Hocking goes for a flying dropkick. The Englishman seizes on the moment as he drags Hocking to his feet, gets him in a rear waistlock with wrist control and then nails the Crashing On clothesline. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 70 (Hocking: 70, Rogue: 58) Length: 16:10 Winner: Rogue via pinfall (1st Television Title reign) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> SD: That’s a strong debut for Rogue right there, demonstrating the brains, the in-ring smarts that have made him a former World Champion. ET: And he brings The Syndicate their first gold since Wolf Hawkins won the King of Kings tournament last year! JS: I’m honestly worried about The Syndicate now. This is a hell of a signing they have made. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> After another ad break we catch up with Eddie Peak in his typical blue jeans and ripped white t-shirt walking backstage. He looks mightily pleased with himself. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">???: Oh man, I was waiting for you, Eddie..</div> Peak’s smile drops and he stops walking, turning his head left and right to find the source of the voice - unsuccessfully. We can’t see who it is, but the tone is very recognisable. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JBF: It’s been so long since I’ve bled. I’d honestly forgotten that I could. I need to thank you for that EP: WHO THE HELL’S THERE? JBF: Thank you by reminding you that you’re just as mortal as me. EP: YOU GOT FIVE SECONDS TO GIMME AN ANSWER. WHO IS THIS? JBF: Just a shadow, man.</div> Eddie darts forward and tears down a piece of translucent tarp to reveal… absolutely nothing at all. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">JBF: See you at Total Mayhem, Eddie. EP: Yeah, yeah. I’ll be scared when you’ve got the balls to appear in front of me.</div> Eddie sneers and turns to head back in the direction he was walking… ..and staggers backwards as he walks directly into the long coat and cowboy hat of John Blackfyre. It’s clearly him, but through some amazing production tricks the lights flicker and in the space of a few seconds Blackfyre is replaced with a scarecrow in his clothes. Peak recovers, knocks it over and breathes heavily to calm himself as the cameras cut back to the ringside. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 50 <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> JS: If you can freak out Eddie Peak you know you’re doing something right. SD: I have never, and I mean EVER, seen Subject Zero as strung out as he was right there. ET: It’s all smoke and mirrors. Yeah, it looks cool, but when the rubber meets the road Blackfyre will have to stand in a ring and fight Peak. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Tag Match (2 vs 2) One Man Army & Benny Benson (0-0-0) vs Wolf Hawkins & Roderick Remus (0-0-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">This is a huge opportunity for the “Real Deal” </div> The unofficial stipulation that if Remus is able to assist Wolf to a win he will join The Syndicate is immediately obvious as Remus’ enthusiasm carries him straight into the waiting arms of One Man Army, who flattens him repeatedly with his unique blend of power spots and freakish athleticism. Despite a mixed record recently OMA remains one of the most exciting wrestlers in the company to watch and Remus does an amazing job of selling his quick-fire high-impact offense. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Wolf knows Benson well, and knows how to beat him even better </div> Wolf seizes control when OMA tags in Benson and begins to subject the Canadian high flier to a series of punishing holds and strikes, culminating in a fantastic hope spot where a dazed Benson is somehow able to rope-a-dope the offense of Wolf and dodge several moves in a row to give the impression that he might yet survive the offensive before Remus gets a blind tag and hits a stunning springboard corkscrew body splash to flatten Benson. One Real DDT later and The Syndicate has itself the second new member of the night. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 84 (Benson: 61, OMA: 69, Remus: 63, Wolf: 96) Length: 10:29 Winner: Wolf Hawkins & Roderick Remus via pinfall (Remus over Benson) <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Can you believe it!? Two new Syndicate members in one night!! JS: And they’re both profoundly talented. This feels bad. SD: The last thing this company needs is another powerful super group of wrestlers. Yet it seems like The Syndicate are making a play for power here, with Rogue and Doc Hammond at the forefront. </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> VS Standard Singles Match (1 vs 1) Jay Chord (8-2-0) vs Koshiro Ino (2-0-0) <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Chord believes himself to be the main event, and it’s hard to argue with him </div> Ino is as unflappable as wrestlers come and isn’t impressed at all by Chord’s grandiose entrance, made clear when he responds to a flex from the incredibly muscular Chord by flexing his own - much larger - muscles and shoving Chord to the ground. The pair lockup and the next few minutes are defined by Ino powering Chord around the ring, much to the younger man’s frustration. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">It took a low blow to slow Ino down </div> Chord is forced to cheat to limit the offense of The Kobra, hitting a vicious low blow which gives him an opening to hit his own offense. Ino sells brilliantly for Chord, his face paint being split by repeated closed fists to the face which referee Tony Thorpe does nothing about - much to the fans dismay. Every opportunity Ino gets to respond is cut off with the announcers pointing out how frustratingly smart Chord is - albeit with the aid of some rule-breaking. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #EAE4E4; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Well look who’s in the mood for another beating... </div> The match seems poised on a knife-edge when… ...Freddy Huggins appears on the stage. He appears to be gesturing to someone else to come out. Meanwhile Ino has noticed the intrusion and has one eye on the ramp while trying to put Chord down. It soon becomes clear who Huggins is gesturing to… ...as Killer Shark appears with Floyd Goldworthy out onto the stage. Huggins shakes Floyds hand and both Freddy and Shark walk down the ramp with Huggins’ in particular possessing a really annoying swagger as a result of his new-found security It’s questionable whether Chord even needed the intervention, but when Huggins mounts the apron and begins shouting at Ino - who doesn’t say a word and instead just decks him with a right hand sending him spilling into the arms of Killer Shark - it gives him an easy opening and he is able to nail a gut kick and plant Ino with a Cradle Piledriver for the win. <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Rating: 81 (Chord: 83, Ino: 65) Length: 19:47 Winner: Jay Chord via pinfall <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> ET: Another big win for Chord. You line ‘em up and he’ll knock ‘em down! JS: Hard to say whether he would have won that without Huggins’ involvement, but you can’t argue with the result. SD: Chord: a victor. The Heritage: contenders for the Tag Titles. The Syndicate reinforced. Things are looking troubling here but we’re going to need to leave you. Until next week! </div> <div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"> Overall Show Rating: 83 </div>

Just a heads up that the next episode of Total Wrestling is written (a solid week before I needed to get it done, the joys of long weekends!) so I'll be posting it tomorrow afternoon. Last call to get your predictions in if you want to do them.

That's really helpful, thanks for that. I might try exporting all of my posts into pdfs or something to keep 'em safe.

Oh believe you me, I'm taking those scumbags up north for all they're worth . In all seriousness, I am really trying not to play the game of "Sign all of your rivals good workers away from them" but SWF have such a ridiculously talented and young midcard that I can't leave their guys alone when they come up for new contracts. Not saying who I've got, but I might have a few...

<p>Guys, quick question:</p><p> </p><p> I've just realised most of the old dynasties from previous games are no longer viewable on the board. Did they get archived anywhere or are they just gone forever? I want to know whether I should be saving my dynasty locally (not even sure how I would export a forum thread into something save-able to be honest).</p><p> </p><p> Also, very nebulous question, but does anyone have any idea what a "long-running" diary actually looks like it terms of in-game time? I'm just kinda running with my dynasty until people don't wanna read it anymore / I get bored of the game, but I'm just interested to hear how long other diaries have gone.</p>

<p><img alt="3UrI0kw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3UrI0kw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>April 27th 2020 - Eye On The Ring, Konrad Douglas</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">In Profile: Freddy Huggins</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="3TUjPMO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3TUjPMO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>Name(s):</strong> Freddy Huggins, The Canadian Animal, The Tastemaker</p><p> <strong>Theme Song:</strong> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6-zRqxl5Gkk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Logic - Keanu Reeves (Official Audio)"></iframe></div></div> by Logic<p> <strong>Signed:</strong> 2005</p><p> <strong>Notable Accomplishments:</strong> 5 x TCW All Action Champion (record number of reigns), 3 x TCW World Tag Team Champion (w/ Edd Stone)</p><p> <strong>Real Name:</strong> Franklin Huggins</p><p> <strong>Age:</strong> 35</p><p> <strong>From:</strong> Alberta, Canada</p><p> <strong>Billed From:</strong> Alberta, Canada</p><p> <strong>Gimmick:</strong> All-Round Superstar</p><p> <strong>Signature Moves:</strong> Huggins Kiss (Swanton Bomb), Moonsault, Sling Blade</p><p> <strong>Ring Attire:</strong> An assortment of incredibly extravagant long jackets, red crushed velvet and gold tights, white and gold boots, white gloves</p><p> <strong>Power15 Highest Placement:</strong> 7</p><p> <strong>Likes:</strong> His own reflection, hair styling products, celebrity magazines</p><p> <strong>Dislikes:</strong> Ugliness, other people getting attention when he's around, Edd Stone</div></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> When people describe Freddy Huggins as a man who can do anything he sets his mind to they really aren't joking, no matter how annoying it might be to admit it. While Freddy's gimmick is that of a superstar who is as at home on the fashion catwalks of Paris as he is on the red carpet at a Hollywood premier, the reality behind the gimmick is one of an 18 year veteran who is now regarded as one of the very best all-round workers in North America, possibly the world. Paired - as always - with his sister Laura Catherine, the familial twosome represent one of the very best - and most adaptable - double acts in the history of US wrestling. Going from a kind of bratty "It Crowd" pairing in the mid 2000s to an over-bearing celebrity entourage deal as they grew older. The pair have never been outside of the limelight, and with good reason.</p><p> </p><p> Discovered by Kyle Rhodes on the Canadian independent circuit at the age of 20, Huggins has been with the company ever since 2005 and is now the third longest-serving active member of the roster (behind Wolf Hawkins and Troy Tornado) and there are very few who would question whether his longevity has been down to merit. With an ability to adapt his in-ring style to suit his opponent and a natural charisma that has seen him develop his persona constantly throughout his career, Huggins is the ultimate safe pair of hands. A feud with him is as good as a guarantee that his opponent is going to come out of the feud better off than when they entered it. Huggins can carry anything from a promo, to a match to a comedy angle, he really has it all in his locker.</p><p> </p><p> Yet fans of the Canadian Animal often feel that his versatility and professionalism have held his career back. Originally an incredibly exciting high-flyer, Huggins remains one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch - when he wants to be. But such is his understanding of what certain feuds require that he often "dumbs down" his own performance so as not to over-shadow his opponents. Particularly when playing heel - something he is exceptionally good at and has spent most of his career doing. Backstage Freddy his regarded as a leader in the locker room; a bubbly, friendly personality who never causes problems and approaches every feud and angle with the utmost respect. So it is sometimes frustrating for people to see Huggins continue to dwell in the midcard of TCW when by all rights someone as talented as him, who is almost universally respected by his peers, should by all rights be a former World Champion by now. What has held Freddy back? Many would argue an outright refusal to engage in backstage politics which some perceive to be a lack of drive. Nonetheless, it is not coincidence that everyone who has worked with Freddy Huggins has nothing but glowing things to say about him.</p><p> </p><p> There is light at the end of the tunnel for Huggins, however. Since the Canadian Animals split in 2018 with Huggins turning on his long-time partner he has been able to focus on singles competition for the first time in 10 years. This run has seen him face some of the biggest stars on the roster - albeit usually in losing efforts. And while he is yet to receive a shot at the World Heavyweight Title many believe the opportunity is only around the corner for him now; it's a case of "When" rather than "If". In many ways, his career has begun to mirror that of Joshua Taylor with both men now in their mid-to-late 30s and positioned on the card as threats to the main event, if not explicitly in it. However it would be unreasonable to say that Huggins' booking has been as kind as JT's. Still, both men are there to lose to the top stars when the management call on them to do so. Whether Huggins is content to remain in this spot for the rest of his career remains to be seen, but it would be a tremendous shame for him to not receive the opportunity to at least test himself at the top of the card.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="eayragt" data-cite="eayragt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49598" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'll go down the card the Freddie Huggins, the man who's waiting for a push.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Done and done. I'll get this up tonight.</p><p> </p><p> Love that you're a Huggins fan. I feel awful that he's a bit of a jobber to the stars at the moment as he's really, really good. If it makes you feel any better he somehow still has "Very warm" momentum and has actually gone up to 66 overness overall despite an overall 2020 record of 4 wins and 8 losses.</p>

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Month In Review: April 2020</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> April proved to be an absolutely massive month for TCW as the leap-frogged SWF into 2nd place in the national rankings, growing to "Big" size in the process. Although that's a fairly arbitrary distinction it now means that attracting free agents from the other US companies will be that much easier. Where TCW have made a point of luring in the likes of Mikey Lau and Koshiro Ino - popular and talented workers who were under-utilised on their previous contracts - now they may well find themselves able to compete for the signatures of the true mega stars of the US wrestling world.</p><p> </p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>In Short:</strong></span></p><p> <strong>Debuts:</strong> Mikey Lau, Koshiro Ino, Masked Patriot, Marshall Dillon</p><p> <strong>Firings:</strong> -</p><p> <strong>Hottest Storyline:</strong> Edd Stone vs Aaron Andrews (84)</p><p> <strong>Match of the Month:</strong> World Title: Edd Stone vs Aaron Andrews © (Where Angels Fear To Tread, Week 4, April 2020) - 85</p><p> <strong>Popularity:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span><strong> (78)</strong></p><p> <strong>Momentum:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span><strong> (97)</strong></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="font-size:0px; height:1px; width:900px; background-color:#000;"></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Power15</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="orQGI7Y.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/orQGI7Y.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>1. Jay Chord</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <strong>-</strong> (1)</p><p> No movement for Jay Chord this month as you can't get higher than the top. He beat Aaron Andrews clean in a non-title match which shocked the world and simply must be playing on the Ace's mind going into Total Mayhem, as well as definitively dispatching Matt Hocking.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="T1nxS5x.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/T1nxS5x.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>2. Wolf Hawkins</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (4)</p><p> Another strong month for the Alpha Wolf as he put to rest his feud with john Blackfyre (albeit with some help from Eddie Peak) and generally looked imperious in the ring. Although he hasn't really mentioned the World Title since his loss to Aaron Adrews at The War To Settle The Score, it must be on his mind.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="AKLPPKc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AKLPPKc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>3. Sammy Bach</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (9)</p><p> Is this placement a little sentimental? Possibly. But seeing Sammy Bach finally claiming a big win in 2020, standing teary-eyed over the fallen Greg Gauge cannot have failed to melt even the coldest of hearts. Sammy's back, baby.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="ppctVM7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ppctVM7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>4. Mighty Mo</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (3)</p><p> A mixed month for Mo as he drops the tag titles but turns in strong singles performances. Slipping down the rankings slightly, but a win over Doc Hammond next month will put him in line for his first ever shot at the World Title. Could the age of Mo be on the horizon?</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="5A97zG3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5A97zG3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>5. Aaron Andrews</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (4)</p><p> It's been a bad month for the Ace. A massive singles loss to Jay Chord - his first of 2020 - and win by DQ over Ed Stone at the PPV aren't enough to see him hold position. The champ looks vulnerable, even more so after The Heritage brutally attacked him at the end of Where Angels Fear To Tread.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="6XPcyNb.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6XPcyNb.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>6. Edd Stone</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> - (6)</p><p> Stone holds position this month despite a technical loss at Where Angels Fear To Tread thanks to some good singles performances against the likes of One Man Army and the fact that his DQ loss to Aaron Andrews was entirely intentional. Though the question remains: where does Stone stand in the title picture now that he has stepped aside for Jay Chord?</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="CYX2vF7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CYX2vF7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>7. Koshiro Ino</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (New Entry)</p><p> The Kobra is back and Freddy Huggins felt the wrath. What a return and what a debut PPV match. Where will Ino go from here? We don't know, but we wouldn't want to be in his way.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="zgYJANV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zgYJANV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>8. Greg Gauge</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (5)</p><p> Gauge slips a little after an emphatic loss to Sammy Bach. We've not seen much of Gauge since the formation of The Heritage, but it's surely only a matter of time until we see him positioned for a World Title shot of his own.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="keLjUvy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/keLjUvy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>9. Doc Hammond</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (12)</p><p> Doc clambers up the rankings with a win over JT that puts him in a #1 contenders match for the World Heavyweight Title at Total Mayhem. Doc hasn't had a sniff of the main event for some time so this could really jump start his 2020.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="6ibAGCD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ibAGCD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BsFOSnh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BsFOSnh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>10. The Roughnecks</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (New Entry)</p><p> A great start to tag team life for The Roughnecks sees them storm into the Power15 after a compelling set of victories, including two wins over former champions The Behemoths. The hard-drinking party animals may not be the most professional team in the company, but they are one of the most fun.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="vlZrD5T.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vlZrD5T.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>11. Joshua Taylor</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (8)</p><p> A decent month for JT ends in disappointing fashion as he gave up a pinfall loss - albeit a slightly fortuitous one - to Doc Hamond and lost his grip on a World Title shot in the process. Still, Taylor remains a dangerous individual and lingers on the outskirts of the main event scene; we haven't seen the last of him.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Mi8Yim3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Mi8Yim3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>12. John Blackfyre</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (7)</p><p> So John Blackfyre is beatable. The first singles loss of his TCW career and it couldn't really have come at a worse time; beating Wolf Hawkins would have catapulted him to super-stardom and instead Eddie Peak made sure that Blackfyre - for the moment at least - remains an outsider to the main event picture.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="CD7v4zQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CD7v4zQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>13. Matt Hocking</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><<</strong></span> (13)</p><p> The Television Champion had a bit of a rough month, and slips down the rankings further after losses to Wolf Hawkins and Jay Chord. They are tough opposition, no doubt, but if Hocking has serious designs on existing at the top of the card then these are the kind of matches he needs to win.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="kdYhHr1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kdYhHr1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aj6TutR.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aj6TutR.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4cLAZPk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4cLAZPk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="06oTMPr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/06oTMPr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>14. The 1%</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (New Entry)</p><p> We break from tradition this month by including an entire stable in a position, simply because it's hard to separate The 1% out. Davis Wayne Newton may have suffered a couple of high profile losses this month, but Rich & Famous beating Masked Patriot and some highly-rated angles see them sneak into the top 15.</div></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="bcfTcpt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bcfTcpt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";"><strong>15. Mikey Lau</strong></p><p> <strong>Movement:</strong> <span style="color:#00FF00;"><strong>>></strong></span> (New Entry)</p><p> Lau may not have had a match yet, but it would feel wrong not to include a man whose debut caused such tremors in the wrestling world. What better way to introduce yourself than by single-handedly decimating the most powerful stable in the company? Lau is a wrecking ball, and TCW better watch out.</div></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Removals:</strong></p><p><strong> Fro Sure (13)</strong></p><p><strong> Freddy Huggins (14)</strong></p><p><strong> The Behemoths (15)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p></div><p></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Dalton" data-cite="Dalton" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49598" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Took me like three days but I just read through the whole thread! Awesome awesome awesome. I love The Heritage, I love Blackfyre, I love Ace, I love it all. Lots of fun to read. Keep it up!<p> </p><p> Jay Chord vs<strong> Koshiro Ino</strong></p><p> Ace costs Chord the match!</p><p> </p><p><strong> One Man Army & Benny Benson</strong> vs Wolf Hawkins & Roderick Remus</p><p> They need a win at some point, and Remus can totally eat a pin.</p><p> </p><p> Television Title</p><p> <strong>??? </strong>vs Matt Hocking ©</p><p> I'm not a fan of Hocking losing nontitle matches against bigger stars, especially on PPV. Honestly he should have lost it before the last PPV, because a lost to Wolf makes the title look weak. That's pretty much my only criticism!</p><p> </p><p> The Roughnecks vs<strong> Edd Stone & Greg Gauge</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>Like I said before, I don't like nontitle matches with the champs losing, but a win for Heritage here can set up a title match at Total Mayhem so I can see it happening. Unless some interference costs Heritage the match?</p><p> </p><p> Maverick vs <strong>Mighty Mo</strong></p><p> Please let Mo win the belt next Total Mayhem!!!!</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Joshua Taylor</strong> vs Davis Wayne Newton</p><p> JT is a jobber to the stars, and this will probably be a match to get DWN over BUT I love JT.</p><p> </p><p> (Pre Show)</p><p> <strong>Ernest Youngman & Troy Tornado </strong>vs Hammer & Anvil</p><p> EY desperately needs a push! He's a golden nugget you haven't sifted through yet!</p><p> </p><p> (Pre Show)</p><p> Human Arsenal vs <strong>Freddy Huggins</strong></p><p> HA is awesome but FH is much more heavily featured.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thank you so much for checking it out! Always so flattering to see new readers. Blackfyre is easily one of my favourite guys to write and The Heritage are very much a project of mine, especially that damn Edd Stone (have better match ratings, Edd).</p><p> </p><p> I'm totally with you on champs having (and especially losing) non-title matches. I actually find it super hard to book the Television Title as a result of this. The fact it can't (or, I guess, <em>shouldn't</em>) be used on PPV means that by giving it to someone I'm essentially writing them off of big shows, which I really dislike. And Hocking is now at a point where he's running out of midcard opponents for the midcard belt and needs to set his sights on the big dogs. A little nudge in the right direction and he could end the year as a main eventer, honestly. There are plans in motion to do #stuff to get the midcard title scene sorted, let's just say that <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.</p>

Preview: TCW Presents Total Wrestling - May 2020, Week 1 (to be posted by 08/08/2020) Where Angels Fear To Tread is in the books and we are officially on the road to Total Mayhem XXIV. The biggest show of the year, the end of the line! <div style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #C2C2C2; max-width:100%;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px ";">Jay Chord vs Koshiro Ino Tale of the Tape: Ino's firmest test yet as he faces off against the ascendant Jay Chord in singles action. One Man Army & Benny Benson vs Wolf Hawkins & Roderick Remus Tale of the Tape: Rumour has it that Remus is on The Syndicate's radar as a potential new member, which might explain why we find him in tag action here against the unconventional pairing of One Man Army and Benny Benson. Television Title ??? vs Matt Hocking © Tale of the Tape: Word on the street is that a new signing will be appearing on TCW TV this week, and as part of their deal they have negotiated a Television Title shot for themselves. Who it could be remains a mystery, but Matt Hocking must be concerned. The Roughnecks vs Edd Stone & Greg Gauge Tale of the Tape: Gauge and Stone look to bounce back from their losses at Where Angels Fear To Tread in non-title action against The Roughnecks, who have looked in fine form since claiming tag gold at the beginning of April. Maverick vs Mighty Mo Tale of the Tape: Mo will look to warm up - or potentially rest up - for his #1 Contenders match with Doc Hammond at Total Mayhem as he faces the technical excellence of Maverick. Joshua Taylor vs Davis Wayne Newton Tale of the Tape: JT looks to get back to winning ways as gets into the ring with 1% member Davis Wayne Newton. Though - as Masked Patriot learned in the past few weeks - when you face one of The 1%, you face all of them. (Pre Show) Ernest Youngman & Troy Tornado vs Hammer & Anvil Tale of the Tape: Youngman scored a big singles victory at the PPV and will look to capitalise on that momentum here. (Pre Show) Human Arsenal vs Freddy Huggins Tale of the Tape: Huggins is also looking to gain some singles momentum after a demoralising and vaguely humiliating loss to Koshiro Ino at the PPV. </div>

Thanks very much, Xendarii! Glad you liked the big debut! Mikey Lau has always been one of my favourite guys in the C-Verse. I imagine him as this Shibata analogue; wears black, no nonsense and will absolutely kick your head off your shoulders if you look at him the wrong way. I need to catch up on E-V's SWF diary actually, hopefully there isn't too much crossover between how he realises the character and how I do, although I feel like Lau's skills lend themselves pretty easily to this kind of character so I could definitely see it being similar. Handing Blackfyre his first singles lost stung a bit, but as everyone here called, there was just no way he was beating Wolf. I love a project or two in my games and at the moment it's Edd Stone and John Blackfyre. I have no doubt that Blackfyre will be a big deal as he's ridiculously talented for a 24 year old; by the time he's thirty he will probably be one of the best in-ring performers and promo guys in the world but his low Star Quality makes getting him over something that needs some planning (which I enjoy). Eddie Peak is more on his level. And I've loved Eddie in previous games, but at 43 and in serious decline it may be time for him to give a younger star a big rub. As for Edd Stone: the goal is for every member of The Heritage to come out of that stable as a bonafide main eventer (I guess similar to what The Shield did for those guy's careers in real life). Gauge and Chord pretty much look after themselves, but Stone will require a bit more thought if I'm going to get him in a position to exist in the main event. Just grab the damn brass ring, Edd! It's right there!