3rdStringPG

Man, I'm still hella busy with work and other stuff... ...but I shall return for TEW 2016. Looking forward to the new E-V diary while I consider whether to do SWF or USPW. Or both.

Making much better time than expected on the new diary, so here's another teaser! Damned if I wasn't going to make the Smacker into a PPV character. "THE TROUBLEMAKER" (a.k.a. Scott I) http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/BigSmackScott_zpsa0f8906c.jpg Jobs. That's what "Big Smack Scott" Sinclair had been forced to do ever since his second steroid strike for 2014. What had been the tag team titles and a pretty good push with his old buddy Kurt Laramee had been a false dawn. His perceived crummy attitude had forced creative to have them drop the belts to The All-Americans, a team with 265 pounds of promise (Des Davids) and 300-plus pounds of dead weight (American Machine). Still, creative liked the All-Ams. They didn't get wasted beyond comprehension after shows, Des had a steady girlfriend and Dean (A-Mach) a wife outside of the wrestling business, and they didn't fool around with other women either. They were model citizens in the locker room, and the longest-reigning tag team champions of all time, having reigned from March 2012 to February 2013. Then, inexplicably, Scott and Kurt watched the All-Ams drop the tag belts to The Sex Maniacs, a team of a washed-up lothario (Joe Sexy) and a habitual pothead (Marc DuBois) who spent more time talking conspiracy theories over beer and ganja than honing his once-promising skills. But as it turned out, they were transitional champs. They were the low men in Eric Eisen's Klubb, the onscreen stable, not the backstage faction. As part of the Klubb's feud with real-life Klubbers Brandon James, Eddie Peak, and Emma Chase, it stood to reason that they'd drop the straps at some point in the future to American Hardcore, the oh-so-unimaginatively named tag team of James and Peak. Then opportunity knocked. Sort of. "Scott, I can't promise you anything at this point, but you're gonna be number one contenders to American Hardcore's tag belts at Welcome to the Jungle. It's gonna be a tables match, and since Kurt, Brandon, and Eddie are all DaVE alumni, it's gonna be major nostalgia for the fans in attendance. You four give us a good match and I'll see what I can do about havin' you and Kurt take the belts back at Under Control." "Under Control? Isn't that where the fans decide opponents and stifflations (stipulations) and shit?" Scott was pleased, but he needed Peter to tell him what was in it for him and Kurt. "Scott, it's as if you're one of the rookies we hired this year," laughed Peter. "Most of the time, those SWF App votes are rigged. So here's how it's gonna be. You get your rematch with American Hardcore at Under Control, and the fans 'decide' on a hardcore match as the stipulation - your specialty! You've been turnin' things around...well, sorta...and maybe you and Kurt deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the Bumfholes and the Biggins when it comes to the SWF's great tag teams of the 2000s." Now Pete was talking, Scott thought to himself. At that point, it wasn't cool to be compared with Randy and Zimmy Bumfhole or Brett and Bart Biggins. The Bumfholes weren't quite Amazing in 2014, having gotten their butts kicked on pay-per-view and spending most of their time on Uprising. The Jobbins, er...Biggins brothers, on the other hand, hadn't won a match since early 2013, and were rumored to be on the way out. But the Bumfs and the Biggz had four titles apiece, making them the most decorated tag teams in SWF history since The Blazing Flames way back in the day. Scott was skeptical, but dammit, it would have been nice to become four-time SWF World Tag Team Champions with Kurt. Unfortunately, Scotty had to spoil everything for everyone. 'Roided up as always, he and Kurt got themselves shitfaced drunk at a Boston strip club right after the Supreme TV at TD Garden. They ran into some rowdy marks who were needling them about wrestling being fake...and about how The Pain Alliance were among the shittiest competitors in that fake-ass sport. Words, then punches, were exchanged, and before anyone knew it, Scott had broken a pool cue on one of the hooligans' back. Getting wind of the incident, the SWF insisted that Scott and Kurt had to be tested. Scott, of course, tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, his second strike for the year. That meant a month-long suspension. Kurt had given up 'roiding a long time ago and wasn't much into PEDs anyway, but he was part of the fracas and creative punished him by having him count lights against the likes of Matthew Keith and Mikey Kiichi, the former Mikey James. As for the Smacker, he came back briefly in October. Cut a promo against Nicky Champion. And got his butt kicked by the Hawkeye. And lastly, got sent down to RIPW because he and Nicky had words backstage, with Nicky complaining about getting potatoed, or stiffed in the ring. After a couple months in Rhode Island, Scott was back to the main roster, and he was doing jobs. He was spending more time on his back than a porn star, or as Scott so colorfully put it one drunken night, "I'm spendin' more time on my back than my no-good hoe bag of a stepmother did back in the day!" He was putting all the young 'uns over. Matthew Keith, of course. Huey Cannonball, or was that Jefferson Stardust? Same difference. Even his fellow heel Kasey Kristopher, the real-life Kevin Christopher "KC" Glenn. Hell, he even did the job for that reformed junkie Todd Cusson, breaking his months-long losing streak. What about Kurt? F--- Kurt. Kurt was as much a part of the Boston brawl as he was, and here he was, bitching about how Scott's antics ruined it for the both of them. What was he, stupid? It was bound to be another bait-and-switch tactic from Peter. They weren't going to go over a tag team that featured two prominent real-life Klubbers in Brandon James and Eddie Peak. Sure, it was the Boston brawl that forced the SWF to fast-track the push of those two new midcarders from Hollyweird and have them take the belts from American Hardcore in the last Supreme TV of September. But two locker room rebels like The Pain Alliance winning the titles over two of Richard Eisen's favorite "sons?" As long as Richard's sons Eric and Jerry and the rest of that f---ed-up Klubb of theirs was operating Peter Michaels like a puppet on a string, it was not. Going. To. Happen. (EDITED - New teaser - we are going to learn more about Richard Eisen's youth in some chapters, so I've included a page from Tricky Rick's high school yearbook. Thanks, KnowYourEnemy for "dorkifying" the young Richard Eisen!) http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/Banners%20Etc/Eisen20YB20photo_zpsii9qrrak.jpg SWF 2015 - KING RICHARD'S COURT ANOTHER 3RDSTRINGPG CREATION COMING SOON!

I think it's time to break out the teasers for my new SWF-in-2015 project. Try as I may to write something for a user-created fed, SWF still remains closest to my heart. Target launch date would be mid-April, so I'm thinking one teaser full of backstage chapter snippets per week. As I've said before, the diary will feature backstage segments in the form of POV chapters, and since you probably know Nicky Champion will again be my user avatar and one of the POV characters, here's a look at another one of them. "THE BITTER VETERAN" http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/SqueekyMcClean_zps60a2206a.jpg SNIPPET #1: Coulda, woulda, shoulda. Three words that truly hit home to John "Squeeky McClean" MacLean. In 2009, he was this close - this close - to being the man who was putting Jack Bruce under pressure. At that time he was 34 going on 35, at the peak of his wrestling career and seemingly on the verge of a big-time push. At that time, he'd just changed gimmicks - he was working on a new twist on his straight-edge character, a censorship-crazy, self-righteous prick who railed against profanity in rock and rap, sex and violence in movies, the former being everything that Jack Bruce stood for. Of course, he had beef with underage (meaning under 21 for Squeeky) smoking and drinking and promiscuous sex, and he felt Bruce's real-life music was behind the increase in teenage debauchery. Little did Squeeky McClean know he wasn't going to be the man behind the Man Under Pressure, but a pawn in Eric Eisen's backstage games. And a pawn in that whole damn storyline altogether. SNIPPET #2: "Daddy, why are you listening to that screaming angry man?" Squeeky remembered the times his daughter Skylar, then 11 years old, wondered why the heck he listened to Strife and Minor Threat at home, when he was supposed to hate rock music. He hadn't smartened the young girl up yet, and didn't plan to until she turned 13 - he was an old-school traditionalist like that, and someone who'd play any role given him, even if it was a Vanilla Ice-esque crappy white boy rapper called Johnny Mack Squeaky, a gimmick he played twice in his SWF career. Kayfabe was tradition, a code of honor, a way of life. But then again, maybe Skylar had to know. It had been over a decade since Richard Eisen had stepped on, took a shit on, burned, and pissed all over kayfabe. Maybe he was the man under pressure. Maybe he didn't know where John MacLean began and where Squeeky McClean ended. She was better for it. Skylar was set to graduate valedictorian of her high school class, and just like daddy, she had no interest in those filthy vices. If she did have a filthy vice, it was her schoolgirl crush on Peter Jonas Stragavelli, a.k.a. PJ Strong, Sam Strong's kid who didn't enter the wrestling business like his big sister. The deplorable teen idol who was pretty much America's answer to Justin Bieber. Then again, she was growing out of it and checking out her daddy's extreme music collections quite often. That girl was nothing like Maria Faith, who'd racked up another shoplifting arrest, right after the trip to rehab. Or Lisa Bowen, who had, for a time, been the Locker Room Lolita of the indies. SNIPPET #3: "No, no, NO! That was the WORST snap suplex I have ever seen in my life!" Despite already being 30, the Canadian RIPW call-up was as raw as someone ten years his junior when he wasn't mimicking the moves of his idol. And Squeeky wasn't having any of it. "YOU COULD'VE F---ING KILLED ME OUT THERE!" "Dude, it's impossible," the disrespectful French-Canadian replied, sneering at Squeeky. "Who taught you anyway? Who trained you?" "Enforcer Roberts did. Phil." "Don't get wise with me, you f---er! WHO THE F--- TRAINED YOU?!?!?" "Haruki Kudo." "You talk a lot of shit, Parent." Squeeky gave Alan Parent a hard shove and continued to dress the arrogant kid-in-a-man's-body down. "Haruki Kudo is your idol. I get it. You do a lot of Haruki Kudo's moves acceptably, but to say you're the next Haruki Kudo is downright preposterous. And you don't do too many things well outside of that. I'll tell you who trained you and gave you your formative introduction to the sport - YOU DID. And maybe your bonehead friends from Drummondville. I know your kind, Parent. Back in the early 2000s, you and your high school buddies probably tried to kill each other, if not yourselves doing those batshit crazy backyard wrestling moves back in Drummondville. If only I was an Eisen, I would have told the old man to avoid you with a ten-foot pole. But here I am, still with this f---in' company. And each day of my life, I ask myself why the f--- I'm still here because of stupid kids like YOU!" SWF 2015 - KING RICHARD'S COURT ANOTHER 3RDSTRINGPG CREATION COMING SOON!

I feel you, E-V, with regards to your preference for SWF. It's probably going to be a while before I return to writing diaries, but I've already made it clear that I'm returning to SWF the next time around. TCW's just too wrestling-based (and I don't really write good match write-ups) and while I've thought of doing USPW, I can't really write good family-friendly entertainment. Thought of making a diary based on a risque USPW, though, but that may be something for TEW's next iteration. Hint, hint! SWF really appeals to my booking tastes - it's edgy sports entertainment, and I grew up with edgy sports entertainment, i.e. Attitude Era WWF and pre-Fingerpoke of Doom WCW. Not to mention, the ridiculousness of "New Generation" WWF and Jim Herd-era (alright, Russo-era too) WCW. I mean, where else can you see a faction of three to five annoying boy band members with garish purple and pink headbands? (24/7 Partay Dudez) Or a poor man's Adam Rose without Rosebuds, but a hashtag in his ring name? (#Edd) I think those guys are becoming my staple additions as I plan my fourth SWF project to date, but I promise most other things will be different and the new project will be thought over very well, with a lot of advance shows/segments written before I publish it. And maybe a lot of teasers too - I'm thinking of one right now, as we speak! Regarding burnout, yes, we've been there before. You've got teaching and the family to consider, while I've got my paid writing and my music. I feel you as well when it comes to burnout. Love the DOA diary, but I agree with what everyone's said - regardless if you're doing DOA or doing SWF, I'll be reading. EDIT - Now that I come to think of it, I think I may be back sooner than expected, but with a user-created company. Won't be as action-packed as DOA nor as funny as Pteroid's Simply Awesome Wrestling, but I've realized just now I may need, and my readers, new and old may need an equivalent of a sorbet to cleanse the palate off all those Supreme diaries.

Can anyone create Game of Thrones-inspired renders for the following characters? Creating a new gimmicky midcard stable for my diary game. John Greed = Jon Snow Kristen Pearce = Ygritte Ekuma = Hodor Spencer Spade = I dunno...Jaime? Going to have him written as a generic knight, and not necessarily a Jaime Lannister knock-off.

Bad news - Looks like Nicky Champion's adventures in the SWF may be coming to an end. Try as I may to get myself invested in the project again, it sadly became too much to handle. Good news - Thinking of starting from scratch for the new year, but probably not in SWF. My idea is to write a backstage story with multiple POVs (not unlike how George R.R. Martin writes his Song of Ice and Fire books), while telling simpler, shorter, yet meaningful in-ring stories that won't take up much of my time. Will fill you all in on the details once I've got everything sorted. EDIT - Scratch that! The Nicky/SWF diary is pushing forward after all. But I may be saving this plan for the next version of TEW.

Did you just give a backstory to the notorious BIG SMACKS AND BIG RACKS?!?!? And you hired Anders Thunder too? COUNT ME IN!

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Eisen-verse" data-cite="Eisen-verse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think I've found a project that I'm extremely interested in (that will work with my extremely limited schedule).<p> </p><p> It's a high-small/low-regional company based in Los Angeles (LAX Wrestling -- Los Angeles Xtreme Wrestling). It'll be a cult promotion with heavy modern, medium Lucha/Daredevil/Mainstream/Risqué.</p><p> </p><p> It'd be more of a throwback approach for me (user character based like Evolution of Greed). </p><p> </p><p> Colorful characters, grunge feel, Lucha-inspired...</p><p> </p><p> The roster doesn't use current CZCW wrestlers or major Indy darlings (Hernandez and Insane Machine being the real 'stars').</p><p> </p><p> Would this be more of interest to readers out there (versus the internet darling approach).</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Looking forward to it. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Even if I'm guilty of always going for the darlings of the indie scene.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="cappyboy" data-cite="cappyboy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34905" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Okay guys, I just had a a bit of wacky inspiration. Could someone turn Ben Williams, Teddy Powell, Zoe Ammis and Melody Cuthill into ABBA? Utilizing the robes from this video please.<p> </p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ETxmCCsMoD0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Abba - Money, Money, Money (Official Music Video)"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Mamma Mia! Hoping someone could take a chance on this request. Now you've given me an idea for a singing heel stable...but then again, I already have a three-man boy band stable in my SWF.</p><p> </p><p> As for my request, would anyone want to give this a go? This is quite a daunting task, since three of the four are longhairs, but can anyone make these gentlemen bald? </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/HueyCannonball-1_zpsa2a54f73.jpg</span><span>http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/JeffersonStardust-1_zps9f576283.jpg</span><span>http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/JoeSexy_zps139dd992.jpg</span><span>http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/3rdStringPG/SWF%202014/SWF%20Roster/MarcDuboisALT2_zpsa6bc1275.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The Awesomeness will be facing Joe Sexy and Marc DuBois in a hair vs hair match, and I haven't quite decided who's winning...</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rickymex" data-cite="Rickymex" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sadly the detailed post didn't submit so I'll do a short term description now and a longer one when I get off my phone.<p> </p><p> SWF diary based around the B-Show with unique characters. Would appreciated help in writing a show and someone to bounce ideas with.</p><p> </p><p> Basically: NXT + E-V's Underground + I like SWF money</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I can help, even with the new diary as my main focus. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

A lot of fans, myself included, would like a Triple Threat featuring Bryan, Batista and Orton.

My sentiments exactly. Upon seeing the Bleacher Report live recap (we don't get live WWE here in my part of the world), my first thought upon seeing Bryan and Orton as the last two men in the Elimination Chamber and considering how the fans cheered for the heel in Batista vs Del Rio, would have been Bryan winning the title and the WWE using the reaction to Batista vs Del Rio to turn the Animal heel and have Del Rio finish out his WWE run as a face (that is, if rumors of his leaving soon are accurate). That would have been a logical choice for most. But not the WWE. But knowing the WWE, I wasn't surprised when they pulled the old bait-and-switch and had Orton win via Kane interference, hence setting up D-Bry vs Kane with no belt on the line, and having Orton face Batista for what should be the most reviled WrestleMania main event since Goldberg vs Lesnar.

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">SEPTEMBER 2013:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/NickyChampion_jhd3_zps6393cde3.jpg</span><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family:'Lucida Console';">"I don't see what's so wrong with being edgy, Sam," I countered. "For eight years, Sam, I've been this sugarcoated Native American superhero, someone who plays to the kids. I've made sure to never be seen in public drinking alcohol. I never cuss or lose my temper in public, I maintain this carefully protected, manicured image of myself, wear this outdated '80s-style mullet, and I do it all for you, Sam. I do it all for the company. I'm really grateful you've made me into your personal pet project and I appreciate the fact that you treat me like I was your own son. But is it really a sin to be more out there than I usually am?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Lucida Console';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Lucida Console';"> "Yes it is, brother," Sam replied, his voice firming up a bit, though far from being angry. "USPW is family-friendly entertainment. We give the young children somethin' they can relate to, free from the bawdy risque of SWF and the boring technical bullshit of Tommy Cornell Wrestling. This is pure wrestling heaven, Nicky, basic concepts of good vs evil, with easy-to-relate-to characters that wouldn't have been out of place in the golden age."</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Lucida Console';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Lucida Console';"> "But it's antiquated, Sam, and I can't play ball that way anymore." I took a deep breath and told him something I'd been wanting to tell him for over a year, until he tried to retain me by putting the World title around my waist. "I'm really sorry, Sam,but I'll have to turn in my 90-day notice of resignation tomorrow."</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">SWF - IT'S MORE THAN JUST SUPREME!</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">(A C-Verse 2014 Diary - from the man behind the KP Avatar almost-trilogy)</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">COMING SOON!</span></strong></p></div><p></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="w4lru5" data-cite="w4lru5" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've finally got a well-planned long-term game going and I've started writing it up as a diary. The only problem is that I created the game without that intention and with a kind of unrealistic scenario in mind (Nemesis taking over ownership of USPW with Sam Strong getting older, but Strong sticking around as on-screen GM). Writing background realistically is something I feel is important and has just never been in the cards for this game.<p> Also, I've posted some things about the game to "Booking USPW" and "What's Going on in Your Game" threads. I started the game over and changed some, but not all, of those things.</p><p> Would people be interested in reading anyways?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I personally think Nemesis taking over USPW is a good premise. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> So you've got this family-friendly product with many an old wrestler who should have long retired or gotten fired. As Nemesis, you can change the product into a more edgy one (while feuding backstage with Sam Strong over the company's direction), bring in his son Ash Campbell and Peter Valentine's nephew Casey (who isn't a jerk like his uncle), and give the USPW a different identity far removed from its old one.</p><p> </p><p> At least that's how I'd do it. I'm always up for a good USPW diary, so I'd say you go for it.</p>

Tommy Throwback. I think you've given me good reason to go ahead with my plans to hire Thomas Morgan, even as comedy enhancement.

<p>Not a rush request, as she's set to debut in two weeks' time on my diary, but can anyone make Laura Huggins over to make her more reminiscent of Lita when she was managing Edge? No need to get her inked, but perhaps have her wear a similar outfit to the ones Lita was wearing back in 2005-06.</p><p> </p><p> Many thanks in advance! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

Looking good, Iceisle. Thanks as usual for the brilliant work! Also like the "Poor Money" alts for Rich Money/Paul Parsons. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<p>Looking for two Randy Bumfhole alts - a slightly long-haired one and a short-haired one, both with Sting/The Crow makeup, or something similar, and wearing a black trenchcoat. I see EdJames did something similar for Randy B. (with short hair), and it looks great, but I'm looking for something a bit less cartoon-vampiric...</p><p> </p><p> Would appreciate any help! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Iceisle" data-cite="Iceisle" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34905" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>No problem.<p> </p><p> </p><p> Runaway Train:</p><p> <span>http://i.cubeupload.com/qTZGKQ.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Or should I say Runaway Sleigh? </p><p> </p><p> No, I shouldn't.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Ho ho ho! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Runaway Sleigh took the words right out of my mouth, though I have Train use his real name for his authority figure duties.</p><p> </p><p> This looks great! Thanks for the quick turnaround as always! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

<p>Bit of a rush request here since I may be posting my next show within the next 24-48 hours. </p><p> </p><p> Can anyone turn this Runaway Train into Santa Claus? The next show features a "Christmas roulette", and Runaway Train, as assistant GM, will be doing the spinning. Any help would be much appreciated. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/RunawayTrain_alt_zps056edac4.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And the heel turn was a short one guys <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> - As seen at the WWE live event in Belfast earlier this week, The Miz turned heel and cut a promo on the fans before losing to Kofi Kingston. Word is that the heel turn was just for this tour of Europe because they were short on heels. Miz will likely be back to working as a babyface on WWE TV next week.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Turns out it was a primer for what he did on RAW last night. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I've never been a fan of The Miz, either as a heel or as a face (ESPECIALLY as a face), but the more I think about it, I'm somehow interested by his recent heel turn. </p><p> </p><p> EDIT - Did some backreading and watched the Belfast promo on YouTube. Wonder if that's also what creative will be using when he justifies the heel turn...</p>

<p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';">A roster doubled...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%20misc/40_zps922ed549.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%20misc/calendar_unavailable_zps740b5ca2.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%20misc/02_zps300d983f.jpg</span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">=</span></strong></span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%20misc/80_zps5e939f3d.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> Some trash taken out...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/BigSmackScott.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/MarcDuBois.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/RobbieRetroalt_zps39c5610d.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> ...and some good hands put to pasture.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/BartBigginsalt3.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/BrettBigginsalt.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/JoeSexyalt.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/LobsterWarrioralt2.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> A shocking heel turn for the champ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/JackBruce_alt12jt_zps6f460ee6.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> ...and a trip up to the penthouse...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/AngryGilmore_zpsdb22196d.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/Valiantalt_zps2d1f1d31.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> ...while others are seemingly de-pushed to the outhouse for one...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/SkullDeBones_alt2_zpsfc6e6eb1.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> ...reason...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/KurtLarameealt.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> ...or another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/EricEisen_alt4-2_zpsc53c541c.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> And you can't forget either the developmental "pseudo-reality" program and its kid-friendly champs...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/KirkJamesonalt_zps412a4c50.jpg</span><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/MaskedCougar_zpsbbe5fd20.jpg</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> After a memorable 2013, the SWF is ready to enter 2014 with a huge (some used to say bloated) roster, and THREE BRANDS to accommodate all those stars - the </span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><strong>Supreme</strong></span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> brand, the </span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><strong>Elite</strong></span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> brand, and, temporarily a special attraction on Uprising, the cruiser- and hardcore-centric </span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><strong>DaVE</strong></span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> brand. And the legion of rookies hired in 2013 are now in their second year in the big leagues. One of those rookies is Mr. Irrelevant, </span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><strong>KP Avatar</strong></span><span style="font-family:'Microsoft Sans Serif';">, last pick in the first-ever SWF Brand Draft, but arguably one of the first names mentioned when talk centers around these rookies. For while he almost always loses, he's a winner in other areas - a low-level member of the creative team, a member of an all-wrestler band, and a young man who has dated one of the wrestling world's most popular valets (Dawn the Cheerleader) and a former BSC standout (Kathy Neptune). He's even starred with several of his fellow rookies in a period piece set in a segregationist high school in the mid-'60s. He's KP Avatar, and this isn't just the story of the world's largest sports entertainment company and its new three-brand setup, but also the continuing tale, saga if you may, of a young wrestler and his trials and travails in the make-believe, yet real world of professional wrestling.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm87/endshiftresign/TEW%202013/KPAvatar.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>From Wikipedia:</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><em>Kirk Patrick "KP" Avatar (born October 19, 1990) is an American professional wrestler, musician and actor. He has worked in the SWF since January 2013, and is signed to the [redacted] brand as of the December 20, 2013 SWF Brand Draft.</em></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> <strong>From Urban Dictionary:</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>KP Avatar</strong><p> </p><p> N. An extremely annoying, dated, talentless wrestler signed to the SWF, or Scripted Wrestling F***show.</p><p> </p><p> V. To get your ass kicked in a fight. (Sometimes KP Avatarred and feathered)</p><p> </p><p> <em>"Hey, Rob! What happened to your eye?"</em></p><p><em> "If you should know, Johnny, I got KP Avatar'd by Richie when I refused to give him my lunch money and my December 2013 Playdude."</em></p><p> </p><p> <em>"The shoplifter was KP Avatarred and feathered by the vigilante group because the police force was too busy drinking their coffee and eating their donuts."</em></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">SWF 2014: A Young Lion's Second Year in the Den (Three-Way Brand Split)</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"> COMING IN DECEMBER 2013...</span></strong></p></div><p></p>

<p>Looks like there's no tanking, though, for the Sixers and the Suns! Both teams have really surprised me so far, though anything can happen after those fast starts. Aside from MCW, Spencer Hawes is playing the best basketball of his career (and proving to be a real find for me in fantasy basketball), while the Suns have Eric Bledsoe, Markieff Morris and (surprise, surprise) Miles Plumlee primed for breakout seasons as well. </p><p> </p><p> It's too early to say for sure, but Anthony Bennett and Alex Len are looking like potential epic busts. MCW and Victor Oladipo, on the other hand, appear to be prime candidates for Rookie of the Year.</p><p> </p><p> (Also, seeing as this was one of the first threads I ever posted in on the GDS forums, I'm curious if there's anyone else who believes Mike D'Antoni must go as Lakers coach. I do - his coaching style is dated, and the Lakers need someone who can teach them defense while doing a better job of undoing their chemistry problems from last year.)</p>

<p>Well put, BHK. You have your own idea of what constitutes a cheap bump and others (myself included) have theirs, and I respect your stand, though I may not necessarily agree on some points. As for the "jerk" thing, apology accepted. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Regarding examples of lesser-known diarists who catapulted to fame because someone notable commented or predicted on their work, feel free to PM - I admit to being fairly new here, and I'm only getting to discover some of the previous going-ons in the forums from previous years. Like you said, it's not necessarily a bad thing if that happens, don't get me wrong. Being a musician since my teens, I've seen peers get fairly popular in the rock scene because certain musician(s) signed to a major label likes their stuff, or because they somehow become friends with said "rock stars." Sometimes they deserve it, sometimes they don't. With that in mind, I'm beginning to see where you and Phantom Stranger are coming from in that regard.</p><p> </p><p> Regarding pictures, I have certain readers, such as TheEffect (on my TEW 2010 diary, which was pretty much practice for what I've put out on TEW 2013), who have helped convince me that they do matter. Content will always be what primarily keeps me reading a diary, but like E-V and several others, I'm more likely to be loyal to a diary if the content is accompanied by visuals.</p><p> </p><p> I think I've said my piece on the matter. Glad to know, though, that things seem to be settling down a bit.</p>

<p>Well...how do I start?</p><p> </p><p> I guess I should start by apologizing for the cheap bumps, mainly the last calls for predictions. Granted, I'm far from being the only one who does so, but I'm one of the main offenders, so I guess it's time for me to cut that crap out - I've got enough loyal predictors, and those who've stopped predicting haven't stopped reading my diary. </p><p> </p><p> But I will have to contest the first paragraph. I don't think that popular writers posting on a less-heralded writer's diary automatically makes them. For example, E-V has congratulated me on great shows and Phantom Stranger did the same once and predicted for a bit. But that didn't make my diary any more popular than it is. I still stick by the "if you write it, they will come" theory, "it" being quality storylines and/or engaging backstage segments. Not saying that I'm a "great" writer - actually far from it - but for me, content is still king.</p><p> </p><p> In addition, I don't think periodically explaining to readers why certain shows may be delayed or advanced is tantamount to cheap bumping. As a reader, I personally appreciate it when someone says that he's busy with work or school and/or family, hence won't be able to post the next show as soon as he normally does. And I don't find it silly to post a dummy news article or a backstage segment as long as it's within context, and I wouldn't conclude that everyone does that in order to get their diaries up on the first page. Personally, if I'm "feeling it", I hammer out a new backstage segment or news article. It has nothing to do with wanting to be on page one, and everything to do with wanting to keep the diary updated by posting my ideas as they come. If people pay attention and comment, well and good. If they don't, then no biggie. That said, I've been chastised enough to apologize for those last calls for predictions. My bad entirely, even if I'd often try to accompany the last calls with an article/segment of substance.</p>