[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

EWF Coming Storm

Sunday, Week 2, February 2020 – Dublin, Ireland

 

Announce Team: The Dublin Destroyer, Philip Bescott

Referee: Lucy Avatar

Road Agent: Geordie Jimmy Morris

Attendance: 37

 

The Dublin Destroyer: Welcome to Dublin for a night of great wrestling. It’s going to be bloody outstanding. I am The Dublin Destroyer and it is my very great pleasure, alongside Mr. Philip Bescott, to welcome you all to Emerald Wrestling Federation Coming Storm.

Philip Bescott: Quite so. It’s a miserable night outside in Dublin, the storm out there has already arrived, in the ring its well on the way with the night of action we have ahead of us. Five fascinating fights on the card tonight, all leading to a main event match for the EWF Ri na hEireann championship title - champion Padraig O’Hearne putting it all on the line against the massive Meathead McAullie.

The Dublin Destroyer: That one is gonna be a bit special alright but then they’re all a bit special in EWF. Our first match tonight strikes right at the core of what EWF is all about, we’re giving an opportunity to two bright young talents – Bryn Archer and Maise Laurels.

 

Bryn Archer Vs Maisie Laurels

This match between two inexperienced youngsters certainly didn’t set the stage afire. There were some plusses certainly with the fingerprints of Geordie Jimmy Morris, in his new role of Road Agent, creating a much more natural flow throughout the whole evening. Laurels showed enough charisma and star quality to suggest that there is a star, if not yet fully formed, certainly waiting to emerge. It seems safe to predict that both will go on to have far better matches than this where the heat was non-existent and the wrestling largely sub-par. From a story point of view Archer controlled the bulk of this bout, using his greater size and power to dominate Laurels with a succession of suplexes and slams. Laurels hung in there though, rolling to the outside to recuperate several times. Archer seemed content to allow her to do so and would ultimately pay the price for his old school courtesy. Laurels, clearly not afraid to do whatever it takes, eventually returned to the ring with her spiked necklace gripped around her fist. She punched him square between the eyes and, with Archer temporarily blinded, rolled him up from behind with a fistful of the Welshman’s trunks at the 11’51 mark.

Match Rating: 9

 

Laurels demanded (and received) a microphone at the end of her bout and business would pick up markedly as the young English woman would cut loose on a number of subjects. She started with the defeated Bryn Archer, “somebody help guide that witless, immobile bum to the back,” took a slice out of local favourites The Dublin Gals, “there’s only one real woman wrestler in this poxy, small time sideshow and you are looking at her. The Dublin Gals? They’d probably lose against Kitty Katz, who is the only snake left in Ireland, and the other bimbo who doubles up as a referee here,” and launched into a stinging criticism of Ireland in general. The gist of that was that she felt the Irish had never had it better than when they ruled from London and if they ever sobered up for long enough they’d realise that.

Segment Rating: 30

 

The Dublin Destroyer: That is an unpleasant young woman.

Philip Bescott: Outspoken.

The Dublin Destroyer: I’d say mean-spirited.

Philip Bescott: She’s a realist. And a talented one.

The Dublin Destroyer: A potentially dangerous one.

Philip Bescott: Then she’s in the right place to find a few victims.

The Dublin Destroyer: Victim is not a word that you’d be likely to apply to either of the people in our next contest.

 

Cannonball Logan Vs Rohan Kirchner

Logan and Kirchner attacked this match with enthusiasm from the very first bell, both men perhaps driven to start building momentum after suffering defeats last month. The crowd were also buoyed by the upsurge in action here as these two high flyers, so similar is style and so different in attitude, brought all of their experience to bear. In a match of fine margins, near falls were exchanged throughout. Kirchner had managed to seize the initiative late on in this one and, seeking to press home his advantage he mounted the top turnbuckle and attempted to end things with a flying elbow. Unfortunately for Kirchner, Cannonball Logan moved at the last moment and with Kirchner left breathless and wounded the reversal of momentum was to prove decisive. At 10’38 Logan won this match after hitting Logan’s Run.

Match Rating: 25

 

Philip Bescott: Well, that was certainly an enjoyable affair.

The Dublin Destroyer: It really was. An important victory for Cannonball Logan. Based on that performance too it won’t be long until Rohan Kirchner joins him in the Win Column either!

Philip Bescott: EWF is not an easy place for any man or woman to pick up victories.

The Dublin Destroyer: Any win here is certainly hard earned. That will be just as true for his next bout, pitting another newcomer in the form of ‘Captain Crash’ Cain Carlile and the always outrageous Brilliant White.

Philip Bescott: He is brilliant.

 

Cain Carlile Vs Brilliant White

This one was packed with High Spots aplenty from two men who can be very exciting to watch. Brilliant White is an exhibitionist who lives to elicit applause while the young Carlile does his best to live up to his ‘Captain Crash’ moniker in all that he does. This was a quick, fast-paced match that came to the boil very, very quickly. Both men had their chances, both men took risks and spent the bulk of this one in the air. It would end, after a flurry of quick rollups and counter rollups with Brilliant White just about keeping Carlile’s shoulders to the mat for long enough for referee Lucy Avatar to make the three count after a little over ten frantic minutes of action. A positive debut for ‘Captain Crash’, even in defeat, while Brilliant White still wasn’t quite finished.

Match Rating: 27

 

Brilliant White, breathing heavily from the exertion of his match, takes a mic and then launches into what can only be described as rock star posturing for about a minute. We’re then treated to a song (titled ‘My Blair Lady’) with lyrics that are somehow both cheesy and a little bit creepy all at once and that name Blair Kerrigan specifically. He finishes by announcing, “my brilliant song… and my brilliant victory… are both dedicated to my brilliant girl… Blair Kerrigan. I can still remember how it felt when you pinned me to the mat. It felt… brilliant. I’ll see you real soon baby! Dublin… as always… you’ve been an absolutely hideous audience! Good night, we’ll see you real soon!”

Segment Rating: 34

 

The Dublin Destroyer: That was a little bit disturbing.

Philip Bescott: But brilliant. Always brilliant. And if you think it was disturbing for you, how do you think Blair Kerrigan must feel?

The Dublin Destroyer: A little unnerved I’m willing to bet. Still, she needs to get her head in the game right now if she’s to have any chance in this next bout – The Dublin Gals youthful exuberance will be strongly tested against Matthew Macks and the debuting Merle O’Curle.

Philip Bescott: I think it’s a very tall order for Kerrigan and O’Peter here.

 

The Dublin Gals (Blair Kerrigan & Cassie O’Peter) vs Matthew Macks & Merle O’Curle

From an in-ring standpoint this was definitely a success though there should be no doubt that, even past his prime, Merle O’Curle was instrumental in this and carried the bout to a degree. Macks, even appearing off form was adequate, as was Kerrigan who definitely gave her most accomplished showing yet in EWF. O’Peter was perhaps a half step behind the pace but, overall, bell to bell this match worked.

 

There was a lot of story which perhaps slowed it a little more than was necessary. The Dublin Gals were very much working from underneath on this one but they were living with the challenge and competing well throughout. Macks’ daredevil offence and O’Curle’s relentless, grinding, submission based attack gelled well though and succeeded in keeping Kerrigan and O’Peter on the back foot for much of this one. The ending, however, was rooted in an external influence. ‘My Blair Lady’ started to blare (no pun intended!) over the sound system and Brilliant White emerged at the top of the ramp and launched into his vocals again. For the second consecutive show this distraction would prove fatal. Merle O’Curle, never a man to miss an opportunity, shoved a thumb into Kerrigan’s eye, dragged her to the mat and locked in a Celtic Wreath. Kerrigan could hardly be blamed for tapping out at 11’21.

Match Rating: 27

 

The Dublin Destroyer: Well there’s plenty to unpack there. Brilliant White is becoming somewhat of a nuisance in the side of The Dublin Gals.

Philip Bescott: I’d say it’s more than that by now. A nuisance is a minor annoyance, this is costing them results which are hard enough to come by in this business. It will have to be taken care of.

The Dublin Destroyer: Merle O’Curle and Matthew Macks picking up a solid victory in any case. O’Curle, for a man of 42, showed tonight that he hasn’t lost a step. It will be interesting to see where his next move takes him too.

Philip Bescott: I’m pretty sure that he will have a very professional eye turned over this next match, tonight’s Main Event, EWF Ri na hEireann Padraig O’Hearne against the brutal, uncompromising Kitty Katz.

 

w/

Padraig O’Hearne vs Meathead McAullie w/Kitty Katz - Ri na hEireann title match

This was the best match in the short history of EWF so far and a fitting finale to the night. O’Hearne stood up to be counted here, unbowed and determined against the onslaught from McAullie. There was no quarter asked or given from either man in an enjoyable, open contest that, initially at least, was fought with a certain amount of mutual respect. The longer it went on however the more fraught the exchanges became. McAullie hit a contemptuous open-handed slap on the champion, Ahearne gave a mocking bow after Meathead missed a turnbuckle squash. Eventually, with an attempted Ahearne suplex blocked, both men tumbled through the ropes and the action spilled to the floor.

 

From here things descended into chaos quite rapidly. Let the record show that Kitty Katz handed McAullie a chair first but Ahearne picked up one his own quite quickly then. Both men ignored the pleading of referee Lucy Avatar and quickly started to use the chairs as impromptu swords (perhaps more as a battleaxe in the case of Meathead). Avatar had little option but to call for the bell at that point, disqualifying both men..

Match Rating: 34

 

The end of the match was not the end of the conflict. The pair continued to swing chairs at each other before getting close enough that they were shortly grappling on the floor once more, exchanging clubbing blows and jostling for an advantage. The Dublin Destroyer leaves his position at the announce desk and tries to separate the pair but, alone, it’s all he can do just to minimise the violence. Cannonball Logan and Cain Carlile join the effort, then Blair Kerrigan and, eventually, with the aid of Rohan Kirchner and Merle O’Curle as well, Ahearne and McAullie are dragged apart and hauled to the back. It’s been a chaotic end to the night.

Segment Rating: 27

 

Philip Bescott: There is absolute bedlam unfolding before my very eyes. This is mayhem. An explosive end to an explosive night of action. The Dublin Destroyer has been forced to leave his position here just to restore order. I hope you’ll join us all for our next show to see what the consequences of this are!

 

Show Rating: 31

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

EWF Coming Storm – Preview

 

Bryn Archer vs Maise Laurels

These two youngsters, the two newest signings in EWF, will both be keen to secure a win in their debut match. The rugged, impactful Archer carries a big advantage in terms of size and power. The highly touted Laurels, on the other hand, carries the edge in terms of experience, charisma and athleticism. This will be a fascinating clash of styles to open the show.

 

Cannonball Logan vs Rohan Kirchner

Cannonball Logan and Rohan Kirchner absolutely share some similarities. Both men are high flyers with 15 years of experience behind them. Both men have settled in Ireland. On the other hand though… the bubbly, friendly Logan and the aggressive, vicious Kirchner have very, very different personalities. This strange combinations of factors should make for a compelling match between a pair who will both be eager to get a win on the board after losses at EWF Brave New World.

 

Cain Carlile vs Brilliant White

Another potentially enthralling bout sees another debutant, in the form of the inventive, risk-taking ‘Captain Crash’ Cain Carlile and the bizarre, outrageous and, er, brilliant Brilliant White going head to head. Carlile is hungry to prove himself and will fancy his chances of seeing off his opponent who looks like he could well be distracted by his burgeoning (and unsettling) obsession with Blair Kerrigan.

 

The Dublin Gals (Blair Kerrigan and Cassie O'Peter) vs Matthew Macks & Merle O’Curle

Speaking of Kerrigan, she and her tag-team partner, Cassie O’Peter face a big challenge on the night themselves. Both girls were defeated by Matthew Macks in last month’s title tournament, a fact that the snide, mean-spirited Mack was only too pleased to crow about online. Kerrigan and O’Peter though are outgoing and positive and eager to step up to any and all challenges. Macks was called out and told to find a partner to back up his chatter. To be fair… he did and then some. Merle O’Curle just might be the most accomplished Irish wrestler in the world today. He has a nasty streak as wide as Mack’s own and there’s little doubt that this will be the biggest challenge in the short career of The Dublin Gals thus far.

 

EWF Ri na hEireann Title Match

w/

Padraig O’Hearne Vs Meathead McAullie w/Kitty Katz

These two met in a bad-tempered semi-final clash last month that ended with the hulking Scot getting DQ’d. O’Hearne rallied from that (and a post-match beatdown) to walk away with the title of course and now, in his first title defence, he’ll have to go up once more against the brutal, unforgiving McAullie and his duplicitous manager Kitty Katz. O’Hearne is no shrinking violet either though, not a man to shirk a challenge and he is proud to be the first EWF Ri na hEireann champion. He will not go down easily. McAullie, for his part is convinced that, however long it takes, no man can withstand his assault indefinitely.

 

Predictions Card - EWF Coming Storm

1. Bryan Archer vs Maise Laurels

2. Cannonball Logan vs Rohan Kirchner

3. Cain Carlile vs Brilliant White

4. The Dublin Gals (Blair Kerrigan and Cassie O'Peter) vs Matthew Macks & Merle O’Curle

5. Padraig O’Hearne Vs Meathead McAullie w/Kitty Katz - EWF Ri na hEireann Title Match

 

I like going with the youngsters.

 

I've actually played/written this save through to the end of June and it's been interesting to watch the roster develop. It's basically divided into three tiers at the moment:

 

The Young Wolfhounds: Youngsters (18-23) who are definitely stacked more heavily towards potential ability than current and who generally pull in individual match performances in the teens and low 20s. They'll probably be spending large parts of 2020 jobbing but will also, hopefully, grow into the bedrock of EWF going forward.

 

The Midcard: A bit of a mixed bag here with a bunch of guys who are in and around their prime and one of two younger folk who have managed to break out of The Young Wolfhounds group. People who generally hit individual numbers in the mid to high 20s.

 

The Main Event: The handful of talents that we can rely on to clear 30 in their matches. It's not a particularly high bar but it's what we're working off right now.

 

I've also questioning the product a little bit. EWF are using a Family Friendly Pro Wrestling approach to things but it's SOOOOOO skewed towards popularity that I think it's hindering our ability to improve as our growth is pretty minimal with a wrestling industry of 6 (and falling!) only adding to this. No less a name that USPW recently began a transition from Family Friendly Pro Wrestling to Classic Sports Entertainment and The Dublin Destroyer is giving some consideration to adopting this change himself for the boys and girls of Emerald Wrestling Federation!

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

Emerald Wrestling Federation have announced two further additions to their roster ahead of next this weekend’s EWF Coming Storm show.

 

Bryn Archer is a tough young Welshman who has been wrestling on the independent scene around Wales and the Midlands since the early part of 2019. Very influenced by the Japanese style of wrestling, he likes to use lots of stiff strikes and basic wear-down holds to work over an opponent before ramping things up and finishing them off with big suplexes and his trademark brutal Spinning Elbow Strike finisher. He'll likely do far better in Japan than any other part of the world, but for now the 19 year old is just gaining seasoning and learning his craft.

 

"Amazing" Maisie Laurels is a 22 year old female wrestler who is one of the fastest rising stars on the British and European circuits. Spotted by the EWA while she was working a couple of shows in France, they signed the Englishwoman in the summer of 2017 despite the fact that she had only a year of experience as a professional. Initially a babyface, it was when she dyed her hair purple and became the sidekick / tag partner / follower / mimic of Viper McKenna that she really started getting some forward momentum and genuine heat from the crowd. One of the most entertaining acts in the entire EWA, she looks like a real star in the making. Laurels revealed on a podcast in 2019 that she is currently dating fellow EWF wrestler Cassie O'Peter.

 

Archer and Laurels are both expected to make their in-ring debut for EWF this Sunday.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

Eight days out from our second show, EWF Coming Storm, I have a sudden realisation. The roster, even bolstered by the signings of O’Curle and Carlile, is too small. We got away with it at the last show because we ran the title tournament but I wouldn’t want to do that every time even if it was an option. The ideal solution, obviously, would be to go out and pull in some Irish youngsters, give them a chance to grow and develop as we do. The problem with that lofty goal is that, as it turns out, there’s an absolute dearth of available options out there who tick that box. Cain Carlile was the first wrestler signed who wasn’t either Irish or, at least, based in Ireland. And if we have to do a little more of that do I try and bring in some kids from Scotland or Wales and give them a shot? Do I look to pull in a few more bodies from the SNP, EWA or VWA? Or is worth trying to attract somebody with some sort of name value? There’s pros and cons to each option and it might even end with me taking a bit from each possibility. For now though… it probably needs some pretty quick decisions if we want to get people aboard in time. Something else to think about.

 

Someday, all going well, we’ll get a proper academy off the ground and be able to bolster our ranks from there. That’s years off though and as much as I like the sound of The Dublin Dojo that’s not in our short term future. Last month’s numbers suggest we have a bit of room in the financial department too but, all going well, I’d really like for us to continue working at a profit for at least the rest of the year to build up some sort of a cash reserve. Ugh, there’s a lot more to running a wrestling promotion, even one as low-key and raw as EWF, than I ever envisaged when I just had to turn up, work one match, hit the showers, get paid and get home. Still… I wouldn’t change a damn thing.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

Will be following, fond memories of your SNP diary

 

Thanks so much! I read over the last few shows of that dynasty myself recently, it was a fun trip down memory lane for me. There are some familiar faces from the SNP days on the EWF roster already so hopefully that will help you to engage with this one too.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

The fledgling Irish wrestling promotion, Emerald Wrestling Federation, whose first show took place last month today announced a trio of new signings to add to their roster.

 

Geordie Jimmy Morris has joined to serve as a Road Agent, almost ten years to the day after his retirement. Morris, now 52 years of age, was a stalwart of the UK scene with lengthy runs with both ROF (who he founded) and MOSC (where he worked with both The Dublin Destroyer and Philip Bescott). An experienced and respected pair of hands, Morris could prove to be hugely beneficial to the locker room going forward in Dublin.

 

"Captain Crash" Cain Carlile is a 23 year old high flyer from Cornwall who graduated from the National School Of Wrestling in 2014. While physically quite small, he works a fast-paced style that incorporates many high risk and aerial attacks with a particular (and somewhat unusual) bias towards moves that involve handsprings, such as the handspring elbow into the turnbuckles. He has made several one-off appearances as an enhancement talent for 21CW over the years, but this is his first run with a company with any recognisable name value.

 

The other signing is one that is very much in keeping with EWF’s stated goal of promoting the best Irish talent available to them. Merle O'Curle, "The Irish Stretching Machine", is an excellent European-style submission wrestler who seems to have an endless supply of painful holds in his arsenal; perhaps his only drawback is that as good as he is technically, he is one of the least flashy wrestlers around and that makes it hard to be successful with a large proportion of modern audiences. Known to British audiences for his runs with 21CW and ROF, his later career has been spent competing in Europe - first with UEW and then with the VWA. Despite being in his early forties and having been wrestling regularly for over two decades, O'Curle remains a solid pro who can pull a good match out of anyone.

 

Keep it up. Enjoying the show.

 

Thanks very much for the kind words, really appreciate the encouragement.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

End of month review – January 2020

 

It makes sense for me to collect my thoughts at the end of any given month and see how things have gone for EWF. January 2020? I think we can chalk it down as a success overall.

 

Shows/Feuds: The month’s show, EWF Brave New World, was perfectly acceptable as a debut show. It wasn’t exactly a revolution and I doubt that SNP or CWW are exactly quacking in their boots but it was a beginning and, to be fair, not a bad one. Padraig O’Hearne is in place as our first Ri na hEireann and we’ve built a natural feud between him and Meathead McAullie to anchor things for the next while too. We’ve also got the first seeds planted for a programme with Brilliant White and Blair Kerrigan. The audience really only expects us to have one feud at any given time but if we can have a few irons in the fire then so much the better I feel.

 

 

Finances: We made a decent profit for the month of $954. I’m genuinely encouraged by this particularly as I would expect our ticket sales to grow over the next few months. We will look at reinvesting some of this money in the company, most likely to bolster the roster in a couple of places where it’s needed. I don’t think that we need yet to concern ourselves with our production values, not while the shows are only drawing numbers like 37. Similarly, merchandising isn’t going to become much of a concern until there’s enough people there to actually buy any of it. There were fears that the additional travel costs for booking the likes of Macks, Kerrigan, O’Peter and Avatar might be unsustainable but, looking at current numbers, that is thankfully not the case.

 

Roster: While it’s a small as it is currently it shouldn’t be beyond me to give a brief summary of each of them.

 

Blair Kerrigan: Popularity 10 (+2), was a little disappointing between the ropes in her two matches but is still young and inexperienced. No doubting her potential though and is set for a programme with Brilliant White that should help her to establish herself.

 

Brilliant White: Popularity 13 (-1), lost his match on the night but was one of the big winners from my point of view. In terms of in-ring performance he was right up there with O’Hearne and McAullie as top performers and his promo was, legitimately, the best part of the whole show. There is a real sense now that something will need to be found to give him something to do.

 

Cannonball Logan: Popularity 12 (NC), performed okay but no more than that in a surprisingly flat match and will probably need to be rehabbed a little after that. On the plus side of his ledger, his gimmick got over very well and he’s proved a big success in the back too, lifting morale noticeably when he organised an impromptu karaoke session before the show.

 

Cassie O’Peter: Popularity 7 (-1), was the worst in-ring performer on the show and didn’t get the same bounce as partner Kerrigan. That being said there’s no doubting her potential and she should be fine if she’s given the opportunity to develop in time.

 

Kitty Katz: Popularity 3 (NC), Katz plays her role as a part of the overall Meathead McAullie package and, as a young Irish talent, she’s definitely worth keeping around. How much she really adds as an individual is still debateable but, at 30 bucks a show, her close friendship with McAullie alone adds enough to the locker room that she’s worth the investment.

 

Lucy Avatar: Popularity 1 (+1), Avatar has come in as referee, quietly gotten on with things and ticked every box. She’s a real people person and I’d like to think that she’ll be our referee for a very long time to come. I’m playing with the idea of asking her to relocate to help reduce our costs but we’ll give it another month or so before making any decisions on that score.

 

Matthew Macks: Popularity 11 (+3), it was decent night’s work for Macks. He was solid rather than spectacular but he has more in the tank. The gimmick was very good too and could be the foundation for him becoming a player here in EWF.

 

Meathead McAullie: Popularity 15 (NC), the big man put down a definite marker of intent and it would be a brave person to bet against him being a major star here as the promotion grows. McAullie is comfortably the biggest, strongest man we have and that alone gives him something special. He has plenty more going for him than just size too though and I’m confident that he’ll help us to grow and develop.

 

Padraig O’Hearne: Popularity 16 (+1), justified my decision to put the strap on him and that was the first hurdle to clear. His three matches were consistent and he should only improve with more experience. He’s got a good attitude, a good look and is a good worker. All the pieces are there, I’m looking forward to watching him put them in place.

 

Philip Bescott: Popularity 15 (NC), the jury is still out somewhat on Philip. On paper, at $100 a show (the next highest is $60) and with us not really needing an announce team yet, he’s an expense that we could do without. Against that though, I’d prefer for us to have at least a one man announce team even now, he’s an Irish voice to have there and I feel like the guy deserves a second chance after he blew his one shot with MOSC all those years ago. For now at least, I’m willing to persevere with him. He’s the most negative voice in the dressing room though (indeed, for now at least, the only negative voice in the dressing room) so that bears keeping an eye on too.

 

Rohan Kirchner: Popularity 5 (NC), despite living in Ireland, Kirchner isn’t particularly well known here. This might hinder him a little but time will tell. He was okay at the show, gave a reasonable account of himself in a decent opening match on the card. Jury is still out but he’s worth his place for now at least.

 

The Dublin Destroyer: Well… I’d like to think that I can still count on myself to get the job done as head booker but, if we’ve learned anything, it’s that I can’t cut it as a Road Agent. So one of those will be right at the top of the proverbial shopping list. Lesson learned, I may even park myself next to Philip on the announce desk for now to see how that works out in the short-term. Or maybe just as an Authority Figure. There are many options. The future of EWF is still to be written after all.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

EWF Brave New World

 

EWF Brave New World

 

Sunday, Week 2, January 2020 – Dublin, Ireland

Announce Team: Philip Bescott

Referee: Lucy Avatar

Road Agent: The Dublin Destroyer

Attendance: 37

 

Philip Bescott: Hello all! My name is Philip Bescott and it is my very great pleasure to welcome you to the first ever Emerald Wrestling Federation show – EWF Brave New World – from right here in Dublin. Tonight we will crown the first ever holder of the Ri na hEireann title, the first ever King of Ireland. It’s going to be great stuff I’m sure. This first match will be between Ireland’s own Padraig O’Hearne and, adding some international flair, South African Rohan Kirchner.

 

Padraig O’Hearne vs Rohan Kirchner - Quarter-final Match

There were pros and cons to this first match of the EWF era. Both men’s gimmicks were great, O’Hearne as the emerging home town hero and Kirchner as a bad ass. O’Hearne boasts a tangible sense of Star Quality too that also helped this one. Both men showed what they can do, trading control of the bout. O’Hearne’s athleticism was impressive and he showed good fundamentals and psychology from bell to bell. Kirchner, for his part, showed some flashy ability and plenty of athleticism himself. The young Irishman gave an encouraging performance overall here and would emerge victorious, via a submission and Scorpion Death Lock, after 10’36 to advance to the last four of the Championship competition. The match could have benefitted from being better organised, a complaint that would linger throughout the night and there is a sense that EWF might be well served in employing a specialised Road Agent and allowing The Dublin Destroyer to pick up another role instead if necessary.

Match Rating: 26

 

Philip Bescott: So there you have it. Padraig O’Hearne is the winner of the first match in EWF history, picking up the submission victory over a game Rohan Kirchner. He will be paying close attention to this next bout now as he will face the winner between the outgoing Cannonball Logan and the hulking brute, Meathead McAullie.

 

w/

Cannonball Logan vs Meathead McAullie w/Kitty Katz - Quarter-final match

Cannonball Logan, for all his experience and undoubted heart, couldn’t keep up with the bruising offence of McAullie. The big Scot manhandled his foe throughout this short bout, sending out an ominous statement of intent to the rest of the EWF roster. It took just 5’02 and a Running Big Boot that almost took off Logan’s head to end this as a contest. Kitty Katz was an energising presence at ringside too and she and McAullie have a wonderful chemistry together. McAullie came out of this one looking like a beast.

Match Rating: 13

 

After the match Kitty Katz got on the mic and hyped up the semi-final clash between her man McAullie and Padraig O’Hearne. She insisted that nobody could cope with Meathead’s power, brutality and sheer destructive force and that O’Hearne, even if he lasted longer than Logan, would succumb just the same. The big man himself stood grimly behind her, glowering throughout.

Segment Rating: 17

 

Philip Bescott: I have to say that I feel mouthwatering anticipation at the upcoming semi-final clash between Padraig O’Hearne and Meathead McAullie. I can also say that I would understand some apprehension on the part of O’Hearne at the prospect of what is ahead of him.

 

The Dublin Gals team of ‘Blazing’ Blair Kerrigan and ‘Classy’ Cassie O’Peter cut a promo next. The pair are young and brimming with enthusiasm, exuberance and excitement. Delighted to be back and working in their native city they are thrilled to be here for the launch of EWF and both confident of making a mark against their more experienced foes. They joke about what will happen should they both prevail and have to compete against each other in the semi-final round.

Segment Rating: 26

 

Philip Bescott: Those young ladies are a truly likable pair, full of energy and fire. They are not be discounted in this competition, not by a long shot!

 

Cassie O’Peter vs Matthew Macks - Quarter-final match

The crowd were behind this one but it never quite landed bell to bell. O’Peter is charismatic but still inexperienced and she seemed off form. Macks sells really well and gave O’Peter a chance to shine too before picking up the victory in 7’40 after hitting his trademark Red Lightening finisher.

Match Rating: 18

 

Philip Bescott: Matthew Macks moves into the next round. He has come back to Ireland with a sizable chip on his shoulder but he showed in this one that he is not to be discounted. The man can fight and, as it turns out, bitterness is as potent a fuel as any. He won’t thank me for saying so but he has been flying the flag oversees for some time now and it’s good to see him competing back on home soil. And now we see who will win to face him and to take the last of our semi-final berths.

 

Blair Kerrigan vs Brilliant White

This was a match of high spots with Brilliant White carrying most of the load against an underwhelming, off form Kerrigan. They both worked a fast pace throughout this one, trading near falls and counter holds. Brilliant White, as oddly charismatic as always, pushed hard to score the pinfall here. His own momentum would eventually count against him as the young woman he was fighting would somehow roll through an attempted cover, managing to reverse his intended outcome and keep his shoulders to the mat for a three count at 7’29 to score a somewhat surprise victory that owed much to opportunism. Blair Kerrigan then, marches on in the contest to be crowned the first champion of EWF.

Match Rating: 20

 

Philip Bescott: What a moment for young Blair Kerrigan! So now we are down to four. Kerrigan, O’Hearne, McAullie and Macks. One of this quartet will end the night in glorious victory. For the other three… that will not be the case. And now, without further fanfare, it’s time for the semi finals to begin!

 

w/

Padraig O’Hearne vs Meathead McAullie w/Kitty Katz - Semi-final match

This one had a bit more stakes to it. McAullie and O’Hearne had been butting heads over social media in the run up to this event and that boiling over into a bad-tempered, aggressive battle. McAullie, unsurprisingly, had the advantage of power but the 26-year old Irishman was unwilling to lay down and kept on coming back, no matter what was thrown at him (primarily fists and kicks, what McAullie lacks in subtlety he makes up for in brutality). On the occasions when it appeared as though O’Hearne was in a position to mount some sort of a comeback, Kitty Katz was always there to distract both O’Hearne and referee Lucy Avatar for long enough that Meathead was able to regain control. Eventually, perhaps infuriated by O’Hearne’s refusal to stay down, McAullie would lock in a blatant choke hold and refuse to release it, leaving Lucy Avatar with no option other than to disqualify the big Scot a little after the 10 minute mark.

Match Rating: 26

 

After the match Meathead McAullie continued his beatdown of Padraig O’Hearne, landing three huge powerbombs, one after the other, in the centre of the ring before choking O’Hearne some more and then throwing him bodily to the ring floor. With hardly a backwards glance and seemingly oblivious to the smattering of boos, McAullie left with a smirking Kitty Katz by his side.

Segment Rating: 22

 

Philip Bescott: That was an absolute masterclass in barbarism from Meathead McAullie. He may not have won the match and he will not become the first EWF Ri na hEireann but he seemed quite pleased with his night’s work as he was leaving there. As for Padraig O’Hearne… what kind of shape will he be in for the final match of the night? You’d have to say that Blair Kerrigan and, particularly, Matthew Macks will see the positives from that awesome beatdown in their own pursuit of championship gold.

 

Blair Kerrigan vs Matthew Macks - Semi-final match

Matthew Macks was pushed to his limits by young Blair Kerrigan before using his veteran’s instincts to eke out a victory by taking advantage of a ringside appearance by the unusual Brilliant White. In a sometimes disjointed contest where the two workers appeared to be on different wavelengths momentum shifted back and forth. With only a badly beaten Padraig O’Hearne between the winner of this bout and title gold there’s no doubt that the incentive was there as they battled back and forth across the duration of this contest. Things were still evenly poised when Brilliant White’s music announced his arrival at the top of the entrance ramp. He started intently at Blair Kerrigan, who had of course eliminated him from the competition in the previous round, and she was distracted by this and clearly a little disconcerted too. It was all the opening that Macks needed, snaking in to hit Red Lightening again and book his place in the final after defeating both of The Dublin Gals.

Match Rating: 20

 

The cameras then catch up with Brilliant White as he makes his way backstage. He cuts a decidedly cryptic promo talking about his defeat earlier to ‘Blazing’ Blair before launching into a song which he dedicates to Kerrigan. He concludes that things are looking, “brilliant for Blair. Brilliant White.” His promo was comfortably the best section of the whole show.

Segment Rating: 35

 

Philip Bescott: That is a very, very unusual individual. Brilliant in his own way (as he frequently reminds us) and there may well be a lot of sense in what he says but figuring it out is a different matter entirely. In any case, now is not the time to try and decode the ramblings of Brilliant White. Now is time for a clash between two men, two of the finest Irish wrestlers in the world today as they compete for the Ri na hEireann title. Padraig O’Hearne, the determined, driven young man who lives here still and who has travelled extensively across the Irish Sea seeking the experience and the challenges to prepare him for a night just like this one. Matthew Macks, the prodigal son who left these shores over a decade ago and who has carved out his own place oversees. A mercurial, adventurous talent driven by a simmering discontent. Now they are about to meet, about to collide in a battle where no quarter will be asked for or given.

 

Padraig O’Hearne vs Matthew Macks - Final match to crown EWF Ri na hEireann champion

These two went at it from the bell, both determined to do whatever it took to take an advantage. O’Hearne tried to keep his smaller foe grounded. Macks, for his part (whose own career has been plagued by back issues) tried to keep the focus on O’Hearne’s back, clearly targeting that body part after watching the McAullie assault on O’Hearne earlier. Early exchanges went back and forth and, once more, O’Hearne’s Star Quality and Macks selling were particularly positive here. Both men were grounded after a double clothesline hit and, as they were slowly trying to regain their bearing, the opportunistic Macks poked his bigger opponent in the eye. Macks’ control of the bout was to the short lived though and a missed high knee to the corner gave O’Hearne what would prove the decisive moment. A suplex left Macks prone in the middle of the ring and when O’Hearne, ignoring his own back pain, locked in a Scorpion Deathlock, Matthew Macks could only tap out at 10’47.

Match Rating: 26

 

Philip Bescott: Padraig O’Hearne has done it! He is the first Ri na hEireann, having come through this tournament tonight and outlasting all his competition! It’s been a memorable night here for EWF and we hope you’ll all joing us next month when we do it all over again. I’m Philip Bescott, I’ve been honoured to get to be a part of this and I can hardly wait to see what will happen next!

 

Show Rating: 27

 

Really looking forward to this! You’re off to a great start!

 

Thanks Historian! Much appreciate the encouraging words, hoping to craft a fun ride!

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

EWF Brave New World – Ri na hEireann Quarter Final Draw

 

Blair Kerrigan vs Brilliant White

Cannonball Logan vs Meathead McAullie

Cassie O’Peter vs Matthew Macks

Padraig O’Hearne vs Rohan Kirchner

 

The Dublin Gals (Blair Kerrigan and Cassie O’Peter)

 

Blair Kerrigan: ‘Blazing’ Blair and ‘Classy’ Cassie are on our way home! And I am so excited to get to be a part of the first Emerald Wrestling Federation show. This is the sort of thing we’ve dreamed of, am I right Cassie, girl?

 

Cassie O’Peter: Absolutely right Blair! The Dublin Gals at the most important wrestling event to be held in Dublin in our lifetimes? I’d say that’s something that everyone should be excited about! We were talking about this though and there’s just one small problem that we can see.

 

Blair Kerrigan: (laughing good naturedly) Just one small problem!

 

Cassie O’Peter: What’s with this Ri na hEireann title? The King of Ireland?

 

Blair Kerrigan: Because when myself or Cassie go all the way and win this thing, Ireland is gonna find that it doesn’t have a King, it has itself a Queen.

 

Cassie O’Peter: Banrion na hEireann! Queen Cassie.

 

Blair Kerrigan: Or Queen Blair!

 

Cassie O’Peter: Both sound good to me. We’ll see you soon Dublin. It’ll be great to be back.

 

Blair Kerrigan: I can hardly wait. Love you Dublin!

 

Brilliant White

Ireland… home to so many of the greats… Bono, Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, Sinead O’Connor, Brilliant White. Ireland is lucky to have had me settle here, lucky to have all that it can see seared by the brilliant white of Brilliant White. The brave new world we have at the end of Brave New World will see a brilliant new champion crowned after three brilliant victories. A brilliant melody, a brilliant accomplishment, a brilliant moment. When the smoke clears and the dust settles it will be as it was meant to be, all brilliant white under the reign of Brilliant White.

 

Cannonball Logan

I have been fortunate enough to wrestle in many rings, to call many cities home. I’ve got experience and I’ve been around and you can take it from me, I am as excited about the opportunity to become Ri na hEireann in my adopted home country as I have ever been about anything. And as anybody who knows me can verify, I’m an excitable guy so that is a pretty high bar. Speaking of which, when it’s all said and done? I’ll see you at the bar. Make mine a pint of Guinness. We will celebrate long and loud and all through the night!

 

Matthew Macks

Let me make one thing crystal clear. I didn’t need a leg up to get ahead in my career. I wasn’t offered help or support or encouragement. I picked myself up and I went out there and I did it myself. I have earned every one of my many successes. I did that. I’m not coming back to Ireland to help create this so called Brave New World. I am coming back to show each and every of you what you’ve been missing out on for the last eleven years because your eyes were shut and your hands were idle. I had to leave to make things happen because nobody else wanted to do anything other than to hold me back. I didn’t need you then and I sure as hell don’t need you now.

 

Meathead McAullie (with Kitty Katz)

Meathead McAullie: There’s been a lot of talk about Emerald Wrestling Federation. The Irish are warriors, the Irish are fighters, the Irish are tough. Most of the Irish are just tough to listen to. This whole thing is a joke. Pretend tough guys, scrawny weasels and a couple of girls? Is that the best you can muster up? But that’s fine too. I don’t get paid by the hour and I love nothing more than a fight even if it is against some sad, puny misfits who won’t even cause me to break a sweat.

 

Kitty Katz: That’s exactly it babe. Consider it a working vacation. With a whole lot of vacation and not a whole lot of work. It’s just a pity that it’s happening in a city that is more an ashtray in the armpit of Ireland than anything else. I couldn’t wait to leave and I hoped I’d never have to come back. Still… needs must.

 

Meathead McAullie: Just for that, for inconveniencing you, I’m going to hurt these chumps extra bad.

 

Padraig O’Hearne

 

This is the sort of thing that drove me forward every step of the way. When I enrolled in Ring of Fire Dojo it was in pursuit of this. Every trip up and down the backroads, every ferry and every airport departure lounge was in pursuit of this. From SNP to CWW to this – wrestling in my own country in front of my own fans and chasing down championship gold. In years to come they’re going to look back at this show as the first ripple in the water. Irish wrestling and Padraig O’Hearne are both on the rise. It’s a beautiful day.

 

Rohan Kirchner

I’m gonna keep this real simple so no fool misunderstands. I am the toughest, baddest, most dangerous freak unleashed here in the EWF. There is no room for sentiment here. The bell rings, I engage, I kick ass, I pick up the 1-2-3. Repeat. That belt is gonna fit real snug around my waist. The King will be crowned. Straight outta South Africa. Punk!

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

 

I’m 44 years old now. It just sneaks up on you doesn’t it? Time. Life. All intertwined. And all moving in only one direction. 26 years ago I had my first professional wrestling match. Last year I had my last. I had the same dreams as anybody else. I wanted to go to America, to get a contract with the SWF, to main event The Supreme Challenge. None of that happened. In fact, bar a couple of years with the long extinct MOSC, I haven’t left much of a mark. I can live with that. Life has been good to me. I have a wife that I love and a job that pays the bills and if I’ve had to get used to being called Gerry a whole lot more and Destroyer a whole lot less in the last year I can live with that too.

 

All that being said, I still love wrestling. Just the whole spectacle of it, the art of it. Even wrestling in front of just dozens of people instead of hundreds or thousands, there’s a magic to it that I feel blessed just to have gotten to be a tiny, miniscule part of. So there you have it, I love my wife, I love professional wrestling and I love my city and my country. And I want to give something back. Wrestling is a hard business to break into. It was made even harder for us here in Ireland. To get properly trained, to get booked, to be involved at all… at the very least you were looking at a boat or a plane to the UK or even further afield. It’s not good enough. This isn’t the biggest country in the world but there’s enough people, enough money, enough talent for us to be doing much, much more.

 

That’s where I can still come in. That’s where Emerald Wrestling Federation comes in. Let’s make a stage, right here on the Emerald Isle. Dublin is a vibrant, thriving city and Ireland is vibrant, thriving country. We have exported our best and our brightest for too long. It’s time for a change. Armed with a couple of thousand bucks, a vision and a big dream… I want to make this work. Not just for Gerry Kilbane. Not just for The Dublin Destroyer. But for kids breaking through like Blair Kerrigan and Cassie O’Peter and veterans like Matthew Macks and Merle O’Curle who have all been forced to up sticks and leave their home to carve out their little niche. For Padraig O’Hearne who flies back and forth across that Irish sea, juggling his personal and professional commitments with the pursuit of his dream. For Lug Phelan who is flying the tricolour over in Los Angeles. We deserve better. We deserve opportunities. We deserve Emerald Wrestling Federation.

 

The UK scene isn't much covered on the boards, I'm looking forward to following this

 

As I'm from Ireland the UK scene in the C-verse has always had some draw for me. My first game, my first dynasty here was with SNP and was a fun ride. Hopefully this one goes the same way and hopefully you enjoy the twists and turns too.

[Emerald Wrestling Federation - Ireland's C-verse dynasty]

 

The Emerald Wrestling Federation will be launching with a show in Dublin in the middle of January 2020 called ‘EWF Brave New World’. The event will feature an eight person tournament designed to crown the first holder of the Ri na hEireann (King of Ireland) Championship. Confirmed as taking part in this tournament are the following wrestlers:

 

‘Blazing’ Blair Kerrigan

Brilliant White

Cannonball Logan

‘Classy’ Cassie O’Peter

‘The Irish Daredevil’ Matthew Macks

Meathead McAullie

Padraig O’Hearne

Rohan Kirchner

 

 

 

EWF is the creation of retired Irish wrestler Gerry ‘The Dublin Destroyer’ Kilbane. Kilbane, who was a staple of the Irish and UK independent scene for 25 years until his 2019 retirement from in-ring action, has stated that his chief goal behind the establishment of EWF is to provide a stage for emerging talent from (and based in) Ireland to develop and showcase their abilities. With one eye on the massive success story that is 21st Century Wrestling as well as the growth of independent companies such as Scottish National Promotions and Championship Wrestling from Wigan it seems that there has never been a better time for a wrestling promotion to emerge in this part of the world and time will tell if Kilbane's lofty plans come to fruition.

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Chapter 16 – IPW: Underground #2

 

 

Chapter 16 – IPW: Underground #2

 

IPW: Underground #2 – From Los Angeles, California

 

Announce Team: Moses Makesh, Luther Judge, Phil Vibert

Referee: Kurt Lovenkrantz

Road Agent: Vin Tanner

Attendance: 111

Shown on: Wrestleworld (29,375 viewers)

 

 

Moses Makesh: My name is Moses Makesh and, as always, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the realest hour of weekly pro wrestling in the world today! Welcome to IPW: Underground!

 

Phil Vibert: Tonight’s Main Event is one for the ages. The Night Terrors, the current holders of the IPW tag Team Championship will be aiming to spread their message of fear to a wider audience as they challenge for the COTT World Tag Team titles against The American Cobras. Marvel Malloy and Storm Spillane are not men who scare easily but I’m quietly confident that they’ve never faced anybody as out there as The Night Terrors.

 

Moses Makesh: Those COTT World Tag Team title belts aren’t a prize to be sniffed at it either!

 

Luther Judge: I’m still not convinced that titles mean as much to The Night Terrors as the opportunity to maim, terrorise and generally hurt their fellow man.

 

Phil Vibert: IPW is definitely the right place for anybody in the business of hurting others!

 

Moses Makesh: I suspect that tonight’s opening match will go a considerable difference towards proving that, Phil! All three of these men are noticeably happier when given the opportunity to trade in violence and bloody mayhem!

 

JOJI Vs Lil Henry Vs PsychoMike

This was a strong start to the show with the crowd buying in despite the comparatively sub-par wrestling on display. Lil Henry, befitting his status as a former IPW Champion (and recruitment target for The Brigg House), carried this one as best he could and remains in possession of a genuine Star Quality. JOJI continues to sell like a superstar and was solid here and, while PsychoMike is still clearly lacking in experience and will probably be more of a fixture on preshows for some time yet, the youngster is becoming ever more confident in his Juggernaut gimmick and retains a lot of potential and an upside.

 

As has become the norm, the work from both the Announce Team and Vin Tanner as Road Agent was excellent throughout, adding to every segment. The trio in the ring all took it in turns to beat each other up in the opening exchanges here until, with an unspoken agreement that would later be cemented by a fist bump, JOJI and PsychoMike attempted to cut off Lil Henry’s head of steam by combining their efforts against the former champion. Initially, they seemed to be making some headway, rocking the big man with a series of stiff blows and kicks. Lil Henry was backed up in a corner, PsychoMike holding him in place while JOJI prepped for a splash. Just before impact, Lil Henry reached down deep and brought his power to bear, darting to one side with an unexpected quickness and pulling PsychoMike into the danger zone instead. JOJI’s knees came close to snapping PsychoMike’s head clean off his neck. While the youngster slumped against the turnbuckles, Lil Henry took his rising frustrations out upon JOJI before tossing the Japanese competitor to the floor.

 

He turned back to PsychoMike then who was making his way, gamely if somewhat unsteadily, back to the fray. He may have regretted his courage, sooner rather than later. Lil Henry hit him with two hard rights to the face before the end was accomplished in Lil Henry’s usual manner, a venomous Double-Handed Choke Bomb.

 

Lil Henry defeated JOJI and PsychoMike in 7’16 when Lil Henry pinned PsychoMike with a Double-Handed Choke Bomb.

Match Rating: 33

 

Moses Makesh: Lil Henry continuing his unbeaten start to 2020. He’s been quietly effective so far this year!

 

Phil Vibert: And it is exactly that sort of form, combined with his storied history here in IPW, that has him on the wishlist of Anslem Briggs.

 

Luther Judge: Speak of the Devil and he shall appear… here comes Mighty Mouth now.

 

Luther Judge was correct in this. Anslem Briggs, wearing a vast smile, made his way to ringside then, hailing Lil Henry’s victory loudly and with an enthusiasm so pronounced that the sincerity of it had to be questioned. He clambered between the ropes and continued his applause, joining the crowd in a chant of ‘Lil Henry!’. He requested, and was given, a microphone and addressed the victorious wrestler,

 

“A damn good showing my man, a damn good showing! You see what I’ve managed to do for you already? I spoke out about you being buried on pre-shows and, lo and behold, here we are, live on Wrestleworld! And that’s just the beginning of what’s in store if you make the right call here. If tonight was an audition you’ve passed with flying colours. So just say the word, just announce in front of all these watching people that you want a room in The Brigg House and I will have a contract ready for your to make your mark before this show ends. I will take you all the way back to the top! So… what’s it gonna be?”

 

Lil Henry, breathing a little heavily from the exertion of his match, just stood there and stared back at Briggs. Just like last time around, the silence lingered and not a word was spoken, in either friendship or enmity. Lil Henry turned his back and made to leave the ring. Briggs, the tiniest hint of agitation in his voice now, called out again,

 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up there big man! I like you Lil Henry and I want to handle this like an adult but you turn your back on me and walk out of here without a word and I promise you will regret it.”

 

Lil Henry continues to amble towards the ropes and Briggs continues,

 

“I’m trying to stay civilised here because I know that you belong in The Brigg House. But I don’t care how big you are. You do not get to disrespect Anslem Briggs and walk on out of here. That is the behaviour of a coward, maybe the biggest coward in IPW!”

 

Lil Henry stopped and stiffened, halfway through the ropes. Anslem Briggs swallowed hard and attempted to calm the situation, seemingly having just realised how alone he was and how massive the hulking back of Lil Henry truly is.

 

“All that being said, never let it be said that Anslem Briggs is not a reasonable man. I get it, it’s a big decision to make and I don’t want to rush you. So you go home, celebrate your victory and think about how sweet it could be with the power of The Brigg House behind you. It is win-win, there are no drawbacks, just a cast iron guarantee that the name of Lil Henry will command the respect it deserves once more! Give it some thought and you come back and let me know… in your own time. Sooner is better than later though.”

 

Lil Henry continued on his way up the ramp then and, after giving ample time to ensure he was gone, Anslem Briggs, looking marginally less smug than normal, followed the path to the back.

Angle Rating: 31

 

Moses Makesh: And the saga continues. The Brigg House recruitment efforts still not quite over the line with regard to Lil Henry.

 

Phil Vibert: He’s still not saying no either though. It’s an interesting situation. To be fair to Henry… it’s a big decision.

 

Luther Judge: I can certainly understand there being a certain reluctance to spend any more time in the company of Anslem Briggs.

 

Moses Makesh: The question of trust can’t be understated here either. Allies in this business are practically worthless without trust.

 

As if to lend weight to Moses’ words the camera then picked up the action backstage where Deadly Deadshot and IPW Californian champion The Outlaw were engaged in heated debate. This pairing, former IPW Tag Team champions in their own right, have had a difficult week or so. Deadly Deadshot expressed a lot of annoyance at the manner of their defeat in last week’s tag team match against Coulrophobia, accusing The Outlaw of walking out on him. The Outlaw didn’t take this criticism laying down and got right up in his erstwhile partner’s face, taking the time to remind Deadshot that it was his error that initially laid out The Outlaw. Neither man was willing to back down and the conversation then turned to the match where The Outlaw regained the IPW Californian title. Deadshot wasn’t particularly pleased at how he’d been punked out in that match either. The Outlaw was unapologetic once more here, declaring that he would do whatever it took to achieve title glory. Deadly Deadshot told him that if he felt that way then there was no way he could trust The Outlaw. In response The Outlaw told him that he was a whiny bitch but, if he wanted, he could have a shot at the IPW Californian title instead. The Outlaw left in a hurry then, clearly annoyed. Deadly Deadshot, no happier, shouted after him that he’d see him in the ring.

Angle Rating: 24

 

Moses Makesh: Well it seems that we may have our next IPW Californian title match on the way. Always assuming that Commissioner Vibert is happy to sign off on it!

 

Phil Vibert: Hey, consider it done, if those guys want to try and work out their differences in the ring, I’m as happy as anybody to watch it. Once upon these guys were close, watching where things are now for them… well, it’s been quite the shift.

 

Luther Judge: I would say that it’s fair to say that they will not be exchanging birthday cards. Bags of shit maybe but not birthday cards.

 

Moses Makesh: There’s definitely multiple layers to this one. It’s about more than simply the title.

 

Phil Vibert: There’s more to life than titles. Resentment is a pretty powerful motivator itself.

 

Moses Makesh: That sets up the next match quite nicely actually. Resentment is a big part of the relationship between Canadian Hardcore and Minnesota Awesome.

 

Luther Judge: To be fair… to know Minnesota Awesome is to resent them.

 

Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg & Sasquatch McGraw) Vs Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone & Perry Longstaff)

The buzzing crowd definitely helped to keep this latest chapter in the Canadian Hardcore/Minnesota Awesome rivalry interesting. It was a Car Crash of a match from the outset with the pair of near 7-foot Canadians seemingly intent on inventing new ways of dismembering their smaller opponents. The pace was frantic but going all out really only seemed to suit Sasquatch McGraw. The other three seemed slightly rushed here and while Minnesota Awesome both sold well, their inexperience is still evident to anybody watching.

 

Canadian Hardcore dominated this one, using their superior strength and size to control their opponents. It wasn’t pretty but it was damn effective as McGraw and Von Battenberg unleashed an arsenal of slams, clotheslines and, in a particularly unorthodox moment, they each grabbed an arm and a leg of Perry Longstaff and attempted to pull him in two! This almost slavish devotion to physical carnage would eventually provide the opportunity to turn this one around. Clark Smallbone broke up a pin attempt and, for his trouble, was press slammed up and over the top rope and through a ringside merch table. Canadian Hardcore took a few moments to admire their handywork, McGraw smiling widely as Von Battenberg examined the wreckage up close and nudged Smallbone with his foot. Perry Longstaff showed then that, whatever Minnesota Awesome give away in size, they lack nothing in awareness and opportunism. He regained just about enough awareness to roll up Sasquatch from behind and, ably assisted by a handful of tights, he somehow managed to keep the big man’s shoulders down for a three count! Another victory eked out for Minnesota Awesome.

 

Minnesota Awesome defeated Canadian Hardcore in 7’07 when Perry Longstaff pinned Sasquatch McGraw with a handful of tights.

Match Rating: 31

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial! Minnesota Awesome emerge victorious. That did not seem a likely outcome for the duration of this one!

 

Luther Judge: Canadian Hardcore can not believe it! The weren’t expecting this either.

 

Phil Vibert: Truthfully? I’m not sure even Minnesota Awesome were expecting this result! At some point though, people are going to have to wake up to the fact that how you get it done is less important than the fact that it gets done. And, tonight, Minnesota Awesome got it done.

 

Luther Judge: We’ll have to start calling them Minnesota Hardcore. Perhaps it’s all part of their master plan.

 

Moses Makesh: And speaking of master plans, Hustle Muvva wants to address the IPW and outline some of his.

 

Hustle Muvva made his way to the ring, still carrying a noticeable limp and with Cindy on his arm. He seemed even more focused than he has of late, a look of storied determination and cold fury on his face.

 

“I outlined my plans for 2020 to you all not so long ago. No big deal. Become a father and climb back to the top of IPW pile so that when my kid comes into the world they see the IPW Heavyweight champion. The thing about plans though.., a man has to be flexible, a man has to react to the unexpected, to inconvenient roadblocks that spring up. Inconvenient roadblocks like Frantic Ali. Frantic Ali and I have never really seen eye to eye. That confuses some people because they see a lot of similarities between us. I understand that. We’re both strong, we’re both smart, we’re both from the streets, both winners. There is one big difference between Hustle Muvva and Frantic Ali, one that I can sum up in a single word… integrity. As in I have it in abundance and he has none whatsoever.”

 

Muvva got even more serious.

 

“Frantic Ali You think attacking me from behind make you a man, will hinder my plan, you don’t understand! You’re afraid to take a crack at me in a Triple Threat match? Well this has backfired on you, son. You’re in my sights now. You think I’m going to stand idly by after you and your goons make threats to my pregnant wife? It will be you and me, one on one, nobody else. I am calling you out. So what’s it gonna be? You want to set yourself up as King of the Corner? You need to sack up and take a shot then. If you’ve not got the stones to do so, then by all means expose yourself as a yellow, gutless rat bastard to everybody watching. But if you even want to pretend to be a man… well, I’ll see you in this ring real soon!"

 

The crowd erupted, clearly as keen to see this match as Hustle Muvva himself.

Angle Rating: 45

 

Moses Makesh: Well I’m sure that most observers are as unsurprised as I am that Hustle Muvva isn’t about to take The Brigg House’s attack on the chin but, I have to say, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him quite so driven by anything.

 

Phil Vibert: Makes sense to me. Threatening a man’s wife, assaulting him in the manner that we saw at Triplemania 6… Hustle Muvva is a proud man, he was always going to seek revenge. Unlike Frantic Ali and his cronies though, Muvva isn’t afraid to give advance warning of his intentions.

 

Luther Judge: A noble step but I’ll wait until after these men collide to pass judgement on whether or not it was a wise one.

 

Moses Makesh: Assuming that we do get to see such a match, an increasingly personal grievance between two former IPW champions, it has the potential to go down as one of IPW’s finest!

 

Phil Vibert: I’m quite sure that something can be arranged,

Luther Judge: Always assuming that Frantic Ali will actually accept the challenge!

 

Moses Makesh: Certainly that’s something to look forward to. As it this next match between Hugh de Aske and Remmy Skye, two of IPW’s most charismatic and out there competitors!

 

Hugh de Aske Vs Remmy Skye

Considering that there was no substantial build for this one, it is a testament to the skills of the two men involved that they managed to build up a bout with genuine heat. It was an open contest between two gifted wrestlers that started on quite a cordial note but became increasingly ill-tempered as the bout wore on. Most of this ill-feeling stemmed from ‘The Dread Pirate’ de Aske, who has cut an increasingly frustrated figure of late.

 

The two men felt each other out in the opening minutes with the pace slowly increasing as they both strove for dominance. Neither man could really take control as hold and counter-hold were attempted time and again. Remmy Skye’s greater experience slowly came to bear though and, more than once, de Aske found himself struggling to stay in it. Skye’s gimmick, that of the stereotypical surfer dude, is still holding him back somewhat here in IPW and he seemed off his game in general today with de Aske, somewhat surprisingly, outperforming his more storied opponent here bell to bell.

 

Within the realms of kayfabe though, Remmy Skye ultimately continued his return to form here, effectively moving so fast that he tied de Aske in knots, leaving the Belgian born fighter prone take a Skye Diver that would prove decisive.

 

Remmy Skye defeated Hugh de Aske in 11’59 by pinfall with a Skye Diver.

Match Rating: 43

 

Moses Makesh: Remmy Skye picks up another scalp. Don’t let the jovial exterior fool you, Skye is a man on a mission.

 

Luther Judge: There’s an abundance of men on an abundance of missions here in IPW these days.

 

Phil Vibert: High stakes indeed. Remmy Skye is a man who knows what it is to be close to the top. He feels like he’s making up for lost time right now.

 

Moses Makesh: And the highest stakes of all are those pertaining to the current IPW Champion, Aldous Blackfriar, and his upcoming clash against his nemesis and number one contender, Deacon Darkhold. The champion is about to share his thoughts now.

 

The almost ethereal figure of the IPW Champion, Aldous Blackfriar, did indeed make his way to the ring then, moving with his usual fluid grace and seeming, as ever, at least partially in a trance. As is his wont, he perched on the middle turnbuckle and, after taking a moment to seemingly commune with some unknown force, he issued his proclamation.

 

“They say that there is nothing so dangerous as a little knowledge. That’s not true. There are many, many things, both seen and unseen far, far more dangerous. You can take my word on that, I’m something of an expert. What a little knowledge can be responsible for, especially when paired with an inappropriate level of arrogance, is a man who will step into an arena where he has no place.

 

That is the plight of Deacon Darkhold. He is a man who is driven by a lust and a hunger for power. That base desire, paired with said inappropriate level of arrogance, has led him to meddle with forces that are beyond his grasp. He seeks to befuddle any and all who will listen to him, he seeks to discredit my legitimate bond with the shadow. Deacon Darkhold will regret his presumption.

 

He talks, a lot, about me and about the true nature of darkness. He does all this surrounded by his opportunist followers. He lies and lies and lies and he does this because he is afraid, he believes that if talks fast enough and long enough that he can deceive you all, that he can deceive me, that he can deceive himself, that simply announcing himself as a true Harbinger of Doom and Chaos can and will make it so.

 

I am Aldous Blackfriar, I am a true conduit of the most powerful force in the universe, that slight tension that permeates your soul when you hover at the very edge of the abyss. I am here to do more than talk and I will hear no more blasphemy from an opportunist with no true appreciation for the finer nuances of raw discord.

 

The time for talk has passed, Darkhold. This is a battle for more than the IPW Championship. This will be decided in a battle between you and I. Just you and I. And to ensure that remains the case… if you want a chance to best me, you will do so in the arena of my choosing, you will do so surrounded by cold, unforgiving steel, you will do so in Blackfriar’s Pit!”

 

The champion closes his eyes and looks skyward. Nobody can be sure what he is seeing. He raises his arms, slowly, above his head. He slashes them downwards again and the lights go out. When they come back on, the champion has gone and the ring is empty.

Angle Rating: 64

 

Moses Makesh: Sometimes I wonder what these men are truly fighting over. Overall though… I think I’m happier not knowing.

 

Phil Vibert: I agree. I am a wrestling promoter. As far as I’m concerned they’re fighting over the IPW Championship. Anything else is outside of my area of expertise and, as you’ve alluded to, I suspect that I don’t really want to know the finer details anyway.

 

Luther Judge: I will tell you two things and they are both facts. Firstly, I am a worldly man but I have no idea what Blackfriar and Darkhold are about. It’s not of my world. The most unsettling part of it all is that if they’re both accusing each other of being fake… well that suggests to me that one of them is legitimate. My second point and this one, thankfully, is far less uncomfortable to think about is that I am legitimately excited to see what transpires when these two men are locked into a cage and turned loose upon each other.

 

Moses Makesh: And if they are truly locked into a cage… it could remove The Night Terrors and Melvin Otto as a factor too. And we’re about to see how that affects The Night Terrors now. The IPW Tag Team champions will be attempting to add the COTT World Tag Team titles to their growing list of accolades. Standing in their way are the highly decorated pairing of Marvel Malloy and Storm Spillane, The American Cobras.

 

Phil Vibert: These guys are the real deal. They’re currently active here in California with Coastal Zone Championship wrestling, in Mexico with OLLIE and in Japan with Black Canvas Grappling. They’re three time Coastal Zone Tag Team champions, former holders of both Campeonatos de Parejas and Campeonatos de Trios in OLLIE, winners of the Sam Keith Classic in 2017 and in the midst of their third reign as COTT World Tag Team champions. They are one of the most in demand tag teams in the world today and this match is a fine example of the sort of talent that we wish to display here in IPW.

 

w/

The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) © Vs The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) w/ Melvin Otto – COTT World Tag Team Championship title match

This was a hell of a match. The American Cobras were a big hit, their hard hitting, no nonsense style, going over extremely well with the IPW audience. The charismatic Malloy and the brutal Spillane didn’t back down one single inch from their sadistic opponents. This quartet went all out to steal the show and they absolutely accomplished this, putting together a match that was graded the second best of the IPW year to date, behind only the Blackfriar-Muvva Main Event at the first show of the year, IPW Unbreakable IX.

 

Nobody could get a clear upper hand in this one. The American Cobras set about dismantling their opponents with a forensic, almost detached, approach to inflicting pain. The Night Terrors, of course, are more comfortable soaking up pain than most are and were undeterred by this. The masked pair gave plenty back too and nobody could fail to be impressed by the toughness of any of these four though, predictably, Moroi still has a portion of loud detractors in the crowd. The pinnacle of the violence probably came when Storm Spillane put Babau through a gimmicked table with a suplex at precisely the same moment as Malloy crashed through with a splash to the outside from the top turnbuckle.

 

The final victory for The American Cobras would come with a surprise assist though. Coulrophobia, the next in line for a shot against The Night Terrors, interjected themselves forcibly, Hellech attacking Babau even in the wreckage of the table after he’d floored Melvin Otto and Pierrot making a quick visit to the ring to lay out Moroi. Coulrophobia were gone as quickly as they appeared but the damage was done. Babau appeared to be out cold and Moroi was defenceless as the American Cobras ended this with their patented Cobra Strike.

 

The American Cobras defeated The Night Terrors in 10’04 when Marvel Malloy pinned Moroi with a Cobra Strike following interference from Pierrot.

Match Rating: 53

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial! If The Night Terrors weren’t paying attention to Coulrophobia before tonight, they certainly are now.

 

Luther Judge: I was enjoying that match too. I really think that The Night Terrors were still in it right up to the moment that we had that unexpected interruption. Somebody should do something about it. Commissioner Vibert?

 

Phil Vibert: I’ll put that on my to-do list but, truthfully, sitting down to discipline Hellech and Pierrot is not a task I’d relish.

 

Moses Makesh: As we’ve discussed before, titles don’t seem the primary concern for Babau and Moroi. My gut feeling is that revenge against Coulrophobia will be a bigger priority than another crack at The American Cobras for The Night Terrors.

 

Phil Vibert: Well, as IPW is an active member of COTT, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they may visit again. I know they were impressed by the high-quality violence that they witnessed here tonight.

 

Moses Makesh: There will be another chapter in the great big book of Invincible Pro Wrestling Violence at the same time next week. We will see you all then!

 

Show Rating: 51 (increases our popularity in 18 regions)

 

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

<p>Chapter 15 – Party like it’s 1999</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p>

<img alt="iCSSxa4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iCSSxa4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<strong>Chapter 15 – Party like it’s 1999</strong></p><p> </p><p>

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

<em>“And that’s when I told her, ‘I’ll put it wherever you want baby but I’m not slicing it up and putting it into a sandwich afterwards. I don’t even like cucumber!’”</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fVVqe9i.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fVVqe9i.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rINB6Jl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rINB6Jl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="B5NcS67.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B5NcS67.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2njPDor.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2njPDor.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Perry Longstaff paused then and enjoyed the laughter of his peers. Hugh de Aske, Luther Judge and Sanchez Villano seemed particularly amused. JOJI, on the other hand, looked puzzled,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“What is cucumber?”</em> he queried, leading to more loud mirth. Perry was enjoying himself. He wasn’t trekking back and forth to LA from Minnesota for the $20 payoffs, that was for sure. He was 23 years old and he was chasing a dream, he supposed, and he was intent on having a good time, a great time even, while he did so. The IPW locker room was a decent place, a place where a pretty boy, young tag team like Minnesota Awesome could stand to learn a lot and make a lot of memories along the way. Perry cracked open a beer and looked at the men gathered around him,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Have you guys ever heard the story of Willy Giraffe, a curious bear and the coldest winter on record in Minnesota?”</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="urQeC8s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/urQeC8s.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Nobody had. Of course, as Perry was making it up as he went along, he would have been very surprised if they had. Still, everybody seemed curious as to how the tale would unfold. Well, everybody except for Manny Alvarez but that was to be expected. Perry was about half convinced that Manny was actually the Spanish world for ‘sullen’. Perry turned back to his audience anyway,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“So Willy Giraffe worked in the zoo in Apple Valley and played drums in a terrible punk band called God Hates Children…”</em></p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Per Per!” </em>came the call from the other side of the locker room. <em>“You have got to see this. Trust me! I wouldn’t lie to you!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="69N6aUB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/69N6aUB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BKnt3ZA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BKnt3ZA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Clark Smallbone had a grin on his face that promised something pretty spectacular. Perry bounced up to his feet and started across the room towards his tag team partner. Moses Makesh, the announcer, spoke for the room,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Perry! The story!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

Perry shot a grin back,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“It’ll keep guys, I won’t forget about you!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

***</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="69N6aUB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/69N6aUB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nHGGxru.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nHGGxru.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Clark and Perry looked into the corner of the small room.</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Is that what I think it is Clarky Clarkes?”</em> asked Perry.</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Sure is Per Per!”</em> came the response.</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Outstanding!” </em>enthused Perry</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Told you,”</em> came another response.</p><p> </p><p>

The two Mid-West kids took a moment to savour things. </p><p> </p><p>

<em>“So Per Per,”</em> Clark smirked, <em>“what comes before Part-B?”</em></p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Part-A!”</em> Perry whooped.</p><p> </p><p>

As one, the duo launched into a chorus,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

They chuckled like goons at this point. It was just a part of what they did. </p><p> </p><p>

***</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="69N6aUB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/69N6aUB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nHGGxru.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nHGGxru.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Heads turned as Minnesota Awesome returned to the otherwise empty room where the show was going to take place in just a few hours, wheeling something with them that was under an old sheet. Clark Smallbone rolled into the ring with a live microphone and launched into an excited declaration of intent,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great excitement, anticipation and copious amounts of sex appeal that Minnesota Awesome proudly present the first Invincible Pro Wrestling Karaoke Championship of the Woooooooooooorld! If my glamorous assistant would care to make the big reveal!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

Perry, with impeccable timing, had already plugged in the machine and he now dramatically pulled off the sheet, pressed a couple of buttons and bellowed,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Take it away Clarkey Clarkes!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

Clarke Smallbone needed no second invitation,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world, she took the midnight train, goin’ annnnnywherrrrre!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

***</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="69N6aUB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/69N6aUB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nHGGxru.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nHGGxru.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

What followed was, in the not particularly modest opinion of Minnesota Awesome, more fun than a summer weekend on Lake Superior with as much beer as a man could carry and three girls for every guy.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="59PtvSe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/59PtvSe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Ashton Barnaby’s take on Papa Roach’s ‘Last Resort’? Comic brilliance. <em>“Cut my steak into pieces, I used my knife and fork!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="pa4JFNf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pa4JFNf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IPW40cE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IPW40cE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Cindy and Hustle Muvva dueted on ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. The love in the big man’s eyes as he sang to and with his pregnant wife was actually heartwarming, even for a man as cynical as Phil Vibert.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CzdT4Gm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CzdT4Gm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Kurt Lovenkrantz gave a surprisingly tender version of ‘Stand By Me’ that he dedicated to his fiancée, earning a lot of good natured jeering as a result.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vp9dFFE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vp9dFFE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Lug Phelan was coerced into tackling U2’s ‘With or Without You’. It was… not good. He may even have invented a couple of new notes though nobody would be in any rush to hear them again.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="xc0Imlw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xc0Imlw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="c7nUXAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c7nUXAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Canadian Hardcore took a turn, leading a pretty substantial chorus through AC/DC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kvY3gcu.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kvY3gcu.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Remmy Skye channelled his inner Jim Morrison with a solid ‘Break on Through’.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mPqYQqq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mPqYQqq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

It was Sweet Tabitha though who absolutely stole the show, a wonderful voice and great stage presence adding to her spellbinding cover of ‘Chandelier’ by Sia before applause almost blew the roof off the building when she sang ‘Like A Prayer’ in, to quote Vin Tanner,<em> “a better voice than Madonna ever had!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

It has been a hell of an unexpected treat before the show.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="aR70Hu1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aR70Hu1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Rhd847N.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rhd847N.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Gil and Phil watched on as Minnesota Awesome trundled the karaoke machine back to where they had found it. </p><p> </p><p>

<em>“They’re green as grass, wild as cougars with rabies and dumb as rocks,”</em> Phil observed with a wry grin, <em>“but they’re a good pair of lads!”</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Prediction Key for IPW: Underground #2</strong></span></p><p>

JOJI Vs Lil Henry Vs PsychoMike</p><p>

<em>Comment:</em></p><p>

Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg & Sasquatch McGraw) Vs Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone & Perry Longstaff)</p><p>

<em>Comment:</em></p><p>

Hugh de Aske Vs Remmy Skye</p><p>

<em>Comment:</em></p><p>

The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) © Vs The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) w/ Melvin Otto – COTT World Tag Team Championship title match</p><p>

<em>Comment:</em></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p>

[TCW: Gathering Storm]

<p>World Heavyweight Title</p><p>

Edd Stone vs <strong>Aaron Andrews ©</strong></p><p>

<em>I've really enjoyed the Edd Stone character in the build up to this but it still seems likely that he's some of a starter before the main course of Andrews and Chord.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Submission Match</p><p>

Sammy Bach vs <strong>Greg Gauge</strong></p><p>

<em>I'm in two minds. I think Gauge is very much the third man in his stable so far and could do with the rub. Bach irritates me slightly too for some reason I can't put my finger on though I think that says more about my own contrary nature than anything else.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Joshua Taylor</strong> vs Doc Hammond</p><p>

<em>I'm a JT guy. This will go some way towards building him back up.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Mighty Mo</strong> vs Troy Tornado</p><p>

<em>Fairly open and shut I'd imagine. The Might Mo push continues to pick up momentum.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Falls Count Anywhere Match</p><p>

John Blackfyre vs <strong>Wolf Hawkins</strong></p><p>

<em>Another where I'm not totally sure what to expect. I feel like Blackfyre is being booked to be a big deal going forward but it seems a touch soon to be knocking off Hawkins. So I'll call a defining moment defeat for Blackfyre where he's enhanced even while losing.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Handicap Match</p><p>

Masked Patriot vs <strong>Rich & Famous</strong></p><p>

<em>Again, it could go either way but I do feel like it could cut the nuts off Rich & Famous if they lose and Masked Patriot has a solid defence for being defeated because of the stip.</em></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Titles</p><p>

The Behemoths vs <strong>The Roughnecks ©</strong></p><p>

<em>The Roughnecks remind me of Beer Money. I liked Beer Money,</em></p><p> </p><p>

Matt Hocking vs <strong>Jay Chord</strong></p><p>

<em>We're just getting Chord warmed up.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Koshiro Ino</strong> vs Freddy Huggins</p><p>

<em>We're also getting Ino ready for bigger things.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Pre-Show</p><p> </p><p>

Fatal Four-Way</p><p>

<strong>Fro Sure</strong> vs Ernest Youngman vs Human Arsenal vs Roderick Remus</p><p>

<em>I've decided that you're forgiven Fro.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Davis Wayne Newton & Nelson Callum</strong> vs Bart Biggins & Chance Fortune</p><p> </p><p>

Triangle Tag</p><p>

American Ultra vs <strong>Hammer & Anvil</strong> vs One Man Army & Jackson Laine</p>

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Very good show. I've really been (silently) enjoying what you're churning out here.

 

Many thanks! Always good to get a bit of positive engagement. The last week or so was very busy in the real world for me so the churning was considerably slowed unfortunately but I'm still very keen to see how things develop in IPW myself.

[TCW: Gathering Storm]

Jay Chord vs Aaron Andrews

I could see Chord winning this too off the back of Edd Stone getting involved but I'm going to guess that Andrews wins to stay strong ahead of the PPV.

 

Tag Title Match

Rich & Famous vs The Roughnecks ©

Too soon for The Roughnecks to fall.

 

Sammy Bach, Mighty Mo & Joshua Taylor vs Marc Speed & American Ultra

Two pairings at different levels.

 

One Man Army vs Edd Stone

Edd could do with an impressive win to get him looking dangerous before the title match.

 

Wolf Hawkins vs Benny Benson

Wolf won't come unstuck here.

 

(Pre Show)

Flying Jimmy Foxx vs Killer Shark

 

(Pre Show)

Real Deadly vs Hammer & Anvil

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Chapter 14 – IPW: Underground, Episode #1 – from Los Angeles, California

 

 

Chapter 14 – IPW: Underground, Episode #1 – from Los Angeles, California

 

Announce Team: Moses Makesh, Luther Judge, Phil Vibert

Referee: Jeffrey Davis

Road Agent: Vin Tanner

Attendance: 113

Shown on: Wrestleworld (28,193 viewers)

 

The Preshow

1. In an extremely short pre-show match Lil Henry defeated PsychoMike in 2’44 by pinfall with a Double-Handed Choke Bomb.

Match Rating: 24

 

2. Stanley Axis issues an open challenge, determined to turn his luck around and put himself in the hunt for the IPW Californian title once more.

Segment Rating: 22

 

3. In a pre-show bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, Charlie Corner defeated Stanley Axis in 6’02 by pinfall with a Corner Cutter.

Match Rating: 22

 

 

The Show

 

Moses Makesh: It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you all to another first in the continuing rise of Invincible Pro Wresting. My name is Moses Makesh and, just 24 hours removed from the action of Triplemania 6, tonight is the first episode of IPW: Underground. If you are just hopping onboard this particular missile, it is only fair that I warn you. This is the real deal, it’s not the sanitised, watered down, cookie cutter pretence that you see on Reverie, C.A.N.N. or ACE. People will get hurt here. That is a promise!

 

Luther Judge: I can only reiterate that. The things I have seen unfold before me, in this very ring… well, it’s not for the faint of heart. IPW is the perfect combination of focused aggression. You can not predict what will happen next.

 

Phil Vibert: As the IPW Commissioner I should perhaps be in the best position to contradict that line of thought but, honestly, things happen so quickly here that I’m often as surprised as anybody else. This place is a mad house but it is very, very real.

 

Moses Makesh: Correct Commissioner Vibert, not for nothing is IPW known as ‘The Realest Promotion in California’! This first match will go some way towards proving that to any doubters. Two decorated competitors. A 5 time IWF Champion…

 

Luther Judge: A 5 time former IWF Champion!

 

Moses Makesh: The main man in The Brigg House, Frantic Ali!

 

Luther Judge: And his opponent, ‘The Dread Pirate’, the Belgian born, a man who has competed and been a champion in multiple promotions in both the USA and Canada, the recently deposed IPW Californian champion, Hugh de Aske.

 

Phil Vibert: I’ve been involved in a lot of shows over the years but I am as excited about the future of IPW as anything I’ve been involved in through all my time in this business.

 

w/

Frantic Ali w/Anslem Briggs Vs Hugh de Aske

This was a strong start to the show with these two charismatic competitors making a positive impression. De Aske was not at anywhere near his best but his Pirate gimmick remains almost bizarrely popular and he played his part here. Frantic Ali was impressive too but interestingly, for the first time, there was a sense that he was somewhat overshadowed by his manager, Anslem Briggs, who was a loudly vocal influence at ringside.

 

The pair traded momentum with Frantic Ali asserting early control with the commentary team (who would be excellent again all evening) querying the mindset of Hugh de Aske just 24 hours removed from losing the IPW Californian title. The Belgian born fighter would prove that whispers of his demise were premature however by reaching down deep and taking control of this one when, backed up in the corner, he unleashed a series of strong punches and kicks that took Ali by surprise. Just when it looked as though de Aske was going to pick up a big win though he took one risk too many and his attempted moonsault resulted in him eating canvas when Frantic Ali rolled to one side just in the nick of time. From there… the end was not long in coming. At the end Ali and Briggs celebrated crassly while de Aske’s frustrations were evident as he skulked to the back clutching his side.

 

Frantic Ali defeated Hugh de Aske in 7’31 by pinfall with a Death Valley Driver.

Match Rating: 43

 

Moses Makesh: A big win in a great match to start the show! Frantic Ali and The Brigg House making a BIG statement of intent here at IPW: Underground.

 

Luther Judge: The Brigg House might be paranoid and ever so slightly deluded about their place in the world but Frantic Ali just might be able to back up the big statements!

 

Phil Vibert: I’d expect no less from a 5-time IPW Champion!

 

Luther Judge: Former…

 

Moses Makesh: Speaking of people who made big statements, Ash Campbell certainly did so last night, both with a passionate, heartfelt promo about himself, his father and his legacy and then also when he swept aside the challenge of another member of The Brigg House in the shape of Fiasco Fierce. The next step for Campbell comes now, as he squares off against the unpredictable JOJI.

 

Ash Campbell Vs JOJI

Sometimes it is very, very clear that two competitors are on the same wavelength. Ash Campbell is still new here on the west coast and JOJI remains very much a work in progress but this was a rewarding and exciting bout that got the small crowd buzzing. It resembled a Car Crash in many ways, both men flying into each other from the outset. JOJI’s strikes rocked Campbell early on but Nemesis’ kid is a tough man in his own right and he weathered the early storm before taking control with a stiff elbow of his own.

Campbell can wrestle as well though and he showcased that part of his arsenal here too as well as the brawling skills that complement his Son of a Legend gimmick which seemed even better here than it had the previous night. A motivated, driven Ash Campbell is not a man to be taken lightly and is very much a charismatic star in the making.

 

Ash Campbell defeated JOJI in 7’39 by pinfall with a Shooting Star Press.

Match Rating: 37

 

Moses Makesh: Ash Campbell makes it 2-0 in as many nights! Nemesis would be proud.

 

Phil Vibert: He made some big statements last night, designating IPW Campbell Country once more. He’s backing it up though, there’s no denying that .

 

Luther Judge: I have to say, I’m liking what I’ve seen from Nemesis Junior!

 

Phil Vibert: Here comes another of your favourites now, Luther! It’s Anslem Briggs.

 

Luther Judge: Phil, I love you like an employee loves a boss but, I beg you, leave the jokes to me!

 

Anslem Briggs swaggers down to the ring and makes his way into the ring. Without preamble he announces,

 

“The Brigg House is the only real force that matters in IPW. Forget about The Dark Watch, forget about Aldous Blackfriar and whatever voices that brother hears in his head. Forget about this so-called Campbell Country. And I’ve got some really good news. The Brigg House is not yet full. We are recruiting. With that in mind… Lil Henry, get your ass out here!”

 

Lil Henry strolls to the ring to a warm reception from those in attendance, seemingly not in any particular hurry to get there. He joins Briggs, towering over the mouthy manager but says nothing. Anslem Briggs seems undaunted,

 

“Lil Henry… not got a lot to say huh? That’s okay, Anslem Briggs will happily do the talking for you. You are a two-time IPW Champion. You got the power, you got the pedigree, you got the presence. And the people who make the decisions here have buried you on pre-shows man. You’ve gone 4-0 this year and the only people who have seen it are the virgins and oddballs who turn up early here. It’s a conspiracy man and you need to make smart moves. There’s only one smart move. The Brigg House baby! You and me and Fiasco Fierce and Frantic Ali. It’s time to take back what belongs to us. So what’s it gonna be?”

 

Lil Henry looks Anslem Briggs up and down but says nothing. The silence stretches and Briggs’ smile almost (but not quite) drops off,

 

“Lil Henry, I like you man. Always have. So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to let you take a little time to think this over. You got an open invite, you got a room in The Brigg House with your name on the door. So I’ll see you real soon!”

 

Briggs leaves in a hurry. The crowd are hot and getting hotter.

Angle Rating: 32

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial!

 

Luther Judge: Did The Brigg House just hit a snag in their recruitment drive?

 

Phil Vibert: I’m… really… not sure.

 

Moses Makesh: Lil Henry is, to be fair, a man of few words. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.

 

Luther Judge: Oh look who it is now… this guy is a man of very many words, like the anti Lil Henry.

 

Deacon Darkhold has appeared at the top of the ramp, flanked by the new IPW Tag Team Champions, Babau and Moroi, The Night Terrors. The trio make their way into the ring and glower silently at the audience. There’s something distinctly disturbing about them. The IPW Tag Team title belts hang like dead animals from the hands of the masked pair while Deacon Darkhold takes in the boos and catcalls with a twisted smirk. He raises a microphone to his lips and, after a long pause, begins to speak, slowly and deliberately, a faintly sibilant hiss to his words,

 

“You people are afraid of real darkness. You don’t even truly understand why but it terrifies you. To the depths of your being. It burns at the corner of your mind. While you’re gorging on cheap, fast food. While you’re numbing your feeble brain with tawdry entertainments. While you’re worshipping at the feet of false idols. False idols like Aldous Blackfriar.”

 

The crowd jeer at this but Darkhold seems not to care,

 

“He is a pretender. He is not truly of the darkness and, in The Dark Watch, he unleashed a power that he does not control or even fully understand. I am empowered by this darkness, I am it’s totem and that is what will drive me to victory, that will be the weapon that I use to take, not just his title, but his self-respect and his stolen aura of mystique. The Night Terrors are already showing that they are the dominant force in the Tag Team division and no ghoulish clowns, no pretty boys, no gang bangers and no northern savages can stand against them. The Dark Watch are here to destroy the light that lives within each and every one of you. You are all victims and none more so than the so-called ‘Satanic Majesty’. Tonight I offer him, the imposter, the apostate, the false symbol, an opportunity to prove me wrong. I, Deacon Darkhold, and The Night Terrors will meet him in this very ring, if he can find anybody foolish enough to stand, fight and be destroyed by his side.”

Angle Rating: 36

 

Moses Makesh: The Dark Watch make me uncomfortable. I don’t mind saying it.

 

Phil Vibert: They’re unsettling for sure. The Night Terrors have proven what they can do though, it will be interesting to see if anybody will volunteer to stand with Aldous Blackfriar. I’m not sure I’d rush to volunteer.

 

Moses Makesh: I’m not sure I really even want to call that match, let alone be a part of it.

 

Phil Vibert: At least they’re gone for now. We can focus on this next match, a clash between Coulrophobia and, after a long time apart, the former title holding pairing of Deadly Deadshot and new IPW Californian Champion, The Outlaw!

 

Luther Judge: Oh wonderful, because nothing says a return to normalcy like a pair of utterly psychotic clowns. There’s actually a disproportionate amount of weirdos working here.

 

Moses Makesh: It will be interesting to see how Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw coexist after their long break from teaming together.

 

Luther Judge: To say nothing of how they clashed in last night’s Californian title match!

 

Coulrophobia (Hellech and Pierrot) Vs Deadly Deadshot & The Outlaw

From the outset no quarter is asked or given here, these four attacking each other with a degree of enthusiasm that speaks volumes to the prevailing mentality prevalent in IPW. Coulrophobia seems unusually focused early on, utilising quick tags to work over Deadly Deadshot and inflict as much punishment as possible on their foe. Deadshot was badly off form here, struggling badly to keep up with the rest from bell to bell.

 

Eventually he managed to tag out though, ducking under a double clothesline and diving towards his corner to bring The Outlaw into the fray. The momentum shifted with the Californian champion taking firm control of things, using his power and his vicious streak to work over both Hellech and Pierrot. Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw seemed to roll back the years then, looking every inch the pairing who held the IPW Tag Team titles back in 2014. That title reign began and ended against Coulrophobia too. It’s impossible to know if it was a lingering grudge from those days or just the natural order for these men but the brutality continued unrestrained as the match progressed.

 

Ultimately though, this one came down to familiarity between partners. A slight miscommunication between Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw saw The Lucha Assassin attempt a flying knee on Hellech, only to take his own partner squarely on the chin. Down and out on the outside and feeling the effects, The Outlaw was no help as Coulrophobia smelled blood. Hellech hit a low blow while referee Jeffrey Davis was still checking on the state of The Outlaw. A quick tag was made, Send in the Clowns was landed and, with the aid of the ropes for leverage, Pierrot scored the victory for his team. The Outlaw didn’t stick around, making his way to the back holding his jaw tenderly, without sparing so much as a glance for his fallen partner.

 

Coulrophobia defeated Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw in 8’37 when Pierrot defeated Deadly Deadshot, illegally using the ropes for leverage.

Match Rating: 39

 

Moses Makesh: Coulrophobia are starting to look like a team who are moving into form at just the right time. When they finally get into a ring with The Night Terrors… well I’m not sure I even know what to expect.

 

Luther Judge: It will be like an explosion in an asylum crossed with a massacre in a slaughterhouse directed by George A. Romero.

 

Phil Vibert: I can hardly wait!

 

Moses Makesh: It will be interesting to see if there’s anything more to follow for The Outlaw and Deadly Deadshot too. In direct competition last night, a losing effort together here. They have history together but they seem to be on different wavelengths right now.

 

Luther Judge: The Outlaw seemed perturbed by something as he left anyway.

 

Phil Vibert: And IPW is not known as a place where men traditionally talk out their differences!

 

Moses Makesh: Speaking of talking we’re going to listen now to a man who can be almost as verbose as you when talking about something that he holds dear. And nothing is more dear to Gil Thomas than IPW!

 

Gil Thomas, the owner and founder of IPW, comes to the ring. He’s afforded a warm welcome by the audience that he clearly enjoys, smiling widely as he waits for the microphone. Anticipation builds and the crowd is very hot now.

Thomas talks about the IPW year thus far, referencing the Wrestleworld deal and the ongoing history that is tonight’s first episode of IPW: Underground. He talks with pride of the company’s continued growth and willingness to embrace change while remaining true to their roots. He talks about how three men were involved in the creation of IPW: himself (crowd cheers), Nemesis (crowds cheers even louder, chants ‘Nemesis’) and “the other guy” (crowds chants some very unpleasant things about Brother Grimm). Thomas says that IPW are up for a fight and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Repeats what an honour and privilege it’s always been for him to be even a small part of IPW and that tonight is a very proud moment for everyone who has the promotion’s best interests at heart. IPW are just getting started, Thomas assures the raucous crowd who bay their approval.

Angle Rating: 34

 

Moses Makesh: Rousing stuff from the IPW owner, Gil Thomas!

 

Luther Judge: It almost makes me feel like fighting for the betterment of IPW myself!

 

Phil Vibert: Gil makes some good points though. The wars we see between the ropes here are just one facet of the greater struggle.

 

Luther Judge: The greater struggle? Phil, that almost sounds like the rhetoric we’re used to hearing from Aldous Blackfriar and his rivals in The Dark Watch.

 

Phil Vibert: Nothing quite so ethereal Luther though the potential ramifications are every bit as great for us all.

 

Moses Makesh: All of that brings us to nicely to tonight’s Main Event – the first in the history of IPW: Underground! Deacon Darkhold issued the challenge earlier and he and The Dark Order now await IPW Champion Aldous Blackfriar and whomever he has managed to convince to join him!

 

w/

The Dark Watch (Deacon Darkhold, Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto Vs Aldous Blackfriar, Lug Phelan and Remy Skye

Fittingly this match, the first Main Event on IPW: Underground, was comfortably the best match of the Phil Vibert era so far. Aldous Blackfriar, the IPW Champion, looked like a man destined for bigger stages, Remy Skye rolled back the years and is starting to look more reminiscent of the outstanding talent who emerged back in the mid-2000s. Lug Phelan and Babau also both caught the eye and contributed greatly to the success of this bout. Moroi, for his part, was still ridiculed by a vocal section of the audience and Deacon Darkhold still isn’t getting it done bell to bell and struggled to keep up here.

 

It was an open match and all six men were given opportunities to show what they could do. It went back and forth with both sides scoring several near falls as the action unfolded. The impromptu trio of Blackfriar, Phelan and Skye belied their lack of experience together for a time, matching The Dark Watch step for step. The power of Phelan, the reckless disregard for his own safety of ‘Son of a Beach’ Remy Skye and the dark sadism of Blackfriar all played a part here. Ultimately though two things made a real difference here.

The chemistry of The Dark Watch is honed to a fine point. There’s an almost intuitive edge that allows them to function together beyond the comprehension of most men. The audience may not yet truly understand their goals but there is no doubt that The Dark Watch themselves are slavishly devoted to achieving them.

 

More prosaic but just an undeniable however is the truth of numbers and that was what truly determined the end here. The swirling chaos of trying to keep up with the battle of six men was too much for Jeffrey Davis and if there is a man better suited to taking advantage in such a situation that Melvin Otto then the world should tremble. Here and now it was the maniacal manager who made the difference, bailing Deacon Darkhold out of trouble when he attacked Aldous Blackfriar and laid him out with a low blow. Deacon Darkhold himself is no man to pass up an opportunity either and he followed that up with a particularly vindictive Reverse DDT and picking up a win against the IPW Champion.

 

The Dark Watch (Deacon Darkhold, Babau and Moroi) defeated Aldous Blackfriar, Lug Phelan and Remy Skye in 11’24 when Deacon Darkhold pinned Aldous Blackfriar with a Reverse DDT following interference from Melvin Otto.

Match Rating: 51

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial! Deacon Darkhold picking up a pinfall victory over his hated nemesis!

 

Phil Vibert: And, just as significantly, over the IPW Champion that he will be facing in a title match in the not distant future.

 

Luther Judge: And if he can repeat the trick there, we’ll have a new champion and The Dark Watch will be a step closer to their final goal, whatever the hell that is!

 

Moses Makesh: That would be another historic moment and tonight has been a historic night for us all here in IPW. I’m sure we’ll see you all again next week when we return for another episode of IPW: Underground!

 

Show Rating: 45 (increased our popularity in 18 regions)

 

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

<p>Chapter 13 – After Triplemania 6</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Chapter 13 – After Triplemania 6</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Rhd847N.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rhd847N.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> “21,187 viewers!” Phil Vibert exclaimed with satisfaction, “now that is going to make a difference. Plus, 278 on the door, that’s the most so far for the year too. We’re on our way now!”</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5F1e53r.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5F1e53r.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aR70Hu1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aR70Hu1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> Vin allowed himself a smile too. Then he noticed that Gil Thomas had not. So had Phil.</p><p> </p><p> “You seem a bit put out by something Gil. What’s up?”</p><p> </p><p> Gil sighed and took a moment to gather his thoughts.</p><p> </p><p> “The shows are getting progressively worse Phil.”</p><p> </p><p> “Excuse me?” Phil responded in a deceptively mild tone.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iCSSxa4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iCSSxa4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oo6E28C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oo6E28C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ujg70Q4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ujg70Q4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> “TEW.com is pretty clear on this. We pulled a 48 for Unbreakable IX, a 45 for Hardcore Havoc 2020 and only a 43 for tonight. This isn’t what I was hoping to see. We need to be upping our game, especially with GSW taking shots at us.”</p><p> </p><p> Gil sighed again and there was a long pause before he added, almost apologetically this time,</p><p> </p><p> “If I’m honest, I expected more Phil.”</p><p> </p><p> Vin looked from one man to the other. He hadn’t expected the mild-mannered Gil Thomas to be so blunt. The raised eyebrow of Phil Vibert suggested that he felt the same way. Vibert was no shrinking violet either though. Despite this, his reaction was probably more surprising to Vin Tanner than Thomas’ had been.</p><p> </p><p> “Spare me your sanctimonious disappointment Gil! The fact is that I walked into a disaster waiting to happen here. This place is like a car with a slow puncture. It’s dragging along, losing speed and there’s a crash coming somewhere along the road if things aren’t arrested. I told you, this will take time.”</p><p> </p><p> Gil still wasn’t happy.</p><p> </p><p> “You keep saying that Phil and I want to be patient. I’m just concerned. Tonight’s Main Event… it wasn’t bad but we need more. We didn’t even book Aldous in a match tonight. I’m not sure how I feel about our big angles at the moment.”</p><p> </p><p> Vibert snorted at this before shooting a look at Vin.</p><p> </p><p> “Vin, I’m sorry in advance of what I’m about to say. The book, such as it is, that I was handed when I got here… it was bullshit. Three big angles, none of which are able to carry us.”</p><p> </p><p> Gil opened his mouth but Phil cut him off,</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ommdPdH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ommdPdH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oo6E28C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oo6E28C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2njPDor.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2njPDor.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <img alt="2njPDor.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2njPDor.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="c7nUXAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/c7nUXAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oo6E28C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oo6E28C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="69N6aUB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/69N6aUB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nHGGxru.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nHGGxru.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="Fql6oGI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Fql6oGI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oo6E28C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oo6E28C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jOYbkHy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jOYbkHy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> “No, let me finish. You brought this up and it needs to be said. You guys were working with a Frantic Ali – JOJI feud that had about as much heat as an Alaskan winter. Nobody cared, JOJI isn’t over enough to compete with Ali anyway and it was just tepid, bland crap that had no stakes. You’ve cut the balls off the Tag Team division by building it around a Canadian Hardcore – Minnesota Awesome feud. Five years from now? That could be money but right now they’re just four green as grass prospects who don’t have what it takes to get the job done. And that brings us to the big one. Aldous Blackfriar is superb. SUPERB! He is going to perform on much bigger stages eventually. With us or with somebody else. He’s the best thing we have by some distance. By some considerable distance. That causes some other problems all of it’s own but that’s a discussion for another day.</p><p> For now though… we need to talk about Deacon Darkhold. I like him, he’s only 23, hugely creative, has a massive upside. Again… five years from now he might well be King of the Wrestling World. Here though, in March 2020, he is a kid and he is not ready to be in our Main Event. He is in our Main Event because you guys have put him there and I’ve inherited this. We have to see it through now and I hope that it doesn’t leave any permanent damage. Blackfriar Vs Darkhold makes sense in a lot of ways and it’s been a fun trip but we’re not going to move forward with it as our main attraction. It’s turned Lug Phelan into a glorified extra too and, all going well, he can offer us much more than that. Gil, I was the biggest merchandise seller we had last month. Me! Not one of our in-ring workers, me. The same TEW.com that you’re so in thrall to was listing the five biggest names in each significant wrestling promotion in America recently. Do you know who ours were? Aldous Blackfriar obviously. Remy Skye (who I recruited). And the three of us, none of whom are likely to ever even wrestle a match, never mind main event a card.”</p><p> </p><p> Gil held his hands up in a gesture of conciliation but his next sentence didn’t exactly help to ease the rising tension either,</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="KxOEYSS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KxOEYSS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ifAc2TO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ifAc2TO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> “I’m not sure about the tone of the stuff with Ash Campbell either. It just seems sleazy to be bringing up Nemesis’… lifestyle habits. The man is dead and gone but we all loved him here. It just seems so controversial… I don’t know if it’s necessary.”</p><p> </p><p> Vibert looked back at him incredulously,</p><p> </p><p> “Gil… you know who I am, right? Controversy is what I sell. If you offer compelling stories then people will buy in. It can’t just be two guys fighting over a belt, it needs a personal touch. Don’t forget that Nemesis and I were friends long before you ever dreamed of opening your own wrestling promotion too. It was no secret what he was into so we’re not exactly dragging skeletons out of the closet here. I absolutely guarantee you that he’d be more than happy with this angle too, especially to help get his kid over! You can’t ask me to compete with GSW and then balk at the first hint of sleaze. Believe me, there’s much uglier to come!”</p><p> </p><p> There was a silence after that, the air seemed to have been sucked out of the room. Just when it seemed to be on the edge of becoming awkward, Phil spoke again in a more cordial tone,</p><p> </p><p> “Gil, I know this means a lot to you. You have a big investment in IPW, financially and emotionally and I know how important it is to you to put GSW in the ground. And I know that it’s asking a lot but I need you to trust me here. Almost 21,500 people watched an IPW show tonight. That’s massive for us. MASSIVE! We have the first episode of IPW: Underground tomorrow night too. Massive as well. We’re on the right path. I’ve just rented a place out here so I can be here for the weekly show too. Just. Trust. Me.”</p><p> </p><p> Gil nodded at this and forced a smile,</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="SOf16f6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SOf16f6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="lLCf74A.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lLCf74A.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> “You moved out here? I don’t know why but that makes me feel better. Also, did you hear, NYCW signed up to show events on Wrestleworld too.”</p><p> </p><p> “Yeah, I heard. There will be more to follow definitely. We got there first though.”</p><p> </p><p> “Anything else?” Gil asked, starting to stand up. Gil Thomas didn’t enjoy conflict and clearly just wanted to get out of there.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IPW40cE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IPW40cE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="zaNdfC8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zaNdfC8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> Vin piped up, “Hustle Muvva was talking up Deadly Deadshot in a big way, thinks he has everything needed to get better and better.”</p><p> </p><p> It seemed an innocuous sort of news piece to end the meeting on but, after the conflict of minutes earlier, all three men were happy to leave it there. After all, tomorrow was going to be a big day for them too.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">IPW: Underground #1 - Predictions Card</span></strong></p><p> 1. Frantic Ali w/Anslem Briggs Vs Hugh de Aske</p><p> <em>Comment:</em></p><p> 2. Ash Campbell Vs JOJI</p><p> <em>Comment:</em></p><p> 3. Coulrophobia (Hellech and Pierrot) Vs Deadly Deadshot & The Outlaw</p><p> <em>Comment:</em></p><p> 4. The Dark Watch (Deacon Darkhold, Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto Vs Aldous Blackfriar and two partners</p><p> <em>Comment:</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Additional Questions</strong></p><p> 1. Which two current roster members will partner with Aldous Blackfriar?</p><p> </p><p> <strong>PS - if anybody fancies trying their hand at a logo for IPW: Underground Phil Vibert wouldn't say no! Nor would I! </strong><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> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iTUhhfe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iTUhhfe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kanegan" data-cite="kanegan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51255" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Another good show. I think Remmy Skye can become big for you, an alternative to this dark feud between Darkhold and Blackfriar, as the daredevil.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thank you Kanegan. I do have high hopes for Remmy Skye (pun intended) but, thus far, his inconsistency has been a bit jarring! Time will tell.</p>

[TCW: Gathering Storm]

Sammy Bach & Masked Patriot vs Wolf Hawkins & Doc Hammond

It's an interesting set up. Bach, Masked Patriot and Hawkins could all do with some momentum so I think Hammond will be sacrificed.

 

Television Title Match

Joshua Taylor vs Matt Hocking ©

I think I might be guilty of booking with my heart rather than my head in this one. Taylor would benefit from a title run IMO to cement the face turn. Against that there could be an argument to be made that making him TV champ is underlining the fact that he has drifted down the card somewhat this year. Hocking has definitely benefitted from his time as champ too so it's a question as to how badly you feel like a change also.

 

Koshiro Ino vs Maverick

Obviously. I don't know who Ino is but you haven't brought him in to get beaten this early.

 

The Elite vs John Blackfyre & Mighty Mo

Tale of the Tape:Mo and Blackfyre could lose this without too much credibility being lost against a team with proven tag pedigree but I think it just makes more sense to maintain their momentum.

 

One Man Army and The Roughnecks vs The Heritage (Jay Chord, Edd Stone & Greg Gauge)

The Heritage need the win I think. Depending on the victory combo it could also spin into a Stone/Gauge challenge for The Roughnecks first title defence? I wouldn't expect that but, while fantasy booking in my head, it made a certain sort of logical sense.

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Chapter 12 – Triplemania 6

 

 

Chapter 12 – Triplemania 6 - From Los Angeles, California

 

Preshow

Announce Team: Moses Makesh, Luther Judge, Anslem Briggs

Referee: Jeffrey Davis

Road Agent: Frantic Ali

 

In a preshow bout that had a decent reaction from the crow but sub-par wrestling, Lil Henry defeated Manny Alvarez, PsychoMike and Stanley Axis in a handicap match in 6:20 when Lil Henry pinned Stanley Axis with a Double-Handed Choke Slam.

Match Rating: 28

 

 

The Show Proper

Announce Team: Moses Makesh, Luther Judge, Anslem Briggs

Referees: Jeffrey Davis, Kurt Lovenkrantz

Road Agent: Vin Tanner

Airing on: Wrestleworld - 21,187 viewers

Attendance: 278

 

Moses Makesh: Welcome, one and all, to what will be an unforgettable night of wrestling at it’s most real. This is Invincible Pro Wrestling and this is Triplemania 6. I am joined by Luther Judge and Anslem Briggs. Gentlemen… I presume you’re as excited as I am by the night we have in store.

 

Luther Judge: Moses, my esteemed colleague, I can honestly say that I am ALWAYS excited when we have a show. Tonight though…tonight I am EXTRA excited.

 

Anslem Briggs: Tell me Luther, are you most excited by the beating that my boy Frantic Ali is going to give to Hustle Muvva and that disgusting animal JOJI or the fate of the poor unfortunate that is foolish enough to answer Fiasco Fierce’s Open Challenge. The Brigg House are ready gentlemen, tonight is our night.

 

Luther Judge: Well… while I’m sure both those matches will have their own merits I’m probably most intrigued by the Triple Threat Match to determine our number one contender for the IPW Championship… ‘The Irish Warrior’ Lug Phelan, Deacon Darkhold and the CZCW invader, Frankie-Boy Fernandes. I can’t call the winner but I am damn sure intrigued by it!

 

Anslem Briggs: I’ve always said that you’re a man of absolutely terrible taste, Luther.

 

Moses Makesh: I’m quite looking forward to the Open Challenge.

 

Anslem Briggs: My man!

 

Moses Makesh: Yeah, I’m really curious to see who’ll embarrass Fiasco Fierce this time.

 

Anslem Briggs: You guys are the worst!

 

Moses Makesh: In fact our first match tonight features the last man to win the Fiasco Fierce Open Challenge – the enigmatic Remmy Skye.

 

Luther Judge: And the raving lunatic Melvin Otto. This IS exciting.

 

Moses Makesh: It sure is! This is a historic night too. This clash between Skye and Otto will be the first match to air on the Wrestleworld subscription network. The first match ever! Invincible Pro Wrestling is making brave, new steps tonight and there will be more eyes than ever on our exciting, unpredictable offering. For anybody tuning in for the first time, welcome and we look forward to your continuing support!

 

Melvin Otto Vs Remmy Skye

 

While there was no official announcement made, tonight saw a return to the ‘All matches under hardcore rules’ norm that was always the IPW way but that had been diluted somewhat in the first couple of shows of this year. It certainly didn’t deter Remmy Skye, who looked noticeably sharper and much more like the star people remembered than he did in his IPW debut last month. Tonight, he looked like he was back at something approaching his best. This match, originally slated for the preshow, benefitted from crisp, energetic announcing and colour commentary. The trio of Makesh, Judge and Briggs played well off of each other all night and this, coupled with Vin Tanner laying out the matches well, showed clear benefits.

 

While Skye has the look of a man with Main Events in his not too distant future, Melvin Otto remains a work in progress. There’s no doubt that he is probably still a better manager than a wrestler but he played his part in this thoroughly enjoyable contest. The end, when it came, was both decisive and impressive, both men taking a big impact when Skye landed his Skye Diver on Otto through a wooden table. At that point the result was a formality. Skye’s gimmick is still somewhere in the region of Awful but, that aside, this was a good one.

 

In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Remmy Skye defeated Melvin Otto in 8:50 by pinfall with a Skye Diver.

Match Rating: 42

 

Moses Makesh: Remmy Skye in flying form there. He is definitely not a man to be discounted. For all the talk of Blackfriar, Darkhold, Phelan, Ali, Muvva… the arrival of Remmy Skye could be a defining moment for IPW!

 

Anslem Briggs: Did you really leave Frantic Ali to fourth on your list there? You’re lucky I have to go join Fiasco Fierce at ringside now Moses, otherwise I would be slapping some sense into you!

 

Luther Judge: I know it’s unkind of me but I really can’t help hoping that this is another mild disaster for The Brigg House.

 

w/

Fiasco Fierce launches into another scathing promo hyping up his Open Challenge. He takes aim at IPW, calling it “a failed experiment in faux-attitude and posturing”, describes Gil Thomas as “a man every bit as boring and tedious as you would expect from a fool whose chief passion in life is woollen sweaters.” He dismisses Phil Vibert too, caustically labelling him, “a man for whom dishonesty is as important as oxygen. His actual genius isn’t so much in what he creates as it is his ability to present himself as somebody who creates but it’s all smoke and mirrors. The man is a BS artist.” He saves his most vicious verbal assault for Nemesis though. “The legacy attributed to Nemesis is just a textbook example of rewriting the past. He was a witless, hopeless brute with no finesse or vision. His idea of sophistication was a punch to the face and the taste of blood in his mouth. He’s dead now because of his own decadence, because of a lack of self control. I just hope that before he slipped into the abyss he realised that he accomplished nothing of note and left nothing behind of any value.”

 

It’s at this point that music plays and the latest challenger to answer The Fiasco Fierce Open Challenge strides to the ring.

 

Moses Makesh: Oh. My. God. It’s Ash Campbell. It’s Nemesis’ son and he does not look pleased! Controversial!

Angle Rating: 37

 

w/

Ash Campbell Vs Fiasco Fierce w/Anslem Briggs

 

This was decent with both men possessing charisma and that intangible Star Quality in abundance. Fierce, similar to last month, gave a good account of himself as the man rather flabbergasted by the identity of his mystery opponent and Campbell was well received as the Son of a Legend. There is a sense that Campbell, far better known for his work on the east coast, may require time to break out in his own right here as more than just Nemesis’ son but his track record in PSW suggests that he absolutely possesses the ability (and not just the bloodline) to do just that.

 

On this night, in this bout, ably backed up by a strong announce team and a well booked match, Campbell would emerge victorious in a decisive fashion, overcoming the best efforts of Fiasco Fierce and leaving The Brigg House frustrated once more.

 

Ash Campbell defeated Fiasco Fierce in 7:58 with a Shooting Star Press.

Match Rating: 32

 

If the introduction was pleasing and the match decent, the real payoff came after the bell when Ash Campbell was handed a microphone and business picked up in a big way. Campbell’s Son of A Legend gimmick and clearly buoyant morale helped but, ultimately, the boy can talk. It’s that simple. He displayed real emotion here, engaging brilliantly off the cuff with the crowd. He said that shutting up Fiasco Fierce was just his way of saying hello and then talked a lot about his Dad and his plans,

 

“I’ve heard it all before, from people inside and outside the business. I’ve sat in locker rooms and overheard people talking about my Dad like he was a brute, an animal, a junkie. I’ve seen all the spite online, all the mean-spirited, snide commentary that Nemesis’ kid will just go the same way as his old man. I understand that a lot of that comes from jealousy, from a bunch of fat, smelly fanboys who’ll never accomplish 1% of what I have in this business, let alone my Dad. I don’t care what they think. I know how many people loved my Dad too… and yet, to be honest, I don’t really care what those people think either. You guys miss Nemesis and I get that. I miss him too. But you know who I really miss? I miss Dave Campbell. I miss my Dad. He wasn’t perfect, he made mistakes, he was probably a little bit too fond of having a good time but the man had heart.

 

My Dad loved IPW. And without my Dad, without Dave Campbell, without Nemesis, there would be no IPW. I know how much it meant to him, I know how much he wanted it to thrive. That’s why I’m here. I am here to protect the legacy of my family name and I am here to save my father’s last gift to professional wrestling. So this one goes out to everybody back there – to the IPW Champion Aldous Blackfriar, to the crazy degenerates in The Dark Watch, to Remmy Skye, to Lug Phelan, the man who owes my Dad everything he has and to the mouthy little punks in The Bitch House. Consider yourselves forewarned boys, this is Campbell country again and I’m not sure any of you can afford the rent.”

Angle Rating: 50

 

Moses Makesh: Ash Campbell is preaching straight fire! He is a chip off the old block for sure. Controversial!

 

Luther Judge: That right there? That was as real as it gets. That was a young man, still grieving the loss of his iconic father, openly talking about the good and the bad of it all.

 

Moses Makesh: Anslem has retaken his position at this desk after that comprehensive defeat for his client. Anslem, any response to Ash Campbell’s message for the, eh, Bitch House.

 

Anslem Briggs: I have no idea who he was talking about. Could have been anybody.

 

Luther Judge: Anslem… really?

 

Anslem Briggs: Could have been anybody. No shortage of, what was it he said, ‘mouthy little punks’ around here. He could have been talking about you two fools!

 

The camera picks up the action backstage then where Sweet Tabitha is standing with her clients, former IPW Tag Team Champions, Barnaby & Rudge. It wasn’t terrible but, after the fire of Ash Campbell in the previous segment it did fall a little flat. Sweet Tabitha has a serious upside but her Girl Next Door gimmick hasn’t exactly captivated the IPW and Barnaby and Rudge were already struggling for momentum before she arrived.

 

Today though, the trio talked a good game, hyping up their prospects of getting back into title contention and their plans to do so. Step one? They need to start taking themselves more seriously again and accordingly, Tabitha announces that they will no longer be known as Ash and Zach but, instead, as Ashton and Zachary. The more cynical observer might feel that this change is more to do with the fact that IPW don’t want to book two men called Ash and Campbell is getting priority but, credit to Vibert, working it somewhat into an angle at least gives it a shred of meaning.

 

In any event the trio are quietly confident that tonight they will show both Coulrophobia and Mexican Hardcore Killers how good they can be.

Angle Rating: 29

 

w/

Barnaby & Rudge (Ash Barnaby and Zach Rudge) w/Sweet Tabitha Vs Coulrophobia (Hellech and Pierrot) Vs Mexican Hardcore Killers (E-Z and Sanchez Villano)

 

This match probably gave a good indication of where IPW really are at the moment. All three of these teams have held the IPW Tag Team championship in the past and, within kayfabe, at least, all three also have aspirations at getting back to the top of that particular mountain again. Winning and losing can happen both from within and outside of a wrestling angle and this was very clear here.

 

Coulrophobia were the very real victors here in every sense of the word. The highly decorated pairing of Hellech and Pierrot were the best duo in this one and, based on this showing, it seems very reasonable to assume that they will springboard from here into title contention.

 

In the story sense Mexican Hardcore Killers were the big losers here, being the first team eliminated and continuing the losing streak that has plagued them in 2020 thus far. In reality though, they gave a good account of themselves today with Villano reminding watchers in flashes that he has the intangible aura of a star about him.

 

Barnaby and Rudge, by contrast, looked off the pace here despite being booked to look competitive. There’s no doubt that their momentum has stalled but they surely need a boost if they’re to justify the effort being invested in them. It’s easy to see why they’re still featured too, they have a very real chemistry as a pair. Sweet Tabitha is doing good work with them and looks particularly comfortable with Ashton Barnaby. Barnaby, similar to Villano, shows hints of star potential too. For now though… they do seem to be spinning their wheels ever so slightly.

 

Coulrophobia defeated Barnaby & Rudge and Mexican Hardcore Killers in 10:09; the order of elimination was Mexican Hardcore Killers first and then Barnaby & Rudge.

Match Rating: 34

 

Luther Judge: On nights like this one it almost seems to me that Coulrophobia are dancing to a tune that nobody but them can hear.

 

Moses Makesh: I’m not sure that anybody would really want to hear it. They are dangerous, depraved men and the last thing I want to know is what they’re thinking.

 

Anslem Briggs: Do you think they had a really bad experience at the circus at some point?

 

Luther Judge: I think they ARE the really bad experience at the circus!

 

Moses Makesh: And we’ve had years to get used to them. Can you imagine how bizarre they must look to any of tonight’s first time viewers on Wrestleworld?

 

Anslem Briggs: Well, for any of our new converts, I’d like to make them aware that they are about to witness the REAL Main Event now and they will never forget their first look at the biggest star in IPW, the 5-time IPW Champion…

 

Luther Judge: The five-time FORMER IPW champion!

 

Anslem Briggs: The man that they can’t keep down, Frantic Ali! Frantic Ali is about to crush both Hustle Muvva and JOJI. He will not be denied, no matter who tries to stop him from achieving what he deserves! Of course having the best manager in the business, Anslem Briggs, by his side isn’t going to hurt his cause either!

 

w/

w/

Hustle Muvva is introduced first for the following match. He’s making his way to ringside with his pregnant wife, Cindy, and enjoying some friendly banter with the crowd when the attack begins. Frantic Ali and Fiasco Fierce knock him down from behind while Anslem Briggs directs traffic. Cindy tries to intervene and Fiasco Fierce teases laying her out too. She backs away with her hands clasped protectively over the stomach even as Frantic Ali plants Hustle Muvva to the floor with a couple of vicious DDTs. Muvva is out of it and can’t defend himself as The Brigg House put the boots to him. After a couple of minutes of this Briggs call off the hit. A laughing Fiasco Fierce makes his way to the back while Frantic Ali allows himself a smirk as he enters the ring. JOJI makes his way out even as Hustle Muvva is helped to the back and this Triple Match has now become a straight up one on one.

Angle Rating: 30

 

Moses Makesh: Despicable stuff from The Brigg House. Whatever wrongs they feel are being conducted against them it’s not right to take their frustrations out on people, like Hustle Muvva, that are just trying to succeed on their own merits!

 

w/

Frantic Ali w/Anslem Briggs Vs JOJI

 

With Muvva removed as a concern this left us with just Frantic Ali and JOJI. This pairing had seemed to be initiating a feud in late 2019 but it appeared to have been quietly abandoned when Phil Vibert arrived and, in any case, was definitely laid to rest here tonight. Ali, for his part, while not necessarily firing on all cylinders looked head and shoulders above in this one, his performance elevated by his charisma, Star Quality, rapport with Anslem Briggs and his own morale. JOJI, on the other hand, despite his own positive momentum and morale of late, looked a long way from the finished product.

 

As far as the story of this match went, both men got their licks in and with Makesh and Judge excellent again at ringside, this was really well presented as a clash of styles between the Japanese ‘Wild Man’ and the storied IPW all-rounder, the self-appointed franchise player, Frantic Ali. Despite Ali’s vast experience and ability though he couldn’t quite put JOJI away until, with it appearing as though the comeback was on, Anslem Briggs made his presence felt on the ringside apron, distracting JOJI for long enough to allow Frantic Ali to take out his knee from behind before hitting his finisher.

 

Frantic Ali defeated JOJI in 7:45 by pinfall with a Death Valley Driver after Anselm Briggs interfered.

Match Rating: 36

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial!

 

Luther Judge: Tainted even! Not that The Brigg House will care one way or the other.

 

Moses Makesh: I’d be inclined to agree with you there. They’re definitely in the ‘end justifies the means’ camp.

 

Luther Judge: I’d go a step further and I’d say that they’re in the ‘sooner take a cheap shot and a short cut than do it any other way’ gang. Still, Anslem and his boys needed the win. They don’t care about much else.

 

Moses Makesh: Speaking of people who don’t care…

 

Frankie-Boy Fernandes strolls casually to the ring, smirking slightly at the chorus of boos and catcalls that ring out to mark his arrival. The abuse reaches a crescendo as he enters the ring but if he’s bothered he’s not showing it, casually holding one hand behind his ear as he turns a full circle to the audience. Still with a sneer in place he gestures for a microphone and when one is presented he starts to speak,

 

“My name is Frankie-Boy Fernandes and I come…”

 

The microphone cuts out and Fernandes rolls his eyes and demands another from the ringside crew even as the crowd bay their disapproval for Frankie-Boy once more. With a second microphone in hand, he sardonically touches it to see if it works, feigns shock when it does and spares a desultory round of applause for the person who gave it to him before casting another smug look at those around him and launching, once more, into his thoughts,

 

“My name is Frankie-Boy Fernandes and I come… I come from a place where the microphones work. I come from a place where the toilets flush, where the showers have hot water, where the audience aren’t all in desperate need of said hot shower and where there’s food laid out in the back for me. I come from CZCW, I come from a wrestling promotion, not a glorified backyard, dumpster fire where stupid wrestlers perform a whole bunch of stupid stunts for a stupid ‘crowd’,”

 

Fernandes makes the universal quotation mark gesture with his fingers and makes no attempt to conceal the contempt in his voice on the word ‘crowd’. The crowd in question, understandably, are reacting to this with a fair degree of resentment. He carried on with his diatribe, unperturbed (perhaps even encouraged) by the hostile reaction he’s igniting,

 

“My name is Frankie-Boy Fernandes and I am no happier to be here than you cretins are to host me. I belong on a much bigger stage. But I’ll be damned if I let some bush league non-entity like IPW use my hard won credibility to boost their own diminutive status. I’ll express my thoughts on that in language that even you dregs will understand. F**k that! You people might as well take some pictures while you can because Frankie-Boy Fernandes is not going to be here for long. Tonight I will see off supposedly your best and brightest, that weird goth, dork who looks like he got his ass kicked in school and that pasty Mick who sounds like he never even went to school. At that point I will be the number one contender for the dubious prize that is the IPW Championship. I will return once more, just once, and I will win that piece of tin. I will take it back to CZCW and you will never, ever see me or it again. In time it will go down as the one time that this two bit circus flirted with greatness!”

 

Fernandes drops the mic, spells out the letters C-Z-C-W in the air with his finger and leaves, still with a superior sneer on his face. The crowd are incensed, the CZCW Snob gimmick has gotten over great.

Angle Rating: 57

 

Moses Makesh: Controversial!

 

Anslem Briggs: You think? I say the white boy might have a point. Things are being run into the ground around here.

 

Luther Judge: I say that Frankie-Boy might be a bit of a snob and he would have been well advised to keep his head down and his mouth shut and do his talking in the ring. He’s right about one thing. This is not CZCW. Lug Phelan might aim to settle things in a manner somewhat removed from what Fernandes is used to.

 

Moses Makesh: I have to give him some respect for just turning up. I’m just not entirely sure that he appreciates the magnitude of the battlefield that he has just sauntered onto.

 

Anslem Briggs: If he doesn’t already, he’ll know if he watches this next match.

 

Luther Judge: The IPW Tag Team Championship is about to be defended. Can Minnesota Awesome somehow escape again with their title reign intact?

 

Moses Makesh: Against Canadian Hardcore AND The Night Terrors? If they escape physically intact they’ll be doing very well indeed!

 

w/

Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone and Perry Longstaff) © Vs Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg and Sasquatch McGraw) Vs The Night Terrors (Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto – IPW Tag Team Championship match

The Night Terrors carried this one, a self-designated Car Crash where three very distinct teams brought their different approaches to the fray. Only The Night Terrors seemed comfortable with the pace of it and it is also to the credit of the more experienced team that they sold extremely well for their opponents. Minnesota Awesome also sold really well but their inexperience was also evident throughout and, in the case of Clark Smallbone, there is a sense that his psychology is still not quite where it needs to be. Canadian Hardcore were somewhere in the middle then, momentum and gimmicks carrying them so far, but they looked blown up by the end of this one too.

The match itself was deliberately chaotic. Canadian Hardcore did a lot of the heavy work, using their greater strength to manhandle both opposition teams. Their brute force would eventually be their undoing. McGraw (who was the more impressive of the pair) and Von Battenberg attempted to obliterate Perry Longstaff with their impactful Maple Crush finisher but when he managed to dodge it the Canadian pair wiped each other out and, improbably, Minnesota Awesome had managed to pin their great rivals and take one step closer to another surprise retention of the titles.

 

The Night Terrors had other ideas though. Babau and Moroi (Moroi was loudly ridiculed and heckled once more) seemed to up their level of savagery, like sharks smelling blood in the water. It would be fair to say that they brutalised Longstaff and Smallbone, largely to the approval of the assembled crowd. When the end came, complete with chair shots and a frog splash, just like that, the Minnesota Miracle was over (and very nearly ended with a Minnesota Murder) and The Night Terrors were IPW Tag Team champions once more.

 

The Night Terrors defeated Minnesota Awesome and Canadian Hardcore in 11:15; the order of elimination was Canadian Hardcore first, then Minnesota Awesome. The Night Terrors win the IPW Tag Team Championship titles.

Match Rating: 35

 

Moses Makesh: And just like that the unlikely reign of Minnesota Awesome is ended! The Dark Watch have collected the gold.

 

Luther Judge: I’m not sure how motivated Babau and Moroi are by titles. Still, it’s a good night’s work for them. The battered, bruised and beaten Minnesota Awesome are pointed evidence of that!

 

Anslem Briggs: If those two pretty fools had the brains of pigeons they’d take their raggedy, beaten down asses back to the Midwest and hide there.

 

Moses Makesh: Do you think that will happen?

 

Luther Judge: Probably not. They’re young enough not yet to have realised their own mortality. Canadian Hardcore might yet have another lesson to teach them in that regard!

 

Moses Makesh: For now though, the night belongs, appropriately enough, to The Night Terrors! From one title match to another though, it’s time for Hugh de Aske to defend the IPW Californian title against a pair of competitors who are both former holders of that same title as individuals AND also former IPW Tag Team champions together. Hugh de Aske, Deadly Deadshot, The Outlaw. Anybody who predicts a winner here with any certainty is either arrogant or dishonest!

 

Hugh de Aske © Vs Deadly Deadshot Vs The Outlaw – IPW Californian Championship match

This, as it turned out, would be the match of the night, the trio involved setting out to Steal the Show (and succeeding). Deadly Deadshot seemed slightly off his game though his selling, particularly during de Aske’s early flurry of offense, was noticeably excellent. The Outlaw and defending champion de Aske both did very well. The Belgian born pirate has always had a natural charisma and that went some way towards getting over, not just de Aske himself but, by proxy, his two opponents.

 

The crowd were buzzing as this one went up through the gears, ably assisted by sharp, incisive work at the announce desk. Deadshot and The Outlaw, the former Tag Team champions, exchanged a fist bump before the match started, prompting a wry shake of the head from de Aske. When the bell rang the champion sprang to attack, taking his opponents by surprise and working hard to keep them both down, using an array of punches, clotheslines and a rather cynical rake to the eyes of The Outlaw. Despite this early momentum however it proved impossible for de Aske to retain control against both his opponents and, about three minutes in, The Outlaw landed a low blow from behind while de Aske was setting up Deadly Deadshot for a suplex.

 

At this point de Aske found himself going from aggressor to victim in a hurry. Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw combined their forces and, with strong shades of their successful run as a team, they set out to dismantle the champion. This seemed to initiate an almost inevitable change of fortune but de Aske is nothing if not resilient and, approaching the eight minute mark, he rallied and, fuelled by nothing more than heart and determination, took it to both men again. Once more though the numbers game was too much to overcome. The only difference now was that once control was regained The Outlaw, ever the opportunist, drew Deadly Deadshot into an explosive German Suplex, threw his ex-partner from the ring, repeated the same move on de Aske and went for the three count.

 

The Outlaw defeated Hugh de Aske and Deadly Deadshot in 9:33 when The Outlaw pinned Hugh de Aske. The Outlaw wins the IPW Californian title.

Segment Rating: 46

 

Moses Makesh: The Outlaw is IPW Californian champion once more! Stepping over friend and foe alike to take back the belt.

 

Anslem Briggs: There are no friends in this business Moses, even an idealistic dreamer like you should realise that?

 

Luther Judge: Does that include you and your associates in The Brigg House?

 

Anslem Briggs: Please Luther, you should know that the normal rules don’t apply to me any my associates. The Brigg House transcend this business, there ain’t nothing going to come between us! So don’t you worry yourself about it.

 

Moses Makesh: The Outlaw doesn’t look particularly worried right now either. This is his moment but you have to feel that neither Deadly Deadshot or Hugh de Aske will be satisfied by how this one has ended.

 

Luther Judge: Hugh de Aske looks like he was nailed to the prow of his ship right now. I think he’s still out cold!

 

Anslem Briggs: Does that brother really have his own ship? That would be pretty sweet.

 

Luther Judge: Dreaming of The Brigg Boat are we?

 

Moses Makesh: We have only one match left tonight… it’s Main Event time and I believe that means that we are to be joined by the current IPW Champions… ‘His Satanic Majesty’ Aldous Blackfriar is going to cast an eye over his challengers.

 

IPW Champion Aldous Blackfriar does indeed make his way to the announce desk then. The darkly charismatic Blackfriar, almost trancelike in his demeanour, moves with the fluid grace of a predator, seeming almost oblivious to the people around him as he makes his way down to ringside, his gaze focusing on a realm somewhat beyond the vision of ordinary people. The IPW title hangs loosely from one hand like a dead cat. He joins the commentary team and chuckles at a joke that nobody else has heard.

 

Moses Makesh: I’d like to welcome you out here to join us, Aldous. Your insights into this next match will be much appreciated.

 

Anslem Briggs: Provided we can understand a word that he says.

 

Aldous Blackfriar: The meaning of my words is clear for those who possess both an open mind and even a rudimentary wit. Should anybody not have those things this is not something that I will dwell upon. I deliver the message but the consequences for those with closed ears is a responsibility for them to bear themselves.

 

Luther Judge: Anslem, I think he just called you stupid!

 

Moses Makesh: Such considerations of intellect aside, what do you make of the three contenders? Is there any of them that you would be particularly keen to face or avoid?

 

Aldous Blackfriar: I am an extension of a higher power, it doesn’t really matter who faces me. They will attempt to bring me down, to destroy my message. They will fail. The three men who are about to fight? Frankie-Boy Fernandes? He has no idea what he has walked into. He does not belong here. He belongs back in the safe world from which he has come, a world of bright lights and foolish, childish dreams. Here in the shadows, Frankie-Boy Fernandes may discover things about himself that he does not like very much.

 

Lug Phelan? I respect ‘The Irish Warrior’. He is a man who is comfortable facing up the violence in his soul, a man who is at home with the darkness, who glories in chaos. He has courage and drive and ability… all of which comes together to form a strong package. It will not be enough.

 

And that brings me to Deacon Darkhold… the false pretender. He has taken his time, to gather his forces, to try and manipulate the situation to best suit him. He has set out to contradict my message, to usurp my position and he has succeeded in swaying some weak minds to accept his false truths. Should he continue to steal opportunities meant for better men… I will take the opportunity to remind him and everybody else of the true extent of my power! The hellgate is open, ‘His Satanic Majesty’ stands above all. You will serve or you will die!

Angle Rating: 46

 

Deacon Darkhold Vs Frankie-Boy Fernandes Vs Lug Phelan – IPW Championship number one contender’s match

The Main Event went passably well, a match with both decent heat and wrestling and enough going on to drive some interest in where things will go from here. Frankie-Boy Fernandes proved his worth here, looking every inch the big-time star. His charisma, his Star Quality and his obnoxious gimmick all helped to elevate not just him but also his opponents and the match as a whole. He was also potentially responsible for the biggest moment of the whole show, debuting a hot new move, that he called ‘The F-Bomb’, a lightning fast, explosive swinging neckbreaker that led to near fall when he landed it out of nowhere on Deacon Darkhold only for Lug Phelan to make the save.

 

Phelan, for his part, was reasonable here. There’s no doubt that he has more in his locker and he still looked a potential star with his ‘Irish Warrior’ gimmick still convincing but the jury is out and whether or not he’s quite ready to step up to the next level.

 

The jury has definitely returned a verdict on Deacon Darkhold though and it’s a sobering one for the IPW powers. His gimmick is undoubtedly excellent and he is riding a wave of momentum off the back of his work with The Dark Order but that’s about as far as the positives currently go. He looked far better tonight than he had in his disappointing bout against the now departed Zombie Boy last month but he was still no more than adequate.

Despite this it will be Deacon Darkhold who next challenges Aldous Blackfriar for the IPW Californian title. Frankie-Boy Fernandes, after his terrific offence early on in the bout gave a showcase in his selling ability too. Lug Phelan took control from there, his power and aggression allowing him the opportunity to dominate his smaller opponents and it really did look as though Phelan was going to be the man who would move on from this one as the new number one contender. He landed a power bomb on Fernandes that looked like it had killed the victim but before he could follow up, Darkhold returned to the ring from where he had been recuperating on the floor, tossed the big Irishman over the top in such a way that his head became trapped between the ropes. With Phelan trapped, Darkhold took a moment to savour the situation, making a cut throat gesture in the direction of Aldous Blackfriar before turning his attention back to the prone Fernandes, hauling him upright and putting an end to this one.

 

Deacon Darkhold defeated Frankie-Boy Fernandes and Lug Phelan in 13:08 when Deacon Darkhold pinned Frankie-Boy Fernandes with a Reverse DDT.

Match Rating: 40

 

Aldous Blackfriar: So it shall be The Pretender. As it was meant to be. Already the shadows gather. When the blackness lifts once more… he shall be vanquished and I, I shall remain in the centre of the locus of power, still offering salvation for any who are willing to suffer for it. Thus speaks Blackfriar.

 

Moses Makesh: And that is just about all that we have time for. A night of change for IPW. We have new IPW Tag Team champions, we have a new IPW Californian champion and we have a new number one contender for the IPW Championship.

 

Anslem Briggs: No mention of Frantic Ali’s glorious win though, you’re just another stooge aren’t you Moses?

 

Luther Judge: You seem reluctant to talk about Fiasco Fierce’s Open Challenge yourself, Anslem.

 

Moses Makesh: Normally right around now I would talk about how much I’m looking forward to calling all the action again next month… however, instead, let me say how much I’m looking forward to being back at this announce desk again, tomorrow night, for the first episode of IPW: Underground, right here on Wrestleworld! If you don’t tune in, you’re going to miss out!

 

Show Rating: 43 (increased our popularity in 18 regions)

 

 

Deacon Darkhold Vs Frankie-Boy Fernandes Vs Lug Phelan – Number one contender match for the IPW Championship

Comments: Could be a good match, and I could see Frankie winning to, but I think DD needs to wait a couple more months.

Deacon Darkhold probably needs to wait a couple more years. Phil Vibert has inherited a situation where he's in the Main Event picture though and needs to deal with it accordingly!

2. Hugh de Aske © Vs Deadly Deadshot Vs The Outlaw – IPW Californian Title Match

Comments: Hugh can keep taking on all comers

Vibert (and by Vibert I mean me) is probably a little gun shy on de Aske after his CZCW commitments meant that he missed the first show. Accordingly... him holding titles will have to be weighed up carefully.

3. Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone and Perry Longstaff) © Vs Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg and Sasquatch McGraw) Vs The Night Terrors (Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto – IPW Tag Team Title Match

Comments: Can't see the Night Terrors taking the pin even if I've got this incorrect.

There are at least three active teams outperforming Canadian Hardcore and Minnesota Awesome at the moment. Accordingly, while they were also being framed as the centrepiece of the tag division when Vibert arrived, their feud is likely to continue away from the title picture for now.

6. Fiasco Fierce Vs Mystery Opponent

Comments: I would quite enjoy a mini storyline where Fierce keeps losing to debutants.

I have also seen some mileage in something similar but think it could be hard to pull off without burying him completely.

 

Author note 1: I honestly think this is the best show I've written up since I got back. I particularly like both the Ash Campbell and Frankie-Boy Fernandes promos.

 

Author note 2: I accidentally deleted all of this after I'd formatted it just before hitting send earlier today. Thankfully I had an unformatted version saved on a word doc. Otherwise I might have cried.

 

[TCW: Gathering Storm]

Jay Chord, Edd Stone & Greg Gauge vs Aaron Andrews, Sammy Bach & Matt Hocking

I doubt it will be entirely clean but it's hard to envisage the new stable coming up short so soon.

 

Ernest Youngman vs Joshua Taylor

Pretty much everyone in this diary is 'new' to me as a reader. I really like Joshua Taylor, I'm not sure if it's just how you've written him or something more tangible but he's a guy I look for when 'watching' the show.

 

Tag Title Match

Real Deadly vs The Roughnecks vs The Behemoths vs Mighty Meaty ©

I'm unsure of this pick to be honest. Mighty Meaty still seem to be on top but a multi-team match is always a good way to change titles without weakening the champs.

 

Wolf Hawkins vs Masked Patriot

Hawkins has been another compelling character for me in this diary.

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Chapter 11 – IPW Triplemania 6 preview

 

 

Chapter 11 – IPW Triplemania 6 preview

 

Deacon Darkhold Vs Frankie-Boy Fernandes Vs Lug Phelan – Number one contender match for the IPW Championship

A trio of very disparate contenders will collide in the Main Event at Triplemania with the goal of securing a shot at the current IPW Champion, Aldous Blackfriar. Deacon Darkhold has been a thorn in the side of the champion for months now, having assumed control of Blackfriar’s one time allies in The Dark Watch and very openly setting out not just to secure the title belt but also to destroy Blackfriar. He proved last month that he can get it done on his own too, injuring Zombie Boy so badly that the Undead one has disappeared from IPW.

Lug Phelan has been there or thereabouts all year too. Phelan’s goal for 2020 is clear. He wants to become IPW Champion in tribute to his late mentor, IPW and DAVE legend, Nemesis. He has found himself drawn into the edges of the Blackfriar/Dark Watch feud almost by proxy. The brutal, aggressive Irishman is not a man that any sane mind would seek to anger. Sanity, clearly, is not the primary concern for The Dark Watch. Phelan is a man who is chasing destiny and not afraid to punch anybody in the face, over and over again if needed, to hunt it down.

The last man in this one is perhaps the most interesting. Frankie-Boy Fernandes is a CZCW stalwart and has been a regular title holder in his decade long run with that company. After taking a series of pot shots at IPW across social media, most notably denigrating it as “a tinpot, bush league, miniscule armpit of a wrestling promotion with a locker room full of not so much wannabes as a motley collection of never-will-be misfits.” That, to IPW Commissioner Phil Vibert, is fighting talk and he invited Fernandes to back up his mouth. To the surprise of many… Frankie-Boy accepted and he will take his place in this match determined to earn a chance at winning the IPW Championship, which he has already threatened to take back to CZCW afterwards as part of the spoils of war.

 

Hugh de Aske © Vs Deadly Deadshot Vs The Outlaw – IPW Californian Title Match

Another triple threat match will see Hugh de Aske, now with JOJI firmly in his rear-view mirror, face off against a pair of former Californian champions. ‘The Dread Pirate’ faces a particularly strange challenge in this as the challengers, Deadly Deadshot and The Outlaw were also IPW Tag Team Champions, together, back in 2014. It remains to be seen if this history will play any part in the bout. Six years is a long time in wrestling and both Deadshot (who impressed even in defeat to Hustle Muvva at Hardcore Heaven 2020) and The Outlaw (who defeated PsychoMike at the same show) are ambitious, young men with big goals. Against somebody of the calibre of Hugh de Aske it makes sense to take any advantage you can get but it’s very likely that the tone of this match will not be set until the bell finally rings.

 

w/

Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone and Perry Longstaff) © Vs Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg and Sasquatch McGraw) Vs The Night Terrors (Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto – IPW Tag Team Title Match

The IPW Tag Team titles will also be defended on the night. The improbable reign of Minnesota Awesome has now cleared over 200 days. It’s hard not to feel that this may well be their toughest challenge yet. ‘The Pretty Boy Party Boys’ will be facing off against not only their natural nemeses in the shape of Canadian Hardcore but also the decorated and dangerous pairing of The Night Terrors. Smallbone and Longstaff somehow managed to secure a win over Mexican Hardcore Killers at Unbreakable IX to extend their run at the top of the division and if they can repeat that trick here they’ll surely have to be taken seriously by even their most serious detractors. 2020 has been good thus far for Canadian Hardcore. Von Battenberg and McGraw have defeated two teams of former champions already in the shape of Coulrophobia and Barnaby & Rudge and they’ll see this as a real opportunity to secure a second run with the titles as well as settle a few scores with both the team that they beat to ignite their own first reign as well as the duo who defeated them. The Night Terrors, for their part, have been here before. More than once. If they can focus on the task at hand and not just on their duties in The Dark Watch there’s every reason to believe that they could come out on top in this one, particularly with the maniacal Melvin Otto in their corner.

 

w/ w/

Frantic Ali w/Anselm Briggs Vs Hustle Muvva w/Cindy Vs JOJI

There are some very different motivations behind the trio of men taking part in this one. Frantic Ali and The Brigg House are furious once more. The Establishment is being railed at again. They’re livid that Frankie-Boy Fernandes has been parachuted into the Main Event, raging that Hustle Muvva has declared himself as the top hustler in IPW, incandescent that The Dark Order interfering stopped Ali from becoming a six time IPW Champion and fuming that JOJI seems so amused by the whole thing.

Hustle Muvva, as he outlined so poignantly at the last show, is a man on a mission. Approaching fatherhood has caused him to reconsider his priorities and his goals and he is determined to reach them all, to accomplish as much in his wrestling career as he is in his personal life. This is another step for him.

JOJI? ‘The Wild Man’ seems unperturbed by his defeat to Hugh de Aske and has now seemingly focused his attention on aggravating Frantic Ali. The Brigg House are not likely to take kindly to this intrusion into their business. The three men in this one are winners by nature but only one of them can emerge with the victory here.

 

w/

Barnaby & Rudge (Ashton Barnaby and Zachary Rudge) w/ Sweet Tabitha Vs Coulrophobia (Hellech and Pierrot) Vs Mexican Hardcore Killers (E-Z and Sanchez Villano

This trio of teams have all struggled to make serious inroads so far in 2020 and, for at least one of them, this clash will represent a chance to put some momentum behind them and push on. Barnaby & Rudge have already turned to Sweet Tabitha for support and guidance and you have to believe that she has more in mind than just the cosmetic shift in name from Ash and Zach to Ashton and Zachary for her duo. Coulrophobia will also see this match as a real chance to make a statement of intent as they hunt down a fourth reign as IPW Tag Team Champions. Noticeably absent from Hardcore Havoc 2020 last month, there’s a sense that Hellech and Pierrot were putting their sadistic minds to work and plotting a way back to the top. Mexican Hardcore Killers are in a similar boat, having started the year with defeats to Minnesota Awesome and, last month, The Night Terrors. E-Z and Sanchez Villano are too tough, too experienced and just too good to stay in a slump forever though and they’ll have serious designs at getting themselves back into the title picture sooner rather than later.

 

Fiasco Fierce Vs Mystery Opponent

The Fiasco Fierce Open Challenge will take place again. Fierce and the rest of The Brigg House were appalled at the emergence of Remmy Skye as challenger last month. They insist they were totally unprepared for a challenger of his magnitude and also that they had been tipped off to expect somebody else and trained accordingly. It’s all part of a far-reaching conspiracy designed to keep them down according to Anselm Briggs. This time his man will be prepared for anything, for anybody and they plan to avoid the (forgive me) fiasco of last time out!

 

Preshow Matches

Lil Henry Vs Manny Alvarez, PsychoMike and Stanley Axis

Melvin Otto Vs Remmy Skye

 

 

Prediction Key:

1. Deacon Darkhold Vs Frankie-Boy Fernandes Vs Lug Phelan – Number one contender match for the IPW Championship

Comments:

2. Hugh de Aske © Vs Deadly Deadshot Vs The Outlaw – IPW Californian Title Match

Comments:

3. Minnesota Awesome (Clark Smallbone and Perry Longstaff) © Vs Canadian Hardcore (Otis Von Battenberg and Sasquatch McGraw) Vs The Night Terrors (Babau and Moroi) w/Melvin Otto – IPW Tag Team Title Match

Comments:

4. Frantic Ali w/Anselm Briggs Vs Hustle Muvva w/Cindy Vs JOJI

Comments:

5. Barnaby & Rudge (Ashton Barnaby and Zachary Rudge) w/ Sweet Tabitha Vs Coulrophobia (Hellech and Pierrot) Vs Mexican Hardcore Killers (E-Z and Sanchez Villano

Comments:

6. Fiasco Fierce Vs Mystery Opponent

Comments:

 

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

Chapter 10 – A New Day

 

 

Chapter 10 – A New Day

 

‘The new Wrestleworld site went live today and subscriptions are now on sale. The aim of this new service is to show events from a whole range of independent companies across America and Canada, bringing them together in a way never before possible. The first company to align themselves with Wrestleworld are the California based Invincible Pro Wrestling. IPW announced the arrival of industry visionary Phil Vibert as their chief booker earlier this year and this is the latest big move from the ambitious promotion. Their Triplemania 6 event will be the first to air on the subscription service this Saturday night. This will be followed by the first episode of a weekly, hour long show the following evening called IPW: Underground.’

 

Phil was, even by his own admission, feeling a bit smug as Gil read the press release.

 

“We’re going to look back at this moment as the beginning of our rise, Gil. I feel it in my bones!”

 

“I hope so. I really do!”

 

“Trust me, boss!” Vibert’s grin was Cheshire Cat like by now. Gil still looked thoughtful.

 

“It might help us to offset the money lost last month too. It wasn’t a great month all round really.”

 

It was true. The gap between IPW and GSW, let alone CZCW, had only grown last month. That, coupled with the loss of over $8k, seemed to only speak of reasons to be cautious but Phil Vibert had a way about him, an enthusiasm and a streak of self-confidence that was hard to ignore.

 

“Look, we might well lose more money in the short-term. Also, I absolutely guarantee you that plenty more companies will follow us in this. We got there first though. That will make us look like we’re pushing the boundaries. And we’ve gotten the weekly show. That will give us more visibility and that will help us to grow even if the shows aren’t where we need them to be just yet. It might take a little more time even but we’re putting seeds in the ground now that will reap a big harvest.”

 

Gil wanted to believe the man. The other thing about Phil Vibert though was that he was just as capable of crashing to the ground as he was of redefining brilliance. There really wasn’t much else to do but sit back, enjoy the ride and see what would happen. Still, Gil had a couple of things he wanted to follow up on.

 

 

“What happened between Moses and Mike?”

 

“They pretty much loathe each other now,” Phil supplied glibly,

 

“I heard that, why though?”

 

Phil shrugged,

 

“I’m not even sure. It’s a weird one. Moses gets on with everybody. PsychoMike is generally a quiet kid. It’s just one of those things.”

 

Moses Makesh was the IPW Announcer. PsychoMike, one of their up and coming talents. It had come as a surprise to Gil to hear Moses talking uncharacteristically viciously about their personal issues on a wrestling radio show. Truthfully, he was disappointed that the more experienced Makesh wouldn’t have kept it inhouse. Still… he supposed it didn’t have to be the end of the world.

 

“Are you going to do anything about it?” he asked. Phil shrugged indifferently again,

 

“I don’t think so. Truthfully? I considered getting rid of one of them at first. Could have been Moses for mouthing off about it in public, could have been Mike because he’s basically just a pre-show guy right now and he wouldn’t really be missed but there’s no need. Morale is high in the locker room, not everybody needs to get on like Aldous and Deadly Deadshot or Barnaby and Rudge. If they kick off again we can revisit but it probably won’t come to that.”

 

It made sense, Gil supposed, and Vibert had overseen the famously chaotic DAVE dressing room relatively painlessly. Maybe it really would all work out. Phil was already enthusing about the new faces he was bringing in, once more heralding the advantages of cooperation. There was a CZCW guy coming in on a one-off (Remmy Skye was going to make his way back to the Zone for one night in return) and a PSW guy coming in long-term in what Vibert said was, “the start of a major, major story. People are going to freak over this one!”

 

Phil Vibert was a genius and he was unpredictable. From time to time Gil wished he had somewhat more of an insight into what Vibert was thinking and planning but, he realised more every time that they spoke, that just wasn’t how it worked. You hired a man like Phil Vibert, you were better off (as much as possible) just letting him do his own thing. A failure to understand that had been a big part of why his time with CGC in Canada has been so acrimonious and Gil was determined to avoid the same mistake.

 

The two men chatted about the rumours that SWF was in big trouble as Gil drove Phil to the airport (Vibert was still commuting from Florida). Gil was reminded of Shane Sneer’s appearance on Vibert’s podcast before Christmas when all involved parties had acknowledged that there would be casualties in this wrestling war. Surely the Eisen Empire, SWF, wouldn’t be the first though?

 

[TCW: Gathering Storm]

<p>I've always tended to immerse myself in the C-verse indies rather than the bigger companies. Not sure why but there you have it. As a result I've never felt particularly invested in the big SWF/TCW/USPW war. Until now... having read this more or less through in a couple of sittings (thank you train journeys), it turns out that I'm a TCW guy now. </p><p> </p><p>

Or, put more simply, this is <strong>fantastic</strong>.</p>

[The Invincible Vibert - A C-verse dynasty]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DarK_RaideR" data-cite="DarK_RaideR" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51255" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Dar is back! So excited for your return, even if it's as IPW <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Subscribing and will catch up when I can.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Many thanks for the kind words! Truthfully, when I started writing this myself, you and your friends in GSW came to mind. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> If I can make this even half as compelling as any of your takes on that particular rivalry I'll have done well.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kanegan" data-cite="kanegan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51255" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Another good show. I am liking this Blackfriar - Darkhold rivalry.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks for that, I'm glad you're enjoying. Even in the short term the Blackfriar/Darkhold feud will have twists both inside and outside the ring that I hope you'll get a kick out of it. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>