DarK_RaideR

<div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%); black; border-style: solid; border-width: 5px; max-width: 85%; box-shadow: 0 2px 15px ";"> ACTIVE WRESTLERS <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> ANTIX Nickname: The Kelowna Playa Size: Muscular Middleweight Style: Regular Wrestler Finisher: Murder On The Dancefloor Teams: Reckless Antix (with Xavier Reckless) Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> BLACK DIAMOND Nickname: None Size: Muscular Lightweight Style: Regular Wrestler Finisher: Belly To Belly Suplex Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> GRAVEDIGGA Nickname: Dead Man Walking Size: Ripped Lightweight Style: Brawler Finisher: Flying Headbutt Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> MARIE PUNNEN Nickname: None Size: Ripped Lightweight Style: Striker Finisher: Scissor Kick Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> MUTANT Nickname: King of the Sewer Size: Muscular Big Heavyweight Style: Powerhouse Finisher: The TMNTurner Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> NATE DE MARCUS Nickname: The Great Size: Muscular Light Heavyweight Style: Powerhouse Finisher: Snap Tackle Teams: Jock Shock (with Tyrone Gray) Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> SAYEED ALI Nickname: The East Side Assassin Size: Muscular Light Heavyweight Style: Regular Wrestler Finisher: G.B.H. Driver Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;width: 300px;";"> TOO HOT Nickname: None Size: Toned Lightweight Style: Entertainer Finisher: Heat Seeking Missile Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> TYRONE GRAY Nickname: High Energy Size: Toned Lightweight Style: High Flyer Finisher: Tumbleweed Splash Teams: Jock Shock (with Nate DeMarcus) Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;width: 300px;";"> XAVI FERRERA Nickname: The Superstar Size: Muscular Middleweight Style: Regular Wrestler Finisher: High Impact Frog Splash, Ferrerarana Teams: None Theme: </div> <div style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000000 30%, #FFFFFF 100%);color: #000000;border-style:solid;display:inline-block;padding: 15px; border-width:3px;max-width: 300px;";"> XAVIER RECKLESS Nickname: The Reckless One Size: Muscular Lightweight Style: Brawler Finisher: Slingshot DDT, The Reckless Bomb Teams: Reckless Antix (with Antix) Theme: </div> </div>

EX2010 aren't quite my cup of tea, but I have high hopes from a kanegan diary. Have fun with this one.

Congratulations to the winners and shout out to all the nominees, another month of great content in this part of the forums.

I'm curious, so asking for reader input: would you like to see a breakdown of HWA's roster as hype before their first show, or would you rather have the show with a surprise roster and then get the graphic of all active members?

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #6e1812; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";"> Pre-show: Black Diamond defeated Shooting Star Perez. (Rating: 21) Omar and Papa Swoll defeated Devyn Retribution and G Force. (Rating 32) Miss Jones & Public Enemy defeated Max Mayhem and Noah Nadir (Rating: 29) Nearly a half hour pre-show for GSW this month, limiting the untrained or unpopular members of the roster to dark matches. Of note is the significant improvement of Miss Jones who is starting to accustom herself to the hardcore style, as well as her apparent chemistry alongside PE#1, which is expected to turn into a regular pairing in order to help train and elevate the promising youngster next to the AAA veteran. Brother Grimm and Big Magic open the show, taking turns on the mic to welcome fans, run down the card to hype up matches and announce the creation of Harlem Wrestling Association, GSW's sister promotion in the East Coast. Grimm is not shy about putting himself over as the one who invested a significant amount of cash to buy the rights, set up the company and expand GSW's brand way past the West Coast alone. (Rating: 56) Following a hot start, the opening match sees the West Coast championship defended as Tavon Blake Jr faces former title holder Top Dolla, who seems to be on a roll as of late. Blake tries to keep things clean and technical, while Dolla takes every chance to steer the match towards a more hardcore direction. In theory, this should be about a clash of styles but the execution is awkward and the wrestlers just don't mesh. As is tradition, Dolla takes his signature insane bump jumping off the balcony but comes up short and Blake is able to pick him up for the Black Plex that ends the match. (Rating: 34) After the match, E-Soteric comes down to the ring. The atmosphere is tense as a post-match attack seems to be around the corner and TBJ plays that up, reluctant to take E-Soteric's hand to stand back up or receive congratulations. E-Soteric gets on the mic to congratulate Blake and tells him he considered his offer. He's glad Blake is willing to offer him a rematch, but he's done some thinking and decided to aim higher. E-Soteric says there's no point playing Big Magic's game and fighting Blake, when they can still be on the same side and take over, with Blake as West Coast champion and himself as American champion. The segment ends with the two men shaking hands and celebrating, before returning backstage together. (Rating: 40) GSW holds all matches under hardcore rules: no countouts, no disqualifications, so weapons and brawls across the Warehouse are frequent, but in what was essentially a grudge match between Capp and Magwitch, weapons got scattered around the ring and fans were also encouraged to bring their own to be handed over to the wrestlers. Unsurprisingly, Capp was the fan favourite and handed several items whereas Magwitch had to grab them himself, sometimes right out of fans’ hands, though a few bloodthirsty ones freely passed him something to hit his opponent with. Blood was drawn pretty quick after Capp hit a DDT onto a barb wire wrapped board, the red mixing with the white makeup on the demented clown’s face as he smiled with glee underneath it all. Magwitch was in his element and he took Capp to the very early days of GSW with his style, but Capp got the last laugh when he hit a Mafia Kick to put his opponent through a table and then score the pinfall. (Rating: 37) Motor City Made took center stage next, with "The Baddest Bitch in the Business" Foxxy LaRue hyping up Deaf Touch and praising his well-documented resilience in light of the scheduled main event where he'd be defending his American title against Fro Sure. (Rating: 41) Aces High and Mobstar showed up to defend the Tag Team titles for the Long Beach Crew, with Cali Slick coaching them from ringside. Likewise, Brown Pride had Mexico's Finest in their corner, the presence of the two big heavy hitters ensuring that neither would have completely free reign to get involved in the match. The two teams picked up the hardcore action from where the previous match left off and hit the pedal to the metal for an all out insane bout from bell to bell. Mobstar proved he's every bit as good a heavy hitter as Slick and able to work with Aces, holding his ground against the opposition in a match that at one point broke down to a six man brawl. Him and Aces tried to hit the High and Low at one point but a bit of miscommunication cost them control of the action and Aces took the Border Toss outside the ring in retaliation, but the pin could not be counted outside the ring and Mobstar's Flattener DDT finally ended the match as the champions retained. (Rating: 43) Fro Sure cut his response promo next, providing fans with a breather from the crazy action but still keeping them hot as the show was reaching it peak. Given full freedom on the mic, the bro with the fro had fans in the palm of his hand as he pumped them up for the main event, promising to piledrive DT as many times as he'll have to capture the American title. (Rating: 49) For Stash, this was the next step in becoming GSW's top big man, following his big victory over BB Colossus at A Matter of Respect, but for Boneyard, both his career as a wrestler and Grimm's chief of security were on the line. The stakes were high, the story was there and everything was set for a clash of the giants. With way less physical limitations than BB Colossus, Boneyard was able to do much better in terms of having a competitive match, trading blows back and forth with Stash. Despite the lack of any high flying or technical wrestling, the match was gripping and hard hitting, plus a lot of the story it told was about which man would be able to lift the other and pull off a slam first. BB Colossus wasn't scheduled to appear at all throughout the night, but he showed up regardless and turned his attention to Stash, assisting Boneyard get the upper hand and lift him for a Choke Slam that got him the pin. (Rating: 40) After the match, the two men did not celebrate together but Boneyard acknowledged BB's presence and didn't seem to mind; thus, the match ended on a somewhat mysterious note, with fans wondering whether this was a one-off assist or if they were actually witnessing State of Destruction's reunion as a furious Stash was being helped to the back by Kandii and GSW staff. (Rating: 50) The main event was a highly anticipated showdown and it did not disappoint, pitting two of GSW's most popular, talented and charismatic stars against each other. Both the in-ring action and fan engagement were in a whole league of their own here, compared to the rest of the card; it really was the highlight of the show. Straight from the opening bell, DT punched Fro right in the mouth and it set the tone for the match, a fast paced and hard hitting contest that looked and felt a lot like a boxing match at first. The two men put a clever spin on the usual recipe of a wild brawl, keeping things physical and intense but inside the ring. By the time a lariat had both men going over the rope and continuing their fight outside, it came naturally as another big hit with plenty of impact and the two men too caught up in their struggle to bother with things like getting back inside the ring. Foxxy LaRue was at ringside, but she aided the match without getting directly involved in it, throwing signs in the air to pass hints and directions to DT. Much like he hinted earlier during his promo, Fro was a bit too focused in trying to hit the Sure Thing piledriver and put his opponent out; this meant he didn't put in the work needed to wear him down before trying to pull off such a complicated move and the champion escaped every single time to take control of the match. This all added up in the end and thanks to his superior toughness and stamina, Touch pulled off a slick Crooked Moonsault to score the pin and keep his title, marking down his sixth defense. (Rating: 55) </div>

<p>Stampede 97</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="OUphkmR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OUphkmR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>Piledriver Wrestling presents</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Stampede 1997</span></strong></p><p> Wednesday, Week 1, April 1997</p><p> Live from Atlanta, GA</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="z6RgEyr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z6RgEyr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="upNoQfl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/upNoQfl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em>Announcers: Dennis Sims and Micky Starr</em></p><p> </p><p> Micky Starr opens the show with a promo, addressing the audience from inside the ring.</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Starr:</strong> "Ever since I joined this company, I've heard a lot of gossip and guesses related to my presence, my role, or my plans here. Let's get thing one thing perfectly clear. I'm not here with any agenda, other than to help this promotion and the young talents coming out of the Piledriver Wrestling School. I'm not here to mess with your job, Larry Grubbs. I'm not here to arrange or hinder anything, Chris Bruins. And I'm certainly not here to champion any specific person. Rich Money can run his mouth all he wants about me, that doesn't make me see or treat him any better than the rest of the roster. Same goes for the tournament to determine his challenger; it's about the title challenger, not finding my personal protege or golden boy."</p><p> </p><p> "Now that we got that out of the way... Giant Redwood and Henry Bennett will clash in the tournament finals tonight. I will not have any interference ruin this match, or anyone involved in it. Last month, the Peak Brothers attacked Henry Bennett after his match with Doug. So tonight, the two of them will pay for it inside this ring when they face Chris Bruins, Dario Shelton and Big Cat Brandon in a handicap match!"</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IqChfad.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IqChfad.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <img alt="BFl2knt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BFl2knt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="s5X4r1n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/s5X4r1n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ig9IDI8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ig9IDI8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Rebecca Petty vs Susan Forabruisin vs Tenille Ven</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> The opening three way match is another display of how underdeveloped PDW's Women's Division is compared to their male counterparts. Basic strikes, big moves out of nowhere with no regards to psychology or storytelling, miscommunication, getting up too fast and forgetting to sell, it's all there. As the most experienced of the three, Susan Forabruisin calls the match and is the one mostly on offense to try and salvage the experience, dominating both her opponents before she levels Petty with a Lariat to win.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winner: Susan Forabruisin, by pinfall</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="o4f2AtG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/o4f2AtG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="O4CPt2M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O4CPt2M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9sqxCKu.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9sqxCKu.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NoZCZfj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NoZCZfj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Rxpn27b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rxpn27b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> Black Eagle vs Blue Sky vs R.T. Kayfabe vs Skeeter Colquhoun</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Next up is another multi-person match, a four corners bout featuring some of the flashiest and most entertaining wrestlers on the PDW roster. Black Eagle and Blue Sky spend most of the match fighting each other, busting out big moves when the crowd needs to be roped in and struggling outside the ring after a plancha when the other two men need some space to shine. With many participants to wear down or have break up pins and submissions, this one goes quite longer than most PDW matches, ending slightly after the 14 minute mark, but somehow it never loses the audience all the way to the finish when Blue Sky hits a picture perfect Phoenix Firebird Splash on R.T. Kayfabe to win the bout.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winner: Blue Sky, by pinfall</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="wz7M2oU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wz7M2oU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cnxmq0o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cnxmq0o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> Cat E Tude vs Raven Nightfall</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Announced as Raven Nightfall, the woman who came to Ashley Murphy's aid last month makes her in-ring debut against Cat E Tude. Thus, the match is essentially a showcase of what the young rookie can do, which is quite a lot given her inexperience. Cat E Tude makes sure to play her part as a heel with frequent eye rakes or hissing at the referee when told to break up a hold, but she also calls the match from start to finish. At first, there's some miscommunication, as Nightfall is clearly following some sort of match script while her opponent is probably improvising, but the two quickly sort this out and end up putting on a solid contest, ending with Nightfall's victory.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winner: Raven Nightfall, by pinfall</strong></p><p> <img alt="bnY1FzQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bnY1FzQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> After the match, Raven Nightfall requests a microphone to speak.</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Nightfall:</strong> "As you've heard, my name is Raven Nightfall. I'm not a graduate of the Piledriver Wrestling School, but want to learn and this is the best place to do it. Thank you all for accepting me and thank you for your support in my first match tonight."</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ysrYjVB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ysrYjVB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> Nightfall ends the promo and looks up to the catwalks above the venue, where some fans have already noticed the presence of the demented Trauma Doll looking down on the scene.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <img alt="JY8wG3m.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JY8wG3m.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0XnW6vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0XnW6vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eKotkFL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eKotkFL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XfTqFBP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XfTqFBP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1F9sIpQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1F9sIpQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>The Peak Brothers vs Big Cat Brandon, Dario Shelton & Nuzzle Bunny</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> To absolutely no one's surprise, this match quickly falls apart in terms of tags and rules, turning into an all out brawl inside and out of the ring. Thirsting for a good ol' southern wrasslin' brawl, the fans cheer and applaud the action and the Peak Brothers are all too happy to cause chaos, mayhem and bloodshed even if the odds are against them. Their resilience and gleeful lust for violence sees them stay in the match for over fifteen minutes despite being outnumbered, with Big Cat Brandon especially shining thanks to a mix of his size, power and unusual athleticism for a man his size. For all of Doug and Eddie's toughness though, the disadvantage is just too much to overcome and eventually Doug gets hit with a Double Underhook Faceplant onto a chair by Dario Shelton in the middle of the ring, ending the match on a high note and probably outshining the main event as an early contender for match of the night.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winners: Big Cat Brandon, Dario Shelton & Nuzzle Bunny, by pinfall</strong></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="guXejyp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/guXejyp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7VTvEwh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VTvEwh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> Rich Money hits the ring and Larry Grubbs gets between the ropes to interview him.</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grubbs:</strong> "We're just minutes away from the main event and Rich, how do you see this unfolding? Do you have a preference in regards to who you'd rather face?"</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Money:</strong> "Listen, Bennett's a great grappler and Redwood's as big as the tree he's named after, but neither's as good as Rich Money. I got the best training money can buy. I've chiseled my body through pinpoint precise training and nutrition while they were having steak or rice and tuna trying to build muscle. I'm in a league of my own and once this is all set and done, I will still be standing tall as the Piledriver Men's champion."</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grubbs:</strong> "What are your comments on Mr. Starr's comments at the start of the show tonight?"</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Money:</strong> "I get it, he's trying to remain impartial. Even if deep down inside, he knows I'm the future of this company. Even if he doesn't like or respect me, I'm what sells tickets and gets people through those doors. You know what they say about opinions but the fact is, Rich Money... makes it rain!"</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7nXiDsK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7nXiDsK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <strong>#1 Contender Tournament Final match</strong></p><p><strong> Giant Redwood vs Henry Bennett</strong></p><p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oJ_2bnkj-vo" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/oJ_2bnkj-vo"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p> <em>I wish Redwood's stamina was as good as the video suggests</em></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Show Rating</strong></span></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47530" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That Rick the Ravager render is really cool. Kudos to whoever made it.</div></blockquote><p> Agreed. Style looks the recent ones King Bison has done. Might be the facial hair, but reminds me of Andrew Harper.</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Sco xY2Jx" data-cite="Sco xY2Jx" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47530" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Plus, who's the Angry individual coming soon?!</div></blockquote><p> It's a long shot, but my guess was Angry Gilmore.</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MHero" data-cite="MHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47530" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Lil' Mac having a flying stomp as a finisher and not a punch is an injustice! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> As is Rodney St.Pierre not doing an MMA gimmick!</p>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #6e1812; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";">"Ah, Jason! Thanks for coming on such short notice." *The Warehouse, the week between the May tapings of The Next Episode and Block Party* Jason Evans, better known as Too Hot, walked through the door to Brother Grimm's office in the Warehouse. Boneyard held the door open for him and shut it behind him, staying outside. If the owner of GSW wanted to discuss something and kept his trusted bodyguard outside the room, it had to be something special. Jason was just hoping it was good news and not bad. He hadn't been getting as over as he might have wanted with the rowdy SoCal fans, but if this was about firing him, why did Grimm have to ask him to come. Even if he wanted to tell him in person, why keep Boneyard outside? "How'd you like to book some wrestling again?" Grimm's question took Jason by complete surprise. CJ Weston hadn't been seen for months, but technically he was still the head booker of GSW. Grimm and Big Magic certainly didn't have the mind to do the booking in his absence. Apparently they had run out of his plans and cliff notes and needed some help. "GSW isn't the same as 4C, Grimm. And it doesn't feel right to take Weston's meal ticket. I just doesn't" he replied, still somewhat lost. "That what you think this is about?" Grimm laughed. Jason still wasn't sure if he should be relieved or intimidated further. A tap on the door snapped him out of whatever daze he was getting into. "Ah, just in time" Grimm chuckled. "Come in!" The door opened and Jason's jaw dropped to the floor. "Don't think I need to introduce you two" Grimm chuckled again. Clearly, he was having a blast out of this. The wide frame of Sayeed Ali almost concealed the door behind him. Ever the respectful professional, Ali shook Grimm's hand, then offered a handshake to Evans as well. "Been a while, Jason. Good to see you again" Ali said in his deep bass voice. Too Hot shook his head, still in shock. "Alright, you two wanna tell me what this is all about?" "N***a been calling me forever trying to get booked to a GSW show" Grimm said, his laugh not enough to conceal his ego. "I was aware of this company, but following the shows on WrestleWorld blew my mind" Ali finally cut to the chase. "This place is run by black people. Booked by them. Employs them. Presents matches and stories they can relate to. I'm tired of wrestling being produced by white men for a white male audience. Look at us" he said, pointing to Grimm. "The blinged up pimp boss". His finger moved to Evans. "The rapper and breakdancer". He finally pointed at himself with a thumb. "The street thug. Those are the only roles we can ever hope to portray. Maybe a star athlete, if we're lucky to have sports background. I'm tired of brothers being shoehorned into stereotypes". Jason suddenly realized he was starting to have that fiery emotion inside him, as if hearing a speech before battle and waiting for it to end so he could scream with the rest at the top of his lungs before charging into battle. Ali was almost cutting a promo as he spoke. "Been calling Grimm here, cause I wanted to be a part of this. To be different. To be myself. Figured maybe we could do an East-West Coast war thing, or something" Ali continued. "That shit been done to death, it ain't the f***ing 90s anymore" Grimm cut in. "But I'd already sent Weston out East on a business trip. WrestleWorld's given us a wider audience, but I can't count on that alone to take over the nation. So CJ flew over to see if he could set up Grimm East Coast Wrestling, help us open up shop over there. Ain't nobody doin' what we do in the East. And if Ali feels like he said he feels, I bet there's a much wider audience over there that feels the shame. Untapped market, no competition. Anyway, this is what Weston came back with." Grimm pulled out an old, messed up poster from his stack of papers and laid it out in front of Evans. None of the names on it meant anything to him, but the logo did. "I bought the name and rights to Harlem Wrestling Alliance" Grimm continued. "Of course, people remember that as one of the shittiest companies in the business, so we gonna rebrand it to Association instead of Alliance. Ali here knows the business, he agreed to run that side, but he's gonna need some help." "I'm shit when it comes to ideas" Ali said frankly. "I can promote myself and work on my character, but I can't come up with the same stuff for an entire roster, plus storylines and all that stuff. So Grimm here suggested you could fill in that part. You used to book for 4C and I know I can get along with you, so it's a good start. What do you think?" Jason Evans, better known as Too Hot, looked up from the flyer. "I think we need to make an angle out of this at Block Party. We need the exposure of WrestleWorld to turn eyeballs towards HWA." </div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #6e1812; max-width:55%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";"> Motor City Made are in Big Magic's office as the episode begins, attempting to tell whether GSW's Commissioner of Violence thoughts on Cali Slick's title shot comments last week. Magic responds that the only thing penciled in so far is DT versus Fro Sure at Block Party, something MCM themselves arranged and agreed, as he reminds them. The Commissioner has no plans for a Slick versus DT title match, but he points out the pairing would make a great main event for tonight's episode, in a non-title match, of course. Besides, DT needs a warm up in light of his big title match... (Rating: 35) Not seen since he scored the winning pinfall in the opening match of A Matter of Respect, Top Dolla returns to the ring to face Omar. The two men provide some good high flying in distinct flavors, Omar being the athlete and Top Dolla preforming the suicidal stunt dives. Fans seem to appreciate Dolla's reckless style and he has the audience behind him, leading to an explosion of cheers once he hits the Dinero Driver to win the match. (Rating: 37) Boneyard clashes with the equally large Papa Swoll in a fistfight that quickly spills out of the ring. Swoll's minor size disadvantage is balanced by his superior agility as he moves around the crowd and hits his spots, but his inexperience shows when he spends too much time pandering to the crowd and Boneyard is able to take control of the match, hitting a Chokeslam for the pin. (Rating: 30) Tavon Blake Jr comes out with the West Coast title around his waist and a mic in hand, calling out E-Soteric. The former champion walks to the ring and TBJ cuts a promo to tell him the match between them was just business and he was being a competitor, giving it his all no matter who he was up against. No disrespect, no hard feelings, nothing personal. E-Soteric attempts to respond but seems to be mincing his words, so Blake cuts him off and tells him he's sorry they won't be having a rematch at Block Party, but he's still on his side and if management agrees to make it happen, he'd be more than happy to give E-Soteric a rematch. (Rating: 44) DT is accompanied to the ring as usual by Foxxy LaRue and in a show of unity, Aces High and Mobstar also escort Slick to the ring and remain at his corner for this match. The two men proceed to have a rather short but quite spectacular, straight wrestling match that wouldn't be out of place inside a TCW or MAW ring and Deaf Touch comes out on top of it, though in not the most decisive of fashions as he scores the pin by surprising Slick with a schoolboy roll up. (Rating: 56) </div>

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">March 1997 News</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="hbsvLok.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hbsvLok.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="9wyUAfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9wyUAfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="OUphkmR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OUphkmR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>Piledriver Wrestling presents</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">March Into Battle 1997</span></strong></p><p> Wednesday, Week 1, March, 1997</p><p> Live from Atlanta, GA</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="z6RgEyr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z6RgEyr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="upNoQfl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/upNoQfl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <em>Announcers: Dennis Sims and Micky Starr</em></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="O4CPt2M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O4CPt2M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NoZCZfj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NoZCZfj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9sqxCKu.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9sqxCKu.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Rxpn27b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rxpn27b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Black Eagle & R.T. Kayfabe vs Blue Sky & Skeeter Colquhoun</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> The opening tag match more or less rode the wave of the two masked men's ongoing rivalry to tell a story, with Kayfabe adding some comedy spots and Colquhoun using his charisma to warm up the fans for the rest of the show. Pretty basic, but effective stuff and a win for the heels when Black Eagle hit the fun loving Skeeter with his finisher.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winners: Black Eagle & R.T. Kayfabe, by pinfall</strong></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="7VTvEwh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VTvEwh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1F9sIpQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1F9sIpQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> Chris "Nuzzle Bunny" Bruins hits the ring and Larry Grubbs gets between the ropes with a microphone to interview him.</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grubbs:</strong> "Welcome back to Piledriver Wrestling, I gotta ask the question everyone wants to pose, what are your thoughts after losing the Men's championship to Rich Money?"</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Bruins:</strong> "I learned about that match same as everybody else, when Rich Money announced it inside this ring on January. I had no time to prepare, but I'm not going to use it as an excuse for my loss. Rich beat me fair and square. He's a great wrestler and a great champion, I don't like him but that doesn't mean I don't respect him."</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grubbs:</strong> "Do you think it is coincidence this happened on the same night Micky Starr showed up?"</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Bruins:</strong> "You know what Larry, I'd normally complain about your obsession with Mr. Starr, but it seems to me there is indeed a conspiracy at work. Because I never heard anything about a rematch for my title. We went straight into this tournament to determine the next contender. A tournament from which I can't help but notice, I'm absent. Does the former champion not even deserve a chance to prove himself and climb his way back again?"</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Having worked the fans into being quite vocal, Nuzzle Bunny goes to the corners to shout something to them that the mic doesn't catch, then leaves the ring.</p><p> <img alt="M4SOg7D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M4SOg7D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="91n2QDt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/91n2QDt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Piledriver Women's title match</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="fEleQ52.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fEleQ52.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="p89oIgy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/p89oIgy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> Ashley Murphy © vs Cherry Bomb</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Cherry Bomb starts the match hot off the heels of pinning the champion in last month's six woman tag and fans instantly sympathize with the underdog babyface as she's clubbed to the mat and thrown around the ring. Cherry stays on her opponent all the time giving no quarter and the match goes on to be extremely one sided as Murphy struggles to land even a single move. Even her hope spots end up missing altogether as she swings wide or miscalculates, selling the challenger's offense by being all out punch drunk until she's hit with a Cherry Bomb that drives her to the mat for the finish.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winner AND NEW Piledriver Women's champion: Cherry Bomb, by pinfall.</strong></p><p> <img alt="o4f2AtG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/o4f2AtG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Despite the match being over and Cherry winning, she seems to be in a frenzy and continues her beatdown of Murphy. Even after the referee tries to pass her the belt and pull her away, Cherry Bomb just won't stop. Then suddenly, </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Aj-9-3f0kr8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="The Cure - Burn"></iframe></div></div> hits the speakers. Once the intro has built up and the guitar melody starts to sound on top of the bass line, out comes...<p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="cnxmq0o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cnxmq0o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> ...a beautiful goth-like woman who makes her way to the ring. Surprised, Cherry Bomb clutches the title and leaves the ring as the new mystery woman enters the ring. Bomb retreats holding the belt up high and the new face stares her down as she leaves, before turning her attention to Ashley Murphy who she helps up as fans cheer.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="bnY1FzQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bnY1FzQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <strong>#1 Contender Tournament Semifinal match</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="eKotkFL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eKotkFL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GIRKb76.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIRKb76.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XiIspIV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XiIspIV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> Big Cat Brandon vs Giant Redwood</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Clash of the big men in the first of the night's two tournament matches, with Brandon clearly being the better wrestler. Redwood though is one of the few, if not the only one, on the Piledriver roster who are larger than Brandon and he's able to bully the Big Cat around the ring. Brandon also gets to showcase his cat-like agility and impressive athleticism for a man his size, which pops the crowd and only serves to make his opponent even more lazy and plodding than he already is. A big spot comes when Brandon manages to hit the Big Cat Pounce and while it doesn't knock his opponent down, it's enough to make him stumble back, both men falling over the rope still in an embrace. After some hard punches back and forth at ringside, Redwood gets a lucky opening when he throws a ringside barricade in the way of Brandon as he's charging for another Big Cat Pounce and he quickly takes things back into the ring so he can hit his Standing Splash.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Winner: Giant Redwood, by pinfall</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> #1 Contender Tournament Semifinal match</strong></p><p><strong> Doug Peak vs Henry Bennett</strong></p><p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pYKQKRHAbIk" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/pYKQKRHAbIk"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> After the match is over, Eddie Peak, who had been at his brother's corner for this match, slides into the ring and the Tag Team champions proceed to viciously beat down Bennett as fans erupt in boos.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Eddie:</strong> "You losers boo all you want, me and my brother here don't give a damn what you think of us. We're not here to entertain you. Hell, we're not even here to win. We're here to fight and mess people up!"</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Show Rating</strong></span></p><p> <img alt="0l8tY8y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0l8tY8y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p>

Indeed. Way to turn an injury that messed up a big planned match into an intriguing storyline.

As if the shows themselves weren't entertaining enough, you go and do stuff like this. Loved it to the point where I'd read a full SNP diary like that and Porsche's portrait (porscherait?) is spot on.

February 1997 News

Impressive formatting. NYCW isn't my cup of tea normally, but I'm curious to see what you're going to do with it.

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #6e1812; max-width:55%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";"> In his first match since losing to Raheem Stash at A Matter of Respect, BB Colossus brought the fury down on his opponent but to his credit and despite the crowd's heckling, Devyn Retribution was able to stand his own ground and not get completely dominated by the big 400lber. For all his valiant effort though, it took one Colossus Avalanche to flatten him. (Rating: 31) Busta Capp and E-Soteric are shown in Big Magic's office, pleading their cases for a match with Magwitch and TBJ respectively. Magic tells both men this will be settled in the ring, in tonight's main event; depending on what he'll see, he'll make arrangements. Actions, not words, matter to him. (Rating: 39) Speaking of Tavon Blake Jr, he is up next making his first defence of the West Coast title against Miss Jones. An unusual contest for GSW, this one showcases TBJ's slick technical prowess and his opponent's experience when it comes to pacing and psychology (because her high flying moves are apparently starting to suffer due to age and piled-up damage). Oddly enough this works out nicely and in no small part thanks to the natural flow these two seem to have, with Blake delivering the Black Plex to retain. (Rating: 36) Motor City Made are cutting a promo on Fro Sure's victory last week and a potential match against Deaf Touch for the American title when the Long Beach Crew walk by. Aces High and Mobstar are carrying the Tag Team titles and Cali Slick eyes DT's title, commenting it's not just Fro out to get it... (Rating: 38) As announced, the main event is Capp versus E-Soteric with victory providing a boost to the winner's case. Not much wrestling on display here, this is a straight-up fist fight, with Capp's street style against E-Soteric's boxing-based punches. As the veteran ring general, Capp quickly realizes a clean fight between the ropes is to his detriment, so he manages to take things to the outside where he's most comfortable. Magwitch makes his appearance out of the crowd, but Capp seems to have been expecting it and ducks an incoming chair shot, letting E-Soteric take its full force before delivering the Mafia Kick to drive the chair into the face of Magwitch. The kick clearly takes something out of Capp as well and he is clearly favouring one leg as he drags E-Soteric back to the ring, but he is still able to make the pin, win the match and leave the ring stumbling, but without any assistance, his fist defiantly held up high in a salute to the fans as he goes backstage. (Rating: 37) </div>

Thanks for your comments and constructive criticism. I think the frame rate is down to my graphics card, or rather, lack thereof It's all motherboard pulling the weight and while it's enough for smooth play, recording can get a bit choppy. It's also why I haven't looked into overclocking anything.

Piledriver Wrestling presents No Love Lost 1997 Wednesday, Week 1, February, 1997 Live from Atlanta, GA Announcers: Dennis Sims and Micky Starr Ashley Murphy, Rebecca Petty & Tenille Ven vs Cherry Bomb, Susan Forabruisin & Trauma Doll Essentially a showcase of the company's Women's Division, the opening trios match saw the heels on offense for the most part and the babyfaces selling to gain sympathy. Cherry Bomb and Susan Forabruisin were relentless in their striking and brawling, while Trauma Doll's unhinged character added an edge of danger to it all. As the reigning champion and a natural underdog, Ashley Murphy tried to stand up for her team and took most of the beating, including a big Cherry Bomb powerbomb to the mat for the finish. Winners: Cherry Bomb, Susan Forabruisin & Trauma Doll, via pinfall After the match, Micky Starr entered the ring with a microphone. Starr: "Ladies and gentlemen, fans of Piledriver Wrestling. Tonight we start the journey to determine the man worthy of challenging for the Men's title. Opportunities 'round here are earned, not given, and it starts tonight with the first four quarterfinal matches!" #1 Contender Tournament Quarterfinal match Dario Shelton vs Doug Peak Shelton was, in theory, the favorite in this match against a 17 year old opponent in his rookie year, but the ferocity of both Peak brothers is a thing to behold and it more than makes up for their lack of experience. With Shelton calling the match in this case, the two men told a good story of the veteran trying to wrestle his opponent and Doug being a wild unpredictable psychopath that wouldn't follow traditional wrestling conventions. A fist-laden bout where neither man's feet left the mat for any high flying, the contest ended with Doug Peak covering Shelton and holding on to his trunks to secure the pin. Winner: Doug Peak, by pinfall using underhanded tactics #1 Contender Tournament Quarterfinal match Black Eagle vs Henry Bennett Being from Tennessee and utilizing a classic technical wrestling style, Bennett had the fans behind him throughout the match against his high flying masked opponent. This clash of styles was what the bout was built upon, with Eagle trying to stay on the move and Bennett attempting to keep him grounded and work on his legs to limit his mobility. It took some work breaking down the mysterious one, but Bennett was able to pull it off and shortly before the ten minute mark, he was able to put him in the Figure Four and squeeze out the submission. Winner: Henry Bennett, by submission Rich Money makes his way to the ring wearing the recently won Piledriver Men's title around his waist. Larry Grubbs slides in under the bottom rope with a mic in hand to interview him. Grubbs: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am here with the new Piledriver Men's champion, Rich Money. Congratulations Rich, fans want to know..." Money: "Like I care what fans want to know, Larry! I'm not in this business for the fans, I'm in it to make more money and that's exactly what I did. I'm cashing a champion's cheques now. I'm what's best for business. No one takes a promotion seriously when their top star is called Nuzzle Bunny. But when you tell someone your champion is Rich Money, they pay attention. Hell, they pay money to see a man like me wrestle. I am this company's most prized asset. I put butts in seats. I... make it rain!" Grubbs: "What are your comments on this tournament to determine your challenger? Who do you see winning, or who would you rather face to defend your title?" Money: "I'm seeing some great competitors. But none as great as myself. It doesn't matter who you put in my way, line 'em up and I'll knock 'em down." Grubbs: "Aren't you worried that Micky Starr is trying to find a champion to his cause through all this?" Money: "Don't make this about you, Larry, because it's not about you, it's about me. You lost your spot at the announcing table, I'm not losing this title and Mr. Starr knows damn well I'm the future of Piledriver Wrestling!" Rich Money's music plays and he flashes a smile towards the announcers. Micky Starr just shakes his head. #1 Contender Tournament Quarterfinal match Blue Sky vs Giant Redwood A variation of the previous match, this time with Giant Redwood relying on his sheer size and power to put the brakes on his aerialist opponent. A plodding big man of the old school mold, Redwood is far from an exciting or skilled wrestler, but at 7' tall and 465lbs he is not one to be taken lightly. Blue Sky found that out firsthand as his offense seemed to barely get under Redwood's skin and it only took a single opening for the big man to hit a ring shaking Standing Splash for the pin. Winner: Giant Redwood, by pinfall #1 Contender Tournament Quarterfinal match Big Cat Brandon vs Eddie Peak <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5KH6y2TKXw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Show Rating

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #6e1812; max-width:55%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";"> Once again, the episode kicks off with Boneyard in the middle of an intense conversation with Brother Grimm and Big Magic. GSW's power players tell the big man he had his chance last week and blew it, with Boneyard trying to argue that he got cheated out of a win. Grimm doesn't want to hear it and mentions how the once-mighty State of Destruction are now going downhill: Boneyard lost the American title and couldn't reclaim it, twice, while BB Colossus lost to Raheem Stash. Grimm says at this rate, he might have to consider hiring Stash as his personal bodyguard. Suddenly, Boneyard cracks a wicked smile and says he has an idea that might solve everyone's problems... (Rating: 38) The intro segment leads right into the opening contest, with Raheem Stash showcasing his dominance in a short but physical match against Omar. Once again, fans aren't excited by the Black Superman's high flying and gleefully cheer the big Jamaican as he brutally demolishes him, eventually nailing the Standing Powerslam for the pin as Kandii cheers from the sidelines. (Rating: 35) E-Soteric comes to the ring and cuts a promo on Tavon Blake Jr, who he congratulates for being a champion, albeit a fluke one. He doesn't mince words when it comes to Big Magic though, saying he pulled the rug under his feet and surprised him, which isn't how title matches are supposed to be booked. Magic comes out to respond, saying this is the GSW and anything could happen at any time, so the champ better be ready to defend a title without notice. E-Soteric isn't pleased, but his mic is cut off and the intro music for the next match starts playing, forcing him to leave the ring. (Rating: 38) Clifford Caves and MC Motormouth provide some much needed context at the start of this match, explaining Mexico's Finest winning last week's main event saw Los Guerilleros push for a shot at the Tag Team titles and since LBC are now a three man group, this match was made while the request is being considered. Every bit the crazy hardcore brawl one would expect from these six, the match comes down to teamwork and cohesion. Los Guerilleros function like a well-oiled machine, whereas Mobstar is clearly more used to teaming with Gravedigga than Aces and Slick, something he pays for as he ends up getting isolated and pinned after Finest slams him to the mat with a Hard Times chokeslam. (Rating: 46) In a pre-taped message shot in his home streets of Compton, Busta Capp cuts a promo to talk about "keepin' it real" and how he treats wrestling with respect, something he feels Magwitch isn't. As the face of GSW, the veteran says he takes that personally and decided to do something about it. Magwitch may have gotten to jump him back, but this is only just beginning and "that clown" has no idea the lengths "real m*****ing G's" can go to. (Rating: 41) Following up last week's arrangement, Foxxy LaRue meets Fro Sure in the main event but not in the ring, as their brawl is off to an early start before the entrances are completed. Most of the fighting takes place in the crowd, though it's not the usual GSW streetfight vibe; instead, given the two participants' style and physique, it's more of an intense, sparkplug-like exchange of blows back and forth until finally referee Moore Vincent is able to direct the action back into the ring. LaRue tries to hit the Flash Head Kick as Fro is getting back into the ring, but he barely sees it coming and pulls back, resulting in LaRue's foot getting caught up in the ropes. This provides Fro with enough time to get back inside and piledrive his opponent with the Sure Thing, laying LaRue out for the count. (Rating: 45) </div>

Not much of an SWF fan, so take my reply with a grain of salt. I've been quietly keeping tabs on your IPW diary (mainly because I'm a GSW shill lol) and with Lloyd already doing a good job on his SWF diary, I can't say if the audience will be split or happy to have double the content. Since you did bring ECW up though, I'd suggest the middle ground of "going mainstream/selling out". ECW had to water down its product to really get coverage and this caused an identity crisis; I'd be interested to see your IPW diary take a similar path.

January 1997 News

"Hawkeye" Nicky Champion versus Funky Fedora © w/ Lucinda Lush COTT World Tag Team Championship Mr. Grappling & Sandman Winks versus The Ring Generals © w/ Lucinda Lush HPW All Action and HPW Women's Championship "The Pharaoh" Talia Neema versus "Red" Yvonne Ericks HPW Tag Team Championship The Texas Express versus The Dynamite Express © Indiana Heavyweight Championship "Showtime" Jack Jackson versus Wild Red Stallion © Nate DeMarcus & Warwick Good versus Bred for Battle w/ Andrew Gibson The Montgomery Family versus Deverell's Army & Roy Goodlooks Black Diamond, Frankie Carmello, & The Daughters of Lucha Libre versus Ruby Bloodstone, Akari Kawashima, SUPREME Yoshida, & Sophie Steele

Thanks and welcome. Rich's 97 finisher is called Dollars from Heaven, so I figured the prayer diving headbutt is fitting. I also liked how he followed it up with a cocky pinning predicament. Matches his character. I'm planning to post the January news updates in a bit, to give readers an idea of the layout they'll follow.

Arguably your best logo yet. Now, if only it was also used for that midget-exclusive promotion in the RockVerse...

The Casey Family Butchery versus Deverell's Army w/ Haley Buck "The Samoan Superman" Joey Fili versus Rob Reynolds "Mississippi Muscle" Adam MacDonald versus Roy Goodlooks "The Indiana Dragon" Reggie Combs versus Reginald Wilhelm Black Diamond, Tzilla Frankie Carmello & The Daughters of Lucha Libre versus Akari Kawashima, Valerie Flores, Ruby Bloodstone, Sophie Steele, and Vera Bull