ECW: The Rise and Rise of

[Nevermore]

[CENTER][B]*This diary is not a continuation of ECW Worldwide. It is based upon the real-life situation of ECW in 1997.*[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/Cover2.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

[Nevermore]

[CENTER][SIZE="5"][U]Foreword by Paul Heyman[/U][/SIZE] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWPaulHeyman.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Ten years ago, in February 1997, it was not exactly the best of times to be an independent wrestling promotion. Granted, the US talent pool was pretty impressive and the industry itself was in a healthy state but the bitter war raging on between "The Big Two" caused a lot of problems. You see, while Bischoff and Vince's efforts helped strengthen the appeal of their respective companies, they had a habit of giving us a swift kick in the ass. For instance, although we recieved some financial aid from the WWF, the fact remained that both they and their rivals pillaged our locker room time and time again. Steve Austin, Rey Mysterio Jr, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Eddie Guerrero to name but a few all went off in search of the fame and fortune that Extreme Championship Wrestling simply could not offer. So, how was it we stayed the hottest indie prospect in America? Well, first off, the limited star power that we did have was certainly helping to pull ratings. Guys such as Raven, Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow gave a real legitimacy to our roster and attracted what one can describe as the peripheries of the mainstream market. Despite that, we undoubtedly relied on our small but loyal fan base in the Tri-State. They'd grown to love our unique mix of chaotic brawls and displays of technical excellence and god bless 'em for it. Some also say the quality of my booking helped keep the company on course but I'll let you, the readers, be the judge of that. At the time when our story begins, we were appealing to a cult audience, running relatively small but succesful arena shows and broadcasting a 90 minute show every week for the America One network. It doesn't sound too glitzy does it? Well, that's because it wasn't but we didn't care. Myself and every other guy in the back was just grateful for doing what we loved and getting paid (somewhat modestly) for it. Our financial situation was no more impressive as we were working with close to a $1m budget and, believe me, that ain't much, particularly when compared to the WWF and the bottomless pit that was Ted Turner's bank vault. The one thing we really could boast, at least in my opinion, was our little known but nonetheless impressive roster: [CENTER][IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/roster.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Anyway, I could right for pages but I won't. Suffice to say that this book, through the stories and opinions of the most valued members of our locker room, will document ECW's transformation from the situation I just described, through the turn of the millenium and up to the present day. I hope you enjoy the ride...

[foolinc]

Awesome. I was a fan of your first one, but I never liked the fact it was imported from 2004 and everything pretty much got 80s and above.

[DodgyDavid]

This should be good, it took alot of work for me to get into your ECW worldwide one, but I really loved your writing style. This is great.

[Nevermore]

[CENTER][SIZE="5"][U][B]Chapter I:[/B] Out With The Old[/U][/SIZE] [I]by Joey Styles[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] We didn't know that it was only two months away from one of the biggest moments in ECW history. In fact, many of us, including Paul E, thought our once unique product was becoming stale. It wasn't because of the booking, the storylines or a change in the fans' attitudes; it was more due to certain parts of the roster beginning to stagnate. So, Heyman decided to pioneer a policy of "out with the old and in with the new". Anyone who he deemed to be not connecting with the crowds or not living up to potential was cut. Harsh? Possibly. Necessary? Probably. There was, of course, a long list of available talent ready to fill the void. The results were as follows: [CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][COLOR="Red"][U]Out with the old[/U][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] Ulf Herman Jason (Knight) John Kronus Nicole Bass Mustafa Saed Tracy Smothers [SIZE="3"][B][COLOR="LimeGreen"][U]In with the new[/U][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] Steve Corino Yoshihiro Tajiri Joe E. Legend Doug Williams CW Anderson Tony Mamaluke[/CENTER] Despite what I said about the booking not being the stale part of the product, it was becoming more difficult to forumlate ECW's trademark entertaining feuds. Two of the company's biggest draws, in Sabu and (World Champion) Shane Douglas, were on the injured list, removing a whole world of writing possibilities from the main event scene. Nonetheless, Heyman was more than happy to work with who was available and the recent signing of Bam Bam Bigelow had afforded him a lot of new ideas. As for how succesful they were... Well, I'll let you be the judge of that.

[jerlito]

i like this idea can't wait for more.

[Nevermore]

Thanks for all the feedback, gents. It is very much appreciated. I should get this bad boy going properly tommorrow when I write up the first show. I hope you all enjoy... BTW, although this will also be written in my "style", I'm gonna try and keep this a bit different from ECW Worldwide. More underground and cult like, similar to the real ECW of the 90s as opposed to ECW if it got big. Quote The Raven Nevermore

[mad5226]

Sounds great man I cant wait for the first show

[jerlito]

well i liked your ecw worldwide but this should be good as well.

[Nevermore]

Don't worry, both will run simultaneously. Quote The Raven Nevermore

[chris caulfield]

looks good can't wait till first show.

[Nevermore]

[B]Saturday, week 1, February[/B]
[CENTER][I]"The voice of extreme" Joey Styles welcomes viewers to the show.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Joey:[/B] It's an exciting time in ECW, ladies and gentlemen. The bitter lifelong rivalry of Raven and Tommy Dreamer rages on with neither party willing to admit defeat, while Beulah McGillicutty still seems confused as to her loyalties. Speaking of loyalties, the backstabbing turncoat known as "Mr Monday Night" has pledged to defend the TV Title with pride whilst his partner and fellow Tag Team Champion, Sabu, is out with a torn bicep. It's just a shame that he can't represent this promotion with similar conviction! The most important topic, however, concerns ECW's newest and, arguably, biggest signing to date: "The Beast From The East" Bam Bam Bigelow returns after a two year absence tonight on Hardcore TV! First, though, the egomoniacal Justin Incredible takes on our resident nutcase, Balls Mahoney. [B]Justin Credible vs. Balls Mahoney[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJustinCredible.jpg[/IMG]vs.[IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWBallsMahoney.jpg[/IMG] Balls immediately catches Credible off guard and clotheslines him out to the floor. As Credible composes himself, Balls grabs his trademark steel chair from ringside. Credible tries to re-enter the ring but Balls swings the chair, making him re consider. He grabs Mahoney by the feet and pulls him under the bottom rope to the floor. A brawl ensues on the outside. [B]Joey:[/B] Well, this can only work to Mahoney's advantage. After a few minutes, the action returns to the ring. Balls catches Credible with a thumb to the eye and signals for the crowd to chant along. [B]Joey:[/B] Oh, here we go. He hits a left. [I]"Balls"[/I] Another left. [I]"Balls"[/I] And again. [I]"Balls"[/I] He winds up... [I]"Woah..."[/I] ...and hits a big right hand. [I]"...BALLS!"[/I] Mahoney makes the cover. 1...2...kickout! Credible gets to his feet and kicks Mahoney in his namesake. [B]Joey:[/B] Oooh, below the belt. Credible lifts and turns Mahoney for the That's Incredible. Balls' weight proves too much, though, and Mahoney is able invert the situation so that he holds Credible in a Tombstone position. He places one arm between Justin's legs. [B]Joey:[/B] Here it comes... The Nutcracker Suite connects! 1...2...3! [B]Match Rating:[/B] B [B]Joey:[/B] Balls Mahoney gets the fall over Justin Credible and keeps the fans at Viking Hall entertained in the process. [I]After the match, Justin Credible gets to his feet and takes out Mahoney from behind and picks up a microphone.[/I] [B]Credible:[/B] Hey, Balls. I won't let you humiliate me! You're a f**king laughing stock and it's about time someone taught you that ECW has no room for no talent comedy acts like you. [I]A "F**k you Justin!" chant begins.[/I] [B]Credible:[/B] No, f**k you ass holes and this motherf**ker right here! [I]Credible stomps on Mahoney before dropping the mic and heading to the back.[/I] [CENTER][I]The camera cuts back to Joey Styles.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Joey:[/B] I apologise for the language, ladies and gentlemen, and for Justin Credible's reprehensible actions. Putting that episode swiftly behind us, I am pleased to inform you that Chris Candido will take on Lance Storm. [B]Chris Candido vs. Lance Storm[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWChrisCandido.jpg[/IMG]vs.[IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWLanceStorm.jpg[/IMG] The match is an even contest, neither an inherently technical or hardcore bout. Candido appears to have a slight edge throughout and wins with a Diving Headbutt at 11:06 [B]Match Rating:[/B] C+ [CENTER][I]The camera cuts backstage to where Raven is sitting.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWRaven.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Raven:[/B] Dreamer, Beulah is not here tonight for reasons that she has not disclosed to me. Over the years, I've come to trust my instinct and it tells me that you are somehow involved. Should my instincts prove to be correct, the consequences of your actions will be incomprehensable! You see, a wise man in a storm prays to God not for his safety but for delverance from fear. However, Tommy, prayer or no prayer, if I were you, I would be very afraid. I'd be f**king terrified! Quote The Raven Nevermore [B]New Jack vs. Masato Tanaka[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWNewJack.jpg[/IMG]vs.[IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWMasatoTanaka.jpg[/IMG] The match is a hardcore brawl from start to finish. Tanaka maintains a degree of control; throughout and wins with a Roaring Elbow at 9:51 [B]Match Rating:[/B] B- [CENTER][I]The ECW World Champion, "The Franchise" Shane Douglas, makes his way to the ring, accompanied by Francine.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWShaneDouglas.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWFrancine.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Franchise:[/B] I stand before you as the ECW World Heavyweight Champion, an honour only earned by those at the peak of the industry. You see it doesn't matter what the "attitude superstars" in Stamford Conneticut tell you; this is the only promotion where truly gifted wrestlers take it to the extreme every night. It doesn't matter what the supposed "big boys" in Atlanta Georgia say; starpower don't matter a damn if your entire roster is drawing their pensions! [I]An "ECW" chant begins. Shane Douglas singles out a single chanting fan.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] Hey, you, shut up! This is my time to talk. [I]Boos echo around the arena.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] Hey, let's face it, if anyone gave a damn about what you dropouts had to say, Heyman would probably be paying you two thousand dollars a night to speak like he does with me. [I]The jeers continue.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] Anyway, the fact remains that, although some of the most intense athletes in the world compete here, I still don't feel challenged. I am the greatest pound for pound wrestler alive today and there isn't a man in Georgia, Conneticut or in the ECW locker room that can hold a candle to me! [CENTER][I]Taz appears at the entrance way to a huge ovation.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWTazz.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Joey:[/B] Oh, I think Taz might have something to say about that! [B]Taz:[/B] Hey Franchise, pound for pound this, ECW World champion that... it don't matter 'cos to me your just another victim! [I]The crows erupts.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] What's that, your version of a challenge? Tell me, who gave you that little catchprhase? Was it Paul E or Todd Gordon? 'Cos I'm betting that, back in your "Redhook streets of Brooklyn" days, you couldn't string a sentence together. [B]Taz:[/B] Oh really, tough guy? Well, how's this for a sentence? You and me for the World title at Cyberslam! [B]Franchise:[/B] I'll tell you what, Tazmaniac, just to prove my intellectual superiority, I don't need a sentence to reply. I just need one word. [I]Taz stares straight at Douglas.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] And that word is... [I]Taz continues to stare a hole through the champion.[/I] [B]Franchise:[/B] ...No! [I]Looking pissed, Taz sprints to the ring. "The Franchise" and Francine are forced to exit through the front row of the crowd.[/I] [CENTER][I]The camera cuts back to Styles.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Joey:[/B] Wow, Taz isn't someone to screw with and I think "The Franchise" may have just made a fatal mistake. Now, though, it's time for the Judas, Rob Van Dam, to defend his World Television Title. [B]Mikey Whipwreck vs. Rob Van Dam[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWWorldTVTitle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWMikeyWhipwreck.jpg[/IMG]vs.[IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWRobVanDam.jpg[/IMG] RVD is able to dictate the pace of the match. In the thirteenth minute, Bill Alfonso throws a chair to Van Dam who uses it to hit the Van Daminator. 1...2...3! [B]Match Rating:[/B] B [CENTER][I]Backstage, a close up of Taz's face is given.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWTazz.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Taz:[/B] Hey, Franchise, you better watch your back. 'Cos, sooner or later, I will choke you out! [CENTER][I]Joey Styles introduces the main event.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]Joey:[/B] Well, RVD retains his World TV Title against Mikey Whipwreck and, wow, does Taz look pissed? Speaking of pissed, one of the baddest men in the whole industry is scheduled to walk through that curtain. Little Spike Dudley is going to have his work cut out form him as he takes on the reurning "Beast From The East" Bam Bam Bigelow! [B]Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Little Spike Dudley[/B] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWBamBamBigelow.jpg[/IMG]vs.[IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWSpikeDudley.jpg[/IMG] Bigelow absolutely destroys Spike, leaving him a bloody mess. In only the sixth minute, Bigelow hits the Greetings From Asbury Park. 1...2...3! [B]Match Rating:[/B] B- [B]Joey:[/B] I think Bam Bam Bigelow just killed Spike! [I]After the match, Bigelow continues the beatdown. He brings a table into the ring and sends Spike through it with a thunderous Powerbomb.[/I] [B]Joey:[/B] Oh, come on. This isn't what we came to see. [I]Bigelow then picks up Spike above his head in a Military Press position and launches him over the ropes, over the guard rail and into the third row of the crowd.[/I] [B]Joey:[/B] OH MY GOD! Spike Dudley just went airborne. If this is a sign of things top come from Bam Bam Bigelow, I dread to think what destruction he might cause! [SIZE="4"][B][COLOR="DarkOrchid"]Show Rating:[/COLOR][/B] B[/SIZE]

[Trell]

WOW, how did I miss this, definitly gonna read this with your other one, Great show by the way

[jerlito]

great show can't wait for more.

[Nevermore]

Cheers boys. Feedback is appreciated as always ;). Quote The Raven Nevermore

[fordc76]

You're not content to be a lot of people's No#1 dynasty are you? You want to be first and second! Well I think that's greedy and some sort of power trip.....but if it means two doses of quality E-C-Dub then allow me to stroke your ego (just your ego mind!) WOOOOOOOOOOH, Great show again. Any chance we'll see Danny Doring and Roadkill in this one?

[Nevermore]

[QUOTE=fordc76;223154]Any chance we'll see Danny Doring and Roadkill in this one?[/QUOTE] Oh dear me, yes! Roadkill was one of my favourite ECW boys. Unfortunately he was forced to retire in the ECW Worldwide game world. In this one, however, they will definitely feature. Quote The Raven Nevermore

[Nevermore]

Sorry there has not been an update in a while. This will continue... Quote The Raven Nevermore

[jerlito]

hey take your time your running two of these so yeah updating is hard don't worry though btw are you idea machine person because your stuff is great i like your raven promo on the other one and i know you got something up you mind for this one.

[darthsiddus2]

take your time my friend. I'm very excited about this

[The Stallion]

Hey brother, just ran across this one and was wondering if it would continue. I love the way its written and it has great style.

[Nevermore]

[QUOTE=The Stallion;227790]Hey brother, just ran across this one and was wondering if it would continue. I love the way its written and it has great style.[/QUOTE] Good to see you back, buddy ;)! You've been missed. Yes, this will definitely continue. Different diaries are fulfilling different functions for me. I'll be writing this whenever I get bored of ECW Worldwide and crave more realism and more of a challenge. I've already gotm stories planned as well. So, this isn't going anywhere. Quote The Raven Nevermore

[Nevermore]

[CENTER][SIZE="5"][U][B]Chapter I:[/B] Out With The Old[/U][/SIZE] [I]Contd.[/I] [IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k89/revnow/ECWJoeyStyles.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] That show went pretty well all in all. Rob Van Dam and Balls Mahoney put in some great in-ring performances, Bam Bam debuted pretty emphatically and Douglas was gold on the mic as always. As for public approval, that wasn't bad either. We drew 5.86 in the ratings which, although a long way behind even WWF Heat, was not a bad showing for a fledgling indy promotion being broadcasted late night on the America One network. In other areas, Paul E was apparently talking to some minor pay-per-view companies to see if he could strike a deal. It was doubtful but not out of the question. Meanwhile, he had apparently signed a "suprising big name" to the company; even those of us in the back were kept in the dark...

[Nevermore]

Foer anyone who was into this, I am going to try and keep it going sporadically as it's my only real opportunity to present a 100% authentic ECW product (my other efforts are based on fiction to a greater or lesser extent). So, please, watch this space... Quote The Raven Nevermore

[Oldschool]

I really like this concept, hope you continue it more often than "sporadically"