Philly Power Pro Wrestling: Dangerous Dreams [C-Verse '97]

[foolinc]

[QUOTE=Phantom Stranger;517698]Well, by the default Cornellverse, PPPW eventually is absorbed into DaVE - I've then assumed the video library is sold to SWF by Vibert. But yeah, absolutely - if Philly Pro win the war or something happens to SWF, things will look very odd. Of course, I also don't know for sure that the Hype will come to the bad end I'm spelling out. Oddly enough, that's part of what's making this so much fun to write. I don't quite know why...[/QUOTE] I totally saw were you are coming from and am loving the style. Just keep having fun with it. :D

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][B]COMING SOON [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/PPPW.jpg[/IMG] PPPW: Big Thing Coming SHOWCASE MATCHES INCLUDE PPPW Tri-State Championship WHISTLER VS. KRUSHER KARLOFF [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Whistler.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BillyJackShearer.jpg[/IMG] HORATIO DANGEROUS VS. RICH MONEY [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RichMoney_alt1.jpg[/IMG] SKID ROW CLUB, RHODE ISLAND, NEW ENGLAND SECOND MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH CATCH US AT PENNSYLVANIA PARK, PHILADELPHIA LAST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH[/B][/CENTER] Prediction Key: Brent Hill vs. Jack Giedroyc Clark Alexander vs. Richard Dangerous Dead Bolt vs. Jimmy Cox Rick Sanders vs. Travis Century Bryan Holmes vs. The Natural The Hype vs. Sandy Townsley John McClean vs. Jake Harvey Horatio Dangerous vs. Rich Money PPPW Tri-State Championship Whistler (c) vs. Krusher Karloff (w/ Floyd Goldworthy)

[Regis]

Prediction Key: [B]Brent Hill[/B] vs. Jack Giedroyc [I]Simple and easy - Giedroyc has a long way to improve, and Brent shouldn't be upset just yet.[/I] Clark Alexander vs. [B]Richard Dangerous[/B] [I]Based on previous form? Rich gets the win.[/I] Dead Bolt vs. [B]Jimmy Cox[/B] [I]IMMORTAL DRIVER! IMMORTAL DRIVER![/I] Rick Sanders vs. [B]Travis Century[/B] [I]I don't think Sanders is going to get enough of a push to merit the win here.[/I] [B]Bryan Holmes[/B] vs. The Natural [I]Simply the best.[/I] [B]The Hype[/B] vs. Sandy Townsley [I]The next big thing, baby! What can go wrong?[/I] [B]John McClean[/B] vs. Jake Harvey [I]Squeeky needs some momentum back.[/I] [B]Horatio Dangerous[/B] vs. Rich Money [I]Horatio needs to be near the top of the card, and Rich can't just be rocketed to the sky yet.[/I] PPPW Tri-State Championship [B]Whistler [/B](c) vs. Krusher Karloff (w/ Floyd Goldworthy) [I]Go Go Captain America![/I]

[FINisher]

[B]Brent Hill [/B]vs. Jack Giedroyc [B]Clark Alexander[/B] vs. Richard Dangerous Dead Bolt vs. [B]Jimmy Cox[/B] [B]Rick Sanders [/B]vs. Travis Century [B]Bryan Holmes[/B] vs. The Natural [B]The Hype [/B]vs. Sandy Townsley [B]John McClean[/B] vs. Jake Harvey Horatio Dangerous vs. [B]Rich Money[/B] [B]Whistler[/B] (c) vs. Krusher Karloff (w/ Floyd Goldworthy)

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/SWF_247.jpg[/IMG][B][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/PPPW.jpg[/IMG] PPPW Big Thing Coming The Skid Row Club (New England, USA) 1000 in attendance Show Date: Monday Week 2 April 1997 [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BrentHill.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackGiedroyc_alt2.jpg[/IMG][/B] Brent Hill vs. Jack Giedroyc[/CENTER] There's a clear difference in talent level between the two, but the crowd sit up anyway; Hill has built up a reasonable name for himself here as well as in our usual Tri-State haunts, where Jack just isn't that well known. For his part, however, Jack gets some quick heat by coming out in a set of tights like those Horatio Dangerous has been wearing – something that even his son Richard won't do. Barber really gets into that on commentary, even as Action Jackson digs into what's actually a pretty good match hold for hold; Hill, ever the consummate ring general, makes Giedroyc look like he could be something while still stamping his marks across this opening contest. After all, Jack Giedroyc, in his first professional match, is a potential for the future; Brent Hill is a major player already, and the King of the Hill puts the final stamp on that. Rating: [B]D+[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/ClarkAlexander_alt2.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/29.jpg[/IMG] Clark Alexander vs. Richard Dangerous[/CENTER] Things slow right back down after a solid opener; the Ice Man and the younger Dangerous competitor do their best to interest the fans, but as both men are working to establish themselves, it takes them much of the match to even begin to win the crowd over. As such the reactions throughout are lukewarm, though Alexander profits from the contest, escaping Dangerous' attempt to claim two straight wins by twisting clear of a Dangerous Brainbuster, neatly evading it, and retaliating with a vicious-looking Ice Breaker. Rating: [B]E-[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Bryan Holmes slides into the ring immediately afterward. He jerks his thumb over his shoulder, and Alexander leaves. Dangerous promptly receives three consecutive German suplexes before Holmes leaves, smirking. [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/DeadBolt.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JimmyCox.jpg[/IMG] Dead Bolt vs. Jimmy Cox[/CENTER] A shorter match between two better-known competitors; while it's still not on par, this is substantially better-received than the earlier contest; Dead Bolt, who at this stage was very much a work in progress, grasps the psychology of a Jimmy Cox match immediately; destroy him as best you can while preventing anything that looks like setup for the Immortal Driver, allowing the fans to get more and more frustrated that they aren't seeing it. With his brutal style and simple, close-in brawling offence the Bolt has only a few options and they're fairly rapidly exhausted, Cox playing on his superior speed and skill to evade much of the assault, mitigate other parts, and fight back with crisp, well-executed takedowns, focusing all of his work on Bolt's powerful arms – and then, out of almost nowhere, a beautiful, crisp Immortal Driver turns Dead Bolt's lights out, Cox rolling smoothly into the cover position with an expression that says, simply, that this will work. And it does, as the fans bellow approval. Rating: [B]D-[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RickSanders.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TravisCentury.jpg[/IMG] Rick Sanders vs. Travis Century[/CENTER] Kept similarly short, Sanders and Century turn in a good, taut brawl. It's often difficult, when the main offence consists of forearms, punches and knees, to really make people feel that one side's 'good' and the other is 'evil' but Century takes care of that, providing a running stream of loud admonition in the style of his 'evil Commandments' vibe. “This is for opening your heart to cripples!” particularly stands out, a glorious bellow Phil Vibert would later cite as a favourite Century moment. Sanders' blows seem to grow in power and ferocity with each of Century's verbal sallies, eventually staggering the 'Dark Preacher' sufficiently that he's unable to speak. At that, Sanders closes in with a will, attempting a full nelson but, with a vicious heave, Century throws them both backward, pinning Sanders' shoulders to the mat and hooking his feet on the ropes for the second time in as many battles, just to make sure. The indignation of the fans is hot... Rating: [B]D[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Next out to the ring is Horatio, heading purposefully toward the announce desk to collect his microphone. As the echoes of 'Jerusalem' ebb away he enters the ring. “First of all,” he says, “I want to say something about my son. Richard – yeah, real nice work. Getting your head caved in twice in one night? Not the Dangerous way. If you played like Giedroyc, you might find yourself in a better position. There's a man who listens when men who deserve to be mentors speak. Richard – all I can say is, I sincerely hope that you beat Bryan Holmes when the idiots backstage actually arrange that rematch. Then maybe there'll be hope for you. “Now, what I really have to say tonight. Whistler – tonight you're up against Krusher Karloff. Again. And you've put the belt on the line. “Bottom line is I don't think it's your belt to use that way. You and I have been busy with each other. Now, maybe I haven't finished you off – yet – but you sure as hell haven't beaten me. The way I see it, that belt's as much mine as yours. “So you lose it tonight, we're going to have to have some serious words. And once I'm done with Money you're about done, got me?” The crowd's reaction is the loudest it's reached so far. [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheNatural_alt1.jpg[/IMG] Bryan Holmes vs. The Natural[/CENTER] Holmes and the Natural go at this match as mirror image combatants, with both men engaging in frequent battles where one will execute a move and then allow the other to try to duplicate it. Toward the end, however, Holmes resorts to a thumb to the eye and begins to dominate; after a comeback is cut off by another eyepoke, the Natural finds it necessary to resort to tricks of his own. “Dangerous!” he calls as Holmes charges for a lariat; as the other breaks his pace, looking behind him, Nature Calls and the Natural covers for a quick win. Needless to say, Holmes is furious. Rating: [B]D[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RonnieVPain.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HerbStately.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The twin terrors apparently besieging Philly Pro of late emerge next, stately sauntering down to the ring in an exquisitely-tailored suit, microphone in hand. “OK, Barber,” he announces. “Don't worry, after what we did to 'Johnny' a couple weeks ago I know you don't want us destroying your roster. So that's fine. We can come on the road; there's at least one idiot here who didn't hear about little whats-her-name crying over her brother. And he's already signed the papers. Davey boy, you want to step up?” A man hops the ropes once again, an overly-muscled man looking awkward in jeans and wifebeater, too contained for his comfort. Probably the star of the local indy fed he works for, he sizes Cahill up and goes for it – straight into a chokehold. Cahill tosses him, almost casually, over the turnbuckles to smash sternum-first into the top of the metal pole supporting the ring and topple to the floor. Without the benefit of the reign of terror he's had in Philly Pro the reaction is weaker, but still noteworthy, still better than Dangerous managed – helped, no doubt, by the fact this guy didn't get any offence in, unlike 'Johnny'. [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Wanda-Fish-goth.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/AndrewBarber.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “Hey!” The voice is easily recognisable. The woman whose brother was destroyed has somehow got hold of Action Jackson's microphone and it's inexplicably now broadcasting over the PA. Stately and Cahill swivel to see her, but she's too far away for the slow-moving Cahill to reach even as he growls. “I've got something that'll fix you right up,” she says. “He knows what you did to Johnny. He'll settle you. “Believe it.” “Miss,” Barber announces, his own voice coming over the PA system, “if this man can do that, you have my word that he'll receive a contract to wrestle with Philly Pro!” The reaction is solid, though weaker than to Cahill; it's safe to say they want to see him receive his comeuppance. [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackAvatar.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TravisCool_alt.jpg[/IMG] The Hype vs. Sandy Townsley[/CENTER] It's another reaction in the style of DaVE as two men prove unable to get together during their match. A true awkwardness of chemistry swallows any pops that might have emerged, as spot after spot is telegraphed or delivered off-time. It's a diving clothesline that gives the Hype the victory, but it barely connects and crowd response is deservedly weak. Rating: [B]E[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SqueekyMcClean.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/17.jpg[/IMG] John McClean vs. Jake Harvey[/CENTER] A slight improvement here; McClean confidently destroys a Harvey who is visibly rattled – leading a modern viewer to remember Jean Cattley's comments on the state of young locker room morale. The Stain Removal ends things after a match which, try as they might, the workers can't get the crowd into. Rating: [B]E+[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RichMoney_alt1.jpg[/IMG] Horatio Dangerous vs. Rich Money[/CENTER] A close-fought contest picks up the speed, however, with Money trying to outperform Dangerous at every turn while the veteran uses every shortcut of dubious legality in the book. The crowd spring back to life, finally, with Rich Money showing, for the first time to a Philly Pro audience, just what he can really do and Dangerous clearly revelling in an opponent more grounded in matwork and holds, showing off his skill on the mat more than his ability to brawl. At the end, an attempt by Money at a sleeper hold is easily countered and a half-nelson suplex gives Dangerous a beautiful-looking win. Rating: [B]C- [/B] [B][CENTER]PPPW Tri-State Championship [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Whistler.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BillyJackShearer.jpg[/IMG] w/ [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/FloydGoldworthy.jpg[/IMG] Whistler © vs. Krusher Karloff[/CENTER][/B] Only the third pure brawl of the night main events the show, with the two workers showing their pride in their chemistry, fighting the good fight they always do. With it contained to a shorter contest, one where Karloff's lower stamina doesn't play a part, they manage to equal their prior bouts, building steadily to Whistler's Rebel Yell being executed on Goldworthy and Karloff in quick succession for a successful defence. Rating: [B]D+[/B] From the highs to the lows... but as Philly Pro began to move into New England, it could afford to underperform slightly and the fans went home happy. Next on SWF 24/7: A look at the characters emerging that made it... and one that didn't. Show Rating: [B]D+[/B]

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/JerryEisen.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Jerry Eisen nods approvingly, still smiling, his affection for the PPPW history project clear. “The situation in the East Coast at the time caused all the companies involved to amplify their differences from each other,” he says. “DaVE became ever more hardcore. XFW upped the ante on its raunchy storylines and general Maxim presentation. Rapid Pro's characters became ever more over the top and cartoonish. Philly Pro's response was to look at the comparisons being drawn between them and the SWF and see how they could use that best. “Horatio Dangerous and Marcus McKing were already working steadily on improving the quality of the matches. The other thing that marked SWF performances out at the time were the characters; without something that could make people stand out, the fans had a tough time latching onto them Andrew Barber had done sterling work in this area, but much of it came from the wrestlers themselves. Well, mostly...” [CENTER]--- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/MeanJeanCattley.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Jean Cattley chuckles. “The Goth thing,” he says slowly. “It wasn't so much a gimmick as just what I was doing at the time. It's kind of the usual, you know? My brother listened to the Sisters and Bauhaus pretty much non-stop and I got into it too, started going to the clubs. Marcus noticed, told me to get the black tights and boots for a while, use the leather trench I was wearing. Basically I set myself up as a local figurehead.” He glances away thoughtfully. “I ended up being the toast of one of the local clubs. Matter of fact, that's how I met my first wife – but I guess the bottom line was, it worked, at least mostly. I saw more and more of the same faces in the club and watching the ring. It definitely took a while to kick in, but I wasn't exactly an unstoppable, dominant force inside the ring, right? Fans tend to pick up on you slower that way.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheNatural_alt1.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Damian Carvill pauses, considering. The fitness posters on the wall behind him mingle with CGC and PPPW promotional photos. “My thing had always been fitness,” he says. “If I'd been keen on bodybuilding I could've gone for the usual sculpted pose-for-pose routine, but that would've led to fewer clients in my other job. The hockey fan thing... it's the typical thing in that I, y'know, get perceived as Canadian, and I was definitely a part of the CGC troop as far as the Philly fans were concerned. “I could've done without it, though. The good thing? When Owen came through and signed, and when Alex DeColt decided to match the pair of us up, I already had the jacket. But it wasn't my finest hour.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The Punisher is silent for a long moment, then shrugs. “I don't like Idaho,” he says. [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TravisCentury.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Travis Century chuckles softly to himself, popping another carefully-constructed piece of sushi into his mouth at the restaurant he's being filmed in, deep in Warrior Engine territory. “The Dark Preacher,” he smiles. “My bread and butter. I'd been doing the act for about six years when Horatio came in, but Philly Pro hadn't been too good to it. Andrew kept me important because I still made it work, but ultimately he was looking for me to be less intense about it. Philly Pro had been kind of for-the-kids, if you get me.” He shrugs. “Not a problem, though. I got paid, I got work, and the boss calls the shots. For whatever reason, though, Horatio had me step things back up, get a lot nastier. I'm guessing it had to do with the Cahill's Corner stuff and the assault on Pete. “We weren't for-the-kids no more. Which, in Philly, was probably a lot smarter. The Dark Preacher could unlimber properly. “I spent a lot of time, various places, running my mouth for a bunch of folks. Nearly got started on that for Philly Pro in the spring of ninety-seven, but it didn't happen. One of the rookies had their own ideas...” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackGiedroyc_alt2.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Jack Giedroyc nods slowly, sat in a front-row chair in an empty arena in shirtsleeves. “I wanted to use this... I can't really call it a character, it wasn't that fully developed,” he begins, his voice soft. “But the concept was there, the idea of a wrestler who personified the Wrath of God. When I got the call from Horatio and took a look at the Philly Pro roster, the fact they already had the Dark Preacher meant I saw a good way to work it in. I called Horatio right back and pitched it, but he wasn't too impressed...” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] A sip of water as Dangerous marshals his thoughts. “That about sums it up,” he says. “I wasn't keen on tying Jack to Travis for a number of reasons, one of which was that I felt Travis had enough to do in keeping himself a major player with all the newcomers and that adding a green rookie to the mix would have weighed him down when he wasn't ready. “So instead... There's a real history, in this business, of chance, throwaway remarks coming back to become major things. “And when I started to pick a fight with Whistler, I talked about Englishness. Suddenly I pretty much had a way to give two of the youngsters some rub...” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackGiedroyc_alt2.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “...and I became Horatio Dangerous' protege,” Giedroyc finishes. “At least as far as the fans were concerned. It set me up to feud with Ricky down the line, too, just as soon as the pair of us actually got well enough known that the fans would care. “I thought, man, this Wrath of God thing must be a dumb idea. Didn't mention it to anyone else until near the end of two thousand and six – and when I did, Nemesis grinned and took the thing in a whole other direction, one I really hadn't expected.” He chuckles. “That's probably what caught Phil Roberts' attention enough I ended up in the SWF, I think, because until DaVE finally collapsed the whole shebang was just huge with the Philly fanbase.”

[Astil]

[QUOTE] The Punisher is silent for a long moment, then shrugs. “I don't like Idaho,” he says. [/QUOTE] Love.

[Phantom Stranger]

[QUOTE=Astil;519215]Love.[/QUOTE] There was no earthly way to resist that joke once I'd thought of it.

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/SWF_247.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RichMoney_alt1.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “...the best match on the show,” Money says, his expression pretty intense. “I mean, seriously, I honestly think we had that. The best match. Horatio told me after we got back he'd put himself against me deliberately to break the curse and stop the other guys complaining I wasn't good for anything, and I gotta say, after that I was a lot happier. “It helped that he played a collossal enough prick that I could play a little evil in places and the fans didn't complain. Horatio had me as one of the good guys, the bankroll that was going to help Philly Pro win the war. I don't work so well on that side, and I told him so when I signed on.” A shrug. “He told me that Philly needed more heroes, and I figured, what the hell, it's practice and pay. I mean, I was on the books with NEW and the Stomper as well. The War didn't actually mean much to me until I started to settle into the locker room and saw what it meant. “I remember Floyd gave Ricky a hug the night of the first New England show, He told him he'd heard that Ricky had landed an 'escape contract' in case the company went down the tubes. 'Course, Ricky was as green as it gets, so there were problems...” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/29.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The oldest Dangerous boy laughs, jogging the arm of the medic stitching him up, and quickly winces. “Sorry. Yeah... I just assumed Floyd was trying to screw things up for Dad and Mr Barber. I didn't know he was just trying to say well done on the Hinote contract. Pete Hall straightened me out on that, thankfully before I ran my mouth off to Dad. “And by the time we went back to Penn Park, Floyd didn't have an escape contract anymore. “AMW was officially dead.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/LobsterWarrior_alt2.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “Usually,” Chris Rockwell says, “when a company falls apart every other company around the same size starts staring at their roster. But there were only two or three real AMW players who weren't busy elsewhere already. I see some of them every day, even now – I just got done with a running battle against Scotty Sinclair, and he'd... he was the challenger for the last three shows AMW ran, for their main title. The other man they were relying on for money was Tommy Gilmore. And, you know, one of those guys wasn't responsible for people giving the shows a miss. But even Scotty had a couple other companies he was working for – XFW and his first kind of shot at getting into the SWF with Two Eagles' place. Two Eagles was keeping a lot of guys in work at the time. “So AMW dying... It kind of hurt, a bit, for a few guys, but that was mostly 'cause they weren't getting an extra payday every month. They took a hit in the wallet, and that made for an unhappy bunch. “That's important in the Wars. That was when I found out that DaVE were scared of the War, too. Matter of fact, I think it hit us and XFW worse than the other two. Philly Pro hadn't got much overlap, which was probably just because of Horatio and Andy's tastes in workers. AMW didn't rely so much on what you did in the ring. “I'm not sure what it relied on.” He laughs. “Which explains a lot, I figure.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “A lot of us were just making our money in Japan,” Bryan Holmes comments, neatly suited, contemplating his breakfast at a pavement cafe. “I mean, Stu was with the Hammer, Ricky was at the Dojo, a bunch of us went to GCG... but we used to run into each other at the airport the whole time. “That wasn't fun. It wasn't as nasty over there as the Coast got, but it was this kind of thing where if the company paying us in the States didn't get killed by competition we had to worry about the one paying us in Japan. But it was kind of interesting; we ended up being this kind of pool of information through the companies, because we were the only way people ended up working for the same place as the rest of them. “Well, Japan and Coastal Zone Combat. But that was actually pretty minor. The amount of business talk in airport bars, though...” He shakes his head, takes a sip of orange juice. “What none of us could figure out was why Phil Vibert would buy his way into one of them when the war was at its height. “I guess we know now, right?”

[G-Prime]

Loved the Wrath of God reference.

[Phantom Stranger]

[QUOTE=G-Prime;519496]Loved the Wrath of God reference.[/QUOTE] I had to keep reminding myself, when I signed him, that I really couldn't justify it, hence what he's got. The Cornellverse I imagine the DVD being released in is a very close cousin to the one that the various 'superstar' dynasties have laid out for us, and the Wrath definitely fits that. (One exception; as shown during his extremely brief cameo, Jim Force is more inline with the interview on the official site - a reasonably smart guy if not a great worker. But I just love the idea of Jim and the Enforcer putting together a school together, so I went with it.) This is also why you haven't seen Arsenal, Hill, Pain, or Goldworthy talk so far; I figured I could justify *one* TCW worker on the disc, and the vote went to Billy Jack Shearer as he started off important and I have plans for him.

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][B]COMING SOON [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/PPPW.jpg[/IMG] PPPW: Enemy Of My Enemy SHOWCASE MATCHES INCLUDE PPPW Tri-State Championship WHISTLER vs. HORATIO DANGEROUS VS. BRENT HILL [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Whistler.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BrentHill.jpg[/IMG] JOHN McCLEAN vs. THE NATURAL [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SqueekyMcClean.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheNatural_alt1.jpg[/IMG] PENNSYLVANIA PARK, PHILADELPHIA LAST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH CATCH US AT THE SKID ROW CLUB, RHODE ISLAND, NEW ENGLAND SECOND MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH [/B][/CENTER] Prediction Key: Krusher Karloff vs. The Hype Deano Machino vs. Richard Dangerous 'Black' Jack Marlowe & Mean Jean Cattley vs. The Punisher & Dead Bolt Jimmy Cox vs. Travis Century Bryan Holmes vs. Rich Money Jack Giedroyc vs. Stuart Ferdinand John McClean vs. The Natural PPPW TRI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Whistler (c) vs. Horatio Dangerous vs. Brent Hill Bonus question: Who does Wanda Fish have in store for Man Mountain Cahill?

[Phantom Stranger]

By the way, I just wanna thank everyone who's voted for Philly Pro in the DOTM Rookie stakes. Seeing so many votes for this diary is a hell of an honour and even as it looks like we're coming second, I really can't complain.

[Regis]

Prediction Key: [B]Krusher Karloff[/B] vs. The Hype [I]Karloff needs to be kept strong for when Pete gets back in fighting shape.[/I] Deano Machino vs. [B]Richard Dangerous[/B] [I]Richie can win again![/I] [B]'Black' Jack Marlowe & Mean Jean Cattley[/B] vs. The Punisher & Dead Bolt [I]I vote for potential over... lack of potential.[/I] Jimmy Cox vs. [B]Travis Century[/B] [I]The Dark Preacher can dodge the Immortal Driver and cheat to another victory.[/I] [B]Bryan Holmes[/B] vs. Rich Money [I]Bryan finally picks up a victory![/I] [B]Jack Giedroyc[/B] vs. Stuart Ferdinand [I]Stuart can afford the loss, and I think Horatio might possibly provide a distraction.[/I] [B]John McClean[/B] vs. The Natural [I]John's a damn good prospect, and is still one of the best men even now.[/I] PPPW TRI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Whistler (c) vs. Horatio Dangerous vs. [B]Brent Hill[/B] [I]I think that Hill can carry the belt better, and Horatio will eat the pin with grace.[/I] Bonus question: Who does Wanda Fish have in store for Man Mountain Cahill? [I]I can't tell anyone that, but it's a doozy![/I]

[Phantom Stranger]

Thanks to absolutely everyone who voted for me in the DOTM. Show'll be up over the weekend - there's still time to get your predictions in!

[Astil]

[B]Krusher Karloff[/B] vs. The Hype [B] Deano Machino[/B] vs. Richard Dangerous [B]'Black' Jack Marlowe & Mean Jean Cattley[/B] vs. The Punisher & Dead Bolt Jimmy Cox vs. [B]Travis Century[/B] Bryan Holmes vs. [B]Rich Money[/B] [B]Jack Giedroyc[/B] vs. Stuart Ferdinand John McClean vs. [B]The Natural[/B] PPPW TRI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Whistler (c) vs. Horatio Dangerous vs. [B]Brent Hill[/B]

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][B][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/SWF_247.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/PPPW.jpg[/IMG] PPPW Enemy of my Enemy Pennsylvania Park 1955 in attendance Show Date: Monday Week 4 April 1997 [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/PistolPeteHall.jpg[/IMG][/B][/CENTER] For the first time, the veteran makes it to the ring on crutches rather than a chair. Rather than enter, he takes up a position next to the announce desk, asking Andrew Barber for a microphone. “I hear some folks don't know to leave well enough alone,” he begins. “Now, that's a problem for 'em, not for me. But they're trying to make it my problem. Boys, I know you can hear me back there, and I know we've already spoken. But this is me talking for the public record – stay outta my life.” He stretches his injured leg experimentally. “I'm still not in a position to put you in your place properly. But that's why I asked Brent to do it and you gotta face it – he did.” He licks his lips, obviously intending to say more, but then music hits... [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/FloydGoldworthy.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BillyJackShearer.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] ...and the targets of his comments make their way to the ring. Goldworthy climbs the stairs and enters the ring; Karloff makes straight for the announce table and the unfazed Hall. He snatches the microphone from the big cowboy, tossing it over his shoulder to where his manager catches it, pacing to and fro impatiently, before Goldworthy raises his microphone to his lips. “Now.” Karloff's foot skids forward and Hall's crutch goes out from under him, the big man crashing to the floor with surprising abruptness as Karloff snatches the other crutch away. Picking both the aluminium supports up, Karloff brings one down overhand on the crowd barrier, apparently snapping it, sending half spinning into the lap of a fan sporting an out-of-place straw hat and Hawaiian shirt combo, much to his apparent delight. The second swings in an underhand arc into Pete's face as he tries to pick himself up, and blood flies from his mouth. Discarding the broken crutch, Karloff raises the other, bloodied weapon above his head with both hands and brings it down with astounding force. Hall drops back to the floor and lies still. On commentary, Barber and Jackson agree that crutches are made from steel. “Remember, Pistol,” Goldworthy snaps, “this is all about respect. This keeps going until you accept that a multiple-time Tri-State Champion is worth respecting. It's not us prolonging this; it's your selfishness!” [CENTER] [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackAvatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] “Lay off him!” No microphone here. Just sheer, unadulterated, vocal power. Everyone in the arena swivels to regard Todd 'The Hype' Cusson standing at the entrance. “Mr. Barber,” he calls into the sudden silence. “Permission to teach this son of a bitch a lesson?” Barber's microphone once again finds itself mysteriously hooked to the PA system. “Get a ref down here. This match is on!” [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BillyJackShearer.jpg[/IMG] w/ [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/FloydGoldworthy.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackAvatar.jpg[/IMG] Krusher Karloff vs. The Hype[/CENTER] What startles everyone about this contest is very simple. The Hype gets in most of the offence, visibly infuriated, fired up, and lethal. Stiff kicks and punches form most of it – rage is no substitute for size – but Karloff barely gets in any offence, and much of what he offers is ducked, dodged or otherwise evaded. Perhaps the moment where the fans begin to hope is the moment, after a vicious blow to Cusson's back actually lands, where Karloff hits the ropes and storms forward for a big boot; ducking clear the Hype grabs the extended leg under one arm, brings the other across underneath and spins, producing a leg screw that shakes the ring as Karloff impacts. The Hype is on the big man a moment later, raining down blows on the head and shoulders, but Karloff reaches up and grabs him, heaving him cleanly out of the ring. With referee Jay Fair occupied by a shamming Karloff, Cusson, dazed, has his head nearly kicked off by an enraged Goldworthy. As the manager continues his offence the Hype shoves clear, twists, and DDTs Goldworthy on the outside. Hopping up to the apron, he measures the distance, obviously aiming for some kind of dive to take Karloff's executive consultant out of the equation – only for Karloff to seize him by the back of the neck, yank him over the ropes, and nail the Horror Hammer for the win. Goldworthy gets the result he had to be looking for, though at his own expense; as his client picks him up we see he's bloodier than Hall, who by this stage has limped backstage. Rating: [B]E-[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/DeanDaniels.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/29.jpg[/IMG] Deano Machino vs. Richard Dangerous[/CENTER] Two youngsters with, as yet, little in the way of fan following. They've both shown that, given time, they can elicit the kind of fan reaction that the prior match, perhaps limited by Karloff's issues with selling, failed to achieve, but with only five minutes and change this was never going to be a match to prove that. It's a match built around both competitors having something to prove, dominated by a rolling series of pinfall/counterfall that lasts for nearly a minute. Perhaps that's where the heat that the match manages to draw comes from; a Philly crowd responding to the desire in the ring, giving the fledgling talent the pride it needs to grow. It's not a canny roll-up that ends this, though; as Deano finds his hip toss countered, Dangerous drives a knee into the abdomen and then boosts him into the air, putting him down with the Dangerous Brainbuster. That gets the three. Rating: [B]E[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/29.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] An instant later, the expected happens. Holmes is behind him and another German suplex sends Richard flying, so hard is it hit. Holmes follows up with a baseball slide dropkick that dumps the younger Dangerous out of the ring, standing there for a moment, looking down at him, before spitting on him and walking away. [CENTER] [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Holmes runs into a newcomer on his way back to the locker room. The elder Dangerous gives him a friendly pat on the back and steps over his son, collecting the spare microphone from the announce table, taking his time as the fans grow angry with him – and as, in his circuitous route to the ring, more and more of them register the black eye he's carrying. “I just had a disagreement,” he begins, grinning forcedly, “with that young prat Hill. Personally, I think it's disgraceful, him muscling in on my problem with Whistler. But I guess that's the problem with this country. No manners. No waiting. No understanding. I mean, look at my boy down there – too taken up with American ways to just give Bryan his rematch. “But me... I may have been born here. I may have been raised here. But I was trained in England. And I learned respect there. I learned discipline. Unlike, say, Pete Hall, I can respect the fact that Krusher Karloff has won titles. Unlike my son, I respect the need of others to prove themselves. “But Whistler and I aren't finished. And this match, when I win... it'll prove nothing. I'll have to wait. Whistler will want his rematch next month, when I'll show him why he needs to give it up. After that, unlike my boy... I'll actually give Hill another go-round. I'll give him the drubbing he needs and he'll learn the respect he needs. “And Richard? When you see sense... when you give Bryan his rematch... you better be able to beat him.” He underhands the microphone back to Action Jackson and makes his way back up the ramp, scant paces behind his son. [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JungleJack_alt1.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/MeanJeanCattley.jpg[/IMG] w/ [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Scarah.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/DeadBolt.jpg[/IMG] “Black” Jack Marlowe & Mean Jean Cattley vs. The Punisher & Dead Bolt[/CENTER] The two big men make their way to the ring first, the Punisher using the car under his eye to freak out a number of the kids in attendance. Newcomer 'Black' Jack Marlowe is not far behind them, coming out first for his team, waiting outside the ring. And then Penn Park goes black, all the lights out. Except for one – a UV spotlight picks out the paint all over the visible body of a young lady who appears on the ramp, her skin a translucent beacon under the light. In the glow coming from her flesh the fans can – just – see the near-black velvet corset she wears, the equally dark leather pants. And they can see a man step to her side – the youngster Cattley in his much more basic goth gear. Arm in arm, her exposed limb shining on his trenchcoat, they walk to the ring. Neither Barber nor Jackson can give the fans any information on her. The match itself rapidly becomes representative of the clash within Philly Pro; power against technique, Barber against Dangerous. It's an improvement on what has gone before, but barely. Philly Pro's undercard is unproven, and they show that here. But here, at least, Cattley is inspired. Maybe it's hard work. Maybe it's the presence of his glowing muse at ringside. Whatever it is, he plays to the crowd as he never has before. His punches mean more, carry more impact. And he even comes off the ropes to peg out Dead Bolt with a bulldog. If the bout were longer, you could almost believe it might be young Cattley's coming out party; but it's not, and Black Jack is a shining presence once the Punisher turns the tide against Cattley. His hot tag rapidly clears the ring, including a notable ring apron piledriver that leaves the Punisher too far away to intervene when the Jackhammer pulverises Dead Bolt. The debuting grappler picks up a pin on the youngster... Rating: [B]E+[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JimmyCox.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TravisCentury.jpg[/IMG] Jimmy Cox vs. Travis Century[/CENTER] Cox has begun already to flourish in Philly Pro, his role built around the Immortal Driver's mystique all he seemingly needs to become a major player in the promotion. Century pronounces him an 'idolator' as the match begins and the two close ranks. It's an interesting contest, particularly after a run of relatively weak matches tonight; Century keeps right on hollering abuse, ranting and raving about the Immortal Driver and the Second Commandment, while fists fly. As this theme develops into a sermon against the entire crowd for “worshipping this fool's throw, a move designed by Satan to draw attention from God”, Cox does his best to blunt the offence, going after Century's arms with hold after hold, trying to weaken the punches. That keeps him off balance however, and as a frenzied crowd drown Century's exhortations with chants for the Driver Century takes advantage, employing a gutwrench lift into a crucifix powerbomb. Before bringing his opponent down onto the canvas, he bellows “I GIVE YOU SALVATION!” The crowd roar disapproval, but Cox doesn't kick out. Rating: [B]D[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TravisCentury.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Century quickly collects the microphone. “Consider this a benediction,” he tells the crowd. “For I so love you sinners that I sacrificed Jimmy Cox for your souls.” Massive heat follows, at which Century bows his head. “Forgive them, Lord, they know not what they do. Richard Sanders – you are another such. I ask you to make your peace. For if I do not convert you – you shall die of my trying!” [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RichMoney_alt1.jpg[/IMG] Bryan Holmes vs. Rich Money[/CENTER] Holmes and Money seem to have the same plan in mind; their battle is close-fought and technical. Money's recent loss to Horatio Dangerous appears to be smarting, and there's a certain recklessness that allows Holmes to capitalise and, eventually to control the match, getting the better of Money on a number of occasions. But there's something Holmes hasn't reckoned on coming... [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/29.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] ...as Richard Dangerous walks down to ringside. Standing there, arms folded, he simply watches; but Holmes sneaks a look, then a gaze, then finally finds himself staring at Dangerous – and Money spins him round, grabs his arm into a hammerlock, and lifts one of Holmes' legs up over his head before dropping Holmes onto his head in an unusual driver. Ascending the ropes, Money gives Dangerous a thumbs-up then scores with the Dollars from Heaven for the win. Rating: [B]D[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RonnieVPain.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HerbStately.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] As the ring clears, the distinctive banjo-style punk riff – a Ronnie Pain recording – that heralds the Man Mountain begins. He and his manager make his way to the ring, and Stately once again takes Barber's microphone, denying him any opportunity to speak his mind on ensuing shenanigans. “It's that time again,” Stately says. “But as some of you maybe know, we've been having issues with little Johnny's sister. I've got someone lined up, but so does this bimbo. And Mister Barber offered the guy a contract if he can take us. “Well, little girl? You got someone?” [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Wanda-Fish-goth.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Wanda hops the rail again, taking the microphone Action Jackson offers her. “Sure do,” she says, gesturing behind her to a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt under a biker jacket. “But I warn you – you don't want anything to do with this.” “Oh, I think we do.” Stately exits the ring gracefully. “Step up, sir.” He hops the rail, slides into the ring, shrugs off the jacket, and then flips the hood down... [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TommyCornell_alt1.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The crowd explode as they recognise him. Stately panics. “No! No! On behalf of my client I revoke-” Wanda cuts him off with a superkick. Cahill snarls, starting for the ropes, but Cornell cuts him off with his already famous two-handed blade chop. As the bigger man takes a step back, a single-leg trip takes him down and Cornell locks in the Guilt Trip in the centre of the ring. He holds it for a long minute despite all Cahill's struggles, and then Wanda nods – and he breaks it. She hands the microphone back to Barber. “We'll wait backstage for the contract, Mr Barber,” she says sweetly. The air is electric... [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/StuartFerdinand.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/JackGiedroyc_alt2.jpg[/IMG] Stuart Ferdinand vs. Jack Giedroyc[/CENTER] This feels, in many ways, like a by-the-numbers match and, really, it is; it suffers from the internet feed's pause option, being designed as a cooldown after the big reveal. It is, in many ways, simply more exposure for Horatio's 'protege' while the Japanese-inspired mighty beard continues to gain momentum, more or less destroying Giedroyc in between outbreaks of interesting offence from the youngster. A running roll-up gives Ferdinand the win after eight minutes. Rating: [B]E[/B] [CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SqueekyMcClean.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/TheNatural_alt1.jpg[/IMG] John McClean vs. The Natural[/CENTER] The story this match is built around the Natural having McClean perfectly scouted. Every major move he tries is evaded or countered; he makes fully four bids to hit the Stain Removal, each one neatly evaded. But try as he might, Carvill still can't get the upper hand; he spends so much time on the back foot, involved in his mind games, that very little offence tells until near the end, when the Natural begins to unleash offence, eventually dazing McClean with a beautiful flying forearm. Scooping him back up he shoots McClean to the ropes, setting up for a backdrop – but the Philly Pro veteran recovers in time, turning it instead to a small package and hooking those tights Carvill dislikes for extra emphasis. The crowd enjoy the denouement, but weren't as into the rest of the battle as Philly Pro must have hoped. Rating: [B]D-[/B] [B][CENTER]PPPW TRI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/Whistler.jpg[/IMG] © vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG] vs. [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BrentHill.jpg[/IMG] Whistler © vs. Horatio Dangerous vs. Brent Hill[/CENTER][/B] Whatever Dangerous' kayfabe objections – and whatever the true reason for his black eye, earlier blamed on Hill – this proves to be the right main event for the night. Aside from the big revelation with Tommy Cornell, this is the biggest response of the night. Hill and Whistler try to play it fair, while Dangerous tries every cheap trick he can on Whistler, keeping the brawler down while the two technical experts lock horns and battle. Each time, too, Whistler's comeback plays solidly to the charismatic flag-flyer's strengths. Hill slowly gets the better of Dangerous, eventually setting up for the King of the Hill dive – but that gets nothing but knees. Dangerous rises, smiles, and creases Hill with his half-nelson suplex – only to turn around into a Rebel Yell! With the crowd bellowing approval, Whistler covers Dangerous and finally gets the pinfall over him, but with so much work done by Hill, the question of who's better is still wide open. Rating: [B]C+[/B] While it didn't maintain the high of March's success, April's show set up a new main eventer and produced a number of important questions. Next on SWF 24/7: The inside scoop. Show Rating: [B]C-[/B]

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/SWF_247.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/AndrewBarber.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Beyond the open double doors, in a training ring, Marshall Dillon hooks up a DDT and drops John Greed with it. His motions are smooth, economical, and – to the eyes of long term fans – virtually identical to the DDT Andrew Barber used to hit. In front of those same doors, Barber nods sombrely. “That was the day the trouble began,” he said. “Todd had been relatively quiet. So many names he recognised. So many people who did demand respect. “I guess Rich Money wasn't one of them.” [CENTER] -- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/RichMoney_alt1.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Money nods quietly. “Todd was... he... not to speak ill of...” He throws his hands up, defeated. “He got into me about what I do. “OK, to be fair to him, the moneyman grappler is a schtick you can play for comedy. And if it weren't for the fact I'd made the name famous by the time I came here – made it valuable – I'd have asked to change it. It was the kind of name an indy guy decides to give himself. “Cheesy. But even then, it was a name I was committed to, at least to some degree. More to the point, it was a name I was working on making mean something. “I was working for Two Eagles and Jerry back them; I remember Jerry driving down to catch the show in Philly a couple of times based purely off the number of our guys Two Eagles had brought in. SWF and Barber didn't swap crew, but a lot of Barber's boys were around the New England territory, helping Two Eagles train his young standbys. “It was a business thing, you know? NEW didn't pay much. But it was an investment. Show some young prospect a better way to hit a suplex and maybe in a few years he mentions you when he's talking to Mr Eisen. Besides, Two Eagles working for both of them was another bridge. “Todd, though... Todd's other gig was with Hollyweird. He'd actually wrestled Dread by that time on pay-per-view, and my God was he full of himself about it. “He cut... he basically cut a promo on me backstage. He was good at that; he could find things to kill your cred on. But this wasn't for the fans. It wasn't for a match. It was just on me. “It was personal, you know? I was this close to... well, if Horatio hadn't gotten in between us, he wouldn't have been the only one who ended the show with a black eye.” [CENTER] -- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Dangerous' hands are back around the deck of cards, sorting anxiously, awkwardly, as he tries to find the words. “I... pretty much figured it was just him being a kid whose boots didn't fit anymore. “I sat him down, told him a couple old road stories, like what Moretti did to me when I ribbed someone I shouldn't have. Told him I'd like to think we were past that now, but that he shouldn't assume he could go as far as he liked for all that. “He told me it wouldn't happen again. “I believed him. I wanted to believe him, so I did. “Lot of good that did, huh?” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/WandaFish.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Wanda Fish smirks. “Yeah, the mystery shiner. I think everyone who saw the show knew that when he blamed it on Brent he was pulling something out his ass to cover up. “The dirtsheets were with us straight away. They wanted to know who'd given him the black eye. Everyone just laughed, no one would tell them. I get the impression that really pissed them off. “We kept the secret at his request. His wife was going to be mad and he didn't want her mad with any of us. “I loved Maggie. She was great. But that question's well and truly gone now, so I can tell you... I did it. “Floyd was kvetching about taking the kick. Horatio volunteers to show him that I can do it and that I deserve to. He told me to tag him properly, prove myself. “And... I blacked his eye.” She laughs. “Sorry, Maggie.”

[G-Prime]

Marking out for Cornell.

[Astil]

Very nice on Cornell being the addition.

[Phantom Stranger]

[QUOTE=G-Prime;521510]Marking out for Cornell.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Astil;521535]Very nice on Cornell being the addition.[/QUOTE] Yeah, definitely. I've been sat on him since before I signed Wanda, looking for the right way to debut him, but Cahill's Corner took off like I really didn't expect. Philly Pro's big issue is a thinness in the workers who are really at their peak when you kick off. I've been doing my best to adjust that - most of the roster is young and can develop, but we need to survive first. (I suspect this is what derek_b was going for as an explanation as to why it loses the War.) A note or two for those curious how life is going outside what the DVD format can show: Of Scapino's boys, Archangel is with DaVE, Joel Kovach has found homes in XFW and BBW, the Rev is in CZCW, and Devorah, Sabbath and Trenton are unemployed. Brent Hill and the Human Arsenal are both employed by both CZCW and NEW. No sign of a team yet. Aurthur Salvatore Simpson passed away of a drug overdose, hurting both AMW and XFW in the process. Big Smack Scott is on the books of both XFW and NEW. With the NEW in, he may become an SWF star ahead of schedule. BLZ Bubb is the HGC champion, defending against seemingly everyone NOT called Sam Strong. His big rivalry is with Larry Vessey and he seems to have formed a loose alliance with Rip Chord based around Rip attacking Bryan Vessey.

[Phantom Stranger]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/SWF_247.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/HoratioDangerous.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The cards are set aside. Dangerous grins broadly. “It was the talk of the Tri-State,” he says. “Tommy Cornell, fresh out the SWF and shrouded in rebel credibility, comes into sedate, family friendly Philly Pro. “It completed what I was trying to do to start. Philly Pro was getting talked about again, and if you're running Philly and you're not doing things they talk about, you're dead in the water. Ultimately, we had the advantage – XFW was known for doing crazy things. They had to keep going bigger than anyone else. “I wasn't planning to let them. Pistol Pete getting attacked had been the biggest news story in wrestling when we did it. Cahill's Corner debuted February and got some major press – deservedly, and the credit there goes to Ronnie and Floyd. March, Ronnie laid out Wanda. And April, we brought in Tommy Cornell, which linked us back to the biggest thing going February. “We were never going to be able to keep that up. I think it would've taken stealing Flash or Johnny Martin. “But suddenly people were talking about us. That was what we needed; so many of the boys just needed to know that they'd be seen. Bryan Holmes was close to a finished product, even if he had more to learn in the ring. If he'd ever wanted to, Travis wouldn't just have started a riot, he'd have led it. “Not scaring the kids held them back. Andrew's plan had worked fine when Philly Pro started. But as the nineties rolled on, wrestling... changed. “Nowadays there's room for a company that concentrates on what wrestling used to be. While it was changing, there wasn't. What I was doing was trying to get ahead of things. On a budget, too – every trick we pulled cost, and I wanted to be sure to make Andrew a profit.” [CENTER] -- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/JerryEisen.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Jerry Eisen's face grows severe, as it had when the Cornell/Nemesis match came up. The impression that this segment wouldn't be here save that it's inexplicable if not is strong. “As you've heard, I was in charge of New England Wrestling at the time. Alongside Chief Two Eagles, it was my job to help make talented wrestlers ready for the SWF. “The pact Andrew Barber had made with the SWF did not extend to New England. We shared a great many talented wrestlers, something which nearly stopped after Philly Pro's last show of April ninety-seven.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/SWF%20Footage/RichardEisen.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Richard Eisen is silent for a moment. His eyes drift to the left, his tongue tracing his lips slowly, as he finds the phrasing he wants. “I was still unhappy with Tommy,” he says, after the moment passes. “More than a little unhappy, actually. With our deal with Andrew so recent, when I heard they'd signed him I called Horatio up and I tried to cancel it. “He refused to accept that. I insisted, but he refused and – it's always been his knack – distracted me with some question or other, I think perhaps it was about, ah, some question about the Outbackers. That got us talking like friends again and after a while he brought it back up and asked me to sleep on it. “To cut a long story short, by the time I woke up the following morning I wasn't so angry. I still had hopes of Tommy coming back, and if anyone could teach him the understanding of the business he lacked, I thought it was Pete Hall.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BryanHolmes.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Holmes pauses for a moment. “The crutches took me four or five hours,” he says. “Getting it to break right when you hit it, without it bending when Pete walked down or giving the bit that flew off a sharp edge. I guess Horatio had heard me talking bikes with Ronnie the show before; I used to do all my own maintenance, and he knew that meant I had the tools to do it. “He was sharp. He knew we'd figured out the big shock theory. So he gave us one we knew about – the crutches beatdown – so we wouldn't think to look outside that. “I was... I was pretty happy about it. Brent and Tommy were both people I knew I could have better matches with than Whistler. The glass ceiling looked a lot more breakable all of a sudden, you know, you could see the main event turning into the kind of scene where I might have a place. “I think it was Billy Jack who asked the million-dollar question, though. This was a couple months into Tommy's run.” [CENTER]-- [IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/Dangerous/BillyJackShearer.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Shearer grins, shifting slightly. “I was right,” he says. “Shouldn't have said it, though. I put the fear of God into everyone. Mistake. “I just asked who was going to sign Nemesis.”

[G-Prime]

[QUOTE=Phantom Stranger;521784] “I just asked who was going to sign Nemesis.”[/QUOTE] Dun... Dun... DUNNN!!!

[Antithesis]

I am really liking this diary. It isn't just the narrative, nor the way you seamlessly weave between the past and present; showing what needs to be shown and explaining what needs to be explained; its the storylines and booking in the fed itself. Many of the diaries here focus on gimmick creations or character studies. As if the shows themselves are just fodder for the backstage intrigue. The way you've set this up, however, it is the opposite, and I think, the way it should be. The cards you've run make me believe that I am watching a company struggle to survive, that the angles and matches are built on the premise of leading to something important, and thus, to make more profit. Which is the purpose of any wrestling company. Good Job.

[Phantom Stranger]

[QUOTE=Antithesis;521899]I am really liking this diary. It isn't just the narrative, nor the way you seamlessly weave between the past and present; showing what needs to be shown and explaining what needs to be explained; its the storylines and booking in the fed itself. Many of the diaries here focus on gimmick creations or character studies. As if the shows themselves are just fodder for the backstage intrigue. The way you've set this up, however, it is the opposite, and I think, the way it should be. The cards you've run make me believe that I am watching a company struggle to survive, that the angles and matches are built on the premise of leading to something important, and thus, to make more profit. Which is the purpose of any wrestling company. Good Job.[/QUOTE] Thanks, man, that's really appreciated. I'm just glad so many people are enjoying this. It takes a lot of WWE history DVDs to write this way.