21CW: The British Entertainment Experiment

Greg McNeish · August 15, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

This is a story of one man's dream, the chances he has taken, and the chances he will take.

This is a story of a cast of characters, both real and imagined, that will band together, fight each other, lie, cheat, defend, love, hate, and bleed together.

This is a story of the forces at play, in a land foreign to many.

This is a story of success, failure, and everything in between.

Most importantly, this is my story.

This is...

The British Entertainment Experiment

Greg McNeish · August 16, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Jeff Nova

That name doesn't carry a lot of weight, where I'm from.

The same cannot be said for the man himself, as he carries quite a bit of weight.

All of it muscle.

Beyond that, though, he is a visionary, a dreamer, a competitor, and a patriot.

Jeff Nova was a bodybuilder, and a very good one. So good, in fact, that he won the "UK's Strongest Man" competition, in the late 90s. He went on to compete in that year's "World's Strongest Man" competition, finishing a respectable 5th place. He then retired from strong man events, and became the presenter of the "World's Strongest Man" competitions, in the British Isles.

The competitive spirit within him did not extinguish, though.

Jeff Nova turned to a new avenue, and began training to be a professional wrestler. He took to his new craft with the same zeal that he had his last, and became one of the best brawlers in the country. To pay the bills, Nova continued to host the "World's Strongest Man" contests.

This, in itself, became an issue, as Nova's fame quickly outstripped that of every wrestling promotion in the country. Because of this, Nova was unable to find regular work. No promoter was willing to take the chance that Jeff Nova could single-handedly take their company to a new level, at the risk that they would crumble under the weight of his muscles, and his name.

For several years, Jeff Nova found himself in this limbo, and it showed no signs of ending. That is, it showed no signs of ending, until Nova's ambitious nature, and competitive spirit set their eyes on the British wrestling scene.

On television, British audiences flocked to their living rooms, to watch the SWF beam their flagship television program across the ocean. In their own backyard, though, there was nothing that the British promotions offered that wet their appetite. The hunger was there, but nobody was feeding it.

Nova took a gamble, and entered a new ring. This time, it was his own.

Jeff Nova purchased a fledgling London-based promotion, called 21st Century Wrestling, and immediately changed it to its very core. In the process, he changed the landscape of wrestling in Britain.

Nova was able to leverage his own popularity in a way that no other promoter in the United Kingdom had ever been willing to try. He was able to gain a timeslot on UK Broadcasting's new Digital channel, and overnight became the owner of the largest, most renowned, and most powerful wrestling promotion, in the history of the British Isles.

21st Century Wrestling started signing up the finest talents in the nation, robbing the competition of their biggest stars. He took to the airwaves with a product that mirrored the SWF, but with a distinctly British flavour.

Jeff Nova had embarked on...

The British Entertainment Experiment

Greg McNeish · August 16, 2009

<div style="text-align:center;">21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

My name is Greg McNeish, and this is my story.

One of my earliest memories is watching the Canadian Wrestling Federation, with my Grandpa. He wasn't a particularily nice man, and would justifiably be called a "grumpy old man". But when the CWF came on television, he became a completely different man. It was as if the fire in the eyes of Dan Stone, valiantly fighting to keep his National Championship, reignited grandpa's own inner flame. For that hour each week, Grandpa came alive.

I was very young at the time, but I can still remember the pain my Grandpa felt, when Dan Stone left to form North of the Border Pro Wrestling. It was as if Stone had stabbed him in the back. Despite Dan Stone having the blessing of Ed 'The Strangler' Henson, my Grandpa took it as nothing short of treason. Despite his love for wrestling, he forbid NOTBPW to be watched in his home. No matter what his hero had done, Grandpa stayed a loyal soldier to the CWF.

For the next few years, Grandpa sat through the title reigns of Whipper Spencer Marks, Pat Deacon, and The Canadian Superstar. He cheered, laughed, struggled along with his chosen favourites, but he no longer had a hero; the fire was gone.

January 3rd, 1989: The darkest day in Canadian wrestling history.

Ed Henson died on a cold winter day, and with him, the CWF. Dan Stone had his NOTBPW, and soon George DeColt would launch the CGC, but in my Grandpa's eyes, Canadian wrestling ended. I never saw him smile again, and within several months, he passed away.

Grandpa was not a kind man, and some would say that he wasn't even a good man, but I will always remember him for the fire that he had, watching his hero, Dan Stone, give everything he had, and then some, in a Canadian Wrestling Federation ring.</div>

Remianen · August 16, 2009

PHOEEEEEEEEEEEBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

That is all. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Will be interesting to see how someone who came up on CWF will operate a Sports Entertainment promotion. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Nevermore · August 16, 2009

BOOO!

HISS!

"F**k you Nova!"

*Clap Clap Clap-Clap-Clap*

Nah, I'll be reading, bro <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.

Quote The Raven

Nevermore

Greg McNeish · August 16, 2009

Thanks for the early support, guys. I'm just over a month in-game, and 21CW is certainly a big change from the 1991 WWF game that I'm doing with Tweek It. This'll be a challenge.

Sorry for leaving the backstory half-complete. I refereed a soccer tournament in the blazing sun today, so I'm a little fried. Hopefully, we'll get to an actual show by the end of the week.

Cheers!

foolinc · August 16, 2009

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Greg McNeish" data-cite="Greg McNeish" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="24205" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Thanks for the early support, guys. I'm just over a month in-game, and 21CW is certainly a big change from the 1991 WWF game that I'm doing with Tweek It. This'll be a challenge. Sorry for leaving the backstory half-complete. I refereed a soccer tournament in the blazing sun today, so I'm a little fried. Hopefully, we'll get to an actual show by the end of the week. Cheers!</div></blockquote> Calling 21CW a challenge is actually an understatement. I'm guessing we are just going to have to get used to a ton of menacing hosses trying to attack or intimidate Mr. Nova. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png">

Greg McNeish · August 17, 2009

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="foolinc" data-cite="foolinc" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="24205" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Calling 21CW a challenge is actually an understatement. I'm guessing we are just going to have to get used to a ton of menacing hosses trying to attack or intimidate Mr. Nova. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> You can't intimidate Jeff Nova. He's the UK's Strongest Man. Now, some hosses threatening some sexy ladies? Highly possible.

Greg McNeish · August 17, 2009

<div style="text-align:center;">21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

I'm not a large man. This I cannot deny, and would never attempt to. In fact, I'm a bit on the small side, as far as men go. It's something I've learned to be content with. This fact has, however, taken away one of my dreams.

Having been so effected by the memory of my Grandpa, I spent most of my childhood dreaming of being a wrestler. Now, I'm the most athletic guy in the world, but I've always had a knack for telling stories, so I figured that I'd be able to make an impact on people. As I grew up... or didn't... I came to realize that my small stature would be a hindrance in a business so obsessed with looks. This came as a sad realization, but it hardly crushed my spirits. In fact, it gave me a direction.</div>

Greg McNeish · August 17, 2009

<div style="text-align:center;">21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Of all the pageantry of professional wrestling, with it bizzare cast of characters, there's nothing so simplistically, gloriously rediculous as that of the Referee.

Be it their inability to stay concious through the most incidental contact, or their supreme gullibility for all of the heel's antics, there is something truly beautiful about the inherently useless position of the referee. After all, referees are used to adjudicate the rules in sporting competitions.

Wrestling isn't a sport, though; not anymore. It's not a competition. The rules are largely ignored, and very selectively enforced. It's a sham of the highest order, and not subtle about it.

Despite all this, or perhaps because of it, professional wrestling referees have always held a special place in the hearts of fans. It seems that the more rediculous their antics, the more endearing they are to the viewing public.

The most important thing about referees, for myself personally, is that it's a position where a small frame is considered a plus.</div>

Greg McNeish · August 18, 2009

<div style="text-align:center;">21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

It's amazing how much the experiences of your youth effect you throughout your life.

Through high school, I got involved with a local wrestling school, that held monthly shows, as a referee. It was a lot more difficult than I would have expected. The hardest thing to learn, is how to stay out of the wrestlers ways, while in a ring that feels a lot smaller, once you step inside it. But, I put in my time, and learned my craft. It was a lot of fun to be on the other side, working with the wrestlers, instead of watching them.

When I finished high school, I took off to college, to study Business Administration. It wasn't the most interesting subject in the world, and i knew it. So, it came as no surprise that I looked elsewhere for my excitement. I once again became involved with a local wrestling school, refereeing their shows. By this point, I'd been stepping in the ring for 4 years, and was quite comfortable.

As it turns out, the trainer at the local school had friends in some of the big promotions, and when word came out that there was a shortage in referees, he put my name out there. Before I knew it, I was staring a couple job offers in the face. One was from George Decolt, and the CGC, and one from my Grandpa's old hero, Dan Stone.

I'll admit it, I'm not the biggest fan of "sports entertainment" this world has ever seen. It always seems like it makes wrestling more complicated than it needs to be. Wrestling isn't rocket science, and when people treat it like it is, it loses its magic. In my eyes, sports entertainment tried to make wrestling more than it was, and lost itself in the process.

That said, I still remembered how hurt my Grandpa was, by Dan Stone leaving the CWF, and forming NOTBPW. I could just imagine how hurt he'd be if I were to go to work for that "traitorous" promotion.

In the end, the decision was easy, and I soon found myself on a plane to British Columbia, to start my professional wrestling career, with the Decolt family, and Canadian Golden Combat.</div>

mad5226 · August 18, 2009

i like where this is going and the ref view is something not used before

Greg McNeish · August 24, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Wrestling is a very strange animal. Big, strong, athletic men, jacked up on... adrenaline... pretending to hurt each other, while at the same time protecting one another as much as possible, in a beautiful dance, in front of a crowd that knows what they are watching isn't real combat, but get caught up in the rush, nonetheless.

To be involved in this business is very surreal. I hope Grandpa can see me now, because I'm living the dream that he inspired me towards.

Travelling around the country, performing shows in every province, is not as glorious as you might expect. Especially not for someone that isn't a wrestler. The pay isn't as good, nobody knows who you are, yet you're held to the same standards, if not higher, by the company. Spending almost all of your time with your coworkers is an inescapable reality.

Despite all the strains this business puts on your home life, or perhaps because of it, I found myself immersing myself as much as possible, into the wrestling industry. Pretty soon, it was the only family I knew.

As I adjusted to my new profession, and my new life, I became more and more involved in putting together the matches that I was officiating. It started innocently enough, with me sitting down with the wrestlers, prior to the match, so that they could talk me through what was planned, so that I could better play my part in things. Then, I started making a couple suggestions, which became a lot of suggestions. Before I really noticed what was happening, I had some of the young guys asking me for advice, on how to put together their matches. To my benefit, I had these same people requesting that I work their matches.

It was inevitable that my work would catch the eye of the Decolts, as word of my match planning abilities made their rounds. I soon found my official duties with the company changed. It's widely known that referees are generally on the ring crew, and help with setting up the ring in each of the venues. It's not glamorous work, but it gives us the benefit of knowing that our work environment is safe. With George Decolt taking notice of me, I was taken off the ring crew, and given an expanded role as a road agent, to go along with my reffing.

Something that has always bothered me, about Canadian wrestling, since the end of the CWF, is that both major companies have built their shows around the sons (and one daughter) of their respective owners. So much effort goes into maintaining their spots at the top, that nearly everyone else on the roster is virtually ignored. Any stars that have been created, have either been an accident, or a direct result of a friendship with (or marriage to) one of the family members. Now, this is in no way a commentary on the abilities of any of the Stones, Decolts, or their friends and spouses; they are all fine performers, and fully deserving of their success. It's just that wrestling is constantly in a state of flux. If you try to feed the crowd the same matches and feuds, they will stop paying to see your product. You must either constantly be in the business of creating new stars, or you will lose what you already have.

In my newfound role as a road agent, I was in a position to bring booking ideas forward, and took advantage of that ability. Every wrestling fan in the world would love the opportunity to have their ideas presented to the owner of a major promotion, and I am no different. I took the opportunity to press for the cultivation of the CGC's young prospects, and the elevation of some of the proven talent. However, all of my ideas ran into the same brick wall: There was no room at the top of the card, because it was full of Decolts on one side, and The Elite on the other. It was a glass ceiling that never showed any signs of weakening.

This was a very frustrating realization, and although I tried my best to never let that show, I'm not near as good an actor as the famous Decolts. I had no idea at the time, but this thinly veiled frustration was about to lead me down a very unseen road....

D-Lyrium · August 24, 2009

This should be fun. Been waiting for someone to tackle 21CW, as it's nearly impossible to do well in-game at the start. So we'll see how long your interest lasts.

Nice backstory, too.

Greg McNeish · August 25, 2009

Thanks, D-Lyrium, and everyone else who's commented. I'm actually two months into the game, and having a blast. Unfortunately, I'm moving on Sunday, across the province, so I've been a little short on time/energy to actually get these posts up. I promise to have much more frequent updates, once September hits.

Cheers!

Regis · August 25, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen: welcome to the 21st century.

Greg McNeish · September 11, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Jeff Nova acquired 21CW because he had no outlet for his competitive juices. He would finally get a ring to work in. However, Jeff Nova does not do anything halfway, and that includes business. When he took over 21CW, he retired as an active wrestler, and took full control of the business side of things. He became the colour commentator of their shows, and he handled everything to do with the business side of things.

Audiences were... well, they weren't thrilled. People tuned in to see Jeff Nova, the most famous wrestler in Britain (and second most famous British wrestler) step into the ring. They didn't tune in to hear him talk about matches between people that they barely knew about.

It soon became clear that 21CW would need to manufacture stars, if they wanted to maintain their newfound popularity, let alone grow. Jeff Nova continued to hire people that he thought could be turned into these stars, but over time it became evident that actually building them up was beyond Nova's specialties. Jeff Nova is many things, but a booking genius he is not.

Even as the shows that 21CW produced failed to live up to the expectations of the people that tuned in, Jeff Nova's star power and business savvy allowed him to bring the business into another new era:

Pay-Per-View

Greg McNeish · September 11, 2009

Sorry to have gone so long without a post. Between moving to a new city, and trying to find work, I haven't spent enough time keeping up with the things I do for fun.

Everything looks to have settled down, and I should be able to get back into a rhythm. There's likely only one more backstory post, before I get a roster up, and jump into the shows.

Thanks for your patience. Cheers!

Greg McNeish · September 11, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen: welcome to the 21st century.

Infinity's Coastal Zone diaries were the first adventures I had in the Cornellverse. Any and all references to his work are always welcome.

Don't expect Jeff Nova to die in a plane crash, though.

Greg McNeish · September 13, 2009

<div style="text-align:center;">21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

The plane trip from Vancouver to London is long. Very long. As I sat in my seat, watching the world go by, I had plenty of time to think about how I found myself in this position. George DeColt had come to me one day, saying that he'd just caught wind of an opportunity for me to more involved in the industry. As he explained that Jeff Nova was looking for outside help, to take over the book in 21CW, I was both excited and annoyed. On the one hand, this was a chance for me to build stars, in the way I'd always wanted the CGC to. On the other, it was an admission by DeColt that there was no place for me, or my ideas, in his company.

In the end, I was left with little choice, but to throw my name in the hat. To no one's surprise, there weren't a lot of interested people in the industry, and with DeColt's backing, I easily obtained the position. Jeff Nova sent me a brief... briefing, and a plane ticket; a one-way plane ticket, half-way around the world.

Meeting with Jeff Nova was an experience, I must say. Even for someone who's spent a few years around wrestlers, he was a big man. Even in a business suit, you could tell that this guy could rip your arms off, if he wanted to. Besides that, Jeff is a pleasant enough fellow, probably because not many people ever said "no" to him. I made a mental note to try to join them.

For all his success in sports and business, and to his credit, Nova is a pretty humble man. He listened to my early ideas, and only objected to one of them: That Nova step into the ring. He told me that he had retired from active competition, and that he would not sacrifice his company, just to feed his own ego. I could tell that he meant it. I let the subject go, but told him that if the time was right, I'd want to use him as a special attraction, as the Highland Warrior had, during Nova's active days.

Something that I was able to convince Nova to do, is to leave the announcers table. This took quite a bit of coercing, as he really is a good colour commentator, and had specifically brought in Steve Smith to work with him. I explained that Smith's position was safe, but that people tuned in to see Nova as part of the show, not to hear him talk about it. The way to build stars, especially early on, was to have them interact with Nova, in front of the camera. Jeff Nova was hesitant, but eventually agreed. It probably didn't hurt that I suggested that we could hire Emma Evans as his secretary....

Here I am, in jolly ol' England. Welcome to the 21st Century. This is...

The British Entertainment Experiment</div>

Greg McNeish · September 14, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Roster

Main Event

Joss Thompson

'The Complete Package' is an American, who couldn't find his way, in his homeland, so crossed the Atlantic, and is now carving out a nice living, as a star attraction in England. Hopefully I can achieve some of that same success, in my own British excapades. In 2007, he joined forces with Kathleen Lee and Leo Price, to form 'The Takeover', who have the express goal of overthrowing Jeff Nova.

Stevie Stoat

The first of many people to join the roster as a result of Nova's purchase. Stoat built up a following in Ring of Fire, where his technical skills could be fully appreciated. He hasn't been able to achieve the same success in 21CW, as he's as charasmatic as a cinder block.

Pit Bull Brown

One of the best punchers in all of wrestling, Pit Bull's got a good ground game too, and is able to work with just about anyone. He's got a bit of a reputation for ribbing guys in the locker room, to mixed reviews.

Adam Matravers

'Mile High' Matravers is possibly the most athletically gifted man in the company, if not the country. He and his real-life girlfriend, Phoebe Plumridge, have won the loyalty of wrestling fans, who have seen them blossom as a couple, right before their eyes. They present a vulnerability that isn't often seen in the ultra-macho world of pro wrestling.

Jonathan Faust

Our World Champion, coming in. A 21CW original, he used to go by the name Rod 'The God' Todd, claiming to actually be a deity. Obviously, that didn't fly with the TV execs, so Faust switched to his current ring name and character, as a self-absorbed weasel. He's got the goods on the mic, and is decent enough in the ring to have a promising future in the business.

Upper Midcard

DJ Reason

The oldest man on our active roster (34), Reason was a big player for years in MOSC. His dance hall character is versatile, and the DJ is one of our best brawlers.

Nightmare

A very green young man, Nightmare truly does live up to his name. He's very marketable as a monster, and with training will be a real asset. At 21 years of age, he's definitely got time on his side.

Leo Price

The other half of The Takeover, 'The Lion' is a good all-arounder, who specializes in taking his matches from standard mat work, to an all-out brawl. Throughout his career, Leo Price has seemed just one step away from becoming a breakout star, without ever quite living up to the hype.

Rolling Johnny Stones

It seems there's nothing this guy can't do. He's another all-arounder, but his arsenal largely builds around his incredible array of suplexes. He has built his name (literally) on his ability to roll from one suplex, into another, in a visually stunning way. He's got the mic skills to back it all up, too.

Daniel Black Francis

The young British rastafarian is a fun guy, but the fun ends when the bell rings, as Francis is a terrific brawler, with a good ground game to back it up. At just 23 years of age, Francis displays a natural ability to connect with an audience, and make them believe in him. He comes into 2008 as the United Kingdom Champion.

Midcard

Luke Cool

A good looking kid, that plays to the girls in the audience, he used to play a babyface teen idol, but the crowd rejected him, leading to a heel turn. He's got an air about him that just makes you believe that you're seeing a star being born. He's going to have to build up his skills to match, if he ever wants to reach those lofty heights.

Phillip Cooper

A young man with a pretty good all-around game, the 'Cooper Man' has built a connection with the fans more through his fashion than his skills. If he can keeps growing like he has in his career, Cooper won't have to rely on that gimmick for too long. He had a cup of coffee with the UK Title, hotshotting it off Adam Matravers to Daniel Black Francis, late in 2007.

Chuck Frisby

Not a talented wrestler, by any stretch, Frisby plays a campy character, that gets under the skin of the crowd. He's built his career on being a jobber to the stars, and who am I to change that?

Mister King

King's a good young talker, but that's the only good thing you can say for him. He's a poisonous presence in the locker room, and a sloppy worker in the ring. I don't expect him to be around for very long.

Igor Ivanoff & Ivan Ivanoff

The Ivanoff Brothers are a couple young Englishmen, portraying Russian thugs. Fair enough.... They're both decent brawlers, and are young enough to be valuable members of the tag ranks. They're already former Tag Champs.

Red Dragon

'The Welsh Warrior' was the 21CW World Champion, when Jeff Nova took over the company. Since then, he's had cement shoes. He's a decent aerialist, but doesn't have any of the untangibles that a star must possess. Regardless, he's a steady hand in the ring, and will get the opportunity to earn his way back up the card.

Lower Midcard

Davey London

A decent all-arounder, and a prospect for the future. He's been teaming for the last couple years with Davey Celtic, as the Anglo-Scots Connection. Proving the "depth" of our tag team division, they enter the year as the Tag Team Champions, for the second time.

Genocide Agent & Suicide Agent

The Elimination Agents are a face-painted duo that have held the straps before, on two occassions. They're both young brawlers, who have grown in the company, into decent performers. They've got lots of room to grow.

Davey Celtic

The other half of our Tag Team Champions, Celtic is all sizzle, with no steak, and there isn't honestly a lot of sizzle. He's a hard worker, though, and has time on his side. I've been told coming in, that Davey Celtic is someone that Jeff Nova has high hopes for. My hope is that Nova will be patient.

Openers

Stefan Raynor

One-half of the newest addition to the tag ranks of 21CW, The Assassins' Guild. They were brought in as hired guns for Jonathan Faust, but I've convinced Nova to go another way with Faust. That isn't a comment on these two kids, but a consolidation strategy. We need to build the main event, before using the main event to build the undercard. Anyway, Raynor has some flying skills, and a natural charisma. He should have a good future ahead of him.

Nate Manchester

He bills himself as 'The Real Angel of the North', but Manchester's biggest asset is his ability to gain sympathy from the audience. He's a great punching bag, and will be filling that role for a good long while. He's young and talented enough to lose his way into people's hearts.

Enhancement Talent

Louie Peyton

The other half of The Assassins' Guild, Peyton brings the grit to the duo. He's a little further along than his partner, but appears to have a lower ceiling. Still, a good prospect for the future.

Non-Wrestlers

Phoebe Plumridge

Adam Matravers stunning girlfriend, she plays a very playful character, who loves to have a good time. People love her, and it's easily apparant why. Not only is she good at ringside, as she's one of the best workers on the mic that we have. Most of me hopes and prays that she and Matravers stay together, so they can help each other carry the company. The rest of me wants to see her back on the market.

Kathleen Lee

'The Rock Chick' is the valet of The Takeover, and acts as its leader, alongside Joss Thompson. A talented gal, she's also got looks on her side, and should have no trouble helping her boys get over. As well, at only $100 per appearance, she's the most cost-friendly member of the roster.

Steve Smith

Got his start as the announcer for the World's Strongest Man competitions, alongside Jeff Nova. When Nova purchased 21CW, he brought Smith in as the lead play-by-play man, and the veteran broadcaster took to his new environment like a fish to water. Almost overnight, Smith became the best announcer in the country. Couple that with his friendship to the owner, and Steve Smith basically has a blank cheque to stay at our announce table.

Jeff Nova

He's the boss, so I'd better keep my words positive. He's been Steve Smith's partner, since buying the company, but that is coming to an end. He'll be taking on the role as the on-screen authority figure of the company, as well as the primary interviewer. This should give the talent the maximum opportunities to be seen rubbing shoulders with him, and establishing themselves off his star power. Now, if only I could convince him to step back into the ring....

The Steamroller

He's been working as the company's road agent, since his retirement in late 2006. With me taking over that role, he's left without much of a purpose. He's one of the best talkers in the country, so is too valuable to just cut loose. Unfortunately, we've got enough managers at the moment, so there isn't much of a place for him there. I'll have him working the pre-show matches, just to keep him busy, until I can figure something more worthwhile out for him.

Greg McNeish

That's me. I'll be handling reffing and road agent duties, same as in CGC. I wonder if that'll feel different, now that the orders are coming from me.

Greg McNeish · September 16, 2009

21st Century Wrestling

The British Entertainment Experiment

Best of British Wrestling Preview

Another year in the 21st Century has dawned, and with it, another era in 21CW: Pay-Per-View.

That's right, four weeks from now, 21CW will debut on PPV, becoming the first company in Britain to ever broadcast through this medium. Be sure to tune in for the premiere broadcast, to see history in the making.

With 21CW's PPV debut, you can be sure that everyone in the locker room will be looking to make a big impression on Jeff Nova, in the hopes of taking part in this landmark show.

The opening match of the year will feature 'Mile High' Adam Matravers taking to the skies against Rolling Johnny Stones. Matravers was the United Kingdom Champion, up until a month ago, and is now looking to break into the World Title scene. Can Matravers make his mark against Stones, or is the suplex specialist too much for the high flier?

Speaking of the United Kingdom Title, Daniel Black Francis will defend his gold against the flamboyant Chuch Frisby. Francis defeated Phillip Cooper for the title in his first defense. Will lightning strike twice? Will we see another new champion, or will this be the first of many successful defenses by the rastafarian champion?

2007 was not kind to Red Dragon. In 2006, he held the 21CW World Championship for a full third of the year. Since losing that belt, he has seen a big reversal of fortunes. If he's going to turn things around in '08, he's going to have to start with another former World Champion, Joss Thompson. Will we see a new Dragon appear? Will Thompson take the opportunity to make a statement for his group, The Takeover?

In the main event, the only two-time World Champion in 21CW history, Pit Bull Brown will meet the ever-dangerous Stevie Stoat. Stoat has made it clear that he has felt slighted by Jeff Nova, and the rest of 21CW, feeling that his long history of success in British wrestling has been overlooked in favour of all the "kids" Nova has brought into the roster. There have been rumours that the winner of this match will earn a World Title shot at the PPV. Will Stoat take this opportunity to prove his pedigree, or will the Pit Bull's fighting spirit carry the day?

All this and more, this week in the 21st Century.

Prediction Key

Adam Matravers vs. Rolling Johnny Stones

United Kingdom Championship
Daniel Black Francis © vs. Chuck Frisby

Red Dragon vs. Joss Thompson

Pit Bull Brown vs. Stevie Stoat

Hyde Hill · September 16, 2009

Adam Matravers vs. Rolling Johnny Stones

United Kingdom Championship

Red Dragon vs. Joss Thompson

Pit Bull Brown vs. Stevie Stoat

BHK1978 · September 16, 2009

I do not really know the English scene all that well in the C-Verse but I will try and make some picks:

Adam Matravers vs. Rolling Johnny Stones

Going with Adam because he is usually one of the first people that I sign when running the SWF.

United Kingdom Championship

DBF is another one that I steal for the SWF, to me he is the C-Verse version of Kofi Kingston.

Red Dragon vs. Joss Thompson

Yet another guy that I steal for the SWF (man maybe I do know the English scene better than I thought).

Pit Bull Brown vs. Stevie Stoat

FINisher · September 16, 2009

Adam Matravers vs. Rolling Johnny Stones

United Kingdom Championship

Red Dragon vs. Joss Thompson

Pit Bull Brown vs. Stevie Stoat

This one was the hardest prediction as it could go either way.

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