My Career is Over... (OD Diary)

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]My Career is Over.[/B][/CENTER] [IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/godnightshade/zrm.jpg[/IMG] That's me, Zack Macomber. It started in late November of 2005. It was my fifth match after turning pro. I was going up against the always feared Big Smack Scott. Well, as usual, Scott was on some Smack and snapped my leg like a twig. My career… is over. But I refuse to leave the business. I won’t let Scott win. I refuse. I’ve learned a lot in my time, studying booking under Corporal Doom. I think I can do it. I think I can be the next big thing in booking. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do. CZCW, NYCW, WEXXV, ROF, and MOSC all have openings for head booker. I will take the spot at the head of one of these companies. -- [CENTER][B]Thursday, Week 1, December 2005.[/B][/CENTER] And there it was, coming off their last show of the year, Ring of Fire offered me the position as head booker. With a talented, yet expensive roster, British Samurai immediately told me two things that had to happen. First, in two years from this date, Ring of Fire must have no less than $23,500. Second, in two years, ROF must be more popular than it is now. Finally, get the boys over. And so it will be. -- [CENTER][B]Saturday, Week 1, December 2005.[/B][/CENTER] Taking a look at the show ROF ran before I came in… [quote] [CENTER][B]Monday, Week 1, December 2005.[/B][/CENTER] ROF Death Beckons Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 300 Lance Martin, Kelly Martin, Chuck Frisby defeat Jay B., Merle O’Curle, Johnny Stones (Rating: C-) The Show Stealers defeat the Shooters to retain the Ring of Fire Tag Championships (Rating: C) UK Dragon defeated K’Lee Hawkins (Rating: C) Stevie Stoat defeated British Samurai to retain the Ring of Fire Championship (Rating: C) Overall Rating: C [/quote] It’ll be a standard to keep up. I’m not used to pure federations, having been around traditional and family friendly promotions all my life. I love a challenge though. I’ll be leaving the States tonight and meeting British Samurai tomorrow. -- [CENTER][B]Sunday, Week 1, December 2005.[/B] UK – Midlands The home of British Samurai[/CENTER] I walked up to the door of Sam’s home in Coventry, wiped the sweat off my brow, despite it being winter, and knocked. Sam “British Samurai” Fellows answered the door with a smile on his face. “You must be Zack Macomber… Congratulations on your new position,” he said as he extended his hand toward me. I accepted, of course, if ROF is going to go anywhere, I’m going to need Sam’s help and full cooperation. “That’s me sir. I’m here to do whatever you ask of me. I want to make ROF the best I can make it.” “Come in, we have a lot to talk about.” And so I went in. We chatted for well over four hours about wrestling, my career, life in general. I feel good about coming out here. A lot of big things are going to happen. I know it.

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]Friday, Week 2, December 2005.[/B][/CENTER] Sam told me to go ahead and get to know the roster, so over the week, I met them all. I got my list and went right down, interviewed them, and wrote down what I felt is important. First off, [B]Adam Matravers.[/B] This kid is the future of wrestling. He’s 26 years old, wrestles a cruiserweight style, and I’ll be damned if he isn’t one fine looking young man. He can brawl, take it to the mat, and take it to the skies, and he’s one of the top performers on the roster. He teams with Petey Barnes as the Show Stealers and is one half of the ROF Tag Team Champions. He’s currently in the upper midcard making $800 a show for the next 348 days. [B]Billy Robinson.[/B] He’s a 21 year old technical wrestler who has a lot of room to improve. He won’t be going to any entertainment based promotions for quite awhile, as he has no personality to speak of. He regularly teams with Don Henderson as the Shooters. He’s currently in the midcard making $500 a show for the next 260 days. [B]British Samurai.[/B] The owner of the promotion, Sam is a technician with good performing skills. He will likely be seen at the top of the card for the rest of his career, which will likely be for quite a while longer, as he is only 31. He’s in the main event and makes $1200 a month for the rest of his life. [B]Don Henderson.[/B] Don is 24 years old and is a mat wrestler. His main strengths are his submissions, his great performance skills, and his intensity. Don is the other half of the Shooters with Billy Robinson. He’s currently in the midcard making $500 a show for the next 476 days. [B]Jay B.[/B] Or Jerome Baker, whichever you prefer. Jay is 29 years old and just wrestles a regular style. He’s really not that talented when you look at the rest of the roster, but you have to have someone to make the others look good, right? He’s currently an opener and is making $350 a show for the next 247 days. And unless he gets real good, real quick, he won’t be making anything in 248 days. [B]Justin Blackham.[/B] Justin is our announcer. He’s only 29, but he is the encyclopedia of professional wrestling. You want to know who won what title when? Ask Justin. You want to know the distinct names of 250 different arm bars? Ask Justin. He’s making $400 a show for the next 585 days. [B]Kelly Martin.[/B] Kelly is a 21 year old technical wrestler. That’s about all he does that is passable… but he looks good. He and his twin brother Lance have the potential to go far together. He tags with Lance under the banner of Absolutely Flawless. He’s currently in the lower midcard and is making $350 a show for the next 339 days. [B]K’Lee Hawkins.[/B] K’Lee is a 28 year old technician. He’s quite average at everything, but he’s over somehow. He’s currently in the upper midcard and is making $500 per show for the next 189 days. [B]Lance Martin.[/B] Lance is also 21 years old and is a technician. He is just like his brother, except he doesn’t do as well in a strong style setting. He’s in the lower midcard and is making $350 a show for the next 295 days. [B]Leo Price.[/B] Leo is the oldest active wrestler at the age of 36. He’s a solid technician who can really do it all in the ring. He should be the man that all the young bucks will have to go through to make it to the top of ROF. Leo teams with Walter Morgan as the Wigan Bulldogs. He’s in the upper midcard and is making $500 a show for the next 295 days. [B]Merle O’Curle.[/B] Merle is a 28 year old technician who is one of the most naturally talented on the roster. He’s a natural at submissions, hence his nickname the Irish Stretching Machine. He’s currently an opener making $100 for the next 153 days. [B]Petey Barnes.[/B] Petey is the 23 year old partner of Adam Matravers in the Show Stealers. He is another Cruiserweight style wrestler who has learned a lot from his partner. He could be one of the future names in the UK. He’s currently an upper midcarder making $500 a show for the next 539 days. [B]Referee Bailey.[/B] He’s the ROF’s sole referee. He knows the rules of the game, but makes his share of mistakes. We’ll see how he does before making any more judgments of him. He is making $100 a show. [B]Rolling Johnny Stones.[/B] Stones is a 32 year old technician who is solid in just about every aspect. He’s coming off a disappointing losing streak and is looking to turn things around. He’s currently in the midcard making $500 a show for the next 610 days. [B]Stevie Stoat.[/B] He is a 31 year old technician who has recently been bring himself into greatness. He is a solid technical worker who really can’t go wrong in the ring. His intensity in the ring is really allowing him to make a name for himself. He is the current Ring of Fire Champion, making him a fixture in the main event as he makes $800 a show for the next 403 days. [B]UK Dragon.[/B] Dragon is a 30 year old super junior wrestler. He can do just about everything and he can do it well. Despite his manipulative personality, he can be big if he remembers to what is good for the business. He is currently the Ring of Fire Burning Champion. He’s in the main event and is making $800 per show for the next 78 days. [B]Uppercut Bailey.[/B] Bailey is 37 years old and is ROF’s road agent. He’s not much of a locker room leader, but he’s the best on the UK scene that we can even begin to afford. He’s making $925 an appearance for the next 249 days. [B]Walter Morgan.[/B] Morgan is a 31 year old regular style wrestler. He’s a great technician and a wonderful performer. He teams with Leo Price as the Wigan Bulldogs. He’s currently in the upper midcard, making $1200 a show for the next 636 days. After going through the roster, I felt that we have no place for Chuck Frisby, Kathleen Lee, and Joan Evans. It’s tough to have to let people go, but it’s necessary. We will be having our first show on the first day of the New Year, as we present New Year Revolution. On that card, expect to see UK Dragon defend his Burning Championship against British Samurai, the Show Stealers to defend against Absolutely Flawless, Stevie Stoat defend the ROF Championship against Merle O’Curle, and Rolling Johnny Stones face off against K’Lee Hawkins.

[Irish Wolf]

Adam Matravers versus Leo Price and anything that has to do with Merle O'Curle

[Derek B]

Boo!! Merle O'Curle is evil! Job him and fire him anf force him to live on beans!! Boo!! :) Derek B - wonders if anyone knows what I'm talking about

[Greg McNeish]

I'm 2 1/2 years into my RoF game, and Merle O'Curle has been golden. You've got his services for the next 2 years at $100/appearance. I almost never put on a show without him. Not only that, but the guy actually has talent. Here's a tip: Hire JD Morgan (from DAVE), and fire Uppercut Bailey. JD Morgan is a great Road Agent, and also a skilled Technician. He puts on great matches, is a Locker Room Leader (you currently have none), AND benefits the entire roster. I got him for $1,000/appearance, with no downside (not that it would matter, as I always used him). That's only $200 more than Uppercut, and he would also be one of your top performers. On a similar note, you should hire an Active Wrestler to do Announcing for you. I use Rod 'The God' Todd (from 21CW). Just like Morgan, he's a good performer, and also adds tremendous value outside the ring. Not only that, but he has good enough Psychology to act as Road Agent when Morgan is in the ring. But, then, your game is different than mine, and these are simply suggestions. I'll definitely be reading. Cheers!

[D-Lyrium]

Wooo, RoF dynasty! By far my favourite promotion to book, although I wish you luck writing an interesting diary for 'em ;) I'll be reading to see if you do, that's for sure. No Walter Morgan on two shows in a row sucks though :p

[Nightshadeex]

[B][CENTER]Monday, Week 1, January 2006.[/CENTER][/B] ROF New Year Revolution Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 300 Leo Price started the night out by destroying Jay B. by pinfall in 6:12 (Rating: D) Rolling Johnny Stones defeated K'Lee Hawkins in 8:48 by pinfall. (Rating: D) The Show Stealers defeated Absolutely Flawless in 7:53 when Adam Matravers defeated Lance Martin by pinfall with a Mile High Moonsault. The Show Stealers make defense number 2 of their Ring Of Fire Tag Championship titles. (Rating: C) Stevie Stoat defeated Merle O'Curle in 17:36 by pinfall. Stevie Stoat makes defence number 2 of his Ring Of Fire Championship title. (Rating: C-) UK Dragon defeated British Samurai in 8:43 by pinfall with a Dragon Drop. UK Dragon makes defense number 1 of his Ring Of Fire Burning title. (Rating: C) Final Rating: C- Notes: Referee Bailey is indeed no good at refereeing. He brought down all the segments of the show. Merle O’Curle put on a good show against the champion, but in the end was out there for just too long. This show can definitely be considered a success.

[Nightshadeex]

Thanks for looking and replying everyone. I hope you enjoy what I've been doing. I think I have a good thing going here.

[MightyDavidson]

[QUOTE=Nightshadeex]Thanks for looking and replying everyone. I hope you enjoy what I've been doing. I think I have a good thing going here.[/QUOTE] I agree. Get yourself a better ref and you might see a marked improvement in your show ratings.

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]Wednesday, Week 1, January 2006.[/B] UK - Midlands Office of British Samurai[/CENTER] I walked into Sam’s office, not fully knowing what to expect. I thought the show had gone rather well, but I didn’t get the feeling he felt the same way. “Well kid, you did good for your first night,” he said. “I understand it will give you a little time to get used to everything around here, but I know you can do better. So prove me right.” I replied, “Yes sir. I have a plan… I need you to stick with me on this one, but you, Dragon, and Stevie are going to have a series of matches. And I need them to be great.” “Do you know who you’re talking to?” “I do, and that’s why I know this is going to work.” Sam smiled as I told him about my forthcoming few months of shows. After the meeting, next month’s card was set. The Show Stealers will face off against the Wigan Bulldogs. Johnny Stones will take on Kelly Martin. British Samurai will take on Billy Robinson. UK Dragon and Stevie Stoat will clash in a non-title match. Karl Dexter has also been hired to take the place of Jacob Bailey as head referee. Jacob has been moved to Color Commentator to give that a try. -- [B][CENTER]Monday, Week 1, February 2006.[/CENTER][/B] ROF Fire Sale Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 285 Rolling Johnny Stones started the night out with a decisive defeat of Kelly Martin in 7:51 by submission. (Rating: D) British Samurai followed by defeating Billy Robinson in 11:35 by pinfall. (Rating: C-) The Show Stealers defeated The Wigan Bulldogs in 13:57 when Petey Barnes defeated Walter Morgan by submission. The Show Stealers make defense number 3 of their Ring Of Fire Tag Championship titles. (Rating: C) UK Dragon defeated Stevie Stoat in 17:47 by submission with an Octopus Stretch. (Rating: C-) Final Rating: C- Notes: And in the big disappointment of my short tenure here in ROF, UK Dragon and Stevie Stoat don’t click well together. Big disappointment. Karl Dexter is an improvement, but not much of one. He will need time to develop. Next month, ROF presents the Ides of March. So far on the card, see Absolutely Flawless take on the Shooters, Rolling Johnny Stones face off against Merle O’Curle, Adam Matravers will face off against Leo Price in a number one contenders match to the Burning Championship, and in the main event, we will see a three way dance between Stevie Stoat, UK Dragon, and British Samurai for the ROF Championship.

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]Monday, Week 1, March 2006.[/B][/CENTER] ROF Ides of March Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 285 Rolling Johnny Stones defeated Merle O'Curle in 12:51 by pinfall. (Rating: C-) The Shooters defeated Absolutely Flawless in 8:31 when Don Henderson defeated Kelly Martin by submission. (Rating: D) Adam Matravers defeated Leo Price in 16:15 by pinfall with a Mile High Moonsault. (Rating: C) Stevie Stoat defeated UK Dragon and British Samurai in 12:32; the order of elimination was British Samurai first, and finally UK Dragon. Stevie Stoat makes defense number 3 of his Ring Of Fire Championship title. (Rating: C) Final Rating: C- Notes: If we would have gone with a different combo in the tag match, this would have been an outstanding night. Karl Dexter still needs to improve on his refereeing, but Jacob Bailey in the color commentary spot has been a good idea. -- [CENTER][B]Tuesday, Week 1, March 2006.[/B] UK – Midlands British Samurai’s office[/CENTER] It was time for our first contract negotiations. UK Dragon’s contract was up and seeing that he is the Burning Champion, I felt it would be a good idea to keep him around. He came into Sam’s office, which I use when he’s at home, with an aura of ****iness. “Hello Dragon, take a seat,” I offered as he stepped in. “I suppose you know why you’re here.” “You need me here,” he replied. “You’re right, we do. I’m willing to bump up your salary two hundred bucks a night. That’s $1000 an appearance.” “That’s all you can do for me? I mean, come on, I’m hot property. There’s UCR and GCG that take up a good amount of my time. I think I need a little more of an incentive.” I could feel what he was doing… and I knew I wouldn’t get out of the room without either losing one of my top stars or losing a decent amount of money on this deal. “Well Dragon, what are you thinking is a better offer for a man in your position?” “Fifteen hundred a night,” he said with a stone cold glare. I winced. He had me where he wanted me. “Come on, you really think Sam will let me pay someone more than he makes a month?” It was time to pull out all the stops. “Dragon, the highest Sam will let me go is 1175 a show. It’s all we can afford.” He was smiling. He knew he just nabbed nearly four hundred extra dollars a show. He extended his hand and I sighed as I took it. “You’ve got a deal,” he gleamed. “Thanks Dragon. I appreciate it.” He got up and left, leaving me to jot down what I want for next month’s Light Speed. In the main event, the Burning Championship will be defended as UK Dragon takes on Adam Matravers. Stevie Stoat faces off against Don Henderson. British Samurai takes on Petey Barnes. And K’Lee Hawkins will challenge ROF’s newest signing.

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]Monday, Week 1, April 2006.[/B][/CENTER] ROF Light Speed Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 285 Ali Bloxsome made his debut as he defeated K'Lee Hawkins in 9:19 by submission. (Rating: D) British Samurai defeated Petey Barnes in 12:26 by pinfall. (Rating: C-) Stevie Stoat defeated Don Henderson in 10:13 by pinfall. Stevie Stoat makes defense number 4 of his Ring Of Fire Championship title. (Rating: C) UK Dragon defeated Adam Matravers in 20:41 by pinfall with a Dragon Drop. UK Dragon makes defense number 2 of his Ring Of Fire Burning title. (Rating: C+) Final Rating: C Notes: UK Dragon and Adam Matravers are great in the ring together. This is a real pleasant surprise. I’m a little bummed that Ali and K’Lee didn’t go as well as it looked on paper, but maybe the lack of momentum from both competitors led to it. I can only guess as to where we will be able to go from here. -- [CENTER][B]Friday, Week 1, April 2006.[/B][/CENTER] Here’s the breakdown of Ali Bloxsome. [B]Ali Bloxsome.[/B] He’s a 37 year old technical wrestler. One of the big plusses about Ali is that he’s both a good worker and he’s one of the most over guys in the UK. He’s currently in the upper midcard making $850 a night for the next 227 days. With that, the card for the next show has been drawn up and approved. Ali Bloxsome will face off against Lance Martin. Rolling Johnny Stones, Billy Robinson, K’Lee Hawkins, and Kelly Martin will face off in a fatal four way match. The Wigan Bulldogs will face off in tag team action vs. the Show Stealers. And the main event will see British Samurai vs. Stevie Stoat vs. UK Dragon in a rematch of their three way dance, again for the Ring of Fire Championship.

[Nightshadeex]

[CENTER][B]Tuesday, Week 4, April 2006.[/B] Midlands – UK British Samurai’s Office[/CENTER] Off of a hot tip from a respected wrestling website, I decided to get a hold of Razor Valentine and see if I could get him to work here. He’s well respected, he can work, and he’s over. Another helping hand in the locker room couldn’t hurt, right? He walked in dressed up in a suit coat and black pants. He shook my hand right away and introduced himself. My first thought was, “Wow, I’m going to leave this office with him on my squad? Awesome!” “Hello Mr. Valentine. I’m glad you could meet me for negotiations today.” “The pleasure is all mine, son,” he replied. “I feel that the best way to take care of these things is to put all my chips on the table right away. Ring of Fire can afford to pay you $1200 a show.” He paused for a moment, turning it over in his head. “I’m not sure that’s going to be enough for me. You see, this isn’t the only call I’ve received. UCR is interested in bringing me in too. I can’t really afford to go back and forth from the UK and the continent. If you really want me, you’re going to have to do better.” I could feel my eye twitching. He knows I’m low balling him and he knows I can do just a little bit better. I needed to do something fast. “Why don’t we get out of this stuffy office? I know a nice pub down the street that serves good American food. Thank God for CAMRA. What do you say?” “I suppose we could do that.” I opened the door for the man, and we walked out. How would I make this pitch? Well, it probably won't happen... -- [B]Sunday, Week 4, April 2006.[/B] I came to my computer and checked my e-mail. Surprisingly I had something… ATTN: Contract Negotiation [QUOTE] From: [email]ISMocurle@yahoo.com[/email] To: [email]ROFBooking@ringoffire.co.uk[/email] Hey there boss, ummm… I don’t know how to say this, but I think it’s time to do some contract negotiation. I’ve put on some good performances from you and I think it’s time for a raise. How does $400 a night sound? Get back to me soon. -Merle O’Curle[/QUOTE] Oh boy… this is going to be fun. -- [B]Monday, Week 1, May 2006.[/B] “Where’s UK Dragon?” I started screaming about an hour before the show. One of our stars isn’t here. “Why, oh why isn’t he here? He’s been booked for over three weeks!” Stevie Stoat walked in with a nugget of wisdom, “He’s a dick, he goes where he can get paid the most. He doesn’t care if you’ve booked him first or not.” “Awesome…” I then looked to Sam. “What should I do?” “I don’t know buddy, I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles,” he answered. All I could do was sigh. Looks like Dragon isn’t getting a shot at the belt tonight. ROF The Cookie Crumbles Norman Blue Athletic Center (Midlands UK; Tiniest) Attendance: 285 Rolling Johnny Stones started the show by defeating Kelly Martin, K'Lee Hawkins and Billy Robinson in 12:43 when Rolling Johnny Stones defeated Kelly Martin by pinfall. (Rating: C-) Ali Bloxsome defeated Lance Martin in 8:33 by submission. (Rating: D) The Wigan Bulldogs defeated The Show Stealers in 17:34 when Walter Morgan defeated Petey Barnes by submission. The Wigan Bulldogs win the Ring Of Fire Tag Championship titles. (Rating: C-) Stevie Stoat defeated British Samurai in 10:40 by pinfall. Stevie Stoat makes defense number 5 of his Ring Of Fire Championship title. (Rating: C-) Final Rating: C- Notes: Well, some fans were pissed that Dragon wasn’t there despite being advertised. We were too. Instead of coming here, he lost in a 6-man tag in UCR. Sam was off his game tonight too, which definitely didn’t go well for us. It was a down month, but we’re still putting on successful shows. Next month, for Ring of Fire’s Colony Wars, Petey Barnes takes on Jay B. Also, Don Henderson vs. Merle O’Curle vs. Billy Robinson in a submission match. Adam Matravers gets a rematch against UK Dragon for the Burning Championship. And Ali Bloxsome takes on British Samurai for number one contendership to the ROF Championship.

[MightyDavidson]

So the guy hits you up for more money and then doesn't bother to show up for his booking? Fire the bugger and give his spot to somebody who's willing to actually show up to thier bookings. Possibly job his ass out too.