"The League"--A Multiplayer Wrestling Spirit II Experience

[ShadowedFlames]

WE ARE CURRENTLY ON SEASON TWO. THAT STARTS AT POST 280 OF THIS THREAD.

 

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER JUST CLICK: THIS POST TAKES YOU TO SEASON TWO.

 

ALSO, THE STAT SHEET FOR THE CHARACTER CONTROLLED BY THE LEAGUE DIRECTOR CAN BE FOUND HERE. THIS IS FOR FAIRNESS PURPOSES, AS THE DIRECTOR HAS ACCESS TO ALL BUILDS CURRENTLY IN PLAY.

 

========================================

 

 

AN IDEA TAKES ROOT….

 

Location: Classified

March 3, 2010

 

"You do realize the risks you're thinking of taking, right?"

 

Sighing, the figure turned in the chair that had been facing the window, and now faced the worried face of Terrance Warder, his financial advisor. "Warder, I know what I am doing. This is like nothing ever done in a professional wrestling company before. People will come to watch. And even if they do not, and this whole idea sinks before it can really get going, the financial investment I've put into this will be negligible. It's a risk I'm willing to take."

 

"Sir, with all due respect, how are you going to break into the media in these places? SWF and TCW have cornered the American market, NOTBPW has it in Canada, the Mexican situation is incredibly crowded--"

 

"Warder, you leave that to me. I'll make it work. The how and why of that is not your concern."

 

"But, Mr.--" His voice stopped immediately when the figure raised a hand at him. He had nearly forgotten the first rule in dealing with his client, in his emotional outburst. "Sir. What you want to do reeks of the impossible. You want to find wrestlers of an identical skill level from all over, and bring them together in a true wrestling competition to see how they would improve themselves? The typical wrestling fan will not buy that for a moment. Need I remind you, sir, of the debacle that was SWF New Blood Rising? That is very similar to what you have in mind, and that show barely lasted two months before being canned. I know you have your mind set on a four month 'season,' but do you think it will continue to hold interest by then?"

 

The figure sighed and rose from his chair, the afternoon sun still blocking his features. Pacing back and forth, he addressed the question thrown at him. "The problem with New Blood Rising, Warder, is that the participants weren't equal. You had one of CZCW's most known wrestlers working a new gimmick that he couldn't pull off suitably. That hurt his credibility and thus the credibility of the show. Most of the other 'New Blood' were green by comparison—again, imbalance. Factor in that one of the 'trainers' of that show was Big Smack Scott, and the situation worsens. The final nail in the coffin, I think, was that they didn't have a set way to run the show. One week it was a competition, the next it was a sort of documentary, and another week it seemed like a game show with people trying to trade future favors to keep from being future endeavored.

 

"This is not going to be anything like that. I have plans already in place. The only way I'm changing the format is if we can find more wrestlers than I planned, and even then I have the format already set to use if needed. There will be no changing on the fly, no improvisation needed. It will show from the first moment of the season, Warder, to the final bell in the championship match. This will work. I can feel it."

 

"Sir...I still advise against this, but it is your call in the end. What do you want to do?"

 

There was another pause. "Make this happen."

 

With those words, the wheels were set in motion, with an end result nobody could have predicted at this moment in time. Sighing, Warder nodded once and left the office, as the figure turned once again to look out over the city. In his professional life, he had been certain of every step, every decision he'd made in the last fifteen years.

 

So why did he feel so uncertain about this, now that it was in motion?

 

\___(^)___/

 

The chain of events that followed in the next two months seemed to fall easily in favor of the as-yet-unidentified financial backer. Word began to spread through the media markets that the summer of 2010 would bring about a change to the world of professional wrestling. As rumors began to circulate as to what this grand change would entail, the media blitz continued worldwide. Some thought it was a revamped version of the failed SWF New Blood Rising. Others thought it might be a TCW counterpart to that failed show, wanting to show their rivals how to do it. A few eccentric types even postulated that this was NOTBPW's coming out party in the United States.

 

And on May 6, 2010...the truth was finally revealed.

 

\___(^)___/

 

(Taken from TotalExtremeWrestling.com, May 6, 2010)

 

THE LEAGUE

Details finally come to light on 2010's imminent "change in pro wrestling"

It's official: the next wave in pro wrestling finally has a name.

 

Details about one of the industry's most-hyped projects finally came to light today in a press conference. Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona just hours ago.

 

"...Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Colt Marshall, and it is my honor to welcome you to the unveiling of the next major in change of pro wrestling: 'The League.'

 

"Unlike some of the so-called 'reality shows' on the air today, The League is, quite simply, taking wrestlers of an equal caliber, putting them into matches against each other, and seeing which one can improve well enough to crown themselves as the League's champion. There will be no immunity, no pointless challenges beyond what these men and women will go through in the ring, and no guest 'trainers,' either. This is competition, plain and simple. We have seen where conceptual reality shows, such as Arcadia's 'Survival of the Lost,' US-East's 'Harmonic Idol,' and even the short-lived 'New Blood Rising,' fail to stand up to the expectations of viewers. Either they get bored, or they say that the competition is fixed--a growing worry in today's entertainment-hungry world--or that the product just does not resonate with the fans.

 

"The League is going to change that. We've put together twelve wrestlers, all of whom are evenly-matched, and arranged a travel schedule with a number of different arenas to provide the audience--both the paying audience in the arenas and the viewing audience on any of our partner broadcast stations--with an experience in which the competition is as real as it gets. I will be serving as the Director for The League, on behalf of my boss who wishes to remain anonymous at this time.

 

"In addition, we are not leaving the vast number of Internet users out of the loop, either. We have reached an agreement with noted wrestling blogger Tori Montgomery, of 'Beyond Ringside' fame, to work for us in a similar capacity. In fact, our fans on the Internet will be able to play along with Miss Montgomery in a prediction contest, where the winner can earn the right to dictate the wrestlers in each of the divisions for the following season.

 

"Barring a natural disaster, the first week of action in The League will begin on June 4, from Yurtec Stadium Sendai in Sendai, Japan. The season will conclude on September 17, from a stadium currently being renovated for this event in New Zealand. Scheduled stops include Vancouver, Washington, and London...."

 

You can find the entire press conference on the front page of the site; a full schedule for The League may be found by clicking here.

 

 

(Next time, on "The League:" Week One Preview)

[ShadowedFlames]

Season 1, Week 1 Preview

 

Season One, Week One

May 31, 2010

 

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae344/ShadowedFlames/GDS%20League%20Stuff/BeyondRingsideBanner.jpg

Welcome, everyone, to the opening week of League action! I'm Tori Montgomery, your Internet source for all things League-related for the next four months.

 

So, it's finally time. Months of hype, of speculation, and of planning come to fruition this Friday. Twelve wrestlers come together for an event that will make wrestling history, as The League kicks off from the Land of the Rising Sun. Over the next few months, we'll go into the background of some of the wrestlers, answer fan questions, and likely debate the merits of how people are choosing to train. Needless to say, this should be a fun ride and I am more than excited to be here for it.

 

Because this is the first week of The League, things might look a bit different than what you'll find here in later weeks. Consider that a friendly reminder.

 

With that disclaimer out of the way, let's go into what is traditionally the first section of Beyond Ringside…

 

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM RINGSIDE

 

This is the section of the program where I take comments and questions from you, the fans, and attempt to answer them to the best of my ability. And although my mailbox is rather light this week, there are still a couple of good questions to throw out there.

 

Given that everyone has a little experience in the ring, from the bios listed on the League's official website, is it too early to pick a favorite? --E. Anderson, Boise, ID

 

Yes. It's far too early to pick a favorite to win the League Championship this year. I'm certain everyone has their personal favorites and least favorites, but to realistically pick a winner at this stage is basically hopeless. After all, we haven't seen the wrestlers inside the ring yet, plus the wild card of training hasn't come into play yet. Get back to me about halfway through the season, and I might have a decent answer for you.

 

It's kind of hard not to notice that technical wrestlers occupy almost half of the roster. Would you say, then, that a technical wrestler would be more suited to this format than, say, a cruiserweight? --K. Levitt, Baton Rouge, LA

Honestly...I'm not sure. While it's true that traditionally, technical wrestlers have done better in wrestling promotions than strikers or high-fliers, this is a completely different ball game. Sources tell me that they've seen Diamond, the smallest member of our roster, manage to take down a seven-foot-tall sparring partner in under five minutes...and she's a high-flier, folks. I wouldn't put hype into "technical wrestlers are superior" here because quite simply, they may not be in this case.

 

CURRENT STANDINGS

 

As we've obviously not started League play yet, everyone is tied at a 0-0 record. However, earlier today a drawing was held to determine the members of each of the three divisions for this season. With the schedule working out to wrestle the other members in your division twice, and one match against everyone else, this could go a long way to determining who makes the playoffs at the end of the year. The division draw yielded the following results:

 

ALPHA DIVISION:

The British Warrior

Nuclear Templeton

Maxx Skabb

The Phoenix

 

BETA DIVISION:

SGRaaize

Tarik Nolan

Breaker

Robbie Maynard

 

GAMMA DIVISION:

Diamond

Shawn Arrows

Sean

Johnny Triumph

 

With this format, the three divisional winners and a single wild card--regardless of division--will make the playoffs. All told, it looks to be interesting.

 

PREDICTION CENTRAL

 

As we haven't started, naturally there are no records to show here. Do keep in mind that this will be a season-long process, and whoever wins the prediction contest will earn the right to dictate the divisional draw for The League's second season.

 

The League opens play from Japan's Tohoku region, and on a level ground for everyone involved. Let's get right into the heart of the matter.

 

WEEK ONE: SENDAI, JAPAN (TOHOKU REGION)

(Strong Style match, ref bumps allowed, rules strictly enforced)

 

ALPHA DIVISION MATCH: The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

I've watched Phoenix wrestle for years now. And if there's one thing I've learned, is that he's off his game in his first appearance in a new promotion. I'm going to say the same happens here, and the Warrior comes away with a win.

Tori's Prediction: The British Warrior, via submission (Figure Four), 12:20, C+

 

BETA DIVISION MATCH: SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

While Raaize may be a technical specialist, I don't think Breaker will let him get any solid moves in.

Tori's Prediction: Breaker, via pinfall (Dream Breaker), 11:20, D

 

ALPHA DIVISION MATCH: Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

This is going to be a fight, folks. Plain and simple. I think Nuclear's temper may get the better of him here, and Skabb could sneak away with a win.

Tori's Prediction: Maxx Skabb, via pinfall (Lethal Injection), 12:00, C

 

GAMMA DIVISION MATCH: Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

This is another technical match, and it's one where Johnny will get lucky as Sean will cheat his way to a DQ loss thanks to the strict Japanese referees.

Tori's Prediction: Johnny Triumph, via disqualification, 10:40, D

 

BETA DIVISION MATCH: Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

This is a toss-up for me. I'll be honest, I'm just taking a guess here.

Tori's Prediction: Tarik Nolan, via pinfall (Regulator), 13:40, C

 

GAMMA DIVISION MATCH: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

This match will be a hardcore match!

Talk about the luck of the draw just ruining what should have been an aerial showcase! While I still see a few aerial moves coming out, I'm predicting the finish will come with a weapon-based spot.

Tori's Prediction: Diamond, via pinfall (Diamond in the Sky through a table), 18:30, B

 

Note that fan predictions do not need the time, method of finish, or grade in their guess. After years of watching wrestling, it sort of comes by second nature for me to include those items in a review or prediction.

 

That will wrap up this edition of Beyond Ringside. Until next time, this is Tori Montgomery...so long from ringside!

 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Quick Prediction Key:

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

 

Predictions due by 8:00 pm EDT on June 4 / Midnight BST on June 5, 2010.

 

Next time, on "The League:" Week 1 Action!

[Derek B]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

 

This is gonna be fun, will be interesting to see how people build their guys when they get some money coming in... and it's also interesting that I'm currently unable to remember much about the game. I should probably play it a bit, might help me out.

[SeanMcG]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

 

 

Can't wait for this to begin, though I am a bit unlucky with starting in Japan due to my character's cheating ways

[Zeel1]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

 

Is RP'ing okay, or is that discouraged?

[ShadowedFlames]

Zeel: Rules, Article VI, Section 1. "If you wish to write one [an RP] for fun, you're welcome to; just be advised that it will not alter the results in any way." (In this case, I've already run the matches, so you can't affect results anyway! )

[moon_lit_tears]

*sigh* I see so much faith in me from everyone. Meanies.

[Prophet]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

[moon_lit_tears]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

[i effin rule]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

[Big Roguey]

The Phoenix (0-0, 15%) vs. The British Warrior (0-0, 15%)

SGRaaize (0-0, 15%) vs. Breaker (0-0, 15%)

Maxx Skabb (0-0, 15%) vs. Nuclear Templeton (0-0, 15%)

Johnny Triumph (0-0, 15%) vs. Sean (0-0, 15%)

Robbie Maynard (0-0, 15%) vs. Tarik Nolan (0-0, 15%)

HARDCORE: Shawn Arrows (0-0, 15%) vs. Diamond (0-0, 15%)

 

Are people outwith the league allowed to predict?

[moon_lit_tears]

Anyone not in the game can predict. That came from SF himself. I just asking him since he is working.

[Big Roguey]

Anyone not in the game can predict. That came from SF himself. I just asking him since he is working.

 

Thanks.

[ShadowedFlames]

Progress Report:

 

Despite being sick over the last day or so, half of the card has been written. This is likely going to be one of the few weeks I can get a head-start on the card due to training and such, so I'm taking full advantage of the time while I can.

 

The plan is for the show to be posted around 8:00 p.m. EDT tomorrow (Friday); this will be the plan for future weeks as well. Your personal pages will be updated soon afterward, as time allows. If there is a change in plan I will let everyone know as soon as I am able to.

 

EDIT: Also, keep in mind that I'm still open to suggestions for theme music for each of your characters. So far I only have themes for three wrestlers, as well as the League's main theme. It's not necessary, mind, just something to help further personalize your character. First come, first served on music, so keep that in mind. If you choose to go this route, PM me your choices and I'll try to get them added in.

[Derek B]

Progress Report:

 

Despite being sick over the last day or so, half of the card has been written. This is likely going to be one of the few weeks I can get a head-start on the card due to training and such, so I'm taking full advantage of the time while I can.

 

The plan is for the show to be posted around 8:00 p.m. EDT tomorrow (Friday); this will be the plan for future weeks as well. Your personal pages will be updated soon afterward, as time allows. If there is a change in plan I will let everyone know as soon as I am able to.

 

EDIT: Also, keep in mind that I'm still open to suggestions for theme music for each of your characters. So far I only have themes for three wrestlers, as well as the League's main theme. It's not necessary, mind, just something to help further personalize your character. First come, first served on music, so keep that in mind. If you choose to go this route, PM me your choices and I'll try to get them added in.

 

I can't remember if I gave theme music for my guy or not, but Nuclear Templeton's music is usually "Shock To The System" by Billy Idol. It's a great song and it fits the character nicely. I might get a promo out for him sometime... might not. Will be fun if I do, but I'm hoping to see some other people do bits and pieces first to help set the tone.

[moon_lit_tears]

Progress Report:

 

Despite being sick over the last day or so, half of the card has been written. This is likely going to be one of the few weeks I can get a head-start on the card due to training and such, so I'm taking full advantage of the time while I can.

 

The plan is for the show to be posted around 8:00 p.m. EDT tomorrow (Friday); this will be the plan for future weeks as well. Your personal pages will be updated soon afterward, as time allows. If there is a change in plan I will let everyone know as soon as I am able to.

 

EDIT: Also, keep in mind that I'm still open to suggestions for theme music for each of your characters. So far I only have themes for three wrestlers, as well as the League's main theme. It's not necessary, mind, just something to help further personalize your character. First come, first served on music, so keep that in mind. If you choose to go this route, PM me your choices and I'll try to get them added in.

 

 

You have mine right?

[ShadowedFlames]

I might get a promo out for him sometime... might not. Will be fun if I do, but I'm hoping to see some other people do bits and pieces first to help set the tone.

 

I might try something like that come next week, while I'm waiting for training results to come in. Depends on how my time looks and if I can fit it into the schedule with all of the work-related drama I have going on next week (physical inventory, oh joy!). But I have an idea or two along that line that I want to try to throw out there.

 

NINJA EDIT: Hush, MLT, I have yours. You've only asked me three times now.

[moon_lit_tears]

I might try something like that come next week, while I'm waiting for training results to come in. Depends on how my time looks and if I can fit it into the schedule with all of the work-related drama I have going on next week (physical inventory, oh joy!). But I have an idea or two along that line that I want to try to throw out there.

 

NINJA EDIT: Hush, MLT, I have yours. You've only asked me three times now.

 

Nuh-uh. That was the FIRST time I asked. Cuz you can't prove the other 2.

[Prophet]

I might try something like that come next week, while I'm waiting for training results to come in. Depends on how my time looks and if I can fit it into the schedule with all of the work-related drama I have going on next week (physical inventory, oh joy!). But I have an idea or two along that line that I want to try to throw out there.

 

If I'm not drained from writing for work, I might kick out a small one. More basics than anything, I'm not sure.

 

Also, I noticed that Maxx and Phoenix have 3 matches scheduled. Weeks 3, 9, and 14. Should be 2 inter-conference, yeah?

[ShadowedFlames]

Also, I noticed that Maxx and Phoenix have 3 matches scheduled. Weeks 3, 9, and 14. Should be 2 inter-conference, yeah?

 

Good catch. Should be British Warrior vs. Maxx Skabb / Phoenix vs. Templeton in week 14. Must have been looking at another week when I copied that over. I'll correct that once I get the current match finished.

 

EDIT: Also as a result of this, since it would give one person a third "specialty" match, one of the ones he had scheduled (week seven) has been changed to a regular match for parity.

[moon_lit_tears]

Good catch. Should be British Warrior vs. Maxx Skabb / Phoenix vs. Templeton in week 14. Must have been looking at another week when I copied that over. I'll correct that once I get the current match finished.

 

 

You just lost the game. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Derek B]

Is it just me or can I not actually see a link to a schedule anywhere? LLLLLIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNKKKKKKK MMMMEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

[Prophet]

Is it just me or can I not actually see a link to a schedule anywhere? LLLLLIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNKKKKKKK MMMMEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

 

Isn't it in the sign up thread? Either way ... Season 1 Schedule

[ShadowedFlames]

Isn't it in the sign up thread? Either way ... Season 1 Schedule

 

It's at the end of the first post of this thread, actually.

[Prophet]

It's at the end of the first post of this thread, actually.

 

4 years in the clink can ruin a man's reading comprehension. lol

 

Should we put rp's here, or in the other thread?