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HGC The Rise and Fall of Hollyweird (Cverse '97)


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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HTV_Logo.jpg

 

Tuesday, Week 3, November 1997

Virginia Park Fields (Mid-Atlantic) – 7,201 people

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlexBraun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TaylerMorton.jpgvs.http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CalvinWalker.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DylanSidle.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

 

Braun & Morton vs. The Misfits w/Emma Chase

Despite his affection for steel chairs, Calvin Walker continues to prove himself as an accomplished technical wrestler, making up for his height and slim frame with aggressive mat work.

 

Unfortunately the same is true for the other wrestlers in the match, so it isn't long before Walker is arguing with Chase, trying to get his hands on the steel chair to serve as the equalizer. Alex Bruan tries to capitalise on this, moving in to hit the Braun Damage, but Chase jerks Walker out of the way and Calvin quickly rolls up Braun in the aftermath, picking up a three-count.

 

Dylan Sidle & Calvin Walker defeated Braun & Morton in 6:46 by pinfall.

Rating: D+

 

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Backstage, the Untouchable's locker, and once again we join the group while their deep in conversation.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RobertOxford.jpg

 

"...Vessey's big game," Steadyfast says. "If you believe Joel and Robert have the ability to thrive in that environment, why aren't I getting the same?"

 

"One." Fish counts down on her fingers. "We haven't got a title match yet, we've just got a target. The Vesseys are still chasing the Elite, no matter what their contracts say. We need to convince them - and Future - that the Untouchables are worth their time.

 

"Two, you're a singles wrestler, and in case you haven't noticed, Paul, there's a lot more competition in the upper tier of the singles team. Everything I've said about the Vessey's goes double for any scalp worth claiming in one-on-one competition.

 

"And three..." She trails off, realising she doesn't want to say what comes next.

 

Steadyfast fills in the blank space, even if he isn't impressed by the thought. "You don't think I can hold my own?"

 

"Honestly," Fish says, "I don't. Chasing titles was never in the plan for you, Paul. Smart money had you dominating the cruiserweights, picking up steady cash by playing to your strengths. You may not want to hear it, but getting you title shots means convincing me you can handle it - and my doubts are nothing compared to the doubts of Frankie Future."

 

Steadyfast shakes his head, as if he can't believe what he's hearing. "Just get me the matches, Wanda. I'll do the rest."

 

"Evidence suggest otherwise," Fish says.

 

Steadyfast tenses, looking like he's going to attack her for that one, but Joel Bryant grabs Steadyfast's arm and holds him in place, shaking his head in a slow warning.

 

Rating: C-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg

 

The camera cuts to the interview stage, where Rip Chord and his Entourage are standing by. "Tonight's main event determines the number one contender for my World Heavyweight Championship," Chord says. "On one hand, it could be Liberty - young, driven, tough as nails. A kid whose taken on the best this company has, and beaten all of them...except me. Right now, that means nothing. A guy that young, that talented, he learns fast and he gets better every time you wrestle him.

 

"On the other hand, there's Dread, the Human Juggernaut. A man who scouts opponents until he knows every trick, every tactic, every step they take inside the ring. We've fought before, years ago, and it wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat so soon. Dread is dangerous - more dangerous than anyone in this company.

 

"Except me, that is. I am Rip Chord, the Great One, your World Heavyweight Championship and the beginning of a new golden age in professional wrestling.

 

"People have been asking me if I'm worried which man will win tonight, if I'd prefer to face Liberty or Dread at A Little South of Sanity. If all I cared about was holding that title, I'd tell you I didn't want to wrestle either, but that's not the kind of champion I am.

 

"Rip Chord fights battles. Rip Chord wins wars.

 

"For nearly a year I've defended this belt, and I've beaten every single man they've put in front of me, whether it's a monster or a technician or a kid who fought on guts and heart, a kid who kept fighting no matter how much I did to him.

 

"Last week I showed you exactly how far I'll go to make a point. This week I'm here to tell you something very simple: I will do anything it takes to keep hold of this belt, to prove that I am exactly what I claim to be, but I'll do it all in the ring. Do I care if it's Liberty or Dread at Sanity? Brother, it doesn't matter.

 

"One way or another, the match will end with The Great One's hand raised in the air and The Great One's belt around his waist."

 

Rating: B+

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SilverShark.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

 

Silver Shark vs. Pablo Rodriguez

 

Once again Rodriguez performs above expectations, putting on an athletic lucha-libre style bout that thrills's the fans with its quick exchanges. The match finishes when Silver Shark goes for the Jaws of Life, Rodriguez flips out of the surf-board hold, then quickly connects with the Sinner's Salvation.

 

Pablo Rodriguez defeated Silver Shark in 5:22 by pinfall.

Rating: C

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

 

Rodriguez spreads his arms wide and exults in the victory, martyring himself as the crowd starts to hiss. Finally, as the hiss builds to its crescendo, he calls for a microphone. "Your hate means little," he says. "I'm not here for you. Tonight, I did what was necessary. I demonstrated my excellence for those who govern this place, so that I may achieve my goals.

 

"My excellence is assured and victories are mine. Now I ask that the match be made - give me Lucha."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpg

 

Los Lobos Cancion Del Mariachi and Mr Lucha emerges, microphone in hand and International Title around his waist.

 

"No need to beg the men in charge, esse," Lucha says. "I'm here to give you an answer right here, right now. My friends tell me I'm loco for giving you a title shot, but fortunately we're going some place A Little South of Sanity in just a few weeks, esse, and my belt and agree to meet me in a fair fight, and you can have a shot on the big stage, esse, one on one with the title on the line. "

 

Rating: C-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RomeoHeartthrob.jpg

 

A camera follows Romeo Heartthrob as he walks through the corridors backstage, heading directly for one of the private locker rooms. He finds the door he's looking for, hesitates, then forces himself to knock.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpg

 

When the door opens, the imposing form of Raymond Diaz is standing behind it.

 

Heartthrob stares up. "Ah, your boss--"

 

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"He's not our boss." Lee Wright appears at Diaz's side, arms folded. "Strong's a man we respect, a mutual friend. He doesn't pay us."

 

"He doesn't?" Heartthrob looks genuinely surprised. Diaz snarls and Romeo backs off half a step. "Alright, alright," he says. "It's beside the point. I need to talk to Strong. I've got--"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg

 

Sam Strong shoulders his way past Team Strength Rush and looms over Heartthrob. "You've got what, brother?"

 

"I've got a proposition," Heartthrob says. "You've got your tag-team bout with Dusty Streets tonight. I want in."

 

Strong's grins, amused. "You're not my first choice for a partner, brother, I'll tell you that. We've stood opposite one-another in the squared circle too many times for me to trust you, especially given that you're a snake."

 

Heartthrob shrugs, utterly unconcerned by the comment. "I had a lifestyle to maintain," he says. "You, of all people, should appreciate that these days."

 

Strong grunts. "Perhaps."

 

"Either way," Heartthrob says, "you don't have to trust me, you just need to trust two things - I want that winner's purse and, more than anything, I want to pay back the Masked Rebel for the things he cost me. Streets picked him for a partner, and good as your friends here may be, they don't have my experience. You've fought me, Strong, you know how good I am. If you really think you'd be better off with one of your army instead of me..."

 

Heartthrob lets that hang while Strong chews the proposition over. Finally the living legend nods.

 

"Alright," he says. "Lets talk."

Rating: C-

 

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NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS MATCH

 

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ThomasMorgan.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanHolmes.jpgvs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JDMorgan.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JohnMaverick.jpg

 

The Ontario Kings vs. The Shooters

 

Speaking of performing above expectations: these two teams have been a slow burn of a feud, but everything seems to come together here. The match starts clinically, both sides looking to hold the technical advantage, but emotions start running high and it isn't long before they're brawling and Sam Sparrow's having trouble keeping partners out of the ring.

 

JD Morgan gets Bryan Holmes into the Cross-Atlantic Stretch, but it's broken up by Thomas Morgan hitting a springboard dropkick. Maverick comes in, but finds himself taken down by Thomas Morgan's "Totally Trademarked" Russian Legsweep. Holmes gets back to his feet and the Kings stalk JD Morgan, taking him out with the Kingbreaker Combination to secure the three-count.

 

The Ontario Kings defeated The Shooters in 10:43 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/GraceHarper_alt1.jpg

 

A slow, mocking clap echoes throughout the arena as Eric Tyler leads the Global Elite out onto the main stage, microphone in hand. "Canadian-made," he says, mimicking the King's catchphrase. "Stone trained.

 

"Stone trained. I've heard those words dozens of times in my past, back when I made my name in the Great White North. They're words worthy of respect, especially when you back them up with talent and dedication.

 

"Thing is, boys, the Stones aren't the only great wrestling family in Canada. Me and Eddie made our name fighting DeColts, a family that's just as tough, just as dangerous, and altogether more devious than any Stone I've seen."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpg

 

Tyler tosses the mic to Dundee, whose white grin shows through the tangled beard. "Mate, I've seen what you two can do in the ring, and I'll grant you that it's impressive. In another time, another place, we'd be standing out here offering you a spot in the Global Elite.

 

"But your mistake, gentlemen, lies in hubris. You came out here and held forth the Stone family like a talisman, but good as you are, you aren't the Stones. They may have taught you everything you know, but as the old saying goes, they didn't teach you everything they know. Given time, given experience, you may become a threat.

 

"But you aren't there yet.

 

"When it comes to the tag-team titles, respect only goes so far. We came to this company to take the spots we weren't given the opportunity to earn, and we beat, beat down, or beat-up anyone who got in our way.

 

"Take a look at how hard we fought to get into this spot. Now think how much harder we're going to fight in order to keep it. Food for thought, boys. I suggest you chew it over all the way to A Little South of Sanity."

 

Rating: C-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissFarrah.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SpanishSuperfly.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissMexico.jpg

 

The camera cuts to the General Manager's office, where Frankie Future has just risen from his seat to shake hands with the newly arrived Spanish Superfly and Miss Mexico.

 

"Alright, thanks for coming," Future says. "Thanks to both of you, actually. I asked you here today, with the camera, 'cause the same requests have been passing over my desk from the two of you for months - let Miss Mexico take on Wanda Fish to resolve their issues in the ring.

 

"It's one of those things that seems easy to fix, but the world ain't easy. Our agreement with our distributors says we don't run women's wrestling, advertises ain't quite so easy to sway when it comes to women fighting, and our board of directors have made it clear they're not interested in sanctioning such a match, let along putting up the prise money to make it worth-while."

 

Superfly rises, ready to object, and Future holds up a hand. "Questions at the end," he says, "let me get through this.

 

"I invited you in here to say all this in front of the camera 'cause I wanted it on public record. We've had a lot of requests about this from the locker room - two women waging war isn't something any of us wants to experience - but also 'cause we've been inundated with requests from fans who want to see the match happen. On a personal level, I'm right there with them.

 

"Since I can't sanction the one-on-one match without the board changing its mind, I've contacted them with a revised proposal - one match, mixed tag, Fish and Steadyfast versus you two. The board's yet to respond - we'll have an answer by next week - and there's still o indication that Fish and Steadyfast will agree to the bout.

 

"But I promise you - both of you - that I'm doing what I can to get this resolved."

 

Rating: D+

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TedBrady.jpg

 

Fumihiro Ota vs. Ted Brady

 

Brady does his best, but he's primarily in the ring to take a beating at the hands of Ota and he does the job with considerable aplomb. Six minutes of fast, if relatively understated, action is finished with the Ninja Strike.

 

Fumihiro Ota defeated Ted Brady in 5:53 by pinfall.

Rating: D-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpg

 

Ota celebrates his victory by bowing to his opponent and the audience, showing a measuring of respect. He's halfway through the ritual when Ronin appears, delivering a kind on the stage, microphone in hand, kendo stick in the other. Ota responds immediately, dropping into a defensive posture, eyes on his former student.

 

"Look at you," Ronin says, his voice heavy with disgust. "You actually think I'm here to attack you? How far the great have fallen.

 

"Let me remind you of something, Master Ota - I accepted my place as voice of the Shadow Clan because you promised me money and training. That's what ninja did, you said - hired assassins who take down big names.

 

"Well, it's been a year, Master, and I find myself asking - where's my money? What big game have I taken down? Why exactly am I pretending to be some reject from a kung fu film for a man who shows respect to a masked buffoon who wraps his face in a flag? When I saw you bow to Captain USA after losing your match, I realised something important

 

"I'm better than this. I'm better than you. I'm not some kid named Ronin who serves as your lackey - my name's Troy Tornado and I am the next big thing in Hollyweird Grappling. To prove it, I'm going to beat the hell out of the man whose been holding me back for over a year on Pay-Per-View.

 

"That's why you don't need to worry about me, Ota. I remember why I signed on and I remember what I came here to do. I want the pay-day that comes from beating you at A Little South of Sanity. You've got nothing to fear from me tonight.

 

"Unfortunately for you, there are still members of the Shadow Clan who remember what being a ninja really means."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/YosukeNarita_alt.jpg

 

Ota processes that a second to late, literally turning into the sidekick that Awesome Thunder delivers, having seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Ota goes down and Troy Tornado grins, offering a slightly mocking bow to Thunder as we go to a commercial.

 

Rating: D-

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryWood.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlysianScottsfield.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BobCasey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JackMarlowe.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpg

 

We come back to a video package showcasing the abilities and signature moves of the teams involved in the hardcore war. Highlights are the Filth's Dust Buster suplex, the Wood Brothers delivering their Wood Chipper combination, the Maulers delivering the Maple Leaf Knuckles, and the Fight Club's Blackout Driver.

 

Rating: D+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

The camera cuts to the backstage area, catching an argument in progress in the catering area.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CaptainUSA.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg

 

"-- know it looks attractive," Captain USA says, lecturing a visibly irritated Brent Hill. "He offers a short-cut, a way of jumping to the head of the pack, but you can't trust him. No matter what he says, Barstow has always looked after Barstow."

 

"Captain, no offense, but you keep coming back to this," Hill says. "I'm not signing with Barstow - I don't really find the need. In case you haven't noticed, I'm one of the best this company has. In the last six moths only two men have been able to beat me, and both of them are holding titles. What exactly makes you think I want Barstow's help to get me where I'm going?"

 

"History," the Captain says.

 

"History?"

 

"You trained at the Piledriver Accademy in '91," the Captain says, then he turns and walks away. "You can make your own choices, Hill. I'm just warning you about the consequences. Barstow's a plague I will not allow into this company."

 

He walks away, leaving Hill to pile chicken onto his plate while shaking his head. "Crazy old man."

 

"Not so crazy."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

 

Hill visibly starts, and the camera pulls back to reveal Cheatin' Mike Barstow leaning against a nearby pillar, immaculately dressed and casually eavesdropping. "The Captain and I are old adversaries," Barstow says. "Seeing him here...well, lets say it makes a man rethink his decision to hang up the boots. I'd like the chance to beat him one last time.

 

"But that's neither here nor there, kid. You wanted to know what I can offer as a manager?"

 

Barstow pulls a money clip out of his pocket, underhands it in Hill's direction. Brent manages an awkward catch, holding it up for the camera, and even the usually stoic wrestling machine is impressed.

 

"Lot of green," he says.

 

"A couple of thousand," Barstow says. "My standard signing bonus for someone as talented as you."

 

Hill shakes his head and tosses the money back. "Not interested," he says. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got things to do."

 

Rating: C-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MaskedRebel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RomeoHeartthrob.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg

Masked Rebel II & Dusty Streets vs. Romeo Heartthrob & Sam Strong

 

This one's a brawl, right from the outset, with Masked Rebel II surprising everyone by showing the same veteran instincts as everyone else in the match. In fact, throughout much the match, Rebel is the topic of choice among the commentary team - Jason Azaria rattles off information about the original Rebel, Professor Nero recalls his own experiences with Masked Rebel I, and Kyle Rhodes is left to comment on how well Rebel seems to have scouted both his partner and his opponents.

 

Impressive as the pairing of Rebel and Streets is, they're in the ring with one of wrestling's consummate heels and a Living Legend who'll do anything to win. Heartthrob provides the distraction, Strong connects with a kick to Dusty Street's genitals, and Heartthrob promptly locks in the Cupid's Clutch to pick up the submission.

 

Romeo Heartthrob and Sam Strong defeated Masked Rebel II and Dusty Streets in 13:15 by submission.

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpg

 

The camera goes to the locker room, where the Blazing Flames and Dark Angel are waiting patiently in a locker room. The Flames have their heads together, discussing strategy in whispers, while Dark Angel sits with perfect steadiness, kendo stick at his side.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

 

The door opens and Kit Hatoyama steps in. Teddy Flame half-rises in anticipation. "The match is made?"

 

Hatoyama smiles. "It is done," she says, "although it has a cost. In order to secure the six-man tag at Sanity, we must volunteer one of our number to face the Demons next week. Future has asked to see the Dark Angel in action, alongside a partner of his choosing."

 

Joey is all smiles. "Sounds like my kind of party."

 

Hatoyama shakes her head. "We do not want to give away tactics any more than we must," she says. "I would prefer to hold the two of you in reserve, and utilize a wild card."

 

"Yeah?" Teddy looks to his brother. "Whose crazy enough to volunteer for a match with the Demons if they don't have too?"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpg

 

"Don't think of it as crazy, guv." Cornell steps into the room, smirking. "Think of it as paying back a few of the debts I owe the Dark Angel, there, if he wants me. I think we can get the job done, right?"

 

Angle looks up, stirring for the first time since the conversation began. He meets Cornell's gaze and nods, once, in approval.

 

Rating: D

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpg

 

Johnny Cash's Rusty Cage hits and Cowboy Ricky Dale makes his way down to the ring. "I'm out here flying solo tonight," he says, "'cause Rip Chord decided to spike my partner's skull against the canvas five times in a row. Then Eagle wasn't able to stand no more, Chord decided to follow his attack up with a Crusher Legdrop from Charlie Thatcher.

 

"To say I'm a might pissed about that is an understatement.

 

"Me and Eagle ain't exactly a conventional tag-team. We don't fight the same, we don't dress the same, we barely even speak the same language. That doesn't change the fact that he's got my back and I've got his. We both see the world the same way and we want the same things.

 

"And right now I think I speak for both of us when I say we want the goddamn Dallas Wrecking Crew and we want a little payback on Rip Chord."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg

 

Pantera's Broken hits and the Dallas Wrecking Crew step out onto the stage, looking smug as they stare down Ricky Dale. After a few seconds they're joined by Charlie Thatcher, who carries a microphone in his meaty fist.

 

"You want a match, Cowboy? Seems to me you shouldn't be throwing out challenges without someone in your corner. Any one of the men up on this stage could take you, Ricky Dale, and Chord's willing to throw all three of us at you just to eliminate the annoyance of having you dog his heels."

 

"Well, Partner, that's mighty kind of you," Ricky Dale says. "I'll pencil the Wrecking Crew into my dance card for A Little South of Sanity - the amount of grief you boys give people 'round these parts, I'm sure I'll find someone to take EAGLE's spot.

 

"As for you, Thatcher, I wouldn't bark too loud about dogging people's heels. It seems to me you've got your own problems on that front brother."

 

"What the hell are you--"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg

 

Baine charges through the curtain, steamrollering his way through the Dallas Wrecking Crew to spear Thatcher. The two big men go rolling down the ramp, locked together and brawling.

 

Ricky Dale responds by charging up the ramp, making a beeline for the Wrecking Crew, but he's cut off by the swarm of security that flood the ringside area to try and get things under control.

 

Rating: C+

 

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

 

Wanda Fish is backstage, putting together a salad at the catering buffet.

 

"HEY!"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CoachDickPangrazzio.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg

 

The entire room turns as Coach Pangrazzio approaches, The Vesseys and Chris Storm following along.

 

Fish lays down her plate and folds her arms, turning to meet the quartet. "Can I help you, Coach?"

 

"I seem to remember your team wanting a match," Pangrazzio says. "They've got it - in a couple of weeks this company celebrates its first anniversary. My boys want to celebrate that by proving what they proved on the very first night Hollyweird TV aired - they are the best tag-team in the world, no matter how specialised their opponents claim to be.

 

"That work for you?"

 

Fish bites her lip and nods. "It'll do."

 

Pangrazzio snorts. "It'll do? Girl, you've got a lot to learn about managing a team, let along making them champions."

 

He walks off, his team heading off with him. Fish makes sure they're gone before allowing herself to smile. The camera follows her as she crosses to a table on the far side of the room and sits down next to the Specialists.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RobertOxford.jpg

 

"We've got the match," she says.

 

Joel Bryant grins. Robert Oxford...well, he just fixes Fish with a cold stare.

 

"It's not on pay-per-view," he says.

 

Fish's mouth pulls into a tight line. "That doesn't usually bother you. You want to be on the big shows, you know we have to earn it."

 

Oxford stands. "Yeah," he says. "That's true."

 

He stalks off, and Joel Bryant follows a moment later, leaving Fish to sit there alone and contemplate the growing dissension among her clients.

 

Rating: C-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

 

NUMBER ONE CONTENDER MATCH

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg

 

Liberty vs. Dread

 

Liberty dances around Dread, hitting and running, picking away at the big man while staying out of his reach. Dread sees what's happening early and covers up, looking to give the American Outlaw the time to use up energy and slow his pace. It's a tactic that could make for a lackluster bout, but these two have chemistry in the ring and it lets them hold the crowd in the palm of their hand.

 

The tide finally turns when Liberty jumps on Dread from behind, locking in a sleeper hold and cranking it for all he's worth. Dread staggers a little, even charges back-first into the turnbuckles in order to break the hold, but it eventually takes the big man leaping and dropping back first into the mat, all three-hundred and fifty pounds of him crashing into Liberty, before the hold is broken.

 

It takes Dread a few moments to catch his breath after that, but once he does it's his chance to go on the offensive. He starts chasing Liberty and firing off punches like a boxer, battering the Outlaw from pillar to post. The hellacious assault Dread unleashes busts open Liberty's eye, which leads to Sam Sparrow halting the bout for a few seconds while he checks the injury.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg

 

Monty Walker uses the opportunity to slide into the ring, steel chair in hand, and drive it into the back of Dread's knee. The Human Juggernaut goes down and Walker immediately disappears, but when the match re-starts Dread is left limping and unsteady, and even the Juggernaut has trouble dominating a bout when he doesn't have a steady base.

 

A dropkick to the knee knocks Dread to the mat, and Liberty hits a flying legdrop from the top rope to finish the match and secure the victory.

Liberty defeated Dread in 17:36 by pinfall.

Rating: B

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg

 

Dread rises, furious, searching for his attacker, and eventually he spots Monty Walker deep in the crowd. Walker grins and waves, openly mocking his nemesis, and Dread leaps the crowd barrier to give chase. Walker waits, seemingly unconcerned, letting Dread get closer as the big man ploughs through the crowd.

 

Then Walker nails the Human Juggernaut with a chairshot.

 

Dread stumbles, unsteady on his feet, and for a moment Walker can't believe it's happen. He looks at the chair, considering another shot, then tosses it to the side. This time around he connects with the Last Waltz superkick, knocking Dread off his feet.

 

"December Twenty-Seventh," Walker roars, then he turns and disappears into the cheering crowd, leaving Dread splayed out on the stairs as the show goes off the air.

 

Rating: B-

 

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

 

Overall: C+

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpg

 

"The Silver Screen," Troy Tornado says. "The music. The entrance videos. For all people want to talk about the quality of the matches, the characters and the feuds, you can't discount the difference those three things made to the product.

 

"There was a lot of money behind HGC and there was an awful lot of talent. Having the big screen over the entry ramp set us apart from the Eisens product, made us seem like we were operating at the same level, and there were some of the bust music video directors in the country working on guys intro vids.

 

"There were plenty of guys who benefited big-time from those videos, the way they made us all larger than life. It didn't take Eisen long to pick up on that, but it was still '98 before they adopted the screen as standard, and that gave us a head start.

 

"More importantly, we had the music. Guys would get given a series of choices, bands we had contracts with, and they'd have the chance to pick a theme-song that meant something to 'em. Some guys picked well. Some guys did not."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RCB.jpg

 

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg

 

"God, Strong hated the intro clips." Rip Chord chuckles to himself, shaking his head. "''Can't say I was fond of them myself. The whole point of a match is to draw a reaction, to get the crowd to respond, and when the biggest respond comes from the moment your theme hits, what's the point of going through with the rest of the match.

 

"Difference between me and Strong, though, is I knew when I was done. I knew I'd been left behind and I knew there were kids out there who wanted exactly that."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg

 

"Yeah," Baine says, "I loved that intro. I was into Pantera, which helped, and Walk...well, it's got plenty of swagger to it. It's heavy without being fast, you know? It suited the way I thought of Baine back then, when they wanted me to stop being a monster and just go out there and kick some ass."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpg

 

"Masked Rebel II." Bryant's wry grin speaks volumes. "If there's ever a point where the production crew outdid themselves, it's when he put on the mask and they got him over on the basis of a single song. He wasn't the best guy in the ring - hell, he was pretty limited - and he wasn't one of the world's best talkers, but he went out there to Rage and he involved the crowd and the crowd f--kin' loved it.

 

"That's the downside, I think, 'cause Rebel wasn't meant to be the big deal he was. He was meant to come out and get his ass kicked and be one of those underdogs.

 

"But sometimes things click, regardless of how good the guy in question is, and the best thin you can do is run with it."

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TCW Legacy Archive Presents

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HTV.jpg

- Episode 48 Preview -

 

Coming up on our latest HGC Archive Instalment:

 

Our main event this evening: Bryan Holmes has laid down a challenge to Eric Tyler prior to the tag-team title match between the Ontario Kings and Backbreaker's Inc. It seems the young graduate of the House of Stone feels he has something to prove against the veteran member of the Global Elite.

 

Monty Walker is another man coming into this match looking to make a statement - he's still over a month away from his clash with Dread, but he'll be warming up for the bout by taking on Dylan Sidle.

 

The Priest of Pain, Pablo Rodriguez, will also be in action tonight, taking on an American patriot named Captain USA. Rodriguez has been impressive in his outings of late, setting his sights on Mr Lucha, but Captain USA is a veteran whose proven he can hang with a smaller, faster opponent.

 

Tommy Cornell will join forces with his countryman, Dark Angel, to take on the terrifying duo of The Demons of Rage. Cornell has insisted this is paying off a debt he owes, but in the back of his mind he's got to be thinking of Sam Strong's dismissal of his challenge.

 

Troy Tornado turned his back on his mentor, but he's even more determined to prove he's a young star on the rise now that he's flying solo. He'll be taking on the masked Eclipse, a man with a long history against Torando's former master.

 

Sam Strong has requested our opening match, setting his allies, Team Strength Rush, on a path he hopes will lead to tag-team gold. It's not going to be an easy ride, though, with the Black Rebel Fight Club in the opposing corner, refusing to go down.

 

Matches features in streaming video include:

 

Bryan Holmes vs. Eric Tyler

Monty Walker vs. Dylan Sidle

Captain USA vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Cornell & Dark Angel vs. The Demons of Rage

Eclipse vs Troy Tornado

Black Rebel Fight Club vs. Team Strength Rush

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HTV_Logo.jpg

 

Tuesday, Week 4, November 1997

Connecticut Symphony Hall (New England) – 7,835 people

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SpanishSuperfly.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissMexico.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

 

The show starts with footage from Frankie Future's office, Paul Steadyfast and Spanish Superfly standing by with their respective managers.

 

"I don't want to take too much time with this," Future says, "but it's a historic moment for us here at HGC, so I wanted to make sure everyone's aware it's about to happen - I've met with the board, I've made my pitch, and they've agreed that heading A Little South of Sanity is the perfect time to break some rules.

 

"In this case, they've broken the rule that says women aren't allowed to wrestle in a HGC ring.

 

"This Sunday, for the first time ever, HGC will play host to mixed tag match that pits Spanish Superfly and Miss Mexico against Paul Steadyfast and Wanda Fish.

 

"Both parties are here to sign the paperwork for the match, both parties know what's at stake...and both parties know that this offer is unlikely to be repeated without some significant campaigning on their part and mine, so they'd best get their aggression out in the ring and settle this matter.

 

"With that, history is made, folks, so we're going to get back to what you tuned in for - one of the best damn wrestling shows you're likely to see."

 

Future nods once and the Hollyweird TV opening credits roll.

 

Rating: D

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JackMarlowe.jpgvs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpgw/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

 

Black Rebel Fight Club vs. Team Strength Rush w/Suzue Katayama

 

This match is all about the Fight Club's ability to take punishment - Diaz, in particular, showcases this when he locks Jack Marlowe in a Muay Thai clinch, forces him into a corner, and proceeds to unload with a series of shoot kicks. The real selling point is the final kick that hits Marlowe in the face, snapping his head back against the turnbuckle, only for Marlowe to respond with haymaker.

 

As Nero notes on commentary, "you practically have to kill these guys to keep them down for a three-count."

 

Lee Wright takes that to heart, trying to out-wrestle Freddie Datsun and secure a submission. Once again Datsun surprises people, hanging with the aikido master on the mat, coming up the winner of several exchanges. From there the match breaks down it quickly starts to favour the kind of chaos that the Fight Club prefers, and it isn't long before they nail Lee Wright with the Blackout Driver (Double-team Brainbuster) to claim victory.

 

Black Rebel Fight Club defeated Team Strength Rush in 10:02 by pinfall.

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg

 

Dusty Streets heads down to the ring, calling for the microphone as he goes. "Strong," he says, "I know you're back there, and I know you're listening. I've played your game for the last two weeks - I took you in a tag-team bout, and I'm willing to concede you got the better of me on the night. I got no respect for the way you did it, mind, and that's going to cost you in the long run, brother. In fact, I like to think it's going to cost you on Sunday night, 'cause I'm making the challenge. You and me, brother, one on one. Lets see if there's any life left in ya."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpg

 

Breakin' the Law hits, and it's Tommy Cornell who emerges. The newcomer lopes down to the ring, smirking the entire way. "Big talk, gov, but you're not the only one who wants a shot at the old man," Cornell says. "I may be busy with the Demons tonight, but come Sunday I'm going to throw my hat into the ring. I'm not going away just 'cause Strong thinks I'm not worth his time. If he wants a match for A Little South of Sanity, he should try me on for size."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg

 

Voodoo Child follows that, and Sam Strong makes his way out onto the stage. "At the start of the year I had an epiphany," he says. "I didn't need the wrestling business anymore - it needed me. Sam Strong was a name that made companies, it was a name that made titles important, and it was a name that made money. You see, I put in my time, brother. I worked hard, I took my vitamins, I held championships. That makes me a legend, and the two of you wannabes.

 

"I know why you're both down there right now, throwing out challenges like they mean something. You want to step into the ring with Sam Strong. You want to beat him because it means you're somebody in this business.

 

"What neither of you are telling me is what's in this match for me? Dusty, brother, I gave you a shot last week, and you came up short. What little value there was in your name just ain't enough if you're not picking up the wins, brother.

 

"As for you, Cornell - people are talking like you're the next big thing, they're saying your match against me could cement that, but you're the one with something to prove here. These people already know who Sam Strong is, they know what it means to let you fight me, and there's nothing for me to gain by beating you into the mat.

 

"If you're so desperate for a fight, brother, I suggest you find yourselves a tag-team partner and challenge the Strength Rush, brother. They're two tough dudes, brother, but they've got the kind of hunger you're looking for. You want a fight, they'll be happy to oblige you, any time you want.

 

"I figure, between the two of you, you've got just enough of a reputation to make it worth the Strength Rush's time pinning you to the mat. If either of you can find a partner and get the pinfall, maybe we'll talk about a singles match after that."

 

The camera cuts to the ring after that, showing Dusty and Tommy as the two men stare one-another down. Cornell points to his own chest, making it clear that he plans to be the one to get the pinfall. Dusty makes his own claim, and the tension between the two is palpable.

 

Rating: B

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg

 

The camera cuts to the Army of Darkness locker room - a cavernous, pitch-black space filled with flickering candles that cast a red light. Ethan Kane stands in the center, surrounded by his followers, Karen Killer coiled against him and vamping for the camera.

 

"There's Darkness in all men," Kane says. "In time, they will understand this. Knowledge is just a matter of time. We have accepted our darkness, embraced the power it offers. We are an unholy trio - the dark father, the mother of monsters, and our willful, rage-filled children.

 

"Tonight, my children, I want you to drink of your darkness. Unleash your base impulses and show the world the world what can happen once you shrug off the shackles of expectations. Tonight, I want you to be the monsters you were born to be."

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Eclipse.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpg

 

Eclipse vs. Troy Tornado

 

Tornado shows a renewed fire in the ring now that he's under his own name, going hell for leather as he takes down his opponent in record time. Eclipse puts up a valiant effort, but he's gets stunned by a double-knee backbreaker, allowing Tornado to get to set up the flying forearm smash - dubbed the Star Maker for the first time - in order to secure the pin.

 

Troy Tornado defeated Eclipse in 3:35 by pinfall.

Rating: E+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg

 

Backstage, and Cowboy Ricky Dale is in Brent Hill's locker room.

 

"--out for a few weeks," he says. "I know you got your own thing going on, but I could use some back-up on this Wrecking Crew match."

 

"Ricky, you don't even need to ask." Hill grins and bumps fists with the Cowboy. "You and Eagle were there for me when things went South with Ota. I'd be happy to help you out in Eagle's absence."

 

"Doesn't hurt that you got your sights set on Chord's title, either?" Ricky Dale grins.

 

"Not at all." Hill returns the grin. It fades, slightly, when he looks over Ricky Dale's shoulder, towards the door.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

 

The camera pans, showing Cheatin' Mike Barstow eavesdropping on this conversation. The aging manager is impeccably dressed, everything about him dripping money.

 

"Teamwork," he says. "Good to see your capable of it."

 

Hill rises, irritation writ across his face. "What the hell do you want, Barstow?"

 

Barstow is all grins. "See, that's why you need a manager, Hill. That right there. I thought I'd been pretty clear about my intentions.

 

"But, since you insist, I'll lay it out for you, one last time.

 

"I want to make you a star, Hill. I want to make you a name so big that there's no-one in the world who hasn't heard it. I want eskimo's in the arctic circle to be looking at one another and saying, shoot, that Brent Hill? He's something. I want this paltry winning streak your so proud of maintaining for weeks and weeks and weeks to be something that lasts for years and years.

 

"I want to do all that, Brent, and I want to take a very reasonable cut of the winner's purse for doing so. I want you to be the second man I sign for Barstow Incorporated, and I'm willing to give you one last chance to sign with me. What do you say kid?"

 

"I say you're a pain in the ass," Hill says. "Forget it, Barstow. I've got what it takes to achieve all those things without your help, understand? I don't feel any need to association myself with scum like you."

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

We cut to a pre-recorded video, splicing together interview fragments.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BobCasey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpg

Bob Casey smiles at the camera, completely at ease. Ed Monton leans forward, glaring, showing no sign of humor. "We don't like to talk about our abilities," Monton says. "We just want to get it done in the ring. We're tough, we hit hard, that's true of every team in this match.

 

"What's going to win this match is the mental war. I've been in the field. I've faced live fire. There's nothing in this match that can frighten me."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlysianScottsfield.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryWood.jpg

Billy Wood snarls for the camera, chewing on the lump of eight-by-four he carries. Larry Wood ignores his brother, but is no less aggressive. "No-one wants to step into the ring with us, eh. We are the most dangerous men to ever come down from the mountains."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg

The Nation of Filth stare at the camera, evil grins. "We ain't pretty..." Grunt says.

 

One again, Stinks takes up the catchphrase. "And we don't need to be."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JackMarlowe.jpg

Finally, Marlowe and Datusn. "I could come out here and talk," Datsun says, "but we don't like to talk. The first rule of Fight Club is don't talk about Fight Club."

 

"The second rule of fight club," Marlowe says, "is go out there and win."

Rating: D+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpgw/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

Cornell & Dark Angel w/Kit Hatoyama vs. The Demons of Rage w/Karen Killer

 

We've let people forget, of late, exactly how dangerous a tag-team the Demons of Rage can be. Anger and Spite go out of their way to remind them in this one - they hit hard, tag often, and on the odd occasions that they lose control of the match, it's usually a matter of moments before they get the upper hand.

 

Cornell is a little cagy in this match, respecting the size and power of his opponents, but Dark Angel shows a blatant disregard for his own safety. He allows his team to hold on by virtue of big moves that do almost as much damage to himself as his opponents.

 

At the ten minute mark it looks like Angel may actually succeed in stopping the unstoppable. A corkscrew leg-lariat takes out Spite, allowing Angel to tag in Cornell who promptly applies a triangle choke. Cornell cinches the hold tight, cutting off the flow off the big man's airflow. Karen Killer hits the ring apron, distracting the referee...

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpg

 

Then Ethan Kane is at ringside, a silver chalice in hand. His sips from it and breathes a cloud of red mist in Cornell's face, blinding the Englishman. Cornell releases the hold, clawing at his eyes, and Anger quickly recovers. He brings in Spite and together the Demons put Cornell down with an authoritative Double Demon Down.

 

The Demons Of Rage defeated Cornell & Dark Angel in 10:42 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpg

 

Kit Hatoyama objects to Kane's interference, trying to nail the big man with a superkick. Unfortunately Kane sees it coming and catches her leg, hoisting her up for a powerbomb.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpg

 

Dark Angel registers his objection in the form of a somersault plancha from the ring apron, knocking Kane sprawling.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg

 

The Demons of Rage are immediately there in the aftermath, picking Dark Angel up and throwing him into the ring apron, beginning a furious assault that sees both big men pummel the British cruiserweight.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpg

 

The Blazing Flames come charging down the ramp, chairs in hand, to fend off the monsters of the Army of Darkness. Twin chair shots are delivered, although that hardly seems to faze the Demons. The two teams brawl for all their worth, Flames using the chairs to keep the odds even, until Kane calls the Demons off and limps up the ramp, holding his neck and glaring at the Flames as he retreats.

 

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

The Silver Screen comes to life, showing pre-recorded interviews with the Challenger and the World Heavyweight Champion.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg

 

The first shot is Liberty backstage in the locker room, a towel over his head. From the sound in the background, still barely audible, it's immediately in the wake of his number one contender's match with Dread last week.

 

"Belonging," he says.

 

"I've been thinking about belonging a lot this year. Where does Liberty fit into this company? Does he deserve his place at the top of the card? Has he really earned the opportunities that came his way? These questions plagued me for months when I was Sam Strong's protege, they got even worse after Sam and I parted ways.

 

"Twice now I've fought Dread for a chance to earn a shot at the title. Twice now I've won because Dread was attacked by someone else.

 

"On one hand, opportunity knocks, and I answered. That's how this game goes sometimes.

 

"On the other hand, did I really earn this? Am I really going into this title match thinking I'm the man who can beat Rip Chord? I've been thinking about that a lot..."

 

Liberty throws off the towel and stares at the gamer, mouth pulled into a grim line.

 

"...and now I now the answer. Doubt may have plagued me throughout this years, questions about my ability and my spot, but in my very first match in this company I beat Rip Chord in the centre of the ring, one two three. I'm one of the few men in this company that holds a win over the Champion, clean and legitimate, and on Sunday night I'm going to do it again.

 

"There is no doubt anymore. I've put that behind me.

 

"It's time for the American Outlaw to become a champion."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg

 

The shot changes, cutting to a close-up of the World Heavyweight Champion. The camera pulls back, showing a smirking Rip Chord with the belt on his lap.

 

"This is what it means to be the greatest," Chord says.

 

"Frankie Future made four men fight for a shot on Sunday night, and they're four of the toughest men in this company who aren't named Rip Chord. Our General Manager brought together the best of the best, just to make sure that the Great One is challenged.

 

"Now the challenger is announced. Liberty. The American Outlaw. This is a fight I've fought before, several times this year, and it's never been an easy one. Liberty's young, he's hungry, he isn't smart enough to know when he should stay down.

 

"But he isn't me.

 

"I am Rip Chord, the Great One, your World Heavyweight Champion. I am the new Golden Age of wrestling and after holding this belt for eleven months, I've got no intention of losing it now."

Rating: A

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MaskedRebel.jpg

 

Killing in the Name starts up and Masked Rebel II emerges, high-fiving members of the audience as he makes his way down the ramp. "In case you're wondering," the masked man says, "I'm not meant to be out here. They got a couple of boys backstage, waiting for their match, but I've got a few things to say, and, well--"

 

He holds the mic out to the audience, who lurch into a chant of f--k you, I won't do what you tell me.

 

"I don't want to hold things up," Rebel says, "I just want to get something off my chest.

 

"Heartthrob, this thing between you and me just got real, son. You've insulted my mentor, you've had your goons beat me up, and you've joined forces with Sam Strong to beat me down inside the ring.

 

"I want--"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TribalWarrior.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Java.jpg

 

Rebel's promo is cut off when Savage Fury charge the ring, both men carrying crude wooden clubs. They hit Rebel hard, swinging for the fences, as Heartthrob comes strutting out onto the stage with a microphone.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RomeoHeartthrob.jpg

 

"In case you're wondering," Heartthrob sneers, mimicking Rebel, "I'm going to get fined for this, and fined big. The thing is, Rebel, I don't care. You want to live in a world without rules, I'm happy to teach you exactly what that means. Java and Warrior are two of the most dangerous men on the planet, and they've got my back.

 

"Think about that, Rebel, when they let you out of the hospital."

 

Rating: C-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CaptainUSA.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

 

Captain USA vs. Pablo Rodriguez

 

Captain USA has spent the last month fighting cruiserweights, but it isn't until Rodriguez that he really looks like he's struggling against the smaller competitors. The Priest of Pain proves adept at striking and evading, forcing the Captain to work for every offense advantage.

 

The Captain holds out long enough to trap Rodriguez in a bearhug, negating the younger wrestler's speed advantage. Rodriguez looks for an escape, but the Captain drags him back to the center of the ring and holds him there. Sam Sparrow starts checking for the submission...

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

 

...and Cheatin' Mike Barstow slides beneath the bottom rope, nails Captain USA with a low-blow from behind, and gets the hell out of there before Sparrow realises what's happening.

 

It takes Rodriguez a few moments to recover from the bearhug, but he quickly capitalises once he's got his breath back. A Sinner's Salvation from the top rope finishes the match.

 

Pablo Rodriguez defeated Captain USA in 6:16 by pinfall.

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg

 

Baine emerges from his locker room as Pantera's Walk grinds through the speakers. The big man heads for the ring, commentary team putting over his match against Ted Brady. The Demon Seed hits the crippler position, working his arms and snorting as he prepares for his entrance...

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg

 

...and immediately goes down when he's clotheslined from behind by Charlie Thatcher. The insurance policy produces a length of steel chain, looping it around his fist, and proceeds to punch Baine three times while he's down.

 

"You don't want to mess with me," Thatcher snarls. "If you know what's good for you, big man, stay the f--k down."

 

Rating: B+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ActionJackson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CoachDickPangrazzio.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg

 

The All-Star team are on the interview stage with Action Jackson, the interviewer doing his best to cover for the fact that the live-cross is somewhat...unexpected.

 

"Hi there," Jackson says. "This is...well, you know the drill. I'm here with Coach Dick Pangrazzio and his All-Star Team. Coach, you've accepted the challenge of the Tag-Team Specialists, but anyone who saw last week's show knows that Wanda Fish thinks she's out-maneuvered you. Would you care to comment on the suggestion going around that you're leading the All-Star Team into disaster?"

 

Coach Pangrazzio shakes his head. "This Sunday isn't about me and Wanda Fish," he says. "It's about the teams that go out there in the ring executing a game-plan in order to claim victory. Take me out of the equation for a moment and look at The Vessey Brothers.

 

"You've got decades of experience in Larry Vessey, a raw powerhouse of a wrestler with one of the most devastating striking game in wrestling today. You've got Bryan Vessey - eight years into his career and easily one of the best natural talents you'll ever see, accomplished in every style you can imagine. You've got a family connection that only brothers have, backed by years of experience as one of the best tag-teams in the world.

 

"I'm not going to take anything away from the Tag-Team Specialists, they're a strong team and they deserve to be mentioned among the best in the world, but even without the tactical mind of the Coach in their corner, the Vessey's are the kind of dream team that occurs once in a generation.

 

"With me in their corner, with Chris Storm watching their back, the Vessey Brothers are exactly what they've always claimed to be - the best tag-team in the world today.

 

"And no-one, not the Specialists, not the Demons, not even our so-called tag-team champions, have been able to disprove that claim."

 

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DylanSidle.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

 

Monty Walker vs. Dylan Sidle w/Emma Chase

 

It's hard to say whose the aggressor here. Sidle has always favoured a hard-hitting style for a cruiserweight competitor, but under Dread's guidance he's become increasingly focused. Walker is better known for being showy, but a year of focusing his efforts on Dread has schooled him in the art of taking down an opponent as efficiently as possible.

 

Both men want the win and want it badly. As a result, everything that happens in this match looks like it hurts, whether its an exchange of slaps or the more high-risk moves both men start resorting to when it becomes apparent that victory will require something special.

 

Emma Chase's presence at ringside starts to hurt Walker's chances as the match goes on, her constant distraction of both Walker and the referee allowing Sidle to take liberties again and again. At one point Chase grabs Walker's leg, holding him place for a Rising Knee.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TaylerMorton.jpg

 

Tayler Morton hits the ring apron, distracting Sidle before he can launch the knee. Sidle starts throwing punches at Morton instead, knocking him to the concrete, but the distraction does its job. Walker frees himself from Chase's grasp and nails Sidle with the Last Waltz to pick up the three-count.

 

Monty Walker defeated Dylan Sidle in 11:29 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg

 

Walker immediately calls for a microphone, turning towards the backstage area. "Dread," he yells. "Dread, I know you're back there, man. I know you're watching, I know you're plotting, scouting me ahead of our match at Psycho Circus next month. That's what you do, Dread. It's what makes you who you are.

 

"Well, Dread, you take a good, long look at what's coming for you. I'm not afraid of you, Dread, I'm not intimidated by your size or your reputation. I'm not going to be hunted, I'm not going to play mind-games. For the next month, Dread, I'm the hunter. I'm the one that people look to and think, man, that boy is dangerous.

 

"I am what you made me, Dread, you and Emma Chase and the men you brought in to play with my head. I'm--"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

 

"You're what, Monty?"

 

Emma Chase is in the ring, microphone in hand. She stoops and helps Dylan Sidle to his feet, then turns back towards her former boyfriend.

 

"You think you're ready?" Chase asks. "You think you've got what it takes to hang with Dread? I know you, Monty. I know you better than you know yourself. You may think you've got this, but I've stood beside Dread for months now. I've seen the hours, the dedication, he puts into every aspect of his career.

 

"You tell the world you're not afraid, Monty, but you should be. Dread's bigger than you, he's stronger than you, and he's better than you in every way. These attacks you've been doing, trying to pick him off--"

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg

 

Dread jumps Walker from behind, hammering with a double-handed sledge before planting him with a Dread bomb.

 

Emma Chase walks forward, standing over Walker.

 

"All you're doing is pissing him off," she says. "You shouldn't have done that."

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpg

 

We come back from a commercial and the Global Elite are standing by in the Crippler Position. One by one, they take turns talking to the camera.

 

"The Ontario Kings," Dundee says. "Rising stars, Stone-trained, a worthy challenge to the titles me and Eric wear. Given time they could be a threat, but that's not the way we operate. We took our place among the Elite of this company, we're not about to give it up."

 

"Chris Storm," Chandler says. "The wild-card of the All-Star Team. We eliminated the Vessey threat, but he keeps nipping at our heels. Next week, HGC has it's one-year anniversary show. I'm going to kick off the second year by eliminating that threat. Next Monday, Storm, you're going to tap out."

 

Eric Tyler grins at the camera. "I always wanted to test myself against a Stone," he says. "In the absence of the family, I'm going to take the measure of a man who claims to be one of their best. Bryan Holmes, tonight, we're going to find out just how good you are.

 

"And on Sunday, we show you why the Ontario Kings aren't ready to ascend to the top of the tag-team ranks."

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanHolmes.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpg

 

Bryan Holmes vs. Eric Tyler

 

Part of Eric Tyler's brilliance is his ability to pick a relatively simple move and build an entire match about it. In this case, his move of choice is the hammerlock - the veteran comes back to the hold again and again, frequently peppering Holmes' shouder with strikes while the hold is locked in, then using the submission move as the beginning of a series of slams. Ten minutes into the match he's generating massive amounts of heat simply by securing the hold, yet again.

 

Holmes, for his part, adapts and evolves. The young wrestler has always been a technical wizard, as you'd expect from a man who graduated the Stone dojo, but with his shoulder taking a pounding he gets a chance to showcase just how diverse his all-round game has come along in the last year. He brawls, fighting southpaw, and starts irritating Tyler when he connects with some big slams. He flies, pulling off moves that would give plenty of the HGC luchador's pause, and Tyler struggles to defend against it.

 

And, more than anything else, the man kicks like a mule, and they come out of nowhere. Holmes comes dangerous close to taking Tyler out with the Cyclone Shock Kick at the fourteen minute mark, although Eric ducks away at the last moment and Holmes only catches him with a glancing blow. There's a two-count, but the injured shoulder means Holmes' can't get his full-strength into hooking the leg, allowing Tyler to break free.

 

Another kick proves decisive a minute or two later, when Tyler locks in the Tradition Lift. Holmes hangs in the air, struggling, and manages to plant a heel in Tyler's stomach to break the hold, although it obviously takes a lot out of him. It sparks the beginning of furious exchange between the two men, both hitting big moves in order to claim the win, but it's ultimately a roll-up where Tyler grab's Holmes' tights that proves to be the end.

 

Holmes struggles to get free, but by this point in the match just trying to push off the mat with his injured shoulder is difficult, and the extra leverage Tyler gets from the tights is all it takes. The three-count is made and Tyler rolls out of the ring, claiming his tag-team title before retreating up the ramp.

 

Eric Tyler defeated Bryan Holmes in 17:44 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ThomasMorgan.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanHolmes.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpg

 

Long, Hard Road Out of Hell, the Manson/Sneaker Pimps collaboration serving as the theme to A Little South of Sanity, starts playing over the highlight video. Spotlighted among the footage are the clashes that led to Liberty getting his title match against Chord, the various victories held by both the Ontario Kings and Backbreakers Inc, and the growing issues between Mr Lucha and Pablo Rodriguez.

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

Final: B-

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<p>Thanks, MichiganHero. I gotta admit, I'd initially overlooked Monty 'til the new render showed up in the old '97 thread, and even then he was probably destined to end up as a mid-card cruiserweight/tag-team after his short feud with Romeo Heartthrob was done.</p><p> </p><p>

Then Sam Strong picked up an injury and Monty Walker became the biggest beneficiary of the changes in plans that followed. He was young, he had the kind of charisma that merited a long-term build, and most importantly he was <em>there</em> with a girlfriend who was urging him to pick bigger targets right about the time Dread needed a new ongoing angle <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

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<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ThomasMorgan_alt1.jpg</span><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

"The House of Stone thing got a lot more attention than I figured it would," Morgan says. "I wasn't exactly bothered by the gimmick - the Stones had been good to me and Bryan- but at the same time it's not like most companies are going out of their way to keep putting over their competition.</p><p> </p><p>

"The I met JJ Stallings for the first time and it all started to make sense. He'd been a kind of absentee owner for much of the year, but right before the first anniversary show he was backstage every week, getting himself known among the boys.</p><p> </p><p>

"Nice guy, I guess. Nice as you can be when you're a sixteen year old kid who can buy and sell the world with the change you keep in your pocket.</p><p> </p><p>

"Nice guy, like I said, and smart as hell, but that didn't make him any less of a mark..."</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RCB.jpg</span><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg</span></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Dusty Streets rolls his eyes. "JJ Stallings was an idiot.</p><p> </p><p>

"I'm not saying owners shouldn't have a say in their company - of course they should - but if you look at the strongest periods in wrestling's history, it's at its best when the management backs off and lets the booker do his job.</p><p> </p><p>

"Stallings couldn't do that. He tried, for the first year the company was live, keeping himself amused with the rebirth of CPW, but it wasn't going to last.</p><p> </p><p>

"And I think Rip Chord was the only guy who couldn't see that happening."</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RCB.jpg</span><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpg</span></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

"Rip would have signed a bunch of talent-trade deals if he'd been given the chance," Bryant says. "They're part of the way he prefers to do business, since it means you keep guys coming into your territory and moving out. The Stones were pretty high on our list - they were offering a different product, but you can't deny the talent.</p><p> </p><p>

"Thing is, Stallings didn't believe in that. He wanted to respect the history of wrestling, he wanted to build on what'd come, but HGC needed to be its own company. We only shared talent if the talent wasn't exclusive to us - anyone who signed a written deal pretty much knew they weren't working anywhere else. </p><p> </p><p>

"At the same time, you want to keep your options open. </p><p> </p><p>

"And at the time the Kings got a push, there were plenty of reasons for that. We'd received news from Duane Stone that his run in Japan was almost up. We'd heard from Dan Stone Jr that he was interested in coming aboard. No-one was saying yes yet - both of them were plenty worried about how they might be used in an American promotion - but the interest was there. They were, at least, interested in talking about it.</p><p> </p><p>

"Turns out, in the end, it didn't happen, at least not that time around. </p><p> </p><p>

"And given the way things turned out, that's probably for the best."</p>

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TCW Legacy Archive Presents

HGC A Little South of Sanity '97

 

Things are destined to get a little crazy this Sunday when Hollywierd Grappling presents A Little South of Sanity, live on Pay-Per-View from Tennesee's historic Dust Bowl arena.

 

The show kicks off with a six-man grudge match, pitting Ethan Kane's Army of Darkness against Kit Hatoyama's Alliance of Dark Angel and the Blazing Flames. These two teams have been at each other's throats for weeks, and neither side wants to be the one to go down.

 

Another grudge match follows, when Troy Tornado squares off against the man who brought him into the company, the former leader of the Shadow Clan, Fumihiro Ota. Tornado has been on a streak since parting ways with the Clan, while Ota has found himself standing alone against his former student.

 

Next is a match that will only happen once - a specially sanction intergender bout that pits Spanish Superfly and Miss Mexico against Paul Steadyfast and Wanda Fish of the Untouchables. Fans know these two women know how to fight - they've demonstrated their abilities admirably in a series of brawls and attacks - but commissioner Future has demanded they settle their issue in the ring and leave it behind once and for all.

 

Calvin Walker has attacked his brother several times since arriving in HGC, frequently making use of a chair to ensure there's adequate bloodshed. With his scheduled rematch with Dread exactly one month away, Monty Walker is sniping at the Human Juggernaut the only way he can - issuing a challenge against his younger brother and beating Dread's protégé in the centre of the ring. The only question is how much Calvin Walker has learned...and whether Monty is prepared for the violence that may ensue if Emma Chase can't control his little brother's dark side.

 

Next up is the elimination street fight, pitting eight of the toughest men in HGC against each other with no holds barred and orders to fight until there's only one team standing. Who will be declared the toughest tag-team in Hollywierd - the Black Rebel Fight Club, the Nation of Filth, the Maple Leaf Maulers, or the wild and dangerous Canadian Wood Brothers?

 

It's a rivalry that electrified Mexico in recent years and now it'll do the same when the two men involved clash over the International Title. Masked veteran Mr Lucha will be defending his belt against the Priest of Pain, Pablo Rodriguez, and it promises to be an outstanding bout.

 

Dark Eagle may be out of action, but that isn't going to stop his tag-team partner from getting some payback against the men who took him out. Cowboy Ricky Dale will be stepping into the ring with an unnamed partner, taking on the Dallas Wrecking Crew one final time. We're still waiting for final word on who will be Ricky Dale's partner.

 

From one tag-team bout to another, the World Heavyweight Tag-Team titles will be on the line when The Ontario Kings step into the ring and challenge Backbreakers Inc. The champions have experience and a years of experience around the globe, but the Kings are a young team with frightening natural chemistry and a House of Stone pedigree that any sane wrestler has to respect.

 

Finally, in our main event, one of the most anticipated rematches in Hollywierd. Rip Chord has held the HGC World Heavyweight Championship for eleven straight months, defending his belt against all comers. While many men have challenged the champ and taken him to the limit, only one can legitimately claim to have defeated him clean. That man is the challenger, The American Outlaw, Liberty, and he swears he'll be the one to take Chord's title.

Matches featured on this streaming download include:

 

Liberty vs. Rip Chord

The Ontario Kings vs. Backbreakers Inc

Ricky Dale & ????? vs. The Dallas Wrecking Crew

Mr Lucha vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Black Rebel Fight Club vs. The Nation of Filth vs. Maple Leaf Maulers vs. The Wood Brothers

Monty Walker vs. Calvin Walker

Spanish Superfly & Miss Mexico vs. Paul Steadyfast & Wanda Fish

Fumihiro Ota vs. Troy Tornado

Dark Angel & The Blazing Flames vs. The Army of Darkness

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The Ontario Kings vs. Backbreakers Inc

Ricky Dale & ????? vs. The Dallas Wrecking Crew

Mr Lucha vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Black Rebel Fight Club vs. The Nation of Filth vs. Maple Leaf Maulers vs. The Wood Brothers

Monty Walker vs. Calvin Walker

Spanish Superfly & Miss Mexico vs. Paul Steadyfast & Wanda Fish

Fumihiro Ota vs. Troy Tornado

Dark Angel & The Blazing Flames vs. The Army of Darkness

Rip Chord vs. Liberty

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  • 4 weeks later...

HGC A Little South of Sanity 1997

Sunday, Week 4, November 1997

The Dust Bowl (South East) - 15,000 people (Sold Out!)

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

vs.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

 

Dark Angel & The Blazing Flames w/Kit Hatoyama vs. The Army of Darkness w/Karen Killer

 

This isn't a street fight, but it's damn close. There's plenty of heat between the two sides and referee Eugene Williams is forced to let a lot of stuff slide. It starts with closed fists on both sides, quickly escalates to both sides having multiple men in the ring, and sees a lot of the match being fought at ringside. Everybody fights. Everybody hurts. The managers do their best to keep things going, breaking up pinfalls.

 

The big moments of the match: The Demons double-chokeslamming Teddy Flame into the ring apron; Dark Angel taking out the entire Army of Darkness with an over-the-top rope twisting plancha; the Flames smearing Ethan Kane's face against the canvas when the catch him from behind in a double bulldog.

 

Ultimately the chaos ends when Karen Killer distracts the referee, hoping to secure an advantage for the Demons, and Kit Hatoyama reacts that little bit faster than Killer's clients. A kendo stick is thrown into the ring, neatly caught by Dark Angel, who applies it to Demon Anger's skull, and it's generally acknowledged on commentary that no-one swings a Singapore cane like Angel. The Flames play shepherd as Angel makes the cover, picking up the victory.

 

Dark Angel and The Blazing Flames defeated Ethan Kane and The Demons Of Rage in 10:41 by pinfall.

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpg

 

Ethan Kane throws off Teddy Flame and crashes into Dark Angel from behind, laying out the British cruiserweight with a big boot to the back of the skull. When Angel goes down, Kane continues the assault, stomping the hell out of his victim.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpg

 

Demon Spite keeps struggling with Joey Flame, trying to fight his way over to join in the beat-down on Angel, but Joey succeeds in holding the big Demon off. Teddy, meanwhile, comes to Dark Angel's aid, using a dropkick to force Kane to break off the assault.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

 

Kane calls for a retreat after that, having made his point, and the Demons join him as they head up the aisle. The Flames watch them leave, wary as hell, while Kit Hatoyama checks on her client in the middle of the ring.

 

Angel doesn't move for nearly a minute, but eventually his allies help him to his feet and he manages to leave the ring under his own power.

 

Rating: C-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpg

 

Ricky Dale's standing outside a locker room, leaning against the wall with his Stetson pulled low over his eyes. He's dressed down, as he tends to be when seen backstage - wifebeater, worn jeans, cowboy toots - but it doesn't hide the sullen anger in his stance.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg

 

Brent Hill walks into shot, leaning against the wall next to his old friend. "Eagle in with the doctors?"

 

Ricky Dale doesn't look up. "Yup."

 

"Didn't listen to 'em when they told him to say home."

 

"Nope."

 

"Think he's going to get cleared?"

 

There's a pause before Ricky Dale answers. "Nope."

 

Hill nods. "You know I'm willing to step in, man, if it comes to that. I owe you. I owe you both."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg

 

"As if that's going to help you, brother."

 

Rip Chord and the Entourage walk up the corridor, and Chord is all smiles. The Champion's wearing his belt around his waist, and Rick Sanders is all smiles as he stares at Ricky Dale. the Cowboy finally looks up, meeting Rip's gaze.

 

"You can stare all you want, brother," Chord says. "It isn't going to change what's happened. You're still signed on for a match against the Wrecking Crew - the most dangerous goddamn team in the world right now - and your partner's still going to be sitting in that room, getting told that The Great One has ensured he's not in a position to wrestle tonight.

 

"And honestly, brother, that's for the best. You see, I've given the Wrecking Crew their marching orders tonight. We made an example of the Eagle, and now we're going to make an example of you. They're going to go out there and dismantle ya, brother, you and whoever you've got in your corner. They're going to show the world why you shouldn't coming sniffing around the The Great One's door unless you're prepared to deal with the consequences."

 

Ricky Dale straightens, pushing his back a little further. He doesn't look happy. "Is that so, partner?"

 

"That's so," Chord says. "And if the Wrecking Crew can't get it done, Charlie Thatcher's there to finish you off."

 

"If you're so confident...champ," Ricky Dale says, "then lets see The Great One put his money where his mouth is. If I beat your wrecking crew tonight, I want another match with you next Tuesday. I want to stand in the same ring where we first met one year ago, and I want to prove don't have what it takes to beat me clean.

 

"So tell me, Chord, are you confident your boys are that good?"

 

Chord smirks. "Brother, I'm that confident and more," he says. "You want to make a deal? Lets make a deal. There's no chance - NO CHANCE - that you're going to get what you want."

 

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpg

 

Fumihiro Ota vs. Troy Tornado

 

There's not much crowd support for this one - there's still not enough trust for Ota's good intentions, and Tornado is still remembered as the Shadow Clan's weakest link - but you can't fault the in-ring action. Both men go all-out, and Tornado's approach to the match is aggressive and showcases everything he learned under months of Ota's tutelage.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

 

Ota fires back, slowly making a come-back, but he hesitates when Cheatin' Mike Barstow appears at ringside. Barstow doesn't interfere, he just watches, but the opening proves to be all Troy Tornado needs - he hits the top rope, launches the flying forearm blow, and for the first time Jason Azaria calls it the Star Maker.

 

Troy Tornado defeated Fumihiro Ota in 8:43 by pinfall.

Rating: C-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SpanishSuperfly.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissMexico.jpgvs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

 

Spanish Superfly & Miss Mexico vs. Paul Steadyfast & Wanda Fish

 

The dynamic sets up early - Steadyfast doesn't want to be in the match, taking any excuse he can to tag out, and Miss Mexico is eager to get into the ring any time Fish is there. The result is a number of rapid tags and a stronger focus on the women than many were expecting, but Mexico and Fish seem to thrive on the attention. Both women go all out, with crisp technical exchanges leading to big, high-risk moves.

 

The discord between Steadyfast and Fish gives the luchadors an early edge, but for all Steadyfast doesn't want to be in this match, he sees to dislike the idea of losing it even more. He starts working with Fish and the duo prove to be...surprisingly adept. They double-team, they misdirect, and finally they secure victory when Steadyfast puts himself into position for a blind tag, allowing Fish to leap into the ring and nail Spanish Superfly with a Dish of the Day from behind.

 

She makes the cover, smirking at Miss Mexico as Steadyfast shepherd the pinfall, and picks up the three-count.

 

Paul Steadyfast and Wanda Fish defeated Spanish Superfly and Miss Mexico in 8:42 by pinfall.

Rating: D+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ActionJackson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CoachDickPangrazzio.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg

 

The camera cuts backstage, where the All-Star Team is standing by with Action Jackson. Jackson beams at the camera. "That's one victory for the Untouchable's tonight," he says, "and I'm here with the men who'll be doing their damnedest to make sure it isn't too. Coach, you and the Vesseys have been targeted by the Tag-Team Specialists over the last month and on Tuesday night, you'll be main eventing the one-year anniversary episode of Hollyweird TV. Would you care to tell us your game-plan for Tuesday tonight's match?"

 

"Action Jackson, our game plan is the same as it always is," Coach says. "Go out there, wrestle like the best damn tag-team in the world, and make sure we win. Now I'm not going to sit here and say tonight's match won't be tough - the Specialists are a great team and they're getting better every time they wrestle. One day I fully expect to see them surpass my clients as the best damn tag-team in the world.

 

"But that day isn't today. Larry and Bryan, they're in the best form of their careers, and since we can't be crowned champions until Backbreaker's Inc lose their titles, we're going to settle for being the uncrowned champions here in HGC. Make no mistake: we may not hold the belts, but we're still the men every tag-team wants to beat."

 

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CalvinWalker.jpgw/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

 

Monty Walker vs. Calvin Walker w/Emma Chase

 

This is barely a match - Walker kicks things off, literally, and Calvin responds by catching the leg and taking his older brother down with a dragon screw. From there the match seems to revolve around both men trying to get the other onto the mat and start punching the hell out of them.

 

It's a tactic that favours Monty Walker - he's bigger, stronger, and has more experience - and when it becomes apparent that Calvin is out-matched, Emma Chase takes matters in hand by slipping Calvin a chair. The inevitable chair-shot follows and Eugene Williams calls for the DQ.

 

Monty Walker defeated Calvin Walker in 6:35 by disqualification.

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CalvinWalker.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

Monty lies on the canvas, clutching his head, and Calvin stands over him with the chair, looking towards Emma Chase for additional orders. The younger Walker brother is obviously eager to keep swinging, but Chase hesitates to give him the go-ahead.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg

 

Then Iron Man hits the speakers and Dread comes marching down the ramp, Dylan Sidle at his side. The Human Juggernaut walks straight past Chase, ignoring the flicker of fear that passes across her face, and climbs into the ring. With one meaty hand he reaches out and takes the chair off Calvin Walker. Walker balks at letting go, but Dread gives him a pat on the head and a nod of approval, and that seems to be all that's required to soothe the young psychopath's ruffled feathers and Calvin joins Chase at ringside.

 

With the ring cleared of allies, Dread nods and kneels next to Walker, placing the chair over Monty's face.

 

Then Dread winds his arm back and pistons a single, powerful punch into the steel. The crack echoes across the arena and the Juggernaut holds up the dented steel for everyone to see.

 

Monty Walker, on the other hand, lies on the mat with blood seeping from his forehead, knocked out by the blow.

 

Dread nods once, throws the chair from the ring, and leads his team backstage while a team of medics swarm down to remove the comatose Monty Walker.

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

ELIMINATION STREET FIGHT

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JackMarlowe.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BobCasey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryWood.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlysianScottsfield.jpg

 

Black Rebel Fight Club vs. The Nation of Filth vs. Maple Leaf Maulers vs. The Wood Brothers

 

Everyone fights. Everyone bleeds. Every team in the match goes under the ring for plunder, which means it doesn't take long for the ring to fill with chairs, ladders, and garbage bins.

 

The Maple Leaf Maulers come out of the gates strong. Bob Casey has worked hard to get over his body-check shoulder block in recent months, and it gives him the chance to play here - he charges Billy Wood, who prepares to take the hit, and Casey smoothly transitions into a quick roll-up instead. Only Larry coming in to make the save prevents the Wood's from early elimination.

 

That said, the Maulers are brawlers rather than hard-core specialists. Around six minutes into the match Bob Casey gets caught with a double bin-shot by the Nation of Filth, and Stink makes the cover.

 

Elimination One: Maple Leaf Maulers

 

Freddie Datsun hits the ring with a chair after that, although Grunt kicks it out of his hands before he has a chance to use it. The Filth proceed to double-team the Hardcore Everyman, although Marlowe finds his way into the ring with a trash-can lid to even the odds. Raw power proves decisive here, and it isn't long before Stink is planted with a double-team brainbuster by Marlowe and Datsun.

 

Elimination Two: The Nation of Filth

 

The Woods and the Fight Club circle one-another for a few moments. Both teams are bleeding - Larry Wood, in particular, is wearing a crimson mask - and there's an obvious respect at work here.

 

Billy Wood makes the first move, breaking ranks and charging, spearing Jack Marlowe in half. Freddie Datsun responds by flying at Larry Wood, hammering the big man with a series of hard blows. The camera focuses on the Datsun and Wood as they brawl, right up 'til the point where Larry Wood throws Datsun over the top rope and into a table at ringside with a running crucifix bomb.

 

Datsun doesn't get up after that - it seems, Nero comments, the Woods have finally found what's needed to break one of the fight club. The Woods then double-team Jack Marlowe for a time, putting him away with a Wood Chipper to end the bout.

 

The Wood Brothers defeated Black Rebel Fight Club, The Nation Of Filth and The Maple Leaf Maulers in 14:18.

Rating: D+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg

 

Backstage, and Chris Storm is working out, hammering strikes and knees into a punching bag. He ducks and weaves between strikes, moving with deceptive speed.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/GraceHarper_alt1.jpg

 

A slow round of applause interrupts him. Eddie Chandler walks into shot, the rest of the Global Elite coming in with him. Storm eyes them warily, still on guard.

 

"Storm," Chandler says. "Stormie, Stormie, Storm. You gotta relax buddy." The Fabulous One takes a few steps closer, resting one hand on the punching bag. "This thing you've got? The relentless training, the utterly ruthless dedication, you gotta let it go."

 

"Not much chance of that," Storm says. "I owe you a beating, Chandler. Tuesday night, I get my chance."

 

"Yes, yes you do," Chandler says. "And honestly, that's why I worry. I know how important this match is to you, Stormie. I know that aching desire to be better that burns away in your heart.

 

"The thing is, buddy, I don't have that."

 

"It's because you're a show pony," Storm says.

 

"No," Chandler says, suddenly serious. "It's because I don't need it.

 

"I know what you think of me, Chris, I do. You look at me and you see the outfits, you see Grace Harper, and it burns you up to know that I've got a victory over you. You look at men like Eric and Aussie Jack, two men who have the same drive and respect that you do, and you wonder exactly how they put up with me.

 

"And they do it, Chris, because I am that damn good. I always have been.

 

"I understand you, Chris, but you don't understand me.

 

"And I worry, buddy, 'cause come Tuesday night, you're going to need a way of coping with the fact that I've beaten you once again."

 

Rating: C

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

HGC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

 

Mr Lucha vs. Pablo Rodriguez

 

This is, perhaps, the hottest rivalry Mexico's seen in the last twenty years, and one you see them in the ring it's easy to understand why. These two get each other, really get each other, on a level few wrestlers ever achieve, and it makes for something magic.

 

Rodriguez starts the match by jumping Lucha during the traditional pre-match prayer, kicking the masked man in the face and stomping him into the mat. He immediately drags Lucha to the ropes and starts choking the legend, only letting go a fraction before the five-count is reached.

 

Another series of kicks brutalizes the legend, but an attempt to whip Lucha into the ropes is reversed, and once the match picks up speed they're well and truly with Lucha's comfort zone. Every time Rodriguez attempts to grab his opponent, Lucha finds a way to reverse it - arm-drags, rana attempts, springboards off the rope. He picks up a few two-counts as a result, but never something that really looks as though Rodriguez is in danger.

 

Rodriguez claims the advantage again when he catches Lucha with a kick from behind, taking out the knee. He proceeds to stomp on it while Lucha is down, slowing the champion enough that Lucha's easy prey for a series of charging clotheslines and round-house blows every time he struggles to get back on his feet.

 

Lucha digs deep to continue the match, frequently sacrificing his leg in order to hit some of his bigger moves. The action picks up as he makes his comeback and the moves get increasingly spectacular, as you'd expect from having two of the world's best high-flyers in the ring.

 

Finally Rodriguez goes for the Final Judgement and Lucha ducks beneath it, letting his opponent bounce off the ropes. Rodriguez is off-balance and Lucha immediately grabs him, hitting the Master Drop and making the final cover.

 

Mr Lucha defeated Pablo Rodriguez in 18:59 by pinfall. Mr Lucha makes defence number 5 of his HGC International title.

Rating: B

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg

 

The Dallas Wrecking Crew come out for their match, Charlie Thatcher in his corner. They jaw with the crowd as Rusty Cage hits, Cowboy Ricky Dale making his way down to the ring.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg

 

Ricky Dale stops short, glaring at the Wrecking Crew. Iron Maiden's Two Minutes 'til 'Midnight hits and Brent Hill makes his way down to the ring, although the fact that he's dressed in jeans and a t-shirt seems to 'cause some consternation among the Wrecking Crew.

 

Hill hits the bottom of the ramp, standing alongside Ricky Dale...

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkEagle.jpg

 

...and Dark EAGLE steps out onto the stage, staring down at the ring with a frightening intensity.

 

He makes his way down slowly, high-fiving both Hill and Ricky Dale, then he joins his regular tag-team partner as they climb into the ring.

 

Rating: C+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkEagle.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg

 

Martial Law w/Brent Hill vs. The Dallas Wrecking Crew w/Charlie Thatcher

 

If there's any doubt Dark EAGLE is pissed about being on the injured list for two weeks, it probably goes away after the opening minutes of this match. The masked man is there to fly and the Wrecking Crew are just a little slow on the uptake, their plans all based around facing the duo of Ricky Dale and Hill.

 

The Punisher's response to the change in game plan is simple: hurt people. Sanders tags his partner in and the big man goes to town, abandoning any pretense of finesse and simply throwing punches and lariats with all he's got. Often they miss, but the few that connect rattle Eagle badly, showing that perhaps he's not 100%.

 

Of course, with Ricky Dale in his corner, that's less of an issue. The big Cowboy comes into the match and it quickly becomes a slugfest, with both men making liberal use of the turnbuckles and the ring apron as something to throw their opponents into. It builds, Punisher getting the upper hand, but a blind tag brings Eagle back in and he nails the former street fighter from Chord's entourage with a missile dropkick to the back of the skull.

 

The Punisher proves he's a tough SOB by kicking out of the cover that follows, even if the attack is enough to send him crawling for the corner and Rick Sander's tag. Sanders is wary, circling, patient, and when Eagle finally closes in Rick cuts him off with a thumb to the eye.

 

Inevitably things get wild and woolly after that. Ricky Dale objects. The Punisher objects to the objection. Even Charlie Thatcher tries to get involved, although Brent Hill shoots in and takes the big man to the ground, expertly applying a wrist submission to keep Thatcher out of the right.

 

Finally, in the midst of the breakdown, Rick Sanders goes for a move on Eagle he's never attempted before - the patented Rip Chord DDT that's known for putting everyone down. It's a big move, difficult to execute, and Eagle manages to twist free and nail Sanders with a spin kick.

 

And immediately afterwards Ricky Dale comes flying through, taking Rick down with Leaping Lariat. Eagle drops down to make the cover while Ricky Dale blocks Punisher, securing the three-count.

 

Martial Law defeated The Dallas Wrecking Crew in 15:01 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg

 

Dusty Streets walks down to the ring, ostensibly dressed in street clothes, but there's no mistaking the tape 'round his wrists. He calls for the microphone, snatches it out of the air when someone throws it into the ring.

 

"It's no secret I hate Sam Strong," Streets says. "It's out there in every magazine, up on every website. Our...dislike...of one-another is the worst-kept secret in wrestling, and there's not a fan out there who doesn't have a theory on why we hate each other's guts.

 

"Really, it ain't much of a mystery. Take a look at my last name, consider what it really means. For decades the Streets family has been synonymous with great wrestling. We were the standard that every wrestler aspired to meet. The standard my father raised me to meet.

 

"Then just as I'm reaching my prime, along comes this guy named Strong. Can't wrestle worth a damn, but he's a big guy and he's built and people seem to like him, and so he becomes a super-star and Dusty Streets becomes a guy who never lived up to the hype.

 

"Truth is, I'm every bit as good as my father was. I am, if anything, even better than my brother. I learned to wrestle from men who were masters of the mat, and I've sat by and watched the sport I love...the sport my family made...get bastardised time and again by a man named Strong.

 

"And even though I hated him, at least I could respect the man. He was good at what he did, but he was never great. Never interested in working hard to transform his size and power into an unstoppable combination. He was always happy to cheat, always happy to take a short-cut, but at least he only did it against opponents who deserved it. Men whose pattern of cheating was even worse than his.

 

"And now, even that's not try. Now he's just as bad as the rest.

 

"And I'm here tonight to say, Sam, I'm sick of it, brother. I hate you, I've always hated you, and every time I think I've hated you enough, you find a way to make it worse.

 

"Well, brother, you want those rules set aside, I'm happy enough to do it. Hell, brother, I'll front Future the money for the winner's purse if that's what it takes."

 

Dusty lowers the microphone and stares at the backstage curtain, waiting for a response. There's a long, empty silence that's eventually broken by Hendrix' guitar, and Sam Strong steps out.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg

 

"You'll front the money?"

 

He stares at Dusty, microphone gripped in a heavy fist, and finally Strong smirks.

 

"Brother," he says, "it ain't that I'm opposed to taking your cash. I step into that ring tonight, I'll kick your ass, no doubt.

 

"But Sam Strong doesn't wrestle to anyone else's schedule, brother, and he sure as hell don't fight just 'cause you come out and say so.

 

"Least of all you, Dusty.

 

"You can take your famous last name and shove it."

 

He turns on his heel and walks backstage, leaving Dusty alone in the ring.

 

Rating: B+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

HGC WORLD TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ThomasMorgan.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanHolmes.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/GraceHarper_alt1.jpg

 

The Ontario Kings vs. Backbreakers Inc w/Grace Harper

 

The champions are all swagger as they head to the ring, backed as they are by the duo of Grace Harper and Eddie Chandler. It doesn't bother the Kings, who wait the champs arrival with deadly focus, never losing sight of the two men who wear the belt. Tyler, in particular, starts spitting insults as the ref checks them for weapons, trying to rattle Bryan Holmes, but Holmes just grins and steps from the ring, letting Thomas Morgan start things off with Jack Dundee.

 

There's plenty of heart in the Kings performance, but it's backed up with slick teamwork and some of the finest mat-wrestling HGC has ever seen. The young duo surprise everyone by holding their own, forcing the champs to wrestle their match, and there's a definite sense that Backbreakers Inc are struggling to contain the Kings fast-paced offense.

 

There's a moment of vindication for Bryan Holmes here - he nails Eric Tyler with the Cyclone Shock Kick - but the cover is broken when Grace Harper hooks Tyler's leg under the bottom rope.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpg

 

Holmes protests the call, which proves to be a mistake - Eddie Chandler takes the opportunity to pull Morgan off the ring apron, throwing him into the guard rail for good measure, and Tyler tags in Dundee just as Holmes turns his attention back to the match.

 

The Stone's star student immediately gets hit with the Elimination Protocol backbreaker, guaranteed to put down almost anyone, and the champions retain on the back of their stablemate's interference.

 

Backbreaker Inc defeated The Ontario Kings in 19:39 by pinfall. Backbreaker Inc make defence number 6 of their HGC World Tag Team titles.

Rating: B-

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg

 

The Silver Screen fires up, pay-per-view theme Long Hard Road Out of Hell playing in the background as a pre-taped interview with Liberty backstage.

 

"Tuesday night," he says, "Hollyweird turns one year old.

 

"I started my career here pinning Rip Chord to the mat. I plan on ending this first year by doing the same.

 

"Chord may be everything he says: the Great One, the new Golden Age of Wrestling.

 

"But I'm the man who beat Sam Strong in one of this companies most brutal matches. I'm the guy who beat BLZ Bubb, who beat Dread, who beat the Vesseys. People might call me the dark horse, but that just means they've mistaken me for something I'm not.

 

"I go out there to put on a show. I go out there to have fun.

 

"But I still go out there to win, to prove I'm the best there is.

 

"Tonight's my night. Rip Chord's reign as champion is done."

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg

 

The camera cuts to Rip Chord, oddly alone after months of being seen with his entourage.

 

"Everywhere I've gone," he says, "I've been a champion. I've been the best. I've been...the Great One.

 

"This belt makes me a twelve-time champion, and it's the most important belt I've ever owned.

 

"Because this is the belt that Rip Chord built. It's the belt that means something because I made it mean something. The belt that's been worn by one man - me - and no-one else.

 

"For some men, that would be enough, but I am not those men.

 

"I am Rip Chord, the Great One, the next Golden Age of Wrestling. I plan on holding this belt 'til I die, and then they're going to bury me with it.

 

"And if anyone gets in my way, they're going to get stomped down."

 

Rating: B+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg

 

Liberty's makes his ring entrance, coming down to the ring while the crowd roars. The American Outlaw is in good spirits, playing to the crowd, but he's all business once he gets to the ring, awaiting the arrival of the champ.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg

 

The camera cuts backstage, following the Champion as he emerges from his locker room. Chord is in full-bore strut mode, a confident champion heading to the ring, the lumbering presence of Charlie Thatcher at his side.

 

He walks out onto the stage and poses with the title, giving everyone a chance to soak up the belt around his waist.

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg

 

Tyson Baine comes out of nowhere and spears Charlie Thacher, hitting the bodyguard hard enough to send him flying. Thatcher bounces once, falling off the side of the stage, and Baine just grins as he looks down at the astonished Chord.

 

Chord recovers fast, yelling abuse at Baine.

 

The Demon Seed just points towards the stage, where Liberty and the referee are waiting.

 

Rating: B+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

HGC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg

 

Liberty vs. Rip Chord

 

The crowd roar starts immediately: Liberty has a massive amount of support from the fans, and after his previous matches with Chord the fans are anticipating something extraordinary.

 

The match itself almost lives up to the expectations of the sizzling crowd. Chord may be closer to fifty than forty, but the World Champion may actually be having the golden run of his career at the tail end. If he's slowed with age, it's barely perceptible, allowing him to wrestle like a man of twenty-five with the benefit of Chord's decades of experience.

 

Nothing Chord does seems to slow Liberty down. The champ starts giving ground, looking for help in the form of Thatcher or the Wrecking Crew. Neither comes; Thatcher is still being tended by the paramedics, the Wrecking Crew are definitely feeling their match earlier in the evening.

 

For the first time in a long time, Rip Chord stands alone.

 

Liberty responds with an intensity the fans have only glimpsed once before, in his match against Sam Strong. The American Outlaw is still fast, constantly moving, but he focuses less on playing to the crowd and more on taking out his opponent. Mostly, it sees, because this time he doesn't need to - the fans are right there, in the palm of his hand, and he feeds on it.

 

Despite this, Liberty can't land the Liberation Slam. Chord has that move scouted and avoids it whenever possible, with the commentary team noting that Liberty has only rarely won a match on anything other than his most potent move.

 

Instead the end comes off an attempt at a Rip Chord DDT, albeit not the way the champ's hoping. He goes to reel Liberty in, but this time it's the challenger's pre-match scouting that pays off. Liberty reverses, pulls Chord in, and snaps the champion into the mat with a DDT of his own.

 

The cover is made and the referees hand comes down for the three, giving HGC its second ever World Heavyweight Champion.

 

Liberty defeated Rip Chord in 26:39 by pinfall. Liberty wins the HGC World Heavyweight title.

Rating: B+

 

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

 

Overall: B-

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And that caps off the 2010 portion of game - since HGC canonically started in December of 1996, I figured I'd cut things here and start a "year two" thread up in the 2013 dynasty forums.

 

Thanks to everyone who read this far - and kept reading after the 2010 Dynasty forum went dead. Hopefully this time around I'll get through a year of game-time slightly faster than the two years of real time it took for me to get this far :)

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