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

Midnightnick · September 20, 2013

Liberty vs. Dread vs. Monty Walker vs. Rip Chord (Four Way Dance for the World Heavyweight Championship)

The Ontario Kings vs. Backbreakers Inc (Tag-Team Championship Match)

Dark Angel vs. Awesome Thunder (King of the Cruiserweights Final)

Dusty Streets vs. Sam Strong

Tyson Baine vs. Charlie Thatcher (First Blood Match)

Mr Lucha vs. Ethan Kane (International Championship Match)

Steve Flash & Ed Monton vs. The Dallas Wrecking Crew

Chris Storm vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

The Blazing Flames vs. The Wood Brothers

arwink · September 24, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Malice in Wonderland

Sunday, Week 4, January 1998

The Kettley Arena (Mid-South) - 30,000 people (Sold Out!)

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryWood.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlysianScottsfield.jpg

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<div style="text-align:center;">The Blazing Flames vs. The Wood Brothers

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The Flames made their name in this kind of bout: a fast-moving tag-team running riot against a pair of big, experienced brawlers who know how to get heat. The Woods do their thing: hit hard, slam harder, hammer things home with the double-teams. Then the Flames do theirs, mounting a fiery come-back that ends with Billy Wood falling prey to a Flame On from Teddy.

<div style="text-align:center;"> The Blazing Flames defeated The Wood Brothers in 8:08 by pinfall.

Rating: C

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

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"Frenetic action to kick us off tonight," Jason Azaria says, "and still more to come before the night is over. We go now to my broadcast colleague, Action Jackson, whose standing by with a man going into tonight's main event with a target on his knee."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ActionJackson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg

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"Thanks Jason," Jackson says. "Monty Walker, it's fair to say tonight is the biggest match of your career. How's your knee, brother?"

"My knee..." Monty Walker turns his sly half-smile towards the camera. "My knee's hurting, man, but that's not exactly news. A month ago I went out there and fought Dread to a standstill, and there's no-one who does that without paying a price.

"Thing is, AJ, I've been fighting Dread for a year now. I've taken him to the limit again and again. I've grown accustomed to the price you pay for that, and I've learned to thrive despite that. It's why I'm one of the few men who can say they've pinned Dread clean. No-one else can say that in tonight's four-way dance. Not Liberty, not Rip Chord. Just me."

Action Jackson nods. "But going into this match with an injury, sure that's not ideal..."

"Ideal, no." Walker's smile grows a little more genuine. "There's never an ideal time for a title match. It's one of the things Alex Braun taught me, back when I was a rookie. You can always be in better shape. You can always do a little more scouting.

"You don't let that stop you from taking the shot, though. If the chance is there, you go for it. That's how this business works. You mitigate your weaknesses. Dread's going for knee, I go into the match knowing that. Chord will do it too. So will Liberty, if he's smart.

"I know that. I know their game plan. If I'm smart, I can turn that into an advantage."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpgw/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CoachDickPangrazzio.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

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<div style="text-align:center;">Chris Storm w/Coach Pangrazzio vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr. w/Wanda Fish

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The tension is palpable from the opening lock-up, with both men seizing their opponents with all their strength and maintaining a death-grip as they jockey for position, searching for the leverage that will lead to the first take-down. The match evolves into a series of go-behinds and amateur takedowns, although no-one seems capable of keeping things on the mat.

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

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There's nothing subtle about Eddie Chandler's interference in this match. He slides into the ring, chair in hand, and creases Richie Pangrazzio's skull with a single shot the head.

<div style="text-align:center;">Richie Pangrazzio Jr. defeated Chris Storm in 8:20 when Chris Storm was disqualified.

Rating: B-

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpg

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Chris Storm isn't happy about the interference, but his objections are brushed aside with a second chair shot.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RobertOxford.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpg

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The response from backstage is immediate: The Tag-Team Specialists come charging down to the ring, Paul Steadyfast hot on their heels. Chandler meets their charge with chair in hand, assaulting them as they come over the ropes.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpg

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When the Vessey Brothers arrive not long after that, things really break down. Chandler is cutting loose with the chair, The Untouchables are fighting a war on both fronts, and the Vesseys seem determined to take out everyone between them and their injured ally.

Things are getting out of control as security swarms down into the ringside area, and Jason Azaria announces that we're cutting to the back.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">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

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The camera cuts back to Rip Chord's dressing room, where the Champion is standing by along with his entourage. "Another month," Chord says. "Another pay-per-view, another night where Frankie Future has scheduled matches for every member of Camp Chord. He thinks..." Chord pauses, smirks for the camera. "He thinks it's going to slow us down.

"You can't slow down Charlie Thatcher. He's the insurance policy, the man who solves problems. Six-feet, seven inches. Three hundred and four pounds. A wrecking ball whose purpose in life is destroying other people, whether they're rookies or monsters like Tyson Baine.

"You can't slow down The Punisher, a man who wrestled for Idaho State. A man who earned his name fighting in bars and back-alley brawls, taking home meager paychecks until someone realized his talent. A man whose anger is channeled into the art of inflicting pain.

"You can slow down Rick Sanders, the Enforcer of Camp Chord. An unparalleled technician, a man who lives to inflict pain. Thatcher will destroy you, Punisher will knock you out, but Sanders is the man who will make you live with the ache long after the fight is over. Steve Flash has his eye on Rick, which makes Steve Flash an idiot. Good as he is, Rick is better. Particularly when he's out there as part of the Dallas Wrecking Crew.

"And you can't slow me down, Frankie Future. You tried. You've tried again and again.

"But I'm Rip Chord, the Great One, Your World Heavyweight Champion. And I don't care who you're sending out to wrestle me, whether it's Liberty...whether it's Dread...whether it's Monty Walker.

"I am the Champ and I'll stay the Champ, because I am the best in the world."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B+

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SteveFlash_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg

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<div style="text-align:center;"> Steve Flash & Ed Monton vs. The Dallas Wrecking Crew

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The configuration of these two teams leaves them somewhat evenly balanced: both have a skilled technician in their ranks, accompanied by a hard-hitting brawler capable of inflicting serious damage. The sequences between Flash and Sanders are a particular highlight, with Sander's attempt to work the knee hampered by Steve Flash's mastery of counter-wrestling.

The Canadian veterans are a formidable team, but for all their in-ring prowess they're still relatively new to the tag-team ranks. The Wrecking Crews experience in tag-team bouts allows them to cut th half, putting a beating on Ed Monton. It ends with The Punisher hitting a piledriver, picking up the three.

<div style="text-align:center;"> The Dallas Wrecking Crew defeated Steve Flash and Ed Monton in 8:13 by pinfall.

Rating: C+

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">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

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Ethan Kane leads the Army of Darkness into the Crippler position, ready to head out to the ring for his title match.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkEagle.jpg

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All four members of the Army come to a halt when they spot Cowboy Ricky Dale and Dark EAGLE waiting. Ricky Dale has a leather strap wrapped around his right fist, while EAGLE has a kendo stick resting against one shoulder.

"You're in my way," Kane says.

Ricky Dale straightens, rubbing a thumb along the leather strap wrapped around his right fist. "Apologies," he says. "Your free to keep walking."

Kane takes a step forward, only to have Dark EAGLE lower the kendo stick in his path. "The Demons stay here."

Anger steps forward, ready to strike, but Kane holds out an arm to restrain the big Demon. He seems almost...amused...by the confrontation.

"This isn't a smart choice, Cowboy. Not for you, not for you friend. Step aside, and I'll forget this happened. Remain..."

Ricky Dale grins. "Oh, I think we're remaining, partner."

Ethan Kane's eyes narrow as his music starts playing. He glances back at his allies and waves them off, giving ground this once in deference to the important match he's got coming.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

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<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;"> Mr Lucha vs. Ethan Kane w/Karen Killer

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This one is built around the size dynamic at work in the ring, with the fast-moving Lucha staying out of Kane's reach and peppering him with offense. It starts with a flurry of offense: strikes, kicks, a dragon screw when Lucha catches Kane's attempt to retaliate. It isn't long before the champ has the challenger in the corner, firing off with a series of slaps.

Then Killer comes into play, tripping Lucha as he goes to the ropes, and from the champions momentum wanes. Ethan Kane wrestles a power game, softening Lucha up with a series of power slams before draping him over the second rope and going to work with a series of stiff, cross-face blows. Sam Sparrow is there to break the assault on five, but Lucha is rattled. Kane waits, lifts Lucha into the air, and holds him for a picture perfect stall suplex.

Ring positioning, more than anything, saves Lucha's title when the cover is made. The champ always knows where he is in the ring and where to find the ropes, keeping him in the game as Kane's offense grows increasingly aggressive. Turnbuckles come into play, as do the ring posts themselves when the fight spills into the ringside area.

Kane makes the mistake of going to the top rope - no-one is entirely sure what he's intending - and Lucha seizes the opportunity, hauling the big man off with an improvised hip toss that sends Kane clear across the ring. It's a momentary respite: Kane rolls free of the moonsault attempt that follows, then takes Lucha's head off with a big boot. When another two-count fails, he gathers Lucha up and prepares for the implant DDT.

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

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And then the lights go out. March of the Pigs starts playing and the strobe lights start flashing, revealing the silver-masked figure of Vengeance on the main stage.

And down in the ring, totally undistracted by the music and lights, Lucha slips free of Kane's grip and hits the Master Drop, picking up the three-count.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Mr Lucha defeated Ethan Kane in 11:56 by pinfall. Mr Lucha makes defence number 9 of his HGC International title.

Rating: B-

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Vengeance.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EthanKane.jpg

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The flashing strobes continue as Vengeance sweeps into the ring. Ethan Kane climbs to his feet, suddenly terrified by the possibility of being in the same ring as the masked monster, and he struggles to escape through the ring ropes.

It doesn't work.

Vengeance grabs the man who set him on fire and hauls him into the air, holding him aloft in a military press. Kane writhes, trying to get free, but Vengeance adjusts his balance...runs...

And launches Ethan Kane over the top rope and into the announce table.

"What the hell?" Rhodes yells. "How did he do that?"

"It's chaos here, ladies and gentlemen," Azaria adds. "You'll have to excuse us while--"

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C-

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

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Pearl Jam's Blood kicks into gear as a recap video starts tracking the history of sneak-attacks and beat-downs that have taken place between the Demon Seed, Tyson Baine, and the Insurance Policy, Charlie Thatcher, as they built towards their match tonight.

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg</charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""> "When the time comes for violence, I don't like holding back. All those insults that I swallow, all those times I fight my own impulse to hurt people, they all come spilling out of me.</charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""> "Come Malice in Wonderland, I don't have to be patient anymore. They're going to put me in the ring with Tyson Baine. They're going to let us fight until one of us bleeds."</charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "I grew up with violence, Thatcher. I grew up with anger, got consumed by anger, fell further into violence and blood than anyone in this company will ever truly know. You want to get in the ring with me and beat the hell out of each other, I'm happy to oblige.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Just remember that you're the one who asked for the rules to be set aside."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""></tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Rating: B</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> FIRST BLOOD</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CharlieThatcher.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Tyson Baine vs. Charlie Thatcher</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> It's an ugly, savage brawl that sees both men firing blows at their opponent's skull, battering the hell out of one-another in an attempt draw blood. Virtually nothing that occurs in the ring resembles a wrestling bout, unless you're using the most generous of definitions and forgiving the almost-exclusive use of closed fists.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> With two big, tough guys like Baine and Thatcher, it takes a bit to meet the stipulation, leading Kyle Rhodes to ponder why anyone would bother subjecting themselves to this kind of match. Nero speaks from history, fleshing out the hatred running through the history between the pair, and even the Mad Professor of Wrestling is disgusted when Thatcher produces a pair of brass knuckles.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Thatcher comes tearing in with a wild punch, hoping to end things.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Baine sidesteps, scoops his foe up, and hits a side-slam that shakes the ring. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> From there the demon seed mounts his foe and starts raining knuckle punches against the side of the face, busting Thatcher open with a gush of fresh crimson. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Tyson Baine defeated Charlie Thatcher in a First Blood match in 12:18 when Charlie Thatcher was busted open.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: C</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Cheatin' Mike Barstow is backstage with his clients, Troy Tornado, Nathan Coleman, and Stuart Ferdinand. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Ladies and Gentlemen," Barstow says, "my name is Mike Barstow, and as a veteran of the wrestling world and well-known entrepreneur, I have gathered together a trio of the best young talent in Hollyweird to guide and shape in my own vision. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Now some say I'm teaching these men bad habits, but in this business, as in life in general, money is all that matters, and money is what we earn. Troy Tornado dominates the Proving Ground. Coleman and Ferdinand are men on the rise, dubbed one of the tag-teams to watch in the coming year.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "These men are money, but they aren't on your TV come Tuesday nights. They aren't given the opportunities men of their talent should be.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "This week, on Hollyweird TV, I rectify that situation. You have been warned."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: D+</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:left;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Sam Strong surprises everyone by coming out of the crowd, stepping over the guard rails and into the ring. The Living Legend is dressed to compete, his wrestling gear covered by a sweat-shirt, and he's got a rising sun headband tied around his forehead. He calls for a microphone, waits for someone to deliver them.</tyson></charlie>

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<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Streets," he shouts, "I'm sick of waiting, brother. You want to do this? Let's get this done."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:left;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Where the Streets Have No Name hits and Dusty Streets makes his way down towards the ring, only to be jumped by Team Strength Rush. Diaz connects with Streets from behind, knocking him flat with a double-handed sledge to the back of the neck. Lee Wright immediately drops and applies a crossface, wrenching Streets' neck to one side.</tyson></charlie>

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<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:left;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Brent Hill and Tommy Cornell charge out to make the save, getting into a brawl with the Strength Rush. The pair force the Strength Rush towards the ring, unleashing a series of hard chops as they go, buying time for Streets to regain his feet.</tyson></charlie>

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<div style="text-align:left;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Streets gets hold of a microphone. "STRONG! No more of this, Strong. I'm done ****ing around. If you want to get your friends involved, I can do the same. One way or another, you're going to FIGHT."</tyson></charlie>

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<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B+</tyson></charlie><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""></tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Dusty Streets, Tommy Cornell, & Brent Hill vs. Sam Strong & Team Strong Style w/Suzue Katayama</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Sam Sparrow has a hard job getting control of this one - it starts with all six men in the ring, brawling for all their worth, and it isn't until he faces start dumping people over the top rope that Sparrow can actually identify a legal man.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> From there the match settles into a familiar routine: Dusty Streets wants Strong in the ring, and Strong takes every opportunity to tag out and avoid the confrontation, leaving the majority of the wrestling to the Strength Rush and their eminently capable striking game.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> With six men active throughout the match, there's a number of saves and close calls, all of them building to the eventual crescendo of finishing moves that set up the final sequence. Dusty Streets hits the Dust Off on Diaz, only to fall prey to a belly-to-back suplex from Strong that catches him by surprise. Cornell breaks the cover, going for the Rough Justice...</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> ...but Strong blocks the move, shoves the young Brit away, then charges in with a Strong Arm Tactic to secure the final victory. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Team Strong Style (Sam Strong, Raymond Diaz and Lee Wright) defeated Dusty Streets, Tommy Cornell, and Brent Hill in 20:05 by pinfall.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B+</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JasonAzaria.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Earlier tonight, on the HGC Proving Ground, we held a battle royal to determine who would be the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Title at The War To Settle the Score next month," Jason Azaria says. "We take you now to some highlights of that match..."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MaskedRebel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RomeoHeartthrob.jpg</tyson></charlie>http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DuaneStone_zpsf0156b44.jpg

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The clip package starts, showcasing the chaos of the battle-royal in progress, spots given to every HGC wrestler who doesn't have a spot on the main show. The early stages of the match are all about the Masked Rebel, whose strength and guile sees him eliminating seven of the twenty competitors in the match. He's eventually caught with a low blow by Romeo Heartthrob, creating the opening Duane Stone needs to throw Rebel over the top rope.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""></tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The final minutes of the match feature a heavy focus on the men who have outlasted everyone else: Larry Vessey, Bryan Vessey, Demon Anger, Heartthrob, Cowboy Ricky Dale, and Freddie Datsun. Ricky Dale eliminates Anger. Heartthrob takes out Bryan Vessey. A disgruntled Demon Anger climbs back into the ring to decimate Ricky Dale, who is eliminated from the match, and Datsun surprises everyone by being the man who eliminates Romeo Heartthrob.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Much is made of the fact that Vessey is competing with his arm in a cast, cutting him off from the devastating Sick Cycle he uses to put down opponents. He manages to pull through despite this, forcing Datsun over the top rope with a backdrop. Despite his injury, Vessey is declared the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: D+</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">KING OF THE CRUISERWEIGHTS FINAL</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/YosukeNarita_alt.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Dark Angel w/Kit Hatoyama vs. Awesome Thunder</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Neither man is the biggest name on the HGC roster, but the in-ring action is enough to make everyone sit up and pay attention. Angel and Thunder are two of the world's best high-flyers, men with a hard-earned understanding of wrestling psychology in addition to their athletic merits, and the result is a fast-paced war of attrition where the high-spots are filled with emotion as well as impressive acrobatics.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Much of the match plays with Thunder's history of fighting dirty, but the ninja seems to be fighting this one clean. He relies extensive on the kicks that have become his trademark, springboarding off the ropes to land a devastating round-house, but it's not enough. Angel whips a leaping knee strike into Thunder's face, stunning him, then follows it up with the Descent into Hell to win the King of the Cruiserweights crown. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Dark Angel defeated Awesome Thunder in 12:04 by pinfall.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Kit Hatoyama climbs into the ring with her client, joining him as Dark Angel bows to Awesome Thunder in a gesture of respect. This provides Frankie Future the time to come strolling down to the ring, King of the Cruiserweight's trophy in hand. He collects the microphone and climbs into the ring, shaking Angel's hand.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Ladies and Gentlemen, the King of the Cruiserweights for 1998, the Neo-Samurai...Dark Angel!"</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The ripple of applause that runs through the arena is joined by amplified, mocking clap as Pablo Rodriguez makes his way onto the stage, microphone in hand. The fans mood immediately drops, although a portion of the crowd is still willing to express their displeasure at the Priest of Pain's appearance.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "King of the Cruiserweights," Rodriguez says. "I suppose I should offer my congratulations, Angel, because you've beaten an array of talent to earn this coveted title. Awesome Thunder, Troy Tornado, Super Joshuya. All men of talent and skill, warriors any wrester can be proud of winning.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Let me tell you what they're not, Angel. They aren't Pablo Rodriguez.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "At the age of eighteen I conquered Mexico. I deposed a legend in order to win my first title, a legend who promptly ran to the United States in order to rebuild his career. He reigns here as the International Champion, waiting for the day I come to relieve him of yet another title belt, and that man--" Rodriguez points towards Future "--seems determined to prevent that from happening.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Whoa, whoa, whoa." Frankie Future holds up a hand, stalling the rest of Rodriguez tirade. "I'm not trying to prevent you from doing anything, brother. Way I remember it, we gave you a shot at Lucha, you came up short. We gave you a spot in the tournament, and you refused in the name of going after Lucha. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "We don't like people who give up opportunities here, Rodriguez. You want shots, you earn them. When you come up short, you double down and show us why you deserve another chance. This ain't Mexico, brother--"</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "That much," Rodriguez says, "is clear."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "But you're right when you claim to be a hell of a talent," Future says, scowling at the interruption. "And because of that, I'm going to do you one hell of a favor: I'm giving you a match against Dark Angel in two weeks time. Win it, and we'll talk about giving you a shot at the title. Lose it, and you can bet we'll be lining Angel up for the International Title Shot at The War to Settle the Score."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: D</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DuaneStone_zpsf0156b44.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Duane Stone is backstage, loitering in the Crippler Position while he waits for the Ontario Kings. He looks up as Eric Tyler approaches, smug grin in place.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Tyler," Stone says.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Duane." Eric folds his arms, looking down. He stands a few inches taller than Stone, and it's enough to convey a sense of weight. "I'm looking forward to tonight, Duane, going out there and defending the belts against your kids. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Morgan and Holmes are talented kids - given time and experience, they may even rate a spot in the Elite - but they're just the appetizer. Once we beat them - once I make your kids tap out to the Tradition Lift - I'm coming after you."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Stone pushes off the wall, straightening as he meets Tyler's gaze. "First thing we teach in the Stone dojo, Eric? Don't look past your next match." The Backbreaker's music starts playing, and Stone heads towards the entryway. "Good luck tonight. You're going to need it."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: D+</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> HGC WORLD TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> 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.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""></tyson></charlie><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">The Ontario Kings vs. Backbreakers Inc w/Grace Harper & Eddie Chandler</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> This one's a technical wrestling master class, with the Stone trained Kings taking things to the mat early and the Champions taking up the challenge. Holds are applied, counters are found, submissions are broken up by partners. Even when the Backbreakers manage to isolate Holmes, they're investing as much effort in containing their opponent as they do wearing him down.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> When it becomes apparent that skill alone isn't going to get the job done, the champions start stalling, distracting the referee so that Grace Harper and Eddie Chandler can get involved. Chandler arms himself with a chair...</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DuaneStone_zpsf0156b44.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> ...and gets cut off by Duane Stone, who hits a low drop-kick to prevent Chandler from getting to the ring. The Canadian Cobra brawls with Chandler, locking in the Alabaster Agony at ringside, and Harper is forced to abandon her interference in order to free her comrade from the hold.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Without the allies on the apron, the Backbreakers find themselves in trouble. The Kings put on the pressure, pushing the pace of the match, and Holmes eventually blocks a Tradition Lift and transitions it into a cross-face hold. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Tyler is tough as nails, but trapped in the centre of the ring with Morgan playing shephard, he's got no choice but to submit. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The Ontario Kings defeated Backbreakers Inc in 19:53 by submission. The Ontario Kings win the HGC World Tag Team titles.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: C+</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Cannonball plays and the American Outlaw, Liberty, makes his way down to the ring, taking the time to glad-hand the fans as he goes. He's dressed to compete, but that doesn't stop him from grabbing a microphone on his way into the ring.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Hey," he says, "how y'all doing?"</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> It's a simple question, but it provokes a big response from the crowd, a roar that echoes through the arena as the fans cheer.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Yeah," Liberty says, "that's what I figured. Hell of a show we've had so far. And it's about to get bigger. Me. Dread. Monty Walker. The World Heavyweight Champion, Rip-****ing-Chord. A four way dance for the title, just like the night we first crowned a champion.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "I came up short the first time we did this. I cam close - so very close - to winning the championship, but Rip Chord put me down and walked away with the belt. Reigned for eleven straight months before I beat him and became the second ever World Heavyweight Champion here in Hollyweird Grappling.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "That was a big night for me. Probably the best I've ever had, which is saying something, I'll tell ya, given the kind of life I lead.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "'Cept for me, it didn't last. Rip Chord invoked his rematch clause. He came into the match determined, willing to do anything in order to walk away the champ, and on the night I missed a trick and he walked away a two-time champ.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Funny thing about holding a title, even if it's only for a short while. It makes you realise what you really want in life. It makes you want it even more.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "I'm out here to fight three other men for the title tonight, and none of them are easy to beat. Dread is a living juggernaut. Rip Chord is one of the dirtiest wrestlers I've ever fought, and it makes him hard to beat. Monty Walker...well, we all know what that kid did. He's young, he's fast, he's got more guts than brains. You damn-well have to kill him in order to slow him down.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Tonight isn't about how fast you are. It's not about skill or size or power. In a four way dance, it's all about who wants it more. Who can outlast. Who can survive. Right now, I think that's me, 'cause I know what I've lost. Tonight I outlast three other men and become your World Heavyweight Champion."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B+</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> FOUR WAY DANCE</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> for the HGC World Heavyweight Championship</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Liberty vs. Dread vs. Monty Walker vs. Rip Chord</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> It rates up there among the finest title matches in Hollyweird's short history, with Jason Azaria dubbing it one of the toughest challenges Rip Chord has faced in Hollyweird's history. Everyone brings their A game. Everyone keeps fighting long after they'd ordinarily give up.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Monty Walker's injured leg plays a big part in the opening storyline, for all that the rookie wrestler seems to be moving easily. Chord applies submission after submission to the limb, never quite managing to secure the tap-out before someone interferers. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Dread just brutalizes the leg - at one point getting Walker on the mat and hammering it with a series of stiff elbows - and despite this Walker stays in the match. In fact, he seems to thrive being everyone's target, at one letting himself get backed into the corner and using the ropes to hold him upright while he deliver's a stiff kick to Dread's jaw. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> It's not enough to knock out the big man, but it rattles him, and in a match like this being rattled is extraordinarily dangerous. Rip Chord swoops in, nailing the Rip Chord DDT. When Dread struggles to rise, Liberty is there with a Liberation Slam, finally succeeding in getting the Human Juggernaut down for three about sixteen minutes into the bout.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Elimination One: Dread</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The sequence that follows sees Liberty and Walker joining forces, forming an unofficial alliance to tag-team the champion and wear Rip Chord down. It's a tactic that works only so long as they remain allied, and in this instance Walker is the first to break - he turns on Liberty with a right-hand blow, going for the quick roll-up, and comes dangerously close to getting the pinfall.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Liberty kicks free and takes the fight to Walker, remaining the only man in the match who isn't inclined to target the knee. In truth, he doesn't need to. Liberty's bigger, stronger, almost as fast, and he hasn't taken the punishment Walker did in the early stages of the match. He hits the Liberation Slam at the twenty-one minute mark, putting Walker out of the match.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Elimination Two: Monty Walker</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">The final seven minutes are a furious war between Chord and Liberty, a highlight reel of their previous bouts. It's also unmarked by interference - as Nero notes, Chord is out of allies tonight, with the Wrecking Crew being watched by the rest of the HGC locker room and Thatcher currently in with the HGC doctors.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Several times, Liberty gets a near three-count, bringing the crowd to their feet, but he can't quite get the job done. Chord finally gets the Rip Chord DDT to secure the definitive and unassisted win.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rip Chord defeated Dread, Monty Walker and Liberty in an Elimination match in 27:51. Rip Chord makes defence number 1 of his HGC World Heavyweight title.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B+</tyson></charlie>

<div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rip Chord is handed the belt and immediately lifts it high, climbing the turnbuckles to bask in the hatred of the fans. The smug veteran spits insults as he points to the belt, letting everyone know that he's still the champ.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Which is why he doesn't see Dread coming up behind him. The Human Juggernaut pulls Chord off the turnbuckles, slamming him into the canvas with a powerslam that shakes the entire ring. Chord lies there as if he's been broken, unmoving, the belt falling out of his grip.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Liberty slides back into the ring, getting in Dread's face. "Why would you do this?" Azaria shouts. "Why get involved with a monster like Dread?"</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> "Because Chord just won clean," Rhodes responds. "Because Liberty knows what that title means, and he wont let a man like Dread insult that, even when the man who wears the belt is scum like Rip Chord."</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Liberty fires a series of big haymakers in Dread's direction, but gets turned inside out by a big clothesline. Dread, seeing the opportunity, takes to the top rope and hits a Dreadsault.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> The crowd then roars as Monty Walker comes tearing back down the ramp, chair in hand. The young wrestler is limping slightly, but he still covers the ground quickly as he slides into the ring, readying the chair for an assault.</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Dread sees it coming and kicks through the chair with a big boot, knocking Walker out. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> As the pay-per-view credits begin, Dread is standing alone in the ring, surrounded by the carnage he's wrecked on his opponents. The big man reaches down and picks up the World Heavyweight Championship belt, smiling as he lays it across the unconscious Chord's chest. </tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><div style="text-align:center;"><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> Rating: B-</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HGCB.jpg</tyson></charlie>

<charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""> </tyson></charlie><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine=""></tyson></charlie><charlie thatcher=""><tyson baine="">Overall: B+</tyson></charlie></div>

arwink · September 25, 2013

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

"Rip Chord made the Dallas Wrecking Crew." Rick Sanders leans back on the couch, hands behind his head. He's far from a heavyweight, but there's plenty of definition in the veteran's arms. "Me and Punisher, we'd been teaming for a while before we came to Hollyweird, but Chord was the guy who took a look at us and figured we could be something more. He took us under his wing, started giving us tips on improving.

"Mostly he focused on the ring work, but it's hard to hang around with Rip without learning some of the other stuff. We're a year into our gig with Hollyweird when they started putting us on promo duty during the house-show loop. Me and Punisher, we were scared shitless. Last thing we ever wanted to do was handle a live mic, you know? But Chord wanted us cutting promos, so that's what we did.

"And it turns out we didn't suck.

"We weren't exactly brilliant either, but we could hold our own. Turns out you do pick some stuff up,, when you're out there with Rip. You learn where to put the pauses, when to let the crowd build itself up, when to cut them off 'cause it'll earn you more heat.

"Then someone gave Punisher a copy of some magazine poll that'd been run at the end of the year, where he'd ranked as one of the top 200 wrestlers in the world during 1997. Thirteen years the guy had been wrestling, and it's the first time he'd ranked in one of those things. I'd swear he almost cracked a smile."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg</div>

The Idaho Punisher stares at the camera. "I don't recall."

Mark Smart's voice is audible behind the camera. "Do you remember hearing about your ranking in the poll?"

Punisher's expression doesn't change. "I don't recall."

"So you weren't happy too hear that you'd been included?"

Punisher's expression doesn't change, but there's a slight pause before he says: "I don't recall."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SteveFlash_alt.jpg</div>

Steve Flash smiles for the camera, showing off a mouth full of near-perfect teeth. "Ed wasn't a tag guy," he says. "Phenomenal wrestler, tough as hell, but he'd spent most of his career wrestling singles. Part of it's Ego. Part of it's just that he's that damn good, so there's no real point in putting him in a team.

"Hollyweird was the first place to try and build him in the tag ranks. Started him off with Bob, which wasn't a bad call, but that was a partnership designed to get Bob over and have a little of Ed's psychology rub off on the kid. It wasn't a partnership Ed really valued, 'cause he ended up doing all the work, and doing work isn't Ed's favorite thing.

"So then I come along and I need a partner, and Bob was down in Cee-Pee-Dub at that point, so one thing's another and Ed's my impromptu partner in a match against the Wrecking Crew. Turns out we worked okay together. He understood what was doing, I enjoyed working with him. So we pitch the idea of working together, since I'm feuding with the Wrecking Crew for the first few months, and we figure it'll keep us busy for a while.

"Didn't put much thought it into, teaming together. The opportunity was there, so we went with it. Didn't even figure that was the start of the Gang of Four, even though I'd worked with Alex just a week or two before."

arwink · September 25, 2013

The TCW Wrestling Archive Presents

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

- Episode 56 Preview -

The fall-out from Malice in Wonderland begins on Hollyweird TV tonight, with a series of big matches coming down the pipe.

We kick things off with a blistering six-man tag that pits the protégé's of Cheatin' Mike Barstow - Troy Tornado, Stuart Ferdinand, and Nathan Coleman - stepping into a ring with the pride of England, Tommy Cornell, and his countrymen The British Knights. Barstow's clients are hungry to earn their spot on the main show, but Cornell's partners are an impressive tag-team who are eager to graduate from proving ground matches.

It's been a couple of months since we last saw The Nation of Filth in Hollyweird, but the men from Trash Heap, USA, return with a splash this Tuesday when they debut their new management. They'll be facing the masked phenomenon known as La Revolution X, High Voltage and Silver Shark.

Sam Strong's declared war on HGC, picking targets and making matches on a whim. This Tuesday his target is one-half of the Black Label Fight Club, Jack Marlowe. Marlowe's a tough competitor with extraordinary resilience - will it be enough to stand up to an irate Living Legend?

Jimmy Cox is the master of the Immortal Driver, one of the most feared wrestling moves in Japan. Will it be enough to secure victory when he takes on the Fabulous One, Eddie Chandler, in their first singles clash?

More six-man action follows when the Army of Darkness attempt to target the International Champion, Mr Lucha, and his number-one contender, Dark Angel. The cruiserweights are joined by a man with a definite grudge against Ethan Kane and the Demons - the Avenging Angel, Vengeance, who returned to Hollyweird with a bang on Sunday night.

Lastly, in our main event, the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Larry Vessey, will be taking on Joel Bryant of the Untouchables. It's a bout made at the request of the Untouchable's Richie Pangrazzio, whose pledged to put as many obstacles between Vessey and the championship as possible.

Matches featured in this streaming video include:

Larry Vessey vs. Joel Bryant

Vengeance, Dark Angel, & Mr Lucha vs. The Army of Darkness (Ethan Kane & The Demons of Rage)

Jimmy Cox vs. Eddie Chandler

Jack Marlowe vs. Sam Strong

La Revolution X vs. The Nation of Filth

Tommy Cornell & The British Knights vs. Barstow Enterprises (Troy Tornado, Stuart Ferdinand, & Nathan Coleman)

Phantom Stranger · September 25, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Joel Bryant

Vengeance, Dark Angel, & Mr Lucha vs. The Army of Darkness (Ethan Kane & The Demons of Rage)

Jimmy Cox vs. Eddie Chandler

Jack Marlowe vs. Sam Strong

La Revolution X vs. The Nation of Filth

Tommy Cornell & The British Knights vs. Barstow Enterprises (Troy Tornado, Stuart Ferdinand, & Nathan Coleman)

smwilliams · September 25, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Joel Bryant

Vengeance, Dark Angel, & Mr Lucha vs. The Army of Darkness (Ethan Kane & The Demons of Rage)

Jimmy Cox vs. Eddie Chandler

Jack Marlowe vs. Sam Strong

La Revolution X vs. The Nation of Filth

Tommy Cornell & The British Knights vs. Barstow Enterprises (Troy Tornado, Stuart Ferdinand, & Nathan Coleman)

Midnightnick · September 25, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Joel Bryant

Vengeance, Dark Angel, & Mr Lucha vs. The Army of Darkness (Ethan Kane & The Demons of Rage)

Jimmy Cox vs. Eddie Chandler

Jack Marlowe vs. Sam Strong

La Revolution X vs. The Nation of Filth

Tommy Cornell & The British Knights vs. Barstow Enterprises (Troy Tornado, Stuart Ferdinand, & Nathan Coleman)

arwink · September 29, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RobertOxford.jpg

</div>

The show opens with the Untouchable's locker room. Paul Steadyfast is in the corner, arms folded, face locked into a scowl as he watches Pangrazzio Jr help Joel Bryant tape up his wrists. "Tonight," Steadyfast says. "Tonight they give us what we've always wanted - the main event. The big match. A chance to show the world what Untouchable really means. Joel Bryant steps into the ring with Larry Vessey, the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. A win tonight...a win means big things."

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

</div>

The camera pulls back, revealing Wanda Fish standing alongside Steadyfast, looking vaguely disturbed by his even tone. "So why aren't I happy, Fish? What is it about tonight's arrangement that makes me feel uneasy?"

Fish looks up from her notebook. "Because you like to whine?"

"No." Steadyfast unfolds his arms, turning towards Fish. He leans in, hissing in her ear. "Because I know the odds, Fish. Because I've watched the tapes and I've studied the statistics and I know exactly how good Bryant and Vessey are. I know their strengths and I know their weaknesses and I can calculate the odds of victory. I even know how those odds are likely to shift, given the damage to Vessey's wrist.

"You forget that, Fish. I know you don't think much of me, but you forget that I'm smart. You forget how I became the leader of the Untouchables, why Joel and Robert chose to follow me.

"And you forget that I'm smart enough to see what's going on here, now that you've brought Pangrazzio in."

Fish opens her mouth to respond, but she doesn't have anything. Steadyfast's scowl deepens as he walks across the room, wishing Bryant good luck in his match tonight.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D+

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

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

Tuesday, Week 1, February 1998

Connecticut Symphony Hall (New England) - 10,000 people (Sold Out!)

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

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

vs.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

Tommy Cornell & The British Invasion vs. Barstow Enterprises w/Mike Barstow

</div>

Lots of tags. Lots of big moves. The whole story of the match revolves around the participants attempting to impress, with Nero reminding everyone that "nothing impresses more than success."

Barstow makes his presence during a furious sequence between Dragon and Ferdinand. The masked cruiserweight nails his opponent with an enziguri, them promptly hits the ropes. Barstow is there to trip the masked man, putting him off-balance. Nathan Coleman takes this as a queue: he leaps into the ring and charges to the far corner, knocking both Cornell and Johnny Stones off the apron with a series of big elbows.

UK Dragon, off-balance and stumbling into the centre of the ring, is easy prey for Stuart Ferdinand's Fisherman Suplex.

<div style="text-align:center;">Barstow Enterprises (Stuart Ferdinand, Nathan Coleman and Troy Tornado) defeated Tommy Cornell and The British Knights in 9:01 by pinfall.

Rating: D+

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg

</div>

Barstow calls for the microphone and rolls into the ring, standing alongside his clients. "And so," he says, "it begins. What you just witnessed is the beginning of Barstow Enterprises rise to the top, and we don't intent to stop until we're holding titles. You don't have to like us or how we win, but you have to acknowledge the sole reality: all that matters in this industry is winning and money, and you get your hands on both by any means necessary.

"Now I know my old friend Captain USA is away from the company at the moment - it seems he needed some recovery time after being on the receiving end of Troy Tornado's Star Maker. I know for a fact that he'll be back in time for the War to Settle the Score, so I'm making him an offer.

"Captain, go find yourself some allies. Any two men willing to stand beside you in a fight. If you object to my presence and methods so much, lets see if you've got what it takes to beat my crew in the only place that matters."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: E+

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

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

</div>

"The Dallas Wrecking Crew have been on a winning streak in their Proving Ground matches of late," Jason Azaria says. "We've got some footage from their match earlier tonight, where they picked up their fifth straight win in tag-team competition."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElBandido.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MayanIdol_zps3da794fd.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg

</div>

The clip package starts up, hitting the high-spots of the Wrecking Crew's clash against Team Chaos Theory. A great deal of the footage focuses on the unrelenting brutality of Punisher, including a painful Idaho Stampede on Mayan Idol, but it's Rick Sanders and his figure four that finally picks up the victory.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D-

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

Two pre-taped interviews play ahead of the upcoming tag-team match. It starts with Silver Shark and High Voltage on the interview stage.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SilverShark.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HighVoltage_zps6ff49459.jpg

</div>

"We are Shark and Voltage, La Revolution X, and we are the top tag-team in Hollyweird Grappling," Silver Shark says. "And tonight, when we hit the Wave Motion Device, we're going to shock the world and put the bite on the Nation of Filth."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg

</div>

The footage cuts to a second interview, this time featuring The Nation of Filth standing either side of a well-dressed heavyweight in his fifties. The manager fixes the camera with a stern gaze, giving everyone a clear view of the milk-pale right eye that was ruined in a strap match twenty years earlier.

"For those of you who don't know history," the older man says, "or simply remain to small minded to look beyond the narrow confines of the world you know, my name is Dick the Devastator, and if there's something I don't know about hurting people, it's because I've forgotten it in order to learn how to do something nastier.

"Tonight I begin a journey with the Nation of Filth. It's going to be long and its going to be hard and--" he pauses, offering the camera a wan smile "--eventually it will involve a great deal of blood, but at the end the Nation of Filth will be champions and men who inspire fear.

"Tonight we take the first step.

"God help you all."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D-

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SilverShark.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/HighVoltage_zps6ff49459.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">La Revolution X vs. The Nation of Filth w/Dick the Devastator</div>

The commentary team spend much of this match putting over the Wave Motion Device - the devastating finishing move of La Revolution X - and the mystery that surrounds it. If the three men on the desk, only Jason Azaria seems to have any idea what the move actually is, and even he has never seen anything more than the opening stages.

Beyond that, the match is relatively simple. The Nation of Filth lay down a beating. La Revolution X take one with considerable aplomb, occasionally hitting short hope spots to keep the match interesting. Grunt finishes things a little shy of six minutes in, hitting High Voltage with the Dust Buster and making the cover.

<div style="text-align:center;">The Nation Of Filth defeated La Revolution X in 5:58 by pinfall.

Rating: D-</div>

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

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

</div>

Backstage, in the locker room, the unlikely trio of Alex Braun, Steve Flash, and Fumihiro Ota are standing by. "I got my start in California," Braun says. "Found my feet in a little company the fans know as the Coastal Zone. I've wrestled there longer than any other company I've worked for, and I'm prouder of the things I achieved there than anything else I've done.

"A few years back I met a guy named Steve Flash. Remarkable wrestler. One of the best I've ever fought. We fought each other twice and didn't come out with a winner, so I followed him to his home promotion, a little place named Rapid Pro. We went at it a third time, fought each other to a stand-still for an hour before he finally picked up the victory.

"If you asked me who I respect in this industry, Steve Flash's name is the top of the list. He's a great wrestler, a great guy, and there's no favour I wouldn't do if he asked it of me. Including, it seems, serving as his tag-team partner, 'cause he went and secured a six-man bout against the Wrecking Crew and their boss next week."

Braun pauses his promo long enough to bump fists with Flash, exchanging a quick grin.

"Problem with a six man," Braun says, "ya need a three-man team. Seems Steve's most recent partner is otherwised engaged next week, which means he wanted my recommendations for the guy to take our third spot.

"Once again, my history with Coastal Zone answers the questions for me. Ota is the man who defeated me for the title there, a sneaky son-of-a-bitch ya don't trust unless ya have to, but when you're facing a team as dishonest as Camp Chord, sneaky is a trait that gets a lot more valuable."

Ota bows in a gesture of deep respect. Braun grins, nodding at the concerned look that crosses Flash's face. "So when Flash said we needed a partner, I went out and found us one. Together, we're three of the best the West Coast wrestling scene has ever seen. We've been champions, kings of the Indies, men who have wrestled five-star classics in isolated clubs and halls.

"And next week, thanks to Steve, we've got a chance to wrestle a five-star match in front of a national audience, taking on three of the toughest wrestlers I'll ever have the privilege of facing.

"Win, lose, or draw, it's going to be an experience."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D

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

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

</div>

The camera cuts to another locker room, but this one is in complete disarray. Dusty Streets has punched a dent in the steel lockers, his gear thrown across the room, and the man himself is slumped on a bench, looking defeated, with Brent Hill alongside him.

"I thought it was over," Streets says. "After months of chasing Sam Strong, he agreed to the match and I let myself believe it would really happen. Never mind the little voice in the back of my head, telling me all the ways Sam Strong has been a liar. Never mind that I knew better, that I should have expected the ambush.

"I let myself think we'd taken a step forward, and now I find myself two steps back."

Dusty looks up, his expression stormy. "And I've gotta admit, it's pissing me off."

Brent Hill grins at the fire in Street's voice. "I didn't have any part in this fight," he says. "I fought a man, I beat him. Same thing I've done a hundred times since I started working at Hollyweird. Only difference this time around is the Strength Rush figuring that's a reason to beat the hell out of me.

"I hate losing. I hate it even more than I like winning, and trust me, there's a difference.

"Which means, for the time being, I've got Dusty's back. Whatever the Strong Style Army dishes out, I'll be there to fire back exactly the same. Sam Strong seems to think he wants a war.

"Personally, I plan on teaching him the error of his ways."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">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.jpg

</div>

Back in Black hits the speakers and the Black Label Fight Club make their way down to the ring. They're about halfway there when the duo falters, not entirely sure what to do.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpg

</div>

The camera angle switches, revealing Sam Strong and Team Strength Rush has slipped out of the crowd and taken over the ring. Strong has a microphone in his fist and a sour expression on his face.

"Whatever match you two think you're wrestling," he says, "I suggest you turn around and go backstage. Tell Frankie Future that his ring now belongs to the Strong Style Army, and nothing happens out here without our say-so."

Marlowe and Datsun exchange a glance, but they don't make a move.

"Alright," Strong says, "I guess we do this the hard way."

Team Strength Rush charge the duo and a brawl breaks out, with members of both teams finding themselves thrown into guard rails and the ring apron. Strong watches it all happening, a smirk on his face, but when the Strength Rush spend a few moments focusing their energies on Freddie Datsun, Jack Marlowe breaks free and climbs into the ring, getting into Strong's face.

"This ring belongs to you?" Marlowe shouts. "This is Hollyweird Grappling, Strong. You want to own this ring, you FIGHT FOR IT. Call off your dogs and do this like a man."

Strong regards the irate Marlowe with a measure of amusement. "You want to fight, brother?"

Marlowe shouts his ascent.

"Well, kid, I'm feeling generous,'' Strong says. "And I say you're on, brother."

Strong swings the microphone hard, connecting with Marlowe's skull, and the match is on.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D+</div>

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

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">Jack Marlowe vs. Sam Strong</div>

It's a mean, vicious Sam Strong who wrestles this match. They're nearly three minutes in before the Philly-born Marlowe gets his first sustained offense, but when it happens the tenor of the match changes dramatically. Marlowe starts his flurry with a spear that comes out of nowhere, follows it with a series of right-handed punches on the downed strong that are pure aggression. "That is a man with a lot of anger right now," Nero says, "and I think he's just picked the Living Legend as his outlet."

The match grows increasingly brutal as Strong realises that Marlowe isn't going down, with both men pushing the boundaries of the rules as the hammer at one another. The rans, realising that Marlowe is putting up the fight of his life against the Living Legend, slowly start to buy in.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FreddieDatsun.jpg

</div>

We're thirteen minutes in when Strong "accidentally" catches Sam Sparrow with a stray elbow shot, giving Team Strength Rush an opening to swarm the ring. They start the beat down on Marlowe, only to have Freddie Datsun follow them in, chair in hand. He starts fending off the Strength Rush, but a wild swing at Lee Wright is ducked and the chair catches Marlowe instead.

Marlowe goes down. Datsun gets a few seconds to realise what he's done before Raymond Diaz unleashes a big roundhouse kick to the skull. Sam Strong looks at the carnage wrecked in the ring, grins, and makes the cover, trusting in Suzue Katayama to awaken Sparrow in time for the three-count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Sam Strong defeated Jack Marlowe in 15:15 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

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

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

</div>

The Ontario Kings are backstage, newly won title belts around their waist. They're talking amongst themselves when The Blazing Flames approach. The Kings go silent, turning to stare at the other tag-team, and for a moment no-one speaks.

"So," Teddy says. "You're the champs now. Congratulations."

"Thanks," Morgan says.

"Funny thing about being the champs," Joey Flame says. "Everyone comes after you, wanting a shot at your title."

Bryan Holmes nods.

Teddy Flame grins. "I think you can see where this is going, yeah?"

The Kings don't smile. "Blazing Flames," Thomas Morgan says. "Nine time tag-team champions. Sixty years combined experience. The standard bearers of tag-team competition."

He looks at Holmes, who nods.

"Yeah," Morgan says. "We see where this is going. How 'bout we do this next week?"

<div style="text-align:center;">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/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

</div>

Cowboy Ricky Dale is walking backstage when the Demons of Rage charge him, crashing him into a nearby wall. Anger immediately applies a forearm to the Cowboy's throat, and Karen Killer sashays into shot.

"This is your only warning, Cowboy. Stay--"

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

</div>

There's a shout from down the corridor and Dark EAGLE comes charging in, hoping to save his partner. It doesn't work. Spite meets the smaller man's charge with a big boot, follows it with a choke slam on the bare concrete.

"As I was saying," Killer says, "before the interruption, stay out of our business, Cowboy. You and your little friend. Whatever crusade you're on, leave us out of it."

She nods and Anger lets Ricky Dale go.

"The next time we have this conversation," Anger warns, "I wont be so nice."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-</div>

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

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

</div>

"This is Action Jackson backstage, getting you the scoops, and I'm here with a man who impressed everyone last Sunday with his performance in the main event. Monty Walker, congratulations on a great match."

"Oh." Walker hesitates a moment, surprised by the compliment. "Yeah. Thanks."

"How's the knee?"

Walker offers a slight smile. "The knee is fine," he says. "There's a difference between hurting and injured in this business. Hurting means you still come out and do what you love doing. Injured means they send you home and you go crazy waiting for a clean bill of health. Right now I'm hurting, despite the best efforts of Dread and Rip Chord. My leg is a mess of bruises, but I can walk, and I can kick, and that's all I really need to do what I do. I can still--"

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

</div>

He stops speaking as Dread and Emma Chase step onto the interview stage. Dread looms over everyone, arms folded, glaring.

"I'm going to give it to you, Monty," Chase says. "A year ago, when I set you up, I figured it's 'cause you had potential. I figured, given sufficient motivation, you'd rise to the challenge and embrace your destiny. And now you've done that. You've pinned Dread, the Human Juggernaut. You competed in the main event of Malice in Wonderland main event. You've lost any vestige of fear and become...glorious."

Dread frowns a little, emitting a low snarl, and Chase flashes the big man a flirty smile. "I'm speaking for myself, of course," she says. "Dread...well, he still sees you as an obstacle. He sees you as that rarest of commodities, Monty. He sees you as a challenge.

"And if you remember how Malice in Wonderland ended, you'll understand how dangerous that really is. You're better than you used to be, Monty. You're stronger, you're faster, you're in the main event...but you're not the best, not yet. Not so long as Dread's around."

Walker's cocky smile speaks volumes. "Seems to me I pinned the man. That suggests something very different."

"You did," Chase says, "and it took everything you had, just like the Four Way Dance stretched you to the limits. Dread, he's still in his comfort zone. He's lost a battle, but he's winning the war. He's--"

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

</div>

The interview stage gets a little more crowded as the American Outlaw, Liberty, makes his way in. "Hey, wow," he says. "It seems we got a little happening coming together here. Monty, good to see you kid. Dread, always pleasant. Action Jackson, my man--" Liberty gives Jackson a high-five. "--always a pleasure, man, always a pleasure. Emma....baby..."

Emma Chase scowls. "Don't call me baby. The results could be unpleasant."

Liberty just shrugs. "Cool," he says. "I can respect that. It's the kind of guy I am, you know? I respect people, more or less, when they go out and earn it.

"Now if I'm hearing right, that isn't something Dready here is fond of. He made Monty Walker's life hell, and Monty Walker took everything. He took the beatings. He took the matches. And he did what everyone dreams of doing - he beat Dread clean in the center of the ring.

"Then, in the Four Way Dance, the kid comes in injured. He's a man with an obvious target in the ring with three of the most dangerous men on the planet. And he still holds on, keeps fighting, despite everyone trying to break his damn knee. And if I remember correctly, well, help me out here, AJ. Who was the first man eliminated last Sunday night."

Action Jackson flashes a nervous glance in Dread's direction. "Well...I...uh--"

"It's okay," Liberty says. "I think we all remember. A kick from Monty Walker. A DDT from the champ. Seems to me you should show the kid a little respect, Dread, 'cause he's sure as hell earned it. He's beaten you in singles matches, he's outlasted you in the main event. He--"

"He doesn't need you to stand up for him." Walker goes nose to nose with Liberty. "I appreciate the sentiment, Liberty, but I fight my own battles and I'll earn Dread's respect my own way. Stay the hell out of it, okay?"

With that, Walker turns and glares at Chase and her client. "As for you two...screw you both. We're going to meet again, Dread. I'm on your ass until you finally admit that I'm your equal as a wrestler, until I beat you in the centre of the ring and shake your hand.

"Until then...don't talk to me. Don't send that bitch to get in my head. And don't bother making threats that aren't going to get at me.

"I'm the man without fear, you asshole, and no matter how you beat me down, I'm still going to come after you."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B-

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

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">Jimmy Cox vs. Eddie Chandler w/Grace Harper, Jack Dundee, & Eric Tyler

</div>

"Jimmy Cox is one of the hottest talents to come out of California Pro," Jason Azaria says in the introduction of this match. "Strong, hard-hitting, and a master of the deadly Immortal Driver." It's a strong introduction, accompanied by flurry of offense that backs it up. Cox impresses with a series of chops, knees, and a lightning fast rolling elbow.

But Chandler is the comparative veteran in this match, used to the crowds and the main show lights, with a pedigree that includes wrestling some of Canada's best before joining the Global Elite and benefiting from an association with Eric Tyler. He takes control of the match and steadily wears his opponent down, finally applying the Fabulous Stretch to secure the submission.

<div style="text-align:center;">Eddie Chandler defeated Jimmy Cox in 5:34 by submission.

Rating: D+

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

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

</div>

Dundee and Harper climb into the ring, raising both Chandler's arms in victory. Eric Tyler takes a few moments longer, thanks to his detour via the ring crew to collect a microphone.

"In four weeks, at the War to Settle the Score," Tyler says, "I'm going to be wrestling Duane Stone."

The Traditionalist doesn't look happy about this, nor do his allies. "We signed this match a few weeks ago, a condition of the Kings getting their title shot. It seemed a safe call. It seemed inconceivable that the Kings would win the gold. Well, lesson learned. Hubris affects everyone, even men who should know better.

"Ordinarily I'd be asking Eddie Chandler to stand in for me in the rematch, trusting my spot to a man as well-travel and talented as myself. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a problem, but it seems Eddie Chandler is otherwise engaged. Hollyweird management has decided to put him in a three-way dance, taking on Chris Storm and Richie Pangrazzio."

Eddie Chandler offers the camera a cocky grin, miming the act of smashing a chair into the forehead of his opponents.

"Which means we have three choices," Tyler says. "Forfeit our rematch and let the Kings hold the titles, unopposed. Let Jack Dundee go out there alone and wrestle the match at a handicap.

"Or we recruit, and add a new name to the ranks of the Global Elite.

"Kings, you'd best prepare yourselves, 'cause even I don't know who Dundee plans on bring in. Pangrazzio, Storm, you've already learned why Eddie Chandler should not be ignored.

"And Duane Stone...well, I'm looking forward to our War. Never let it be said that I don't learn from my mistakes."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B-</div>

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

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

</div>

"Earlier tonight, on the HGC Proving Ground..."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MaskedRebel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuperJoshuya.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CarlBatch.jpg

</div>

The video starts with the tail end of a furious bout between Masked Rebel and the high-flying Super Joshuya, with Rebel whipping the smaller man into a corner. Carl Batch gets on the ring apron, ranting and causing a distraction, but all it earns him is a short trip into the ring and a clothesline from Rebel that turns him inside out.

Joshuya responds with a flying cross-body, hoping to capitalise on the distraction, but Rebel is a heavyweight built for power and it's a relatively easy catch. He dumps Joshuya with a Fallaway Slam, making a final cover.

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

</div>

Rebel raises a hand in victory, celebrating with the crowd, but he's seized from behind by Romeo Heartthrob, who promptly locks in the Cupid's Kiss and starts choking the life out of Rebel. "You're not better than me," Heartthrob shouts. "I don't know who you are, underneath that mask, but I know you're not better than me."

It takes all three of Hollyweird's referees to break the hold, hustling Heartthrob backstage while paramedics hit the ring.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-</div>

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

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

</div>

We come back from a commercial break and Frankie Future is out in the ring, the International Champion, Mr Lucha, at his side.

"On Sunday night, we crowned the first King of the Cruiserweights," Future says, "recognising one of the greatest wrestlers in Hollyweird fighting at two-hundred and fifteen pounds or less. If you saw it, I'm sure you'll agree it was a match of incredible athleticism and wrestling skill.

"We included many of the great cruiserweight talents in that tournament, but there was one who stayed out of the fray in deference to the fact that he's our International Champion, proving that great wrestlers aren't defined by weight limits - they're defined by their skill and their desire to win."

Future leaves a few moments for the crowd to express their appreciation for the masked International Champion, then turns over the microphone.

"Dark Angel," Lucha says. "I would like you to come out here, esse."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

</div>

The Yoshida Brothers Cherry Blossoms in Winter plays and Dark Angel makes his way down to the ring, Kit Hatoyama at his side. Angel bows deeply to the International Champion - a gesture Lucha is quick to return.

"I pride myself on being a fighting champion," Lucha says. "If I hold this belt, it's because I have defeated any challenger worthy of a title shot. I watched your match on Sunday night, esse, and I was impressed by what I saw. If you defeat Pablo Rodriguez next week, it would be my honour to face you--"

<div style="text-align:center;">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

</div>

The lights dim and A Season in the Abyss interrupts proceedings, marking the Army of Darkness' rise through the stage in a circle of crimson fire.

"Look at you, Lucha," Kane says. "You talk about pride and worth, but you are the worst kind of hero - the hypocrite, the false idol, a creature with a forked tongue. Where is the pride in your defeat of me, Lucha? Where is the worthiness? I had you beaten, Lucha, were it not for the interference of the Avenging Angel; what pride is there in scavenging a victory from the dregs of another's actions?"

Frankie Future puts a hand on Lucha's shoulder, restraining the champion. "That decision wasn't his, Kane. If you want to know who refused your rematch, you have to look exactly this far. I don't like you or your Army of Darkness. I haven't got much interest in doing you favours. You had your shot, you lost. Now you earn yourself another one, and if you can't handle someone interfering in your business, perhaps you should refrain from locking them in a coffin and setting them on fire

"You got what was coming to you, Kane, and now you're going to pay the piper."

Kane smirks. "Someone is going to pay, Future, but there's no guarantee it's me."

He drops the microphone and starts loping towards the ring, Demons of Rage behind him. No-one can mistake the bad intentions of the trio, least of all the men in the ring, and neither Lucha or Dark Angel are the type to take things lying down. They meet the Army of Darkness' approach with twin plancha dives over the top rope, taking the fight to the bigger men.

Then the lights in the Isaak Road Arena go dead.

The strobes start to flicker.

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

</div>

And, out of nowhere, Vengeance is in the ring.

The Avenging Angel reaches over the top rope, grabbing Ethan Kane in a steel grip and hauling him into the ring. The two big men start brawling even as the Demons are trying to contain Lucha and Angel, which is Frankie Future's cue to get the hell out of the squared circle.

"Get a ref in there," he shouts. "Get a damn ref in there. Make this a match before they damn well kill each other."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Vengeance.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpgw/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

vs.

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">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

Vengeance, Mr Lucha, and Dark Angel w/Kit Hatoyama vs. The Army of Darkness w/Karen Killer

</div>

You've got to feel sorry for Eugene Williams. There are six men in the ring for this one, all highly agitated and ready to tear each other apart, and only one of them actually gives a damn about the rules at the best of times. The rule violations happen so thick and fast that Williams gives up on tracking minor things like "five counts" and "legal man," and settles into a routine where he focuses on the more egregious attempts to cheat.

It's a brutal, messy match with equal parts hardcore power and high-risk offense, giving everyone a chance to unload their trademark moves. It ends, unsurprisingly, with a DQ even Williams can't ignore: Demon Spite corners Dark Angel, holding him in place, and Karen Killer starts raking the King of the Cruiserweight's eyes with the spike-studded wristband she wears.

<div style="text-align:center;">Vengeance, Dark Angel and Mr Lucha defeated Ethan Kane and The Demons Of Rage in 14:52 when Demon Spite was disqualified.

Rating: B-

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Vengeance.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg

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

</div>

Unfortunately, calling for the bell doesn't seem to help things. Spite and Killer continue their assault on Dark Angel's eyes, even after Kit Hatoyama hits the ring with a kendo stick and smashes it across Spite's back.

Mr Lucha tries to help, but he's intercepted by Demon Anger. The big Demon takes Lucha down with a running clotheline, then feeds him to Ethan Kane for an Impaler DDT.

Vengeance hits the ring, steel mask gleaming under the spotlights. He grabs Anger from behind, drops the Demon with a side slam. The Avenging Angel climbs to his feet once more, roaring as he rises...

...and eats a big boot from Kane, which knocks him to the canvas. Spite follows up, grabbing Dark Angel around the throat and slamming him onto Vengeance. Kane crosses the ring, grabs Killer's wrist band, holds the spikes high...

...and an army of road agents and security guards swarm the ring, preventing the Army of Darkness from continuing their assault.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-</div>

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

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

</div>

Awesome Thunder sits backstage, intently studying the live-feed coming through on the monitors. Pablo Rodriguez drops into the seat next to the masked ninja, flicking an irritated glance at the screen.

"Terrible, isn't it?"

Thunder doesn't show any sign he's heard.

"It could have been you, couldn't it?" Rodriguez says. "You were in the match with Angel. You were as skilled as he, as talented, as...honourable. No dust. No mist. No sneak attacks. You tried to wrestle there way, and it resulted in defeat.

"And look at what honor has wrought for the Angel. Look at what glory he has earned himself. Matches with creatures from the depths of hell. Spikes to the eye, attempting to blind him. A title shot he can't yet claim, because I stand between the King of the Cruiserweights and the International Champion.

"It could have been you, but it was not. You went against your nature and you failed.

"And now you get to decide if that was a blessing, or a curse."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-</div>

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

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

</div>

Tyson Baine is walking backstage, a six-pack of beer dangling from his right hand. He finds his path blocked by Elijah Black, whose standing in the middle of the corridor with a smile on his face.

"Hey," Baine says. "Guessing you're new 'round here."

"Yo," Black says, "that's true enough. Let me introduce myself, bo'. I'm the Soul Man, Elijah Black, the gangsa all men have come to fear and the lover all the ladies love to hear. I'm one half of Black Murder, hit-men for hire, bo', and if you want someone slowed down or straight-out taken outta the fight, we're the boys you call, dig?"

Baine raises an eyebrow. "One half, huh?"

"Fo' real," Black says.

"So there's two of you?"

"Fo' real."

"S--t."

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

</div>

Baine spins on his heel, swinging the six pack like a weapon, but Big Mike Murder is already ducking under the wild swing. Beer cans hit the wall and explode, spraying foam everywhere. Murder comes up with a forearm shiv to the face, follows it with a side slam that plants Baine on the concrete.

Elijah Black leans down, claims one of the only beers to survive the assault. "What can I say, bo'?" he says. "We love what we do, and what we do isn't very nice."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoelBryant.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">Larry Vessey w/Chris Storm vs. Joel Bryant w/Wanda Fish</div>

Not the best work of either man, although the action is solid and the crowd responds is respectable. Both Vessey and Bryant are solid in-ring competitors who know what they're doing, pitting Vessey's power against Bryant's technical acumen and ability to take the fight to the mat where size is no longer a defining factor.

What it lacks, essentially, is the sense of surprise - even with Vessey's arm in a cast, providing an easy target for Bryant, there's not enough doubt being generated that Vessey stands to lose the match. Vessey sets up for the Sick Cycle, realises it's a bad idea, and finishes the match with a boot to the stomach and a snap DDT instead.

<div style="text-align:center;">Larry Vessey defeated Joel Bryant in 15:09 by pinfall with a Sick Cycle.

Rating: C+

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

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

</div>

Chris Storm climbs into the ring to celebrate with Vessey, and Bryan Vessey makes his way down to the ring in order to join the celebration. Fist bumps are exchanged as Bryant makes himself scarce, and Chris Storm takes the time to seek out the hard camera and shout "this one was for you, Coach."

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

</div>

Then the opening guitar riff of Sweet Child of Mine fills the arena and Rip Chord walks out onto the main stage, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist. Chord stares down at the number one contender, smirking as only Chord can. He taps his wrist three times, pointing out Vessey's obvious weakness.

Larry Vessey returns the stare, offering one of his rare smiles. He gestures to his waist, making the universal sign for I'm going to take your belt as the show goes off the air.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B+

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

Overall: B-</div>

arwink · October 2, 2013

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

"Jesus, yeah, that one hurt." Randal Hopkirk pops open a beer, taking a long slug. There's little sign of the Goth make-up he wore on his first run these days - it's been replaced by the tattoos and leather jacket he favoured during his painful procedure run. "We wanted to do something special for Sean's return, so he asked if he could haul me into the ring with a choke-hold. Great way of establishing his power, and it makes sure everyone knows we don't like each other none.

"But man, I had some second thoughts when he wrapped his fingers 'round my throat. He'd spent, what, six months out of the company, just tooling around working the indies? An' Hollyweird was paying him a downside all that time, making sure he was still on the hook for when they wanted to bring him back?

"Way I figure, he spent the entire time hitting the goddamn gym. Mother-****er got strong, if you know what I'm saying, an' he was scary enough before all that."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"Honestly, I got no idea where Vengeance came from." Ricky Dale taps his fingers against the table-top a few times, glancing across the small bar where he's filming his interview. "One day me and Sean were working Texas, just a couple of good ol' boys who had a couple of runs with the traps, an' the next day he's running around DaVE, painting his face like a skull and hitting guys with barbed wire.

"Like I said, though, sometimes people find their niche, and you can't take away the fact that Vengeance was Sean's. He did way more with that skull on hi face than he ever did wearing a white hat, especially after he came back and they replaced the face-paint with a mask.

"He basically used the character to rib the entire locker room by the time he made it to Hollyweird. I never got a chance to talk to him 'bout it, but I watched him backstage and he never really fell out of character. I think he did it 'cause he wanted to mess with Angel, 'cause Cliff Wilson never really stopped being Dark Angel either.

"Difference is, I think Cliff did that 'cause he wasn't much good at being Cliff. Other people scared him a little, when he didn't have the facepaint on. Sean did it 'cause he's kinda an asshole, and 'cause he liked the idea of playing everyone and making 'em think he really was a crazy son-of-a-gun."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

Kit Hatoyama sits on the big red couch, virtually unrecognisable when she appears in jeans and t-shirt, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail instead of the wild locks used in her wrestling persona.

"Dark Angel..." She lifts a cup of tea and sips it. "It wasn't my favourite gimmick, but I understood why they did it. The west...has an obsession with certain elements of our culture. Ninja. Samurai. Manga and Anime. Dark Angel tapped into that because he understood the obsession, and those of us who'd flown over from Tokyo...well, we were bewildered.

"But he was...an Englishman...who'd become an angel...and fallen...to become a samurai? I think I have that correct, yes? I could never keep it straight."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"Sometimes it don't pay to overcomplicate things." Randal Hopkirk's laughter is infectious, and he opens a second beer as he answers the question. "All the absurd shit we had in the early days, all the Avenging Angels and Dark Angels and Dark Fathers and Demons, it worked 'cause we were the hardcore ************s. We were the guys who went out there and hit each other with chairs and sticks.

"Fans like that shit. They're wiling to forgive you an awful lot 'cause they like that shit. An' it actually makes the absurdity of a hardcore match a little easier to swallow when you're letting 'em in on the joke."

arwink · October 4, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The TCW Wrestling Archive Presents

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

- Episode 57 Preview -</div>

We start the show with a World Tag-Team Title Match, pitching the new champions, The Ontario Kings, against some men who know a thing our two about tag-team wrestling: the veteran team of The Blazing Flames.

Paul Steadyfast of the Untouchables has issues a challenge to the locker room tonight, and it's been answered by El Bandido. These two are old dance partners from the early days of HGC, but how much have they learned since the last time they clashed?

Our next bout is a six-man match put together at the request of "Remarkable" Steve Flash, pitting his team of indie stalwarts against Rip Chord's Entourage. It may be a blatant plot to get the Champion's attention, but when the teams include Alex Braun, Fumihiro Ota, and The Dallas Wrecking Crew, we're not sure we really care about the reasons the match is made.

Dark Angel has been named the King of the Cruiserweights, but there's at least one lightweight competitor that objects to that title. Pablo Rodriguez isn't concerned with taking Angel's crown so much as the International Title Shot that comes along with it, and he'll be looking to slip into title contention with a victory in tonight's match.

Last week the Demons of Rage assaulted Ricky Dale backstage, and the Cowboy has issued a challenge to the man who almost choked him out. Demon Anger has answered the call with uncharacteristic eagerness, which can only mean bad news for Ricky Dale once the match begins.

Finally, in our main event, another Untouchable puts himself between Larry Vessey and the World Heavyweight Title shot at The War to Settle the Score. This week its Robert Oxford who'll be stepping into the ring with Vessey...and we've received news that Coach Pangrazzio is back to serve as Vessey's corner man.

<div style="text-align:center;">Matches featured in this streaming video include:

Larry Vessey vs. Robert Oxford

Cowboy Ricky Dale vs. Demon Anger

Dark Angel vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Steve Flash, Alex Braun, & Fumihiro Ota vs. Rip Chord & The Dallas Wrecking Crew

El Bandido vs. Paul Steadyfast

The Ontario Kings vs. The Blazing Flames (World Tag-Team Title match)

</div>

Phantom Stranger · October 4, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Robert Oxford

Cowboy Ricky Dale vs. Demon Anger

Dark Angel vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Steve Flash, Alex Braun, & Fumihiro Ota vs. Rip Chord & The Dallas Wrecking Crew

El Bandido vs. Paul Steadyfast

The Ontario Kings vs. The Blazing Flames (World Tag-Team Title match)

Midnightnick · October 4, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Robert Oxford

Cowboy Ricky Dale vs. Demon Anger

Dark Angel vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Steve Flash, Alex Braun, & Fumihiro Ota vs. Rip Chord & The Dallas Wrecking Crew

El Bandido vs. Paul Steadyfast

The Ontario Kings vs. The Blazing Flames (World Tag-Team Title match)

arwink · October 7, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg

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A SUV pulls up out the front of the Isaak Road Arena, and one by one the members of the All-Star Team emerge. Larry Vessey comes first, cast still visible beneath the sleeve of his leather jacket. Then his brother, Bryan, and Chris Storm.

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And finally, Coach Pangrazzio emerges, a bandage still covering the right-hand side of his face where he was assaulted a few weeks earlier.

"Listen up," Pangrazzio says, "'cause I've got a story you need to hear.

"A few years back, Bill Russel was one of the greatest rookie players the Boston Celtics had ever seen. Great player, lot of potential, but he kept getting bullied around the ring. People took advantage of him 'cause he kept playing clean, refusing to get physical with the guys who playing dirty.

"Red Auerbach coached the Celtics that season. He saw what was happening and he gave Russell some advice: throw an elbow once, in a televised game, and you never have to do it again. Show the world you can get aggressive and play it their way if you have to, then go back to playing the game you really want to play it.

"My son...my son has joined the Untouchables. He seems to think he can keep pushing and we won't push back. Larry Vessey is going into a World Heavyweight Title match with a broken wrist and a gauntlet of tough fits ahead of him. Chris Storm is going into the War to Settle the Score to fight in a three-way dance where my son is one of the participants.

"Richie seems to think we're afraid to throw an elbow. He seems to think the fact he's my son is going to protect him."

Coach shakes his head, clapping Larry Vessey on the shoulder, and he leads the All-Star team into the building.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B-

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

Tuesday, Week 2, February 1998

Isaak Road Arena (Mid-Atlantic) - 11,766 people

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The show starts with Sam Strong in the middle of the ring, seated on a steel chair, microphone in hand. The crowd is already hot as hell, heated up with a string of insults in the lead-in to the live show, and Strong seems to be enjoying himself as he listens to the roar.

"Part of me kind enjoys the idea of sitting here all night," Strong says. "Ruining the show for everyone, ****ing with Future's plans. Reminding you all of exactly who I am and how much power I wield in this company, simply 'cause I'm the living legend.

"Fortunately for you, me and the Strength Rush have plans this evening, and so we've decided against making a prolonged appearance. Once I finish what I've got to say here, I'll be out to the limousine I've got out back and on my way to the airport. Lee Wright's keeping a table warm for in Atlantic City, and I got some spare change after earning the winner's purse in my match last week.

"So, instead, I'm going to get a piece of business over with. Dusty Streets, get your ass out here, brother."

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

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It's a wary Dusty Streets who heads down to the ring, ready for some kind of ambush or trick. Sam Strong knows it too, and the Living Legend grins broadly as he waits for Dusty to climb into the ring.

"Relax," he says, "nothing untoward is going to happen here. Messing with you, Dusty, it's been all kinds of fun, but I think we're heading towards the end of our dance, brother."

Streets sorts. "Somehow, Sam, I doubt that."

"That's 'cause you're a smart guy," Strong says, "but I've got something that'll change your mind. Y'see, I went and had a meeting with Frankie Future earlier this week, took along a whole mess of lawyers to do the negotiating."

The Living Legend reaches inside his coat and produces a contract, holds it high in the air. "What I've got here, Dusty, is a contract for a match between you and me in two months time. A contract that says we'll be facing each other at Welcome to Hollyweird in March, and that you get to add any stipulation you want to that match. You want me in a cage, we wrestle in a cage. You want a street fight, we fight in the goddamn streets, brother."

Streets isn't convinced. "Just like that?"

"No," Strong says. "Not at all. Like I said, Streets, you're a smart guy, and I'm not trying to sneak the catches past you. You get to pick the stipulation on that match, 'cause I've already added two of my own.

"First, no matter what stipulation you add to that match at Hollyweird, we're fighting for your career, brother. If I beat you...if I pin you or make you submit...you're done here in Hollyweird Grappling. I eliminate you from my life the same way you eliminated Peter Valentine a year ago. You took my best friend out of this company, Streets, and I want the chance to do the same to you."

Streets takes a long, uncertain breath. "Okay," he says. "What's the second thing?"

Strong grins. "Until that match happens, Dusty, I own your contract. I pick you matches, I tell you when they're going to happen, and I can pretty much...what was the phrase you used...make you life a living hell here. If I want you in a tag match, you wrestle a damn tag. If I want you in a three way dance with Tyson Baine and Dread, you go out there and wrestle your heart out against two of the most dangerous men there is.

"Shouldn't be a problem for you, Dusty, given how bad you've been spoiling for a fight. All you gotta do is survive whatever I throw at you for the next six weeks, and you get what you've been chasing for months.

"All ya gotta do, brother, is ask yourself how bad you want it."

<div style="text-align:left;"> Strong drops the contract on the canvas. "Take a week, think it over. If you decide this is the price you're willing to pay, show up next week ready to wrestle."

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Streets stares at the paper on the canvas. Strong straightens his suit and glares at the audience. "Now, if you'll excuse me, brother, Vegas is waiting."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B

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<div style="text-align:center;">HGC World Tag-Team Titles

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

The Ontario Kings vs. The Blazing Flames

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The new tag-team champions get the fans attention with this one, matching the Flames move-for-move over the course of the match. It's a strong, gutsy performance by the Kings that reminds everyone that they can fly almost as well as they wrestle on the mat.

Bryan Holmes reverses an Infernokrusher attempt, stalling Joey Flame in mid-air and transitioning it into a brainbuster in a single smooth movement. Teddy Flame goes to break the pinfall, but he's caught by a shining wizard from Morgan at the final moment, allowing the champions to retain.

<div style="text-align:center;"> The Ontario Kings defeated The Blazing Flames in 10:30 by pinfall. The Ontario Kings make defence number 1 of their HGC World Tag Team titles.

Rating: C

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg

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The camera cuts backstage, where The Nation of Filth and their manager have been watching the live feed. The Devastator looks towards Grunt. "Them?"

Grunt nods.

"All right." The Devastator's smile is filled with malice. "Let us take the Blazing Flames for a walk down the path of blood."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: D+

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The feed cuts to the commentary table.

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"Dear god, that man scares me," Kyle Rhodes says.

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"That's because you're scared of men with good sense," Nero says. "I've seen the Devastator's work in the old All Florida territory, and he's not a an who shies away from extreme measures. If I were the Blazing Flames, I'd start being nervous."

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"The Nation of Filth alone are reason enough for that," Jason Azaria says, "but they're hardly alone in that, here in Hollyweird Grappling. We've got a big night of matches ahead of us, including the first meeting between two great high-flyers, Dark Angel and Pablo Rodriguez."

"My money's on Rodriguez in that one," Nero says. "I appreciate his hunger."

Azaria nods. "Cowboy Ricky Dale will be looking for some payback on Demon Anger, after the big man attempted to choke him out last week."

"A vile and cowardly attack." Rhodes adds. "I hope the Cowboy whips his ass."

"If I were the Cowboy, I'd be more concerned about getting whipped," Nero says.

"And finally, in our main event," Azaria says, "the Number One Contender, Larry Vessey, will be taking on Joel Bryant."

"The thing I don't get," Rhodes says, "is why he keeps accepting these matches by the Untouchables. The man's got a broken wrist. He's got a shot at the Gold in a few weeks time. I know there's some issues between the All Star Team and the Specialists, but why risk it?"

"It's obvious you've never been a fighter," Nero says. "You don't understand pride."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C

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

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Paul Steadyfast is warming up in the Crippler Position, bouncing on his toes, shaking out his fingers. It's a stark contrast to his approach to wrestling, far more active and full of nerves.

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Wanda Fish approaches, clipboard in hand. She seems vaguely out of breath. "Is there a reason you didn't tell me you were booked for a match tonight?"

Steadyfast flashes her a confident grin. "Yes."

"Well?"

"You plan things," Steadyfast says. "You plan ahead, wheels within wheels. You do your homework. You come up with tactics based on that research. I want you to know that I understand this, Fish. I get what you do and why we employ you. I get why you brought in Pangrazzzio and got us tangled up with his vendetta."

Fish looks exasperated. "Congratulations,' she says. "You're not a complete idiot."

"No, I'm not." Steadyfast's grin vanishes. "I wanted you here, for this match, because you haven't had time to plan for it. I wanted you ringside so you'd understand something important.

"I get you, Fish, because I'm just as smart as you. I want you to understand that, because it's going to be important before this whole thing is through."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: E

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http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElBandido.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PaulSteadyfast.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

El Bandido vs. Paul Steadyfast w/Wanda Fish

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El Bandido comes into this match with all the advantages: he's bigger, he's faster, he's stronger, and he's got more experience than his opponent. It should make the match a foregone conclusion, but

Paul Steadyfast wrestles smart, wearing his opponent down with sleepers and headlocks, making Bandido carry Steadyfast's weight for much of the match. Eventually Steadyfast hits the Slingshot Suplex, picking up the three-count. The Untouchables leader looks directly at Fish as he secures the win, and she seems...surprised.

<div style="text-align:center;">Paul Steadyfast defeated El Bandido in 6:58 by pinfall.

Rating: C

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We go backstage, to the door of the steam room, which opens to reveal Romeo Heartthrob clad only in a sheen of sweat and a towel. "As you can see," Heartthrob says, "I'm a man with nothing to hide.'

He pauses a moment, glancing down at the towel. "Well, I do have one thing, but there are rules against exposing that, even if the chica's who have seen it up close have rarely deigned to complain about it.

"But my point stands, more or less: Romeo Heartthrob is an open book. I'm a lover, I'm a fighter, and I'm a man of great and boundless passion. It's one of the reasons I snapped and tried to choke the new Masked Rebel...one of the reasons I'm paying a sizable fine for my actions

"But it makes me wonder...just who is underneath that ugly, grotesque mask.

"It makes me think that, perhaps, it's time someone ripped that mask away and showed you the horrible being that exists beneath."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

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

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"Earlier tonight, on the Proving Ground, we saw gutsy performance by Super Joshuya in his match against Tyson Baine. We take you know to the recap of that match, and the events that took place afterwards."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuperJoshuya.jpg

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True to Jason Azaria's word, the clips from the bout do show a gusty performance. Tyson Baine is on form, hammering the much smaller Super Joshuya for all he's worth, and Joshuya keeps rallying and finding new ways to put the big man in jeopardy, even if some of them aren't entirely legal.

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

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Baine has just finished the match with the Hades Bomb when Big Mike Murder hits the ring, catching the Demon Seed from behind with a brutal short-arm clothesline that Jason Azaria dubs the Switchblade Clothesline.

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

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Elijah Black has a microphone. "Hey Baine," he sais, "it ain't nothing personal, yo. Someone paid the dimes, so Black Murder's doin' the crimes, a'right?"

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B-

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpg

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Rip Chord walks down the ramp, Rick Sanders and The Punisher behind him. The World Heavyweight Champion is dressed to compete - a rarity on Hollyweird TV, and enough to get the crowd excited all on its own - but he still takes the time to collect a microphone on his way into the ring.

"Steve Flash is a man of transparent intentions," Chord says. "Twice now, he's gotten in my face, used it to set up matches against the Dallas Wrecking Crew. He fares well in singles bouts, is less impressive when facing them at a team. Makes you wonder why he bothers forming a team at all, instead of just saying what he really wants.

"It's not a bad plan, Flash, but you've got my attention now. The Great One is stepping into the ring alongside the Wrecking Crew, which it's time to bring your A-game or get the hell out of Hollyweird. 'Cause everyone wants a piece of the Great One, Flash, and I've let you little ploy play out 'cause I wanted to get your measure. If tonight doesn't impress me, you little crusade is over. You can earn your way to a title shot the usual way: winning matches, playing politics, sucking up to Frankie Future until he gives you a chance.

"Which brings me to Larry Vessey.

"Brother, I know you can wrestle. You and I, we've traveled the same roads, and I know what you can do. I know how dangerous the Sick Cycle is. I've felt it, once or twice, and I'm not shy about saying it knocked me out cold.

"But you've got a broken hand, Larry. You've got people chasing you, splitting your attention, keeping you from focusing on the real match ahead of you. And maybe you think it's giving you momentum, or maybe you figure it's a chance of learning how to fight with a wounded paw.

"But I'm Rip Chord, brother, the new Golden Age of Wrestling. I'm the greatest wrestler in the world and I will break your other wrist if that's what it takes to keep this title.

"So I'm giving you one warning, Vessey: don't show up at The War to Settle the Score. Stay home, sort out your business, save the title shot for a time when you're one hundred percent, physically and otherwise.

"'Cause if you come out there with that cast on your arm, it's sure as hell going to go badly for you."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: A

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SteveFlash_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlexBraun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpg

vs.

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

Steve Flash, Alex Braun, & Fumihiro Ota vs. Rip Chord & The Dallas Wrecking Crew

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There's a definite old-school versus new school vibe to this one, with the cutting edge high-flying approach of Steve Flash's team serving as a stark contrast to the old-school stall-and-brawl approach of Rip Chord and his entourage.

Despite their differences, it all comes together on the mat. Everyone in this bout can go hold-for-hold when they need to, which means there are long sequences where both sides jockey for position, setting people up for a big move or an illegal tactic.

Steve Flash seems to be everywhere for his team, breaking every pinfall, setting up ever double team. "It seems he's taken Chord's warning to heart," Rhodes says, "and you've gotta admit it's an impressive performance."

It is, but it's not enough. The match ends when The Punisher lures Alex Braun into an ill-advised dive, catching him and crushing him against the turnbuckles with the Idaho Stampede. The Piledriver that follows is almost academic.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rip Chord and the Dallas Wrecking Crew defeated Steve Flash, Alex Braun and Fumihiro Ota in 14:55 by pinfall.

Rating: B-

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SteveFlash_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RipChord.jpg

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Flash bounds into the ring, offering Rip Chord a handshake. Chord grins and goes to shake...then slaps Flash across the face.

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Flash swings for the fences after that, but Chord is already backing away, leaving it to the Dallas Wrecking Crew to crash into Flash and take him down to the mat. The Punisher mounts the Remarkable One and starts pounding on him, firing fist after fist at Flash's face.

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Braun is still groggy after taking the Piledriver. Ota...is nowhere to be seen, although no-one is sure where he went. It seems like Flash is on his own...

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...and then Ed Monton is in the ring, hauling Punisher off his friend, firing off some fists of his own. Monton's punching power is impressive and he knows how to duck and weave, which means it's a matter of seconds before both Punisher and Sanders are fleeing the ring, joining Rip Chord as he backs up the ramp.

Chord smirks, confident a message has been sent, but Monton's cold glare suggests that things are far from over.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

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

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The Silver Screen fires up, recapping the highlights of last week's six-man bout between the Army of Darkness and the team of Lucha, Dark Angel, and Vengeance. It features several of the high-spots, throwing a great deal of focus on Dark Angel, and the commentary team spend the recap speculating on what the unlikely means.

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The final seconds shows Karen Killer's assault on Angel's face, raking at the eye with her spiked bracelet, and the stream of blood mingling with Angel's face-paint.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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"This is Action Jackson backstage, getting you the scoops, and I'm here with Eric Tyler and the rest of the Global Elite. Eric, it's good to see you, man."

Eric Tyler looks at Jackson and raises an eyebrow. "Really?"

"What?"

"That's how you're going to start this, Jackson?" Tyler shakes his head. "Professionalism, Jackson. Look it up. It's one of those things that separate the great from the merely average."

"Okay." Jackson clears his throat. "We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot here. Eric, we're all still eager to know--"

"No." Tyler relieves Jackson of the microphone. "Lets not continue the pretense, Jackson, that you're competent at your job. I'll just answer the predictable questions for you: yes, I plan on wrestling Duane Stone at The War To Settle the Score. Yes, Jack Dundee will be wrestling in the rematch for the World Tag-Team Titles. No, we do not feel the need to explain who we'll bring in to be Dundee's partner for that move.

"And as for Eddie Chandler, we--"

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Duane Stone and the Ontario Kings step onto the interview stage, the kings carrying the tag-team belts over their shoulder. Tyler glares daggers in Stone's direction. "Can I help you?"

"Me, no." Stone folds his arms, fighting a smile. "Honestly, Tyler, you already helped enough. You and yours set up the situation that got me into Hollyweird wrestling, your lack of focus means the House of Stone has earned its students gold, and once you and I go to war - and trust me, Tyler, it's going to be a war - I'll finally lay to rest all the speculation I've been hearing about whether Eric Tyler is really better than a Stone.

"All in all, Tyler, we're having a pretty good run. Most of that is down to you, man. I wanted to say thanks."

Tyler scowls for a moment, preparing to spit an angry retort.

Then his face smooths and he bursts out laughing. "Impressive," he says. "You almost had me, Stone, and that takes some doing. Usually I'm unwilling to let opponents get inside my head."

"I'm a Stone, Tyler. I'm already there." Stone's smile is pure confidence. " I've been there before you even started your career."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

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<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkAngel.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KitHatoyama.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

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<div style="text-align:center;"> Dark Angel w/Kit Hatoyama vs. Pablo Rodriguez

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There are signs here of exactly how good the cruiserweight division of HGC will get, with the two wrestlers putting on a stellar display that's hindered only by the audiences' lack of familiarity.

Rodriguez takes full advantage of the lacerations on the side of Dark Angel's face, targeting the injured eye with rakes and strikes. The result is a series of increasingly aggressive exchanges, building towards the exchange of finishers as both men search for the move that will end the match. It seems to happen at the ten minute mark, when Angel lands the Descent into Hell.

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

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Fortunately for Rodriguez, the cover is never made. Awesome Thunder hits the ring, peppering Angel with a series of kicks, following it up with a fist-full of yellow dust that's thrown into the Neo-Samurai's face. Eugene Williams immediately calls for the DQ.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dark Angel defeated Pablo Rodriguez in 10:20 when Pablo Rodriguez was disqualified.

Rating: B-

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

Angel is partially blinded, staggering around the ring, and the torn skin around his left eye seems to bubble where the wounds made contact with the dust.

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

</div>

Awesome Thunder crouches low, measuring the erratic movements of his blinded target, then launches himself into a powerful leaping roundhouse. The kick catches Angel on the side of the head, knocking him to the mat.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D+

</div>

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

</div>

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

</div>

We cut to the General Manager's office, where Frankie Future is seated behind his desk, heel propped up next to the monitor he uses to follow the show's feed. He winces as he catches the assault at the end of the last match. "Ouch," he said. "That's going to leave a mark."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg

</div>

He glances towards the three men seated on the visitors side of the room, and the camera pulls back to reveal Monty Walker, Liberty, Dread, and Emma Chase.

"If you say so," Chase says. Dread makes a low-pitched snarl, and she places a hand on the Juggernaut's shoulder. "Why are we here, Future?"

"Honestly? Things like that." Future gestures towards his monitor. "There's a handful of men out there worthy of an International title shot, and they're going to tear each other apart trying to prove they deserve it.

"You three...well, it's no secret that any one of you would be money going out there and challenging for the title, and given your history I figure it's a matter of days before you start tearing one another apart. Walker's already gone through a match with an injury, gutsy as his performance was, and I doubt I'm alone in being interested in seeing what happens if he goes into a match a hundred percent."

Walker smirks, giving Dread a pointed look. The Human Juggernaut doesn't look happy.

"So, what?" Liberty says. "You're banning us from fighting?"

"Nah," Future says. "I doubt that'd work, for starters, and I can think of better ways to channel your aggressive impulses. I'm putting the three of you in a match at The War to Settle the Score, with a title shot at Welcome to Hollyweird on the line. Whether Chord wins the title or Vessey walks away with it, one of you will be going into the biggest pay-per-view of the year as a challenger.

"So if you're going to tear each other apart, at least there's a good reason for it. Contracts are on the table in front of you. If you're in, add our signature. If you'd rather wait for another opportunity, then--"

Liberty stands, stretches, signs the contract without looking at th details. . "Boss man," he says, "Monty...Dreadster...I'll see you in two weeks."

The American Outlaw exits. Future opens and closes his mouth, processing what just happens.

"Arrogance," Dread says. "It's his failing."

"If you say so," Future says.

Dread examines the contract, frowning a little. Then he signs it. "Hey, Monty," Dread says, his voice quiet. "How's the knee?"

Monty Walker scowls, ignoring the barb. "The knee's fine," he says. "Looking forward to taking another shot and pinning your shoulders to the canvas.

He looks over the contract, scribbles his name on the bottom line before exiting the room. Frankie Future watches him go, grinning to himself.

"That's going to be a hell of a match," Nero says, "and Frankie Future is already counting the money it'll earn him."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg

</div>

Back to the interview stage, where Barstow Enterprises is standing by, the wrestlers assembled around Cheatin' Mike Barstow. "It's been a week," Barstow says, "since we made our challenge to Captain USA. My team stands at the ready, preparing for the match. The Captain...the Captain remains MIA, curiously silent despite my offer. Perhaps it's cowardice. Perhaps it's just--"

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

</div>

"Perhaps you're full of s--t." Jimmy Cox charges onto the stage, getting right up in Barstow's face. "You're running your mouth like you achieved something, Barstow, when everyone in this locker room knows the Captain is on the injured list.

"And he's on the injured list 'cause you and yours put him there.

"I don't know why these three signed on with you, and I don't much care. You make me sick, Barstow, and--"

Troy Tornado makes the mistake of trying to manhandle Cox and pull him away, which provokes an immediate response. Cox pushes Tornado off, whips around to build momentum before delivering a powerful rolling elbow.

Coleman and Ferdinand step forward, but Cox backs off a step and drops into a defensive crouch. "Touch me again,"' he says, "and you'll regret it. You've never seen what happens when I hit the Immortal Driver on a concrete surface.

"Trust me, it isn't pretty."

He looks towards Barstow. "As for you, Barstow, I'm available at War to Settle the Score regardless of whether the Captain's cleared to wrestle. I may not wear the mask, but we've got the same colours on our tights. If you really want a patriot to come kick your ass, I'm more than happy to stand in."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: D

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;"> Cowboy Ricky Dale vs. Demon Anger w/Karen Killer

</div>

</div>

This is a good old-fashioned brawl straight out of the TWL playbook: one big, charismatic babyface with the crowd behind him; an even bigger heel with a mean-streak and a distracting manager in his corner; fifteen minutes for them to pound on one-another until someone picks up the win.

It's not fancy and it lacks the top-rope pyrotechnics of the match that preceded it, and the result is far more predictable, but the fan response when Ricky Dale successfully nails the Demon with the Southern Justice is no less enthusiastic for all that.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Cowboy Ricky Dale defeated Demon Anger in 14:56 by pinfall.

Rating: C+

</div>

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickyDaleJohnson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpg

</div>

Ricky Dale knows better than to linger in the ring and celebrate, but there's a long ramp between the ring and the backstage curtain, and Demon Spite is there to meet him at the halfway point. The big demon crashes into the Cowboy, knocking him sprawling, and he reaches down to lock in a choke holds as Ricky tries to rise.

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

</div>

Demon Anger slides out of the ring and joins his partner, and together they deliver the big Double Demon Down on the steel ramp.

Ricky Dale writhes in pain, trapped between the two big men, and Dark EAGLE comes charging down the ramp to help his partner.

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

</div>

It proves to be a mistake. Spite greets EAGLE with a clothesline, knocking him prone, and Anger picks the masked cruiserweight up and delivers a Demon Slam just a few feet shy of Ricky Dale's position.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C

</div>

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

</div>

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

</div>

"Earlier tonight, on the Proving Ground, two of the finest young prospects in Hollyweird Grappling formalised their partnership, and the results proved to be...spectacular. We take you now to some highlights from the match..."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryWood.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlysianScottsfield.jpg

</div>

The new team of Cornell and Brent Hill is pitted against the veteran Wood Brothers, but the raw power of the wild Canadians isn't up to the task of combating the combined skills of the two journeyman grapplers.

The great strength of the new team is the way they compliment each other. They're both classic all-rounders, comfortable with any style, and their overall competence in all aspects of wrestling makes them a tough combination to beat. Larry Wood falls prey to the Guilt Trip from Cornell, and Kyle Rhodes makes note of the fact that this new alliance could cause all kinds of trouble for Sam Strong and Team Strength Rush.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C-

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

</div>

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

</div>

The camera goes backstage, where Tyson Baine is seated on one of the big crates used to transport the HGC sound equipment. The Demon Seed is dressed in what's become his default attire inside or outside the ring: bare-chested, a frayed denim vest, and dark jeans with holes at the knees. He's holding an open beer, which seems especially eerie given the crimson contacts he still wears.

"Two weeks now," Baine says, "Black Murder have been coming out and kicking my ass. They keep saying it's only business, that someone paid to have me beat down, like that's supposed to mean something.

"And, yeah, I guess it does, 'cause I kinda want to know whose been throwing money their way.

"And unfortunately for Elijah Black, I only know one way to find that out. Which means, next week, I'm going to have to hit the man until he feels like tellin' me.

"Sucks to be him, right?" Baine pops open the beer and drains it.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RobertOxford.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Larry Vessey w/Chris Storm vs. Robert Oxford w/Wanda Fish

</div>

We hit the main event of the evening and the crowd more-or-less goes flat, despite the best efforts of Vessey and Oxford. It's hard to say, exactly, where things are going wrong. Both men are old hands in the ring, comfortable in their roles. Both possess sold in-ring abilities and the ability to sell the story of the hard-as-nails Vessey and the devious Oxford building up to his loaded knee lift.

Perhaps it's the seemingly foregone conclusion, of the fact that this is the match where the fans come to realise that Vessey is...getting older. Not decrepit, by any means, but his attack isn't as crisp as it used to be, and his tights no longer hide the fact that he's not in the trim fighting weight of his youth. Nero even comments on it: "The Vessey I wrestled in '84 wouldn't have hesitated before hitting the Sick Cycle, cast or no cast."

But hesitate Vessey does and, once again robbed of his signature finisher, he finds himself improvising. This time he catches Oxford in a lightning fast cutter, dropping his opponent to the mat.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Larry Vessey defeated Robert Oxford in 14:57 by pinfall.

Rating: C

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

</div>

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

</div>

Vessey raises his fist to the air, celebrating his victory, and the crowd offers him a polite cheer that's got more to do with who he's been than the match he just won. The normally stoic Vessey nods, and his expression says it all - he, like the crowd, has just caught a glimpse of his own mortality.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpg

</div>

Which is probably why the crowd explodes when Richie Pangrazzio Jr hits the ring, jumping Vessey from behind. A boot to the stomach quickly follows, setting the veteran member of the All-Star Team up for Pangrazzio's signature Wrist-Clutch Exploder using Vessey's injured wrist for leverage.

"Next week," Pangrazzio shouts as the show goes off the air. "Next week, Vessey, it's you and me."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B-

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

Overall: B-</div>

arwink · October 8, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DuaneStone_zpsf0156b44.jpg</div>

"I really]/i] wanted to wrestle Eric Tyler." Duane Stone grins at the memory, leaning forward in his seat. "We used to spend a lot of time as a family, watching the DeColt shows, figuring out what made them tick. We used to call Tyler the best-kept secret in wrestling. Couldn't figure out why no-one was picking him up in the States, apart from DaVE.

"One thing you have go give Mike Nero - he knows how to dangle the thing you want in front of you. It's how he gets things moving, how he convinced people to come aboard and stay aboard, you know? He's got this knack for finding the guys who are really itching to work together, then using that to leverage you into doing things you'd rather not do.

"Most of the time that worked for him, but it's always a risky play. Sometimes you build up those matches in your head, and the truth never quite lives up to the match you're playing out in your dreams..."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpg</div>

Larry Vessey is seated backstage at a New York City Wrestling show, supervising the set-up of the ring. "There are some guys, for whatever reason, they're just damn hard work to wrestle. Not anyone's fault. Not because either side is bad at what they do. You just get in the ring and everything's a little off.

"Wrestling Chord was always hard work for me. All those things you hear, about how easy he makes it on his opponents? I'm sure it's true - enough people say it for me to believe it - but it's never been my experience. Hard work, every time.

"So we hit ninety-eight and I'm starting to slow down. Not enough that I'm thinking retirement, but enough that we're heading into the parts of my career where you stop thinking a run at the top is in your future. I knew it. Nero knew it. Rip Chord knew it too.

"And he goes to the mat with Nero to convince him I should main event The War. Goes in knowing it'll be a hard-ass match to wrestle, knowing that Nero's got it into his head that we're pushing for big marquee bouts in order to elevate the company's profile. Swore he'd get a good match out of me, if Nero went through with it."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"The Rip Chord you saw on TV in 1998 isn't the same man who'd dominated Supreme just a decade earlier." Charlie Thatcher flashes the camera a wide, friendly smile. "I mean, in the eighties, by all reports, Rip Chord was a d--k, utterly interested in two things: booze and doing right by Rip Chord.

"The guy I knew - the guy who helped my career - was anything but. He knew he'd messed up, and he was trying to make amends. He wanted to do right by the business, and he wanted to do right by the men who stood by him as well as the guys who made up the next generation of the business."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ProfessorNero.jpg</div>

"Everything Chord was..." Nero pauses, exhales a long breath through his nose, squinting as he contemplates his next words. "Everything Chord was...Sam Strong wasn't.

"This isn't a criticism, although I know it will sound like one. Both men believe in the wrestling business. Both men do what they think is best for the business in the long run.

"The difference is ego. Strong has one. Chord does not. Sam Strong believes he is the wrestling business, because everything he touches turns to gold. It seems stupid to say that, given his tenure with the Hollyweird book, but that's an aberration in a career spent drawing money.

"Sam Strong acquired a wrestling company and turned it into a competitor to the largest federations in the world. Rip Chord founded a wrestling company that existed to give kids a break and teach them how to work."

arwink · October 9, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The TCW Wrestling Archive Presents

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

- Episode 58 Preview -</div>

Tyson Baine has promised to beat a name out of Elijah Black, determined to learn whose been hiring Black Murder to assault the Demon Seed at every turn. Black is giving up weight and power to the bigger man, but with Big Mike Murder in his corner, that may not be the biggest factor.

Team Chaos Theory are always eager for a chance to show the world what they can do, and they'll be getting their chance when they square off against Nathan Coleman and Stuart Ferdinand of Barstow Enterprises.

We don't often see Dark EAGLE in singles action these days, but after the assault on Cowboy Ricky Dale last week the masked lawman has signed on for a match against Demon Spite of the Army of Darkness. Does the masked cruiserweight have what it takes to handle an opponent Spite's size while wrestling solo?

The Blazing Flames and the Nation of Filth have never gotten along - the two teams have been sniping at one another since the early days of HGC - but the balance of power between the two teams has been sharply shifted by the arrival of Dick the Devastator in Grunt and Stink's corner. We'll get a chance to see just how much has changed when the two teams clash.

Sam Strong offered Dusty Streets a deal - hand over control of your career for six weeks, and in return you'll get the match you've been wanting for over a year when we reach Welcome to Hollyweird. We've heard the rumours that Streets is going to sign the contract, which raises the question of who his first opponent will be when Strong is putting obstacles in the Second-Generation Legend's path.

And in our main event we've got a grudge match of major proportions, when the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title, Larry Vessey, goes one-on-one with the man whose sworn to tear down the whole All Star Team, Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

<div style="text-align:center;">Matches featured in this streaming video include:

Larry Vessey vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

Dusty Streets vs. ?????

The Blazing Flames vs The Nation of Filth

Dark EAGLE vs. Demon Spite

Team Chaos Theory vs. Coleman & Ferdinand

Tyson Baine vs. Elijah Black

</div>

Phantom Stranger · October 9, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

Dusty Streets vs. ?????

The Blazing Flames vs The Nation of Filth

Dark EAGLE vs. Demon Spite

Team Chaos Theory vs. Coleman & Ferdinand

Tyson Baine vs. Elijah Black

Midnightnick · October 9, 2013

Larry Vessey vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

Dusty Streets vs. ?????

The Blazing Flames vs The Nation of Filth

Dark EAGLE vs. Demon Spite

Team Chaos Theory vs. Coleman & Ferdinand

Tyson Baine vs. Elijah Black

arwink · October 20, 2013

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

</div>

Rip Chord is standing at the corner of the Wisconsin Gardens, breath steaming in the cold evening air. There's the sound of someone being punched in the stomach happening around the corner, but Chord is in no hurry to check it out.

"What you're about to see," Chord says, "is unlikely to be pleasant, even if it's a necessary lesson about the cost of getting involved in Camp Chord's business."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TheIdahoPunisher.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RickSanders.jpg

</div>

He gestures and leads the camera around the corner, where The Punisher and Rick Sanders have been beating Ed Monton bloody.

"If you're going to cross Camp Chord," Rip says, "make sure you're playing on The Great One's level, otherwise you'll yourself in a world of pain."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B-

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

</div>

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

Tuesday, Week 3, February 1997

Wisconsin Gardens (Great Lakes) - 10,000 people (Sold Out!)

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElijahBlack.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MurderousMikey.jpg

</div>

More Human than the Human gives way to Ozzy Ozborne version of Stayin' Alive as the show kicks off for real, heralding the arrival of Elijah Black on the entry ramp, microphone in hand, Big Mike Murder at his back.

"In case you didn't know," Black barks, "I am the Soul Man, Elijah Black, the gangsta all men have come to fear and the stud all the ladies love to hear. The brother whose got my back is Big Mike Murder, three hundreds pounds of bad intentions, and you better believe he's the real ****in' deal.

"We're the best there is at what we do, and what we do ain't very nice, which is why they pay us the big bucks to take care of business, dig? An' tonight, we been paid really well to do the ol' two-man drive by.

"So bring out the hit and lets get to the whackin', 'cause 'fore tonight's over someone's sleepin' wit' the fishes."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C

</div>

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElijahBlack.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MurderousMikey.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Tyson Baine vs. Elijah Black w/Big Mike Murder

</div>

Black doesn't quite wrestle a game that matches his big talk, but the fact that he holds his own against Baine for a little over ten minutes speaks volumes about the reason he was DAVE's inaugural tag-team champion.

Admittedly, much of those ten minutes revolve around the Soul Man stalling, talking trash, or hiding behind Big Mike Murder, but there are certainly people who have done far more who have lasted far less time before Baine connected with the Hades Bomb.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Tyson Baine defeated Elijah Black in 10:11 by pinfall.

Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElijahBlack.jpg

</div>

Baine turns and leaves, walking up the ramp. Black, meanwhile, claws his way to the edge of the ring and claims a microphone. "Hey, no. No way," he says, still coughing and spluttering for breath. "It ain't going down like that, big man.

"Mikey!"

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

</div>

Big Mike Murder grins, picking up a chair from ringside.

"GET HIM!"

Baine turns in time to meet Murder's charge up the ramp, the two behemoths crashing into one another with fury.

Under ordinary circumstances, it would be a fair fight, but in this instance Murder's chair proves to be a deciding factor. He slams it into Tyson Baine's head three times, then placed the chair on the ground and delver's a brutal curb stomp that smashes Baine's face against the steel.

"And that," Black shouts, "is that, a'right."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ThomasMorgan.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanHolmes.jpg

</div>

The Ontario Kings are seated at a table in the catering area, trading jokes as they pick at the light meals in front of them. A shadow falls across the table, and the team looks up to find The Global Elite standing over them.

Holmes stands, face grim. Morgan just rolls his eyes. "So," he says, "what do you four want?"

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BooSmithson.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/GraceHarper_alt1.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EricTyler.jpg

</div>

Dundee leans forward, knuckles against the table. "I got everything I want, mate. Two weeks time, War to Settle the Score, the Tag-Team Championship is coming home."

Morgan's lip twitches. "Big talk from a guy who doesn't have a partner."

"Way I've travelled 'round the world, mate, there's no shortage of partners."

"Yeah," Morgan says, "but how many of them can stand up to the competition here. We're Stone-trained, Dundee, and it still took us a year to find our rhythm and start earning our way up the card."

Dundee growls, but Eric Tyler hauls him back into line. "Forget it, Jack. Save the argument for the ring."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpg

</div>

The Elite turn to walk way, Chandler trailing behind. He's about to leave the catering area when Richie Pangrazzio stands, blocking his path.

"Chandler."

Eddie Chandler backs up a step. "Pangrazzio."

"You hit me with a chair a few weeks back. I haven't forgotten that."

"Funny," Chandler says. "I could say much the same thing. Chris Storm is mine, Pangrazzio. Stay out of my way at the War to Settle the Score."

"Everyone should have a dream," Pangrazzio says. "Believe me when I tell you, this one is yours. Storm's part of the All-Star Team. That makes him my target.

"Get in my way, and you get added to the list."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrLucha1977.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ActionJackson.jpg

</div>

Mr Lucha is walking down a backstage, sports bag slung over one shoulder. The camera crew follows Action Jackson as he hustles down the corridor after the International Champion. "Lucha, Lucha, can we get a word?"

Lucha stops, easing his bag to the ground. Jackson takes a second to catch his breath. "I don't know if you've heard, but the dust Thunder used on Dark Angel last week, it reacted with his wounds," he says. "It looks like he won't be medically cleared to wrestle by The War to Settle the Score, which means Frankie Future is looking for a replacement challenger. Have you got any thoughts on who you'd like it to be?"

Lucha bows his head in a moment of contemplation, then looks towards the camera. "If I had my wish, esse, it would be the Dark Angel. A strong competitor, well-travelled. A worthy challenger to my skills. I will pray for his speedy recover."

Lucha goes to pick up his bags. "But the challenger?" Jackson insists. "Surely you have a preference, of the available candidates?"

Lucha shakes his head, resuming his trip down the corridor, leaving Jackson to express some confusion and throw the show back to the announce team.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElBandido.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MayanIdol_zps3da794fd.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Team Chaos Theory vs. Coleman & Ferdinand w/Mike Barstow

</div>

Neither of these team has been the recipient of a great deal of ring time, but the crowd response to their clash is enough to justify giving them more. It's a pretty straight-forward match: Team Chaos Theory use speed and power; Coleman and Ferdinand fight dirty.

It seems Mike Barstow's lessons are paying off for his client: Ferdinand rolls up Mayan Idol just shy of the six minute mark, hooking his feet over the ropes for leverage as the three-count is made.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Coleman & Ferdinand defeated Team Chaos Theory in 5:48 by pinfall.

Rating: C-

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

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

</div>

Barstow collects a microphone and joins his wrestlers in the ring. "Another week," he says, "another victory. It may not be pretty, but tonight we go home with the winner's share of the purse, unlike the fair and noble geeks you people cheer night after night. You don't have to like it, but--

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

</div>

The Washington Post March begins to play and the crowd roars. Captain USA marches onto the stage in time to the music, microphone in hand. He halts, offers a salute to the crowd, and waits for the music to stop.

"Barstow!" Captain USA roars the name, and the crowd cheers in response. "Lets not mess around, Barstow. You've been calling me out. You want to make your clients name on the back of my career. It's a smart move, Barstow. No-one ever said you were an idiot. A thug, yes. A cheat and a liar. But not an idiot.

"So I'm taking your match, Barstow. I'm putting together a team. And, just like you, I'm going to use The War to Settle the Score to make a name for some men who really deserve it. We've always said that America is the land of opportunity - well, I'm giving some kids an opportunity.

Ladies and gentlemen, you don't know them well, but trust me, they've got the goods. I give you the rest of Team USA...Jimmy Cox and Mr America."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JimmyCox.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MrAmerica_zps171e6d6d.jpg

</div>

The duo take their place beside Captain USA on the stage, both of them carrying flags that stream behind them.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, you don't know these guys yet," USA says, "and you sure ain't got a clue what they can do. But one thing I can tell you, they're patriots and they're talented, and at the War to Settle the Score they're going to keep fighting because they believe in one thing above all others."

The chant starts slowly, but it builds momentum.

USA...USA...USA...USA..

Captain USA pumps his fist in time with the chant. "If I were you, Barstow, I'd make sure your boys were ready for a loss, 'cause with a crowd like this behind us, TEAM USA CAN'T LOSE!"

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissFarrah.jpg

</div>

We cut to Frankie Future's office, where the General Manager is perched on the front of his desk, grinning like a cat who swallowed the Canary. He throws a glance at Miss Farrah, whose making notes in a folder. "Are they out there?"

"A-huh."

"Alright, then," he says. "Bring 'em in."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

</div>

Miss Farrah opens the door to the office, letting in a familiar quartet of faces. Future regards them all with a broad smile.

The only person to return the smile is Liberty. "Boss-man," he says, "always a pleasure."

"A-huh," Future says. "Take a seat, man. This won't take long."

Liberty shrugs and throws himself into one of the couches in the office, sprawling out like he doesn't have a care in the world. Walker is slower to sit, wary, eyes flitting towards Dread a few times.

Emma Chase just folders her arm. Dread...Dread just stands there, waiting.

"So Emma," Future says, "you've been busy over the last week. I've had, what, six memos from you suggesting matches for next Tuesday night."

"Seven," Emma says. "I filed one last suggestion before we went to air."

"Impressive," Future says. "Tell me, did the seventh suggestion actually include your client, or were you figuring Farrah wouldn't recognise your handwriting?"

"There's a pay-per-view coming up," Chase says. "I thought I'd suggest some matches that would get people's attention."

Future holds out his hand, and Farrah hands him a sheet of neatly-typed paper. "Monty Walker versus Larry Vessey," he reads. "Month Walker versus Rick Sanders. Monty Walker versus Vengeance. Monty Walker versus Tyson Baine."

Monty Walker doesn't look amused. "I'm sensing a theme."

"That's 'cause you're a smart kid," Future says. "Sounds to me like Emma's hoping we'll book you into a match that'll leave you hurting for the War to Settle the Score."

Chase shrugs. Dread smirks a little.

"Well, quit it," Future says. "It's starting to piss Farrah off. You don't want to do that.

"But it does give me an idea, when it comes to next week's match. Not--" he holds up a hand, stalling Walker's objection "--that I'm going to start listening to Emma Chase, or putting someone at a disadvantage going into your match. That wouldn't be fair.

"But matches that get attention, I'm down with that idea, man, and I know how to get it. See, we're still waiting to hear whether Dusty Streets is planning on signing Strong's contract, but the idea...well, it's got potential. And I'm not above stealing Strong's thunder, if there's an opportunity to do it.

"So next week, Emma, you and Dread are going to pick our main event, just like you've been hoping...but you're picking an opponent for Liberty, not Monty Walker."

Liberty sits up, lowering his sunglasses. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Future says. "But you, Liberty, you're picking an opponent for Walker."

Liberty ponders that a second, then nods. "Right on."

Monty Walker stands. "So common says I'm picking..."

He looks towards Dread. Dread glares back.

"Yep," Future says. "You're picking an opponent for the Juggernaut."

Walker breaks into a smile. "Cool."

"Make 'em big, gentlemen," Future says. "Make 'em tough, and make 'em count. If you give your opponent an easy ride, the only person you've got to blame is yourself."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">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

</div>

Ethan Kane is leading his Army through the backstage area when Vengeance emerges from the shadows, stepping into their path and blocking it without even glancing at the Demons.

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

</div>

Kane tries to stare Vengeance down, but the steel mask the latter wears is...unnerving. Particularly with the burn scars visible around the edges.

"Do you know what it feels like to burn, Ethan?" Vengeance takes a step forward, and Ethan Kane tries to back up. "To lie, trapped in a coffin, while the heat starts to suffocate you. To feel your skin blister as the flame kisses your skin?

"I know, Ethan.

"I know, because you taught me." Vengeance looks over Kane's shoulder, towards Spite. "Good luck in your match."

Spite blanches, then tries to cover his moment of weakness. The Avenging Angel starts to laugh, softly and creepily, as he retreats into the shadows once more.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DarkEagle.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dark EAGLE vs. Demon Spite w/Karen Killer

</div>

It's a distracted Demon Spite who wrestles this match, even with Karen Killer at ringside trying to keep him focused. The big man keeps looking out across the arena, searching for signs of Dread, even as Karen assures him that the rest of the Army of Darkness are on the look out.

It creates plenty of openings for EAGLE, who takes full advantage of them and batters the Demon with kicks and strikes. The result is a match that's far more even that it appears on paper, with some impressive high-flying from EAGLE towards the end, but even a distracted Spite still has the advantage of being able to turn a match around with only a handful of power moves.

In this case, he does it with the Demon Slam, picking up the pinfall victory after fifteen minutes of action.

<div style="text-align:center;">Demon Spite defeated Dark EAGLE in 15:16 by pinfall.

Rating: C

</div>

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonSpite.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpg

</div>

Spite and Killer starts hustling up the ramp, but their path is blocked by Cowboy Ricky Dale.

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

</div>

"I put some thought into comin' out here and kicking your tail a while," the Cowboy says. "Your buddies are all over the buildin', getting worked up about the fact that Vengeance is back in town, which means me and EAGLE could do a number on ya, Spite, before anyone came ta help ya.

"But that ain't how we do things, pard', and for that you should be grateful.

"What's going to happen is this: you're going to agree to a match, next week. Martial Law against the Demons of Rage. We go out there and handle things in the ring, the way it's meant to be done, instead of beatin' each other down backstage and hoping that'll end things.

"Agree and I'll let ya be on your way. Say no...well, I hear there's a guy in a steel mask in the arena tonight, and he ain't exactly fond of y'all."

It takes Karen Killer mere seconds to agree to the match.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/AlexBraun.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpg

</div>

Alex Braun and Ota are waiting outside the trainer's room. Braun glances across the hall, raises an eyebrow. "So what happened to you last week?"

Ota cocks his head.

"Chord's crew started kicking Steve's ass," Braun says. "I was already out of commission. You were..."

Ota shrugs. "Ninja."

"Yeah," Braun says. "That's going to convince Steve to trust you."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SteveFlash_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EdMonton.jpg

</div>

They both straighten as the door to the trainer's room opens. Steve Flash steps out, and the viewers get a glimpse of the badly beaten Ed Monton on a bench inside.

"How is he?" Braun says.

Steve Flash shakes his head.

Braun's face falls. "Crap."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: D-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg

</div>

We got to the interview stage, where Dick the Devastator is standing by with his clients.

"I know the Flames," he says. "They're fast, controlled, innovative. One of the best tag-teams in the world, once upon a time. I was there when they won their first title.

"That was twenty years ago.

"Today...today they've slowed a little, but they've got more experience. They still attempt to innovate, but then, innovation has become part of tag-team wrestling. They still have control, but in the right hands...these hands...control can be a weapon."

Dick the Devestator offers the camera a terse smile. "All you have to do is learn which buttons to push."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: E+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/JoeyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> The Blazing Flames vs. The Nation of Filth w/Dick the Devastator

</div>

The Flames are everything Dick the Devastator claimed: fast, innovative, controlled. They take the fight to the Nation of Filth, outpacing the larger tag-team, ducking and weaving away from the worst of the Filth's offense.

And throughout the match the Devastator sits at the ring apron, watching proceedings with his one good eye. There's no advice called out, no encouragement, just his fixed attention as the match plays out.

Then, once he's seen enough, the Devastator slips on a pair of brass knuckles and climbs up on the ring apron, delivering a single right-handed punch to Joey Flame in order to draw the DQ.

<div style="text-align:center;"> The Blazing Flames defeated The Nation Of Filth in 9:37 when Stink was disqualified.

Rating: C-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TeddyFlame.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DickTheDevastator_zps3a209830.jpg

</div>

Teddy Flame's response to the match-ending assault is immediate: he flies across the ring, nailing the Devastator with a dropkick. It's a big move - one that sends the Filth's manager sprawling - and Teddy immediately checks on his brother.

When the Devastator picks himself up, adjusting the fit of the knuckles, Teddy sweeps his legs out from under him and fires off some punches.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Grunt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Stink.jpg

</div>

Only to get hauled off by the Nation of Filth, who have dragged a trash can into the ring. They use the trash can as a weapon, denting it on Teddy's skull, then drop it to the canvas and deliver a Dust Buster on the lid.

With both members of the Flames incapacitated, Grunt helps Dick the Devastator to his feet.

"All it takes is the right button," the Devastator says, straightening his suit. "And so we claim first blood."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: D-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MissFarrah.jpg

</div>

Future is seated in his office, eating popcorn as he watches the show. Miss Farrah opens his door, coughing to get his attention. "Sir," she says, "they're here."

"Already?" Future puts his popcorn tub on the desk and pulls a clip-on tie from his desk. "Alright, send them in."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RomeoHeartthrob.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MaskedRebel.jpg

</div>

Heartthrob and Masked Rebel enter the office, glaring daggers at one another. Future watches them posture for a moment, then sighs. "Masked Rebel. Romeo Heartthrob. My favorite goddamn headache."

The comment draws a sneer from Romeo as he moves towards the seats.

"Don't," Future says. "You're not staying that long. You two don't like each other, I don't like dealing with you, so I'm going to make this simple. At the War to Settle the Score, you war to settle your scores.

"And since your last attempt to resolve this ended with you brawling at ringside, how 'bout we make this one Falls Count Anywhere. One of you - I don't care who - is going to get your hand raised in this match, and that's going to be the end of things."

"Falls count anywhere?" Rebel nods once. "Yeah, I can get behind that." He takes a moment to flip Heartthrob the bird before leaving the office.

Heartthrob heads towards the door. He's almost out when Future says, "Hey, Romeo?"

"Yeah?"

"That other request you put into the office?"

Heartthrob nods.

"It's not happening this match, 'cause I've got no reason to authorize it. Win at the War, man, and maybe we can talk."

Romeo Heartthrob breaks into a sleazy grin. "That," he says, "is all the motivation I needed."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

</div>

Sam Strong comes down to the ring, Strong Style Army at his back.

"Alright, Dusty," he says, "you've had your week. Lets find out exactly how bad you want it."

There's a long, empty silence as Strong and his cohorts wait.

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

</div>

Then Where the Streets Have No Name starts up and Dusty Streets makes his way down to the ring. He's dressed to compete and he's got Strong's contact tucked under one arm, but there's an uncertain look on his face as he strides down to the ring. He takes his time climbing in, keeps his distance from the Army.

"Well, brother, you showed up," Strong says. "I gotta admit, that's more than I expected of you, back when I first offered you this. That's impressive, in its own way.

"But now we find out, brother, how bad do you want to fight me. That contract...that gives you what you've always wanted, brother. A shot against me at Welcome to Hollyweird, biggest show of the year. A chance to name the stipulation, so you can wrestle whatever kind of match you want to wrestle on the night.

"And all you've got to do is put your career in my hands, Dusty. For the next five weeks, I own you, brother. You wrestle who I want, when I want. So what do you say, Dusty? You man enough to sign?"

Dusty Streets looks at Strong. He looks at the contract. Then he looks at the crowd, the commentary team, the Strong Style Army gathered behind its leader.

Then he pulls out a pen and signs the contract.

"If you're going to bring it, Sam...bring it.."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LeeWright.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dusty Streets vs. Lee Wright w/Suzue Katayama

</div>

Strong wastes no time putting the contract into action, replacing Kyle Rhodes on third chair as he sends Lee Wright in to wrestle Streets. The Living Legend takes the opportunity to put over his friend and run down Streets, but it's hard to argue against the vigor with which Streets takes the fight to Strong's ally.

Wright fires back with fists and submissions, and he comes out of this looking like a dangerous man. Unfortunately, with Streets on-form, dangerous isn't enough. Dusty picks up the victory with the Dust Off.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dusty Streets defeated Lee Wright in 15:22 by pinfall.

Rating: C

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SamStrong.jpg

</div>

Streets does a victory lap of the ring, then rolls into ringside and gets in Strong's face. "That all you got? One down, Strong. One down and--"

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

</div>

He's cut off by a staggering roundhouse kick from the monster, Raymond Diaz, that sends Dusty listing sideways. Suzue Katayama is there to catch him, immediately applying a submission on his right arm, and she holds him in place as Diaz fires another handful of kicks into Streets' midsection.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TommyCornell.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BrentHill.jpg

</div>

Cornell and Hill come tearing down the ramp, chairs in hand, to make the save, although it takes both chairs being used against Raymond Diaz in order to get him away from his victim. Hill stands guard, threatening Strong and his cohorts with a chair, as Tommy Cornell helps Streets get back on his feet.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CoachDickPangrazzio.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/BryanVessey.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpg

</div>

We cut to the All-Star Team's locker room, where Coach Pangrazzio is pacing back and forth in front of the Vessey Brothers and Chris Storm.

"No-one expects to win every game," Coach says. "Even the longest winning streak has to come to an end, and even the hottest team gets taken down by injuries. A smart athlete goes out there and looks at the seasons, figuring out a way to make sure his hand's raised when it counts."

The Coach turns, no longer calm. "My son had his allies come and beat me like a dog, but I'm back. He had them do it because he couldn't stand to beat me himself, thinking I wouldn't return, but I'm back now and I'm not going away.

"We're in this for the long haul. We're in this for the season. And if Richie wants to make it a fight, I've got two of the best fighters in the world on my team.

"Richie, you don't want to push this. Larry, he's the powerhouse, he's all strength and aggression. By comparison, he's the pussycat. He's the easy one to wrestle. Bryan Vessey? Chris Storm? These are men at the cutting edge, versed in submissions. Takedowns. Martial arts. They may not be able to beat you, Richie, 'cause you're a hell of a wrestler. I made sure of that when I trained you.

"They may not be able to beat you, Richie, but they'll sure as hell hurt you."

Bryan Vessey pounds a fist into his palm, staring at the camera. "This is a message for Robert Oxford," he says. "You broke my brother's wrist. You made sure he was hurting. I'm going to remember that when we face each other, Oxford, and you're going to learn why my brother's the nice one."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C+

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

</div>

Richie Pangrazzio is in the Crippler position, chatting to Wanda Fish as he awaits his match. He starts shadow-boxing when...

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EddieChandler.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/GraceHarper_alt1.jpg

</div>

"So I've been thinking about your list."

The Fabulous One strolls up, one arm draped around Grace Harper. "

Big match tonight, Richie. Or do you prefer Junior? I imagine it's trying being named after the old man. I mean, it's such an evocative name. Richard. Richie. And, of course, there's always the old standby your father chose as a moniker...Dick."

Pangrazzio doesn't look impressed, which only widens Chandler's cocky grin. "To be fair, though, Richie, you do look like a Dick. You act like one, too. I mean, back in December, when you decided to debut your vendetta against your father by costing me a match, that was exactly the kind of thing a Dick would do, Richie. I know, 'cause I came out there with chair at Malice and hit you in the head, and all I could think is...wow. My god. I feel like I've become such a Dick, you know?

"It's a horrible feeling, Richie. I don't blame you from trying to avoid it.

"But I tell you this...Dickie. Resist the urge to act like your namesake at The War to Settle the Score. When it's you and me in the ring with Chris Storm, have the good grace to get the hell out of my way and let me resolve my issues with the rookie, okay?

"Anything else, well....that'd just be a Dick move, wouldn't it? It would make you a Dick, just like daddy.

"Your list, Dick, I don't really give a damn about it. Put me on it, Dick, and you'll learn why I joined forces with the Elite."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/LarryVessey.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ChrisStorm.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/WandaFish.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">Larry Vessey w/Chris Storm vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr. w/Wanda Fish

</div>

No wasted time in this one: Richie Pangrazzio goes straight for the cast and the injured wrist, spending the opening minutes trying to lock in an arm-bar which Mike Nero predictions would be an early match-ender.

But Larry Vessey is a big man, built for power, and he's veteran of thousands of wrestling matches in his long and storied career. He fights back against the arm bar, elbows free of Pangrazzio's grasp, and ensures the fight happens on his own terms: upright, trading elbows and forearms, sprawling to avoid the amateur take-downs that remain key to Pangrazzio's offense style.

Unfortunately for Vessey, he can't quite find the move that will allow him to pick up victory, and after a stalling half-way through an instinctual Sick Cycle to prevent injury to his wrist, the Number One Contender bites the bullet and delivers the move with the cast on.

It causes an excruciating amount of pain for Vessey, judging by the flicker of emotion that crosses his face, but it does the job well enough that he can crawl over Pangrazzio and secure the three-count.

<div style="text-align:center;">Larry Vessey defeated Richie Pangrazzio Jr. in 15:05 by pinfall.

Rating: B

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</div>

Vessey is lying on the mat, clutching at his wrist, when Rip Chord makes his way out onto the stage. The Great One is dressed in an impeccable three-piece suit, title belt looped around his waist. He takes his time strolling down to the ring, slow enough that a pair of paramedics overtake him, and he makes a big show of crouching close to Vessey as the white-clad medics examine his wrist.

"There's a part of me that's insulted by the fact that you're the number one contender for my title." Chord says it without any real malice, just a simple statement of fact. "Do you and the Hollyweird officials think so little of me that they'll send you into this match with an obvious injury, something I can target in a hundred different ways once that bell rings. That anyone thinks an injured wrestler is a credible challenge to The Great One's title reign strikes me as wilful ignorance.

"And perhaps that would be true, if the man in question isn't Larry Vessey.

"Larry, you and I have known each other for a long time. We've travelled the same roads and worked the same territories, drunk in the same bars and pursued the same women. I don't need to take your measure, Larry, 'cause I already know who you are. Experienced. Powerful. Dangerous as hell.

"Other people look at your injury a see a weakness, an opportunity to pick you apart and end the match early. Right now, I look at you lying there, and I see a man whose willing to do anything he needs to in order to win, because he understands what winning means."

Vessey glares at Chord, tries to rise and take a swing at the champ, only to have the medics push him back to the canvas.

"You're a fighter, Vessey. I can respect that. It makes you more dangerous than most. But that's not going to stop me from picking you apart on The War to Settle the Score when you come after my championship. It's not going to stop me crushing every bone in your wrist to powder, if that's what it takes to keep my belt.

"Enjoy the next week, Larry. Rest up, prepare yourself. 'Cause you're stepping into the ring with me, The Great One, the harbinger of the new golden age of wrestling, and you need to be at your best if you want stop me doing irreparable harm."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: A

</div>

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

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Overall: B</div>

arwink · October 20, 2013

It's an awkward spot to leave things, but HGC will be going on a short hiatus at this point - I'm going to be jumping on a plane and heading overseas for a couple of weeks, away from the laptop and internet access. I should be back and posting again around mid-November.

arwink · November 10, 2013

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

"So I came into Hollywierd thinking I had something going." Jimmy Cox offers the camera a rueful grin. "Working on the indies, the Immortal Driver was enough to make me a big deal. It made for an easy match - I tried to hit it, my opponent tried to avoid it - and that was the stuff main events were made of.

"I expected Hollyweird to be more of the same - maybe not a main event run, but I figured it'd give me a profile - and instead I ended up working as an underneath guy for a stretch. I didn't get it, and it frustrated me.

"It was Larry Vessey who pulled me aside and told me what was what - the bookers didn't want me hitting the Immortal Driver 'cause it'd force me to learn how to work. Learning how to work without it, rather than relying on it, means I'd end up with more strings in my bow, and that'd be the difference between being a good mid-card guy and a great main-event guy. The Driver would always be there, later, if they decided to give me a push."

"So I went back to the drawing board, started learning how to do something different, and then the thing with the Captain started."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"Nero floated the idea of a stable when I started slowing down." Captain USA sits on the big red couch, still wearing the outrageous ask and hat combination that marked his in-ring career, despite the fact that it's been years since he performed in the ring. "I'd do the talking, they'd do the wrestling on the house show tours.

"Now being Captain USA hasn't ever been that hard. I go out there, I talk up America, I throw some fists, and I refuse to say die while I get my ass kicked. One of the advantages of carrying Old Glory down to the ring is that it doesn't take much to get cheered in America. It's a gimmick so easy that Peter Valentine used it to get himself cheered, once upon a time.

"But I still got all kinds of nervous, going out there with Jimmy and Mr America beside me, 'cause its one thing to go out there and do my shtick for me, but it's something real different when there's other guys counting on me."

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"The flag wasn't a natural fit for me." The masked man now known as Plague speaks softly, voice almost lost behind the mask. "Especially since Nero asked me to tone down my style. I'd spent years taking educated risks, hitting big spots to earn the attention of the East Coast independents, and somehow they'd earned me a spot among the HGC cruiserweight division in the early days.

"Mike Nero asked me to tone all of that down - my personality, my in-ring spots, my mask - and just...wave a flag.

"I accepted the Mister America mask because Nero made it clear they had no use for the Black Eagle, not with Dark EAGLE and Dark Angel working on the roster doing similar gimmicks."

arwink · November 11, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The TCW Wrestling Archive Presents

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

- Episode 59 Preview -</div>

The inmates are taking over the asylum on this week's Hollyweird TV, with matchmaker Frankie Future giving control over the booking of four separate matches to wrestlers.

The first man to make a decision will be the Human Juggernaut, Dread, as he decides on a mystery opponent to square off against Liberty in our opening bout. Dread has kept quiet about who he's picked to step into the ring against the American Outlaw, but Emma Chase has suggested it's a member of the roster that no-one would expect.

Dusty Streets has willingly signed over the privilege of booking his matches to Sam Strong, and this week Strong's responded with a match against the mauler of the Strong Style Army - Raymond Diaz.

The current number one contender to the International Title, Dark Angel, has been added to the injured list and Frankie Future has set up a four-way fray to determine who will be getting a shot at the belt come Te War to Settle the Score. It will be El Bandido, Awesome Thunder, Fumihiro Ota, and Pablo Rodriguez in action, with one man advancing to a shot at gold on Sunday.

Monty Walker gets a chance to book a match after that, selecting a mystery opponent to step into the ring with the human juggernaut, Dread. Much of the HGC locker room has been giving Walker a wide berth for the last week, wary of being sent in to face Dread with only a week to prepare, and we're yet to receive news about who will be stepping into the ring.

Martial Law and The Demons of Rage go head-to-head in our semi-main event, with the combination of Ricky Dale and Dark EAGLE looking to make a statement against the Demons after the Army of Darkness' actions in recent weeks. For the Demons part, they've been making noises about getting back into the title hunt, and a victory here will go a long way towards putting them into position for a shot.

Finally, in our main event, Liberty will be selecting an opponent for Monty Walker. Fans have been wondering who Liberty can select that will challenge a man whose sanguine about stepping into the ring with Dread, but Liberty has remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped about his choice.

<div style="text-align:center;">Matches featured in this streaming video include:

Monty Walker vs. ????

Martial Law vs. The Demons of Rage

???? vs. Dread

El Bandido vs. Awesome Thunder vs. Fumihiro Ota vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Dusty Streets vs. Raymond Diaz

Liberty vs. ????</div>

Phantom Stranger · November 11, 2013

Monty Walker vs. ????

Martial Law vs. The Demons of Rage

???? vs. Dread

El Bandido vs. Awesome Thunder vs. Fumihiro Ota vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Dusty Streets vs. Raymond Diaz

Liberty vs. ????

Midnightnick · November 11, 2013

Monty Walker vs. ????

Martial Law vs. The Demons of Rage

???? vs. Dread

El Bandido vs. Awesome Thunder vs. Fumihiro Ota vs. Pablo Rodriguez

Dusty Streets vs. Raymond Diaz

Liberty vs. ????

arwink · November 17, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FrankieFuture.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MontyWalker_alt.jpg

</div>

"So next week, Emma, you and Dread are going to pick a match, just like you've been hoping...but you're picking an opponent for Liberty."

Future's announcement is intercut with footage from the conflicts Dread and Liberty have had in the past, featuring the big moves the Juggernaut delivered to his target.

"Liberty, you're picking an opponent for Walker."

Shots from the Four Way Dance, this time focusing on Liberty's big boot connecting with Walker.

"Walker. You're picking an opponent for the Juggernaut."

So many clashes to pick from: Walker delivering the last Waltz to Dread. Walker hitting the elbow drop.

"Make 'em big, gentlemen," Future says. "Make 'em tough, and make 'em count. If you give your opponent an easy ride, the only person you've got to blame is yourself."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B-

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

</div>

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

Tuesday, Week 4, February 1998

The Theatre of Dreams (North West) - 10,000 people (Sold Out!)

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

</div>

The show goes live with Action Jackson out in the ring, standing by with Emma Chase and Dread. The fan response is fevered, given that they know what's coming, and Jackson's grin is half nerves as he kicks the segment of.

"Tonight we see three big matches, each of them picked by one of the three men going into the hotly anticipated three-way fray at The War to Settle the Score. We kick things off with the Human Juggernaut, Dread, who selected an opponent for Liberty. Dread, lets get right down to it...who is Liberty going to be fighting?"

Dread claims the microphone. "I've fought Liberty several times, studied him, learned his strengths and weaknesses. Beneath the facade he presents to the world, he's a man of considerable skill and resolve.

"When I sought out an opponent, I called upon an old friend. A man who...understands...the necessity of winning. A veteran, his instincts honed by years in the industry. A man who understands that victory matters more than how it's won."

Dread stops speaking and lets Pour Some Sugar On Me starts playing. Emma Chase grabs the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we give you...CHEATIN' MIKE BARSTOW"

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

</div>

"What the hell?" Azaria says. "I thought Mike Barstow was retired?"

"A man like Barstow never retires," Nero says. "He's just biding his time..."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B+

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Liberty.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/CheatinMikeBarstow.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TroyTornado.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/NathanColeman.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/StuartFerdinand.jpg

Liberty vs. Cheatin' Mike Barstow w/Tornado, Coleman & Ferdinand

</div>

Emma Chase joins the commentary team for this one, laying out the logic of bringing Barstow out of retirement: he's mean, he's vicious, and he stops at nothing. Even if Liberty beats the veteran, it's a match that's going to cost him.

Better yet, with Barstow comes the involvement of Barstow Enterprises, with all three of the veteran's clients surrounding the ring and providing a distraction as the match goes on.

Barstow wrestles exactly as you'd expect from his name: stalls; eye-rakes; low blows; sneak shots. It's enough to hold Liberty off for nearly fifteen minutes, but the American Outlaw thrives against opponents like this. He catches Barstow with the running bulldog, then hits the Liberation Slam to claim victory.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Liberty defeated Cheatin' Mike Barstow in 14:44 by pinfall.

Rating: C+

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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

</div>

Coach Dick Pangrazzio walks down the ramp, The Vesseys coming in a half-step behind, and Chris Storm bringing up the rear. Storm has a baseball bat resting on one shoulder, and he scans the crowd as he walks. Coach collects a microphone and rolls into the ring.

"HEY!" he shouts, "LISTEN UP!"

The fans respond with a roar, but for once this actually brings a smile to the Coach's face. "It's been a while since I've come out here and had a chance to do that," he says. "Feels good to be down here, in front of the fans again.

"We're five days away from the War to Settle the Score, and it looks like the show is going to live up to the name. Lets run through this...

Coach stops beside Chris Storm, laying a hand on the rookie member's shoulder "Chris, you've got a three-way dance with Eddie Chandler and my son. Two opponents, two sets of shoulders that need to get pinned. I know you want to target Richie, get a little vengeance against him, but that's not the way this game is played. Fight smart, fight hard, bring home the win. Right now, that'll hurt Richie more than trying to break his arm."

The Coach holds out his hand for the baseball bat, and a reluctant Storm hands it over. Pangrazzio nods, then moves on.

"Larry Vessey, going into the main event, taking on the World Heavyweight Champion. I don't need to tell you it's a big deal. I don't need to tell you that protecting that wrist is the key to winning. Lets ne honest, boy, I don't need to tell you much. You know the plan, you know how to execute it. Go out there and bring home the gold."

A cheer runs through the crowd, and Larry Vessey inclines his head in recognition of it.

"Now, Bryan," Coach says. "In their wisdom - and I use the word loosely - the officials have elected not to put you on Sunday's card. If you ask me, that's a waste of a talented wrestler, especially one of your calibre, but with the Untouchable's prowling around looking to get involved in our business, I figure there's an upside to having you free."

Coach offers Bryan the baseball he's been carrying since Storm gave it up, and a grinning Bryan Vessey takes the weapon.

"Let me give the Untouchables a warning," Coach says, "'cause I know the way my son thinks. Whatever you've got planned, rethink it. You want us to start throwing elbows, we're going to start throwing elbows. And in case you didn't understand that metaphor, let me break down real simple.

"Let these matches go uninterrupted on Sunday, otherwise you've got a date with Bryan Vessey and a Louisville Slugger."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C+

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

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

</div>

Frankie Future sits behind his desk, glaring at the figure seated opposite him. "I had my doubts about the contract, Sam. Not--" Future holds up a hand, halting Strong's objection "--because it's a bad idea, but because, quite frankly, you're a goddamn asshole. Only reason I agreed is 'cause Dusty wanted you that bad."

"No," Strong says. "The only reason you agreed is because the match will make money."

"Well, sure," Future says, "that goes without saying. Making money to keep this place running is kinda my job, man. A job, I'll add, I'm doing much better than you ever did."

Strong scowls. "Have you got a point?"

Future nods. "Knock off the sneak attacks. Streets is yours to play with from bell to bell, week after week, but if you're boys are jumping him after every match, I'm not going to be terribly happy, Sam."

"Your happiness doesn't concern me."

"Really? It should." Future pulls open his desk draw and holds up a folder. "Your lawyers put a lot of clauses into this contract, brother, but you still defrauded this company for months with your injury. We let it go 'cause...well, there was money to be made, but there's a couple of clauses in this thing our lawyers our lawyers are hungry to hit you with.

"And trust me, Sam, your lawyers are good, but hours are way, way better. We've got the money to hire entire firms. Entire ****ing cities of lawyers if we want them.

"Screw with me, and we start playing hardball. Be content with what you have, Strong, and torture Dusty in the ring. There's plenty of ways to do that. Use your imagination."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B-

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DustyStreets.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RaymondDiaz.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dusty Streets vs. Raymond Diaz w/Suzue Katayama

</div>

Diaz is a monster of a man, all power and skill. He grabs Streets in a kickboxing clinch early in the match and starts delivering heavy knees, dominating the action from there on.

Streets holds on, sneaking moments of offense here and there, looking for a moment where he can change the momentum. When it comes, he wastes no time: there's a Dust Off, seemingly out of nowhere, and a very quick cover that picks up the pinfall.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Dusty Streets defeated Raymond Diaz in 5:51 by pinfall.

Rating: C-

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

</div>

"What does beating a Stone mean?" Eric Tyler's in the back of a limo, sipping red wine as he contemplates the question. "If you knew about wrestling, I wouldn't have to tell you, but it seems many fans of Hollyweird aren't familiar with this sport and it's traditions. The Stones are the greatest wrestling family in the world. They're men trained by one of the firs true immortals of the sport.

"Beating a Stone means everything. In Canada, there's no higher calling."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DuaneStone_zpsf0156b44.jpg

</div>

The shot dissolves into footage of Duane Stone, standing out the front of the run-down building that serves as the home of the famed House of Stone dojo.

"My family knows wrestling," he says. "People come from all the world to learn here, to hone talents that many would already consider fully-formed. The best of Canada come here. The best of Japan. Of England. Training at the House of Stone is the ambition of many serious wrestlers. It's a mark of pride.

"Eric Tyler never trained here, but he could have. He's got the drive. He's got the skill. He could have been one of our best. There's no higher compliment I could pay him and his skills.

"And that's why I've got to face him. It's why I've got to get him on the mat and make him submit."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C-

</div>

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

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

</div>

Miss Farrah makes her way to the ring, microphone in hand. "I've got an announcement to make, on behalf of Frankie Future," she says. "Can I ask the following wrestlers to make their way down to the ring. El Bandido. Fumihiro Ota. Awesome Thunder. Pablo Rodriguez."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElBandido.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/YosukeNarita_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg

</div>

The four men comply, all of them dressed to compete, and it's obvious from Rodriguez's grin that something is up.

"We've had confirmation that Dark Angel is going to be unable to compete this Sunday," Farrah says, "courtesy of the injuries he sustained at the hands of Awesome Thunder. As of right now, all four of you stand a shot of taking his place.

"We're holding a four-way fray to determine the new number one contender, and it's scheduled to start...now."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: D-

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

THREE WAY FRAY

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElBandido.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/PabloRodriguez.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/FumihiroOta.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/YosukeNarita_alt.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> El Bandido vs. Pablo Rodriguez vs. Fumihiro Ota vs. Awesome Thunder

</div>

It's all fast-paced chaos. The Fray format doesn't allow the time to wear an opponent down, applying submissions and keeping an opponent on the mat. It's all about speed and big spots, taking risks in order to snatch a surprise victory before anyone else can break things up.

The match is notable for El Bandido's massive splash to the ringside area, coming off the top rope in order to wipe out Pablo Rodriguez. Ota tries to capitalise on the fact that two competitors, applying a lightning fast Ninja Lock, but Awesome Thunder reverses the hold and uses it to set up the Thunder Shock.

<div style="text-align:center;">Awesome Thunder defeated Pablo Rodriguez, Fumihiro Ota and El Bandido in 7:33 by pinfall.

Rating: C

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</div>

The Silver Screen comes alive, showing some pre-recorded interviews between Masked Rebel and Heartthrob.

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

</div>

Heartthrob lounges in his living room, sprawled on a chaise with a glass of champagne in hand. "Personally," he says, "I find the Masked Rebel objectionable. The man's a thug, uncouth and unlikable, and underneath that reprehensible mask he strikes me as a thoroughly ugly individual.

"I petitioned to unmask you, Rebel, to expose your ugly face to the world." Heartthrob pauses, sips his champagne. "I suppose, as a consolation, Falls Count Anywhere is a worthwhile consolation."

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

</div>

The screen cuts to the Masked Rebel, sitting astride a Harley, the motor roaring beneath him as he stares at the camera. "I'm not afraid of fighting," he says, "not by a long stretch. My pappy didn't like me much. My momma was never around. I had to fight every single moment of my life, just to get where I am.

"Falls count anywhere? That ain't a problem for me. You might even say it's playing to my strengths."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: C-

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

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

</div>

Dread comes down to the ring, dressed to compete. He claims a microphone, stares back up the ramp. "WALKER! Lets get this over with. Come out here and tell me who the hell I'm fighting."

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

</div>

Walk This Way heralds the arrival of Monty Walker, and the fans come unglued, changing Walker's name as he walks out onto the stage with a microphone, confident despite being dressed down in jeans and a faded pearl jam T-shirt, flannel shirt tied around his waist.

"Dread," he says. "Emma."

Dread doesn't respond to the greeting, although Emma nods a little.

"I got a plan tonight, Dread," Walker says. "It's big, it's nasty, it fights dirty as hell. It's a lot like...well, pitting you against you, I guess. And since I don't wand to **** around, lets just get this over with. Whoever's in the truck, play this guy's music."

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

</div>

Pantera's Walk blares through the arena, and Tyson Baine rolls through the curtain. The big man bumps fists with Walker, fixes his gaze on Dread, and smiles as he advances on the ring.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: B

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/TysonBaine.jpg vs. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/EmmaChase.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Tyson Baine vs. Dread w/Emma Chase

</div>

The two big behemoths go at it, and the results are good. The contrast is remarkable; Tyson Baine learned to fight on the streets, everything he does ugly and aggressive. He likes to corner an opponent and work them down, relying heavily on punches and power moves.

Dread is the disciplined warrior, every strike precise, no wasted motion. There are elements of boxing in his game, but also holds and throws picked up from judo, plus a wealth of strong style submissions and strikes.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/ElijahBlack.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/MurderousMikey.jpg

</div>

After fourteen minutes of action it's not really sure who the winner of the match is going to be, and unfortunately Black Murder hit the ring to ensure we don't get a chance to find out. Elijah Black hits Baine across the back with a chair, Big Mike Murder follows it up with the switchblade clothesline.

Sam Sparrow calls for the DQ, despite the snarl on Dread's face.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Tyson Baine defeated Dread in 14:47 when Dread was disqualified.

Rating: B+

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

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

</div>

We come back from a break, and Rip Chord is the ring with the Dallas Wrecking Crew, the crowd already whipped into a frenzy of hate by the World Champion's presence.

"In a handful of days, I go to war," Chord says. "I step into the ring with Larry Vessey, we throw down everything we've got, and one of us walks away with the World Heavyweight Title.

"My World Heavyweight Title.

"It's my job, as World Champion, to pay attention to what goes on in this company. To know the real threats, the dangerous ones, before they come after me. I knew how good Lucha was before any of you people.

"I knew Liberty had the potential to take a belt away from me, even if he's not working at my level, simply because he doesn't stay down. The longer the match, the more chances there are for an opponent to slip up, and all it takes is three seconds for a title to change hands.

"And now we have Larry Vessey, a man I've always had my eye on. A man who seemed content to wrestle in the tag-team division, to make their titles the equal of my own in the eyes of the fans. He could have done it, too, him and his brother, were it not for the machinations of Eric Tyler and his group.

"Now Vessey comes after me. He challenges for this belt a second time, when part of me still has nightmares about the first. Larry Vessey is a fighter...an athlete. An All-Star. The first time we met, I gave him a warning: there is nothing I wouldn't do to retain this belt. No move so cruel, no tactic so illegal, that I wouldn't resort to it.

"I would gouge out his eye to retain this belt. That's what it means to me.

"Now everyone is talking about Vessey's wrist, telling themselves it makes him weak. Telling themselves it's an easy target.

"Partially correct, I'll grant you, and I will try to take Vessey's wrist away from him. I will grind his bones to powder if he gives me the opportunity.

"But that cast will hurt if he chooses to use it, and Vessey is a man who knows how to fight through pain. I could break his arm in six different places and he'd grit his teeth and keep on fighting, because that's the kind of man he is.

"Vessey knows what titles mean. Almost as well as I do.

"This is not an easy match for me. To think that, to feel that, to let myself believe it...that's the beginning of the end. That's what will cost me a title.

"So this match gets treated like any other. I go out there knowing that I am the Great One, the beginning of a new golden age of wrestling. Your World Heavyweight Champion, Rip Chord, and I am a man without mercy."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: A*

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

</div>

Martial Law walk down the ramp, Ricky Dale carrying a microphone. "I don't believe in backing down," he says. "And neither does my friend here, not when it counts. We got into Army of Darkness' face, the Army of Darkness decided to throw down. We got a win, they got a win, and somehow it didn't seem to matter, 'cause me and EAGLE were still the guys left lying on the mat.

"Demons, tonight you're going to learn that it doesn't pay to beat us down."

<div style="text-align:center;">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 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

Martial Law vs. The Demons of Rage w/Karen Killer

</div>

This one goes back and forth a couple of times, the increasingly fluid teamwork of Martial Law serving as an equalizer against the Demon's superior power. There's plenty of tags, plenty of double-teams, and a lot of brawling.

Dark EAGLE gets the pop of the match, twisting free of the Demon Slam when Anger tries it and reversing it into a headscissor takedown. It catches the Demon off-guard, coming close to earning the three-count, but Karen Killer makes the save and the match continues on.

Two minutes later it ends for good, after EAGLE slingshots himself onto Spite at ringside and Ricky Dale pins Anger after a Southern Justice.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Martial Law defeated The Demons Of Rage in 8:28 by pinfall.

Rating: C+

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

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

</div>

There's a roar from ringside, followed by a sickening crunch, and the camera switches position just in time to see the aftermath of Demon Spite slamming EAGLE into the guard rails. The masked man is lying on the ground, back arched, mouth contorted into an mask of pain.

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

</div>

"HEY!"

Spite turns at Ricky Dale's shout, which means he's facing in the right direction as the Cowboy launches himself through the ropes and connects with a flying elbow smash.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/KarenKiller_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/DemonAnger.jpg

</div>

The Cowboy and the Demon start brawling, but Karen Killer makes her presence felt, leaping on Ricky Dale's back and clawing at him with ebony-painted fingernails. The distraction gives the Demons time to rally their forces, making the brawl two-on-one, and despite Ricky Dale's best efforts he's planted into the concrete with a Double Demon Down.

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: C

</div>

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

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/RichiePangrazzioJr_zps4c054f98.jpghttp://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

</div>

We go to the Untouchable's locker room, where Richie Pangrazzio is busy brooding, crouched in the corner with his eyes fixed on a television showing clips from old Vessey Brother's matches. Paul Steadyfast sits in the other corner, intent on observing Pangrazzio.

After a few moments, he turns his attention to Fish. "Another pay-per-view's upon us," he says, "and Junior there is the only man with a match. Tell me again why he was a good choice to add to our ranks, Fish? Tell me your master plan for getting the Specialists titles, for getting me to rise up the ranks?"

"His match fee goes to our coffers," Fish says. "Winner's purse too, if he picks up the victory."

Steadyfast snorts. "Well, at least that's something. And all we have to do is contend with Bryan Vessey."

Joel Bryant looks up from the book he's reading. "Bryan Vessey and a baseball bat," he says.

"Yes," Steadyfast says. "There is that."

<div style="text-align:center;"> Rating: D+

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

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

</div>

Cannonball plays and Liberty makes his way down to the ring, high-fiving the fans as he goes. He rolls into the squared circle, microphone in hand, and takes a moment to feed on the crowd.

"Well," he says, "it's main event time, which means it's my turn to come out here and pick an opponent for Monty Walker. This ain't exactly my thing and all - I'd rather pick matches for me to come out here and shine - but since I gotta do what I gotta do..."

Liberty shrugs and rolls out of the ring, heading for the guard rails. "You're going to have to forgive me for this," he says. "There's rules about my pick and I being in the same ring."

He makes his way up into the seats, sprawling into an empty space about twelve rows up. "Well, man, I can tell by the response that some of you have already guessed. For those who aren't yet in the know, tonight's main event is Monty Walker...and Sam-****ing-Strong."

<div style="text-align:center;">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/SamStrong.jpg w/http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/SuzueKatayama.jpg

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;"> Monty Walker vs. Sam Strong w/Suzue Katayama

</div>

It's one of the hottest crowds ever seen in a Hollyweird TV main event, cheering for pretty much anything Monty Walker does that can be regarded as offense. Within the first two minutes there's an exchange of haymakers that has the fans cheering every time Walker connects, and booing every time Strong responds.

It says a great deal about Monty Walker's rise that when he gets delivers a Last Waltz and a close two-count halfway through, the fan response is deafening. Half the arena actually leaps to their feet, buying into the moment, even as Strong reaches for the ropes to break the count.

It's a big moment, and ultimately one that costs the match, as none of the emotional highs seem to reach that momentary fever pitch, everyone settling back into the knowledge that Strong isn't going to put Walker over.

It ends with a low blow from Strong, followed by a Strong Arm Tactic, but no-one can argue that Walker hasn't put on an impressive showing that puts him, in the fans eyes, on par with the Living Legend.

<div style="text-align:center;"> Sam Strong defeated Monty Walker in 14:38 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/MontyWalker_alt.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/Dread.jpg

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

</div>

A video package airs to close the show, featuring the best-of from the matches featuring Liberty, Walker and Dread on tonight's show, plus clips of Larry Vessey and Rip Chord in action.

"We're give days away from the War to Settle the Score," Jason Azaria says, "and it has been a night of incredible wrestling action. Join us this Sunday for some of the biggest wrestling matches you'll see all year: Larry Vessey versus Rip Chord for the World Heavyweight title. Liberty, Monty Walker, and Dread in a three-way fray. Sam Strong continuing his harassment of Dusty Streets, and more..."

<div style="text-align:center;">Rating: B

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

Overall: B</div>

arwink · November 21, 2013

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

"It was always a pleasure to go out there and wrestle Tyson." Dread runs his fingers through the stubble of his haircut. "He got what it meant to be a big man in wrestling, how to go out there and be a powerhouse.

"There's a difference between strength and power. A guy like Strong or Peter Valentine, he's got plenty of strength. They hit the gym, they bench press a couple of hundred pounds, they look great, but there's no...no athleticism. No ability to move.

"Power, power's all about being to make use of that strength. The ability to cover the ring and deliver a blow, knock a guy out. Look at a boxer like Tyson. It's not just the strength that makes him dangerous.

"There were lots of big guys in Hollyweird. Lots of Strong guys.

"There weren't as many guys who could use that strength, but Tyson got it. He could move. I could move. It made for a different type of match when you get two guys our size in there."

Dread hesitates a moment, holding off a smile.

"Didn't hurt that he could take it as good as he dished it out. Made him really easy to wrestle."

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x15/arwink/THE_zps3a12ecd2.jpg

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

"We were angling to really take Hollyweird to the next level, featuring big matches on television," Bryant says. "Not constantly - you can't go out there and put on shows that big every week - but Nero started scheduling bigger matches on TV, setting up bouts that pitted big stars against one another without giving away the money matches.

"We don't do that much these days, in Total, but then, we don't really need to. We'd got the TV deals we want. We've got the audience that knows what Total's about and willing to stick with us, even in the lean times.

"There's drawbacks to doing what Nero did. Every time you give away a match like Dread and Baine, or Strong and Walker, it makes things a little less special when you go to put them in an angle. Which means it's a gamble - is the attention you get for putting on TV worth the potential losses down the line?"

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