CVerse 97: Where It All Began

PFElton · July 9, 2013

The Elton Sheets - Monday, January Week 1, 1997

SPECIAL EDITION - INTERVIEW WITH RIP CHORD

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Our unending thanks to Rip Chord personally and Hollyweird Grappling Company for affording us this interview, conducted by our very own John Daveystone earlier this afternoon.

John: Mr. Chord, before we begin I want to tell you what a total honor this is to have you in our little studio, speaking to The Elton Sheets. Thank you for coming.

Rip: Thanks for having me.

John: So the professional wrestling media – and even the mainstream media – has come to life with the inception of Hollyweird Grappling Company, with the debut program tomorrow night. Are the wrestlers themselves excited? What do you guys have up your sleeve?

Rip: Baby we're going to bring the action tomorrow night. I know that is was swell seeing some of the boys from back in the day and I know that Sam and I have spent hours vetting and working with the great young guys that are about to rise to the top starting tomorrow night at 9 Eastern on networks across the country. I mean, there's a reason we've been showing off guys like Liberty and big bad BLZ Bubb on the commercials – they can bring the action, they can be the next true stars of the business. I mean, let's face it, we have no true stars right now, you know? Nothing really supreme about any of them. People want the real heroes of the sport but hey, we're gonna make new heroes baby.

John: Super, but again, what new things are you bringing to the table to set HGC apart from the SWF?

Rip: Baby it's a lot easier to list what we're NOT bringing to the table. We got the biggest names in the industry, the Sam Strong's and the Dread's and both the Vessey's. We have some crazy brawlers from the East Coast and we got some Luchadores and Japanese competitors too for what we're calling the 'Cruiserweight Division'. Without a shadow of a doubt, pro wrestling and sports entertainment is about to be redefined, I mean, I keep seeing you guys and some others like Fourth Rope and Suplex Illustrated call this the “Tuesday Night War”. For us, we don't think there's going to be much of a war. We are all going to go out there and do what we do best and dominate Tuesday nights.

John: Do you think there's a chance this could fail?

Rip: Absolutely not, and I really don't mean to sound like a blowhard but as long as we go out there and give it our best like so many of us have done for years, we got it in the bag. The competition has another thing coming to them.

John: As I'm sure you know – you being an 11-time World Champion – every company needs a World Heavyweight Title Holder. How do you guys plan on addressing the void and establishing a top-level title?

Rip: Baby we got that in the bag too. Tomorrow night is the opening rounds of the Hollyweird Grappling Company World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Fans from all over will get to check out Larry Vessey take on Romeo Heartthrob, and in the main event Sam Strong and Dread are going to tear the house down. But everyone knows I'll be taking home the Title -laughs-.

John: A major question we all have is the, well, repute of the bigger names involved. Is everybody going to be able to get along backstage?

Rip: Baby there is no “getting along” backstage. At showtime, we are all going in to our zones, getting ready to compete on the cutting edge of the industry. I know it's not my job to be nice, it's my job to win. I didn't capture 11 World Titles for being nice, I captured 11 World Titles because I was the best and I did whatever it took to pull it off. These new kids in the game are talented but ol' Rip has a thing or two to teach them. You watch baby, you watch. The 11-Time World Champion is about to become the 12-Time World Champion.

John: Well I can't thank you enough for this historic interview Mr. Chord. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?

Rip: In closing? Tomorrow night, nothing is closed but the fate of the competition. Tomorrow night, the entire game changes. If J.K. Stallings Jr. is brilliant enough to program computers he's brilliant enough to become the new Guru of the industry and he will do it, you watch. We will do it. You've seen the commercials, if you want to see the action you'll tune in tomorrow night at 9 Eastern.

As published earlier, the SWF issued the following statement:

The Supreme Wrestling Federation is as committed as always to bringing you supreme-quality entertainment in the comfort of your own home. Featuring stars such as Sam Keith, Bruce the Giant, and Christian Faith, the Supreme Wrestling Federation's flagship program 'Supreme TV' will continue to lead the industry as it has done for a decade. Supreme TV can be viewed every Tuesday at 9 Eastern on America-Sports-1.

PFElton · July 9, 2013

Well here I am again guys, ready for a second round at bringing a long-term CVerse 97 experience. I cannot give enough props to Derek B for creating this scenario and so meticulously and believably designing it to the point of its inclusion in the Default database. That being said, some minor changes have been made. I have retconned the debut HGC show of december that so put Liberty and BLZ Bubb on the map - I simply don't feel that a single show can peg them at B popularity. Their popularity has been slightly nerfed, though the popularity of Hollyweird Grappling Company itself has been given a small boost.

My last go-around featured an alternate CVerse 97 where J.K. Stallings Jr. never hit it big and business as usual strolled on for the SWF. It was a lot of fun, especially at the end where I spun game occurrences to bring about the rise of DAVE - and then I simply quit. That wasn't fair to myself for the work I had put in nor the readers, so all I can do is promise to avoid that. This time there is no slow build to competition to become tedious and wear on me; there's the SWF and HGC on a collision course in the Tuesday Night War.

I fully intend to expand upon the game mechanics and bring the world to life as I had last time around, if not moreso. Everyone who read my last CVerse foray should know that I am all about roleplaying and serious, logical, realistic elaboration. I take my interpretation of the CornellVerse as seriously as I take the Real World and I intend to bring the same level of reality.

PFElton · July 11, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">SWF Supreme TV - January Week 1, 1997

Mayor Street Arena - Bridgeport, CT

Attendance: 15,000 - SELL OUT

The SWF opens their first "wartime show" in 15 years with the Gold Alliance making their way down to the ring with decent heat. Louis Williams connives in the corner while Mr. Supreme takes the microphone and accepts Sean McFly's challenge to a match at When Hell Freezes Over. Supreme calls Sean McFly a mere stepping stone to the SWF World Heavyweight Title that he is destined to attain - with the help of the Lords of War, of course. Pretty OK segment, crowd pops for the match announcement but the heat wasn't as prominent as I think Richard Eisen had expected.

Warlord Pain w/Gold Alliance Vs. Seth Storm w/Stuart Storm - This match made the case for keeping both men in their respective tag teams. Warlord and Seth had a pretty basic, bland match with unnecessary sleeper holds. Only Louis Williams coaching Warlord Pain to victory drew any real heat here. Post match nothing happened over then Stuart hitting the ring to check on his partner.

The view goes backstage in what is clearly the Gold Alliance's locker room - judging by the pomp, circumstance, and gold tinsel - when the door rattles; Wrestlebot 9000 then breaks in and starts destroying things, repeatedly smashing Adonis' mirror against the wall. Pretty lame.

Bubbles the Clown Vs. Bruce the Giant - Nothing new here. Bruce lumbers to the ring and tosses Bubbles around a few times, and wins with a chokeslam. Standard procedure, except his jobbers are normally a bit more charismatic in their selling.

In the locker room Sid Streets is getting warmed up while his partner for the main event, Flare, gives a terribly uneventful speech about how he believes in him. Other than the initial pop for Sid there's nothing to see here.

Tommy Cornell is in the ring for his match against Nemesis for the SWF North American Title. Nemesis' music never hits; rather, he simply comes from the back rattling off on how lame Tommy Cornell is and how he shouldn't even have to bother with wrestling him. Nemesis looked but I'm not sure if this was worked or a shoot and neither did the confused crowd.

SWF North American Title Match, Nemesis Vs. Tommy Cornell - Utter insanity. Nemesis theoretically took a beating here to the somewhat scrawny young Tommy Cornell - and I note theoretically because there was absolutely no selling in this contest whatsoever. Tommy tried to make his stuff look convincing without a doubt, but a reversal and rollup later and Nemesis retains the North American Title out of the clear blue yonder.

Backstage Hollywood Mike Kinsey is lecturing staff members about how overrated his When Hell Freezes Over opponent Christian Faith is in a surprisingly mundane manner. When Christian Faith shows up the crowd pops hard - probably in relief - and eats up his every word as he chews out Mike Kinsey with his rocker lingo.

Sam Keith/Gene Curtis Vs. Flare/Sid Streets - Sam Keith and Sid Streets are used sparingly in this contest, mostly for brief tag-ins which leaves the totally mismatched Gene Curtis and Flare to carry the contest. Sam Keith gets the tag at the end and the helpless double-teamed Flare takes a licking before falling victim to a submission defeat with Sam Keith's Proton Lock.

Overall Rating: C-. Same old crap, different day. Some horrible booking choices combined with whatever the hell happened in the Nemesis match leaves the ball in HGC's court for their debut program.</div>

PFElton · July 13, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - January Week 1, 1997

The V. Thompson Arena - Anaheim, CA

Attendance: 8,626

First, a comment about the stage. Unlike the SWF where people walk out between the 12-foot-high "SUPREME" and "TV" on to the wide stage with the blue and silver lighting scheme, Hollyweird TV's stage is a white arch with a black curtain and black stage, with a red carpet rolled out right to the ring. The biggest alteration from the SWF's fashion is the massive screen that crowns the arch rather than the three screens around the arena ala Supreme TV. Just for academic mentioning before I begin the review.

Sam Strong's music brings a raucous response from the entire audience (and me) and the man himself takes his time heading down to the ring. Once inside he welcomes everyone to Hollyweird Grappling Company and plugs J.K. Stallings Jr.'s vision, saying everyone is ready to take pro wrestling to a new level and leave the "tired old competition" in the dust. Sam Strong then talks about the HGC World Heavyweight Title tournament and cuts on Dread for a minute. Such a thrill to have the man himself in the ring, getting ready to compete.

HGC Cruiserweight Title Match, Golden Fox Vs. Jason Jackson Vs. Super Joshuya Vs. Troy Tornado - The first-ever match on HGC programming is a four-way for their lightweight division they've named the "Cruiserweight Division". It was organized chaos to one level of organization or another, guys flying everywhere with no rhyme or reason to a swift conclusion, which is Jason Jackson pinning Troy Tornado for the title.

Richie Pangrazzio Jr. hits the stage with his father (not receiving near the fanfare the announcing team of Jason Azaria and Kyle Rhodes would have you think) and says he has a friend to introduce to everyone. 'Lo and behold, Dusty Streets joins the two on the stage for a decent pop, complete with a sly smirk. Though hot rumor had spread around the Elton Sheets for the last couple of weeks it was still a thrill to see HGC pull off such a steal, and I can't help but wonder if Richard Eisen will punish Sid for this.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarter-Finals Match, Larry Vessey Vs. Romeo Heartthrob - The first match of the World Title Tourney is a contrast of styles: the tough brawler meets the flamboyant, cunning heel. Romeo Heartthrob is quick to run to the Referee when Larry lays in to him too hard, but a Full Nelson Slam leads to a pinfall he can't escape from. Not bad at all.

The much-publicized Liberty hits the ring and introduces himself to the fans, but he isn't far in to his promo when Rip Chord saunters down with a new lackey, identified as Charlie Thatcher. Rip says that people like Liberty need to learn their place; Liberty counters by saying his place is in America and a geezer like Rip Chord's place is in one of America's nursing homes. Rip of course goes bananas, his hulking lackey even restraining him when he explodes in retort. Liberty tells him he's not scared of either of them, bringing Rip to heel. Not only was this spot exciting to see Rip Chord in action, but Liberty more than carried his position in the spot. This new guy has the IT.

HGC Hardcore Title Match, Genghis Rahn Vs. Charlie Homicide - The fact that Genghis Rahn came to the ring with a 2x4 should have clued everyone in that we're about to see something...new. These guys just wailed on each other with fists, feet and weapons alike. The brawl wasn't bad but the fans really didn't know how to react to it and Genghis Rahn couldn't catch a break with them. A piledriver on to a steel chair gives Charlie Homicide the pinfall in this relatively short match.

A promo video is presented to us, showing the might and menace of BLZ Bubb. Not too different from the television commercials we've seen but let's face it, this is one scary guy.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarter-Finals Match, Dread Vs. Sam Strong - The crowd is fully behind this one, disregarding the really lackluster action. Dread seems to have the hero zapped with a bear hug but Sam rallies to an all-too-familiar ending, some stiff rights, a clothesline, and the Strong Arm Tactic for the pinfall.

Overall Rating: B-. Clearly the better hour of programming than what the SWF gave us but with plenty of room to improve. Then again, considering this is the debut show of a promotion looking to topple the Supreme Empire, they did little wrong. Can't wait to see the ratings.</div>

PFElton · July 13, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The Elton Sheets - Tuesday, January Week 1, 1997---------------------------------------------------------------------

-The SWF scored a 3.7 last night. This is a drop from the 4.0 they scored last week.

-While many had a light-hearted, unconcerned thought towards competition last week, people of influence including Richard Eisen no longer consider Hollyweird Grappling Company to be a laughing matter. Still, with the discrepancy in the ratings they feel they can only beat themselves.

-Evidently the Nemesis thing was a work - mostly. Firing him altogether is said to be a real possibility again with how foolish he made Tommy Cornell look.

-The debut edition of Hollyweird TV scored a 1.7 rating. Within HGC everyone of every political faction seems to be pleased with this. I'd like to point out that it pretty much defeats the fear that the audience would be split here - rather, a point and then some was added to boost the single-night viewers of pro wrestling to a near record.

-Dread is said to really be mentoring the young Charlie Thatcher, evidently seeing him as a successor of sorts.

-There was an incident backstage of Bryan Vessey belittling Stink, a member of a tag team called 'The Nation of Filth'. No action was taken against Bryan Vessey for creating an issue, something Stink was all too displeased about.

-On the matter of a lack of clear leadership, J.K. Stallings Jr. is said to have a shortlist of people he is considering for the formal position of booker. Of course it's a matter of political maneuvering as well but everyone agrees the practically non-existent chain-of-command is unsustainable.</div>

PFElton · July 13, 2013

SWF Supreme TV - Tuesday January Week 2, 1997

Evanovich Riverside - Trenton, New Jersey

Attendance: 10,000 - SELL OUT

Sid Streets comes down to the ring, saying he's tired of the crappy tactics both he and Sam Keith have employed this entire time leading to their PPV match this Thursday. Sid calls out Sam Keith to shake his hand for a good, clean contest. Sam Keith makes his way to the ring and agrees, saying he'll prove he's the best through execution; but when Sid goes to shake his hand Sam eyejabs, then nails Streets with the SWF World Title belt and laughs at the fan's outrage.

Colin Kennedy Vs. No Way Jose - Pretty simple squash match, No Way Jose focusing on riling up the crowd more than demolishing Colin Kennedy; but a missile dropkick ends the pointless contest with a pinfall.

Backstage Micky Starr is set to interview The Perfect Storm. The brothers say that they fully intend to take away Gold Alliance's lone set of titles at When Hell Freezes Over and save Wrestlebot and Sean McFly the trouble of trying to hold them off.

SWF North American Title Match, Barry Kingman Vs. Tommy Cornell - Whelp, this pretty much guarantees that Nemesis is long gone. Sadly, this match is near unwatchable - the crowd refuses to get behind these two greenhorns trying to have an exciting contest. Even Tommy Cornell collecting the pinfall gets practically no peep from the audience.

Backstage Adonis is getting chased around like a stooge by Wrestlebot 9000, who is just about as convincingly scary as C-3PO.

Next, Sean McFly hits the ring and plays to the Jersey crowd a bit before turning his attention to Mr. Supreme. Sean McFly says Supreme might be good but he doesn't have the skill to beat him. Sean says he is more than ready for the challenge at When Hell Freezes Over on Thursday.

McCallum & Bruce Vs. The Patriots - Thank God Rory McCallum is phenomenal at working a crowd, otherwise this match would have been a total disaster. Danny Bruce is unable to carry himself against Captain USA's more rustic moves and McCallum has a hard time selling for Masked Patriot. Captain USA gets the pinfall on Danny Bruce.

Backstage Alex Pierce is shown slipping around, finally arriving at Bruce the Giant's locker room. Alex barges in and tells the Giant to calm down, they have something they need to talk about. Bruce settles himself and Alex slams the door on the camera crew. No clue as to what this is about but I'm pretty interested to see where it goes from here.

Cap'n Crush Vs. Christian Faith - From a technical standpoint, the match is (expectedly) lacking; but the fans adore Christian Faith's every move and he battles the larger Cap'n Crush blow-for-blow. Hollywood Mike Kinsey rushes in the ring but Christian Faith takes hold of him and headbutts his cranium with Crush's, hitting the Leap of Faith on Cap'n for the pinfall while Hollywood hurries to the back.

Overall Rating: B-. Much better than last week - which is good considering this is the go-home to When Hell Freezes Over - but we all know the SWF can do better.

PFElton · July 13, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - Tuesday, January Week 2, 1997

McGaw Arena - Erie, Pennsylvania

Attendance: 5,000 - SOLD OUT

Coach Dick Pangrazzio steps out on to the stage after the pyrotechnic-heavy opening to introduce his interviewee, Sam Strong - something that blows the roof off the little arena. Sam Strong says that he knows the Vessey Brothers have carved a tough path in this business and that he respects Larry, but beating him will strictly be business in his path to the HGC World Heavyweight Title.

HGC International Title Match, Jimmy Power Vs. Monty Walker - While a bit of a mismatch on their size and styles - and age - Monty Walker held his own well, countering some of Jimmy Power's stretches and holds and firing off a few-crowd pleasing saults and flips, the finale being a sunset flip for the pinfall and the title.

Dusty Streets steps in to his locker room to find a red pentagram painted on the wall in what is assumedly 'blood'; but he hasn't long to be terrorized before Charlie Homicide knocks him in the locker room with the HGC Hardcore Title and decks him a few more times with the belt, all the while laughing manically.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarter-Finals Match, BLZ Bubb Vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr. - BLZ Bubb's presence was made clear from the moment he stepped from behind the curtain. He was one big forearm after a shoulder tackle after a backbreaker with plenty of snarling. Richie Jr. didn't sell all that well and he botched several moves in what was a pretty mediocre contest, but BLZ Bubb's pinfall victory made his presence known.

In a locker room, Robert Oxford is lecturing to Joel Bryant and Paul Steadyfast about this being a fresh start for all of them, saying they have an 'Untouchable' standard to set in Hollyweird Grappling Company. I assume this is the start of a stable.

HGC World Tag Team Titles Match, The Blazing Flames Vs. The Demons of Rage - Have to admit, I marked out for this legendary tag team showdown. As the Demons tried to power their way to victory with press slams and pumphandle slams and gorilla presses and whatnot, the Flames tagged seamlessly and a big spike piledriver was landed on Demon Anger. Regrettably the nefarious Demons rallied and a concealed lowblow killed Teddy Flame's momentum, allowing Demon Anger to hit the Demon Slam for the pinfall and the gold.

The Vessey Brothers are horsing around backstage when big bad Dread lumbers over. Dread gets in Larry's face and questions if he thinks he's better than him because he advanced in the tournament and Dread didn't. Larry bows back up and it's Bryan's job to separate them before things get out of hand.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarter-Finals Match, Liberty Vs. Rip Chord w/Charlie Thatcher - Rip Chord was in full form with his wiles as well as his technical mastery, and Charlie Thatcher conveniently distracted the referee to allow more than one eye rake and low-blow. Still, Liberty tried to rally against the odds but getting decked in the back of the head by Charlie Thatcher while the referee was distracted only to walk in to a sit-out powerbomb was too much to endure and the pinfall got 3.

Charlie Thatcher hit the ring and he and Rip laid in to Liberty until a young man with a Cowboy hat - identified as Cowboy Ricky Dale - came to chase them off. The crowd as best they could considering how few people in Pennsylvania know about the former TWL champion.

Overall Rating: B-. The matches could have done a lot more for the program if they could have been a little better but the show still drew interest from myself and plenty of others.</div>

PFElton · July 13, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The Elton Sheets - Wednesday, January Week 2, 1997

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-SWF Supreme TV shot up to a 4.2 rating this week, a half-point increase from last week.

-A hiring spree has been undertaken by the Supreme Wrestling Federation. We can confirm that they have nabbed Puerto Rican Power, Morpheus, Colossus, and Frankie Future for New England Wrestling, their development territory. More on other signers as we get it.

-Hollyweird TV dropped a tenth to a 1.6; however, when added with the half-point that Supreme TV collected, this night set the record for the most viewers tuning in to pro wrestling at one time EVER.

-J.K. Stallings Jr.'s Booker shortlist is narrowing, reports say.

The following is the final card for SWF When Hell Freezes Over tomorrow night:

SWF World Heavyweight Title Match

Sam Keith Vs. Sid Streets

Mr. Supreme Vs. Sean McFly

Christian Faith Vs. Hollywood Mike Kinsey

SWF World Tag Team Titles Match

The Lords of War Vs. The Perfect Storm

Adonis Vs. Wrestlebot 9000

Promised SWF North American Title Match</div>

PFElton · July 13, 2013

Gotta comb through and edit the date of When Hell Freezes Over...I forgot SWF does their programs on Thursdays. <img alt="

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PFElton · July 19, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">SWF When Hell Freezes Over - Thursday, Week 2 January, 1997

The Cattle Market - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Attendance: 15,000 - SELL OUT

PRE-SHOW: #1 Contender's Match to SWF North American Title, Philip Roberts Vs. Gene Curtis - Nothing to see here. Philip Roberts took Gene Curtis to the mat and did his best to make the latter not look so boring. Victory by submission with the R.C.T.

PRE-SHOW: Sam Keith, smartly dressed, comes to the stage to the dismay of the fans. Sam Keith says that Tuesday proved that Sid Streets doesn't get what it is to do what you must to rise to the top, but promises to teach him the old fashioned way. Really good promo.

Adonis w/Maria Vs. Wrestlebot 9000 - Adonis succeeds in overmuscling Wrestlebot earlier on with slams and suplexes, but his narcissism undoes him; posing for his wife at ringside he underestimates the mechanical Wrestlebot who lays in to him in some of the choppiest movement I've ever seen from a (supposed) human being. While distracting the referee Wrestlebot takes a mirror over the head, allowing Adonis to Powerslam him for the pinfall.

SWF World Tag Team Titles Match, The Lords of War Vs. The Perfect Storm - The Lords of War do their dominating thing, hard strikes galore and plenty of tag team maneuvers lay in to The Perfect Storm. Still, Seth and Stuart rally more than once and a near fall is escaped when Louis Williams runs down pulls the referee out of the ring (and is summarily ejected). The batteries run out for the Perfect Storm and a picture-perfect powerbomb-legdrop combo from the Lords of War gives Warlord Pain the pinfall on Seth Storm.

Backstage Louis Williams is gloating to Mr. Supreme, who laces his boots for his match while assuring victory against Sean McFly

SWF North American Title Match, Tommy Cornell Vs. Phillip Roberts - Tommy Cornell particularly works his ass off to try to make this mediocre-at-best contest look legitimate. They draw virtually no heat for their technical contest and Tommy Cornell's burst of energy to a multiple-suplex finish for the pinfall gets precious little more.

Christian Faith Vs. Hollywood Mike Kinsey - Christian Faith puts Mike Kinsey through the motions in this one. Every signature spot you could hope for is performed, from air-guitaring on the turnbuckle before the Missile Dropkick, Leap of Faith connects, Test of Faith gets the submission. People love it.

Bruce the Giant's music hits and the man himself lumbers to the ring. Christian Faith looks ready for a fight but Bruce (with the nastiest smirk on his face) only offers him a handshake. Christian accepts it just before being floored by a chair shot from Alex Pierce, who snuck in from the crowd. Bruce the Giant chokeslams the hero and the evil duo taunt the angry fans.

Mr. Supreme w/Louis Williams Vs. Sean McFly - This contest starts off slow, Supreme and McFly feeling each other up. Supreme, out of nowhere, launches in to chain-wrestling that McFly has a hard time keeping up with; but he does flip out of a German Suplex and a leg sweep allows him to apply a Crossface that Supreme has difficulty getting out of. Still, Mr. Supreme battle his way right back to control (an exposed turnbuckle being convenient assistance) and Sean McFly only catches a brief breather after turning a fallaway slam in to a splash. From there McFly decides to go all-out with an aerial assault, a hurricanrana followed by a moonsault followed by a rolling splash for a near fall. Mr. Supreme manages to catch his legs during a dropkick and turns it in to a cloverleaf that Sean McFly miraculously works his way out of. Supreme goes to collect McFly who pulls his legs out from under him and drops forward with a headbutt straight to his crotch. It takes him time to go up top and he finds himself crotched by a rising, desperate Supreme who climbs the turnbuckle and nails a top-rope original hurricanrana to the horror of the fans. The men, under threat of Count-Out manage to regain their footing around the same time but Mr. Supreme pops off the Simply Supreme Suplex for the pinfall. Awesome match.

Backstage Sid Streets leaves his locker room and heads for the tunnel. Rory McCallum stops him en route and tells him once he wins the gold, he's next in line for it. Sid agrees.

SWF World Heavyweight Title Match, Sam Keith Vs. Sid Streets - Sid Streets unloads early, pummeling the smaller Sam Keith and hitting some common maneuvers - such as an Arm Drag - in big ways. Sam Keith bides his time and then responds both with wrestling attacks but more martial arts strikes and Sid Streets. After a harsh head kick Sam Keith applies the Proton Lock but Sid just manages to battle out of it and hits a big bodyslam to a big pop. Sid riles the crowd up even more with a regular suplex and then a back suplex, and it's almost no time at all before he signals for the Road to Freedom. Of course, count on Sam Keith to find some impossible way to turn the move in to a Proton Lock, and this time Sid can't escape. Submission victory for Sam Keith.

Overall Rating: B. Supreme and Sean McFly tore the house down and all-around, the program was back up to standard.</div>

PFElton · July 19, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">SWF Supreme TV - Tuesday, Week 3 January, 1997

Wisconsin Gardens - Madison, Wisconsin

Attendance: 10,000 - SELL OUT

Sid Streets hits the stage to some sympathy pops and says he's far from finished chasing Sam Keith and the Title. Rory McCallum's music hits and he joins Sid on the broad stage, reminding him that he's clearly next in line for a shot at the gold. Sid says the only way to settle this is in the middle of the ring tonight, and Rory agrees.

SWF North American Title Match, Tommy Cornell Vs. Sebastian Krause - Fair match, poor heat. The nefarious Krause tries classical heel wiles such as rollups while holding the tights and eyejabs to try to get the edge but Cornell hits some crisp slams and a few crisp holds, getting the pinfall after a Brainbuster.

Somewhere backstage, Hollywood Mike Kinsey is telling Rick Horn about this film idea he has and pleads with him to star in it. Rick Horn is hesitant but eventually agrees.

Mr. Supreme w/Louis Williams in the ring talks about stealing the show at WHFO. Sean McFly comes down to a decent pop and vows to take him and the whole Gold Alliance down in due time. I'm actually disappointed as their timing was off and they stumbled through their lines.

SWF World Tag Team Titles Match, The Lords of War Vs. The Outbackers - Pretty standard, repetitive match of the brutes that get outfoxed with hot tags between their attack. Stuart Storm hits the ring and drops Warlord Agony with a dropkick for the DQ before escaping, much to the anger of the Lords of War.

Alex Pierce and Bruce the Giant hit the ring looking as smug as ever. Alex says he knew that for them to get back on top they had to take out the biggest star ever, Christian Faith. Bruce says when Alex proposed breaking "little Christian" he couldn't refuse inflicting such pain on such a hero. Of course Christian Faith himself rushes down and unloads on a stunned Alex Pierce, clotheslining him from the ring before dropkicking Bruce to his knees and hitting a big DDT on him as well. Crowd popped hard.

In the locker room Sam Keith is doing squats while watching the television set up in the corner when the Masked Patriot steps over. Patriot says the power of patriotism is the strongest in the world, even stronger than the Proton Lock. Sam Keith stays silent but his expression tells all.

#1 Contender's Match to SWF World Heavyweight Title, Rory McCallum w/Danny Bruce Vs. Sid Streets - Rory overpowers Sid early and seems to enjoy his nasty blows as much as he enjoys shouting back at the fans. Sid Streets reverses an Arm Bar in to a DDT and makes a big comeback in the closure, hitting a Samoan Drop and a Gorilla Press Slam in between quick strikes and a clothesline. He signals for the Road to Freedom and Danny Bruce panics, pulling the referee from the ring and rushing in. Danny sends a clothesline towards Sid who ducks and allows it to flatten the rising Rory McCallum. Danny eats a Road to Freedom and so does Rory, giving the pinfall to Sid Streets.

Overall Rating: C+. Pretty big letdown by Mr. Supreme and Sean McFly even though the former is the rave right now.</div>

PFElton · July 20, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - Tuesday, Week 3 January, 1997

Shakeshaft Auditorium - Warren, Michigan

Attendance: 5,000 - SELL OUT

Liberty's guitar rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic brings he and Cowboy Ricky Dale to the ring. Ricky Dale introduces himself and says he couldn't let his friend get ganged up on like that. Liberty says that Rip Chord and his lackey have another thing coming to them. Ricky Dale challenges Charlie Thatcher to a match at Malice in Wonderland.

HGC Cruiserweight Title Match, Jason Jackson Vs. Fumihiro Ota - Cool aerial action and some stiff strikes from Ota, but the match was moving at 90 miles an hour before a silent crowd that made a little pop here and there at a big spot. Jason Jackson retains by pinfall.

We next see Romeo Heartthrob prettying himself in a mirror, making creepy suggestive comments about himself with Monty Walker looks on with confusion. Romeo struts over and offers him advice on women, which gets him laughed at. Really weird angle.

Robert Oxford w/Paul Steadyfast Vs. Whistler - Whistler fights off Robert Oxford's persistent attempts at actual wrestling and uses his size to splash and slam the smaller Oxford around the ring. Paul Steadyfast hops up on the apron but takes a huge headbutt. Rebel Yell connects for the pinfall victory.

Richie Jr. comes to the ring to a fairly mute crowd and says that his new mission is to bring tradition to an infant company like Hollyweird Grappling Company. During his speel, out of the crowd comes NEMESIS who drops him with a clothesline and powerbombs him. Nemesis escapes through the crowd from security but the fans come to life big-time.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Finals Match, BLZ Bubb w/Karen Killer Vs. Rip Chord w/Charlie Thatcher - Rip and BLZ spend their fair share of time taking turns working face; while Rip Chord courageously battles back against the younger, larger opponent, fans can't help but get behind BLZ while he lays in to Rip. Still, youth and inexperience manages to play against him; Rip Chord manages to ground the monster and starts stretching him out; and when BLZ Bubb tries to regain his feet Rip Chord rolls him up and grabs the ropes for the 3-count.

In the Locker Room, Larry Vessey is getting ready to head to the ring when Bryan asks to "have his back" against Sam Strong. The brothers argue and Larry forbids him from getting involved before heading to the ring.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Finals Match, Larry Vessey Vs. Sam Strong - The opening - and middle - of the contest features a variety of blows, from slugfests to running clotheslines to a facebuster from Vessey that I didn't know Sam Strong could sell. Strong makes his comeback after fighting off a sleeper hold and lays in to Vessey, the crowd getting louder with every blow, and sure enough Bryan Vessey himself runs down and prevents the referee from counting on a Strong Arm Tactic by decking him. Sam drops him to a knee with a kick to the gut but Bryan brings him down with a Low Blow before escaping. Larry Vessey finally finds his feet as Dread comes marching down to the ring and flattens Larry once more with a huge powerbomb. Sam Strong stirs as Dread heads back up the ramp and covers Bryan Vessey for the dazed referee to count the pinfall. Disappointing match-quality but good crowd reaction.

Overall Rating: C+. I expected a little more from the matches, and Liberty/Cowboy Ricky Dale have a lot to learn about cutting promos.</div>

PFElton · July 20, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The Elton Sheets - Wednesday, Week 2 January, 1997

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- SWF When Hell Freezes Over scored a 0.95 buyrate.

-SWF Supreme TV dropped to a 4.1.

-HGC Hollyweird TV got another 1.6 rating, so all-in-all a quiet third battle in the Tuesday Night War.

-After 3 weeks of chaos and indirection, Hollyweird Grappling Company held a meeting where J.K. Stallings Jr. introduced the first Booker, Dread. Dread is reported to have told everyone that the time has come to bulk up and "look like superstars". Those close to Dread, such as longtime friend Giant Redwood and protege Charlie Thatcher will no doubt be pleased by this. Sam Strong was said to be supportive but only time will tell if the political cliques will clash - especially since Dread apparently gets to choose between he and Rip Chord for the 1st HGC World Heavyweight Champion.

-This morning, the first effects of Dread's regime were made evident and Cruiserweight fans will be disappointed. Mr. Lucha, Troy Tornado, Robert Oxford, Ramon Paez, and Jimmy Power were all cut from the roster. On the adverse The Wolverine is said to be joining the roster as part of a growing relationship between HGC and Indy stalwart DAVE (Danger And Violence Extreme). No doubt Nemesis - said to be the new Booker for DAVE - has some role in this new arrangement.</div>

PFElton · July 20, 2013

437 views, not one remark. Talk to me people.

Pteroid · July 20, 2013

R.I.P Lucha in America, Dread just wants to be the only guy on the Roster who can perform a moonsault.

PFElton · July 20, 2013

Dread believes that pro wrestling is a Big Man's World but you can't take away from his actual talent that goes with his looks and I think it's a fair standard to set to all the guys he's pushing to gain weight/'roid up.

PFElton · July 21, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">SWF Supreme TV - Tuesday, Week 4 January, 1997

Huntsville Fairgrounds - Huntsville, Alabama

Attendance: 5,000 - SELL OUT

Sam Keith's music brings the show to an open, making his way to the ring with the SWF World Heavyweight Title fastened securely around his waist. Sam says Sid still just doesn't get it, and if Sid keeps it up he just might get hurt. Sid Streets comes to the ring and says he thought long and hard about "getting it", says Sam Keith is going to get it in a Steel Cage match at Nothing To Lose. Great microphone action and support from the audience - dwarfed only by the promo being cut head-to-head on Hollyweird TV.

Bubbles the Clown Vs. Rory McCallum w/Danny Bruce - Rory breaks Bubbles in half, as expected in this squash match and collects an easy fall after a Sidewalk Slam.

Backstage No Way Jose is doing a Meet-and-Greet with fans when a kid asks for Flare. This sets No Way Jose off, screaming about how he is the only flare in the SWF.

Danny Rushmore Vs. Masked Patriot - Masked Patriot, who controls the entire match, is no doubt getting a rub from the seed planted by his confrontation with the Champ last week and he executes his basic maneuvers well to a little fanfare, but Danny Rushmore is not the best heel jobber in the world. Patriot Slam for the pinfall.

Christian Faith's music brings the fans to their feet as he steps out on to the stage for an interview with ol' Micky Starr. Christian Faith says two dummies picked the wrong rocker to mess with, and tonight he's gonna break his guitar off in Alex Pierce's butt and in Bruce's next week.

Our screens are taken to what appears to be a studio with a romantic, setting sun backdrop. Hollywood Mike Kinsey is in a director's chair coaxing Rick Horn in to telling an actress he loves her and to kiss her while on film. Rick reluctantly does so while Hollywood gleefully watches. Just a bit creepy.

Adonis w/Maria Vs. Sean McFly - McFly is all over his larger, distracted-with-his-hair opponent with a mad frenzy of splashes, dropkicks and even a few hurricanrana's. McFly wraps it up with a Delorean Driver for the pinfall. The fans were behind him, but the gap in skill makes me wonder if the match would have been better had he just wrestled himself.

Sean McFly gets a microphone and says that's 1 down and calls out Mr. Supreme. Supreme w/Louis Williams charges in to the ring for a wild dukeout that McFly wins by clotheslining him over the top rope. McFly poses while Mr. Supreme glowers.

Alex Pierce Vs. Christian Faith - Alex Pierce proves his brawling ability, even reversing an Arm Drag and following it with a nice Piledriver; but the ferocity of Christian Faith has him reeling most of the contest (save a break an eye jab brings him). Christian Faith hits a Side Suplex and a Spinning Neckbreaker and locks on the Test of Faith but Bruce the Giant lumbers over the top rope and drops a huge Elbow to break the hold and award Christian Faith the DQ victory. Bruce gives Christian a big kick to the ribs that actually knocks the hero from the ring, leaving he and Alex Pierce to shout insults at him and the fans.

Overall Rating: B-. Really good opening promo, just some poor booking that dragged the show down from what it could have been.</div>

PFElton · July 21, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - Tuesday, Week 4 January, 1997

The Theatre of Dreams - Seattle, Washington

Attendance: 10,000 - SELL OUT

Sam Strong's music brings Seattle to its feet, and he spares no pomp and circumstance posing on his way down, the pyrotechnics erupting around him. Sam Strong says that he's slated to take on Rip Chord on Sunday to crown HGC's first-ever World Heavyweight Champion - a real World Champion for the wrestling world to look to. Rip Chord with Charlie Thatcher in tow heads to the ring for a Faceoff with Sam Strong that drives the crowd wild. Rip Chord says they have spent a decade going toe-to-toe as rivals and that he's ready to prove once and for all that HE and not Strong is the greatest of all-time. Sam says that through the Strong Arm Fans there's no stopping him from becoming HGC World Heavyweight Champion; and when he flexes and screams in Rip Chord's face the crowd goes absolutely insane. Rip's face tenses like he's about to snap but he eventually backs off and slowly heads back up the ramp. The crowd did not pause for a breath the entire time and I totally just marked out like a 10-year-old kid. This is the type of angle that stands the test of time and defines the industry.

Dusty Streets Vs. The Wolverine - Decent brawl with The Wolverine actually holding his own against the larger opponent with several notable knee-lifts and clotheslines, but Dusty finds his bearing after reversing a Suplex. Charlie Homicide hurries to the ring and hits Dusty on the inside of his knee as he went to come off the ropes, letting Wolverine hit a big DDT for the pinfall.

Dusty needs help standing from the referee but supports himself on the turnbuckle and calls for a microphone. Dusty says he's not going to let some freak like Charlie Homicide harass him while he works his way to the HGC World Heavyweight Title, and says he's ready to get Hardcore at Malice In Wonderland 1997.

HGC World Tag Team Titles Match, The Demons of Rage Vs. The Blazing Flames - The Demons and the Flames play off each other well, the size discrepancy allowing several quick heroic comebacks for the Blazing Flames against their burly opponents; one of which involves a neat double running facebuster to Demon Spite that allows Joey Flame to pick up the pinfall and win the HGC World Tag Team Titles.

What sounds oddly like a generic of 'Tom Sawyer' by Rush brings Nemesis to the ring to disdain from the fans. Nemesis says he thought Richie Pangrazzio Jr.'s dumbfounded expression last week was hilarious after he attacked him. Nemesis says he's well above what Hollyweird Grappling Company deserves and "tradition" - as well as the Pangrazzio's - can go to Hell. Nemesis says he'll gladly send Richie Jr. there at Malice In Wonderland.

BLZ Bubb Vs. Cowboy Ricky Dale - BLZ Bubb, looking big and bad as ever tears right in to Cowboy Ricky Dale with stiff shot after stiff shot; but Ricky Dale returns the heat and takes control after turning a Neckbreaker in to a big Piledriver. Ricky Dale plays to the crowd between each throw and slam and seems to have Nemesis on the run - until he gets his teeth knocked down his throat after being fed a Big Boot. BLZ Bubb and Ricky Dale start slugging it out, which allows Charlie Thatcher to slide in the ring and drop Ricky Dale with a chairshot and the Disqualification victory.

Backstage in what seems to be a pretty isolated hallway, the Vessey Brothers are arguing over Bryan's interference last week. Larry tells his brother to shut up and says he'll deal with Dread at Malice In Wonderland, and with Bryan thereafter if he doesn't stay out of it.

Sam Strong/Monty Walker Vs. Rip Chord/Romeo Heartthrob - Not long enough to be a meaningful tag match, this contest showcases the sheer power of Sam Strong bumping Romeo around the ring and Rip Chord's ability to thrash Monty Walker as well. Monty Walker gets the hot tag to Sam Strong, who charges across the ring and decks Romeo; but count ol' Rip to manage to deck him with brass knuckles out of the Referee's view and roll him up - tights pulled - for the 3-Count. The action was a bit out-of-sync but the crowd popped hard for the two legends.

Overall Rating: B. Probably HGC's best show yet. A go-home to their first Pay-Per-View (that they managed to add 4 matches to on this show I might add, assuming the announcers are correct in plugging a Walker Vs. Heartthrob for the PPV) with a promo for the ages to open. I'd like to point out that most of the crowd shots featured anti-SWF signs and other paraphernalia.</div>

PFElton · July 21, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The Elton Sheets - Wednesday, Week 4 January, 1997

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-SWF Supreme TV maintained their 4.1 rating from last week.

-There's word of Sebastian Krause getting a little cocky backstage at recent tapings, but the Powers That Be put an end to it and Krause was said to be humbled.

-Outbacker Harris has been released by the SWF, with Outbacker Rolf supposedly New England Wrestling bound; more as we have it.

-HGC Hollyweird TV lands a whopping 2.1 rating, a half-point spike from last week and their highest yet - a promising sign leading in to the Pay-Per-View. Their marketing has been little short of exorbitant and the Strong/Chord promo was the highest-rated quarter hour of the show. Dread has garnered praise for the booking of the program. The big news is that combined with Supreme TV's rating, Professional Wrestling pulled a 6.2, a NEW ratings record.

------------------------

-We have avoided covering Awesome Max Wrestling on principle, but many are said to be very impressed by the teenaged hulk Archangel's work.

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The following is the final card for HGC Malice In Wonderland 1997 on Sunday:

HGC World Heavyweight Title Match

Rip Chord Vs. Sam Strong

Dread Vs. Larry Vessey

Nemesis Vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr.

HGC Hardcore Title Match

Charlie Homicide Vs. Dusty Streets

Cowboy Ricky Dale Vs. Charlie Thatcher

HGC International Title Match

Monty Walker Vs. Romeo Heartthrob</div>

PFElton · July 21, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Malice In Wonderland 1997 - Sunday, Week 4 January, 1997

Oregon Gardens - Portland, Oregon

Attendance: 15,000 - SELL OUT

PRE-SHOW: HGC World Tag Team Titles Match, The Blazing Flames Vs. Savage Fury - The crowd gave Savage Fury little support in this contest that mostly has them portrayed as frothing oafs that get easily outfoxed by the Flames. Joey Flame collects the pinfall on Tribal Warrior.

PRE-SHOW: HGC Cruiserweight Title Match, Jason Jackson Vs. Super Joshuya - Jason Jackson seems to be more over here than before, but it may just be a hot crowd. Another lightning-fast aerial contest with plenty of flips and kicks, Jason Jackson collects the pinfall after a spinning Hurricanrana.

HGC International Title Match, Monty Walker Vs. Romeo Heartthrob - Monty Walker finds himself tired of waiting for Romeo to finish primming himself at ringside and takes the attack to him, getting in a few punches before rolling him in the ring. Romeo Heartthrob shoves the referee in to the younger competitor to catch a breather then hits a Low Blow. Romeo goes to work on Monty with the Referee out, applying submission holds and not breaking when Monty grabs the ropes, etc. Walker rallies, ducking a clothesline and hitting a big one of his own to build momentum that is topped off with a Fisherman Suplex for the pinfall.

Sam Strong's music hits, bringing the crowd in an uproar. Once in the ring, Sam Strong says tonight's main event will live forever in the history of Pro Wrestling as the night that Sam Strong and Rip Chord tied up for "the real World Title". Sam Strong says that for two decades the people have stood behind him day in, day out and the power of the Strong Arm Fans will help him win. The solo version of the incredible promo last week. If the crowd was any more fired up there'd be a riot.

HGC Hardcore Title Match, Charlie Homicide Vs. Dusty Streets - This brawl takes little time to spill out of the ring, where the competitors circle the ring slamming each other in to steps, railings and ring posts alike. Charlie Homicide toe-drops Dusty Streets and goes under the ring to collect a garbage can. Dusty rises and takes a blow to the back with it that lays him out once more. Charlie Homicide goes to Suplex Dusty onto the garbage can but Dusty blocks it and hits a Suplex of his own. Dusty goes to the announce area and collects a steel chair that he chases Charlie Homicide in to the ring with - only to get it kicked in his face. Homicide nails him across the back with it a few times and performs a few slams on to the chair for the pinfall.

After the match Charlie goes and collects a second chair. Security makes a move to stop him and two officials take chair shots themselves before he is finally restrained and practically dragged to the back.

On the stage, Liberty and Cowboy Ricky Dale are set for an interview with Coach Dick Pangrazzio. Liberty says they're here to rise to the top, even if it means going over "old cheaters" like Rip Chord. Cowboy Ricky Dale says he's more focused than ever and ready to bring down Charlie Thatcher. Better promo than ones in the past from these two, but Coach Dick did his thing as well.

Charlie Thatcher Vs. Cowboy Ricky Dale - Charlie Thatcher and Cowboy essentially have a worked fistfight with a few slams thrown in, the latter doing most of the work. Ricky Dale fights out of a Bearhug and hits a Piledriver. Ricky seems to go for a Powerbomb but Charlie Thatcher turns it in to a Back Body Drop. From there, Charlie Thatcher lands a Sit-Out Spinebuster for the pinfall.

Nemesis Vs. Richie Pangrazzio Jr. - Nemesis opens with some big blows, namely a few knees to the gut, but Richie Pangrazzio Jr. fights right back by reversing a big Arm Drag. Nemesis gets matched blow for blow, Suplex for Suplex and finally just leaves the ring and heads back up the ramp...only for Richie Jr. to grab him and toss him back in the ring. Richie Jr. heads up top and lands a big Splash for the pinfall.

Rip Chord - with a limping Charlie Thatcher - hits the ring to the dismay of the fans, saying that Sam Strong has been, is, and always will be the most overrated competitor to ever get in the ring. Rip turns to Charlie and tells him to stay in the back, he won't be needed while he dismantles the legend of Sam Strong once and for all. Superb promo that got almost as good of a reaction as Strong's earlier.

Dread Vs. Larry Vessey - Larry Vessey finds himself outgunned early on against the large-yet-agile Dread, raining blows that may or may not actually phase the monster. Dread takes pleasure in slamming Larry around the ring, in the corner, tossing him out of the ring, what have you. After being clotheslined out of the ring Larry takes a moment to collect himself before rushing back in with a burst of energy, drilling Dread from one end of the ring to the other at the delight of the crowd. He sends Dread to the opposing ropes with an Irish Whip then moves in for a clothesline; only for Dread to chop-block the hell out of him. Dread lands a huge Legdrop and collects the pinfall.

The Vessey theme hits shortly after Dread leaves the ring, but the Vessey that steps out is Bryan. Bryan says he did just what his brother wanted him to do; he stayed out of it, and look at where that got Larry. Bryan says his brother needs him whether he likes it or not.

HGC World Heavyweight Title Match, Rip Chord Vs. Sam Strong - The titans collide in this classically-paced bout. Sam Strong overpowers Rip Chord earlier on by shoving back a few grapples and reversing an Irish Whip in to a shoulder tackle. Rip Chord evens the odds with an eye jab and a Sleeper he applies requires the Referee to count to 4 for the break after Sam gets to the ropes. Sam starts rolling once after a 10-Punch on the turnbuckle and a big Powerslam followed by an Elbow Drop - that he misses, and rises right in to a Rip Chord DDT - for a close fall. Sam Strong struggles to his feet only to block a punch and pull Rip Chord in for the Strong Arm Tactic to collect the pinfall. The crowd goes wild.

Sam Strong is handed the Title by the Referee and raises it triumphantly, and even gets in a pose or two before out of nowhere BLZ Bubb decks him, and then Powerbombs him in the center of the ring to send the crowd from jubilation, to stunned silence, to pure hatred as the show closes.

Overall Rating: B+. One of the best shows I have seen in a long time.</div>

PFElton · July 23, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">SWF Supreme TV - Tuesday, Week 1 February, 1997

The Dust Bowl - Nashville, Tennessee

Attendance: 12,201

Christian Faith opens the program, storming down to the ring and telling Bruce that if he has any guts, he'll make his new best friend Alex Pierce stay out of their main event contest tonight. Great heat from the crowd.

Danny Bruce w/Rory McCallum Vs. Masked Patriot - Despite Rory's coaching and at times violent theatrics, Danny Bruce finds himself totally outmatched against Masked Patriot, who bumps him around the ring before hitting a Sit-Out Powerbomb for the pinfall.

Rick Horn is seen chewing out Hollywood Mike Kinsey backstage, who assures him that his payment should be in the mail right now. Rick continues threatening him.

Flare Vs. No Way Jose - Aerial, "Cruiserweight" style action that sees No Way's harsh blows countered by Flare's aerial counter-attacks. Flare saults to the outside of the ring to take down both he and Jose. Jose tries a few submission holds but Flare rallies out of all of them and a Sunset Flip in the corner lands the pinfall.

The Gold Alliance hits the ring and does some pretty generic bragging, getting cheap heat by bashing the crowd, etc. Perfect Storm and Sean McFly charge out from the back and send them running from the ring. This spot could have been better.

Sebastian Krause Vs. Sid Streets - Total squash here, with Krause getting in maybe 2 offensive throws while Sid tears him apart. Road to Freedom lands the pinfall victory.

Sam Keith's music cuts off any celebration there may have been, the Champ dressed in a suit steps on to the stage with the SWF World Heavyweight Title in hand. Sam says that Sid STILL doesn't get it, that he will get nowhere by taking on "cheap European ripoffs" like Sebastian Krause. Keith says that when the Cage lowers at Nothing To Lose, Sid won't know what hit him.

Bruce The Giant Vs. Christian Faith - Faith runs in to a brick wall earlier on, his fiery attacks bouncing off the lumbering Giant who stops him short with a huge kick to the gut. Bruce decks Faith a few more times and rocks the ring with a Bodyslam. Christian endures the punishment a little longer before counting a Bearhug with a Double Axe Handle blow to Bruce's head. A kick to the gut and a huge DDT later and the hero is rolling; but before he can seal the deal, Alex Pierce hits the ring and nails Faith with a steel chair for the DQ.

Overall Rating: C+. Pretty weak edition other than Christian Faith and Sam Keith-based angles.</div>

PFElton · July 23, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - Tuesday, Week 1 February, 1997

Utah Park Reservation - Salt Lake City, Utah

Attendance: 11,726

Sam Strong's music hits, and the world itself stops to either explode or cheer as the pyrotechnics erupt for the new champion, who poses his way right down the ramp with the HGC World Heavyweight Title fastened around his waist. Once in the ring, Sam Strong calls out BLZ Bubb. The monster stomps to the ring and broods in a corner as Sam Strong tells him how out of line he is for daring to attack him, telling him at 'The War PPV in 2 weeks he'll give him a real shot at the "real World Champion". Great crowd reaction, though Sam's insults and euphemisms were repetitive and the few BLZ Bubb spoke to move the promo forward seemed out-of-sync.

Hardcore Match, Genghis Rahn Vs. Johnny Martin - Genghis Rahn puts over Johnny Martin in this chair-swinging duke out with Johnny controlling both the flow and most of the chair swinging itself. After wailing on Genghis in the corner he Piledrive's him on to a chair to collect the pinfall. Not much heat from the audience.

Johnny Martin gets a microphone and says that a sicko like Charlie Homicide should pick a fight with someone truly hardcore like him. In this angle Martin actually got pops.

Peter Valentine Vs. Whistler - Slow brawl by two people who won't exactly be winning Wrestler of the Year anytime soon. Whistler's variation of strikes wins out and the Rebel Yell makes the pinfall.

We're now following a well-dressed guy backstage to a Locker Room designated 'PANGRAZZIO'. Stepping inside he introduces himself as Eric Tyler to Coach Dick, talking about what a true honor it is to be a part of the same company as him and says he hopes he can learn from the legend before leaving without a word to Richie Jr.

Bryan Vessey Vs. Dread - Dread has a bit more trouble slamming in to Bryan than he did Larry, as Bryan manages to stay a step ahead of his charges. Bryan actually wins a slugfest against the mammoth and goes to work with some basic slams to keep Dread stunned. Of course this only works for so long as a Back Elbow Bryan attempts turns in to a huge slam. Dread begins to pick Bryan apart, first targeting each individual limb before missing him in a splash to the corner while the referee is conveniently clobbered. Larry takes the opportunity to run down to the ring and head up the turnbuckle while Dread goes to stand up Bryan; but as Larry comes down with a Double Axe Handle Dread shoves Bryan in the way, letting him take the blow. Dread picks up Larry and dumps him from the ring and drops a big Leg on Bryan to collect the pinfall - which could have been a 20-count in the time it took the Ref to return to his senses.

Nemesis comes to the ring and says something he misses is getting to laugh at Sid Streets to his face, "but now I can grab popcorn and watch the bitch on TV!". This of course brings Dusty Streets down the ramp and in to the ring where he slaps Nemesis, leading to a brawl. Nemesis' mic work seemed really halfhearted and this spot could have been so much more.

Liberty Vs. Rip Chord w/Charlie Thatcher- A surprisingly long contest, Liberty bumping Rip around only for the wily veteran to cheat to stop the momentum. Rip's holds finally zap the strength out of Liberty, and when Cowboy Ricky Dale charges out from under the "HollyTron" he runs right in to big Charlie Thatcher. Rip Chord hits his DDT for the pinfall.

Overall Rating: C+. The whole show seemed a little blah, including the opening spot with Sam Strong and BLZ Bubb. As no matches were added to the PPV they again have 1 show to throw together a card. Maybe lightning CAN strike twice.</div>

PFElton · July 23, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">The Elton Sheets - Wednesday, Week 1 February, 1997

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-SWF Supreme TV dropped to a 4.0 rating.

-Sebastian Krause, whose issues have been recently brought to light, garnered even more grief by skipping a meeting with Richard Eisen himself - who wasted little time stepping in the locker room and reaming him in front of the boys.

-HGC Malice In Wonderland 1997 landed an impressive .60 buyrate, much higher than the front office was said to have expected.

-HGC Hollyweird TV scored another 2.1 rating.

-So the political battles begin in Hollyweird Grappling Company. After Sam Strong's Title victory Giant Redwood was said to be very vocal and crappy about not getting a Title run right off the bat himself and nearly instigated a fight with Sam. Dread did everything in his power to bring Redwood to heel and settle everything down.

-Sources close say Dread is worried about the flat reaction Charlie Thatcher is getting from the fans in attendance.</div>

PFElton · July 23, 2013

SWF Supreme TV - Tuesday, Week 2 February, 1997

Clover Fields - Denver, Colorado

Attendance: 12,147

Sam Keith's music hits and the Champion himself hits the ring. Sam says to prove his point that Sid doesn't belong in the ring with him, he shows a montage of his big attacks from When Hell Freezes Over. The crowd changes their jeers to raucous cheers when Sid Streets hits the ring and says he needs to bolster his own highlight reel and decks Sam Keith. Sid clobbers Sam in the ring, around the ring and damn near all the way up the ramp to the delight of the fans.

Seth Storm Vs. Warlord Agony w/Louis Williams - Seth and Warlord brawl around the ring, Warlord winning most dukeouts. Still, the smaller, faster Seth Storm pops off a big Dropkick that sends momentum his way, and the Guillotine Leg Drop connects for the pinfall.

Backstage, Rick Horn is drinking coffee when a man approaches claiming to be a lawyer for his wife. The lawyer says Rick Horn's wife Helen Horn has filed for divorce after seeing an "adulterous" video. Rick flips and insists it's not true. Hollywood Mike Kinsey is shown looking on from behind a stack of crates smirking.

Cap'n Crush Vs. Colin Kennedy - Poor Colin does a quick, painful job to the larger crush, taking several slams with a Reverse Piledriver granting the pinfall.

Rory McCallum with Danny Bruce in towe comes to the ring. He says before his match with Captain USA, he wants to make it clear that America is "shite" and that Scotland's heroes are far more brave than America's. For some reason, Rory was having a real off-night with his promo.

Captain USA Vs. Rory McCallum w/Danny Bruce - "USA" chants are about all that the Captain has going for him in this one, with Rory outbrawling him (not saying much) to the disdain of the crowd. Rory wears down Captain with a headlock then takes the cake after a Swinging Neckbreaker for the pin.

Sean McFly's music brings him down to the ring to the pleasure of the fans. Sean says that he's tired of the war of words with Mr. Supreme, says it's time to bring the war back to the ring. Mr. Supreme hits the ring and says he couldn't agree more, he's more than willing to embarass Sean McFly again. They settle on a match at Nothing To Lose.

At catering, No Way Jose is raising hell about losing to Flare last week to the cooks - until Flare himself shows up, causing No Way to get out of there quick.

Alex Pierce/Bruce The Giant Vs. Christian Faith - Christian Faith erupts on Alex Pierce early on, pepping him and sending him scrambling for Bruce. Bruce does a number on Christian with his slow, heavy strikes; but there again Faith battles back, catching a big boot and shoving it back before dropping his head in the crotch of Bruce. The Champ cannot prevent the tag forever, and Alex Pierce has a much easier time with a much more exhausted Christian Faith. Bruce distracts the Referee while Alex Pierce chokes out Faith with his boot - and gets blindsided by a shot from Tommy Cornell's North American Title by the man himself. Seemingly out cold, all Christian Faith has to do is fall forward to get the pin on Alex Pierce.

Overall Rating: B-. Better than last week, and hopefully building steam towards Nothing To Lose.

PFElton · July 24, 2013

<div style="text-align:center;">HGC Hollyweird TV - Tuesday, Week 2 February, 1997

Lowe Ballroom - Cheyenne, Wyoming

Attendance: 5,000 - SELL OUT

As a change of pace, the program opens with Coach Dick Pangrazzio on the stage, welcoming his interviewee Bryan Vessey. Bryan insists that he had his match fully under control had his brother not tried to help and clobber him. Bryan says he looked forward to working with his brother, but it's been a nightmare since he got here. Bryan says he and his brother need to settle this at 'The War.

#1 Contender's Match to HGC Cruiserweight Title at 'The War, Dark EAGLE Vs. Electrico Vs. Fumihiro Ota Vs. Golden Fox - Not quite as...awkward as the quick little Cruiserweight contests we usually get, perhaps because the Mexicans and Japanese more or less allied to take on the other two. The finish comes after Fumihiro Ota and Golden Fox have been deposited to the outside. Electrico goes up top for some sort of splash but Dark EAGLE meets him with a big dropkick in midair to make the pin.

Nemesis' music hits and the man himself takes the time to shout back at the fans on his way to the ring. Nemesis says the pukes in the crowd found it cute when Dusty hit him last week, but if Streets is a real man he'll take him on at The War To Settle The Score. Dusty Streets hits the ring and tells Nemesis, quite plainly, that at 'The War he's going to tear him a new asshole.

Mighty Thor Vs. Sam Strong - Poor, brief action, mostly due to the near-immobile Thor. Still, the crowd popped at every blink Sam Strong made, and somehow he hits the Strong Arm Tactic on the massive man for the pinfall.

Sam Strong collects his title and takes the time to play to the crowd, unaware of the seething BLZ Bubb waiting just behind him. Strong turns right in to a vicious clothesline. BLZ Bubb hits a Samoan Drop on Sam Strong and picks up the HGC World Heavyweight Title, raising it to the harsh angst of the audience.

HGC Hardcore Title Match, Charlie Homicide Vs. Whistler - Whistler actually uses his American flag as a weapon, decking Charlie Homicide early on to give him an edge; but count on Homicide to pause the action with (repeated) Lowblows, then slip from the ring to collect a baseball bat from under the ring. Homicide repeatedly beats Whistler with the weapon, hitting a few slams for good measure before making the pinfall.

Backstage Rip Chord, flanked by Charlie Thatcher, is walking to the ring when Liberty and Cowboy Ricky Dale step in his way. Liberty challenges the two of them to a tag match at 'The War, Rip Chord tells them to screw off and shoves past.

Richie Pangrazzio Jr. Vs. Rip Chord w/Charlie Thatcher - Rip and Richie take off in to a technical contest with fast-paced chain wrestling that thrills the audience. Richie Jr. dazes Rip bad during a chain of German Suplexes, but Rip soon returns the favor with a chain of regular Suplexes. Rip pops off a Snapmare and locks on a headlock that Richie Jr. manages to turn in to a stunner. Fully in control, Richie Jr. lands some tosses but drops his guard - long enough for Rip to jab him in the eye to stun him. Rip wastes little time in landing his DDT, but Liberty and Cowboy Ricky Dale charge the ring and attack Rip Chord for the Disqualification.

Liberty and Cowboy head up the ramp while Rip Chord pitches a fit in the ring. Rip gets a microphone and calls them punks, worthless excuses for wrestlers, and dead men at 'The War. I assume this mean they get their tag match.

Overall Rating: B-. Decent show with a really good main event.</div>

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CVerse 97: Where It All Began

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