WCW: Dangerous Territory

Theheel · December 17, 2017

<p>WCW Saturday Night</p><p> </p><p>

Ricky Steamboat vs. <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p><strong>

Ricky Steamboat is one hell of a tuneup match and I hate to use that term with him. But that what this one essentially is and Rude is ready for the title shot </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Nikita Koloff and Sting</strong> vs. The Harris Boys</p><p>

<strong>Interesting dynamic as Sting is looking to get back into the title chase and big Nikita holds the gold. </strong></p><p> </p><p>

Beat The Champ – <strong>Ron Simmons</strong> vs. Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

<strong>Simmons is going to win this match, but Hayes will retain the question is how. Hayes is certainly wily enough to get a DQ or CO on his own but I think our favorite crazy madman Cactus Jack will cost Simmons the TV title </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Steiner Brothers</strong> vs. Mr Hughes and Billy Jack Haynes – non-title</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack appears to be heading back to Portland with his recent run. Diamond Mine take note, the Steiners are ready for you</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Barry Windham</strong> vs. Tony Falk</p><p>

<strong>Pissed off BW is going to make Tony want to go back to refing in Mempho </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Randy Savage</strong> vs. Richard Morton</p><p>

<strong>Don’t think the computer will be able to help Ricky here</strong></p>

crackerjack · December 18, 2017

<p>Ricky Steamboat vs.<strong> Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

<strong>Nikita Koloff and Sting</strong> vs. The Harris Boys</p><p>

Beat The Champ – <strong>Ron Simmons</strong> vs. Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

<strong>The Steiner Brothers</strong> vs. Mr Hughes and Billy Jack Haynes – non-title</p><p>

<strong>Barry Windham</strong> vs. Tony Falk</p><p>

<strong>Randy Savage</strong> vs. Richard Morton</p><p> </p><p>

Reply With Quote</p>

James Casey · December 20, 2017

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="plggoJ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/plggoJ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>World Championship Wrestling presents: Saturday Night</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Saturday, Week 3 February 1992</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Segment of the Night – The Calgary Connection Interrupt... And Get Interrupted!</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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<img alt="SrWzv7J.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SrWzv7J.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yqQs4HM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yqQs4HM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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</p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Calgary Connection’s music played, and the duo strutted down to the ring, flashing their gold at the camera.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> They’re not meant to be out here now.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Dangerously: When has that ever stopped them? They’re in Commissioner Ventura’s good books, Ross, and that gives them a lot of leeway.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> ‘Good books’, please...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Pillman collected microphones from the technical area as Owen mounted one set of turnbuckles, title belt held aloft.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pillman:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Well, look at us – a real couple of swell guys, with a real couple of shiny belts. Anyone want to come and take them away from us, or are you in the back, thinking about whether it’s worth the beating you’ll take?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Owen joined his partner in the centre of the ring.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Hart:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> See, what you all need to recognise is that standing in this ring is the most dominant tag team in WCW. Oh, I’m sure when the Diamond Mine take back the World titles at SuperBrawl they’ll think they’re due that recognition, and we have a lot of time for Vinnie and Studd.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pillman:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We have a lot more time for the Diamond Dolls, of course.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Hart:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Of course – but the truth remains that we’re the best in the company, and we’ve been proving that every time we step foot in the ring. Oh, we had a little difference of opinion for a few weeks, but that’s in the past. What we share, what we have in common, is so great that it can’t be overlooked or overcome. We are great athletes, we’re good looking guys, we’re championship-calibre competitors, and as members of the Dangerous Alliance we’re finally getting the exposure that we deserve.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pillman:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Life is good! And the win bonuses that come from beating down the likes of the Thrillseekers, the Special Forces and the Long Riders all help to smooth out all of life’s little bumps and humps.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yVAviz6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yVAviz6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="osRcosk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/osRcosk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Hey now, what’re these guys doing out here?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Well, I guess they’re in Jesse Ventura’s good books, too, Paul.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Steamboat:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> ‘Humps and bumps’, huh? I guess that’s one way of describing Lex Luger and Barry Windham.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pillman:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Hey, no-one gets the hump like Lex, Dragon – you fought him often enough, so you ought to know that better than most </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Rhodes</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I know that Barry had a bump on his head the size of the Omni after Madusa cracked him in the head with a cellphone last Sunday.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Hart:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> She was helping him call his family, Dustin; Didn’t you hear him saying Uncle?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Owen and Pillman cackled as Steamboat and Rhodes glared at them. Making their way down the aisle, they climbed into the ring as the champions backed away a step or two.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pillman:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Now, now, let’s not be hasty-</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Rhodes</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> What’s hasty? You were calling out for challengers, and right now there’s no gold around my waist. What about you, Ricky? Feeling like getting a title back?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Steamboat:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Sure am, Dustin. Now, maybe I should feel like I owe you two a favour after you kicked Larry Zbyszko out of WCW, but I still owed him for cheating me out of the Television title. Given that you’re part of the Dangerous Alliance, I can take it out on the two of you, and get myself some gold at the same time </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Rhodes:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I haven’t had as much trouble with the Alliance as some around here, but I can’t seem to keep hold of a title in this company at the moment; It doesn’t seem like five minutes ago that you and I were working together with the Six Man titles, Brian, and now I’m wondering how much of your heart was in defending the belts! As for Bobby getting injured, and Hayes cheating me out of winning back the Television title, well, I’ve got some pent-up frustration I want to take out on someone. So here’s the plan – you two against ‘the Natural’ Dustin Rhodes and Ricky ‘the Dragon’ Steamboat at SuperBrawl II for the US tag titles. And before you think about refusing, or running to Paul E, then you ought to know that we talked to Commissioner Ventura, and he said that it was all good with him, and might even teach you two to quit hogging TV time when you’re not on the schedule!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Owen and Pillman looked furious about this, while Steamboat and Rhodes stared at the title belts that the Dangerous Alliance duo held.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> This is ridiculous, Ross! Owen and Brian have no time to prepare for a title match like this!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Maybe they should stop annoying Jesse Ventura, then.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WCW Hotline Show Notes</span></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

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</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7oAFBCL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7oAFBCL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Sting and WCW World champion Nikita Koloff made for one of the biggest and most popular teams in WCW history on Saturday night, putting down the Harris Boys with all speed, even though Ric Flair appearing in the aisle distracted Sting during the match. Once the match was over Sting confronted Flair, but the Nature Boy tried to back away rather than get into it with the Stinger. However, all this distracted Nikita Koloff in turn, who was ambushed from behind by Rick Rude. The WCW World champion was left lying after a Rude Awakening as Rude escaped Sting’s furious return to the ring.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Still, Rude had to return to the ring for the main event, with Ricky Steamboat lying in wait. Steamboat gave him one of the hardest fights of his career, pushing the Ravishing One past twenty minutes as Paul E. Dangerously grew increasingly more frantic on commentary at the thought of his crown jewel tasting defeat just days before SuperBrawl. Steamboat has his own title match at the big show, of course, and was no more ready to taste defeat than Rude, resulting in a blistering match between two of the very best in the world, as both men came desperately close to victory several times. However, Rude has Madusa on his side and she proved vital to the outcome of the match. Rude choked Steamboat on the middle rope until the referee forced him back, and as Rude occupied the official’s attention, Madusa cracked Steamboat in the head with her shoe, leaving him prey to a second Rude Awakening of the night to send Rude to SuperBrawl in fine form...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

...at least, if Nikita Koloff hadn’t come roaring down the aisle to tackle his challenger, hammering him with a Sickle to send him scrambling from the ring! Before Koloff could pursue, the rest of the Dangerous Alliance charged for the ring, only to find Barry Windham, Lex Luger, Dustin Rhodes and Sting hot on their heels, sparking a wild ten-man brawl between the two sides that closed out the show as Dangerously screamed wildly into his headset!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Dan Spivey is sidelined with an injury right now, but if anything Billy Jack Haynes may be even bigger! Billy Jack filled in for Spivey as he and Mr Hughes faced the Steiners, a match brought to an abrupt end by the interference of the Diamond Mine, who jumped the Steiners and left them lying ahead of their tag title match at SuperBrawl!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Randy Savage has had his problems with the York Foundation lately, and took out his frustrations on Richard Morton on Saturday night. Afterwards, he demanded Terence Taylor at SuperBrawl – and after a brief discussion about profit opportunities, Taylor and Alexandra York agreed!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

We’ve said it before and will say it again – why antagonise Cactus Jack? Ron Simmons has agreed to a Falls Count Anywhere match against the wildman from Truth or Consequences at SuperBrawl, but Cactus appeared to take exception to Simmons’ acceptance of the challenge. He interfered in Simmons’ efforts to regain the TV title from Michael Hayes, costing the All-American the match, and afterwards added to Simmons’ woes with a Double Arm DDT. With Simmons out cold, Cactus knelt down beside him and warned him that “I’ve never known mercy in my life, Ron, and I didn’t expect you to show me any. I’m certainly not going to show </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>you</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> any! Bang bang!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Barry Windham made short work of Tony Falk, but the real story came afterwards as Arn Anderson and Steve Austin were lying in wait for Windham backstage. Before they could get too many shots off, however, Lex Luger chased them off with a steel chair, getting in a couple of good shots of his own to run the duo off!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Show rating: A</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

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</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DcoZDk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DcoZDk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

*</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div> <div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kWQWHhq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kWQWHhq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>WCW Main Event</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Beat The Champ: Dustin Rhodes vs. Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Jerry Lawler vs. Owen Hart</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Firebreaker Chip vs. Steve Austin</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>The Long Riders vs. The Diamond Mine</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>The Young Pistols vs. The Stocks And Shares Express</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>El Tigre Blanco vs. Scotty Flamingo</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

</p>

crackerjack · December 20, 2017

<p>Beat The Champ: Dustin Rhodes vs. <strong>Michael Hayes ©</strong> – WCW Television Title</p><p>

<strong>Jerry Lawler</strong> vs. Owen Hart</p><p>

Firebreaker Chip vs. <strong>Steve Austin</strong></p><p>

The Long Riders vs. <strong>The Diamond Mine</strong></p><p>

The Young Pistols vs. <strong>The Stocks And Shares Express</strong></p><p>

El Tigre Blanco vs. <strong>Scotty Flamingo</strong></p>

bonnie · December 20, 2017

<p>Beat The Champ: Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

Owen Hart</p><p>

Steve Austin</p><p>

The Diamond Mine</p><p>

The Young Pistols </p><p>

El Tigre Blanco</p>

Theheel · December 20, 2017

<p>Beat The Champ: Dustin Rhodes vs. <strong>Michael Hayes</strong> © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

Jerry Lawler vs. <strong>Owen Hart</strong></p><p>

Firebreaker Chip vs. <strong>Steve Austin</strong></p><p>

The Long Riders vs. <strong>The Diamond Mine</strong></p><p>

The Young Pistols vs. <strong>The Stocks And Shares Express</strong></p><p>

<strong>El Tigre Blanco</strong> vs. Scotty Flamingo</p>

James Casey · December 22, 2017

World Championship Wrestling presents: Main Event

Sunday, Week 3 February 1992

Segment of the Night – One last challenge for SuperBrawl II!

Austin seemed unsatisfied after victory and, picking Chip up off the mat, delivered a second Stun Gun that left him gagging on the mat as Austin stood over him, grinning fiercely. As Chip tried to crawl out of the ring, Austin kicked him in the gut, before following up with a kick to the head as the referee tried to intervene.

The Patriot sprinted down the aisle and dove into the ring, covering Chip’s body with his own to protect his ally. But that merely left him vulnerable to assault from Austin, who delivered a kick to the face that dropped Patriot like a stone.

Before Austin could continue his attack, a new figure emerged from backstage, practically flying down the aisle and into the ring before shoulderblocking Austin to the mat

Schiavone:

It’s the Total Package! Lex Luger has seen enough!

TA:

Luger has plenty of reasons to dislike anything the Dangerous Alliance does – and clearly this sort of bullying sticks in his craw!

As Austin tried to get to his feet, Luger delivered a kick to the side of his head that sent him tumbling through the ropes to the arena floor, and a hard landing at Madusa’s feet. Luger turned to check on Patriot and Chip, who were beginning to stir, then turned back to Austin.

Luger:

You and me, punk, this Thursday night!

Schiavone:

Oh my! Luger versus Austin at SuperBrawl, as though anyone could need any more reason to call their cable provider!

WCW Hotline Show Notes

With SuperBrawl II just days away, the stars of WCW were looking to build momentum ahead of the big show. The Diamond Mine managed that with victory over the Long Riders before their tag title match, while the Stocks and Shares Express also scored a win over the Young Pistols ahead of the York Foundation’s Six Man title match.

Owen Hart scored a big victory in his young career, pinning the veteran Jerry Lawler clean with a Missile Dropkick, while his stablemate Steve Austin pinned Firebreaker Chip – more on that above!

El Tigre Blanco scored a big win over Scotty Flamingo, and stuck around to watch his buddy Dustin Rhodes challenge Michael Hayes to fight clean in their Beat The Champ TV title match. Hayes retaliated that he preferred fighting smart! Hayes stayed true to his word, brawling with Rhodes before a sneaky low blow left the young man reeling, and Hayes soon after picked up the win and successful defence number 3 with a Bulldog!

Make sure to join us for SuperBrawl II – just $19.95! Call your cable provider now!

Show rating: B-

*

WCW SuperBrawl II

Nikita Koloff © vs. Rick Rude – WCW World Title

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Barry Windham vs. Arn Anderson © – WCW United States Title

Lex Luger vs. Steve Austin

The Steiner Brothers © vs. The Diamond Mine – WCW World Tag Team Titles

Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes vs. The Calgary Connection © – WCW United States Tag Team Titles

Randy Savage vs. Terence Taylor

Beat The Champ: El Tigre Blanco vs. Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title

Ron Simmons vs. Cactus Jack – Falls Count Anywhere

Marcus Bagwell and the Young Pistols vs. The York Foundation © – WCW Six Man Titles

KnowYourEnemy · December 23, 2017

<p>Nikita Koloff © vs. <strong>Rick Rude</strong> – WCW World Title</p><p>

<strong>Sting </strong>vs. Ric Flair</p><p>

Barry Windham vs. <strong>Arn Anderson ©</strong> – WCW United States Title</p><p>

<strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs. Steve Austin</p><p>

<strong>The Steiner Brothers ©</strong> vs. The Diamond Mine – WCW World Tag Team Titles</p><p>

<strong>Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes</strong> vs. The Calgary Connection © – WCW United States Tag Team Titles</p><p>

<strong>Randy Savage </strong>vs. Terence Taylor</p><p>

Beat The Champ: El Tigre Blanco vs. <strong>Michael Hayes ©</strong> – WCW Television Title</p><p>

<strong>Ron Simmons</strong> vs. Cactus Jack – Falls Count Anywhere</p><p>

Marcus Bagwell and the Young Pistols vs. <strong>The York Foundation ©</strong> – WCW Six Man Titles</p>

crackerjack · December 23, 2017

<p>Nikita Koloff © vs. <strong>Rick Rude</strong> – WCW World Title</p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. Ric Flair</p><p>

Barry Windham vs. <strong>Arn Anderson ©</strong> – WCW United States Title <em>never like Barry</em></p><p>

<strong>Lex Luger </strong>vs. Steve Austin</p><p>

The Steiner Brothers © vs. <strong>The Diamond Mine</strong> – WCW World Tag Team Titles <em>They gotta do it eventually right?</em></p><p>

<strong>Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes</strong> vs. The Calgary Connection © – WCW United States Tag Team Titles <em>DQ</em></p><p>

<strong>Randy Savage</strong> vs. Terence Taylor</p><p>

Beat The Champ: El Tigre Blanco vs. <strong>Michael Hayes ©</strong> – WCW Television Title</p><p>

Ron Simmons vs. <strong>Cactus Jack</strong> – Falls Count Anywhere</p><p>

Marcus Bagwell and the Young Pistols vs. <strong>The York Foundation © </strong>– WCW Six Man Titles</p>

bonnie · December 23, 2017

<p>Rick Rude – WCW World Title</p><p>

Sting </p><p>

Arn Anderson © – WCW United States Title never like Barry</p><p>

Steve Austin</p><p>

The Steiner Brothers © – WCW World Tag Team Titles They gotta do it eventually right?</p><p>

Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes – WCW United States Tag Team Titles DQ</p><p>

Randy Savage </p><p>

Beat The Champ: Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

Cactus Jack – Falls Count Anywhere</p><p>

The York Foundation © – WCW Six Man Titles</p>

Theheel · December 23, 2017

<p>WCW SuperBrawl II</p><p>

Nikita Koloff © vs. <strong>Rick Rude</strong> – WCW World Title</p><p>

<strong>The time has come for WCW to be ravishing.</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. Ric Flair - <strong>Ric won’t like the answer to his question. This match sets up the Rude-Sting World Title program</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Barry Windham vs. Arn Anderson © – WCW United States Title</p><p>

<strong>I liked both of these guys but Barry had a long US Title run and it is time for AA to keep showing he was a singles star</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs. Steve Austin - <strong>Austin has the potential for the future, but right now is still Lugers time</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Steiner Brothers</strong> © vs. The Diamond Mine – WCW World Tag Team Titles</p><p>

<strong>The original Suplex City Boys. I don’t think the time is right for Hall and Nash to win just yet</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes</strong> vs. The Calgary Connection © – WCW United States Tag Team Titles <strong>Don’t think the titles change hands here though</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Randy Savage</strong> vs. Terence Taylor</p><p>

<strong>Poor Terry</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Beat The Champ: <strong>El Tigre Blanco</strong> vs. Michael Hayes © – WCW Television Title</p><p>

<strong>Ric likes Tigre and my gut is Hayes will do the honors here </strong></p><p> </p><p>

Ron Simmons vs. <strong>Cactus Jack</strong> – Falls Count Anywhere</p><p>

<strong>Match is perfectly suited to Cactus and I’m going with him, but the main event scene needs another foil for new champ Rude so I suspect I might be wrong here.</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Marcus Bagwell and the Young Pistols vs. <strong>The York Foundation</strong> © – WCW Six Man Titles</p><p>

<strong>I always thought the York Foundation had potential but they never attracted a top player to lead the charge. I’m going with computer aided assist in the champs retaining</strong></p>

James Casey · December 25, 2017

OOC: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – and enjoy the show!

http://tew2016.com/images/images/superbrawl.jpg

World Championship Wrestling presents: SuperBrawl II

Sunday, Week 3, February 1992

Your announcers: Jim Ross and Paul E. Dangerously

Ring announcer: Gary Michael Cappetta

Backstage: Tony Schiavone, Magnum T.A. and Eric Bischoff

The first match of the night saw Michael Hayes in fine form, flashing his TV title belt at all and sundry as he made his way to the ring for his fourth defence. El Tigre Blanco was the challenger stepping up to try and Beat The Champ after watching Hayes defeat his friend Dustin Rhodes on Main Event this past Sunday night. The masked man sprang at Hayes on the bell, unloading with fast kicks and punches before transitioning to the mat. Hayes, as always, fought with guile, experience and a certain earthiness, at one point yanking Blanco’s mask around so that it covered his eyes. Blanco, however, managed to turn that to his advantage as he snared Hayes’ arm and flipped him to the mat before applying an armbar as he re-adjusted his mask. Hayes freed himself and tried to thumb Blanco in the eye, but only succeeded in angering the referee, who lectured Hayes on fighting fair. Hayes pushed past the official to get back at Blanco, but was knocked for a loop with an enziguri kick as Blanco capitalised on his distraction. Heading to the top rope, Blanco finished Hayes off with a diving splash to pick up his first singles gold in WCW!

Ross:

New champion! New champion!

With the first match concluded, we were shown the outside of the Milwaukee Auditorium, where Cactus Jack stood in the parking lot with his arms spread, a baseball bat held in one hand. He called out Ron Simmons to begin their match. The All-American was all eager to respond, and charged outdoors with a crowbar in one hand to throw himself at the madman from Truth or Consequences. The two brawled wildly, weapons abandoned as they tore into one another with fists and feet, with Simmons delivering an almighty powerslam onto the hood of one of the cars before the feed cut back into the arena.

Ross:

We’ve got to come back into the arena, but we’ll be following this match as it continues!

In the first of the evening’s four matches to feature members of the Dangerous Alliance, ‘Stunning’ Steve Austin lined up against ‘the Total Package’ Lex Luger. Austin was conspicuously nervous in his biggest match to date, seemingly reluctant to engage with the multi-time former champion until reassured by Madusa – and by Paul E. on commentary, if he could hear him – that he could match up to Luger. Luger, however, obviously had heard none of this as he opened the match by driving Austin to the mat again and again with a series of shoulderblocks, before clotheslining him over the top rope to the ground. Madusa tended her charge with reassurance and a snarling expression aimed in Luger’s direction, while the ‘Total Package’ beckoned Austin back into the ring. Rejoining with caution, Austin fought defensively against Luger, wary of his greater strength and tried to frustrate him with technical moves, forcing him to the mat and taking away his advantage. However, Luger’s strength was too great to be denied, and after being left staggered by a series of left hands, Austin resorted to a low kick in front of the referee. Accepting the disqualification, Austin hesitated before delivering another hard kick to the side of Luger’s head, dropping Luger to the mat and allowing Austin to pose over him as the crowd booed, before he beat a hasty retreat as Luger began to stir.

Dangerously:

Austin’s making an impact, Ross! No matter what else, he’s making an impact!

The fight between Ron Simmons and Cactus Jack was continuing apace, and by now had spilled out to the streets outside the arena. Simmons and Cactus were surrounded by cheering fans and cautious police, held back only by the presence of WCW referees whose thankless task it was to try and keep up with the warring duo. Simmons, it seemed, had the edge as he stunned Cactus with a shoulder tackle into the side of a jeep. However, as Simmons charged, Cactus caught him with a backdrop that landed the All-American on the hood of the vehicle. Clambering up on top of the vehicle, Cactus dragged Simmons up and delivered a stump-pulling pilediver onto the hood, then cackled and delivered a “Bang bang!” before kicking Simmons onto the ground. Clambering up onto the roof of the vehicle, Cactus took a two step run-up before leaping off and crashing down on Simmons with an elbowdrop. As Simmons convulsed, Cactus rolled off him and moaned in pain himself.

Ross:

How much more can these man take?

Back in the ring, the York Foundation were set to defend their Six Man titles against Marcus Bagwell and the Young Pistols. A spirited encounter followed, with both sides coming close to victory, but at the close of the match Rich scored with a Piledriver on Bagwell to give his team the win.

Dangerously:

Veteran smarts making the difference. The York Foundation are great Six Man champions.

Ross:

I’m starting to think you’re sweet on Alexandra York.

Dangerously:

It’s true that I’d love to get my hands on her assets...

Steve Austin was backstage, ranting about Lex Luger. With Madusa by his side, Austin told Austin to keep away from him – he didn’t pick a fight with the Total Package, but he’d certainly ended the one they had tonight! Austin seemed ready to expand on his point, but suddenly turned on his heel and left, just seconds before the Total Package burst into the interview area, searching for Austin and trying to ignore the various medical professionals trying to hold him back.

With the United States tag titles on the line, the Calgary Connection faced off against the popular duo of Ricky Steamboat and Dustin Rhodes. The challengers took a leaf from Lex Luger’s book by overpowering their opponents in the early going, but Hart and Pillman used guile and a certain liberal interpretation of the rulebook to take charge of the match. Although Rhodes seemed to be learning by the minute from his veteran partner, he could not quite overcome the greater combined experience of Pillman and Hart, and eventually fell to a Northern Lights suplex from Hart, while Pillman tackled Steamboat to prevent him making the save.

Dangerously:

Your tag team champions! Now, let’s see who comes out on top later, because I’m thinking the Calgary Connection could become double tag champs pretty soon, Ross!

Ric Flair was backstage, and sounded thoughtful as Eric Bischoff asked him about his match with Sting. Flair admitted that he wasn’t sure that he could beat Sting, but that was exactly why he wanted this match! He couldn’t learn anything about his position in WCW by facing anyone else; It had to be the best of the best, and Flair rated Sting just that highly.

Back on the streets of Milwaukee, and Cactus Jack and Ron Simmons continued to brawl, both showing the signs of war, blood spilling freely from Cactus’ forehead as Simmons limped heavily, almost dragging one leg behind him. The pair approached an intersection, with the police rushing ahead to try and keep traffic off the road as the pair traded blows on the curb. A headbutt from Cactus left Simmons staggered, but as Cactus charged forwards Simmons threw himself out of the way. Cactus ran into the road, pulling up short and turning back to face Simmons, but before he could move there was a screech of breaks as a car swerved around the hastily organised police and slammed side-on into Cactus, throwing him across the road and dropping him into a broken heap.

Ross:

Good God almighty!

Dangerously:

Cactus Jack could be dead!

Simmons looked on in shock as the referees pushed past him, swarming around Cactus and checking on him. Incredibly, Cactus began to stir...

Ross:

Surely not!

...and, as onlookers gasped and stepped back, Cactus pushed himself slowly, achingly upright.

Referee:

Cactus, stop!

Stumbling forward, Cactus tried to get to Simmons. The All-American was frozen in place, shock written across his features as he stared at Cactus trying to reach him. As the referees tried and failed to stop him, they signalled for the police to move in, the officers closing in cautiously, two to each arm and leg. Slow to realise what was happening, Cactus fought back against the restraint and managed to fell two of the officers before another one managed to subdue him, sort of, with CS gas sprayed into his face. Cactus still struggled, but was eventually subdued as an ambulance arrived to take him away to the nearest hospital.

Dangerously:

He got hit with a car and got back up again! I can’t even begin to imagine what you do to keep that lunatic down if that won’t do it!

Ross:

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to keep you updated on Cactus Jack across WCW programming... Whatever you may think about him, you have to admit that he’s a remarkable, determined individual.

Dangerously:

Like I say, he’s a lunatic. I’m glad I paid him off, Ross. I feel like it might be time to give him some more money to keep him away from the Alliance.

Ross:

Well, while you consider that Paul, let’s bring it backstage, where the Calgary Connection have something to say.

The Calgary Connection were celebrating their victory with the US titles, but Hart had to admit that, as a Canadian, he felt a bit odd carrying around the red, white and blue. Pillman said that any gold was fine by him, but how much better would it be to have more of it. Whoever the World tag champs were at the end of the night, he said, should watch out – the Connection would love to be the double tag champs!

The ‘Macho Man’ has been warned to stay away from the Dangerous Alliance, and seems to have taken that to heart, instead turning his focus to the York Foundation. Savage and Terence Taylor squared off with the Computerised Man of the ‘90s silencing the crowd earlier on as he grounded Savage. However, even with Alexandra York on the outside and her PowerBook working overtime, Taylor couldn’t hold the advantage, struggling futilely as Savage overpowered him and levelled him with a double axehandle, before scaling the ropes again to crush the air out of Taylor with a Flying Elbow Drop for the win.

Ross:

Well, that seems to put an end to Savage’s issues with the York Foundation. I wonder what’s next?

Dangerously:

Whatever suits him, Ross – he knows where the line not to cross is.

After the bell, Savage held out a hand to Taylor. York called out from the outside to ignore the gesture, but Taylor accepted the hand and gave it a brief shake.

Savage:

You’re a tough fighter, Terry, same as me, yeah. We ought to be doing more than this at the biggest shows, and I aim to, oh yeah, the Macho Man has his sights set on the very top of the mountain, up amongst the stars where the air is clean and only the strongest survive. Maybe you ought to think about making the climb yourself... but it’s easier to do without people holding you back, yeah!

Savage walked off, leaving Taylor looking thoughtful in the ring as York tried to get him to focus on her.

Ross:

I think Savage struck a chord.

Dangerously:

Savage could be striking a lot of things, Ross – Steve Austin’s fists, Rick Rude’s fists, Arn Anderson’s fists...

*

WCW United States Title

Barry Windham vs. Arn Anderson ©

Ross:

Sometimes allies, sometimes rivals, Barry Windham and Arn Anderson know each other inside and out.

Dangerously:

Correction, Ross. Windham knew Arn inside and out, but thanks to my guidance and the tricks he’s learned from the other members of the Alliance, the Enforcer is a whole new challenge.

Be that as it may, a big kick to the gut courtesy of Windham’s long legs was effective in stopping Anderson in his tracks. Windham threw Anderson around the ring with venom, dropping him with a huge lariat that nearly got the three in the opening minutes of the match. Anderson retaliated, but was fighting from a position of disadvantage that took some clawing back – appropriately enough, because it was a gouge to Windham’s eyes that bought him some time.

Dangerously:

That’s a Greco-Roman eye rake-

Ross:

Will you stop!

With Windham stunned Anderson was able to take control of the match, delivering a huge spinebuster that earned him his own close fall, only for Windham to power out. The two slugged it out in the centre of the ring, and Windham split Anderson open with an especially wild elbow from Windham that send blood spilling into his eyes.

Ross:

That’s a Greco-Roman eyebrow split.

Dangerously:

Shut up, Ross.

Windham focused his attack on Anderson’s head, leaving his old ally shaky on his legs, but try as he might the big Texan couldn’t land the strike needed to put Anderson down. Infuriatingly for the challenger, the blood covering Anderson’s head made it harder to keep a grip on him, and when Windham tried for a DDT Anderson was able to shove him away. Anderson kicked Windham in the gut and delivered a snap DDT of his own, before hefting Windham up from the mat and planting him with a second spinebuster, which was enough to score the pin to retain the United States title!

Dangerously:

You see! You see, Ross! Not just a brilliant and experienced competitor, Arn Anderson can beat one of the best in the business when he can’t even see!

Winner: Arn Anderson ©

*

Backstage, and Tony Schiavone was standing by with the Steiner Brothers.

Tony:

Rick, Scott, you’re just minutes away from defending your titles against the Diamond Mine. You and they have had an on-off rivalry going back to last summer, and you’ve traded the titles back and forth. Do you think that a victory over the Diamond Mine tonight would finally put this one to bed?

Scott:

Tony, we’ll fight anyone, any time. If we beat the Diamond Mine tonight and they come back at us tomorrow, do you think we’re going to care? And the Diamond Mine are nasty, so we’re not counting it out.

Rick:

That’s right, we’ll fight anyone, we’ll take ‘em to the mat, and beat ‘em stupid! They think they can club us down? Beat us six ways to Sunday? Forget it, there’s no beating the Steiner brothers!

Scott:

And if someone thinks they can, they can step up and try – but there’s a Steinerline from Rick waiting for them, and then a Frankensteiner from me to finish the job!

*

WCW World Tag Team Titles

The Steiner Brothers © vs. The Diamond Mine

The two teams squared up at the bell, the Steiners looking unusually diminutive in comparison to the towering Diamond Mine. The former champions glared down at the team they’d exchanged the titles with, before launching into them with fists and feet. The Steiners were forced into retreat for a spell, but only briefly as they employed their experience to counter their opponents’ size advantage.

Diamond Dallas Page proved to be an effective irritant at ringside, disrupting the Steiners’ concentration as they tried to build some steam. Eventually Rick slid out of the ring and barked at Page, who backed around the corner of the ring, luring Rick into a big boot from Vinnie Vegas. Back in the ring Scott tried for a Frankensteiner on Diamond Studd, but Vegas reached under the ropes and grabbed his partner’s legs, resulting in Scott landing hard on his head.

Dangerously:

Not that it’ll have much of an impact on him – although maybe more than his brother.

The Diamond Mine were in full control, with Rick down on the outside and Scott struggling against Vegas and Studd. Scott was planted on his back with a Diamond Death Drop, but Studd took his time making the cover and Scott kicked out to Studd’s evident irritation. Studd tagged Vegas in, and the 7 footer hauled Scott off the mat and lifted him up for Snake Eyes. Before he could score with the move, however, Rick was able to reach under the ropes and clamp onto Vegas’ feet. Scott slithered free as Studd came back into the ring to attack the brothers, and the match broke down once more into a brawl, culminating in simultaneous Steinerlines to Studd and Vegas. As Vegas rolled out of the ring, Scott hauled Studd off the mat and with his brother’s help managed to lift Studd onto his shoulders.

Ross:

Oh, here we go!

As Rick climbed the turnbuckles, Page slid into the ring and struck Scott, making him stumble and drop Studd. As quick as a flash, Page grabbed Scott by the head and dropped to the mat.

Ross:

That’s a, what do they call it, an Ace Crusher!

Rick was left perched on the turnbuckles, but before he could act Vegas reached up and shoved him off the top rope to a hard landing at ringside. The referee called for the bell to give the Steiners the win by disqualification, but as Scott was lifted off the mat and planted with a Diamond Death Drop, and Rick lay prone and unmoving on the outside of the ring, it was the Diamond Mine who appeared the victors.

Dangerously:

It’ll go down as a win for the Steiners, but the Diamond Mine walk out with their heads held high!

Ross:

Sure, three on two and they’re the winners? That’s one way of looking at it.

Winners: The Steiner Brothers ©

*

Nikita Koloff stood by with Magnum TA, the World title secure around his waist.

Magnum:

Nikita, tonight you have possibly your biggest challenger in Rick Rude. The two of you have been butting heads for weeks now, and you’ve already come through his teammate in Arn Anderson. Do you have any words for Rude before the two of you meet in the ring?

Koloff:

Rick Rude should know that he may have the weight of numbers behind him, but I have the weight of a nation behind me. 4 million Lithuanians are willing me on tonight. How can your Dangerous Alliance compare? Even with your chattering cheerleader on commentary, do you think that you can stand against me, Rude? Do you think that you compare to the might of Nikita Koloff?

Koloff:

I am the Post-Soviet Superstar, the strongest man in WCW, the toughest man in professional wrestling, the reigning World champion, and who will take that from me? You? No, Rude. Not you, not you and your friends. I will leave SuperBrawl tonight as I enter it – the World champion!

*

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Ross:

This is a rivalry that goes back some time – almost four years now since Sting made his name in an incredible effort against Ric Flair.

Dangerously:

I won’t deny, Sting is the new face of WCW just as Ric Flair has been The Man for the last decade. Whoever comes out on top, the Dangerous Alliance will be dealing with both of them soon enough, though.

Flair crossed the ring to tie up with Sting, his expression intent as he sized up his opponent. The initial tie up was tentative, Flair too cautious to get dragged into a test of strength with his much more powerful opponent, and Sting too cautious to allow his wily opponent a possible advantage. Indeed, the conflict came to a stalemate and the pair backed away to reconsider their options – only for Sting to start the fight properly with a leaping clothesline that turned Flair inside out!

Ross:

And even the Nature Boy can be surprised by the athleticism of the Stinger!

Sting pursued his advantage, hurling Flair about the ring as easily as though throwing a rag doll, hammering the Nature Boy with a flurry of dropkicks and clotheslines, hitting him so hard he practically bounced back upright each time, only to be mown down yet again. Sting held control of the opening minutes, eventually sending Flair into the corner only for Flair to catapult over the turnbuckles to the ring apron, where he was sent flying to the floor with a huge clothesline.

Sting howled to the crowd, who responded in kind, as Flair struggled to his feet on the outside.

Ross:

When Sting is on fire, no-one can stop him!

Dangerously:

I’ll take that bet, Ross – and so will Ric Flair!

Flair reached under the ropes and grabbed Sting’s foot, tripping him so he face planted into the mat. Sliding back under the ropes, Flair went to work on Sting. With a flurry of offence, the Nature Boy had his opponent reeling and winded, struggling to come back as Flair delivered a kneebreaker and held onto his leg to set up the Figure Four.

Flair:

Wooooo!

Ross:

Flair seems to have found the test he was looking for!

Dangerously:

And he’s acing it, Ross!

As Flair spun around, Sting managed to kick him off, sending him into the turnbuckles. Sting followed in behind with a clothesline before delivering a reverse suplex that saw Flair land flush on his face and chest. As Flair writhed on the mat, Sting tried to hook on the Scorpion Deathlock, but Flair thumbed him in the eye, and with a handful of trunks rolled Sting up for a close two count. Flair continued his attack as Sting tried to clear his vision, but with the Nature Boy within arms’ reach, Sting gorilla pressed him high into the air, before slamming him to the mat. He followed up with a leaping legdrop, checking by touch first to make sure Flair was in place, before hauling Flair off the mat and hurling him by his hair across the ring.

Ross:

The Nature Boy’s pompadour has seen better days.

Dangerously:

Half of it is under Sting’s fingernails right now!

Sting rubbed his eye to try and clear it, giving Flair a moment to gather his wits. Charging at his opponent, Flair was met with a huge spinning bodyslam. Sting swiftly climbed to the top rope and leapt off with a diving splash, hitting Flair hard. Sting immediately tried to follow up with the Scorpion Deathlock, but Flair was just close enough to the ropes to force the break. The Nature Boy clung to the bottom rope for dear life as Sting tried to drag him into the centre of the ring, until the referee stepped in to force the break.

Ross:

Sting wants to finish this now!

Flair tried to catch Sting with a shot to the jaw, but Sting shrugged off the hit and nearly clotheslined Flair out of his boots. As the Nature Boy reeled, he staggered backwards into the corner. Sting followed in with a Scorpion Splash, but Flair dropped to the mat. Rather than hit the turnbuckles, however, Sting landed with his feet on the middle rope.

Dangerously:

He’s learned how to counter the counter!

Looking down as Flair looked up at him, Sting howled in the Nature Boy’s face before swinging out and dropping, slamming his feet into Flair’s chest as he sat against the bottom turnbuckle.

Stunned and breathless, Flair could offer little resistance as Sting dragged him by his legs into the centre of the ring. Although he tried again to go for Sting’s eyes, Sting powered him over into the Scorpion Deathlock, sitting back on the hold as Flair howled and clawed at the mat, trying to gain some purchase to pull himself towards the ropes, but with Sting holding tight and no apparent way out, could only Flair hold on for so long before being too wracked with pain to have any option but to submit.

Ross:

A huge win for Sting!

Dangerously:

But what does this mean for Flair – he’s lost a match he said would define him, Ross!

Ross:

You sound more upset than I would have thought, Paul.

Dangerously:

Of course I’m upset! Can you imagine how much money could have been made for the Alliance by Steve Austin or Rick Rude retiring Ric Flair!

Winner: Sting (B)

*

Wounded and limping, Flair stood with hands on hips as he watched Sting celebrate his victory. His features expressed the full gamut of emotions as the Stinger played to the crowd, and eventually Flair’s head dropped, shaking slowly from side to side. He left the ring and seemed about to walk up the aisle when he changed his mind. Turning back, he grabbed a microphone and re-entered the ring, approaching Sting from behind as the crowd boomed a collective warning to their idol.

Flair:

Sting, hey Sting!

Sting turned to face Flair, his posture wary as he stayed out of his opponent’s reach.

Flair:

You did it, Stinger. You beat the man, fair and square. I did all I could, I fought as hard as I could, as clean as I could...

Flair smiled ruefully as Sting watched him, clearly still unsure where Flair was going.

Flair:

...and despite everything, you beat me. So I guess what I’m saying is, as far as I’m concerned...

He held out his hand, to the evident surprise of both the crowd and Sting.

Flair:

...you’re the man.

Sting stared at Flair in disbelief as Flair waited, hand outstretched and waiting patiently for his response. Sting looked to the fans, half of whom cheered the idea of the two shaking hands, the others half chanted loudly for Sting to not do so.

Dangerously:

How many times has Ric Flair suckered people in by doing just this?

Ross:

More times than I can count.

Dangerously:

And Sting’s been one of them!

Slowly, uncertainly, Sting extended his hand until Ric took it and shook it. Going further, he raised Sting’s hand overhead.

Flair:

The Man!

Dropping Sting’s hand, Flair nodded respectfully to him and left the ring, leaving Sting to stare at him, still in some surprise, before turning back to the crowd and saluting them once more.

Ross:

Ric Flair’s always said it, and now he’s given Sting his blessing.

Dangerously:

Maybe he has Flair’s blessing, Ross, but he doesn’t have the World title.

Ross:

That belongs to Nikita Koloff, Paul.

Dangerously:

For now, Ross. For now.

*

WCW World Heavyweight Title

Nikita Koloff © vs. Rick Rude

Rude made his customary entrance, taunting the crowd as Madusa looked on from ringside.

Rude:

What I’d like to have right now is for all you fat, ugly, unsuccessful Wisconsin warthogs to take one last, long, lingering look at the perfect, yet unadorned, body of a real man...

He removed his robe and soaked in the boos and jeers of the crowd.

Rude:

...because by the end of the night there’ll be ten pounds of gold wrapped around my waist, and it’s never leaving there again!

Koloff entered with the gold securely strapped around his waist, and made a show of standing nose to nose with Rude, showing his lack of intimidation in the face of his challenger.

Ross:

Rude is undefeated in WCW. Koloff hasn’t tasted defeat since last summer. These are two of the very best in the world right now, and they’re fighting for the biggest prize there is – the WCW World title!

The two titans circled one another warily as the referee called for the bell. An initial teasing out process drew no advantage for either man, with neither committing fully to the moment. Rude looked frustrated as Koloff beckoned him onwards.

Ross:

The onus is on the challenger to make the running in this match. The champion can only lose the title by pinfall or submission – disqualification, countout or a time limit draw will keep the gold with Nikita Koloff.

Dangerously:

And it would be just like Koloff to have that in the back of his mind. You just know he’s waiting for the chance to bail out of this match, Ross!

Ross:

I know no such thing, Paul, but I do know your guy has to get the win in the centre of the ring.

So long as Koloff fights fair- Why are you laughing?!?

Ross:

The idea of a fair fight when one of your clients is in the ring is funny, Paul.

Dangerously:

Shut up, Ross!

The champion and challenger exchanged punches in the centre of the ring, neither man able to knock the other down, even with their incredible strength. Eventually Koloff managed to land a flurry of shots to back Rude into the ropes, and Koloff whipped him across the ring, following in with a Sickle that sent Rude over the top rope to the arena floor.

Koloff followed Rude out and the two brawled wildly on the outside, sending Madusa diving for cover as Koloff was thrown in her direction.

Dangerously:

Koloff should watch where he’s going. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Madusa.

Back in the ring, Koloff found himself on the receiving end of a ferocious onslaught at the hands of Rude, the challenger clearly having decided to step up his efforts having found some success outside of the ring. A trio of clotheslines found their mark, and Rude followed up with a knee drop and a fist drop, before trying for the Rude Awakening. Koloff powered out before Rude could turn him fully around and shoved Rude into the corner. Climbing the turnbuckles Koloff punched the challenger several times, but Rude hauled him out of the corner and delivered an inverted atomic drop to leave Koloff doubled over. Rude knocked him down with a running knee before kicking Koloff in the gut and delivering a series of mounted punches of his own as Koloff tried to cover up.

Dangerously:

You see? All clean, Ross!

Ross:

I never doubted that Rude could be this good, Paul – just whether he’d even bother to try.

The referee forced the break as Rude reluctantly allowed himself to be pushed away from Koloff. The champion’s left eye was swollen shut, leaving Rude free to strike from that side as Koloff tried to fend him off, but Rude went to the well once too often and walked directly into a second Sickle of the night, earning Koloff a close two.

Pressing his advantage, Koloff kept Rude within arm’s reach to stop him moving into his blind spot. Through sheer strength he wore Rude down, including clamping on a crushing bearhug, crossing his arms around Rude’s back as he squeezed. Rude sagged in the hold, arms and head going limp as Koloff crushed his ribs. Rude gasped, and with his last breath raked Koloff’s eyes, weakening his grip and letting Rude draw enough of a breath to deliver a straight right to Koloff’s left eye, splitting the brow open and finally breaking himself free of the hold.

Ross:

Both men hurting now, but Rude maybe a little more?

Dangerously:

Oh, you think? He can barely breathe!

Rude, indeed, was laying in one corner of the ring as the referee checked on Koloff’s sliced open brow. Clutching his ribs, he coughed and wheezed as he struggled to get to his feet.

Dangerously:

But this is why Rude works so hard on his core muscles, Ross, to counter exactly this situation.

Koloff pushed the referee away and grabbed Rude, lifting him up for the Jackhammer, but Rude went once more to the wounded eye to free himself. Dropping down, Rude tried for a Rude Awakening, but Koloff grabbed the ropes to hold himself in place. As the two men turned to face one another, Koloff lunged forwards with a Sickle that put Rude down hard. Covering, Koloff got three-

Ross:

That’s it! Koloff retains!

Dangerously:

No! Look at Rude’s foot!

Madusa was shouting and pointing at Rude’s foot, which was draped over the bottom rope. The referee waved off the count as Koloff objected, and replays confirmed that Madusa had saved the match for Rude by dropping his foot on the ropes.

Ross:

Covert Operations, huh?

Dangerously:

We pay for the best, Ross.

Realising what had happened, Koloff barked at Madusa, warning her against interfering again as she smirked back at him. Rude rolled out of the way, taking the time to gather his breath. Koloff charged at him only for Rude to sidestep at the last second, and Koloff sandwiched the referee against the turnbuckles. As the official dropped to the mat, Rude tried for the Rude Awakening again, but Koloff once more shoved him off and booted Rude in the gut, dropping the challenger to his knees.

Dangerously:

Now, now, now!

Koloff dragged Rude up with a bellow of effort, hauling him up into a Jackhammer. Before he could complete the move, though, Madusa slid into the ring and blasted him across the back with a steel chair. Koloff stumbled, dropping Rude to the mat. Madusa sprang out of the ring and Rude spun Koloff around, finally scoring with a Rude Awakening on the champion as a new referee charged down the ramp and into the ring. Rude covered, hooking Koloff’s leg as the referee dropped to make the cover, counting the one, two, three!

Dangerously:

Yes! Yes! Yes! Rude wins! I told you, Ross! I told you!

Dangerously left the commentary position to join Rude in the ring, bringing with him the World title as Madusa and the rest of the Dangerous Alliance also came into the ring. Austin and Anderson helped Rude to his feet, supporting him as Dangerously strapped the World title around his waist.

Dangerously:

Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match and your new, undisputed, reigning, defending WCW World Heavyweight Champion... Rick Rude!

Rude raised his arms gingerly overhead as the other members of the Alliance applauded him.

Ross:

Well, no-one can deny that the title looks good on him, even if he had a little help... But this if this is day one of the Rick Rude era in WCW, he has a lot of challengers lined up: Sting, Lex Luger, and of course Nikita Koloff will all be lining up to challenge for the title. For now, though, thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you on Saturday night!

Winner: Rick Rude (B)

Show rating: B+

OOC: So, that was weak. I should have covered the US and World tag matches a lot better as both got hit by 4th match penalties. Flair/Sting, despite great chemistry and A* performances on both sides, got dinged by the Dangerous Alliance storyline’s heat – not helped by the US title match, I’m sure! As for the main event, Koloff has been a weak champion, on review, but this is the sort of thing I wanted to have the booking committee around for, as working with Koloff has been a challenge. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though, and the committee will be convened again soon...

The show was pretty much saved from a so-so B grade by the Flair/Sting segment; Flair turned face in the segment, and it scored an A* – and possibly overshadowed the main event, which may have gone over better if Flair hadn’t been in grandstanding form just before. Nothing ventured...

Coming up over the holiday break, Ric’s off to see Vince McMahon!

James Casey · December 27, 2017

<p><em>OOC: Fair warning, the next several posts are not going to be shows – instead, Ric has a mission to complete and an open WCW chequebook to pay for it with. So we will have Ric Flair spending Ted Turner’s money... Should be fun!</em></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Westchester in early March was a lot colder than Atlanta, and Ric fastened his overcoat as he stepped off the jet and walked down the steps. He was cleared through to the waiting car in minutes, and sank back in his seat for the short drive into Stamford.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>It’s not so bad to be away for a night. SuperBrawl... was okay. If I hadn’t turned face and anointed Sting, it could have been worse, but the buzz got us over the hump from our repetitive booking and the show turned in positive reviews. People liked Rude getting the title, and the idea of him getting into a real feud with Sting...</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Steve Austin wasn’t so happy with Rude, though. Why get into it with the guy who’s about to be pushed to the World title?</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

Flair smiled.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Well, I’d have done it back in the day! Austin’s not such a bad kid... and getting a slap around the head from Rick Rude will have knocked some sense into him, if nothing else would!</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>And Johnny B. Badd could be next in line. Maybe I need to make Rude my backstage problem solver? Maybe I should just stop being so lenient when someone’s taking steroids. Three failed tests for steroids means he’s sitting out a month. I’d feel bad for Scotty Flamingo, but he’s already had one failed test... I had high hopes for those two as a team, but they’re even more obnoxious backstage then they are in the ring!</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

Flair sighed, and shook his head.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>This was supposed to be more fun... but if I can’t make people realise that I have to do what it takes to make WCW a force, and not just run this place as a throwback to the good old days... Well, I guess the guy I’m meeting today knows all about hard decisions.</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

The car, he’d noticed, had a small-but-visible WWF flag flying on its hood, like an ambassador’s car. He wondered if it would pull up to a public entrance, possibly with a photographer or two waiting to capture him arriving at Titan Towers.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Ric Flair in a WWF limo... This was nearly my life...</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Limos all the way for the Nature Boy! Whoooo!</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

Opening his briefcase he withdrew the folders that he’d had prepared ahead of the meeting.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Four names, four great talents... Now how do I sell Vince on letting even one of them come south?</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

*</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

In fact, the limousine pulled into an underground parking lot beneath the steel and glass prominence of Titan Towers. The gleaming headquarters of the World Wrestling Federation looked a lot more earthy and functional from beneath Ric thought as he was shepherded by his driver into an elevator that shot upwards to the top floor. Exiting into a lobby, he was shown to a receptionist’s desk where he was greeted by someone who looked as though he’d failed the WWF prospects entrance exam – for being too heavily muscled.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

“Mr Flair, welcome, you’re expected of course,” the receptionist said, offsetting his presence with a warm, welcoming smile. “Mr McMahon won’t be long. I’m sure you understand how meetings can run over when there’s so much to discuss.”</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

“Of course, of course,” Ric replied with a wave of his hand. “He’s a busy man, and I’m grateful for his time.”</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

The smile remained in place as Ric was shown into a waiting area. Six months’ worth of WWF Magazine were displayed prominently on the table. He picked up January’s issue, which featured the Undertaker on the cover, and discussion of a possible Rockers split.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Well, if it was in the Magazine back then, it was written in the fall at the latest... Why hasn’t it happened yet?</em></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

Ric skimmed through the features before tossing the magazine aside and picking up the latest issue, which was previewing the upcoming WrestleMania. Jake Roberts would face Hulk Hogan for the World title after winning the Royal Rumble, but the feud was already ablaze after Roberts had ambushed Hogan on an episode of Superstars and set a one of his pet vipers on Hogan. The viper had sunk its fangs into Hogan’s bicep with Hogan tied up in the ropes, and even though the snake had been devenomed the audience at large didn’t know that. Seeing Hogan carried away, frantic medics tending to him as he convulsed on a stretcher... It made Ric want to buy the pay-per-view, and never mind that the next biggest match would be Sid Justice against Ultimate Warrior in a match that would redefine the concept of a basic brawl.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

“Ric?”</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/VMcMahon.jpg</span><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span></div></div></div><img alt="487BHFM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/487BHFM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">He looked up from the magazine to meet the eyes of Vince McMahon. The owner of the WWF stretched out a hand, and Ric rose from his chair to meet it.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

“What I’d give for a camera crew right now, huh?” Vince chuckled. “But I thought this might be a meeting we’d want some kind of privacy for, so let’s go into my office.”</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"></div></div></div>

James Casey · December 29, 2017

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="487BHFM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/487BHFM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

</p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Vince’s office was a corner suite that looked towards another of the company’s properties, a state-of-the-art television production studio a couple of blocks away that Vince pointed out as they stood, side by side, in front of the panoramic windows.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I’ll tell you something for nothing, Ric, because I’ve always liked you. The secret’s not in how good the show is, but how good the customer thinks it’ll be. The better you sell it, the more they want to buy it. Take your last show, SuperBrawl. It was a pretty decent effort, you know. I caught the replay, and I was impressed by what you did with Cactus Jack. Getting hit by a car and getting up? Incredible – and you should make that a feature clip for him to build him up, because anyone who gets hit by a car and still comes after you is a scary, scary man. What can you do to put him down?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“With the facilities in the new studio, we’ll be putting out trailers for our big shows that’ll make Hollywood sit up and take notice – we’ll raise our prices and fans will still be begging to get through the door, or demanding their cable companies carry our shows!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Vince, you sell wrestling like no-one on this planet ever has,” Ric replied. “And I’d be a fool not to listen to you... But you’re selling to a different audience. It’s why I’ve never felt that this has to be a war. We have our fans, you have yours-”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“And both of us are competing for an audience who don’t buy wrestling pay-per-views, Ric, at least not yet. Arn Anderson is a great wrestler – a great wrestler – but even with you booking WCW he’s not headlining your shows. You know why that is, even if you’re still trying to get by just on wrestling.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“No ‘just’ about it, Vince, and Arn headlined at the Clash in January,” Ric replied, feeling obliged to defend his best friend.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yeah, a show you gave away on free TV. We put some weird guys on top on the Main Event shows too, Ric, but when we needed the fans to pay it wasn’t Akeem or the Rockers closing out the show.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, that’s by the by,” Ric said, deciding not to get drawn into a discussion where both sides were too deeply entrenched in their positions to ever move. Vince apparently took it as a sign of concession, his eyes gleaming with delight as he guided Ric into a chair opposite his.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Now, you said something on the phone about a business opportunity that might interest me. I assume you’re not here to suggest some sort of working relationship between WCW and the WWF?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“If I thought you and Ted would go for it, Vince, then I might do just that,” Ric said. “But you’re not a joiner, and Ted probably wouldn’t go for it in case it hit the stock of his companies.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Hah, well, I have the advantage there – the WWF is all mine!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric smiled. “Exactly. All yours, and so you’re the man to deal with – the only man I thought might take me seriously.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Go on.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric opened his briefcase and took out the folders.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“We have an interest in four workers currently under WWF contract. We’d like to know if you’d be willing to enter into negotiations for us to buy out their contracts.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince stared across the table, and for a moment Ric had the gratifying sight of his counterpart clearly shocked by what he’d said. Vince recovered quickly, though, and laughed.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Ric... Come on, I like you, and it’s always good to catch up, but it’s a long way from Atlanta to Stamford to play a joke. You could have done this over the phone.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>I’d have missed the look on your face, Vince, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything.</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric maintained a straight face.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Vince, I’m serious. You have four guys sat in the midcard, going nowhere, and I don’t think any of them suit your style – two technicians, two high flyers... The best any of them have got is a, as you say, main event on Saturday Night’s Main Event. They don’t suit your product, they don’t really seem to have a future in the company so far as I can tell... and I’m sure at least two of them are banging on your door, asking for more on a regular basis. Ditch them, and there’s more room for guys who work the WWF style – more time for big Sid, Hulk and the others. For us, they’d be big names – and I know you’re not scared of our getting bigger, after all.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince had recovered his composure by now. He folded his hands on the desktop and stared across it at Ric.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Don’t try and sell ice to an Eskimo, Ric. If you’re after these guys, you think they have talent, and maybe they do. You’re not doing me a favour by taking my midcard away, after all, and there’s no reason I should do you one.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The two men stared at one another. Ric sat still, just short of holding his breath as he waited for Vince’s curiosity to kick in.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Who’re you after, anyway? </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Not</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> that I’m saying I’m open to discussions, but I’ll humour you that much.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, I assume you’re not interested in letting the Undertaker come back to WCW...”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince cracked a smile. “You assume correctly.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric shrugged as though it didn’t matter. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>But it would have been nice...</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

He opened the first folder and looked down once more on a file that had become as familiar to him of late as his own children’s faces.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="WDPSP1o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WDPSP1o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Curt Hennig.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince’s smile widened.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Mr Perfect, eh? Yeah, I can see why you’d want him, Ric, but let’s be clear about this – the answer’s no. Perfect’s going to get a push up to the top this year, especially with Hogan in talks for more movies.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric closed the folder. He wasn’t surprised – Hennig was too good a wrestler for even Vince to ignore, and had the looks and presence that Vince loved. Setting that folder aside, Ric opened the second one.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UaBrzWv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UaBrzWv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Bret Hart.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Want to build a collection of Harts do you? He’s one-half of the tag champions right now. Why would we let him go?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“He’s one-half of the tag champions with </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Rick Martel</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, a guy you don’t even have tied down to an exclusive deal. If it were that important for Bret to hold the titles, why not reform the Hart Foundation, or bring Owen or one of the other Hart boys in? You could put the belts on the Road Warriors tomorrow and the fans would love that.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The Legion Of Doom will get their shot, Ric, and may even be the next champions – but by my decision, not yours. Who else do you want?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric opened the next folder.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="MrTXn8P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MrTXn8P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Shawn Michaels.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince snorted.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I should let him go to you and let you find out what a pain the kid is. Always banging on my door, wants a singles run, wants to ditch Jannetty, wants to go full movie star... At least have the decency to get over before you start making demands, like some people do! Who else?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Setting Michaels’ folder aside, Ric opened the last one.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="wYhkXtF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wYhkXtF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Marty Jannetty.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince’s eyes narrowed. “Going for the Teen Beat market with the Rockers, Ric? I guess the Rock And Roll Express are getting a bit long in the tooth for that. No, I like Jannetty. He keeps his head down, he performs in the ring, and if we do ever split the Rockers, he’s first in line for a push.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric dropped the folders for Hennig and Jannetty into his briefcase, and glanced down at the two he was left holding.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So... What about Hart and Michaels?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince sat back in his chair, hands clasped, and smiled lazily.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Why should I let you buy out their contracts, Ric? What’s in it for me? What does World Championship Wrestling have to offer the World Wrestling Federation?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, you’d be rid of two wrestlers who you’re unlikely to ever give a push to, who’re talented enough to want, even </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>expect</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, a push but who history tells us aren’t ever going to main event for you, not long term and certainly not with the World title. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“We’d buy out their contracts at their current value – whatever they have left to earn from you, we’d pay you to let you find their replacements.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Money is </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>hardly</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> an issue, Ric. You buying out their contracts is a given, and probably more on top.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince frowned, as though he’d just realised he’d gone from dismissive to interested. He waved a hand irritably.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The two of them have value, though, and, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>if</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> we were to consider this deal, we’d need something more than just cash to make it worth our while. We’ve put a lot of time into both of these men, and replacing them would take time and investment. They have value, the fans like them, and even if we’re not planning on having them do more than act as gatekeepers to the main event, they know that’s a better deal then they’d get almost anywhere else. As for replacing two popular midcarders, well, we’re heading into WrestleMania season. That’s far from ideal, not with a show to fill... although Larry’s doing well, of course!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

It was Vince’s turn to sit silently and watch Ric as the cogs spun in the latter’s mind, trying to ignore the jibe.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“We’d be open to trading certain performers,” Ric began. Vince remained impassive, beyond a slightly raised eyebrow. “But you didn’t expect me to make this offer, so now you’re thinking about who we have that can work in a WWF ring. Well, you have Sid, his former partner Dan Spivey would be an excellent fit-“</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince shook his head.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Dan Spivey? No. Last time he was here he went off-script. I have no time for someone like that.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Billy Jack Haynes-“</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Does what Hercules does, less well, and with a worse attitude backstage if I remember correctly. Last time he was here, he tried to rebook a match on the fly... Say, this is starting to seem like a theme for your workers, Ric.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince seemed to be enjoying himself, which Ric suspected meant that this was going nowhere. He thought of one more name who might suit the Federation.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“What about Barry Windham?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“More interesting, but still – he failed in the WWF before.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“As ‘The Stalker’. As characters go, Vince, that wasn’t a great one.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince laughed.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“No, perhaps you’re right. Barry Windham... Tall, well-built but could do with more definition... Good on the microphone... We might be interested in him, in the future. But not now.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince’s smile by now was as broad as Ric had ever seen.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I’ll make it easy for you, Ric. I don’t think anyone outside of your main event is worth even one of Michaels or Hart. Rude left here for a reason. Arn Anderson is nothing more than a tag guy in our company. Randy Savage retired here, and we have no interest in bringing him back. Ricky Steamboat failed twice. Sting is loyal to WCW – we didn’t even make a serious effort to sign him when his contract came up recently. You, of course, are tied down to a long term contract. That doesn’t leave very many of your workers... Really, only two.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Luger and Koloff.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Lex Luger and, as you say, Nikita Koloff. The shame of it is, we’re looking for someone who could be a secondary heel going forward. Jake Roberts is going to be big, and Mr Perfect not far behind. Can you imagine two more different guys? But that’s where we’re going – and Undertaker’s not far behind Perfect, for that matter. Three very distinct characters who’ll be very big names for us, and soon.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“And you want Luger for that?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“No, we’d take Koloff for that. But the shame is, the time’s not right. We don’t him just to be ‘Russia bad’. We want something a little more... nuanced than that.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric’s surprise must have shown on his face, because Vince wagged a finger at him.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Now, now, Ric, we can do nuance. But until we have a clearer idea on how the collapse of the Soviet Union is going to pan out, what sort of people the new Russians and everyone else are going to be... Well, it’s hard to work out how to spin a ‘post-Soviet’ character.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Koloff’s doing well enough for us,” Ric replied.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“He is, and I won’t say otherwise... But I don’t buy him as a face for us. And, frankly, after putting the Iraq situation front and centre last year, I don’t feel like running a politics-based angle is a great idea when it’s not abundantly clear how it’s going to play out.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince, for once, looked chastened – for a moment. Then he beamed at Ric again.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So, Luger. We’d take him... And as it happens, I hear that his contract is coming due in a couple of months. As a favour to you, Ric, I might be willing to let you speak to Shawn or Bret – if you let us speak to Luger now, and get him signed with us.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric frowned. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Lose Luger? The guy’s one of WCW’s biggest names, an Adonis made near-perfect flesh, a living Superman-</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>-who can’t wrestle, won’t wrestle, will never learn to wrestle! How many years putting him over, and he still doesn’t know a hammerlock from a wristlock! He’s all sizzle, and how do you work with someone like that!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>He’s a part of the Dangerous Alliance storyline. To trade him for Michaels or Hart – or even both... How do I sell that to the fans, or to Ted Turner, or-</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>You’ve never liked Luger! He’s not the future of WCW, no matter how hard everyone else tried to put him over! And have you put him over, too! He’s not the Nature Boy! Whooo!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric made up his mind.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, I’ll have to consider it, Vince,” he replied. “But I think that one of my main eventers is worth two of your midcarders.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“You’re the one asking for the favour, Ric, and asking for the favour from a company you’re in direct competition with. I’m holding all the cards, here, Ric. You can push, and I can break off any talk of a possible deal, and take my chances on prying Luger away from you.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes...” Ric’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you want Lex Luger?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince shifted in his chair, and realisation dawned fast for Ric. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Hogan in talks for more movies... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“You want him as the next Hogan,” he said. Vince said nothing, but the slight tightening of his mouth spoke volumes. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Now who’s holding the cards? Whooo! </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“There are... certain... </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>superficial</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">... similarities...” Vince replied after a long moment. “But don’t think that this gives you an advantage, Ric. We can outbid you any day of the week, and even if Luger is as loyal to WCW as Sting is, then we can turn his head.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>So why not turn Sting’s he- Hey, no serious effort to sign Sting? </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>And who says Luger’s as loyal to WCW as Sting is? </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>The only person who’d say that... is Luger! Luger’s been talking to Vince! The punk always had one eye on the money... Not that you can blame a man for that! </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric and Vince stared at each other. Ric let a grin slowly spread across his face as Vince eyed him warily. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Who else has been banging on your door, Vince? Someone who’s got over, someone who’s not getting the push they expected, someone who thinks they deserve a better deal, maybe...”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince forced a laugh. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, remind me not to play poker with you, Ric! But there’s always someone who wants more, someone who’s pushing for a better deal or a bigger push. You can’t please everyone, am I right?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“You’re right, Vince... But </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>if</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> there was an individual who you wanted an excuse to remove from your roster without cutting them from their contract, and </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>if</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> they were pushing hard for a bigger deal that you didn’t want to give them, and </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>if</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> we could take them off your hands... Well, that </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>and</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Luger </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>and</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> the money might be worth the contracts for Michaels and Hart, if not Hennig and Jannetty... Agreed?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

This time Vince’s laugh seemed less forced.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Ric, I take it back, you could sell ice to an Eskimo, and probably make them pay over the odds, too. For having the brass neck to come in here and make me even think that raiding my roster was a good idea, I’m actually considering this deal.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>So there is someone... Now who’re we going to get stuck with? Bossman? Santana? Please don’t let it be the Warlord!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“You know what? Why not! There is someone who could do with a fresh start, and maybe letting him go with you is the right thing to do! If he agrees, and if you can make a deal, then I’ll let you talk to Hart and Michaels as well!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince’s smile took on a more feral look.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“There’s nothing like a shakeup to get the blood pumping, and it won’t hurt to let the rest of the locker room know they’re expendable...”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

He sat back, and folded his hands together.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Let me make some calls. You can have lunch in my private dining room, but I think that the gentlemen in question are all in the area today, as luck would have it...”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>Next: The price...</em></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p>

sportsfanmas · December 29, 2017

Interesting stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out in-game, how you are going to be able to make this happen.

Loving your dynasty, you are doing far better with your WCW 1991 attempt than I am, but that's ok. I'm still having a blast, even if I don't have as much time to devote to it as I'd like.

The Final Countdown · December 30, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>OOC: Fair warning, the next several posts are not going to be shows – instead, Ric has a mission to complete and an open WCW chequebook to pay for it with. So we will have Ric Flair spending Ted Turner’s money... Should be fun!</div></blockquote><p> No complaints here! These posts are at least as entertaining as the shows themselves, if not more! I love behind the scenes stuff like this; it's actually what got me hooked on this thread in the first place.</p>

James Casey · December 30, 2017

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p></p></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></span><img alt="6OpCjJ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6OpCjJ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yLYFp2N.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yLYFp2N.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vXZABmg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vXZABmg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mpCQrl0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mpCQrl0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span></p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span></p></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">

</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Hayes.jpg</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Crockett.jpg</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Bischoff.jpg</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Graham.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p>

</p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">“Vince’s private dining room? Man, imagine the stories that table could tell...” Hayes shook his head. “I heard it used to be the Admiral’s dining table at Annapolis, but Vince bribed a couple of Captains to get it for his office.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So, did we get them? Michaels and Hart, are they coming to WCW?” Bischoff asked. “And who’s the other guy?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes, that’s quite important. I’m sure that Vince McMahon didn’t surrender his advantage easily – or cheaply. So, we’re letting Luger leave and that’s not enough on its own... Who did he want us to take from the WWF?” Crockett asked.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric’s smile faded. He’d enjoyed recounting the story, until now. This was where it would get difficult.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

*</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="487BHFM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/487BHFM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/VMcMahon.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric had just finished a sorbet when the door opened and Vince walked in.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I hope you enjoyed lunch, Ric. You have a busy afternoon ahead of you,” he said, his eyes sparkling. Ric dabbed at his lips with a napkin before standing.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“They’re all here, then?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, the first is. Bret and Shawn will be along a little later. I’ll have to talk to them both, explain the situation... There’s no guarantee, of course, that they’ll be interested in leaving the Federation to go down south, but you’ll have the opportunity to speak to them, I guarantee that, at least.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“But your first signing... Well, I’ve already primed the pump for you. I’ve explained how importantly you see him as a signing, how big a role you see him playing in WCW.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince beamed a megawatt smile as Ric’s heart sank in his chest.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I know you didn’t expect to sign him today, but with someone as big a name as this, I thought it was important to stress the opportunity; After all, we both know that he’s taking a step down if he signs with WCW, but if he can become one of your cornerstones, well, the sky’s the limit, right?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes, well...” Ric began. “Vince, how about I speak to them, and we see whether WCW can live up to the big sell you’ve given us?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I’ll bring him right in,” Vince replied, his smile losing none of its intensity. Ric noticed as he left that the table had been cleared – he hadn’t noticed the staff entering the room, not with the spectre of Vince’s reject looming.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince returned in moments, leading the way through the door.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I don’t know if you two have ever met?” he began, pausing in the doorway for maximum effect. “Ric Flair, let me introduce you to...”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="gfkEMZ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gfkEMZ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“...the Ultimate Warrior!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

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

<span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/UltimateWarrior.jpg</span> </p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

</p>

KnowYourEnemy · December 30, 2017

Looks like we're bringing back the <strong>Blade Runners</strong>! Yes!

James Casey · December 30, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sportsfanmas" data-cite="sportsfanmas" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Interesting stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out in-game, how you are going to be able to make this happen.<p> </p><p> Loving your dynasty, you are doing far better with your WCW 1991 attempt than I am, but that's ok. I'm still having a blast, even if I don't have as much time to devote to it as I'd like.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks! I had real trouble with getting the booking right, as WCW at the time was just beginning the shift from territorial-style booking (which I know well) to sports entertainment (which I know well) and were in a bit of a hinterland (which I don't know well).</p><p> </p><p> Getting Rude was a godsend for my ratings. He's flown up the rankings from about C+ at game start to A nationwide - he's my biggest star, with Sting close behind, but as in the real WCW at this time, the Dangerous Alliance is the glue that holds the whole place together.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>No complaints here! These posts are at least as entertaining as the shows themselves, if not more! I love behind the scenes stuff like this; it's actually what got me hooked on this thread in the first place.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks, TFC. I'm currently binge-reading your TGAAB WWF diary (currently just finished KOTR '89) and couldn't resist using the same Vince photo I think you used in that diary - a little tribute to James Hill and co!</p><p> </p><p> I honestly don't know if I could do a straight wrestling-focused diary with no backstage focus. It's a little odd, as in real life I try and avoid spoilers, backstage gossip and so on, but I love all that stuff in a dynasty, and with Ric Flair in charge of WCW it feels unavoidable. Having the booking meetings (and there's one coming up soon, for what I hope are obvious reasons!) helps make that a bit more interactive, so I don't go completely off and just write the backstage side of the show...</p><p> </p><p> ...and now I want to do a wholly backstage diary, focussed on the real personalities of the workers and their interrelationships. Well, another time, perhaps.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Looks like we're bringing back the Blade Runners! Yes!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If Ultimate Warrior signs with Ric Flair's WCW (and goodness me, how odd does that sound?) then that's a definite possibility... If you guys want it, that is!</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>Next: Ric Flair negotiates with the Ultimate Warrior...</em></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p>

Bluestillidie00 · December 30, 2017

Loving this, this era is essentially a decade before I was born, but it's still interesting. As someone who grew up knowing wrestling was fake in the Cena-Era, I always wished I could've grew up in the era where Kayfabe was still a thing and everyone thought it was real

crackerjack · December 30, 2017

Don't know if I'd go for Warrior here. I feel like the over-the-top cartoony gimmick void is filled by Macho Man right now, and, outside of a sting reunion, there's not much to run on. I don't know if you'll be able to get a hand on Bret/HBK/Perfect, but I'd head down that route before grabbing Warrior.

KnowYourEnemy · December 30, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Don't know if I'd go for Warrior here. I feel like the over-the-top cartoony gimmick void is filled by Macho Man right now, and, outside of a sting reunion, there's not much to run on. I don't know if you'll be able to get a hand on Bret/HBK/Perfect, but I'd head down that route before grabbing Warrior.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If anything, I think Flair is getting too good a deal netting Bret, Warrior and Shawn for Luger. There are a couple pieces he could send Vince's way without hurting the company too much overall. I can name a few, at least, that worked for the WWF later in real life. </p><p> </p><p> I'm really enjoying these developments. I don't think TEW can fully capture the nuance of contract negotiations -- during the 1990s, they took several months and private meetings to sort these things out. Usually, these would occur between under-contract talent and bookers/owners, but it isn't too far a stretch to see Flair and McMahon work together.</p>

James Casey · December 30, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bluestillidie00" data-cite="Bluestillidie00" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Loving this, this era is essentially a decade before I was born, but it's still interesting. As someone who grew up knowing wrestling was fake in the Cena-Era, I always wished I could've grew up in the era where Kayfabe was still a thing and everyone thought it was real</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's an interesting time. Kayfabe was just starting to fade (I think Vince admitted it was 'fake' in the late 80s before a state athletic commission - the details escape me, but that's generally taken as the point of no return) but in WCW was still pretty strictly enforced - moreso in Flair's WCW than in real life, though. If you ever have a chance to look up Cactus Jack - Lost In Cleveland... Well, I'm never going to do that!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Don't know if I'd go for Warrior here. I feel like the over-the-top cartoony gimmick void is filled by Macho Man right now, and, outside of a sting reunion, there's not much to run on. I don't know if you'll be able to get a hand on Bret/HBK/Perfect, but I'd head down that route before grabbing Warrior.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Warrior is... Well, he's not a good fit for WCW, at all, but as we're about to see, he doesn't feel so great about WWF right now, either!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If anything, I think Flair is getting too good a deal netting Bret, Warrior and Shawn for Luger. There are a couple pieces he could send Vince's way without hurting the product too much. <p> </p><p> There's one WCW guy who has been angling for a undeserved push that WCW could do without. He may not have the body, but he could definitely be a #2 heel in the WWF.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I was in two minds about who I could (and should) lose to WWF. In reality, the WWF took Luger in Spring 1992 - but in-game he's a lot happier in WCW so he's not likely to force his way out of the company the way he did in reality. Koloff was on the line... but that was more "I've just taken the title from him, where's the harm in sending him to WWF?" It had to be a genuine loss to WCW.</p><p> </p><p> For that reason, I nearly sent Sting on his way, but ultimately he's loyal to WCW, only signed a new deal a couple of months ago and is tight with Flair (and vice-versa). It just didn't seem realistic to cut him from the roster as he's WCW's crown jewel, and worth way more to the company than even Hart + Michaels + A. N. Other.</p><p> </p><p> There's also a lot of money going to WWF for this, which is more of an incentive for them than a harm to us - WCW is minted, with about 3x the bank balance.</p><p> </p><p> I'm curious who you think would star in WWF? A lot of people I discounted as candidates because so many of them are WWF failures - Windham, Taylor, Spivey, Anderson, Steamboat... WCW makes a good rehabilitation centre for WWF rejects! Michael Hayes was the other candidate, but he's on time decline and - for backstage reasons - I didn't want to lose him. Still, his contract is up in a few weeks - he may walk anyway!</p>

KnowYourEnemy · December 30, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James Casey" data-cite="James Casey" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> I'm curious who you think would star in WWF? A lot of people I discounted as candidates because so many of them are WWF failures - Windham, Taylor, Spivey, Anderson, Steamboat... WCW makes a good rehabilitation centre for WWF rejects! Michael Hayes was the other candidate, but he's on time decline and - for backstage reasons - I didn't want to lose him. Still, his contract is up in a few weeks - he may walk anyway!</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'd love to see Sting and Luger traded for Bret and Shawn, if only because we get to see the guys play "for the other team". I know the two are close in real life -- maybe Sting wants to follow his friend? </p><p> </p><p> Honestly, with Hayes, I would've seen the "backstage reasons" as a reason to send him over. It creates uncertainty and controversy among the boys, and it would add intrigue to the locker room talks. Plus, he could always have some "inside information" to use down the road. </p><p> </p><p> Flair knows he's on time decline, but does Vince?</p>

James Casey · December 31, 2017

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

OOC: So, in the time between last night and tonight the website I used to host photos has gone away. First photobucket, now this - as a moderately image-reliant diary, this is infuriating.</p><p> </p><p>

I've spent 2 hours trying to find a user friendly alternative, but every one I've tried (variously imgbox, cubeupload, imagehosting, ezphotoshare, imgbb, imgur, urimagez, freephotoupload, Google photos, imgrpost, kiwi6, imagevenue, vgy, picload and postimg) either renames the image, adds in some sort of unique URL modifier or just flat-out isn't suitable for hotlinking.</p><p> </p><p>

I have a template for each show, and common links (like the 5 man booking committee lineup) are all saved in Word as well. I'm good at copy/pasting those and just changing the filename. That's all I want to do - not try and decipher imgur's filename system. Photobucket worked brilliantly for me as each account had it's own unique url, each sub-album span off that, and you could have files of the same name in different albums with no issues. How no other photo hosting service (other than the one that just disappeared) has replicated that is beyond me - I'm clearly just not with it when it comes to file sharing!</p><p> </p><p>

I'm considering just buying some web space, loading the images on there and linking to them. I have no idea if that would work or not - anyone technically minded able to assist?</p><p> </p><p>

In the mean time, I'll keep posting and try and find a way around this.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="6OpCjJ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6OpCjJ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yLYFp2N.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yLYFp2N.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vXZABmg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vXZABmg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mpCQrl0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mpCQrl0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p>

</p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “What?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Flair looked up. He couldn’t tell exactly who’d dropped the leaden syllable across the conversation, but it had the stopping power of an I-beam laid across a stretch of rail track. He looked at the faces staring back at him. Crockett was slack-jawed with horror, Graham was shaking his head in disbelief and Hayes looked as though someone had closed the bar early.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Bischoff, for his part, was beaming as though all his Christmases had come at once.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Ultimate</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Warrior?” Graham asked.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric nodded.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

*</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/Flair92.jpg</span><span>http://tew2016.com/images/images/UltimateWarrior.jpg</span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"></div></div></div><img alt="fbNfN33.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fbNfN33.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"></div></div></div><img alt="487BHFM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/487BHFM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gfkEMZ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gfkEMZ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>6’4, 280 pounds, from Queens, NY. WWF World champion, two-time WWF Intercontinental champion. Main event of WrestleMania VI, SummerSlam ’90, Survivor Series ’90, retired Randy Savage at WrestleMania VII...</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Warrior’s profile had been in one of the magazines Ric had leafed through, but the facts alone didn’t prepare him as the man who, in his real life, went by James Hellwig walked into the room.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Oh, Bischoff will love him... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Hellwig drew attention even away from Vince, so much did he dominate the room. He wore a pair of jeans that strained to contain his superhuman muscles, and didn’t even bother with his top, instead wearing a vest that showed off his arms. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>It’d take a day to walk around those things. He makes Luger look like a stick figure! </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Hellwig took off his sunglasses and stared down at Flair. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Mr Flair, I understand from Vince that you want to talk about conducting business with the Ultimate Warrior?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Okay... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

* </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“He talks in the third person? For real?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric nodded. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“All the </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>time</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

*</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Vince left them to it. Ric thought he heard a guffaw as the door shut behind the owner of the WWF, but it may have just been his imagination. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Please, take a seat,” Ric said, gesturing to a chair next to his. Hellwig sat down and stared intently at Ric. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, where to begin? I’m delighted that you’ve agreed to speak to me... May I call you Jim, or do you prefer Warrior?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Jim will be fine in here, but I know it’s the Warrior that you want,” Hellwig responded. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric blinked, unsure how to respond to that. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, we’re talking about you appearing for WCW, and the Ultimate Warrior is the character you’re best known as.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Already Ric wondered whether he could just walk out. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Is Vince playing some kind of joke on me?</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Tell the truth</span></em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>. The guy may be a nut, but he’s still a man the same as anyone else, and honesty will probably go down better than lies. Remember how Herd treated the Nature Boy, and don’t make that mistake!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Having spoken to Vince, I hope you’d be interested in coming to work for us.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Vince and I... have had our disagreements. I care for the man as a friend and as a business associate, but the way that he has treated the Warrior, the way he has looked past all the hard work and sacrifices that the Warrior has made... I am willing to explore alternative paths.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, good? I mean, good!”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Vince said that you want to bring in several members of the roster. Shawn Michaels is a good choice, one who stands his corner and understands the virtues of warriordom. Bret Hart is talented, but quiet. He may learn, over time, what it takes to become a true success.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I hope he will, in WCW. I hope that all three of you will.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The Warrior will be at the forefront of your company, Vince says.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, Vince says a lot of things, and you have to understand that he’s our rival – and someone you say yourself that you don’t have the best of relationships with,” Ric said, deciding it was best to bite the bullet early rather than spend too much time negotiating if Hellwig – </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>or Warrior, or whatever he wants to be called!</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> – thought that he was going to walk straight into the World title scene.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>And if I promise him the moon and the stars... Well, do I trust him to keep that to himself? I have to have Warrior to get Hart and Michaels, but I can’t just give him Ted Turner’s bank details or everyone will want more money. ‘ATM Ric’ is a name I can do without!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So Vince has been lying to me – again?” </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Warrior bristled, and Ric had to try and keep a straight face. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Just how bad is the relationship between these two? And how much is Vince’s fault? </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>And just how volatile is this guy? </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I think... Vince was trying to prepare you to milk WCW for every last red cent,” Ric replied. “If things between you are so bad, he doesn’t want you to come to us without taking the chance to hurt us.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I see,” Hellwig stood up and walked over to the window. He stared out, although Ric had the impression he wasn’t seeing the view. “These are not the actions of an honourable man.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well... Let’s say that Vince has an imp of mischief riding on his shoulder,” Ric said, feeling that slandering a man in his own private dining room might cause problems, especially if Vince had the place bugged. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Although... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Although...</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes?” Hellwig turned to look at Ric. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Although, although, although... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>You know exactly what ‘although’. Turn the screw! </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Well, look how many of the territories Vince killed. I don’t know how honourable you’d call that.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“He took a risk, and it was a success. The man cannot be condemned for that.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“But some of his tactics were dishonourable. He nearly killed WCW in 1984 when he took over the television market in Georgia. He swore to his father on Vince Senior’s deathbed that he wouldn’t compete with the other companies, but his old man was still warm when Vince started his war. Well, I call it a war; Stampede, Georgia, Florida, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>World Class</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">... All of them, gone. Who could compete with the McMahon millions?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric knew that he was laying it on thick, but he was intrigued. The idea that Hellwig, or Warrior, or whatever, might prize honour over money would never have occurred to him. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The Von Erichs were good to me when I started in wrestling,” Hellwig said. “It’s where I learned the value of honour and strength, or standing by your word, of being true to those you call family. It’s where the Warrior was first conceived, although the true birth of the Ultimate Warrior came here.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“And we want the Ultimate Warrior to have a new battlefield,” Ric prompted. “New opponents to face, new challenges to overcome. When Alexander the Great conquered Asia he wept for there were no more challenges for him to face. But the Ultimate Warrior has new challenges – not just Randy Savage or Rick Rude, but the Steiners, the Calgary Connection, Nikita Koloff... Sting.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Sting, yes...” Warrior turned to face Flair. “A worthy challenge, to face an old friend, to see which one of us has come the furthest, to battle for supremacy on his ground.” The Warrior beamed, and Ric was mesmerised. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>He’s completely gone. He’s so deep into his character, I don’t think even he knows where the line’s drawn... </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Sounds familiar! Whooo! </em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Then, are you willing to discuss terms on a contract with WCW?” Ric asked. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“For new challenges, for a clean start... Yes, these are tempting. Tell me, Ric Flair: Are you a good man? Do you stand by your word?”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I like to think I’m a good man, Jim. As for standing by my word, yes, I do – and you’re not just signing with me, you’re signing with Ted Turner. It’s guaranteed money, unlike anywhere else in wrestling right now.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“I have expectations,” Warrior sat down, and Hellwig stared intently across the table. “I know what the Warrior is worth, and I know that Vince has not always paid me as much as he should. WCW needs the Warrior, Ric, and you’ll pay for him. I won’t take a pay cut to leave the WWF, far from it – I have fought Vince McMahon for my money, and I will fight you as well.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“There’s... no need to fight me, Jim. I believe – and Ted Turner believes – in paying for talent, and you deserve to be paid what you’re worth. Provided we can agree on that value, you need have no concerns about what you’ll be paid.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Very well. In order to bring the Ultimate Warrior to WCW, you will need to provide a starting salary of 1.5 million dollars across a three-year period.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“One and a half million dollars,” Ric repeated slowly.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>That... could have been worse. Still a lot of dough, though!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“And Vince McMahon has been... misleading about the nature of recent conflicts that the Warrior has been involved in. This is unsatisfactory. The Warrior needs strong opponents, dangerous opponents... And I would expect to have the right to turn down opponents not at my level.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric frowned.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“You’re asking for control over the storylines and matches that you’d be involved in.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Yes. And a few other minor concessions – travel, bonuses, and so on.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric’s frown deepened. As far as he knew, no-one in WCW had creative control, not even Savage or Ric himself. Warrior would be a tremendous addition to WCW, and if it was just a case of his not losing often, then that would be manageable.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Feed him local jobbers each night, the odd win over guys like Horner or Spivey, maybe even Austin or Pillman at the big events... But if he’s going to demand the best of the best, where else can that go but the main event?</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Warrior watched him intently as Ric mulled the problem over. Creative control of the sort Warrior wanted was </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>impossible</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, so there was really only one other thing for it.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Jim, I don’t think WCW can hand over control like that. I trust that you are an honourable man, of course-“</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>I don’t, I think you’re crazy, but I need to get you on board or Vince won’t let me near the others.</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“-but as booker I have to be in complete control. While I have no plans to have you in opening matches against local talent, exactly-“</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Not any more, at least.</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“-we do plan our shows weeks and even months in advance, and having someone on the show who decides at short notice that they want to change the plans could seriously affect the running of the show. We have to put the best show possible on for the fans who, after all, pay the big money to see us up close and personal. For us, it’s another night, another fight. For them, it’s a glimpse of a battleground, a chance to live like warriors for one night, perhaps for the only time in their lives. We must be ready, Jim, and we must know our enemy, our opponent, in order to give our all against them.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>I wish sometimes I could bottle this. Cutting a promo in a contract negotiation! The Nature Boy can do it all! Whoooo!</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“There is... much in what you say,” Hellwig conceded, thoughtfully. “But I have been the victim in the past, and don’t want to experience the same dismay again. There must be an alternative.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“And there is, Jim. We can pay you more to compensate for that lack of control – not that it’s so bad, remember! We can pay you 1.6 million over the three years.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“1.8 million,” Hellwig countered. Flair looked back at him, and for the first time looked deep into Hellwig’s eyes. He could see a fire burning there, which he felt sure was at least part madness... but such strangeness was hardly uncommon in wrestling, and beyond the fire was an icy certainty. If the Warrior burned, Hellwig was cool and calm, and now it was Hellwig negotiating.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Ric wondered how much of it was an act, some long, drawn out, Kaufman-esque joke at the world’s expense.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“1.7 million,” he replied. Hellwig nodded.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Then the Warrior will come to fight in WCW once the final details are resolved, but I believe we have an agreement in principle.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

He stood and held out a hand. Ric stood and shook it. He held back a wince as Warrior grasped tightly.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“A pleasure, Mr Flair, and I look forward to battling truly worthy opponents, and not the man in charge.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“One last thing, Jim. We test for drugs, including steroids. If that’s going to be an issue, let me know now.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“The Federation tests as well. I’ve never failed a test here. I won’t fail any in Atlanta, Mr Flair.”</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Flair smiled, and nodded, and kept smiling until Warrior had left the room and the door had shut behind him. He sagged. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>This is going to be awful...</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em>Next: The Hitman and the Nature Boy...</em></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

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WCW: Dangerous Territory

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