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Irish Whip Wrestling - Rub of the Green


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http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg

 

Chapter 1 – A Chance Meeting

 

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Karma%20Kollopy%20RW_zpsqwjmrnev.jpg

 

If I’m to be totally honest (and I’d prefer not to start this story with a lie so I will be) I was pretty pissed off leaving the show. I’d followed IWW on and off for years, I remembered watching the likes of Sheamus and Drew Galloway making an impact there before moving onto the big time. I’d been away for a few years with my band ‘A Machine Called Jesus’ but after our label dropped us we’d split up and with no particular reason to stay in the US anymore I’d come home to Ireland again. So I’d played a solo set in Dublin the day before, crashed on Danny’s couch and headed out to watch the IWW show with him.

 

It wasn’t good. It wasn’t awful either to be fair and there was definitely still some talent there in guys like the IWW International Heavyweight champion Supermodel and Zero Gravity champion Skaterboy Jeebus. Guys like Mandrake and PJ Meehan looked ok too but the show overall was just… meh. It was hard to believe that I had viewed even getting one match with IWW as an impossible dream during my own, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, indie wrestling career before punk rock had taken over (the fact that I weigh maybe 160lbs soaking wet may have also limited me more than I like to admit).

 

Having recently watched the spiralling decline that had been the last year or so of the band I figured I could read the signs here. A small roster, a small crowd and, judging from the reaction to the whole thing, small chance of anybody turning it around. I dropped Danny at the bus-stop and turned the car towards Limerick and home. I was loathe to say that it was a complete waste of an evening, it had been great seeing Danny again, the gig the night before went well and gave some scant hope that I might be able to scrape enough cash as a solo artist that I wouldn’t be forced to find a ‘real’ job and, whatever about the uneven quality of the show, it had been nice to touch base with wrestling in Ireland again. I’d not really had time to keep my finger on the pulse when I was touring and recording and trying desperately to really make It as a musician. Sure I’d watched a fair amount of WWE on TV and, very occasionally, caught the odd TNA or Lucha Underground show but it was a long way from where I had been and my days of attending live shows and occasionally performing in the ring myself had pretty much become non-existent.

 

That had changed partially in the last few months at another of my sparsely attended solo gigs when I met Erin in Southampton. If you are a big fan of independent wrestling in the UK you might know who Erin is. I didn’t when I first met her. To be fair she didn’t know who I was either, having been dragged to the gig by her friend Megan. I just fell head over heels for the tiny, funny, passionate, gorgeous blonde. When we discovered a shared love of wrestling that was just the catalyst we needed to fit all the other pieces together. She wrestles for All-Star Wrestling and Bellatrix so I’ve been watching out for them now as well. There’s a good chance I’d not have even gone back to IWW had she not reawakened my interest in indie wrestling. We’ve been dating since that gig. It’s tough obviously between the distance and us both having unpredictable working lives but what the hell. It’s definitely been worth it so far.

 

I’m actually getting ready to give her a call when I see the hazard lights flashing on the car pulled in by the side of the road. Just another rainy night in May. Got to love the Irish ‘summer’. On a whim I pull in to see if I can give a hand. To my surprise I recognise the poor bastard who’s just realising that his spare tire is still in his garage many, many miles away – it’s Simon Rochford, the owner of Irish Whip Wrestling.

 

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Simon%20Rochford_zpscz2xy212.jpg

 

It turns out he’s living in Kildare which is sort of but not really on my way home but I offer to give him a lift anyway so he can get his spare tire and a lift back to his car from a local buddy. We make small talk for the first few miles, he laments not charging his phone properly earlier, we moan about the weather (the national Irish pastime) and eventually he asks what had me in Dublin,

 

“I was at a wrestling show,” I tell him with a perfectly straight face. He looks as if he’s considering jumping from the moving vehicle but instead he thinks better of it and settles for slumping his shoulders slightly, looking out the window and asking quietly what I thought,

 

“Honestly?” I ask him,

“Honestlyish,” he replies with feeling.

 

The rest of the journey is an interesting one. It’s the most in-depth discussion I’ve ever had about pro wrestling with anybody (Erin included, we’re still in the honeymoon phase and an alarming proportion of our conversations are just about how great we are together). I tell him passionately my thoughts about the business, in the ring and out. He talks a lot about the cost of running a promotion. We argue about some stuff, nothing aggressive or obnoxious, just a pair of lads who are passionate about the industry and where it can go. I’m honest enough to tell him exactly where I think his product is lacking. He listens, offers up counter-arguments, generally engages with me on all the points I raise. Far too quickly we’re at his front door. He asks me to come in, says he wants to show me something. I sit on the couch in his living room and he says he’ll be back in a minute.

It takes nine minutes for him to return. He’s just printed up a contract.

 

“I want you to take the book for IWW!” he tells me. I laugh at first, not sure if he’s serious. He assures me that he is. I think about it for a few seconds and ask him where I’m supposed to sign. A real job can wait.

 

OOC: Thus begins ‘Irish Whip Wrestling – Rub of the Green’, what I hope will be an interesting counterpoint to my other diary ‘SNP – The Thistle in the Ashes’. Where SNP is CVerse, IWW is real world, where SNP is effectively a kayfabed webshow chronicling the shows of SNP, I envisage this diary being a far more open book sort of effort, providing more insight into the booker’s thoughts (my own in fact). My SNP effort has fairly lengthy match descriptions, I plan on cutting way back on that here. Where the SNP dynasty is written from an ‘official’ standpoint and, by extension, fairly devoid of the intrigues of the dressing room (because, to be fair, it makes no sense that the official company webcast would spill the beans on who didn’t get on with who), I believe this one will let me focus a little less on the product and a little more on the personalities.

 

Yes there is a danger that I may spread myself a little too thin but I think I’ll be ok to be honest. Only time will tell. Right now think of this one as the B-show anyway!

 

Finally, a small clarification. I am 35 years old. To represent that in the game (and to avoid leaving me severely over or underpowered) I gave myself starting stats using the rules attached to the Road to Glory challenge from this forum and rolled on that random event chart 17 times, bringing my character to 35 years of age. It is these rolls that have led to the presentation of myself in-story as a former musician (I have been in plenty of bands but nothing like even the modest success that my dynasty counterpart had) and necessitated the creation of a relationship. As there were no women attached to IWW when I got there I quickly scouted the women I was likely to bring into my roster and Erin Angel was the, eh… lucky lady chosen. Having set up our relationship I decided that I should learn a little more about her and Wikipedia informed me that she is 4’11. I am 6’2. I chuckled. Anyway, there you have it. Let’s crack on…

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<p>Chapter 2 – The Starting Hand</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Simon doesn’t waste any time, arranging for me to come in and meet the roster the following weekend. I play a couple of small, local shows during the week, have a couple of long Skype chats with Erin who is, to be fair, excited for me. My parents are somewhat less ecstatic at the news. My Mother doesn’t say much but my Dad observes (with a biting tone that would have made a great promo) that “two half jobs isn’t the same as having an actual job”. It’s hard to argue with his logic but, rightly or wrongly, I’m hopeful of making this work out! We meet in the small office that IWW work out of. It’s basically a converted one-bed apartment above a takeaway. Despite the small size… we don’t fill it. The guys who so failed to impress me at last weekend’s show aren’t, with a couple of exceptions, much more inspiring in person. There’s only 6 guys on the books, 7 if you include myself (which I’m starting to realise I’ll have to).</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Supermodel_zpssef4wzy6.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The IWW International Heavyweight Champion is Supermodel. He wrestles an entertaining, lightweight style and works a great narcissist gimmick. He’s easily the most popular worker there. At 38, I’m sure how much better he’ll get (indeed I’m not sure how good he is anyway) but he’s going to be an important player for us for a while at least!</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Maximus_zpsqtdatkvg.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The only other heel I’ve got is Maximus, a 28 year old working as a gladiator. I remember being quietly impressed with his work at the previous show and I can definitely see potential in him. He’s quite lightweight as well and shows a more regular technique in the ring.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Mandrake_zpsfkleuddr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

On the face side of things we have Mandrake, 33 years old, and a former holder of both the IWW International Heavyweight and IWW Zero Gravity titles. He’s a very talented cruiserweight that I see big things for though I’m not convinced that his goth gimmick is really the one to get him as far as he can possibly go.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Skaterboy%20Jeebus_zpset5kuiws.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The current Zero Gravity champion is Skaterboy Jeebus, a 35 year old spot monkey, highlight reel who embodies the Zero Gravity division. I’ve gotta say, I can see he and I having some pretty good matches. He’s a talent, no doubt about it and exactly the sort of guy that I have a real use for. I think he could work just as well as a heel and I think that he and I together could be a force should we ever expand to include a tag division.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/TJ%20Meehan_zpsrahyikis.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Things are rounded out nicely by ‘Powerhouse’ TJ Meehan, a powerlifter turned wrestler. Bigger than most of our roster and still only 30, he doesn’t rock the bad ass gimmick as well as he believes but there’s no doubt that he’s got a serious upside and can definitely play a part.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Captain%20Rooney_zpszt3lhnaj.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Finally we have Captain Rooney. I’m not wholly convinced by his comic book superhero act but he’s popular, technically very solid, boasts some decent size and, perhaps most of all, he’s an extremely positive influence with this crowd. Even now, at this first meeting, he’s social and optimistic and humble and dependable. Still only 36 but I could see him becoming a decent road agent later in his career.</p><p> </p><p>

The old booker is still around too which is a bit awkward. Somehow he’s on a written contract so he’s insisted on being here for the duration of it (about 3 months apparently) even though Simon has made it clear that he’ll have no influence. He seems a positive sort of guy as well but still… it’s not ideal having him in the midst of our new plans.</p><p> </p><p>

It’s an encouraging discussion overall. Simon gives me the go-ahead to put together a Women’s Division. Erin is on my shortlist immediately. I want to get the roster up to about 16 wrestlers. We’re going to need a referee, a road agent, possibly an announcer or two (though I might get people to double job for that for now). We decide to run a show called Shannonslam in Limerick in a few weeks as the beginning of, hopefully, a new era for IWW.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p>

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<p>Chapter 3 – Filling the Roster</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The next week is spent almost exclusively negotiating with talent. I make a decision that I will wrestle myself, as a heel. With that decision made I run the numbers and reach the conclusion that I’m only going to add three more male wrestlers and that I’ll start our Women’s Division with 6.</p><p> </p><p>

I’m still too skinny but there’s not much I do about that right now. I’ll play the mysterious weirdo and we’ll see how things go from there. After some scouting and some phone calls and e-mails I finally have the roster sorted.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Aspen%20Faith_zpsebb16htc.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The new men, outside of myself, are a fairly promising bunch.</p><p>

Aspen Faith is a 26 year old Scot who’s not necessarily outstanding in the ring but he has a good look and works cheap. I change his name from Faith to Fate and decide he’ll have a traditionalist gimmick, a man who views progress as a dirty word. I can see him taking aim at the Zero Gravity division and hopefully something will stick.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Bubblegum_zpsobja8fop.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Also adding to the Zero Gravity ranks is Bubblegum. A 31 year old English guy who can act, talk and fly, he’s going to play a dancing fool and I believe he has all the attributes to get over as a slightly comic face.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Nathan%20Cruz_zpsvzryyomu.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The last man to sign up, and another heel, is Nathan Cruz. Another Englishman, only 24 and a natural fit for his Prima Donna gimmick. Again, he’s not looking for huge money and I see real potential in the guy.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Erin%20Angel_zpsgzmjhmh3.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The Women’s Division is also mostly filled from the British scene. Erin is happy to sign up and, as Erin Angel, she’s being cast as the Franchise Player, albeit a heel one, who is here to put the new division on the map. Erin is 29 and has years left in her yet.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Ayesha%20Ray_zpsp40fsbxu.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

On the heel side of things she’s going to be joined by Ayesha Rebel (FKA Ayesha Ray), a 27 year old English girl who can work really, really well. She’s going to use a rebel gimmick with us and has also signed up with rival Irish promotion wrestling.ie but I’ve high hopes for her.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Carmel%20Jacob_zpstkyqsn6n.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The final heel is highly regarded Carmel Jacob, another 27 year old, from Scotland this time, whose reputation precedes her as a real prospect. We’re going to utilise her as a slut character, possibly one who will use her feminine wiles on Simon.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Kasey%20Owens_zps04vns5d9.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Leah%20Owens_zpspogofsca.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The face side of things was first filled out by two twins from Northern Ireland, The Owens sisters, Kasey and Leah. They’re 26 and I plan on utilising them as Fans’ Own, a wholesome gimmick that should play well off their natural character.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Leva%20Bates_zpso7bdxrjs.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

I go a little further afield for my last wrestler. Leva Bates has wrestled on some big stages in the US and she’ll bring plenty of experience and know-how with her. With us she’s going to basically set out her stall as a representative for women wrestlers who have been struggling and finding themselves overlooked. With her ability she’ll do well. She’s the oldest woman I’ve hired but at 32, she’s a long way from being pensioned off.</p><p> </p><p>

We sign up two other people. Andy Quildan is a 34 year old English referee. He’s got a good rep to back him up and even though he’s costing a little more money than I’d like he could prove to be a real asset.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Andy%20Quildan_zpsddmw8k9w.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Finally, my search for a road agent comes to an end when we come to a deal with Skye. She’s only 30 but this English woman has got excellent fundamentals and has the hunger and drive I want from somebody in her role. I’m hoping I might be able to persuade her to get back into the ring too but only time will tell.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Skye_zpslyyuh7ax.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Still, I’m glad we have a roster sorted. Now we just need to start booking our show!</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p>

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<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MHero" data-cite="MHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Aspen! The secret weapon of Scottish wrestling and a man who deserves to be seen on a far wider stage! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mildly_Amusing" data-cite="Mildly_Amusing" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Aspen Faith and the living legend Captain Rooney in one promotion! This is gonna be awesome! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It actually never crossed my mind that I'd be working with guys that people actually know here. All of a sudden the pressure is ratcheted up considerably! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> As ever, feedback will be welcome, I hope changing the Faith to Fate wasn't too radical a step to begin with! <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>
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<p>Chapter 4 – The First Show – Shannonslam I</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The next few weeks pass by quickly. The only real change is the venue. We end up switching to Malone Rugby Club. I think that the hope is that we’ll fill it. I drive up with Erin in tow. We pick up Simon on the way as well and arrive in plenty of time. There’s still only twenty of us in the dressing room but overall it looks like they’re a good bunch. Captain Rooney, The Owens sisters, Ayesha and Carmel, even the outgoing booker (who’s still here!), they’re all positive people and I think that there’s the makings of a really good locker room here once we get to know each other a little better. </p><p>

There’s only one incident of note and thankfully it’s a minor one that’s dealt with before I have to do anything. Bubblegum, who has turned up looking far more toned than I remember him being by the by, has made a bit of a mess backstage, spilling some foul-smelling energy drink and not cleaning it up. Our referee, Andy Quildan, goes some way towards covering his exorbitant wages by getting him to clean it up and ordering him to get in a round of drinks after the show. To be fair to Bubblegum, he seems genuinely remorseful and happy to accept the minor consequences Andy has dished out.</p><p> </p><p>

Just before the show starts I chance a look around the dressing room. I’m excited by what I see. I’ve waited a long time for this and judging from the looks around me, so have plenty of the other faces. It’s bell time. I feel the same mixture of exhilaration and anxiousness that always warred in me for the first few seconds of a gig. Exhilaration always wins.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>IWW – Shannonslam I</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Simon%20Rochford_zpscz2xy212.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The show begins with Simon addressing the crowd, telling them that this is a new era for IWW, that changes are happening and this is the beginning of something special. Tonight, he assures them, is a night that they will always remember, a night that they will someday brag about when people ask them if they were there on the night that IWW grew up. Simon talks about how he loves wrestling, he knows that our crew love wrestling and he knows that our fans love wrestling. It goes down like a lead balloon. The crowd’s enthusiasm is waning already and there are clearly not in position to buy him as a babyface. I’m in the gorilla position and it’s all I can do not to swear. As it is, I know I’m up next and I’m not as overjoyed at the possibility now as I was 5 minutes ago.</p><p>

<strong>Angle Rating: 8</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Karma%20Kollopy%20RW_zpsqwjmrnev.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Instead I go out there, make my way to the ring, I do my level best to look as mysterious as possible. I take a mic, stall speaking for a moment and launch into a short monologue,</p><p> </p><p>

<em>“My name is Dee Dee Karma. I look at you people and I see behind the smiles, I see behind the bravado, I see behind the masks that you wear. I can smell what really drives you and what really drives you is fear. Karma knows… everybody has got a crack, everybody has got a flaw, has got something that reaches right down into the depths of their very being. I am not the biggest or the strongest or even the fastest. There is one thing though that I can do better than absolutely anybody! My name is Dee Dee Karma and I. Break. People.”</em></p><p> </p><p>

I’ve done my best and I think I’ve gotten the crowd back onside somewhat but it’s been a disaster of a start. My own spiel was ruined because Simon, bless him, has sucked all the heat out of the room and I’ve just spent 4 minutes basically blowing on the embers and trying to bring some kind of life back. At least my gimmick seems to have gotten over. Now it’s match time.</p><p>

<strong>Angle Rating: 28</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Captain Rooney Vs. Dee Dee Karma</strong></p></div><p></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Captain%20Rooney_zpszt3lhnaj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Karma%20Kollopy%20RW_zpsqwjmrnev.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The match is well booked and I pick up the cheap win by using my feet on the ropes for leverage at 7’47. It’s not all bad but it’s definitely not all good either. The crowd are still tepid, his gimmick is stupid, I’m not consistent enough or fit enough and my selling is sloppy. Overall Captain Rooney works well but it’s not exactly the glorious return to the ring I was hoping for.</p><p>

<strong>Match Rating: 35</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Aspen Fate Vs. Bubblegum</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Aspen%20Faith_zpsebb16htc.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Bubblegum_zpsobja8fop.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Aspen wins this one with a quick roll-up at 7’58. We book it to be chaotic and the crowd kinda dump on it again. It’s not a complete disaster and I am learning stuff about the roster at least but at the same time… I’m rubbing my temples a lot which isn’t a great sign. Aspen rants at length about “the disease that is cruiserweight wrestling” but the crowd don’t buy into it as much as I hoped. Bubblegum dances like a fool throughout and the crowd do sorta buy this but not as much as I would have liked. This match, like my own and, I suspect, all those that will follow is slightly off because the locker room doesn’t yet know itself (or each other anyway) well enough to be truly united. Neither guy looks consistent in there but at least the crowd are finally buzzing a bit by the time it ends.</p><p>

<strong>Match Rating: 29</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Leva Bates and Team Owens Vs. Ayesha Rebel, Carmel Jacob and Erin Angel</strong></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Leva%20Bates_zpso7bdxrjs.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Leah%20Owens_zpspogofsca.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Kasey%20Owens_zps04vns5d9.jpg</span><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Ayesha%20Ray_zpsp40fsbxu.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Carmel%20Jacob_zpstkyqsn6n.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Erin%20Angel_zpsgzmjhmh3.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

To be fair to the girls, they get it done. All 6 of them get their gimmicks over to some degree with Ayesha, Kasey Owens, Leva and Erin in particular standing out. Erin, I’m pleased to say is right up there with Carmel as the best in-ring worker too and she scores the pinfall on Kasey Owens. It’s a slight worry that the three heel ladies sort of carried the match but overall I’m just glad that this one went as smoothly as it did. The crowd are hot by now and it’s looking likely that Erin or Carmel will be the first Women’s Champion (though there’s obviously time for that to change).</p><p>

<strong>Match Rating: 38</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Skaterboy Jeebus Vs. Nathan Cruz (</strong><strong><em>Ladder Match</em></strong><strong> for </strong><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">IWW Zero Gravity title</span></strong><strong>)</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Skaterboy%20Jeebus_zpset5kuiws.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Nathan%20Cruz_zpsvzryyomu.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Skaterboy is immense in this one, carrying Cruz to a good match. Cruz’ Prima Donna gimmick is a disaster but Skaterboy’s star quality and charisma, to say nothing of his suitability for this match, overcome every obstacle (his own ropey gimmick and both guys lack of stamina chief amongst them). The crowd are very hot by the time this one is happening though and they (and I) seem a whole lot happier than they did earlier on. For what it’s worth it is S.J. who climbs the ladder and retains the title at 11’23. Based on this showing, he won’t be losing the strap anytime soon!</p><p>

<strong>Match rating: 49</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Carmel%20Jacob_zpstkyqsn6n.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Simon%20Rochford_zpscz2xy212.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Carmel Jacob is shown backstage flirting with Simon Rochford. Again, this doesn’t go as well as I’d hoped and Simon, once more, is not convincing in the babyface authority role. I was reluctant to go down the heel owner route but it might be forced onto us. Simon is also doubling up on the announcing desk for us at the moment but we’ll have to figure something out.</p><p>

<strong>Angle Rating: 32</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Mandrake Vs. Maximus</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Mandrake_zpsfkleuddr.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Maximus_zpsqtdatkvg.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

This one goes pretty well too. Mandrake does a really good job and I think there will be decent mileage in a feud between him and Supermodel for the top title. Mandrake picks up the win with a big spear at 12’28 but Maximus gives a decent showing of his own too to be fair to the guy. The match suffered slightly because both guys were holding back slightly (which is my fault for booking this match to calm the crowd) and both of them were also a bit inconsistent (which is on them but I can’t throw stones). Either way, with only one match left, the show has picked up quite a bit from the horrific opening!</p><p>

<strong>Match rating : 42</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Supermodel Vs. TJ Meehan (</strong><strong><em>I Quit match</em></strong><strong> for the </strong><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">IWW International title</span></strong><strong>)</strong></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Supermodel_zpssef4wzy6.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/TJ%20Meehan_zpsrahyikis.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Supermodel wins and retains the title with his Posedown Full Nelson at 14’19 at the end of a main event that is, thankfully, quite good. Meehan, even in defeat, looks the better of the two while Supermodel is pretty jaded by the end (again, I can hardly throw stones). I told them to go out there and steal the show and Meehan has dealt with the pressure of that a whole lot better than our champion. The crowd are buzzing anyway so it’s a good way to finish the show.</p><p>

<strong>Match Rating: 43</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Eating: 32 (Suffered because all production is worse than some rivals)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Attendance: 189/Malone Rugby Club (Northern Ireland)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Popularity increased in 1 region.</strong></p><p>

<strong>Referee: Andy Quildan</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Andy%20Quildan_zpsddmw8k9w.jpg</span></p><p>

<strong>Announce Team: Simon Rochford</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Simon%20Rochford_zpscz2xy212.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

I honestly don’t think it was a bad show but we’re going to have to up our production values closer to our competition to really reap the benefits of our own strengths. It won’t be enough just to match Sports Entertainment Wrestling (AKA wrestling.ie). Other than that I’ve learned plenty. Skaterboy Jeebus is a worthy Zero Gravity champ, it’s finding credible opponents could be the problem (I may have been flattering myself to think I could keep up with the guy)! Mandrake and Supermodel is going to be our top feud in the short-term at least. I think we’re going to have to turn Simon because the crowd basically rejected him today and any of our female heels could make a worthy champion. Onwards we’ll go then, it could have been better definitely, I don’t think we’ve put the fear of God into anybody today but I think we’ve shown enough to ourselves anyway to know that we can take things a whole lot further. </p><p> </p><p>

I single out Skaterboy, Mandrake and Bubblegum for some praise and I head away into the night with Erin. Pizza and a movie in a hotel room. Rock n’roll. Overall, given the debacle that was the opening… things have gone alright. I’m not one to dwell on the negatives anyway!</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

OOC: I'll try and work in predictions next time, just wanted to get things started. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

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<p>Chapter 5 – Picking Up The Pieces</p><p> </p><p>

By the end of May a few things have happened. I realise that we need to up our game. There are basically six promotions in around our level with some sort of a profile in Ireland. If the internet is to be believed we’re running last with ICW-UK, Progress, wrestling.ie, PCW and RPW all outperforming us.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/ICW-UK_zpste8pk5gi.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/PROGRESS_zpsomzzc9zp.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Wrestling-IE_zpsnsar0ku3.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/PCW-UK_zpsnayrjkzj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/RPW-UK_zpspd3nrnjy.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

To be honest, I don’t think we necessarily presented the worst show (though, I’ll concede, it wasn’t the best either) but our production let us down.</p><p>

So I decide we’re going to have to speculate to accumulate here. Our production values are still amateur enough but we decide to use local bands to source our music, we upgrade to semi-pro broadcast quality and put a small live events team in place. This will add to our costs but given that the money situation doesn’t look too bad it may not too much of an outlay when compared to the potential benefits. The money performance you ask? Well we lost a little over 2k last month. We had 100k in the bank when I arrived so we can sustain losses of that size for a while if we have to while we’re getting our house in order. </p><p> </p><p>

No changes to the roster as of yet though PJ Meehan has toned up and has changed his overall approach to more of a brawling style. Carmel Jacobs has also started dating a guy called CJ Banks and I add him to the mental rolodex of potential hires. I figure if we can foster a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the locker room that will only benefit us in the ring.</p><p>

We decide that we’ll run our next show the third week of June, called Heatwave, venue TBD (but possibly Malone again). A few things to consider before we get there.</p><p> </p><p>

1) I’d like to start running a tournament to crown our first Women’s Champion. We have 6 ladies on our books already, it might make sense to bring in 2 more and run an even 8. I have a few people in mind and after a day or two of consideration I start making calls and will hopefully have something to report sooner rather than later.</p><p>

2) In a not wholly unrelated point, I’m not convinced that Simon is gonna be able to cut it in front of the camera. I’ve worked with him a bit on promos and I don’t think he’ll be any more convincing as a heel than he was as a face. So I’m giving serious thought to bringing somebody else in to act as our authority figure on screen and leaving Simon behind the announce desk for now. More on that as it happens also!</p>

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<p>Chapter 6 – New Blood</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Kelly%20Adams_zpsq0znwikq.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Kelly Adams has signed on the dotted line. She’ll be the 4th face in our Women’s Division and is a striking, 27 year old English woman. She works as a manager in RPW and, to be honest, I think that’s where her strengths really are but she’s going to start off in the ring for us. She works a cheerleader angle most of the time, I personally think that’s pretty stupid so after some discussions with her we decide that we’ll portray her as a hyperactive talker instead. Her best attributes seem to be in that direction anyway.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Jetta_zpstsc8d62a.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The following day we make another signing. Jetta, like Kelly, is already an RPW manager and, like Kelly is going to make her first appearance for us in our upcoming tournament. Jetta is 28 but looks a whole lot younger which has given me an idea that I want to use to try and dig us out of the Simon hole. Basically, it’s time for Simon to meet his long-lost daughter. Naturally, he will feel the need to make up for all the years that he wasn’t around for Jetta, who will take every opportunity she gets to manipulate events in Daddy’s wrestling promotion. She’s generally cast as a cocky heel and we’ll shift the angle slightly to emphasise the fact that she’s the corrupt authority figure.</p><p> </p><p>

So I think we’re pretty much set to start booking Heatwave and we’re still 15 days out from the show in the third week of June.</p>

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<p>Chapter 7 – Prepare for Heatwave, apply sunscreen</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/IWW_zpsafmrzqhr.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Two weeks out and I pretty much have the card set in my head for Heatwave. We’ll run the first two matches of the first round of the tournament for the women’s title – so basically Erin will take on Kasey Owens and Ayesha Rebel will go one on one with Leva Bates. We’ll run the two new girls, Jetta and Kelly, against each other on the pre-show too to give us an idea of what they can do. I’m going to team up with Aspen and Maximus against Bubblegum, Captain Rooney and TJ Meehan in a 3-on-3 match. We’ll round out the card with two title matches, Skaterboy Jeebus will defend his Zero Gravity title against Nathan Cruz and the IWW title match will see Supermodel defending against Mandrake.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Jetta Rocheford Vs. Kelly Adams</strong> - Pre-show</p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Jetta_zpstsc8d62a.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Kelly%20Adams_zpsq0znwikq.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kasey Owens Vs. Erin Angel</strong> - IWW Artemis Champion Tournament Quarter-final</p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Kasey%20Owens_zps04vns5d9.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Erin%20Angel_zpsgzmjhmh3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Leva Bates Vs. Ayesha Rebel</strong> - IWW Artmeis Champion Tournament Quarter-final</p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Leva%20Bates_zpso7bdxrjs.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Ayesha%20Ray_zpsp40fsbxu.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bubblegum, Captain Rooney and TJ Meehan Vs. Aspen Fate, Dee Dee Karma and Maximus</strong></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Bubblegum_zpsobja8fop.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Captain%20Rooney_zpszt3lhnaj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/TJ%20Meehan_zpsrahyikis.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span></p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Aspen%20Faith_zpsebb16htc.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Karma%20Kollopy%20RW_zpsqwjmrnev.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Maximus_zpsqtdatkvg.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Skaterboy Jeebus Vs. Nathan Cruz</strong> - IWW Zero Gravity Title Match</p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Skaterboy%20Jeebus_zpset5kuiws.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Nathan%20Cruz_zpsvzryyomu.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Supermodel Vs. Mandrake</strong> - IWW International Title</p><p>

<span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Supermodel_zpssef4wzy6.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/Versus_zpsola8jkdj.jpg</span><span>http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah283/DarEatWorld/IWW/Mandrake_zpsfkleuddr.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>OOC: Quick-pick Prediction Card</strong></p><p>

Jetta Rochford Vs. Kelly Adams (Pre-show)</p><p>

Kasey Owens Vs. Erin Angel (IWW Artemis Champion Tournament Quarter-final)</p><p>

Leva Bates Vs. Ayesha Rebel (IWW Artemis Champion Tournament Quarter-final)</p><p>

Bubblegum, Captain Rooney and TJ Meehan Vs. Aspen Fate, Dee Dee Karma and Maximus</p><p>

Skaterboy Jebus Vs. Nathan Cruz (IWW Zero Gravity title match)</p><p>

Supermodel Vs. Mandrake (IWW International title match)</p>

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