WWF 1995: Titan Rising

[Crossface]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Logos%20Belts%20etc/WWF%208_zpshyne1o2p.jpg

 

September 1995

 

Despite Bret Hart’s admirable run as WWF Champion throughout 1994, there was no denying the box office was down. House show attendance only topped 4,000 once since Bret fist won the WWF title in the fall of ‘92. It wasn’t Bret’s fault. He connected with fans well and his bell to bell performance couldn’t be matched. That said, despite his craftsmanship and work ethic, the reality was that Bret Hart wasn’t a Hulk Hogan caliber star. (Not that stars like that grow on trees…)

 

Of course the steroid trial didn’t help things...

 

But the trial was over now and the marketing machine was in full gear: The New Generation! Who needs “old” guys like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and all the rest of the stars of the 80’s? Within the week following Survivor Series 1994, the WWF made the bold decision to run on “Diesel Power.” In front of the Madison Square Garden faithful, Big Daddy Cool squashed new champion Bob Backlund to win the title and the mantle of WWF figurehead.

 

A staggering 7 footer, Diesel had all the charisma that Bret Hart lacked (but unfortunately only had a fraction of the wrestling talent). He seemed a great choice to lead the WWF machine into the 90s and beyond…

 

The problem is that was almost a year ago. Since then, house show attendance has averaged less than 3,000, bottoming out 1,940 per show. Not only live attendance was down, but ratings were down, PPV buys were down, and merchandise sales were all down too. Nothing was working. In fact, 1995 in a nutshell had been throwing things at a wall and seeing what stuck...which wasn't much.

 

To make matters worse, the rival WCW down south were coming on strong. They fully embraced all the 80’s stars that the WWF had cast out: Hulk Hogan was their World Champion, a reinvigorated Randy Savage (with his lucrative Slim Jim partnership) was a star attraction once again, and most recently Lex Luger was readying himself to debut on the new flagship Monday night show, Nitro. That’s right, WCW’s maverick CEO Eric Bischoff was taking the WWF on head-to-head on Monday nights, and they were doing it live.

 

By comparison, the once mighty WWF, a former titan in television production and star manufacturing, was getting increasingly darker and looked more and more like a relic of the old days.

 

New Generation, indeed.

[Crossface]

<p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>September 1995</strong></div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> There was no denying that SummerSlam had been abysmal and although it would be some time before he received all the official numbers on the buyrates, Vince McMahon knew it wouldn’t top last year’s number and he’d surprised if it would even break 1. Diesel vs. Mabel was horrid main event. Undertaker vs Kama in a casket match wasn’t much better. Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels’ easily stole the show with an excellent performance rehashing the ladder match from Wrestlemania X. That one match alone was the single draw on the card.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Vince%20McMahon%2095_zpsalxjjd5l.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Vince%20McMahon%2095_zpsalxjjd5l.jpg</span></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But it was ever forward in the World Wrestling Federation. Vince McMahon wasn’t one to dwell to long on failure or victory--there was always the next show, damn it. And the next show would have to be better than Summerslam otherwise there might not always be a next show at all...</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Vince had called together a small group of his inner circle to lay out creative plans for the fall and beyond. It was 4 men he asked to join him for this meeting:</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Pat%20Patterson%203_zpsylhwtjbj.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Pat%20Patterson%203_zpsylhwtjbj.jpg</span></a><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pat Patterson</strong></div></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Vince’s right hand man was perhaps the top creative mind on the WWF staff. With over 30 years of professional wrestling experience under his belt, Patterson had seen and done it all. He was pivotal to the rise of WWF in the 80’s and most of the boys were only to happy to conference with Pat about their matches. He was a top road agent and could plan out finishes better than anyone.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Jim%20Ross%2095_zpsxk1gkmda.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Jim%20Ross%2095_zpsxk1gkmda.jpg</span></a><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Jim Ross</strong></div></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ross broke into the business under infamous Mid South promoter Bill Watts. Ross was an excellent broadcaster, was organized, efficient and well-liked by the both the boys and the office. Not a top creative mind, but JR had been handling a lot of talent relations duties and was bound to have a lot insight on how some of the boys might react to certain ideas being pitched. </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Vince%20Russo%203_zpsj8ggsmve.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Vince%20Russo%203_zpsj8ggsmve.jpg</span></a><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Vince Russo</strong></div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;">Vince Russo had been working with the WWF’s magazine division under the penname Vic Venom since 1992, becoming Chief Editor last year. His inclusion in a creative and booking meeting was new and quickly Russo demonstrated a wildly different point of view than the other wrestling traditionalists at the meeting. Russo was a strong proponent of more edgy and controversial storylines. He wanted to push the limit.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Jim%20Cornette%2096%202_zpsj58080lx.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Jim%20Cornette%2096%202_zpsj58080lx.jpg</span></a><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Jim Cornette</strong></div></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jim Cornette, “Corny,” as he was more commonly referred to backstage, was the yin to Russo’s yang. The two had been oil and water from day one and many a meeting had been spent with two going back and forth tempering one another’s idea. Cornette was one of the best managers in the business, and currently led Camp Cornette on WWF television and the stable was beginning to supplement the Million Dollar Corporation as the top heel group in the promotion. Additionally Cornette ran his own promotion, Smokey Mountain Wrestling. SMW and the WWF had a working agreement.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Often, McMahon included a 5th person at the table. Sometimes it was Bruce Prichard, the former Brother Love, a top producer to join them. Sometimes it was his son Shane, sometimes one of the boys, other times another veteran hand or road agent like Sgt. Slaughter, Gerry Brisco, Jerry Lawler, Gorilla Monsoon, or JJ Dillon. </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Today’s meeting included no extra person. It was just the 5 of them and the creative direction needed to be changed...</div><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>OOC:</strong> As you may or may not have guessed from this post, I'm borrowing from JamesCasey's tremendous WCW diary and making the booking team an integral part of this diary. The next series of posts will help flush out the roster a bit as the committee begins to lay out plans. These conversations will play out and end with you, dear readers, having your say on how Vince McMahon decides to run his company. </div></blockquote>

[Crossface]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Current Champions:</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfworld0_zpsgpedzhxu.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfworld0_zpsgpedzhxu.jpg</span></a><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>WWF World Heavyweight Champion:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Diesel%2095%202_zpskeqoiogr.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Diesel%2095%202_zpskeqoiogr.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong>Diesel (1st reign) (November 1994-present)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfic_zpsp3gir3y3.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfic_zpsp3gir3y3.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WWF Intercontinental Champion:</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Shawn%20Michaels%2095%203_zps6beifhpb.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Shawn%20Michaels%2095%203_zps6beifhpb.jpg</span></a></p><p><strong> Shawn Michaels (3rd reign) (July 1995-Present)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Belts/wwftag0_zps4s9bjt7b.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Belts/wwftag0_zps4s9bjt7b.jpg</span></a><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Belts/wwftag0_zps4s9bjt7b.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Belts/wwftag0_zps4s9bjt7b.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WWF World Tag Team Champions:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Owen%20Hart%203_zpsa4vc6ujt.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Owen%20Hart%203_zpsa4vc6ujt.jpg</span></a><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Yokozuna%203_zps3zbcuuli.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Yokozuna%203_zps3zbcuuli.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong>Owen Hart (1st reign) and Yokozuna (1st reign) (April 1995-Present)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfwomen_zpsz0tv7tfk.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Belts/wwfwomen_zpsz0tv7tfk.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WWF Women's Champion:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Bertha%20Faye_zpsivmvai6s.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Bertha%20Faye_zpsivmvai6s.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong>Bertha Faye (1st reign) (August 1995- present)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Logos/WWFRR_zpsn9m2kkve.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Logos/WWFRR_zpsn9m2kkve.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Royal Rumble Winner:</span></strong></p><p><strong> Shawn Michaels (1995)</strong></p><p><strong> Bret Hart/Lex Luger (1994)</strong></p><p><strong> Yokozuna (1993)</strong></p><p><strong> Ric Flair (1992)</strong></p><p><strong> Hulk Hogan (2x) (1991)</strong></p><p><strong> Hulk Hogan (1990)</strong></p><p><strong> "Big" John Studd (1989)</strong></p><p><strong> "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan (1988)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201991/Logos/WWFKing%20Of%20The%20Ring_zpst5glaxk1.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201991/Logos/WWFKing%20Of%20The%20Ring_zpst5glaxk1.jpg</span></a></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">The King of the Ring</span></strong></p><p><strong> Mabel (1995)</strong></p><p><strong> Owen Hart (1994)</strong></p><p><strong> Bret Hart (1993)</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Show Index:</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">September 1995:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2198318&postcount=36" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Week 1: WWF RAW & Superstars</strong></a></p><p> </p></div></blockquote>

[Crossface]

Current Roster:

*Faces in blue; Heels in red

 

The Top of the Card:*Recognizable and above

"The Beast from the East" Bam Bam Bigelow

Bret "the Hitman" Hart

"Big Daddy Cool" Diesel

"The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels

"The Phenom" The Undertaker (managed by Paul Bearer)

Mr. Bob Backlund

Jeff Jarrett (managed by The Roadie)

Jerry "the King" Lawler

King Kong Bundy

"King" Mabel (managed by Sir Mo)

"The King of Harts" Owen Hart

Sycho Sid

The British Bulldog

Yokozuna

 

The Midcard:

*Regional Stars

The 1-2-3 Kid

Ahmed Johnson

Aldo Montoya

Bart Gunn

Billy Gunn

Bob "Sparky Plug" Holly

Bushwhacker Butch

Bushwhacker Luke

Doink the Clown

Duke "the Dumpster" Droese

Fatu

Henry O. Godwinn

Man Mountain Rock

Marty Jannetty

Savio Vega

Big Matty Smalls

Dean Douglas

Eli Blu (managed by Uncle Zeb)

"The Bizarre One" Goldust

Hakushi

Hunter Hearst Helmsley

Isaac Yankem DDS (managed by Jerry Lawler)

Jacob Blu (managed by Uncle Zeb)

Jean-Pierre Laffite

Kama "the Supreme Fighting Machine"

Sammy the Silk

Sir Mo

Skip (managed by Sunny)

The Roadie

Waylon Mercy

 

Curtain-Jerkers:

*Unknowns

Barry Horowitz

Rad Radford

The Brooklyn Brawler

*Plus a variety of "enhancement talent" not worthy of listing at this time

 

Women's Division:

Alundra Blayze

Bertha Faye (managed by Harvey Wippleman)

 

Tag Teams:

The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch)

The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn)

Two Dudes with Attitudes (Diesel & Shawn Michaels)

Men on a Mission (Mabel & Mo)

Owen Hart & Yokozuna

The Blu Brothers (Jacob & Eli)

 

Stables:

The Million Dollar Corporation:

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

Kama

King Kong Bundy

Sycho Sid

 

Camp Cornette:

Jim Cornette

Clarence Mason

Mr. Fuji

Owen Hart

The British Bulldog

Yokozuna

[Crossface]

<p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>September 1995</strong></div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “I’m start with the obvious--we don’t have the star power to compete with WCW. They have the names that most of America is familiar with and now that Turner wants to go head-to-head on Monday nights, we’re in for a dog fight and they have the advantage.” McMahon began. “That leaves us with 2 options: sign some names or double down on the roster we have, maybe sign some other prospects or rebrand some castoffs and hope someone gets hot.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cornette spoke next “Who do you have in mind to bring in?”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In response JR started distributing the group a sheet with a handful of names on it. “Vince asked me to prepare this in anticipation of this meeting. There are some quality free agents that might raise our profile against the competition:</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> First is </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Barry Windham</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">. Barry hasn’t been wrestling for any major promotion in a couple of years. While not a good talker, he’s a hell of hand. He could work with Kevin at the top of the card and help keep Diesel strong. He’s a good hand and Dustin Rhodes has been pulling to bring him in. He wouldn’t be nearly as costly as some of the other names on the list, but he won’t move the needle nearly as much either.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> "Next is </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Jake Roberts</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">. I can’t speak to his current sobriety but we all know how good he can be when he’s got his head on straight. He’s fresh of a real hot program in Mexico and he did some real big business for the AAA promotion…”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Corny spoke up here “He’s a jackass and unprofessional.” Cornette and Roberts had some bad blood over some recent dealings in SMW that didn’t end favorably.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ross continued. “Well, next is </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Nikita Koloff</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">. Again, mostly known for his work with the NWA, he’s been out of the spotlight for a number of years. Not sure how rusty he is, but he’s always had a good look and he’s pretty talented in the ring.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “</div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Roddy Piper</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"> is the next. His last run with Lawler didn’t do big numbers but if we booked him a little smarter, he certainly has the name cache to help the ratings.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Pat said “Roddy is damn entertaining I think. He could play up the veteran looking for the title he never won?” Pat shrugged. Everyone gave a noncommittal nod. </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “I added </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Tatanka</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">’s name on the list. The short rest from TV he’s had might be enough to reset him. We might be able to heat him up for a return.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Russo raised his eyebrows. “Tatanka? That guy made this list?”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Well he’s certainly not as big as the next name…”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It seemed the whole room let out a collective sigh before looking at Vince. </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Vince muttered “</div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Warrior</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">.” with clear disdain. “He’s an absolute pain in the ass but I’m willing to do business if he is. God knows we need to do something…”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ross went to the final name, “</div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Vader</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">. I’ve known Leon a long time--he’s my number one choice. He’s a much better worker than Mabel, Yokozuna and Bundy so don’t confuse him with some of the beef we already have.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Is he safe?” Pat asked.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “That is a concern.” Ross admitted.</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Russo asked “What kinda budget are we working here with Vince? Can we sign more than one of these guys?”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Well, let’s just sign one for the time being, hope billionaire Ted doesn’t get involved and see how business does before we bankrupt ourselves here. We’re looking at making some midcard additions too so I don’t want to overspend at the top.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cornette piped in, his voice taking on a passionate squeak “Part of our problem is that outside of Bret, Shawn, Owen and Davey Boy our workrate at the top of the card is piss poor. I say we look at bringing in Barry Windham. I know he’s not the star attraction that pump the numbers but he’ll make anyone else he works with look like a million books. Besides he can be a face or heel.”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Russo scoffed. “Windham’s boring. We’re looking at bringing in a star. We need to shock these people and get somebody hot. I say either Rowdy or Jake--let’s get some freakin’ stars on this show!”</div><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>So...who will it be dear readers? Windham, Roberts, Nikita, Piper, Tatanka, Warrior, Vader or none of the above and bank on who we got?</strong><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Reply or PM with your vote!</strong></p></div></blockquote>

[emoasyou]

<p>out of these guys i would go with Tatanka he as so much potential still and only left wrestling to be with his family im sure he could be persauded in game he would be my choice</p><p> </p><p>

if your looking for a star i would go with Vader he is a monster and suprisingly agile and athletic</p><p> </p><p>

if you wont a workhorse its Windham </p><p> </p><p>

tbh i wouldnt go for any of the older guys and id probs sign all 3 of them as the roster needs more numbers in my opinion</p>

[Guest skinsfan55]

They need star power and workrate. Hmmmmm. Piper'd be what? 39? Jake's 40... So's Vader... Windham's 35... Warrior's like 36. I'd grab the two younger guys but if you're only taking one, I'd get Warrior.

[Russelrules44]

<p>Hmmm, Jim Cornette or Vince Russo....Which one's the lesser of two evils?</p><p> </p><p>

Meh, i'll take Windham.</p>

[Ayden]

My choice would be Warrior purely to see how much trouble he causes in your locker room <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[VonnyFortan]

Gotta go with Big Van Vader. He could easily be built up into a monster heel draw.

[Tweek It]

<p>I'm torn between Windham and Tatanka. I was a huge fan of both. Windham would be more of a upper card draw while Tatanka would be lower. </p><p> </p><p>

Soooo.. I don't know. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Windham!</p>

[Beejus]

<p>Good to see you settle into something, Crossface!</p><p> </p><p>

The New Generation needs to be that, new. Get Vader.</p>

[lukess11]

I go with Koloff.

[BlueStar]

<p>

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Q46l70mNmCw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="WWE-WWF BEST ULTIMATE WARRIOR PROMO EVER!! HQ"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p>

Just for making it different than the other WWF90x diary...</p><p>

Seriously, unless you turn WWF into a traditional fed, which it should never be: Windham is boring and a midcarder at best, he's a no-go. Vader, Piper and Roberts seem the safe bets. Pushing Warrior to the moon (again) seems like a challenge, especially to the young talent.</p>

[Crossface]

<p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>September 1995</strong></div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “How the hell are we supposed to go forward without any talent?” Cornette was exasperated and his voice was getting pitchy. “I’m sorry but 2 performers do not qualify for a division. It’s time to scrap the title and give the screen time to performers with a future!”</div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Oh come on Jimmy!” Pat blustered, his accent thick. “They’ve been having the best match on the card for crissakes! The people go banana for Alundra! She might be the best wrestler otter than Bret!” Pat clearly valued Medusa's contributions more than anyone else at the table. No one disagreed with Pat that Alundra was talented, it simply a matter of opponents...and lack thereof. </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It was Jim Ross who spoke next. “Look, I can talk to ‘Dus and she if she has anymore recommendations of </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>talent she worked with over in Japan</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">? I realize that well is only so deep, but we can try to tap it again. I have a few tapes from a gal named </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Jackie Moore</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;">--a tough as nails Texan who is wrestling in the USWA. Also I saw some tape on </div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Tina Morretti</strong></div><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span><div style="margin-left:25px;"> who worked with GLOW and is still working shows as well. It’s pretty barren out there beyond that, but I can explore those options...?”</div><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>So...still waiting on any last minute vote casters who want to chime in on the first big free agent acquisition...</strong><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> But in the meantime another creative dilemma has cropped up: do we proceed with the women's division despite a serious lack of depth of available performers? Or do we just quietly scrap the title and thank Medusa for her services? </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> What will it be dear readers? Reply or PM with your votes!</strong></p></div></blockquote>

[Tweek It]

Sign a couple more for the division. I've been playing as WWF 87 and I've dealt with same problems with Women's and Women's Tag Team. I'd sign more people and try to keep division alive.

[KnowYourEnemy]

Barry Windham -- he's a great hand and he has some serious chops. He can easily Main Event -- I don't know what his SQ in this mod, but in real life even Mike Graham admitted Barry could "draw a dime".

[RingRider]

Nice to see you back Crossface!

 

As far as your first big move...Nitro is going head-to-head and you're getting spanked in the National Battles. If you look to duke it out with Turner--you need the ULTIMATE POWER OF THE WARRIOR!

 

If you can't bring yourself to sign him, than Vader is your best number 2 option.

 

As far as the Women's division goes...I'm going to vote to scrap it. As much as I love the joshi matches that WWF was putting on at this time, Corny's right: there's just not enough talent to really spin into anything meaningful. If you don't kill it off now, you're only delaying the inevitable IMO.

[lukess11]

I say scrap the womens division as the only real talent in the woman division are in Japan. Unless you have a working agreement with a Japanease company, I say scrap it.

[crackerjack]

<p>Vader is the man to sign. I know Star Quality is the more pressing issue here, but Vader can bring that plus match quality. He's the man. If not, Piper or Jake.</p><p> </p><p>

In my previous 94/95 games, I've removed the women's division entirely. There isn't enough talent around to successfully pull it off. Plus, the show time is better given to developing future male talents if some main eventers jump.</p>

[Guest skinsfan55]

<p>I'd scrap the women's division honestly... </p><p> </p><p>

Also, you're not making Corny swear enough. Or Vince... I'm pretty sure that booking committee would make a sailor blush haha</p>

[Crossface]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Good to see you settle into something, Crossface</div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Nice to see you back Crossface!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Nice to see both of you guys back. I appreciate the loyalty and encouragement! </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Russelrules44" data-cite="Russelrules44" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hmmm, Jim Cornette or Vince Russo....Which one's the lesser of two evils?</div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="skinsfan55" data-cite="skinsfan55" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Also, you're not making Corny swear enough. Or Vince... I'm pretty sure that booking committee would make a sailor blush haha</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I feel as though I need to really flush out these personalities a lot more. Hopefully that will come with a bit more time. They're all such interesting figures with different values. RE: the language...while I know you're right, there's only so far I'm willing to go on a public board. I will try to make it a bit more colorful in the future in other ways though. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Ayden" data-cite="Ayden" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My choice would be Warrior purely to see how much trouble he causes in your locker room <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> <div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Q46l70mNmCw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="WWE-WWF BEST ULTIMATE WARRIOR PROMO EVER!! HQ"></iframe></div></div><p> Just for making it different than the other WWF90x diary... Pushing Warrior to the moon (again) seems like a challenge, especially to the young talent,</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As far as your first big move...Nitro is going head-to-head and you're getting spanked in the National Battles. If you look to duke it out with Turner--you need the ULTIMATE POWER OF THE WARRIOR!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm loving the Warrior fan club that growing here. He certainly is the biggest needle mover on the list of free agents and def. my best chance in the National Battles. </p><p> </p><p> That said, he's got the worst personality of the bunch, the worst workrate, most expensive, and probably the most difficult character to book well considering the time period... </p><p> </p><p> In his defense, he was a perfect solider in my '91 save... </p><p> </p><p> Warrior is leading the pack for the first big signing bid (with Vader and Windham close on his heels). I'll give it about 24 hours before I start negotiations if anyone else would like to weigh in...</p><p> </p><p> Additionally, I'd like to make a decision on the Women's Division within the next 24 hours as well. That's looking more and more likely to be cut unless some fans get vocal.</p><p> </p><p> First Raw prediction card should be coming shortly...</p>

[Russelrules44]

I'd say scrap the women's division for now, but keep Alundra around as sort of a Chyna-like figure. Have her wrestle some of the men every now and then.

[KnowYourEnemy]

<p>Honestly, better off to keep the Women's division in your product for the time being. Not necessarily "around" as in "crowning a WWF/E Women's Champion" -- but why not compromise and hold a Female Tournament every year? Have Alundra Blaze on full-time and bring in talented workers from Japan or Mexico on three or six month PPAs to compete. </p><p> </p><p>

I'm not saying at this point we should be putting these guys on a PPV main event, but... you could fill Television Time with a G-1 Style Block Tournament.</p><p> </p><p>

I'd bring in flashy workers when I could and use the high-spot match -- say, after a great angle to get the crowd all worked up. </p><p> </p><p>

I'd personally go with 12 Wrestlers in three four-woman groups. I'd have the three group winners compete on PPV in an overhead wires match with the "royal crown" suspended above. Or, you could go with 12 Wrestlers in two six-woman groups -- and have the two group winners battle for the crown and the two runner-ups battle for a third-place match with the winner qualifying for next years competition. </p><p> </p><p>

Lots of ways to go with this one.</p>

[Crossface]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s288.photobucket.com/user/tew0720/media/WWF%201995/Logos%20Belts%20etc/WWF%20Monday%20Raw%203_zpsoi0irqsy.jpg.html" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/tew0720/WWF%201995/Logos%20Belts%20etc/WWF%20Monday%20Raw%203_zpsoi0irqsy.jpg</span></a><p> </p><p> <strong>RAW Prediction Card:</strong></p><p> </p><p> 1-2-3 Kid vs. King Mabel</p><p> Jim Powers vs. Jean-Pierre Laffite</p><p> <strong>Intercontinental Championship Match:</strong> Shawn Michaels © vs. Sycho Sid w/ Ted DiBiase</p><p> </p><p> Plus: Vince McMahon will interview WWF Champion, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel!</p><p> What's on the champ's mind?</p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42740" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This is the first show of the first prediction contest! The contest will run through the (in-game) month of September. To qualify, participants must predict in at least 2 episodes of RAW as well as the In Your House PPV.<p> </p><p> Additionally, still taking votes on which Free Agent to target as well as to pull the plug on the Women's Division!</p></div></blockquote>