WCW: Heart and Soul

GingeyOne · February 21, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©}

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

I do think this will not be a title change though!

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. Sean O'Haire {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Eddie vs Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 0

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? Both going for singles.

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Eddie Guerrero

Texasrangers13 · February 21, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©}

---Too Soon for a title change I think, unless Dustin's been having some drug issues.

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Steiner gets too distracted thinking about ham cubes or math, or something awesome.

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

---Tough one for me, I think RVD steals it.

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

---Austin gets a win here

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

---I could see this being a DQ

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}

--- Two personal favorites, I think this is a solid way to set Styles up for a climb to the main event and give the group more gold.

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. Sean O'Haire {©}

---If Styles wins, then I'd say Mortis wins, but lets go O'Haire. Always enjoyed his work.

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}

---AmDrag... OBJECTION!

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

---Two rising stars, maybe this leads to a tag team.

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Eddie vs Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 1

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? Excursion to Japan... Random guess.

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Eddie Guerrero

Rateddc · February 21, 2018

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©}

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. Sean O'Haire {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Eddie vs. Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 0

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? Going solo.

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Eddie

The Final Countdown · February 21, 2018

July 2003: Pre-Bash at the Beach News and Notes

http://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg

I had a long conversation with Mark Jindrak, and we both agreed that it would be in his best interests to leave the main roster and spend some time down in Wildside. He has a lot of potential, but he really just hasn't developed his in-ring skills as much as I'd hoped. That was always going to hold him back and prevent the possibility of a serious push, and I think he realized it and that's why he was so agreeable to the idea of going down to Wildside. He can focus on learning down there, and hopefully he'll come back to us as a more well-rounded worker that we can get behind.

Goldberg came to me requesting a massive pay increase, one which would catapult him from the Eddie Guerrero/RVD/Corino second tier pay scale and right past the Mysterio/Austin level to become the highest paid person in the company. I didn't give him quite as much as he wanted, but I did agree to a pretty large increase that would make him the third highest paid, with the difference between he and #2 Austin being very small. He might have come in looking for even more, but he was happy with what I gave him. This was a necessary concession, but I have to be careful to learn from the past WCW's mistakes and not let our payroll get out of hand. We're making huge profits and this one move won't change that, but I'd hate to suffer a setback and then be stuck with high-priced guaranteed contracts that no longer make sense for us.

Jinsei Shinzaki left after the go home Nitro. He's really talented, but he's so busy working tours for Michinoku Pro that he would constantly ask for time off every time I booked him. He's loyal to M-Pro so they were always going to be his top priority, and I decided it was best not to extend his per-date deal. No hard feelings on either side.

Chigusa Nagayo signed a one year extension. Obviously I wasn't going to let her go anywhere as long as she continues to be such a key player on Renaissance.

I decided to keep Brian Adams around, and we went back to a written deal as opposed to the PPA he'd been under for the last few months.

http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg

Vengeance was on July 13th, and they had a lot to live up to after a great King of the Ring. There were two really great matches on this show. The Rock challenged Kurt Angle for the ECW title in the main event. Can you imagine Rock as the ECW champ? He didn't win though. That match was great, but the semi main event where Jericho retained the WWE title against William Regal will definitely be appearing on some peoples' match of the year ballots (probably not in the top spot, but a contender for sure.) This was another great PPV from them, though slightly down from KOTR.

Vince bought out and disbanded Dusty's TCW. I guess drawing 3000 fans once a month in Alabama and Georgia was a threat that had to be eliminated?

Their brand split became official a few days after Vengeance, with everyone on the roster being assigned to either Raw or ECW. Raw will focus on appealing to the mainstream, while ECW is around to try and attract the cult fanbase. He may claim otherwise, but I think this is Vince reacting to our rise. Apparently the schedule is going to be four Raw-exclusive PPVs, four ECW-exclusive ones, and four big events that will feature both brands, which I'm assuming will be Rumble, Mania, Summerslam and Survivor Series. The initial rosters look like this:

RAW BRAND, DRAFTED BY SATYR24

Main Eventers:
Shawn Michaels
Triple H

Chris Jericho (WWE Champion)
Scott Hall
The Rock

Upper Midcarders:
William Regal

Brock Lesnar (Intercontinental Champion)
Christian
Mr. Perfect

Midcarders:
Bradshaw
Faarooq
Grand Master Sexay
Val Venis
X-Pac

Albert (World Tag Team Champion)
Bubba Ray Dudley
D-Von Dudley
Test (World Tag Team Champion)

Lower Midcarders:
Scotty Too Hotty

Openers:
Mark Henry
Vampiro

Occasional Wrestlers:
Jake Roberts

Women's Division:
Chyna
Jacqueline
Linda Miles
Molly Holly

Jackie Gayda
Lita
Taylor Matheny
Trish Stratus (Women's Champion)

Managers:
Stephanie McMahon

Big Boss Man

Announcer:
Jim Ross

Color Commentator:
Jim Cornette

Personalities/Authority Figures:
Howard Finkle
Shane McMahon (GM of Raw)

Teddy Long
Vince McMahon

ECW BRAND, DRAFTED BY HAPPY0WNS

Main Eventers:
Big Show
Booker T
Kurt Angle (ECW Champion)

Hollywood Hogan
The Undertaker

Upper Midcarders:
Billy Gunn
Chris Benoit
Kane
Raven (European Champion)

Midcarders:
Edge
Perry Saturn

Al Snow
Juventud Guerrera
Rhyno
Steven Richards

Lower Midcarders:
Jerry Lynn (Light Heavyweight Champion)
Tommy Dreamer

Funaki
K-Kwik
Spike Dudley
Steve Blackman

Openers:
Justin Credible

The Stalker
Viscera

Enhancement Talent:
Leviathan

Eli Blu
Ron Waterman

Occasional Wrestlers:
Haku

Currently Out Injured:
Bam Bam Bigelow

Managers:
Debra
Terri

Announcer:
Michael Cole

Color Commentator:
Tazz

Personalities/Authority Figures:
Jonathan Coachman
Kevin Kelly
Linda McMahon
Mick Foley (GM of ECW)

Paul Bearer

http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg

'Dominion' took place on July 10th. Koji Kanemoto again grabbed the headlines with the performance of the night, winning the Junior Heavyweight title from Taiyo Kea in a semi main event that blew away everything else on the show. Riki Choshu retained the Heavyweight title against Satoshi Kojima in a main event that was okay, but maybe the 6th best of the show at best. They're really missing the boat by not giving the ball to Kanemoto. The show was pretty good, but it could've been fantastic if Kanemoto was in the main event spot. This show had another title change too; Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinya Makabe won the Junior Heavyweight tag titles from El Samurai and Jushin Liger, ending their long title reign. The new champs probably stretch the junior heavyweight size limit a bit, but it's not too egregious.

The newly Cult promotion put on their 'Freedom of Golden' show on July 7th. They showed the strength of their main event scene, with Katsuyori Shibata retaining the Zero1 World title over new arrival Kensuke Sasaki in a fantastic match. One problem though: it was the semi main event rather than the show closer. The main event? Freaking Mantaur retaining the NWA National Heavyweight title over Shinya Hashimoto in one of the worst matches on the show. Russo's awful booking has now crossed the Pacific Ocean. It was still better than their last big show, June's Strength Fire. Guess who main evented that show? MANTAUR, with an even sloppier title defense against Fergal Devitt. Zero One either needs to refuse to bring that guy in or leave the NWA entirely, because this entire thing is a net negative for them right now.

http://i.imgur.com/JO5PDMM.jpg

TNA ran 'Desolation' on July 7th. The good news for them was that Mantaur was over in Japan stinking up the joint for Zero-One, so Russo couldn't use him this month. Instead Ruckus won a three way over Marc Mero and Matt Sydal, which was the best match on the show. This is the best show they've put on, beating out the previous high that they set in June. Maybe Jarrett can keep loaning Mantaur out so he's unavailable for their shows.

http://i.imgur.com/ebDwXEW.jpg

PWG held their first show, 'Goin' Crazy', on July 8th. Super Dragon and Scott Lost beat Excalibur and Benni Chong to become the first tag champs. There was also a match to crown the first World champion in the main event, but Ricky Reyes and Lil' Nate wrestled to a no contest. The other names booked on this first show were former WCW workers Billy Kim and Shawn Stasiak (Kim beat him, surprisingly), and Donovan Morgan and Shane Ballard. It was a very good debut show, especially for their level. To put it in context, it was far better than any show TNA has ever put on, despite the company having a fraction of the resources and visibility. It also blew away anything their supposed rival Ring of Honor has done. If this becomes their standard, PWG could be a group to keep an eye on in the future.

now noticing i was 1 post away from 2k

OH WAIT HI! GRATZ!

That seems nuts to me. I've been doing this one for a little over a year; like not quite 15 months, I think? TGAAB ran for I believe over three years, and it stopped at around 2600 posts. Unless something unexpected happens, this'll blow right by TGAAB in terms of posts.

RVD - I'm really happy to see you turn Rob heel. He is known mostly for his "cool guy" face schtick, but he has some pretty underrated heel work too. His biggest problem is that he doesn't really wrestle like a heel should, since most of his offense is so flashy. It's like he's designed just to make the fans pop, but he's supposed to make them boo. Anyways, a win here cements his heel turn, albeit with help from Heyman.

Yeah, he definitely wrestles like a face with his crowd-pleasing offense, which I think can make him hard to root against. That's where I think Heyman comes in. Rob can be himself, and Heyman can get on the mic and tell the fans that RVD is a one of a kind athlete who is too good to even appear in front of the likes of them.

Steve Austin - If anyone gets a win over Austin from the Empire who's not Goldberg, it'd be Corino. Palumbo won't stop this train.

Corino already has one over Austin, don't forget. (I bet Austin hasn't.)

General diary comments/questions/critiques: I'm loving The Unnatural as world champ, you pulled the trigger at just the right time! The RVD heel turn was also well-timed, as I feel like he had been in free fall for a while. I've been reading your threads since your ROH diary, and you just keep getting better and better with your writing/booking. There are so many ways you can take this diary, and I hope it keeps going for a long time!

I feel the same way re: The Unnatural. Originally someone else was going to be taking the title off Rey at around this time, but I felt like it was now or never with Dustin.

RVD badly needed a change of direction. Him beating the hell out of Flair and Roode and turning heel shortly thereafter had been planned since before Starrcade, but signing Heyman and working his arrival into the turn was an unexpected but welcome addition.

DHK1989 · February 21, 2018

Vampiro as a curtain jerker on RAW. His bad attitude finally bit him hard. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

I do wonder if the ECW Tag Team Championship will be revived. Wouldn't be fair for one brand to be left without one, unless the WWE Tag Tag Championship will float between brands.

Theheel · February 22, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©}

I don't want to see Dustin as a transitional champion. He needs a good little run to make it meaningful.

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Neither guy will want to lose so I can see this going to a double DQ perhaps. But to keep building Goldberg up, I think he needs the win.

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

Welcome back Mr. Whole "Fing" Show

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

Austin will clean out the bottom tier of the Empire but better things are coming soon

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

I think Bret has been dying to get the straps back on his best tag team.

Daniels and Adams, mainly because of Adams are not a very good tag team, imo.

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}

I never did understand all the Alex Wright hoopola in WCW, still don't get it but you have presented him better than the real WCW

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. Sean O'Haire {©}

I saw O'Haire get to 15 with a victory and then will challenge the UnNatural

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Paul debuts in a tough spot here and I look for Kendrick to get the win and start moving towards a title feud with Danielson.

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

Empire, period end of story

What will be match of the night? Main Event

How many championships will change hands? 1

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit?

That they are going to look for some singles gold but still back each other

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)

Austin

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

The Final Countdown · February 22, 2018

AI update: the WWE immediately moved three female wrestlers to ECW. Guess it couldn't figure out that we wanted the women's division to be only on Raw. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James The Animator" data-cite="James The Animator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>At first, I read Kevin Kelly as Kelly Kelly. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Also, seeing the first ever PWG show reminded me of a man you should give a second look: Mike Quackenbush. I've heard he's one of the most underrated wrestlers ever, as he was an excellent technician and high-flyer in his prime. That sounds like the kind of style Bret Hart would get behind. At this point, I'm legitimately hoping that Mantaur breaks Lou Thesz' record and becomes the longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion of all time. The lack of a team name for Daniels and Adams also bothers me. Would you be against calling them the Prophecy?</div></blockquote> Quack's in-ring skills aren't good enough in this mod for me to even consider it. Mantaur isn't the NWA World champion. He's TNA's World champion and he holds the NWA National title. For some reason the NWA has two main event level singles titles. Fittingly, the actual NWA World title is doing much better thanks to Kazushi Sakuraba putting on some really good title matches. I don't feel like every single tag team necessarily HAS to have a team name. I'd also like to hold onto the Prophecy name just in case I feel like using it for a faction later on, though I have no plans to do it right now. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Vampiro as a curtain jerker on RAW. His bad attitude finally bit him hard. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I do wonder if the ECW Tag Team Championship will be revived. Wouldn't be fair for one brand to be left without one, unless the WWE Tag Tag Championship will float between brands.</div></blockquote> Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Reviving the ECW tag titles is a possibility. There's no real way for me to enforce belts floating between brands on an AI company, as far as I'm aware.

smw88 · February 22, 2018

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. *The Unnatural {©}*

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. *Goldberg*

Sting vs. *Rob Van Dam*

*"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin* vs. Chuck Palumbo

World Tag Team Championship: *True Heroes* vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. *"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}*

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. *Sean O'Haire {©}*

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. *"American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}*

Paul London vs. *Brian Kendrick*

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. *The Empire*

What will be match of the night? *Eddie vs Unnatural*

How many championships will change hands? *1*

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? *Both going for singles.*

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) *Eddie Guerrero*

Happy0wns · February 22, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Vampiro as a curtain jerker on RAW. His bad attitude finally bit him hard. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I do wonder if the ECW Tag Team Championship will be revived. Wouldn't be fair for one brand to be left without one, unless the WWE Tag Tag Championship will float between brands.</div></blockquote> Idk, I kinda drafted ECW to not really have any clear cut Tag Teams, putting a little more emphasis on trying to create a smackdown 6 and the light heavyweight division

Satyr24 · February 22, 2018

<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="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AI update: the WWE immediately moved three female wrestlers to ECW. Guess it couldn't figure out that we wanted the women's division to be only on Raw. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Which 3 Did ECW Steal? Figured they would take a couple of ladies, Surprised there was no face turns though Also Who the hell is billy kim?

Hashasheen · February 22, 2018

<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="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AI update: the WWE immediately moved three female wrestlers to ECW. Guess it couldn't figure out that we wanted the women's division to be only on Raw. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Suckas got to know. Also, why not Raw and Smackdown or ECW and WWE? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Quack's in-ring skills aren't good enough in this mod for me to even consider it.</div></blockquote> As in real life. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Mantaur isn't the NWA World champion. He's TNA's World champion and he holds the NWA National title. For some reason the NWA has two main event level singles titles. Fittingly, the actual NWA World title is doing much better thanks to Kazushi Sakuraba putting on some really good title matches. </div></blockquote> Change it to floating?

michgcs · February 22, 2018

Glad to see I didn't miss the show!

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©}

I mean, c'mon...

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

Three pretty cut and dry matches, I think

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

This is where things start to get interesting. I know Daniels and Adams just won the gold but maybe they're just here to transition it back to Punk and Storm?

United States Heavyweight Championship: Alexander vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©}

World Television Championship: Mortis vs. Sean O'Haire {©}

I think it's time someone got to a world title shot

Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Eddie vs. The Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 1

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? They're splitting up

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)

Austin

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

The Lariat · February 22, 2018

I'm super biased, but I'm glad to see Benny Chong (B-Boy) in the mod. Dude's a bonafide legend in SoCal and always puts on a good show. Hopefully he gets a look in the future.

Nobby_McDonald · February 22, 2018

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Guerrero v Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 0

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? People will talk

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Steve Austin

DHK1989 · February 22, 2018

Another possible idea for ECW is to retire the European Title, and present Raven the revived ECW TV Title.

chrismday · February 24, 2018

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Guerrero v Unnatural

How many championships will change hands? 1

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? Somebody's turning heel! Roddy should bring a barbers shop window with him so they can do it properly.

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)Eddie Guerrero

K-Nection · February 24, 2018

I'm curious of where Colt Cabana is in your universe? He was always a favorite of mine that never made it.

Kainlock · February 25, 2018

I'm curious of where Colt Cabana is in your universe? He was always a favorite of mine that never made it.

I not sure who this Colt Cabana you speak of but, I am sure Scotty Goldman is making his befit the moment Punk wins the World Title!

The Lloyd · February 27, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg

Sting vs. Rob Van Dam

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©}

Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick

Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire

What will be match of the night? Going against the 'obvious' Eddie/Unnatural match... I'll say Sting vs RVD

How many championships will change hands? I make it ONE

What will happen during the Hardys' announcement in Piper's Pit? I'm going for a Michaels/Jannetty style break up. A coconut will be seen.

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Ummm... Eddie?!

General diary comments/questions/critiques: I haven't been a regular reader, so may have missed some things. But I think that's a fantastic card, from a fantastic writer!! Extremely interested in the Eddie/Unnatural match.. and I'd like to see your take on how the matches will turn out involving guys like AJ, Daniels and Bryan Danielson... If I wrote a historical diary from this time period, the temptation would be to put them over my current stars, especially in a company like WCW. The fact is though, WCW did have some talent, even towards the end. Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo could have been huge for them. Of course there's also Sting and Goldberg. And then Big Poppa Pump was an incredible heel. I HATED that guy!!

The Final Countdown · February 27, 2018

July 20th, 2003: Bash at the Beach <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Nx19ae2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Nx19ae2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> July 20th, 2003 From Brisbane Cricket Ground in Brisbane, Australia Attendance: 41,558 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="2nqjRO5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2nqjRO5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: "Deny" by Default <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Gderx0xRa8" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Gderx0xRa8"</a> frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick <img alt="VZZhIwN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZZhIwN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I trusted two newcomers to the main roster to get this show off to a hot start. I think that says a lot about my confidence in them both, and they delivered. Both London and Kendrick were solid here, showcasing some of their cool-looking modern offense without going overboard and doing more than was required of them. It helps that both guys can do some scientific wrestling rather than being one trick ponies with nothing but high spots. Kendrick in particular is pretty good in that area, and I think London picked up a few new tricks by working with him. There was a lot to like about this match, and it gets me excited to think what both of these guys might be capable of if we can get them over with the audience. The story of Kendrick arrogantly believing London isn't worth his time carried over into the match itself, with lackadaisical pin attempts, lots of taunting and general disrespect towards his opponent. Finally he pointed to the corner and signaled that he was going to finish him with Sliced Bread. He put on the three-quarter facelock and began his journey towards the buckles. Before he could get there, London put on the brakes, broke free and pulled off a backslide for a sudden pinfall! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg<img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> We aired a brief segment where Eddie, Rey and Chavo were seen walking into a dressing room chatting (Rey and Chavo were in street clothes since they don't have matches on the show.) <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 77</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Minoru Tanaka, Volador Jr. and Aguila vs. The Empire (w/Eric Bischoff) <img alt="MLumza7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MLumza7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/lbbhIiU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1MyVk8f.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg<img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This might have been something of a 'filler' match to get some deserving roster members on the show, but it was still bound to be decent at the very least. The face team's performances were fine and there were no real weak links here, but the Empire trio really stole the show. Knoble's mat work was really good, TAKA's speed-based stuff was even better, and Corino's tactics and general heel presence was slightly better still. I also thought Corino did a good job drawing some better-than-expected brawling sequences out of both Volador and Aguila. This wasn't awesome or anything, but it was a nice little match. With Corino and Knoble running interference, TAKA hit the Michinoku Driver on Aguila to win the match for his team. Any one of the Empire trio could've gotten the pin here, but I went with TAKA to heat him up for reasons that will eventually become clear. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 76</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. Chuck Palumbo (w/Tammy Sytch) <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/3ZTpoTU.jpg<img alt="wZR2OGz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZR2OGz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I figured the best thing to do here was just let these guys go out and brawl. Austin's decently well-rounded but that's easily what he does best, and it's pretty much all Chuck is competent at. Even though the match clocked in at slightly under 12 minutes, Palumbo was still noticeably slowing down by the end due to the strenuous pace they were working. Even so, this was the best singles match he's ever had and probably ever will have because Austin was amazing and carried him through. It was also better than Steve's match with TAKA last month, which I would not have predicted. Tammy Sytch might have helped with that a bit, because she did some good work on the floor. While we gave Chuck a decent amount of offense, everyone knew what was coming here. The brawl in the ring and around ringside culminated in the inevitable match-ending Stunner. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 83</div> Austin got on the microphone after the match. He cut a promo on The Empire and told Tammy to pass on a message to Eric Bischoff: as long as he kept 'em coming, The Hellraiser would keep knocking 'em down! Steve's delivery was fantastic here. I think everyone sees where this storyline is heading and what it's building up to, but he's such a good talker and the people love him so much that his segments are still hot. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 91</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Mortis (w/Father Isaac) vs. Sean O'Haire {©} http://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg</div> O'Haire won the title from Fit Finlay at January's Sin and made fourteen successful title defenses over the following seven months, and it all led up to this final defense. If he got past Mortis, he'd earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. I wanted to test O'Haire a bit here, so I pulled all restrictions and asked these guys to give it everything they had. I was pretty impressed with the result. Sure, they didn't tell much of a story, but the action was very good. O'Haire stepped up to the plate and turned in a good performance, including some increased aerial skills as he came off of the top rope with a nice-looking clothesline. Mortis was great though, delivering like a top tier-player. It's a shame his personal issues keep cropping up, because otherwise he's good enough to be in main events. O'Haire's size and strength had been too much for all his previous challengers, but Mortis' unique offensive moves gave him fits all night. Any time the champion seemed to be building steam and heading towards a victory, Mortis would catch him with a move he had no answer for. The great counters weren't going to be enough though, because if Mortis wanted to prevent O'Haire from getting the title shot he needed to beat him inside the fifteen minute time limit. He started wrestling more aggressively and pushing for the win, which all culminated in setting up for the Flatliner. O'Haire was too close to the ropes though, and was able to grab onto them to block the move. The champion capitalized on that opening, pulling off a couple of big slams and then delivering the Widow Maker to get the win. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 85</div> He'd now hit the magic number of fifteen successful title defenses, and O'Haire made sure everyone knew what his focus was on. As he was handed the TV title, he slung it over his shoulder and motioned that he was coming for the big gold belt next. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 77</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Kaz Hayashi (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©} <img alt="paNPh85.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/paNPh85.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As per usual, this one was called in the ring and Bryan Danielson was allowed to piece the match together as he saw fit. The kid really gets how to structure a match, and he showed it again here. He designed it so they'd both look great and get to show off their best stuff, with Bryan working Hayashi over with his mat wrestling and some suplexes while Kaz got to hit some nice aerial stuff. Both champion and challenger got their chances to shine, and both had great nights to boot. This was the best cruiserweight title match in almost a year. Hayashi had Danielson set up for a senton backsplash off of the top rope, but Bryan got his knees up and blocked it. That looked to be the beginning of the end for Kaz, because after following up with a back suplex and missile dropkick, Bryan had him in prime position to lock on a submission. Keibler knew her wrestler was in trouble, and she did whatever she could to help him. She climbed onto the apron and shouted to get Bryan's attention, waving her "Objection!" sign and trying to distract him. But Bryan wasn't going to let her get to him this time. He shook his head and remained focused, and moments later the Cattle Mutilation was locked in. With nowhere to go, Hayashi had to tap. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/YIpiDFE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/FIVYBul.jpg</div> It was time for the segment we'd been teasing ever since the Hardys shockingly dropped the tag team titles to Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams last month at the Great American Bash. I kept all three scripted here, because I simply don't trust either Hardy to come up with good promo material on their own. It also was important that we get the message across properly so there weren't any misunderstandings. Jeff agreed with Roddy's assessment that last month's loss had surprised them both and made them evaluate where they were at. (He didn't say it exactly like that, obviously, because he's Jeff Hardy.) Matt revealed that he and Jeff had talked about this a lot over the last month, and they'd reached an important decision. No, the Hardys were not dead as a tag team. In fact, Jeff guaranteed that they will not only wrestle together again, but they WILL become champions of the world for a seventh time! (They've won four in WWF and two in WCW, for the record.) But that day won't be today, or next week, or next month. The bond of the Hardy brothers will NEVER die, but for the moment, they both have agreed to put the team on hold so they can test their luck as singles wrestlers. Matt predicted that the same risk-taking style that has brought them so much success as a team will lead them both to singles glory as well--and maybe one day it'll be Hardy vs. Hardy with the singles World Heavyweight title on the line! That brought a laugh from both brothers, who hugged and played to the fans to end the segment. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 92</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Sting vs. Rob Van Dam (w/Paul Heyman) <img alt="womNFVP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/womNFVP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Is Sting now the de facto face for main event heels to feud with when they debut (Goldberg) or turn (RVD?) Seems that way. It's pretty logical, with Sting's status as arguably the biggest WCW icon ever. Sadly, this isn't the same Sting everybody fondly remembers. His gimmick is getting stale, but the much bigger problem is he's just no longer physically capable of doing the things he used to do. That's why he's in the position he's in, instead of being one of the top featured players on the show. He had the single worst individual performance of the night, struggling to keep up and make anything look good. RVD was there to save the day though. Van Dam was awesome in this match, doing his usual flashy offense but showing even more arrogance than usual, with a dash of nastiness thrown in as well. Rob carried Sting to his best singles PPV match in about a year and a half. Everybody loves Sting, but we all knew where this was headed. He got to hit some of his old favorites, including the Stinger Splash, but Van Dam countered the Scorpion Death Drop with a backwards high kick to the face. That staggered Sting, a flying single leg kick off the second rope dropped him, and the Five Star Frog Splash finished him. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 84</div> Heyman called for the mic after the match, and he smugly stood beside a grinning RVD and went into classic Heyman hype mode. "Sting is a legend, and that is not hyperbole. There is no one who has ever meant more to WCW than the man called Sting. And tonight this legend, this mythic figure of World Championship Wrestling was given a, dare I say, EXTREME wake-up call? Tonight, July the 20th, 2003 is a night Sting will never forget, and neither will any of you. Every single person watching this show will forever remember where they were and who they were with on July 20th, 2003. You will look back on this night as the night that everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling changed. Tonight you saw Rob Van Dam on an international stage, under the bright lights of a multimillion dollar company, with no shackles in place to prevent him from showing the world who he truly is. Tonight was the night that Rob-Van-Dam returned to his natural state, and WCW will never be the same again!" Paul struggled a bit with the occasional word or phrase that didn't seem to make sense, but I don't think anyone noticed or cared. His promo skills are awesome, and obviously Rob is a huge star. This was an electric promo. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Alexander (w/Father Isaac) vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©} http://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg<img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Alexander's intended to primarily be a tag team wrestler since joining Salvation and partnering with Mortis, but he was in a huge spot here with AJ thanks to his UFS win. I kept this match scripted because I'm not 100% sold on AJ as a ring general yet, but his psychology is progressing to the point that I might start letting him call his matches in the ring. Alexander's performance was okay here. He's an above average technical wrestler who can do a bit of flying, and just in general is someone who is adequate at most things while not being truly great at anything. That's good enough for a solid outing, and that's what we got from him. AJ is far more than adequate though. He's developed into an exceptional worker, and he showed it once again tonight with an amazing performance. With AJ leading the way, this was arguably the best singles match of Alexander's career. By AJ's recent standards it wasn't anything special, but I'd still call it a good match. Alexander got some offense in, but we made a point on commentary of stressing that he's been focused on advancing his tag team in recent months, while Styles has been on a major roll as a singles champion. That was the story that played out in the ring, as AJ did a little bit of technical wrestling and flying before ending this title defense with the Styles Clash. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg<img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg<img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Cameras were allowed into the locker room as Eddie Guerrero prepared for his world title match, with Rey and Chavo sitting nearby chatting. The Unnatural dropped in uninvited, and he offered his "sincere" apologies for showing up unannounced, but he said he was eager to hear if Eddie's friend and nephew had forgiven him for selfishly abandoning them on Monday. After all, Eddie needed to wrestle with a clear head if he hoped to realize his dream tonight. The last thing he needed was to be derailed by personal distractions! Eddie stood up and got in Dustin's face, angrily calling him a hypocrite. He said that Unnatural talked about him supposedly "abandoning" Rey and Chavo by staying back in El Paso to get himself ready for tonight's match, but they both knew the score, and if either of them had a world title match he wouldn't be angry at them for doing the same thing. Rey and Chavo nodded their agreement, but Eddie wasn't done. He said that tonight was a big night, because he was going to accomplish the one thing he'd dreamt of ever since signing his first WCW contract in 1995. And he was going to celebrate his world title win tonight by sharing it with his friends and family--unlike Dustin, who celebrated HIS world title win by hitting his own father in the face with the title belt! Unnatural got a little half smile on his face and said he knew Eddie doesn't understand why he does the things that he does, but one day he will. Dustin was good here, and Eddie's getting better at his trueborn WCW star gimmick. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg True Heroes vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams {©} <img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/uY8UroB.jpg</div> For the first time since Starrcade, the True Heroes were competing for the tag team titles. The titles just haven't been the same since the end of their program with the Hardys, as Matt and Jeff struggled to even come close to recapturing that magic with any other team. This was far from the best team they've ever worked with, considering their lack of experience and Adams' limited skillset. Brian was really off his game on top of that, and he didn't look like he belonged in the same ring with the other three as he executed his one-dimensional brawling. Daniels worked his ass off and was really good, but the Heroes were going to need to really give it their all if they wanted to make up for Adams' presence. They succeeded. Storm's mat wrestling was awesome, their team work was on point, and Punk's all-around performance was flawless. I think tonight could be used as a compelling argument for Punk and Storm being the best tag team in wrestling today. Last month the Hardys had a forgettable match with this same team, but this match was fantastic. Easily the best match in Brian's career, the best tag title match since Starrcade, and even the best tag title match the Heroes have had with anyone other than the Hardys. This was pretty clearly the best match on the show to this point, though I felt there was still a reasonable chance Eddie and Dustin would top it. Still, this match blew away my expectations. They may have pulled off the monumental upset last month, but Daniels and Adams were severely outclassed in terms of tag team experience and chemistry. The Heroes showed they hadn't missed a beat, executing a flawless game plan by keeping the bigger Adams in the ring and wearing him down with their superior speed and technical skill. Finally, after knocking Daniels off the apron with a double dropkick, they treated Adams to a Heroic Finish. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> Before Adams could tap out, The Unbound hit the ring and launched an unprovoked attack on the Heroes! Punk and Storm were awarded the win by disqualification, but the titles stayed with Daniels and Adams. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 91</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg (w/Eric Bischoff) http://i.imgur.com/k45HPCq.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Heading in, we all understood that this wasn't likely going to be a classic. After the great tag title match right before it, there was virtually no chance this could be match of the night. I knew what we were dealing with, so I told them to just focus on the story and let their characters and popularity carry it. The crowd was definitely up for it, but there wasn't much to say about the actual in-ring action. There wasn't much selling to be found, and the match didn't tell much of a story. My expectations weren't the highest, but I'd still say this match fell a bit short. It was slightly worse than Bill's match against Sting at Mayhem, where we had Sting's physical state and Bill's ring rust to deal with. It was a fairly standard brawl between two powerhouses, with neither man able to establish a clear upper hand. Eventually Eric Bischoff had enough with the stalemate. He climbed onto the apron and argued with referee Mark Johnson, who ordered him down. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> It was all a ruse designed to allow King Corino to slip into the ring from the other side and surprise Steiner with a piledriver. He rolled out of the ring as quickly as he'd entered. Goldberg got to his feet and looked confused about why Steiner was suddenly flat on his back, but he shrugged his shoulders and hit the Jackhammer to finish the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 76</div> Scott Steiner wasn't having any of Goldberg's post-match celebration. He hit Goldberg with a forearm to the back, and Bill turned around to return fire. They brawled in the ring, picking up right where they left off in the match, and had to be pulled apart. Tenay oversold the match we'd just seen, acting like it was a classic when everyone watching it obviously knew it wasn't, and it hurt his credibility during the brawl. Bill was great here though, and the brawl was much, much better than the match. I always knew the non-wrestling segments would greatly outpace the match itself in this feud, so no surprise there. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg Eddie Guerrero vs. The Unnatural {©} (w/Father Isaac) <img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> The pressure was on here. The bar had been raised by the title reign of Rey Mysterio Jr, who put on one classic title match after another. Not to mention the tag title match had overachieved, so Eddie and Dustin would need to be pretty damn good just to be match of the night, never mind reaching the level of Rey's matches. Nothing else on the show lasted longer than 15 or 16 minutes, so these two had plenty of time to tell their story, and the freedom to adjust on the fly based on how the crowd was responding. It seemed like an impossible standard to reach, but these two guys went out and did it. Both were great here, but I'd say Dustin was just ever so slightly better. He works his ass off, he's got his Unnatural character down pat, and he's more over than at any point in his career. Hats off to him, because he's earned it. The story told was that Unnatural kept trying to make Eddie lose his composure and lure him into a brawl, but Guerrero kept his cool and refused to wrestle the match on the champion's terms. He showed off his great mat wrestling as well as his ability to effortlessly take it to the air, and Unnatural couldn't match him in either area whether we're talking in kayfabe or in actual performance. Unless something changed drastically, it looked like Unnatural was well on his way to losing the title in his very first defense. Eddie had it all set up for his frog splash, but it turned out Unnatural was playing possum. He got up off the mat, raced over and executed a perfect superplex for a near fall. The champion pressed his advantage, connecting with some hard punches, an inverted suplex and then a running bulldog for another near finish. His old finish from "The Natural" days hadn't been enough to get the job done, so he embraced his Unnaturalness by going for Unnatural Selection. Eddie had the move perfectly scouted though; he blocked it, countered into an inverted atomic drop, then snapped off a tornado DDT. The Unnatural's moment had passed, and Father Isaac knew it. He grabbed the belt off of the timekeeper's table and crouched low beside the apron, looking for a chance to try and slip it into the ring so Unnatural could use it as a weapon. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</div> Rey came running down the ramp, wildly gesturing to the side of the ring where Isaac was crouched down. Both Eddie and ref Nick Patrick looked over to where he was pointing and saw Isaac, catching him red-handed. Isaac froze, then hastily stood up and took several steps back when Rey approached him. Isaac professed his innocence, but Rey got in his face and started yelling at him in Spanish. Amidst all the commotion, Unnatural delivered a sneaky groin shot on Guerrero while Patrick's attention was still outside the ring. One Unnatural Selection later, and the match was over. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: 98</div> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Satyr24" data-cite="Satyr24" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Which 3 Did ECW Steal? Figured they would take a couple of ladies, Surprised there was no face turns though Also Who the hell is billy kim?</div></blockquote> It was actually four. I don't remember the four off the top of my head, but I'll probably go in and rearrange it so at least the four best female wrestlers are on Raw, and the less talented on ECW (looking at you, Jackie Gayda.) Billy Kim was a California indie guy who I used as a jobber for awhile. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Suckas got to know. Also, why not Raw and Smackdown or ECW and WWE?</div></blockquote> Yeah, it'd probably make more sense for Raw to be called WWE. I might as well make that change when I go in to rearrange the women's rosters. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Change it to floating?</div></blockquote> I didn't even think of that. I guess I could do it by temporarily controlling one of the members of the NWA? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Another possible idea for ECW is to retire the European Title, and present Raven the revived ECW TV Title. <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> I was always going to set up the TV title as ECW's secondary belt, and when Raven got drafted there that became the logical way to do it. His injury complicates things somewhat though. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm curious of where Colt Cabana is in your universe? He was always a favorite of mine that never made it.</div></blockquote> I signed him to a developmental deal at the very beginning. He hasn't ever asked to be called up and I don't have any ideas for him, so he's still down there in Wildside. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Lloyd" data-cite="The Lloyd" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>F General diary comments/questions/critiques: I haven't been a regular reader, so may have missed some things. But I think that's a fantastic card, from a fantastic writer!! Extremely interested in the Eddie/Unnatural match.. and I'd like to see your take on how the matches will turn out involving guys like AJ, Daniels and Bryan Danielson... If I wrote a historical diary from this time period, the temptation would be to put them over my current stars, especially in a company like WCW. The fact is though, WCW did have some talent, even towards the end. Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo could have been huge for them. Of course there's also Sting and Goldberg. And then Big Poppa Pump was an incredible heel. I HATED that guy!!</div></blockquote> Thanks fot the comment! I've tried to hold back from megapushes right away, work new guys into the roster and gradually build them up so their elevation feels more natural. I guess whether or not I've succeeded in that is not for me to say. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sting has been hit very hard by time decline, sadly. I'm doing what I can with O'Haire, but it remains to be seen if he can reach big-time superstar status.

DHK1989 · February 28, 2018

Awesome show! Really surprised the Tag Title match overachieved, but it was no surprise that the World Title match would be match of the night.

What injury does Raven have?

JMike · February 28, 2018

The champ is back, and he's screwing me over with DQ finishes! Just kidding. Once again, great show, Unnatural vs Eddie getting a 98 is great and one of the Hardys (probably Matt) is gonna have a fun time in the Cruiserweight division.

K-Nection · February 28, 2018

Punk and Storm are just too good at what they do! Also I may PM you some ideas for Colt because he does has some useful range as a worker and the age you snagged him at he will probably be an elite worker for you in a few years. Actually I think I've got the exact way you bring him in that would probably be interesting.

Texasrangers13 · February 28, 2018

Great show! That Australian audience was truly lucky. Happy for O'Haire, solid challenger that'll benefit from the push to Main Event scene. Maybe some Eddie/Rey tension coming up? Lots of a great developments. As always, loved the show.

Hashasheen · February 28, 2018

<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="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Yeah, it'd probably make more sense for Raw to be called WWE. I might as well make that change when I go in to rearrange the women's rosters.</div></blockquote> Heck, you can even do a rebrand a year or so down the line if the "ECW" experiment doesn't work out like IRL. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I didn't even think of that. I guess I could do it by temporarily controlling one of the members of the NWA?</div></blockquote> Yeah, that'd would work it. And you could also reorganize the rest of their titles too. Move the Junior Heavyweight title to main event, maybe invite a couple of women's promotions (if there are any!) so that the World Women's Title gets more spread? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Sting has been hit very hard by time decline, sadly. I'm doing what I can with O'Haire, but it remains to be seen if he can reach big-time superstar status.</div></blockquote> Maybe pop Sting in a tag team to cover his bases for a bit, some kid with a high upside or strong starting point? I'd say John Cena if you had him, but I think he's with the WWE. Given how good your bases are covered, maybe do a loser leaves town match and send him to train guys down in Wildside?

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