WCW: Heart and Soul

Kijar · March 22, 2018

At least Jimmy Rave is X-Division champion. <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Final Countdown · March 23, 2018

August 24th, 2003: Japan Supershow <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="sD6hAXa.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sD6hAXa.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> August 24th, 2003 From Jingu Stadium in Tokyo, Japan Attendance: 44,589 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: "Just Like You" by Three Days Grace <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04fQTmvFfGo" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/04fQTmvFfGo"</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;">Hayabusa vs. Brian Kendrick http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpghttp://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> Paul London joined us on color commentary for this match to further his program with Kendrick. He wasn't great in that role, but he took the time to explain that he wanted another match with Brian so he could beat him for a second time and hopefully teach him some humility, so it served its purpose. The work in the ring was very strong. Kendrick was good, again proving he's ready to perform on these big stages, and I thought he showed some improved aggression as he brawled as well. Hayabusa was great. Obviously he can do some eye-popping aerial stuff, and his popularity in Japan really takes his matches up to another level whenever we bring the guys over here. This was non-stop, all-out action, and it was a good way to kick off the PPV. Kendrick had Hayabusa in trouble late and showed incredible disrespect by trying to tear his mask and expose his face (he'd wrestled matches fully unmasked in the past, but just ignore that please.) London took exception to that. He threw down his headset and walked close to the ring, yelling at Kendrick to show some respect. Brian took time out to tell London to mind his own business, and he turned around right into a palm thrust to the face. That floored him, and the Phoenix Splash gave Hayabusa the win. <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;"><img alt="g1BYlVy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g1BYlVy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> We got word of a "developing situation" backstage, and sent a camera to get to the bottom of it. The camera man arrived, pushing through a crowd of wrestlers and other employees (including Roddy Piper, who chose to stick around to be in this angle instead of going home) to capture Matt Hardy and Arn Anderson crouched beside Jeff Hardy, who was unconscious on the floor. We didn't have anybody do much talking, what with the language barrier and all, but obviously some questions arose from this: Who attacked Jeff? Would he be able to compete in the TV title match tonight? And if he couldn't, would that match become a 3-way or would a replacement be named? <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 85</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 KENTA vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©} <img alt="oI71OzK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oI71OzK.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> Some might expect the fans to be behind KENTA, the native Japanese star. But the simple fact is that NOAH's shows are on tiny networks, while we've been on massive networks with great exposure in Japan for years. KENTA certainly got a much better reaction than he would have if we held this match anywhere else, but even here the fans have seen Danielson more and treated him as a bigger star. As for the work, KENTA was okay, but Danielson was great. He led KENTA in some nice mat wrestling exchanges, and sold and reacted really well to get his strikes over as formidable. KENTA got several near falls with those strikes, and probably would've won the match and the title with his Go 2 Sleep if Danielson hadn't been fortunate enough to land near the ropes. But in the end, Bryan wrestled KENTA to the mat and submitted him with the Cattle Mutilation to win this international, cross-promotional cruiserweight bout. <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> Chavo Guerrero Jr., Matt Hardy and Shane Helms were all in the ring, and now it was time to find out what was going on with the TV title match. Mike and I revealed that we were getting confirmation from the back that Jeff Hardy had been ruled out of the match, and furthermore, Arn Anderson was inserting an emergency replacement so the match could at least be a four way as advertised. Out came said replacement... <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Bobby Roode, accompanied by Ric Flair! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 70 <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Matt Hardy vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms vs. Bobby Roode (w/Ric Flair) <img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The last-minute addition of Bobby Roode didn't sit well with Matt or Chavo, and they went after him and did a lot of double teaming early on. Helms was content to sit back and watch, though he made sure no one got close to a pin or submission since this was a one fall match (normally I'd do elimination rules for any title match, but I didn't feel bad about breaking my policy here since there wasn't a defending champion who could lose his belt without actually being beaten.) The match really picked up when Helms hit Hardy with a shot from behind, and it turned into more of a four way battle as everybody looked for an opportunity to catch a fall on one of their opponents. Hardy was the best here, largely because he's over with the fans and got them involved. Roode's probably the second most over, at least in Japan, and he's also a really good and well-rounded worker, so it wasn't a surprise that he was just behind Matt. Chavo and Helms did fairly well themselves and held up their end, but Hardy and Roode were the story. Fittingly, it was Hardy who took center stage when he knocked Helms out of the ring, then hit the Twist of Fate on Chavo. But before he could make the pin, Roode threw him over the top rope and swooped in to cover Chavo himself. Three seconds later, Roode went from not even being on the show to becoming the TV Champion! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 80</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;">Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. The Jung Dragons (w/Stacy Keibler) <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.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="paNPh85.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/paNPh85.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> While I did consider having these guys scale back a bit on the action and focus more on playing up the dissension story we've teased with Eddie and Rey, in the end I decided to just let them work, call it in the ring and see what happened. That was definitely the right call, because this match was fantastic. Everybody knows how great Eddie and Rey are, but the Jung Dragons stepped up and matched their level of performance here. They didn't even go all out or anything; it was just about 15 minutes of exciting back and forth action that the Japanese fans loved. Obviously all four guys are great fliers, and with Eddie and Rey there to lead it, there was also good mat wrestling and everything made sense, worked and told a story. The guys coming up later would need to be at the top of their game if they wanted to beat this one for match of the night. Despite the storyline, and despite a few isolated incidents where we teased the potential of friction between Rey and Eddie, they remained on the same page and worked together all the way through the match. Rey seemingly had an opportunity to deliver his springboard hurricanrana to Yang, but instead he passed the baton to Eddie and made the tag. Guerrero made the most of it, hitting Yang with a triad of vertical suplexes and then landing the frog splash. Rey made sure Hayashi couldn't intervene, and Eddie got the pin for the team. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 97</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 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" /></div> My expectations weren't too high for this one after what was a fairly lackluster match last month, but that was fine. They weren't being counted on to deliver a great match or anything; they were just here to conclude the story we'd left unfinished. The match was all about the story of whether or not Goldberg would stay true to his word and wrestle Steiner on his own. The fact that he came out alone suggested he would, and there was no sign of anybody else coming out as the match progressed. Scott was off his game tonight. I thought Bill did pretty well, but there wasn't much selling from either guy. Maybe that was deliberate and ego-driven? Whatever the case, this was a bit better than their match at Bash at the Beach, but still would be nowhere close to the best of the night. Goldberg used his power to keep Scott from getting the Steiner Recliner on, and the spear and Jackhammer brought him the clean win. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 79</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="LEPRnye.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LEPRnye.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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/3ZTpoTU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/cAw5Dl8.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpg<img alt="Z3xclCp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z3xclCp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Moments after Goldberg's win, we cut to the back for an Empire promo. Bischoff switched back and forth between English and Japanese, talking in English to his allies while addressing the audience in Japanese. He congratulated Goldberg on shutting Scott Steiner's big mouth once and for all, and said the rest of the night was going to go just as well for The Empire. First, up next, Jamie Knoble was going to beat that "phony redneck" Steve Austin up so bad, he was going to admit Jamie was the true redneck ruler and go back to pretending he was from Hollywood. And a bit later on, TAKA was going to get his revenge on AJ Styles and bring the United States title into the fold! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 87</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. Jamie Knoble <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/CCq92jB.jpg </div> I thought about playing up the "redneck" bit and having these two guys just brawl, but I thought that would be too limiting for Knoble, who is okay at brawling but better at mat wrestling and aerial stuff. Since I really wanted to see how he would do in this spotlight, I just let them go. I knew what to expect from Austin, who is still great, but could Knoble come through on a similar level? The answer? Pretty much, yeah. Jamie was really good here. Between his mat wrestling, focusing on Austin's arm (which wound up being bitterly ironic, but more on that later) and pulling off an occasional top rope move or dive to the floor to catch Austin off-guard, Jamie came off like a big time performer who was capable of being in the ring with Austin and taking him to the limit. Steve was very generous in helping the up and comer look like a big threat, and his own performance as a brawling babyface was pretty much flawless. You know how I said anybody would need to be at their best if they wanted to top the tag match a bit earlier? These two did it. For over twenty minutes, Knoble went toe to toe with one of the biggest stars of all time. It was an epic match, and I was enjoying having the chance to call it. And then....Austin bumped on a simple back suplex and immediately grabbed his arm. We all instantly knew something was wrong. Steve, the stubborn professional that he is, continued on and hit the Stunner (with his other arm) to win the match, but my good mood about the match and the continuation of the storyline was the furthest thing from my mind. I didn't need a doctor's diagnosis to know Steve was hurt. The only question was, how hurt was he? <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</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. The Unbound (w/Father Isaac) 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.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/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/uY8UroB.jpg</div> I needed to set my worries about Austin aside if I was going to do the rest of the show justice, so I quickly shifted gears and threw myself into providing color for this three way title match. I thought this had a chance to be great after seeing what the Heroes pulled from Daniels and Adams last month. Sadly, the magic was not recaptured tonight. This match was merely passable; more along the lines of what the tag team title matches have been doing recently. That wasn't for lack of effort from the Heroes, who were great as usual. Mortis was right there with them, and the match was at its best when the three of them were involved, particularly when the focus was on Mortis versus either Punk or Storm. Alexander and Daniels did pretty good themselves, but Adams brought up the rear. That was to be expected, but it's not like he didn't have to be carried through last month's match too. I'm not really sure what went wrong here, but this match was pretty disappointing. The first elimination of the match came courtesy of Punk, who forced Adams to tap out to the Second City Stretch. With that, we were guaranteed new champions! It was between the Heroes and The Unbound to decide who would walk out with the belts. The two teams went back and forth, and with Adams out of the picture, the match did pick up a bit here. It could have been either team's match, but... <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg</div> The Destroyer came down and attacked Punk on the floor. With Punk taken out, Storm had to go it alone. He gave it a valiant effort and even trapped Alexander in the Calgary Clutch, but Mortis saved his partner before he had to tap out. Despite his best efforts, Lance fell victim to the Fatal Flatliner and The Unbound claimed the titles! <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;">http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</div> The Unnatural wasn't even aware that his Salvation brothers had just won the tag team titles, because he was isolated from all else. He was warming up in a dark hallway backstage, preparing for his title defense against Sean O'Haire. <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</div> Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. walked by and sarcastically wished him good luck in his title defense. Not much was said since we wanted to avoid any potential language barriers, but the point was Rey and Eddie showing Unnatural that his attempts to create dissension between them had not worked, and they were as united as ever. <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 TAKA (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©} <img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://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> Heading in, I thought this had a chance to be a sleeper match of the night. There probably wasn't much chance of that at this point after how fantastic Austin vs. Knoble was, but I still had high hopes for it. They delivered on those hopes without question. Being in Japan wasn't as big a bonus as you might think, because TAKA is basically just as over everywhere else in the world, but obviously both of these guys are excellent workers. I didn't give them any real instructions aside from making sure it was a back and forth match where both guys got plenty of offense in, and I gave AJ a chance to call it in the ring this time and show me how well he can read a crowd and tell a story. He passed that test with flying colors, because the fans loved this match. It was a great blend of exciting aerial spots and some pretty solid chain wrestling, with these two under-30 wrestlers showing they can step up and produce a legitimate main event-quality PPV bout. One of the recurring things AJ built the match around was TAKA having the Styles Clash well-scouted. Any time AJ went for his big finish, TAKA had a different counter prepared that swung the match in his favor. In a deliberate call-back to their match at last year's Slamboree where AJ won the Cruiserweight title from TAKA, Styles caught him on a springboard dropkick attempt and stepped through for the Styles Clash, but this time around TAKA countered the counter by shifting it into a hurricanrana! The ref hurried into position and counted once... twice... but AJ kicked out just in time! TAKA got back up and charged straight at AJ, wanting to press his advantage, but Styles stopped him dead in his tracks with a back flip kick. That dropped TAKA to his knee and left him groggy, and he was unable to fend off the Styles Clash this time. It was by far the most impressive match between these two, but the end result remained the same: AJ Styles came out the winner. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 95 <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> AJ didn't have long to celebrate his win before RVD and Paul Heyman casually walked down the ramp and entered the ring like they owned it. RVD got in AJ's face and did his thumb pointing pose while Heyman laughed and clapped in the background. RVD was great here, arrogantly stealing the spotlight after AJ's great match to make the moment all about him. The Japanese fans reacted to AJ like a star too, cheering him on. They're looking forward to this one. So am I, to be honest. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 84</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 Sean O'Haire vs. The Unnatural {©} (w/Father Isaac) http://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> We put together a pre-match video, putting over O'Haire's journey through the Power Plant, the Natural Born Thrilers, the feud with former partner Chuck Palumbo, capturing the TV title and making his fifteen successful TV title defenses to earn this world title shot. The production team did a great job. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div> So here it was. This was a huge match for both guys. For O'Haire that goes without saying. This was far and away the biggest match of his career. He's got the size, the look, he's gotten over and he's developed into a solid worker, but could he step up and deliver a singles match worthy of main eventing a PPV, especially on this talented roster? He'd just been part of an excellent six man tag on Nitro, but we didn't have the Heroes and Unbound to fall back on tonight. It was just him and Unnatural, one on one. Obviously Dustin is on the greatest run of his career, and last month he kept the trend of great world title matches alive. But that was while working with Eddie Guerrero, one of the absolute best in the world. Could he pull off something similar with O'Haire? The pressure was on, especially after some of the great matches we'd already seen earlier on the show. Both guys inarguably delivered. With Dustin there to lead the way and call the match, he and Sean matched the same excellence we'd seen from Austin and Knoble earlier. While Dustin was slightly better, Sean was awesome in his own right. He looked like an absolute wrecking machine, throwing The Unnatural all around the ring, and he also displayed his athleticism in some key points, like when he went up to the top rope and nailed a flying clothesline. Dustin put together a beautiful match, designed to put O'Haire over as the bigger, stronger and more imposing presence, with the great athleticism to boot. The Unnatural could not match O'Haire physically, so his only hope for victory was to outthink the challenger and rely on his 11 year experience edge. Since none of his usual tactics were working, he spent most of his time going after O'Haire's legs and trying to cut the big man down to size. He absorbed a lot of punishment to do so, but stuck to his plan. It eventually started paying off in the latter half of this 24 minute match, as The Unnatural got O'Haire to the mat and worked his legs over extensively with stomps, elbow drops and submissions. The Japanese fans urged O'Haire on, and cheered when he kicked Unnatural away on a spinning toe hold attempt, sending the champion crashing chest-first into the buckles. O'Haire used the ropes to pull himself up to his feet, then snapped off a big spinebuster. He made a throat slit gesture, then lifted Unnatural up onto his shoulders for the Widow Maker! Unfortunately for O'Haire, his legs chose that moment to give out on him. His legs buckled and he collapsed to the mat under the weight of the champion, and Unnatural had the sense to hook his legs and snatch a sudden victory from the jaws of defeat. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: 97</div>

DHK1989 · March 23, 2018

If Austin's arm is badly hurt, I see Bret keeping him out of any matches until Starrcade to be safe.

Hashasheen · March 23, 2018

Jesus, now that's a murderer's row of matches.

kinnikuniverse · March 23, 2018

KNOBLEMANIA IS REAL!! IT'S SO STRONK, IT BREAKS THE RATTLESNAKE'S ARMS!! BUT SNAKES DON'T HAVE ARMS!! NOT ANYMORE!!

IDK, I'm just happy that KNOBLEMANIA proved himself as a legit main event level performer! I'm so proud of him! Great job by Sean, who also proved himself.

Hmm, seeing that matt picture just screams backstabbing...

HOLY S#^@^@^!" the dragons got their chances and they delivered! Man, the mid-carders were on fire tonight!

What are KENTA's stats? By 2003, he was already one of the best juniors in the world.

Awesome stuff from TAKA and AJ. AJ's turning the US title into almost the world title's equal!

How's Samoa joe doing in michinoku pro? And given that m-pro has now become the lucharesu cult promotion, I feel there's no need for dragon gate to exist yet. You got him shortlisted for his contract, I hope?

Keep up the good work! Never imagined seeing o'haire-dustin as main event or bischoff speaking Japanese!

JMike · March 23, 2018

Bret Hart is the best WCW booker since T. Didn't expect a lot of the matches to be this good. Even with this beautiful masterpiece,of course Steve Austin had to go down and make everyone sad. But happy still because the card was good.

K-Nection · March 23, 2018

You would think that was a Big 4 PPV with those match ratings:eek: . I feel bad for the Rattlesnake but glad that Knoble got to look like a true star. How many times have you ever heard someone say that the Jung Dragons put on a MOTY contender???? I didn't have the faith of Sean vs. Unbound like you did but I'm glad that was a classic.

Interesting you have Roode swoop in and take the TV title from them all lol. He is such a GLORIOUS troll.

K-Nection · March 24, 2018

<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>You know you've booked an awesome show when the worst match on the card is Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA in 2003.</div></blockquote> I just realized that match could possibly happen in 2018 now Daniel Bryan is out of retirement.....

Theheel · March 24, 2018

Just blown away by the card and those ratings. Dave Meltzer would have been going 5 Star (and maybe 6 Star) Crazy

Amazing show hopefully the company is still in the black but with those attendance figures and ratings they should be even with some of those big contracts

I have to admit I never thought a Dustin Rhodes vs Sean O’Hare match would ever be 5 Stars

DGenerationMC · March 24, 2018

Jesus Christ, those ratings!

Beejus · March 24, 2018

Who would have ever guessed Austin vs. Knoble as match of the night? The huge match ratings almost have to be due to your perf>pop product. By now you've pretty much whittled away guys who can't work very well, and now that the roster is full of the young, athletic, fast paced wrestlers (generally speaking) I'm not surprised that every match is a dynamic wet dream of the internet community. It really is a lot like 2003 Ring of Honor now, where you can almost hear the 2003 IWC just going nuts for this stuff. Looking back at my picks, I chose Steiner vs. Goldberg for MOTN, but that's because I'm used to my WCW where that match would have star power driving it. I'll know now not to bank on either of them for the MOTN much again! That is a testament to how you've done such a great job at putting wrestling on the marquee.

And after their amazing showing, now aren't you glad that you gave Dragons a chance?

Kijar · March 24, 2018

RVD vs. AJ. :D:D:D:D:D

Jung Dragons and Jamie Knoble showing their worth. Real world was not as kind.

Glad O'Haire came out for the main event, he is a future champion, no doubt.

Nobby_McDonald · March 26, 2018

Some great matches there.

What's the diagnosis with Austin's arm?

Chaos Zarak · March 27, 2018

That show was amazing, and showed you have some great future stars ready to step up, Sean O'Haire showing he can hang with the Unnatural, AJ and taka putting on a match worthy of any main event, the Dragons showing they can step up (just wish they would in my game) and I'm now on the Knoblemania train after that match.

I am liking the idea of AJ vs RVD and will look forward to seeing how the Jeff Hardy mystery attacker plays out, a potential fued between CM Punk and the destroyer makes me happy as I am a fan of Mike awesome and he can put on some great matches, it just makes me sad he can't keep clean in your game. Wondering who will be the next no1 contender for the title, will you return to Rey and Eddie or give O'Haire another shot or even go a completely different route.

I have to say I am amazed at how low the ratings for the Steiner/Goldberg matches have been getting... I am not uses to booking a performance>popularity style but would have thought their overness would have boosted the match more than that...

The Final Countdown · March 28, 2018

August 2003: Supershow Wrap-up

August 24, 2003
Tokyo, Japan

I led the boys in a round of applause for Dustin and O'Haire. While I was genuinely happy for both of them, my mind was elsewhere.

The applause died down when Austin walked into the room, his arm in a sling. He walked by, his head down and a pissed-off look on his face. Obviously he hadn't liked what the doctor told him. I gave him a pat on the back as he walked by, but didn't say anything. He was kind of a loner by nature, so I figured the best thing to do was leave him to his thoughts. I'd go and talk with the doctor to get the preliminary diagnosis, and tomorrow Steve and I would sit down and figure out what happened next.

This was a great show. Several matches overachieved, most of the best workers were on point, and less heralded guys like O'Haire, Knoble and the Dragons stepped up in a big way. Summerslam was yet to start at the time of our PPV taping because of the time zone difference, but the next day I would learn that while it was a great show, most fans and analysts agreed that ours was superior.

The injury to Austin was a setback, and could potentially wreck a lot of plans based on how much time he'd have to miss, but all in all I couldn't be too worried. Our momentum continued to build, and our push to the top marched on.

http://i.imgur.com/HLY8nvy.jpg

Tammy told me NOAH has reached out to Chris Candido about coming in for a full-time gig, and the two sides are negotiating right now. Good for him. I'm kind of surprised WWE didn't give him a call when they were hiring a bunch of people to support their brand split, but I guess they were focusing on filling out the bottom of the card.

Extreme World Wrestling officially closed. I know next to nothing about them, but there you go.

Hall of Champions:

NITRO BRAND

World Heavyweight Champion:
http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg
The Unnatural
http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg
Won: June 15th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Previous Champions (since March 2001):
Rey Mysterio Jr.: December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days)
Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days)
Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days)
Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (168 days)
Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days)

United States Heavyweight Champion:
http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg
AJ Styles

Won: December 29th, 2002 from Shane Douglas at Starrcade in Sydney, Australia

Previous Champions (since March 2001):
Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days)
Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days)
Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days)
Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days)
Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days)

Cruiserweight Champion:
http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg
"American Dragon" Bryan Danielson (2nd reign)

Won: April 20th, 2003 from Christopher Daniels at Clash of the Champions in Toda, Japan

Previous Champions (since March 2001):
Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days)
American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days)
AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days)
TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days)
Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days)
Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days)

World Television Champion:

Bobby Roode
http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg
Won: August 24th, 2003 in a four way against Chavo Guerrero Jr, Matt Hardy and Shane Helms for the vacant title at the Japan Supershow in Tokyo, Japan

Previous Champions (since July 2002):
((O'Haire reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 7/21/03 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match))
Sean O'Haire: January 26th, 2003-July 21st, 2003 (176 days)
Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days)

World Tag Team Champions:
http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg
The Unbound (Mortis and Alexander) (#1 as a team, #3 for Mortis, #2 for Alexander)
http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg
Won: August 24th, 2003 from Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams and True Heroes in a three way at the Japan Supershow in Tokyo, Japan

Previous Champions (since March 2001):
Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams (#3 for Adams): June 15th, 2003-August 24th, 2003 (70 days)
The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (#2): December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days)
True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) (#2): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days)
The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days)
True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days)
The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days)

ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May):

2003: Eddie Guerrero
2002: Diamond Dallas Page

Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November):

2002: Rey Mysterio Jr.
2001: Rob Van Dam

The Ultimate Fan Series

2003: Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson)

2002: The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes)

2001: The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright)

1989? Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers)

Prediction scores (out of a possible 11 points):

CobheadJake: 10

Happy0wns: 9

Uncrewed: 8
DGenerationMC: 8
evileddie10: 8
Rateddc: 8
James The Animator: 8
cbacon87: 8
Nobby_McDonald: 8
Destiny: 8
ThorJ: 8
Kijar: 8
Chaos Zarak: 8

bonnie: 7
DHK1989: 7
Smasher1311: 7
JMike: 7
michgcs: 7
K-Nection: 7
kinnikuniverse: 7
deanohbk: 7
Satyr24: 7
chrismday: 7
Ian carlisle: 7
123Kidd: 7

KnowYourEnemy: 6
Mr. Jones: 6
ElectricX: 6
Warhawk8492: 6
smw88: 6
Dead_Jester: 6
Beejus: 6
jscotty: 6
Theheel: 6
Danny_H22: 6
GingeyOne: 6
Wolfman84: 6
DavidCorperial: 6
The Lariat: 6
Texasrangers13: 6

Cro Cop Rules: 5
crackerjack: 5

Standings in UFS prediction contest after 3 shows:

deanohbk: 26
cbacon87: 26
Uncrewed: 26

Dead_Jester: 25
Wolfman84: 25
Satyr24: 25
Smasher1311: 25
Nobby_McDonald: 25
evileddie10: 25
Rateddc: 25
Happy0wns: 25

Theheel: 24
GingeyOne: 24
DHK1989: 24
kinnikuniverse: 24
123Kidd: 24
James The Animator: 24

Cro Cop Rules: 23
jscotty: 23
The Lariat: 23
chrismday: 23
K-Nection: 23
DGenerationMC: 23
Kijar: 23

crackerjack: 22
DavidCorperial: 22
Warhawk8492: 22
Danny_H22: 22
JMike: 22
bonnie: 22

Texasrangers13: 21
Beejus: 21

michgcs: 19

smw88: 17

ElectricX: 16
Ian carlisle: 16

KnowYourEnemy: 12

Chaossy: 10
CobheadJake: 10

Destiny: 8
ThorJ: 8
Chaos Zarak: 8

The Lloyd: 7

Mr. Jones: 6

I don't always remember to say it, but K-Nection has my continued thanks for his awesome work on the PPV posters. It can't be easy to design anything featuring The Unnatural, but I thought he got creative and did a really good job coming up with something different and cool.

That was a great show! The only match results I missed were the TV title match (which nobody got) and the tag title match. The last one was a shame, because I initially thought that the Unbound were going to win the tag titles, but I changed my prediction right before I posted my card.

If someone had gotten the TV title match right, I would've been worried that my computer had been hacked!

What are KENTA's stats? By 2003, he was already one of the best juniors in the world.

His in-ring skills are solid.

I didn't have the faith of Sean vs. Unbound like you did but I'm glad that was a classic.

I didn't have all that much faith in it either. When I first decided to go forward with that match, I figured it'd be a solid B+; nothing approaching a 99.

I just realized that match could possibly happen in 2018 now Daniel Bryan is out of retirement.....

It already did. They had a major title match in ROH in 2006 (probably ROH's peak, at least as far as my own personal enjoyment), and it was amazing. Probably in my top 5 all-time favorite Danielson matches.

Amazing show hopefully the company is still in the black but with those attendance figures and ratings they should be even with some of those big contracts

I believe I've turned a profit every month since I started, other than I think a slight loss in the month that I spent a bunch of money to establish my women's developmental territory.

I have to admit I never thought a Dustin Rhodes vs Sean O’Hare match would ever be 5 Stars

Me neither! I never would've predicted Dustin would be headlining PPVs either. I hoped to give O'Haire a decent push, but I wasn't sure how well he'd do in my product.

Who would have ever guessed Austin vs. Knoble as match of the night?

I kind of figured it would be actually, especially since I had my doubts about Dustin vs. O'Haire.

The huge match ratings almost have to be due to your perf>pop product. By now you've pretty much whittled away guys who can't work very well, and now that the roster is full of the young, athletic, fast paced wrestlers (generally speaking) I'm not surprised that every match is a dynamic wet dream of the internet community. It really is a lot like 2003 Ring of Honor now, where you can almost hear the 2003 IWC just going nuts for this stuff. Looking back at my picks, I chose Steiner vs. Goldberg for MOTN, but that's because I'm used to my WCW where that match would have star power driving it. I'll know now not to bank on either of them for the MOTN much again! That is a testament to how you've done such a great job at putting wrestling on the marquee.

I think it's a combination of my product, plus the talented wrestlers now starting to build the overness to match their in-ring skills.

I have to say I am amazed at how low the ratings for the Steiner/Goldberg matches have been getting... I am not uses to booking a performance>popularity style but would have thought their overness would have boosted the match more than that...

Maybe me giving their matches the story telling note has something to do with it too.

Here's another frame of reference thing to keep in mind: at this point, Scott Steiner's popularity in Japan is lower than that of AJ Styles and TAKA, and only slightly ahead of Knoble, just at a quick glance. When I first started Scott was one of if not the most over guy in the company, but he's nowhere near that now.

K-Nection · March 28, 2018

It already did. They had a major title match in ROH in 2006 (probably ROH's peak, at least as far as my own personal enjoyment), and it was amazing. Probably in my top 5 all-time favorite Danielson matches.

Well I know what I'm watching for the next 20 minutes thanks!

Here's another frame of reference thing to keep in mind: at this point, Scott Steiner's popularity in Japan is lower than that of AJ Styles and TAKA, and only slightly ahead of Knoble, just at a quick glance. When I first started Scott was one of if not the most over guy in the company, but he's nowhere near that now.

That is definitely what nerfed the rating....Storytelling doesn't allow for classics unless you go with Spectacle. Only use spectacle if you have a sure fire ring general because that match can bomb if you have anything less.

kinnikuniverse · April 3, 2018

Wonder if Austin's injury won't be that bad.

Candid at Noah? Now that's interesting!

Who's going to challenge unnatural? We have three PPVS left before starrcade, so winder who's next.

Oh, and happy Easter TFC!!!

The Final Countdown · April 5, 2018

August Renaissance Update, News and September National Battle Report

http://i.imgur.com/2aDyraK.png

August 2003 Update

Grand Prix Tournament, A Block:

8/9:
-In what was considered a bit of an upset, Alexis Laree got the win over Meiko Satomura with a tornado DDT.

-Daffney brought her best effort against Akira Hokuto, just as the boss demanded, but Hokuto still beat her. Afterwards LuFisto joined them in the ring and all three celebrated together, showing they're still united.

-The Inoues went at it again, and it was Kyoko who got her hand raised after hitting the Victoria Driver.

8/23:
-Kyoko Inoue got a win against Daffney, who was still searching for her first points in the tournament.

-Alexis Laree could not continue to build momentum after her win over Meiko Satomura, as this week she fell to Takako Inoue.

-Akira Hokuto was looking to improve to 3-0, but instead Meiko Satomura's Scorpio Rising handed her the first loss since her return.

Current A Block Standings:
Akira Hokuto: 4 points (2-1)
Kyoko Inoue: 4 points (2-1)
Meiko Satomura: 4 points (2-1)
Takako Inoue: 4 points (2-1)
Alexis Laree: 2 points (1-2)
Daffney: 0 points (0-3)

Grand Prix Tournament, B Block:

8/16:
-Nattie came close with some nice submissions, but the DVD sent Etsuko Mita to 2-0.

-In a match that exceeded my expectations, Momoe Nakanishi used a victory roll to beat Sonoko Kato.

-Conversely, Chigusa Nagayo beat Melissa Anderson in a match that underachieved.

8/30:
-Sonoko Kato pulled out some shortcuts that made it a more competitive match than might have been expected, but she still fell to Chigusa Nagayo.

-Momoe Nakanishi beat Nattie Neidhart in a match were both womens' timing was erratic, showing a lack of chemistry.

-Melissa Anderson gave an incredible effort, remembering how it felt to be in the ring against the best in Manami Toyota and wanting to get back to that level, but a Death Valley Driver knocked her to an 0-3 start, while Etsuko Mita improved to 3-0.

Current B Block Standings:
Chigusa Nagayo: 6 points (3-0)
Etsuko Mita: 6 points (3-0)
Momoe Nakanishi: 4 points (2-1)
Nattie Neidhart: 2 points (1-2)
Melissa Anderson: 0 points (0-3)
Sonoko Kato: 0 points (0-3)

Show Summaries:

8/9:

8/16:

Notes from this show:
-Apparently Katarina Waters entertained the locker room before the show with some kind of silly word game that she made up on the spot--in Japanese, no less.

8/23:

Notes from this show:
-I guess Tracy Brooks was in a hurry to go over the notes for tonight to prepare her commentary, and she ignored a question from Manami Toyota to do it. Dusty Rhodes brought her before the wrestler's court, and all was well by the time he was done.

-Tanny Mouse, a freelancer who we frequently book for the night when we pass through Hokkaido, suffered a fractured jaw in her tag match.

8/30:

Notes from this show:
-Kyoko Inoue and Daffney set up a big poker tournament for the girls before the show.

August 25, 2003
Tokyo, Japan
Post-Nitro

Last night's injury to Austin had already caused a major reshuffling of plans. Now, an apparent injury in the main event of Nitro threatened to ruin the main event of our next PPV. Is WCW snakebit or what?

Backup plans and replacements were already being considered inside my head (maybe Christopher Daniels could work?), but all I could do at the moment was wait for the doctor's prognosis. This match really needs to happen in SOME form, otherwise I'm not sure how I'll connect Point A to Point B on the road to Starrcade.

http://i.imgur.com/HLY8nvy.jpg

The Observer now recognizes NOAH as a national-level company in Japan, so for the moment they're ahead of the rest of the cult-level pack and have joined us and WWE. That sounds like a good thing on the surface, but it came at a really bad time for them. They'll need all the help they can get to try and measure up in a battle of stars, and now they're without the injured Kenta Kobashi for the next year. Our working relationship should soften the blow when NOAH is compared to WCW, but I'm worried about their chances of competing with Vince.

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

Bobby Roode's contract is nearing its end, and Michinoku Pro has jumped in to try and steal him. Not happening, Sasuke.

Some broadcasting news.

-We signed extensions with Dish Network (USA) and MVS Multivision (Mexico) to continue airing our PPVs.

-In Mexico, Renaissance will be leaving 52MX and joining Nitro on the bigger Televisa. The same is true in the British Isles, leaving Channel 5 to air on ITV.

-Both shows have been extended on Sky Euro.

-Renaissance is moving to Seven Network Australia, an upgrade from Ten Network.

-Since the bigger Nippon TV wasn't willing to take on any additional wrestling content (they air all of WWE's shows), Renaissance will stay on TV Asahi in Japan.

I've signed Ace Steel, trainer of CM Punk and Colt Cabana, to a developmental contract. He was the reigning TNA tag champion with Kent Kohl at the time, but that's not my concern.

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

Kazushi Sakuraba dropped the NWA World title, to Kid Romeo of all people, in a four way also including Onyx and Todd Sexton at a recent NWA Wildside TV taping. I can't imagine Zero-One was too thrilled about that.

Ricky Morton of the Rock 'n Roll Express has said he's worked his last match. I kind of thought those guys would work forever.

Former ECW Tag champion John Kronus has retired from in-ring wrestling and will apparently be opening his own dojo.

National Battle Report: September 2003

USA

#1:

World Championship Wrestling

Top 5 Stars:

1) Steve Austin (1000 points)
2) Bill Goldberg (990)
3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (793)
4) CM Punk (759)
5) Rob Van Dam (759)

Total Points: 4,301

#2:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Top 5 Stars:

1) The Rock (998 points)
2) Hollywood Hogan (831)
3) The Undertaker (810)
4) Triple H (802)
5) Big Show (752)

Total Points: 4,193

British Isles

#1:

World Championship Wrestling

Top 5 Stars:

1) Steve Austin (1000 points)
2) Bill Goldberg (990)
3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (780)
4) Rob Van Dam (751)
5) Scott Steiner (726)

Total Points: 4,247

#2:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Top 5 Stars:

1) The Rock (998 points)
2) Hollywood Hogan (863)
3) Triple H (812)
4) The Undertaker (810)
5) Big Show (740)

Total Points: 4,223

Japan

#1:

World Championship Wrestling

Top 5 Stars:

1) Steve Austin (1000 points)
2) Bill Goldberg (990)
3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (795)
4) CM Punk (767)
5) Rob Van Dam (763)

Total Points: 4,315

#2:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Top 5 Stars:

1) The Rock (998 points)
2) Hollywood Hogan (818)
3) The Undertaker (810)
4) Triple H (809)
5) Big Show (759)

Total Points: 4,194

Europe

#1:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Top 5 Stars:

1) The Rock (998 points)
2) Hollywood Hogan (831)
3) The Undertaker (809)
4) Triple H (802)
5) Big Show (746)

Total Points: 4,186

#2:

World Championship Wrestling

Top 5 Stars:

1) Steve Austin (1000 points)
2) Bill Goldberg (929)
3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (752)
4) Rob Van Dam (725)
5) Scott Steiner (723)

Total Points: 4,129

Bit of a delay here. I wasn't feeling motivated to spend any time on this recently, so I didn't try and force it and just waited, which is why I've only played through one week (the final week of August, after the Supershow.) I did that Nitro yesterday and Renaissance today though, so hopefully I'll keep rolling for a bit.

Happy Wrestlemania weekend, to those who are interested! I don't have the Network so won't be watching Mania or NXT, but between the ROH show on Saturday and three other events I won't have to pay anything for thanks to some FITE TV promotions, I'll still have a ton of wrestling to watch over the next few days!

Well I know what I'm watching for the next 20 minutes thanks!

If you're interested in seeing any ROH era Danielson, try and track down pretty much any match he had against Nigel McGuinness. The match at Unified in 2006 was my personal favorite, but I don't think I saw anything between those guys that wasn't great.

That is definitely what nerfed the rating....Storytelling doesn't allow for classics unless you go with Spectacle. Only use spectacle if you have a sure fire ring general because that match can bomb if you have anything less.

Yeah, I've learned that storytelling holds matches back. I have to use one on every show though, so I try and pick a match I don't expect a ton out of, unless there's one that should deliberately focus on story instead of action.

Oh, and happy Easter TFC!!!

Happy (belated) Easter to you and everyone else as well! Hope you guys enjoyed it.

eldandythedoubter · April 6, 2018

So how many tables have Vince flipped since he saw the rankings for the month?

demondragonking · April 6, 2018

So how many tables have Vince flipped since he saw the rankings for the month?

My guess? All of them. All of the tables are now flipped and some part time minimum wage staff member was blamed for it all and fired, but only after ALL the tables have been flipped. :-p

The Final Countdown · April 12, 2018

So...uh...guys? A little help here?

How much will a worker getting caught in a scandal hurt me if I keep him around? Is it going to seriously harm me as a company?

GnarlsFunk · April 12, 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> Happy Wrestlemania weekend, to those who are interested! I don't have the Network so won't be watching Mania or NXT, but between the ROH show on Saturday and three other events I won't have to pay anything for thanks to some FITE TV promotions, I'll still have a ton of wrestling to watch over the next few days!</div></blockquote> Any reason why you don't have the network? I find it strange that anyone who is a fan of wrestling wouldn't have the network. The NXT weekly show & Takeovers are alone is worth every penny to me. 205 Live is quickly becoming must watch TV for me as well since the change, although i'm interested what happens now that the tournament is over. On a side note this past Takeover is easily the best top to bottom wrestling show I've seen in as long as I can remember, you should really check it out.

K-Nection · April 12, 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>So...uh...guys? A little help here? How much will a worker getting caught in a scandal hurt me if I keep him around? Is it going to seriously harm me as a company?</div></blockquote> Depends on who it is? If its a Upper Mid or below fire them immediately. If its Steve Austin -> Shane Douglas I would weather the storm.... I've seen people in the Random Screenshot Thread keep guys like Undertaker and Triple H and still be able to gain prestige after shows.

The Final Countdown · April 13, 2018

September 8th, 2003: Breaking News <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;">September 8th, 2003 Aboard the company jet in Denver, Colorado hours after Nitro</div> I'd heard enough talk about these Lord of the Rings movies that I'd recently decided to catch up before the third one hit theatres at the end of the year. I was halfway through The Two Towers when my cell phone went off. I paused the movie on my laptop, looked at the number and frowned. Why would Dustin be calling me from the hotel in the middle of the night? "Hello?" He started talking rapidly, and I could tell something was very wrong. "Slow down," I said. "I can't understand a word you're saying." He took a deep breath on the other end, then started over. My eyes widened when he said a word that spelled all kinds of trouble. "Prostitution?" I repeated, hoping against hope that I'd misheard him. I hadn't, of course. There goes the family-friendly image we've been trying to establish as a company. "Thanks for letting me know," I said. "Tell the rest of the boys we'll be having an emergency meeting as soon as your plane lands in Oklahoma City tomorrow." We disconnected after that, and I set the phone down. I closed the laptop, the movie forgotten. I had much bigger problems than watching hobbits try to smuggle a magical ring. There was only one way I could reasonably respond to this: he had to be fired immediately. It would wreak havoc on so many storylines, but the media would absolutely slaughter us if we kept him around after this. No question about it: Eric Bischoff was gone. I was already thinking furiously, trying to work out how to fill the giant void this would create in so many important stories, when the phone buzzed again. What now? I groaned when I saw who it was. Surely the news couldn't have broken already? "Hi pal," came the voice on the other end. "What do you want, Vince?" "Oh, I was just calling to congratulate you on your recent success," he said, sounding as insincere as I'd ever heard him. "I have to admit that you've done much better than I thought you would when you first bought WCW. Quite frankly, I'm proud of you, Bret." "I'm sure you are," I said. "You might not be quite as proud when we knock you down to #2." "Ha ha ha!" he guffawed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, pal. You have a long way to go before you make that happen. And it'd be a lot harder were your roster to suddenly get thinner on top." "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked. I had a feeling he hadn't heard about Bischoff yet, otherwise he would've segued into it here, but I still didn't like the sound of his. "Just a bit of a friendly warning, gentleman to gentleman," he said. "Competition brings out the best in all of us, and it's great for the boys too. When two companies are fighting for supremacy, performers can leverage their stardom into big contract offers to jump ship to the competition. Speaking of which, I understand that you have several top tier talent whose contracts expire soon?" "Maybe," I said. Truthfully there were several contracts about to run out, with multiple main eventers among them. "Well, as I said, you've been doing a great job down there in Dubbya See Dubbya. With how well you've been doing, your talent are of course getting seen by more viewers than ever before. And that increased visibility makes them even more appealing to all sports entertainment brands all around the world." "Like the big one down in Stamford that just split its roster in half?" I said, drawing another guffaw from Vince. "Possibly," he teased. "I guess we'll have to wait and see." He hung up with that, and I put the phone down in disgust. We'd been putting on great shows lately, and tonight's Nitro was no exception, but I couldn't enjoy any of it thanks to two unwanted phone calls in the middle of the night.</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Well that was interesting. At least it was Easy E instead of somebody like Austin or Punk or something. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="demondragonking" data-cite="demondragonking" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My guess? All of them. All of the tables are now flipped and some part time minimum wage staff member was blamed for it all and fired, but only after ALL the tables have been flipped. :-p</div></blockquote> Looks like he's going to try and fire back with another attempted talent raid! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GnarlsFunk" data-cite="GnarlsFunk" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Any reason why you don't have the network? I find it strange that anyone who is a fan of wrestling wouldn't have the network. The NXT weekly show & Takeovers are alone is worth every penny to me. 205 Live is quickly becoming must watch TV for me as well since the change, although i'm interested what happens now that the tournament is over. On a side note this past Takeover is easily the best top to bottom wrestling show I've seen in as long as I can remember, you should really check it out.</div></blockquote> Basically it's because I just don't care about WWE's product, and I get enough content from NJPW World that I don't feel the need to keep up with much else. I did try and follow the weekly NXT show a couple of years ago, but it just didn't hold my interest. (In fairness, I don't follow ANY weekly wrestling show right now.) Every Takeover I've seen has been good, but I don't feel compelled to subscribe just for that. I DID actually reactivate my subscription the day of Mania because I felt like watching it, but I'll almost certainly be cancelling again before I get another charge. I've watched about half of the Takeover from the night before, and will finish up when I get a chance.

smartman · April 13, 2018

Hahahahaha...Easy E getting busted with prostitutes is hilarious. I'd like to imagine it was when he was over in Japan too just because it would be funnier. Yeah, he's clearly not worth keeping around with the big penalty it would be. I'm guessing you're withholding the length of Austin's injury until the show recaps. Nice to know this wasn't going to be all smooth sailing to the top.

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