WCW: Heart and Soul

Briskout · February 22, 2017

I was wrong on Steiner keeping the belt somehow but I'm ok with that! That felt SUPER huge and it'll be great to see what's next for the main event scene, on all ends. Steiner has been SUPER STEINER for those WCW 2001 guys so...

With that being said, Booker getting the win makes sense opposite Van Dam as it continues his quest. When Booker finally wins (yes he complains about losing but with how you written him, he needs to get his hands on it) it'll be great to see the manic retention go on.

Finally - Bischoff is horrible. And great. It literally screams old WCW so much but it comes at a point where Bischoff has been off TV for so long that it is fresh, especially with Candido & TAKA and I can't wait to see the magic you write with Bischoff. Bischoff as RAW GM was beautiful so hopefully you can tap into the same Bischoff when you write his promos.

K-Nection · February 22, 2017

First of all that was a great show! Secondly how the heck did RVD and Steiner have A performances and tank that grade to a B???? That is incredibly odd to me that can happen.

Loved the whole card all around and I can't wait to lead the K-Nections to another victory!!!! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.....I kid....Lightning won't strike twice I guarantee it.

franticloser · February 22, 2017

Man have I never felt better about being wrong, this was such an awesome show! Blew me away and looking forward to what you got planned.

michgcs · February 22, 2017

I actually felt good with most of my picks so was bummed to see that I wasn't able to catch up in the UFS contest. Still, that was a top-notch show, and hopefully RVD's run will do wonders in the Monday Night War.

R-V-D is the W-H-C!

Beejus · February 22, 2017

Really good job with Starrcade, new champions all over the place! The CEO took me by surprise, and in a good way. I think one thing I'm most interested in though is who the new debut from the WWF is going to be. Bret is definitely gearing up for a big fight with Vince in the future, whether the battleground be Japan or America.

I would just hope that RVD doesn't end up tanking most of your PPV main events, though. But it seems like you definitely have the backup roster to make up for it even if he does slip during the bigger matches.

evileddie10 · February 22, 2017

Great show. Gutted to miss out on the fan series by 2 points. CM Punk is now 1/3 of the way to being a WCW Triple Crown champ! :-D The Feds defection is interesting, if I had to guess it would be a canadian, don't know why, thinking Christian. Whilst it could be a Hardy, I feel like that would be too obvious with the Shane O'Mac drama. Christian is also someone who is underrated and his run just before TNA was great in my opinion.

smartman · February 23, 2017

<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>First of all that was a great show! Secondly how the heck did RVD and Steiner have A performances and tank that grade to a B???? That is incredibly odd to me that can happen. Loved the whole card all around and I can't wait to lead the K-Nections to another victory!!!! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.....I kid....Lightning won't strike twice I guarantee it.</div></blockquote> The horrible "lack of psychology" penalty doesn't affect the individual wrestlers' performances so that's how. Along with him running a much pop>perf fed, of course. Still surprising that it got a B and not a B+ as that's normally where exceptional matches that get smashed with that penalty end up (84-88 range). That was an amazing card TFC. Heck of an attendance too being overseas and all. Can't wait to see where the now-resurgent WCW goes in 2002.

K-Nection · February 23, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smartman" data-cite="smartman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The horrible "lack of psychology" penalty doesn't affect the individual wrestlers' performances so that's how. Along with him running a much pop>perf fed, of course. Still surprising that it got a B and not a B+ as that's normally where exceptional matches that get smashed with that penalty end up (84-88 range).</div></blockquote> I haven't ran a big company in TEW 2016 yet so I have yet to run into this wall. That seems like a really harsh penalty in my opinion though. I could have sworn that TFC mentioned that Bret's WCW was more performance based and that is why you see guys like AJ Styles pulling off B matches with jobbers.

The Final Countdown · February 23, 2017

December 2001: Starrcade Wrap-up <div style="text-align:center;">December 30th, 2001 Ryougoku Sumo Hall, Tokyo Japan Minutes after the final bell</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>"Did you see that, boys? Eleven thousand strong. Eleven thousand. At the beginning of the year the old regime would've been lucky to draw half that, but tonight we sold this place out! I'm not gonna lie to you; it's going to be a long road back to even being a serious threat to the stranglehold Vince has got on this entire business. But we've been making forward progress these first seven months. We've got a lot of work to do, but I know we can do it. 2001 was the beginning of WCW's road back to the top, and we're going to take more steps forward in 2002!"</div></blockquote> That drew a pretty decent response from the locker room, especially from the younger wrestlers who were naturally more optimistic than those who'd lived through the Russo era. We had a pretty harmonious locker room all things considered. It was definitely a totally different atmosphere than I'd experienced at any time as a wrestler for this company. I could see several of the cruiserweights giving TAKA and Liger congratulations for their incredible performance, which I had been sure to point out during my speech. Sting also looked to be in a pretty positive mood. He's embraced his role and has never made a fuss about not being the top babyface anymore, and I thanked him for his leadership and his selflessness. I also gave some words of encouragement to Booker T, hoping to boost his spirits and get his head back into the game 100%. I'm not sure if he's totally over his moping even now, but he did seem to appreciate my encouragement. It wasn't all sunshine and roses though. There were a few members of the roster who weren't too thrilled with my booking plans for Starrcade. Scott Steiner was extremely unhappy about putting Rob Van Dam over and losing his top spot, but there's not much that could be done about that. I couldn't afford to make any concessions to him and risk harming the main event or RVD not getting as big a boost from the win as possible, so I essentially told him he was out of luck. He was very angry about that, but given how strongly we've booked him up until now I don't think he has any reason to still be upset when he wakes up tomorrow. Chuck Palumbo was also unhappy about dropping the tag titles, but again, I don't think he has any room to complain with how much we've featured the Thrillers. And then there was Ric Flair. He completely shot down the idea of putting Candido over under any circumstances, no matter how the match was booked or how strongly he was protected, feeling that Candido was nowhere near his level. I understood where he was coming from and we were able to get where we needed to go in the story with a dq finish, so I made that change. Besides, I didn't want to do anything to make him any more upset at the moment. Speaking of which, Flair was giving me a less than thrilled look, and it changed to an out and out scowl as someone stepped out from the corner of the room and came to stand beside me. <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/LuHGjH3.jpg</div> "You think he'll ever get over it?" "Who knows, Eric?" I said with a shrug. "You're not exactly his favorite person, and the man can hold a grudge. I know something about that." Indeed, I had sympathized with Ric's stance when he tried to talk me out of bringing Bischoff in, but ultimately I put business first and went ahead with it. I'm not Eric's biggest fan either, but I think he's a solid enough promo and the feud makes all the sense in the world with he and Flair's history both on and off camera. Ric was of course unhappy about it, but DDP and Ernest Miller both called to tell me they thought it was a great idea so at least it wasn't a total loss. "I just hope it won't throw things out of whack around here, or screw up your storylines," Eric said. "It won't," I said, quite sure of it. "Ric might not like you and he might be irritated with me for bringing you back, but he's a professional. He'll do business. Just try not to do anything to make the tension any worse." "Scout's honor," Eric said with a smile. We stood in silence for a few moments, watching the locker room and its sense of unity and camaraderie that I'm sure was just as foreign a sight for Eric as it was for me, before he changed the subject. "You know, I was surprised you called me. I didn't think you were my biggest fan." "I don't dislike you personally. I just don't think you were qualified to run a major wrestling company," I answered bluntly. His smile dimmed a bit. I'm sure my opinion hurt his pride a bit, but I'm nothing if not honest. "Well I guess it's a good thing I'm not being brought in to help you creatively then," he said with a little chuckle. "Honestly, I think I'll enjoy being strictly a performer. I don't envy you and all the pressure that comes with your job." I just nodded, not really having anything to say. We fell silent again, but he had something else on his mind. "Do me a favor, Bret?" he said. I turned to look at him more fully, curious at the more serious tone of his voice. "What's that?" "Do what I couldn't," he said earnestly. "I had my boot on Vince's throat, but I couldn't finish him off. One minute I was on top of the world, we were dominant, and Vince was on his last legs. Then it all slipped away, the suits from Time Warner meddled and I lost it all. Despite what you or anybody else might think of me, I love WCW. I poured my heart and soul into this place, and the thought of Vince burning it to the ground makes me sick. So let's kick his ass, alright?" Who knew I could ever find such common ground with Eric Bischoff? I grinned and held out my hand, which he shook with a smile. "It's a deal."</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions: World Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg Rob Van Dam http://i.imgur.com/uj4FkBt.jpg Won: December 30th, 2001 from Scott Steiner at Starrcade in Tokyo, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): Scott Steiner: July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 3001 (168 days) Booker T: March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days) United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Rey Misterio Jr. (2nd reign) http://i.imgur.com/9v49DN6.jpg Won: October 14th, 2001 from Kanyon at Halloween Havoc in Binghamton, New York Previous Champions (since March 2001): 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 TAKA http://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg Won: December 30th, 2001 from Jushin Liger at Starrcade in Tokyo, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days) Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days) World Tag Team Champions: http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) http://i.imgur.com/sOdsktm.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SAWQKXw.jpg Won: December 30th, 2001 from The Natural Born Thrillers at Starrcade in Tokyo, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days) </div> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I knew I should have photoshopped a "if Steiner wins, we riot" sign for the event! I forgot R-V-D was Cena's opponent at that one night stand.</div></blockquote> If you'd managed to do that in Japanese I would've been VERY impressed! I guess they'd be more likely to bring a banner than a sign though... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordofGustav" data-cite="LordofGustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>All i can say this was an impressive Starcade! RVD will be the leading the torch of the future of WCW. So, the Monday Night Wars... continue... Now to respond to your comments, you forgot to mention the sadomasochistic paladin, who's also more WWF style.</div></blockquote> That's the plan at least. We'll see how he does. I didn't forget Darkness. I just figured she'd enjoy being ignored. <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="Briskout" data-cite="Briskout" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I was wrong on Steiner keeping the belt somehow but I'm ok with that! That felt SUPER huge and it'll be great to see what's next for the main event scene, on all ends. Steiner has been SUPER STEINER for those WCW 2001 guys so... With that being said, Booker getting the win makes sense opposite Van Dam as it continues his quest. When Booker finally wins (yes he complains about losing but with how you written him, he needs to get his hands on it) it'll be great to see the manic retention go on. Finally - Bischoff is horrible. And great. It literally screams old WCW so much but it comes at a point where Bischoff has been off TV for so long that it is fresh, especially with Candido & TAKA and I can't wait to see the magic you write with Bischoff. Bischoff as RAW GM was beautiful so hopefully you can tap into the same Bischoff when you write his promos.</div></blockquote> Scotty had a great run, but I'm not sure how much longer it could've gone on. This felt like the right time to make the switch and try and get RVD over big. Booker's been a headache backstage, but I can't afford to let him go or even de-push him really. Still plenty in store for him, and his obsession with regaining the world title will continue. So Bischoff was not the original plan. My idea from conception until about three weeks before Starrcade was to use DiBiase in that role, in kind of a nod to my readers from TGAAB where he was pretty much universally considered the star of the show. I just happened to set a search filter for non-wrestlers with good entertainment skills, saw Bischoff, and it was like a light bulb went off. All the pieces fit, especially with his history with Flair, and I think he's going to be much more natural fit for the role going forward. I honestly didn't care for Eric in WCW, but I LOVED his Raw GM run. That was the last heel authority figure character I actually enjoyed, so I'll definitely look to recapture some of that magic here even if he's a manager rather than a person of authority. <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>First of all that was a great show! Secondly how the heck did RVD and Steiner have A performances and tank that grade to a B???? That is incredibly odd to me that can happen. Loved the whole card all around and I can't wait to lead the K-Nections to another victory!!!! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.....I kid....Lightning won't strike twice I guarantee it.</div></blockquote> Now you understand my frustration with how TEW handles psychology, or more specifically on how huge the penalty is on otherwise great matches that come out on the wrong side of the pass/fail psychology test. It's stupid, especially when one of the guys in the match (RVD) has a B grade in psychology. The only positive is it seems like workers improve psychology at a much greater and faster rate in 2016 as opposed to 2013, at least so far. It certainly won't with that kind of pessimism! Take a page from your #1 draft pick and find your inner balance, dude. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="franticloser" data-cite="franticloser" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Man have I never felt better about being wrong, this was such an awesome show! Blew me away and looking forward to what you got planned.</div></blockquote> The interesting thing is that I don't have things plotted out in my head to a great degree like I usually did in TGAAB. I have some plans of course, but there's more up in the air than I'm used to. That's probably a good thing since I usually changed my mind in TGAAB anyway! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="michgcs" data-cite="michgcs" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I actually felt good with most of my picks so was bummed to see that I wasn't able to catch up in the UFS contest. Still, that was a top-notch show, and hopefully RVD's run will do wonders in the Monday Night War. R-V-D is the W-H-C!</div></blockquote> You'd feel worse if you'd missed out on an 8th place tiebreaker! That definitely happened last time, and I think it might've in the first contest as well. I'm glad we avoided that this time, because I'm sure that sucks for whoever is on the wrong end of it! I hope so too, but we'll see. He's had nice gains in most of the areas that would've held him back (microphone, charisma and psychology), but I'm hoping there's further improvement to come. His charisma's good enough where it is now, but I need the other two stats to keep growing. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really good job with Starrcade, new champions all over the place! The CEO took me by surprise, and in a good way. I think one thing I'm most interested in though is who the new debut from the WWF is going to be. Bret is definitely gearing up for a big fight with Vince in the future, whether the battleground be Japan or America. I would just hope that RVD doesn't end up tanking most of your PPV main events, though. But it seems like you definitely have the backup roster to make up for it even if he does slip during the bigger matches.</div></blockquote> At one point I was thinking about having Rey regain the US title at Starrcade as well, so just imagine if that had happened! Indeed! I'd get crushed in a national battle right now, but we'll see what happens with Austin's health and Rock's movie career. You take one or both of those guys out of the equation and suddenly the mountain doesn't look anywhere near as steep. I'm worried about the main events with RVD too. His psychology is actually slightly better than Scott's and continues to show signs of improvement while Scott's has remained static throughout, so that could be one major point in his favor if he can keep at it. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="evileddie10" data-cite="evileddie10" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Great show. Gutted to miss out on the fan series by 2 points. CM Punk is now 1/3 of the way to being a WCW Triple Crown champ! :-D The Feds defection is interesting, if I had to guess it would be a canadian, don't know why, thinking Christian. Whilst it could be a Hardy, I feel like that would be too obvious with the Shane O'Mac drama. Christian is also someone who is underrated and his run just before TNA was great in my opinion.</div></blockquote> There's always next year! And last time you gave us the beginning of True Heroes! Another way to look at it is if Storm wins the world title he'll have held every title in the company, including the cruiserweight (the hardcore too, but we're going to pretend that never happened.) Getting Christian would be a MAJOR coup, especially when you see how high he is on the Power 500! He's awesome, and is just the kind of signing Bret would covet. The Shane situation obviously gives me an "in" with the Hardys that I don't have with anyone else. I doubt anyone will be shocked if they show up in WCW, but on the other hand I'd be stupid NOT to go after them. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smartman" data-cite="smartman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The horrible "lack of psychology" penalty doesn't affect the individual wrestlers' performances so that's how. Along with him running a much pop>perf fed, of course. Still surprising that it got a B and not a B+ as that's normally where exceptional matches that get smashed with that penalty end up (84-88 range). That was an amazing card TFC. Heck of an attendance too being overseas and all. Can't wait to see where the now-resurgent WCW goes in 2002.</div></blockquote> Do you happen to know what the "magic number" is to avoid that penalty? Is it just when someone hits a B+ psychology grade, or is there a specific number to shoot for? And that's with Japan's economy and wrestling industry BOTH in the crapper! Imagine what kind of attendance I might be able to draw in the future, when those two things rebound and my popularity has gone up even further! Starrcade in the Tokyo Dome feels like a realistic goal in the future, though maybe not in 2002. <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 haven't ran a big company in TEW 2016 yet so I have yet to run into this wall. That seems like a really harsh penalty in my opinion though. I could have sworn that TFC mentioned that Bret's WCW was more performance based and that is why you see guys like AJ Styles pulling off B matches with jobbers.</div></blockquote> It's performance over popularity, yes. This isn't new to TEW2016. It was this exact thing that really hurt Anderz' Starrcade main event in the finale of Race to the Top, and that was with Arn and Tully both having an 82 score in psychology.

KnowYourEnemy · February 23, 2017

<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> If you'd managed to do that in Japanese I would've been VERY impressed! I guess they'd be more likely to bring a banner than a sign though... </div></blockquote> Japanese? Yes, technically -- I'm currently in my first semester here, and will be through my first year in the summer. However, I'm not sure my translation would be accurate. I do have a dictionary if I run into trouble. I'm fairly certain a lot of the words would be in Katakana -- which primarily is used for foreign words. Are you planning on running in Tokyo again soon? I'd think Liger is owed a rematch, and that would make a great one-off or even a Nitro episode.

ttj0001 · February 23, 2017

Great show! That TAKA/Liger match sounds like a barnburner. Never been a big RVD fan so maybe you'll be able to do something to make me buy in to that one.

KnowYourEnemy · February 23, 2017

It's performance over popularity, yes.

This isn't new to TEW2016. It was this exact thing that really hurt Anderz' Starrcade main event in the finale of Race to the Top, and that was with Arn and Tully both having an 82 score in psychology.

On one hand, I agree with the premise -- only a few matches [yearly] should get an A rating. On the other hand, that shouldn't be hard-coded into the game. Rather, the mods can be better balanced to reflect this. Either way, B shouldn't garner you that much of a penalty -- there are probably less than 20 wrestlers with 82+ Psychology in the world at any given time.

How long did the match run?

So Bischoff was not the original plan. My idea from conception until about three weeks before Starrcade was to use DiBiase in that role, in kind of a nod to my readers from TGAAB where he was pretty much universally considered the star of the show. I just happened to set a search filter for non-wrestlers with good entertainment skills, saw Bischoff, and it was like a light bulb went off. All the pieces fit, especially with his history with Flair, and I think he's going to be much more natural fit for the role going forward. I honestly didn't care for Eric in WCW, but I LOVED his Raw GM run. That was the last heel authority figure character I actually enjoyed, so I'll definitely look to recapture some of that magic here even if he's a manager rather than a person of authority.

Ted was my "pick" for "the CEO".

DiBiase was associated early on with the NWO, too --- I've never liked his promo work in WCW, though I haven't seen his run as RAW GM. He doesn't have history with Flair -- which made me think maybe Dusty was involved.

I wasn't sure that Bischoff would be willing to come work under Bret -- I guess their in-game relationship is less severe than I thought. Does Bret have a negative relationship with Goldberg? I'd guess Shawn is probably off the books due to previous circumstances, maybe Triple H too, but everyone else is probably on the table.

I hope so too, but we'll see. He's had nice gains in most of the areas that would've held him back (microphone, charisma and psychology), but I'm hoping there's further improvement to come. His charisma's good enough where it is now, but I need the other two stats to keep growing.

I'm worried about the main events with RVD too. His psychology is actually slightly better than Scott's and continues to show signs of improvement while Scott's has remained static throughout, so that could be one major point in his favor if he can keep at it.

What does his Star Quality look like? Can he improve it by changing size. That will determine whether RVD can swing the national battle against the Fed -- and maybe even become the figurehead.

Nobby_McDonald · February 23, 2017

Very good show.

The Final Countdown · February 23, 2017

2001 Year-End Awards So Observing Wrestling just released the 2001 awards and Power 500. <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;">Wrestler of the Year: Steve Austin (WWF) (x3) http://i.imgur.com/4YlIdOd.jpg</div> This one was never in doubt. Not many people expected Steve to turn heel at Wrestlemania, but you can't argue with the results. He was a guaranteed great main event for every PPV and really carried the WWF on his back this year, especially with Vince's baffling booking of supposed top babyface Rock. Who knows how much longer Steve can continue to go at this level with his neck in the state it's in, but I expect him to have another great year next year. </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;">Company of the Year: Pro Wrestling NOAH http://i.imgur.com/HLY8nvy.jpg</div> This was the big surprise. It seemed like the WWF was churning out one great show after another, so I figured they'd be a slam dunk to win this award. When I actually went back and looked at NOAH's output throughout the year though, I started seeing the argument. Misawa, much like Austin, was a great main event machine as champion, and that resulted in too many great shows to count. They'd better hope Misawa can stay healthy though, because I'd say they're a lot more dependent on him than WWF is on Austin. Personally I wish them well, because a loss for the WWF is a win for everybody else. </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;">Team of the Year: The Two Man Power Trip (Steve Austin and Triple H, WWF) http://i.imgur.com/4YlIdOd.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HFi4yAE.jpg</div> So this is kind of a weird one. There's no arguing with the quality of matches. Austin and HHH wrestled Edge and Christian TWELVE TIMES in TV tag matches during the year, and all twelve were extremely well received. They also had several more highly regarded matches with the likes of the Dudleys, Hardys, and the team of Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero. So why in the world did they have all those huge tag matches, usually in the main event, and never once defend their tag team titles? Has Vince decided that the belts suck so much that they'd only make people less interested in their matches? Does he consider Austin and Hunter above the tag team titles? Is he senile? I don't know what the answer is, but if I were part of one of the regular full-time teams in the company I'd be pretty damn frustrated by it all. </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;">Match of the Year: Steve Austin vs. Chris Benoit from WWF Survivor Series in November http://i.imgur.com/4YlIdOd.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zw4K8vE.jpg</div> You really could've chosen between three different Austin matches for this award: this match, his Judgment Day title match with Christian, and one of the aforementioned twelve tag matches with Hunter against Edge and Christian. They went with this one from Japan. </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;">Show of the Year: Judgment Day in May (WWF) http://i.imgur.com/SCEzq4x.jpg</div> This was the show headlined by the MOTYC between Austin and Christian. There was also an extremely strong semi main event between Undertaker and William Regal, and I'm guessing that was the match that tipped the scales to this show as the best of the year. </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;">Young Wrestler of the Year (age 24 or younger): Jeff Hardy (WWF) http://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpg</div> Jeff was basically a forgotten man in the WWF this year even before the Lita scandal broke. His TV and PPV record for the year was below .500, and his highest profile singles win of the year was probably in a nothing match against The Goodfather on an episode of Heat. He still had some really good performances at times when he was actually given a chance, but those chances were few and far between. He wrestled on exactly one PPV post-Mania, and that was when he and Matt put over Too Cool in a mediocre match at Survivor Series. </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;">Veteran Wrestler of the Year (age 42 or older): Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW) http://i.imgur.com/nusUoKp.jpg</div> This shouldn't come as any great surprise if you've been paying attention to how hard New Japan pushed Fujinami this year. I still question whether he's the right choice to be IWGP Heavyweight champion at 48 years old when you've got guys like Mutoh, Chono, Sasaki, Tenzan, Kojima and Nagata all on the roster, but he's had a few very good matches this year. His main events were generally not very close to the level of Misawa's though, so that could spell trouble for New Japan if NOAH keeps that production up. </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;">Female Wrestler of the Year: Aja Kong (GAEA) http://i.imgur.com/6h7YkAs.jpg</div> We aren't quite at the level in the 80's and early 90's where the Japanese women were putting on arguably the best matches anywhere in the world, male or female, but the best women's wrestling can still be found in Japan. Aja had several very good matches with Manami Toyota while on tour with All Japan Women's in the fall, and those are the biggest reason she won this. </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;">Independent Wrestler of the Year: Marc Mero http://i.imgur.com/pTKZd2u.jpg</div> They apparently have a different definition of 'independent wrestler' than I do, as they seem to view it as someone who doesn't appear in any promotion regularly and only works on random shows. I guess Marc Mero was the best of that bunch, but when the highlight of your year is working a couple of tag matches with Jerry Sags I'm not sure how much that really says. Remember when Vince thought signing this guy away from WCW was a major coup? </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;">Manager of the Year: Paul Heyman (WWF) (x2) http://i.imgur.com/7D6pslG.jpg</div> Heyman's a great promo, so this is no real surprise. It was still a bad year for him overall considering ECW went out of business in 2001. </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;">Announcer of the Year: Jim Ross (WWF) (x10) http://i.imgur.com/dJiwMkl.jpg</div> The complete opposite of a surprise. This is J.R.'s 10th time winning the award overall, and his fourth in a row. He's the best announcer in the business today without a doubt, and a lot of people think he's the best ever. </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;">Color Commentator of the Year: Bret Hart (WCW) http://i.imgur.com/4Xw5lCb.jpg</div> Hey, that's me! Maybe winning this isn't as impressive as it could be, since we've got Bobby doing interviews and Lawler didn't do any commentating anywhere this year. Still, I was honored to receive this award, especially since I hadn't done any serious commentating until this year. More importantly, it got WCW on the board and kept us from being shut out in these awards. </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;">Referee of the Year: Nick Patrick (WCW) http://i.imgur.com/WgjQE1j.jpg</div> Another one for the good guys! Admittedly we only one two of the lesser awards (still not the lowest; looking at you, Mero), but a win's a win! </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 POWER 100:</div> 1. Steve Austin 2. Christian 3. Edge 4. Triple H 5. Mitsuharu Misawa 6. Chris Benoit 7. The Undertaker 8. Keiji Mutoh 9. The Rock 10. Kurt Angle 11. Jun Akiyama 12. Yoshinari Ogawa 13. Akira Taue 14. Eddie Guerrero 15. Kensuke Sasaki 16. Taiyo Kea 17. Hiroshi Hase 18. Kane 19. Chris Jericho 20. Satoshi Kojima 21. Dr. Wagner Jr. 22. Yoshihiro Takayama 23. Hiroyoshi Tenzan 24. Big Show 25. Toshiaki Kawada 26. Tatsumi Fujinami 27. Negro Casas 28. Riki Choshu 29. Genichiro Tenryu 30. Matt Hardy 31. Jushin Liger 32. Jinsei Shinzaki 33. Osamu Nishimura 34. Jeff Hardy 35. Universo 2000 36. Scott Steiner 37. Bubba Ray Dudley 38. Minoru Tanaka 39. Brian Christopher 40. Aja Kong 41. Masahiro Chono 42. Booker T 43. Shinjiro Otani 44. Atlantis 45. Shinya Hashimoto 46. Tiger Mask IV 47. Kazuyuki Fujita 48. Bradshaw 49. Manami Toyota 50. Raven 51. D-Von Dudley 52. Rey Misterio Jr. 53. Shocker 54. Great Sasuke 55. Kanyon 56. Rayo de Jalisco Jr. 57. Black Warrior 58. Lance Storm 59. Spike Dudley 60. Steve Williams 61. Gedo 62. Diamond Dallas Page 63. Chigusa Nagayo 64. Daisuke Ikeda 65. Dick Togo 66. William Regal 67. Funaki 68. Sting 69. Villano III 70. Al Snow 71. Electroshock 72. Rob Van Dam 73. Kaoru Ito 74. Blue Panther 75. Mike Rotundo 76. Tatsuhito Takaiwa 77. Akira Hokuto 78. Rey Bucanero 79. Latin Lover 80. Marty Jannetty 81. Takao Omori 82. Katsumi Usuda 83. Rick Steiner 84. Blue Demon Jr. 85. Devil Masami 86. Canek 87. Hayabusa 88. Mascara Sagrada 89. Mr. Perfect 90. Hector Garza 91. Emilio Charles Jr. 92. Takako Inoue 93. Heavy Metal 94. Jerry Lynn 95. Abismo Negro 96. Masato Tanaka 97. El Zorro 98. Satanico 99. Rikishi 100. Test</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Japanese? Yes, technically -- I'm currently in my first semester here, and will be through my first year in the summer. However, I'm not sure my translation would be accurate. I do have a dictionary if I run into trouble. I'm fairly certain a lot of the words would be in Katakana -- which primarily is used for foreign words. Are you planning on running in Tokyo again soon? I'd think Liger is owed a rematch, and that would make a great one-off or even a Nitro episode.</div></blockquote> I had no idea! Are you enjoying it over there? I'm not much of a traveler, but if I were to travel overseas somewhere Japan would be very high on my list of ideal destinations. I don't have firm plans yet, but I'll probably run at least one PPV somewhere in Japan during the first half of the year. It'll be difficult for me to ever run a Nitro there though because of the language barrier. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="ttj0001" data-cite="ttj0001" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Great show! That TAKA/Liger match sounds like a barnburner. Never been a big RVD fan so maybe you'll be able to do something to make me buy in to that one.</div></blockquote> I had a feeling they'd put on match of the night, and I wasn't wrong. Hopefully I did the match justice. If I don't, I guess you can root for a quick title change! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>On one hand, I agree with the premise -- only a few matches [yearly] should get an A rating. On the other hand, that shouldn't be hard-coded into the game. Rather, the mods can be better balanced to reflect this. Either way, B shouldn't garner you that much of a penalty -- there are probably less than 20 wrestlers with 82+ Psychology in the world at any given time.</div></blockquote> Yeah, I have no problem with the premise at all. It's just the execution that I think leaves something to be desired. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>How long did the match run?</div></blockquote> 20 mins. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> DiBiase was associated early on with the NWO, too --- I've never liked his promo work in WCW, though I haven't seen his run as RAW GM. He doesn't have history with Flair -- which made me think maybe Dusty was involved.</div></blockquote> I thought Dusty was a really interesting idea when I saw a few people guess in that direction. He's currently occupied as my one and only road agent (I should probably hire a second one, especially since Dusty also owns and works for TCW and has been unavailable on a couple of my shows because of it.) Arn Anderson was another one I thought would be interesting. I tried to set him up as kind of a subtle red herring, but I don't know if anybody picked up on that. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wasn't sure that Bischoff would be willing to come work under Bret -- I guess their in-game relationship is less severe than I thought. Does Bret have a negative relationship with Goldberg? I'd guess Shawn is probably off the books due to previous circumstances, maybe Triple H too, but everyone else is probably on the table. </div></blockquote> They don't have any sort of relationship in this mod, and neither do Bret and Goldberg. Bret's only negative relationships are with Shawn, Vince, Nash, HHH, Hogan and Linda (plus simmering tension with Bam Bam, but that's my doing.) If it were my mod I'd have probably given Bret simmering tension with Bischoff, but I'm not sure about Goldberg. I know he ended his career (or at least contributed to it, but I think working through the concussion might have been what really did him in), but it sounded like Bret thought Goldberg was a good dude at least. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What does his Star Quality look like? Can he improve it by changing size. That will determine whether RVD can swing the national battle against the Fed -- and maybe even become the figurehead.</div></blockquote> He's got an 82 in star quality, which I think puts him at about the 4th or 5th highest in the company. I don't have anybody in the 90's, and Sting is the highest at 89. RVD's not interested in changing his size, so that's off the table for him. Very few guys are actually willing to do it, but Punk happens to be one of them. I've never requested someone to change size and am a bit leery of trying it, as I'm unsure of what impact it might have on their in-ring skills. On the other hand, if a size change increased Punk's star quality by like 5 points it'd probably only be Austin and Rock who had higher star quality in the WWF...

smartman · February 24, 2017

It's 85 psych, TFC. I'm truly amazed that they both got A's in a perf>pop fed as I never thought Scott was that amazing a worker (I'm guessing his brawl stat is really high so it got used which is fair). Entertainer, yes.

As for KYE's comment, that's a fine view, but it is a cement-hard cap. That means if you fall under that threshold, you'll never pop an A match if you're the top psych guy in the match, and conversely, you can spam A matches with that person if you match them with a less-talented person with psych over the cap. One stat shouldn't be the be-all and end-all. There's no way to avoid it short of heading to the editor.

And the big thing is that the AI gets to completely avoid it so if you're in a mod with competition, you're fighting with one hand tied behind your back. Granted that has been lessened a lot with the new national battle system making star power way more important than match results.

It just makes you focus on a select group of wrestlers in every mod instead of starting up a game going "I'm going to make Wrestlers X & Y my top guys." (Within reason of course. Nobody is suggesting Gillberg should main event WWE.)

KnowYourEnemy · February 24, 2017

<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> I had no idea! Are you enjoying it over there? I'm not much of a traveler, but if I were to travel overseas somewhere Japan would be very high on my list of ideal destinations.</div></blockquote> I should have clarified -- I'm not actually in Japan, this is my first semester learning the Japanese (language). I likely will end up there somewhere down the line, as I'm currently in my second (and final year) of my MA in World History and Japan is my specialization. I'm in my second year of French -- so I might actually be better at making French signs -- I don't know if you plan on taking the "big boys" to Paris anytime soon. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He's got an 82 in star quality, which I think puts him at about the 4th or 5th highest in the company. I don't have anybody in the 90's, and Sting is the highest at 89. RVD's not interested in changing his size, so that's off the table for him. Very few guys are actually willing to do it, but Punk happens to be one of them. I've never requested someone to change size and am a bit leery of trying it, as I'm unsure of what impact it might have on their in-ring skills. On the other hand, if a size change increased Punk's star quality by like 5 points it'd probably only be Austin and Rock who had higher star quality in the WWF...</div></blockquote> Ask Punk to size up. With his age and temperament, he's likely to size up well and gain enough star quality to outweigh any potential risk. Unless he starts with the "Ripped" body type, in that case it's more likely he won't gain a size. I will note here that sometimes workers randomly change body type, but I've never seen anyone lose star quality randomly -- it's usually a positive change. I always ask guys to either move up or down when I can -- My experience is their in-ring skills are pretty much unaffected. There is ~1/3 chance the worker will lose star quality [body type flabby]. It used to be pretty much everyone went to muscular/ripped and gained ~10 SQ, but now workers sometimes end up sizing up without changing body type more often, and guys will only gain ~5 SQ. Personality and age play into it -- older workers usually size up poorly and end up losing star quality and so do those with substance abuse problems. I can't confirm or deny this but I've heard the "dirty doctor" note will get guys "ripped" quicker.

The Final Countdown · February 25, 2017

2002 Roster Update <div style="text-align:center;"> Roster Breakdown: (Faces in blue, heels in red) </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;">Main Event:</div> Diamond Dallas Page Ric Flair Rob Van Dam (World Heavyweight Champion) Sting Booker T Buff Bagwell Kanyon Lex Luger Rick Steiner Scott Steiner Shane Douglas </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;">Upper Midcard:</div> Alex Wright Brian Adams Bryan Clark Chuck Palumbo Dustin Rhodes Hugh Morrus Konnan Rey Misterio Jr. (United States Heavyweight Champion) Sean O'Haire Lance Storm (World Tag Team Champion) The Destroyer Vampiro </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;">Midcard:</div> AJ Styles Billy Kidman Ernest Miller Jaime Knoble Norman Smiley Chavo Guerrero Jr. Chris Candido CM Punk (World Tag Team Champion) Disco Inferno Fit Finlay King Corino Mark Jindrak Mike Sanders Shane Helms Shawn Stasiak TAKA (Cruiserweight Champion) </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;">Lower Midcard:</div> American Dragon Big Vito Johnny the Bull Yang Cash Elix Skipper Evan Karagis Kaz Hayashi Shannon Moore The Wall </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;">Opener:</div> Jason Jett M.I. Smooth Alan Funk Flash Flanagan </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;">Enhancement Talent:</div> Air Paris Chance Beckett</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;">Occasional Wrestler:</div> Jim Duggan</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;">Manager:</div> Kimberly Page Miss Jones Torrie Wilson Eric Bischoff Father Isaac Midajah Stacy Keibler Tammy Sytch </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;">Announcer:</div> Mike Tenay Tony Schiavone </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;">Color Commentator:</div> Bret Hart Don West Bobby Heenan </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;">Road Agent:</div> Dusty Rhodes</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;">Personality:</div> Arn Anderson Gene Okerlund Roddy Piper</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;">On Vacation:</div> Road Warrior Animal</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;">In Developmental:</div> Alexis Laree Allison Danger Boby Roode Brian Kendrick Cheerleader Melissa Chris Harris Colt Cabana Daffney David Flair James Storm Johnny Parisi Kid Romeo Lash Leroux Nattie Neidhart Paul London Reno Teddy Hart Tony Mamaluke</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;">Creative Meeting:</div> Franchise Players: 1. Booker T 2. Sting 3. Ric Flair 4. Scott Steiner 5. Diamond Dallas Page Next Big Things: 1. CM Punk 2. AJ Styles Hot Prospects: 1. American Dragon 2. AJ Styles 3. Johnny the Bull 4. CM Punk 5. Mark Jindrak Talk the Talk: 1. Ric Flair 2. Dusty Rhodes 3. Roddy Piper 4. Diamond Dallas Page 5. Booker T Show Stoppers: 1. Rey Misterio Jr. 2. Rob Van Dam 3. Booker T 4. CM Punk 5. Scott Steiner Ring Generals: 1. Rey Misterio Jr. 2. Lance Storm 3. Ric Flair 4. American Dragon 5. King Corino Who's Hot: 1. The Destroyer 2. Kaz Hayashi 3. Yang 4. TAKA 5. Lance Storm Who's Not: 1. Jim Duggan 2. The Wall 3. Johnny the Bull 4. Ernest Miller 5. Mike Sanders Time Decline: 1. Ric Flair 2. Lex Luger 3. Jim Duggan 4. Sting 5. Diamond Dallas Page Hidden Gems: 1. Ken Anderson 2. Jay Briscoe 3. Jorge Estrada 4. Scoot Andrews 5. Austin Aries</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Did Adam change the way the Hidden Gems list functions this time? In TEW2013 the list stayed exactly the same unless someone on it got signed or there was a significant debut into the game world (I know it happened when Austin debuted in TGAAB at least.) In this particular save the list has changed frequently even though nobody on it has been getting locked up to any sort of exclusive deal. It's a good change if so. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smartman" data-cite="smartman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's 85 psych, TFC. I'm truly amazed that they both got A's in a perf>pop fed as I never thought Scott was that amazing a worker (I'm guessing his brawl stat is really high so it got used which is fair). Entertainer, yes.</div></blockquote> 85? Ugh. Guess I'll have to wait and see if any of my young guys can break through that particular glass ceiling. Corino's really close, but most everybody else still has a ways to go. Scott's in-ring stats aren't terrible, but they're not amazing either. Brawling is his best top row stat, and even that's only a B-. The match was not rated on anything special, but doing a brawl-based match could be a good idea if I put them in another match because that's RVD's best stat too. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for KYE's comment, that's a fine view, but it is a cement-hard cap. That means if you fall under that threshold, you'll never pop an A match if you're the top psych guy in the match, and conversely, you can spam A matches with that person if you match them with a less-talented person with psych over the cap. One stat shouldn't be the be-all and end-all. There's no way to avoid it short of heading to the editor. </div></blockquote> This sums up my feelings on it perfectly. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I should have clarified -- I'm not actually in Japan, this is my first semester learning the Japanese (language). I likely will end up there somewhere down the line, as I'm currently in my second (and final year) of my MA in World History and Japan is my specialization. I'm in my second year of French -- so I might actually be better at making French signs -- I don't know if you plan on taking the "big boys" to Paris anytime soon.</div></blockquote> Ah, well, good luck in any event! It's doubtful I'll be going to France. Aside from the language barrier, there's also the fact that Europe is my weakest region by far. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Ask Punk to size up. With his age and temperament, he's likely to size up well and gain enough star quality to outweigh any potential risk. Unless he starts with the "Ripped" body type, in that case it's more likely he won't gain a size. I will note here that sometimes workers randomly change body type, but I've never seen anyone lose star quality randomly -- it's usually a positive change. I always ask guys to either move up or down when I can -- My experience is their in-ring skills are pretty much unaffected. There is ~1/3 chance the worker will lose star quality [body type flabby]. It used to be pretty much everyone went to muscular/ripped and gained ~10 SQ, but now workers sometimes end up sizing up without changing body type more often, and guys will only gain ~5 SQ. Personality and age play into it -- older workers usually size up poorly and end up losing star quality and so do those with substance abuse problems. I can't confirm or deny this but I've heard the "dirty doctor" note will get guys "ripped" quicker.</div></blockquote> He's toned, but not ripped. I have had a couple of instances of someone changing their body type on their own. Rey did it and got like an 8 point boost in star quality. So you can get star quality boosts by asking workers to size down as well? I wouldn't have expected that. I figured that would just help with stamina and such.

KnowYourEnemy · February 25, 2017

<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 you can get star quality boosts by asking workers to size down as well? I wouldn't have expected that. I figured that would just help with stamina and such.</div></blockquote> Moving to small from "normal" or "flabby" body type can raise star quality -- I usually ask "normal" workers to size down -- I usually get "toned" and about a 6-8 point boost. I think Star Quality is the only thing I've noticed change -- the second row stats wouldn't change at all. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He's toned, but not ripped. I have had a couple of instances of someone changing their body type on their own. Rey did it and got like an 8 point boost in star quality.</div></blockquote> In that case, I'd recommend asking CM Punk to move up in size. The mechanics seem to prefer younger guys early in their career. He'd [likely] go from Toned to Ripped. Plus, the "backstage conversation" and the "eventual results" would make some really entertaining reading.

K-Nection · February 25, 2017

Ah, well, good luck in any event! It's doubtful I'll be going to France. Aside from the language barrier, there's also the fact that Europe is my weakest region by far.

I can't wait for you to pick up guys like Kevin Steen (Owens) and El Generico (Sammi Zayn) and Cladio Castonolli (Antonio Cesaro). Europe wouldn't be too much out of the question when you have those guys doing the promo load there.

LordofGustav · February 25, 2017

<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>Ah, well, good luck in any event! It's doubtful I'll be going to France.</div></blockquote> But you'll go to Barcelona or Madrid isn't it? <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 can't wait for you to pick up guys like Kevin Steen (Owens) and El Generico (Sammi Zayn) and Cladio Castonolli (Antonio Cesaro). Europe wouldn't be too much out of the question when you have those guys doing the promo load there.</div></blockquote> You mean Claudio Castagnoli (Unless you're writing on a smartphone, which it's quite frustrating) xD.

K-Nection · February 25, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordofGustav" data-cite="LordofGustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> You mean Claudio Castagnoli (Unless you're writing on a smartphone, which it's quite frustrating) xD.</div></blockquote> Well we can go ahead and blame it on my smartphone and not my poor memory....technology bad!!!! <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Final Countdown · February 26, 2017

No story update here; the "Road to Sin" and PPV preview should be up tomorrow though. The purpose of this post is for me to float out a potential change I'm considering. A couple of things really broke my immersion while writing up the 2001 year end awards, both having to do with the AI booking. One was the Power Trip wrestling E&C a bajillion times in 2v2 matches and pulling an A every single time without fail, which guaranteed those four guys spots 1-4 in the power 500. The other was Austin and Trips holding the tag titles the entire year and having frequent tag team matches together, yet never defending the actual titles. To rectify some of this, I'm considering taking a page from Beejus and controlling the WWF myself. I wouldn't write anything up for them beyond Bret's brief reactions to PPVs and major stories, but at least their booking patterns would make SOME sense. I wouldn't intentionally do stupid things to benefit WCW; I'd be "playing to win" there. I could maybe even let you guys choose a lot of the big picture stuff, like who wins the upcoming Royal Rumble for example. On the other hand, while this would help immersion to a degree, I'm not sure if it would feel as fun to effectively play against myself. I guess another option would be to let someone else book the WWF but not actually write anything up for it, but I'm leery of that possibly slowing me down and defeating the purpose of the writeup style I'm using here. Or I could also continue exactly as I am now, with WWF's silly AI booking still around but my pace unaffected. All three options have positives and negatives, and I'm really not sure what I want to do. I'd appreciate comments and suggestions on this issue. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Moving to small from "normal" or "flabby" body type can raise star quality -- I usually ask "normal" workers to size down -- I usually get "toned" and about a 6-8 point boost. I think Star Quality is the only thing I've noticed change -- the second row stats wouldn't change at all. </div></blockquote> Interesting--I'll have to check that out! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In that case, I'd recommend asking CM Punk to move up in size. The mechanics seem to prefer younger guys early in their career. He'd [likely] go from Toned to Ripped. Plus, the "backstage conversation" and the "eventual results" would make some really entertaining reading.</div></blockquote> I'm using a couple of other guys as guinea pigs first, and depending on those results I'll probably move to doing it on Punk. Even a 5 or 6 point boost in star quality would be huge, for him and for me. <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 can't wait for you to pick up guys like Kevin Steen (Owens) and El Generico (Sammi Zayn) and Cladio Castonolli (Antonio Cesaro). Europe wouldn't be too much out of the question when you have those guys doing the promo load there.</div></blockquote> Steen has been on my hidden gems list for at least a brief period of time. I was tempted to sign him right then, but I struggled to justify it since he's only 17 and hasn't done anything of note. On the other hand, I just looked and he hasn't worked a single match since the start of the game! Maybe I should throw him in developmental just so he's getting work! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami hasn't debuted yet and Claudio is signed to wXw. They run a touring schedule, so he gets a lot more matches there than he would with me. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordofGustav" data-cite="LordofGustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>But you'll go to Barcelona or Madrid isn't it?</div></blockquote> A) I'm not sure which region of the game world Spain is in; B) Forgive my ignorance here, but wouldn't Spain only have Spanish (not in general, but just in terms of how the game would handle it?)

smw88 · February 26, 2017

I say continue as you are.

I understand why you would consider alternatives but once you go down the route of control it's very hard to a) remain objective in their booking, b) find it as much fun.

Personally I like the AI odd booking as let's face it this industry has gone through some strange phases over the years.

Not to mention how many people complain raw is the same 5 people over and over.

One option would be to have a internet top ten where the "fans" fed up of being told who to accept rank their workers of the year. Maybe with an award for the most over pushed worker.

At most I'd consider a tweak via the editor either to WWF product or their bookers stats if it needs a freshen up.

Or just ignore reality as we your audience can't verify it anyway and write up as you think makes the story work.

K-Nection · February 26, 2017

I say do whatever you need to do to keep this dynasty having a pulse <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />. This dynasty is most of the reason I visit the board everyday. I kind of like the idea of you running WWF but as an added incentive to your contests maybe you should have whomever scores the highest in prediction contests decides your "competitors" champ. And 2nd place decides the IC champ 3rd decides Tag so on and so forth. Titles didn't run very lengthy reigns in this time period anyway and it could reflect from your audiences whims lol. <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> On the other hand, I just looked and he hasn't worked a single match since the start of the game! Maybe I should throw him in developmental just so he's getting work! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></blockquote> Him not getting work is a crime! I would sign him to development for a year and then not renew his contract afterwards just to give him a chance. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

franticloser · February 26, 2017

Try just popping in a player and changing the tag belts to floating instead of what I'm guessing mid-card. As for the bigger question, go with what will help you stay involved best.

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