WCW: Heart and Soul

[K-Nection]

<p>There just made an imgur account just to share my poster with the rest of the class</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/a9pgFwt.png</span></p>

[Satyr24]

<p>No say it isn't so is it April already</p><p>

Come back to me..... i mean us</p>

[eldandythedoubter]

Can we get an epilogue of the rest of the year?

[KnowYourEnemy]

There just made an imgur account just to share my poster with the rest of the class

 

http://i.imgur.com/a9pgFwt.png

 

Probably my favorite you've made so far. If you want, I'll be starting a project ~august (if all goes well) -- i'd be honored if you'd make posters for me.

 

I'll keep in touch, I won't know the specs until my schedule slows down a bit again.

[Danny_H22]

You are the reason I purchased the game and I was gripped by your dynasty. Sorry to see you leave

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="tg01" data-cite="tg01" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Totally understandable with what you are feeling, but I truly hope this is not the end. I was sad when Wildfire1324 stopped writing, but you managed to pick up the torch and run with it and filled that spot, just would not be the same if you stop writing.</div></blockquote><p> That hit me right in the feels, bro. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I still miss Wildfire's work. As I've said many times, he was my inspiration to first try my hand at this.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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>Sh!t. I'm really sad to see you go. I hope you come back. <p> </p><p> Honestly, this whole photobucket thing really blows. They won't even let us drag + drop the images to imugur any more. I don't think I'll ever forgive the company for this stunt -- my only hope is that someday, they'll learn the err of their ways. </p><p> </p><p> This community has always will be a blessing, even with this temporary setback.</p></div></blockquote><p> I'm not ruling it out or anything. If the mood strikes and the right scenario comes along, it could happen.</p><p> </p><p> I'm guessing Photobucket will be shut down within the next two to three years. A move like this suggests to me that their previous ad-based structure wasn't working for them, and I can't imagine hardly anyone would actually pay $400 a year for their service.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>I too hope that you'll come back. Honestly, uploading to Imagr took me all of about 20 minutes, which was mainly finding the right pics. If you just drag them out to a separate folder first (copy and paste), it won't take any time. The only downside is that the links are named jibberish, unlike Photobucket so you'll have to copy and paste them into a word folder.<p> </p><p> We've lost some amazing diary writers over the years, and I'd hate to see one of the best go.</p></div></blockquote><p> I'm sure it wouldn't take me all that long to get set with the pictures I'd be using going forward. My problem is that everything I've done to this point is now broken, and I'm not going to go back and fix it.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="eldandythedoubter" data-cite="eldandythedoubter" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Can we get an epilogue of the rest of the year?</div></blockquote><p> Eh, maybe. It's kind of hard because some stuff wasn't really set in stone. Even the main event of this year's Starrcade wasn't locked in.</p><p> </p><p> (The main event of Starrcade <em>2004</em> was pretty much decided, though. <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />)</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Danny_H22" data-cite="Danny_H22" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You are the reason I purchased the game and I was gripped by your dynasty. Sorry to see you leave</div></blockquote><p> I'm glad you enjoyed my work that much (and I'm sure Adam Ryland is too!)</p><p> </p><p> Thanks for the kind words, guys. It sucks that this happened, but it is what it is. In the meantime, I'm just waiting for Steam to upload the Bryan Danielson CAW I just finished on the new Fire Pro. Nothing to brighten people's days like elbows and Cattle Mutilations! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Purotastic]

As Iron Sheik would say... **** THE PHOTOBUCKET!

[K-Nection]

<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>Probably my favorite you've made so far. If you want, I'll be starting a project ~august (if all goes well) -- i'd be honored if you'd make posters for me.<p> </p><p> I'll keep in touch, I won't know the specs until my schedule slows down a bit again.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks bud.....I'm not the best at image manipulation (I'm working on it) but my cut game is coming along nicely (in my opinion). PM me details when you get a chance.</p><p> </p><p> TFC I hope you burry the hatchet on this photobucket thing and who knows... maybe if I ever accumulate enough free time I might help you with changing pics. I can quote any page and see what links you use and what you need to change them to. It might be a project I would like to call Make TFC's Dynasties pretty again!!!</p>

[Rateddc]

<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>Thanks bud.....I'm not the best at image manipulation (I'm working on it) but my cut game is coming along nicely (in my opinion). PM me details when you get a chance.<p> </p><p> TFC I hope you burry the hatchet on this photobucket thing and who knows... maybe if I ever accumulate enough free time I might help you with changing pics. I can quote any page and see what links you use and what you need to change them to. It might be a project I would like to call Make TFC's Dynasties pretty again!!!</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> As someone you inspired to start their own game on here I can safely say I'd chip in if it'd help you keep this going.</p>

[LordofGustav]

<p>Too bad that you're forced to end this because of photobucket's stupidity, i've deleted every photo i've used in my WCCW diary and then i've asked to delete my account, and until now, they did not delete it.</p><p> </p><p>

I hope you come with something great again!</p>

[Nobby_McDonald]

I'll be sad to see the end if this is indeed the case as it looks.

[The Final Countdown]

<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>Thanks bud.....I'm not the best at image manipulation (I'm working on it) but my cut game is coming along nicely (in my opinion). PM me details when you get a chance.<p> </p><p> TFC I hope you burry the hatchet on this photobucket thing and who knows... maybe if I ever accumulate enough free time I might help you with changing pics. I can quote any page and see what links you use and what you need to change them to. It might be a project I would like to call Make TFC's Dynasties pretty again!!!</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rateddc" data-cite="Rateddc" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As someone you inspired to start their own game on here I can safely say I'd chip in if it'd help you keep this going.</div></blockquote><p> Hmm...</p>

[Beejus]

<p>This has seen a huge outcry for support, I'm pretty impressed. Then again, your work will be incredibly missed if you were to call it a job, so I see where they're coming from. I completely see where you're coming from though, as you said it isn't just this game that's become unbearable to scroll through but the past ones as well.</p><p> </p><p>

So I guess as Jerry Lawler would say, I'd hate to see you go but I'll like watching you leave... wait, that didn't come out right... <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[The Final Countdown]

<p>Okay. First of all, thanks a bunch to everybody for their words of support. I appreciate all of them.</p><p> </p><p> I was pretty much resigned to being done with this after the Photobucket debacle. The thought of going back and fixing every image in every story post sounded unbearably dull, and I certainly didn't expect anyone to volunteer to help with this tedious process. But since multiple people have brought up the possibility... </p><p> </p><p> I was able to painlessly download the Photobucket folder I was using for this dynasty, and have transferred it all over into an Imgur account. If any brave souls are willing to help me, this is what I'm thinking:</p><p> </p><p> 1) I share my account info with the volunteers: the GDS info so they have the ability to edit my posts, and the Imgur info because in the little bit of playing around I've just done, I get the feeling it would be much, MUCH easier to do this if you're logged into my Imgur.</p><p> </p><p> 2) We divide up the story posts between us, as evenly as we can between however many people are willing to help (plus myself.) (Or if someone didn't want to commit to that degree and only wanted to do a handful of posts or a specific post or whatever, that would be cool too.) Using my account, we go in and replace the images in each story post with the Imgur link. (It seems that if you're logged in to the Imgur account, you can bring up a thumbnail view of many images at a time and sort them by their original filename. Since the original filenames are identical to what they were on Photobucket, this is why it'd be a good idea for anyone helping to be logged into my Imgur account. For example, if you had a Photobucket link ending in 'Bagwell.jpg', you'd know you would find the correct picture high on the first page on Imgur.)</p><p> </p><p> So yeah, that about sums it up. It wouldn't be complicated, just boring. I really didn't ever expect anyone to volunteer to try and help me clean the thread up and so would never have even thought to suggest this, but since more than one person brought it up with no prompting from me I figured I might as well float the idea out there. Going through this with the help of even one additional person would make the task seem much less daunting, to say nothing of if there were multiples. If you're interested in helping with this you can let me know in here or via PM, or if you have any suggestions to add, feel free. And DON"T feel pressured or obligated to do this! I feel weird even asking, but the posts from K-Nection and Rateddc got the ball rolling, and here we are.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>This has seen a huge outcry for support, I'm pretty impressed. Then again, your work will be incredibly missed if you were to call it a job, so I see where they're coming from. I completely see where you're coming from though, as you said it isn't just this game that's become unbearable to scroll through but the past ones as well.<p> </p><p> So I guess as Jerry Lawler would say, I'd hate to see you go but I'll like watching you leave... wait, that didn't come out right... <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> Yeah, I don't even want to go back and look at TGAAB or the old ROH diary right now. That would be seriously depressing. <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Don't run from your feelings, bro! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[K-Nection]

<p>Too bad we are already passed April 1st or I would seriously troll you! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

PM me the details and when I get some free time I'll take a crack at it.</p>

[smartman]

<p>I'm actually wondering if it wouldn't just be easier to do the pages externally (wish you could do the whole thing at once so you could just mass replace each person's pic across the whole diary) by copying and pasting it to a word processor just in case there are multiples of the same pics in one show. We could code in all the board tags, which you could double-check as we'd just email you the files or use google drive. That would keep people out of this log in. </p><p> </p><p>

Heck, if you wanted to just create an image list (I have one for my diary just Name--pic file name in alphabetical order along with a common tag teams list with both pics maybe with a manager too) and pass that to people that were going to do this, you wouldn't even need to open up your Imgur account either, and it would save time as it would be simple copy and paste instead of having to find the correct pic, open each pic, click copy on the link, then paste it in.</p><p> </p><p>

That would keep you secure, and you could catch any errors when posting.</p>

[Rateddc]

<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>PM me the details and when I get some free time I'll take a crack at it.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Same here, I'm happy to give it a shot.</p><p> </p><p> Though I would recommend the image list idea smartman suggested, I use one for '97 and it saves a ton of time.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<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>I'm actually wondering if it wouldn't just be easier to do the pages externally (wish you could do the whole thing at once so you could just mass replace each person's pic across the whole diary) by copying and pasting it to a word processor just in case there are multiples of the same pics in one show. We could code in all the board tags, which you could double-check as we'd just email you the files or use google drive. That would keep people out of this log in. <p> </p><p> Heck, if you wanted to just create an image list (I have one for my diary just Name--pic file name in alphabetical order along with a common tag teams list with both pics maybe with a manager too) and pass that to people that were going to do this, you wouldn't even need to open up your Imgur account either, and it would save time as it would be simple copy and paste instead of having to find the correct pic, open each pic, click copy on the link, then paste it in.</p><p> </p><p> That would keep you secure, and you could catch any errors when posting.</p></div></blockquote><p> Yeah, in retrospect the image list is obviously the way to go. I was planning to create one for my own uses later anyway with links to just the current pics.</p><p> </p><p> Maybe the way to go would be for me to copy and paste all the story posts into word documents and put them all in a shared Dropbox folder that anyone could edit?</p>

[K-Nection]

For some reason I'm having trouble grasping what Smartman is suggesting. I'm pretty old school so this whole search tags, image list and dropbox thing sounds a bit too complicated for me. I feel embarrassed to even ask this but can someone chew this up for me in more simple terms.

[The Final Countdown]

<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>For some reason I'm having trouble grasping what Smartman is suggesting. I'm pretty old school so this whole search tags, image list and dropbox thing sounds a bit too complicated for me. I feel embarrassed to even ask this but can someone chew this up for me in more simple terms.</div></blockquote><p> The image list is just a word document with the links to all of the pictures. I've actually got that document set up already, and after doing so I can't believe I was considering trying to do this any other way! <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I'm not sure exactly what smartman meant by coding in the board tags, but the only changes that need to be made to posts are replacing the Photobucket image links with the ones from Imgur, and that's a simple copy and paste job.</p><p> </p><p> My original suggestion was sharing my login info so anyone (who volunteered, and who I trust) could go in and make those changes within the posts themselves. smartman was suggesting copy and pasting the shows into word documents so the changes could be made externally and without requiring anyone else to be logged into my forum account, and then I'd go in and paste the new text into the actual board posts. He suggested we share those files via email or Google Drive. Using a Dropbox folder was my alternative; that way I'd share the link to a folder with all of the documents and you guys could go in, replace the picture links in the documents, save your work and the documents would update automatically. I'm still thinking it might be easier to go with my original idea with everyone having access to my GDS account and changing the links directly in this thread, since that would eliminate the step of me copy & pasting everything back in from the word documents to the forum posts. </p><p> </p><p> Hopefully I didn't just confuse you even further! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[K-Nection]

The image list is just a word document with the links to all of the pictures. I've actually got that document set up already, and after doing so I can't believe I was considering trying to do this any other way!

 

I'm not sure exactly what smartman meant by coding in the board tags, but the only changes that need to be made to posts are replacing the Photobucket image links with the ones from Imgur, and that's a simple copy and paste job.

 

My original suggestion was sharing my login info so anyone (who volunteered, and who I trust) could go in and make those changes within the posts themselves. smartman was suggesting copy and pasting the shows into word documents so the changes could be made externally and without requiring anyone else to be logged into my forum account, and then I'd go in and paste the new text into the actual board posts. He suggested we share those files via email or Google Drive. Using a Dropbox folder was my alternative; that way I'd share the link to a folder with all of the documents and you guys could go in, replace the picture links in the documents, save your work and the documents would update automatically. I'm still thinking it might be easier to go with my original idea with everyone having access to my GDS account and changing the links directly in this thread, since that would eliminate the step of me copy & pasting everything back in from the word documents to the forum posts.

 

Hopefully I didn't just confuse you even further!

 

Nope chewed it up perfectly! I feel dumb I couldn't wrap my head around it but I can contribute that to lack of sleep probably. Whatever way you want to handle it is up to you.

[smartman]

<p>Dropbox would work just fine. I even have that (and hate Google) so that would be easy.</p><p> </p><p>

The part about putting all the board tags in is that's the only thing you can't do in a word processor (and their bolding, etc don't translate to the board either) unless you just copy all of them in a list like the pictures or just across the top. They won't do anything in the word processor, but I know that when I do them they take almost as long as typing up half the show otherwise. Centering all the pictures, quote boxes, etc. And they won't be on the document itself unless TFC goes into the edit function on each post to then do the copy and paste.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

September 2002: Road to War Games, Part II

 

http://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg

September 2nd, 2002

 

From the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota

 

Attendance: 9,000

 

Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart

 

We opened with our ten men battle royal, filled with only men who had never held the WCW World title before, to determine who challenges Booker T next week. Several storylines were continued within this match, such as Billy Kidman and Psychosis butting heads, and Disco Inferno (who was not in the match) attacking Davey Boy Smith and causing his elimination. In the end it came down to AJ Styles and The Destroyer, with AJ slipping out of a Destruction Bomb and getting a surprise elimination. Unfortunately, there was a dark cloud hanging over this match as Buff Bagwell landed awkwardly on his bump to the floor and had to be taken out on a stretcher (not a work.) (B)

 

Booker T comes out after the match and taunts AJ, telling him he's stepping out of his league and will be embarrassed next week. AJ is unmoved, and lets Booker know that he won't need to worry about demanding respect after next week, because there will be a new champion for WCW to present to the world. (B+)

 

A brief announcement promotes a special sit-down interview Bobby Heenan will conduct with Rey Misterio Jr. next week. (B)

 

Manami Toyota was way too much for local rookie Hailey Hatred to handle. (C+)

 

Post-match: Etsuko Mita attacks Toyota, plants her with the Death Valley Driver and poses with the World Women's Championship. (B-)

 

Chavo Guerrero Jr. barges into American Dragon's locker room and chastises him for suggesting to the championship committee that Christopher Daniels deserves the next title shot. "Where's the loyalty, esse? Why didn't you repay me by making sure that title shot went to me?" Dragon says he agreed to Daniels' challenge because he's been winning matches and is a worthy challenger. "If you want a shot, go and earn it." (C+)

 

The Empire's Corino and Palumbo had no trouble beating The Mamalukes. (C+)

 

Ric Flair and Sting are seen watching on a monitor in a backstage hallway, discussing the War Games match and scouting their opponents. Sean O'Haire approaches and tells them that if Palumbo's stepping into War Games on behalf of The Empire, he's stepping into that cage too to get his hands on his ex-partner. Sting and Flair like the sound of that; Sting welcomes him to the team with a slap on the back while Flair lets out a 'whoo.' (B+)

 

DDP comes to the ring and asks Kimberly to join him, but gets no response. She does not show up despite repeated attempts, and Page leaves in frustration as we cut to commercial. (B-)

 

Jamie Knoble beat Cash in cruiserweight action. (B)

 

In a brief teaser for the main event, we see a split-screen shot of the Steiner Brothers warming up and encouraging each other, while their opponents (The Unnatural and Shane Douglas) stare at each other with silent distrust. (B-)

 

Rob Van Dam and Mortis cut pre-taped promos to hype their No DQ match at War Games. RVD says that it was a mistake for Mortis to ever think that he could recruit a man like him to Salvation, because he blazes his own trail (heh) and refuses to follow orders from anyone else, but it was an even bigger mistake to accept a No DQ match against a man as extreme as himself. For his part, Mortis admits that it was an error in judgment to try and recruit him. "It was my idea and I take responsibility for it," he says. "That's why I'm also taking responsibility for eliminating you." (A*)

 

Hayabusa defeated Kaz Hayashi by DQ when Yang interfered. (B)

 

Christopher Daniels interview; he doesn't care about the dispute between American Dragon and Chavo Guerrero Jr. "Argue all you want, but neither of you truly matter. You'll both be rendered irrelevant once God's gift to the Cruiserweight division ascends to his spot on top at War Games." ©

 

Spotlight Segment:

 

http://i.imgur.com/YIpiDFE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/sOdsktm.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SAWQKXw.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/FIVYBul.jpg

 

The Hardys and True Heroes were guests on Piper's Pit. The idea here was for the Heroes to claim that they'd lost their titles only because of being forced to defend in a match that allowed the Hardys to use weapons and tricks, and in a straight-up rematch they would win the titles back no problem. Punk was good here as he promised to repay both Hardys for putting him through the table at Bash at the Beach and (kayfabe) injuring him, but the real star of the segment was Storm. Lance isn't generally thought of as the talker of the team, but his dry and straightforward style worked perfectly tonight as he matter-of-factly told the Hardys that they may have stolen those titles through their "circus nonsense", but everyone knew that the greatest tag team in the world is True Heroes, and that has not changed.

 

Piper did a fairly good job in his role as the instigator, stirring the pot and getting both teams even more fired up. Matt was good as well, so even though Jeff didn't so great, it was more than made up for by the strong performances of everyone else involved. Jeff referenced the Heroes attacking them with a chair at the Great American Bash and said that putting Punk through the table with a Swanton the following month was nothing but payback. Matt backed his brother up, and also said that the Hardys have nothing to fear from Punk and Storm and would be happy to give them a rematch any time they wanted and prove that they're the best tag team in WCW.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Out came Arn Anderson, who said that the Hardys might be champions, but they don't make the matches and they don't decide who gets to challenge for the titles. He reminded everyone that WCW has eliminated automatic rematches for ex-champions, and said that Punk and Storm weren't going to receive a rematch simply by asking for one. The Heroes obviously protested, but Arn didn't budge. He continued the trend of strong performances in this segment; he was very good at playing the no-nonsense man in charge. He DID authorize a singles match between Matt and Storm for next week's Nitro, but neither team was entirely pleased by that.

 

 

Grade: A

 

It was main event time. There was obviously no questioning the teamwork of the Steiner Brothers, one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Questions abound for their opponents though, and they were warranted. Shane Douglas eventually decided he'd had enough. He left ringside rather than accepting a late-match tag, abandoning The Unnatural to a double team assault and a Steinerizer finish. (A)

 

 

Show Grade: A

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/pBTSX2H.jpg

 

Taped immediately after Nitro

 

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone and Tracy Brooks

 

Melissa Anderson defeated Hailey Hatred. (D-)

 

Disco Inferno defeated Lash Leroux. (C-)

 

Norman Smiley defeated Shawn Stasiak. ©

 

AJ Styles cuts a lengthy promo, hyping this Monday's title match against Booker T as the biggest opportunity of his career. (B+)

 

 

Show Grade: C

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg

 

September 9th, 2002

 

From the Colorado State Fair Center in Pueblo, Colorado

 

Attendance: 8,225

 

Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart

 

Earlier in the day: AJ Styles is approached by Ric Flair, Sting and Sean O'Haire as he arrives at the building. Flair and Sting wish him luck as former world champions themselves. Sting voices his confidence in AJ from their time together in the first UFS, and says that's why he's sold Ric on the idea that AJ will be the perfect final member of their team for War Games. After some thought, AJ shakes their hands and accepts the offer to complete the lineup for War Games! (B+)

 

Psychosis put on an impressive showing in defeating Air Paris. ©

 

Kidman comes out after the match. He again insists that he could beat Psychosis if they wrestled again and challenges him to a rematch. Psychosis accepts the challenge, and we've got another match set for War Games. (C+)

 

The Jung Dragons cut a promo about a just-announced match between themselves and Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki at War Games. They welcome the chance to put that "unfair surprise" at the Japan Supershow behind them with a convincing victory. (D+)

 

In a battle between the next challenger for the Cruiserweight title and the man who THINKS he should be getting the next shot, Christopher Daniels avoided a Frog Splash and beat Chavo Guerrero Jr. with the Angel's Wings. (B-)

 

In a backstage confrontation, Shane Douglas calls Rick "the forgotten Steiner", who nobody cares about now that Scott's gone on to bigger and better things. Rick promises that NO ONE will forget the butt kicking he hands out at War Games, especially Douglas! (A)

 

Rob Van Dam showed off some of his kicks and aerial innovations before easily finishing Mike Sanders with a Split-Legged Moonsault. (B-)

 

Mortis attempts to attack RVD from behind after the match, but Van Dam sees it coming and fights him off, knocking him over the top rope with a spinning kick. RVD grabs the mic and tells Mortis he'll need to do a lot better than that if he wants to hang with him in a no DQ match. (A*)

 

A brief shot shows AJ Styles and Booker T warming up for their main event title match. (B-)

 

The four male members of The Empire (including the returning Chris Candido) showed off their teamwork in defeating Hugh Morrus, Konnan, Norman Smiley and Animal in an eight man tag. (B)

 

Davey Boy Smith comes to the ring to say he's tired of dealing with Disco Inferno's nonsense and wants to get him in the ring. Disco dances out from the back to decline his challenge on the basis that the people want to see him shake his booty, not kick Davey's British booty! ©

 

Vignette: Both Scott Steiner and The Unnatural hype their match at War Games. (A*)

 

Both teams might have preferred a rematch for the titles, but tonight they had to settle for Matt Hardy against Lance Storm one-on-one. It was a competitive back-and-forth match until CM Punk got in a cheap shot which propelled Storm to victory. (B-)

 

Arn Anderson informs Manami Toyota and Etsuko Mita that their title match will NOT be happening at War Games. Both women protest, but Arn assures them that they aren't being overlooked. Quite the opposite, because it's being saved for something special. (C+)

 

Bobby Heenan goes to Rey Misterio Jr's house to conduct a sit-down interview. Rey says he's been physically cleared to return to the ring, but he's done a lot of soul searching after what happened to him at Bash at the Beach courtesy of Booker T. He says he'll be showing up to War Games to address the fans in person. (B)

 

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

The night's main event was a rare sight: a World Heavyweight Championship match, live on Nitro. This wasn't some Attitude Era schmozz either; these two guys did everything they could to try and have a PPV-caliber match. Styles showed he could hang with the big boys, giving Booker all he could handle and then some. He got several close falls, but when he went for his big Spiral Tap and missed, Booker was there to finish him off with the Book End and wrap up a hard-fought title defense. (B)

 

The Empire hits the ring after the match to rough up the newest member of Team Flair, but Flair, Sting and O'Haire run out for the save. It's an all-out brawl to close the show! (A)

 

 

Show Grade: B+

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/pBTSX2H.jpg

 

Taped immediately after Nitro

 

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone and Tracy Brooks

 

Jamie Knoble defeated Elix Skipper. (B-)

 

The Jung Dragons beat Jason Jett and Lash Leroux. (B-)

 

Bobby Heenan gives his thoughts on Rey Misterio Jr; he thinks the fight has been sapped from Rey and it'll be a long time before he wrestles again. (B)

 

Shane Helms defeated Ernest Miller. (B-)

 

King Corino cuts a promo about a big match he'll be having against Sean O'Haire on Nitro. The match has huge implications, because the winner will get the all-important man advantage for his team at War Games. (B)

 

 

Show Grade: B-

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg

 

September 16th, 2002

 

From the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland

 

Attendance: 6,747

 

Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart

 

The opener highlighted two cruiserweight matches scheduled for War Games. Cruiserweight Champion American Dragon forced Psychosis to submit to the Arms Across America, earning victory for himself and Billy Kidman over Psychosis and Christopher Daniels. (B)

 

RVD and Mortis give pre-taped promos on their No DQ match at War Games. RVD says that some people might think he's too laid-back to hurt people, but there's a reason he was so successful in the land of extreme, and on Sunday Mortis is stepping into his world. Mortis says it was his mistake to think that RVD was worthy of a spot in Salvation. He owed his brothers for his error in judgment, and he's going to make good by putting an end to Van Dam. (A*)

 

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

Fit Finlay's third title defense saw him pitted against the Disco Inferno. Disco's goofy dancing was the polar opposite of Finlay's no-nonsense desire to inflict pain, and it no doubt gave Fit great pleasure to beat Inferno up and retain his title. ©

 

Post-match: Davey Boy Smith rubs salt in the downed Disco Inferno's mood by informing him he won't have any time to shake his booty on Sunday, because Arn Anderson has signed a match between them for War Games! ©

 

Yang caught Jinsei Shinzaki by surprise with a flash pin in a singles match, building some momentum for the Jung Dragons ahead of Sunday's tag rematch against Shinzaki and Hayabusa. (B-)

 

Booker T cuts a promo from his home. He eats popcorn while bragging about his victory over AJ Styles, and sarcastically says it could have been a great PPV main event if Arn Anderson weren't giving his best friend some undeserved spotlight. But he evidently wasn't needed, so the champ was enjoying his time off. (B+)

 

With Etsuko Mita on color commentary, complaining about not getting to defend her title at War Games, #1 contender Manami Toyota fought off free agent wrestler Miss Maulie. (C-)

 

King Corino's promo on tonight's match against Sean O'Haire is interrupted by an unknown woman:

 

http://i.imgur.com/jng2E6d.jpg

 

He asks "Allison, what are you doing here?", but she just shakes her head and says she's disappointed in him. (C+)

 

Interview: Bobby Heenan asks Shane Douglas if he's afraid his disrespect will fire Rick Steiner up and make him tougher to beat. Douglas laughs and says Steiner is stupid at the best of times, so if he's wrestling even less intelligently than normal it'll make him even easier to beat. (B)

 

DDP partnered with Jamie Knoble to beat 3 Count, but Mike and I spent the match wondering where Kimberly was and why she wasn't responding to DDP's requests to talk. (B)

 

Roddy Piper reveals that when Rey Misterio Jr. shows up to address the fans at War Games, he'll do so in Piper's Pit! (A)

 

Sean O'Haire took on King Corino in an all-important match, because the winner would earn the man advantage for their team at War Games. Chuck Palumbo was the difference-maker, attacking his former partner while the referee was entangled with Eric Bischoff. That allowed Corino to win the match and give the heels the advantage on Sunday (shocking!) (B)

 

The rest of The Empire (minus Bischoff, who will be doing a satellite promo with Flair later that we spent some time hyping during the match) attempt to do further damage to O'Haire after the match, but a bat-wielding Sting and chair-wielding AJ Styles make the save. (B)

 

Arn Anderson summons the Hardys and True Heroes to his office and informs them that there will be a singles match between Jeff and CM Punk at War Games. Both Hardy and Punk welcome the opportunity, though Punk remarks that it's ridiculous that the greatest tag team in the world didn't earn a rematch even after Lance beat Matt last week. Jeff points out Punk's interference in that match, and Punk calls him a sore loser. Arn calls in security to make sure the tension doesn't boil over inside his office, and both teams stare each other down as they're escorted away. (B)

 

Our main event saw Scott Steiner against The Destroyer. The idea here was The Destroyer was using his strength to try and hurt Steiner, focusing more on softening him up for Sunday's match against The Unnatural as opposed to trying to win. Steiner eventually cut his opponent off on the top rope and hit a flying belly to belly suplex to win the match. (B+)

 

The Unnatural attacks Steiner after the match, planting him with the Unnatural Selection. He stands over Steiner and vows to introduce him to unnatural nightmares of the scariest sort, whatever that means. (A*)

 

Spotlight Segment:

 

http://i.imgur.com/u4Nhu66.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LuHGjH3.jpg

 

 

We did a satellite promo deal where both Flair and Bischoff spoke from "different locations" to make sure nothing physical happened (they were actually just in different rooms backstage, but kayfabe.) Their objective here was to talk about their years of personal strife, both in and out of storyline, and use it to hype up Sunday's War Games match. They more than delivered on that. Ric's improv was pretty good. He talked about putting in a good word for Bischoff to the execs at Turner back when he was just an announcer and called it the worst mistake of his life. All he'd ever wanted was to help WCW and make it #1, and that's the same thing Bischoff wanted. If Bischoff had treated him with respect there would've been no trouble between them. He still has no idea why Eric developed such hatred for him, whether it was insecurity or Hogan's doing or something else entirely, but it doesn't matter any more. What matters is that Eric has spent years trying to destroy him, but on Sunday it all comes to an end. He'll run through Bischoff's Empire inside War Games, and afterwards he's going to unleash years and years of vengeance in those five minutes that Eric will be locked inside the cage with him.

 

As good as Ric was, Eric was even better. He said that the reason he and Ric didn't get along was simple: Ric represented the old guard. He represented the old way of doing things, and the old way of doing things never brought WCW anything but failure. Eric was a visionary, and he knew that to take WCW to the top, he needed to revolutionize the business. That's just what he did. People like Ric who were left in the cold could resent it all they liked, but he made no apologies for his success. He remade the business once in the mid-90's, and he and his Empire were going to do it again in this new millennium. Ric's time had passed years ago, but nobody had ever had the courage to tell him--nobody but Eric, that is. All that was left was to finally end Ric's career and bring his legacy to a sad, tired end. The Empire would do it on Sunday, in Flair's match, in the heart of "Flair Country". After that, it was on to new horizons and new innovations.

 

What a fantastic segment to close the go home show and build anticipation for the PPV. I'm sure we sold quite a few people who were on the fence with this promo. Great work from both guys.

 

 

Grade: A*

 

 

Show Grade: A

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/pBTSX2H.jpg

 

Taped immediately after Nitro

 

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone and Tracy Brooks

 

Melissa Anderson defeated Miss Maulie. (D)

 

DDP promo; he hopes Kimberly will either call him so they can talk about what's happened, or otherwise show up at War Games so they can talk in person. (B-)

 

Ernest Miller beat Alan Funk. (D+)

 

Unseen Nitro footage: American Dragon and Christopher Daniels have a backstage war of words after their match, with Dragon holding the Cruiserweight belt up and Daniels telling him to enjoy it while he could. (C+)

 

True Heroes dominated Lash Leroux and Jason Jett. (B)

 

 

Show Grade: B-

 

 

<hr noshade size=3>

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/JilKX8m.png

 

Fan Scorecard:

 

War Games Match: Team Flair ("Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Sting, Sean O'Haire and AJ Styles) vs. The Empire (King Corino, Chris Candido, Chuck Palumbo and TAKA)

*If Team Flair wins: Flair gets 5 minutes alone in the cage with Eric Bischoff

*If The Empire wins: Flair must retire

 

United States Heavyweight Championship: Rick Steiner vs. Shane Douglas {©}

 

Cruiserweight Championship: "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels vs. American Dragon {©}

 

No DQ: Rob Van Dam vs. Mortis

 

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. The Unnatural

 

Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk

 

Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki vs. The Jung Dragons

 

Billy Kidman vs. Psychosis

 

Davey Boy Smith vs. Disco Inferno

 

What will be match of the night?

 

How many championships will change hands?

 

Who will start the War Games match for each team?

 

Who will earn the submission in the War Games match?

 

Who will submit in the War Games match?

 

Will Rey Misterio Jr. announce his return during Piper's Pit?

 

Will we see Kimberly tonight?

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

 

 

IT'S ALIVE!

 

So yeah, almost all of the previous posts are still broken for now. K-Nection and Rateddc have volunteered to help me clean them up, but even with three of us I'm sure it'll take some time. I've done a couple of months already (starting from the very beginning), but I wanted to get the thread going again, and I also can only do a little bit of that cleanup at a time without wanting to throw my computer and curse Photobucket, so I'll be alternating between doing that and working on continuing the story.

[Uncrewed]

War Games Match: Team Flair ("Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Sting, Sean O'Haire and AJ Styles) vs. The Empire (King Corino, Chris Candido, Chuck Palumbo and TAKA)

*If Team Flair wins: Flair gets 5 minutes alone in the cage with Eric Bischoff

*If The Empire wins: Flair must retire

 

United States Heavyweight Championship: Rick Steiner vs. Shane Douglas {©}

 

Cruiserweight Championship: "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels vs. American Dragon {©}

 

No DQ: Rob Van Dam vs. Mortis

 

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. The Unnatural

 

Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk

 

Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki vs. The Jung Dragons

 

Billy Kidman vs. Psychosis

 

Davey Boy Smith vs. Disco Inferno

 

What will be match of the night?- Hardy/Punk

 

How many championships will change hands?- 1

 

Who will start the War Games match for each team?- Team Flair: Styles, Team Empire: TAKA

 

Who will earn the submission in the War Games match?- Ric Flair

 

Who will submit in the War Games match?- TAKA

 

Will Rey Misterio Jr. announce his return during Piper's Pit?- Yes

 

Will we see Kimberly tonight?- No

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques: HELL YEAH THIS IS BACK!!!

[Beejus]

Hooray, it's back! Now I just need to get back to my own writing again and people will be back to all the great 2001 goodness that we've been missing out on lately. Way stoked for War Games, can't wait to see that one play out!

 

Team Flair - While I'm sure Flair maybe isn't far off from retirement in your game, barring something big happening here I just don't see him being forced out at this juncture. Ric's team wins and he gets his five minutes... but I think someone may interject themselves on Eric's behalf to kickstart "The Nature Boy's" next big feud.

Shane Douglas - Rick really shouldn't be holding many titles in 2002.

AmDrag - Daniels will have his time, but he's such an awesome weaselly character that he can lose the match and still come out looking better.

RVD - Rob picks up a strong win to push him back toward a potential title match. I could see him running strong with the US belt in the near future, though. RVD does great with "secondary" titles, as evidenced by his nearly two year ECW TV title run. Then again, that would mean Shane drops the US, and I love him with it... so hard to pick who would be better!

Scott Steiner - "Big Poppa Pump" is just such a great beast of nature that I can't go against him. In a WCW after 2000 without Goldberg, Scott is just your absolute best option as a huge monster to run through everyone.

CM Punk - Punk wins to further the Heroes's quest for another title shot.

Jung Dragons - With Stacy on their side, I dig the Dragons.

Psychosis - Big win can set him up to face Danielson.

Davey Boy - This seems like such a comedy match.

 

MOTN: Steiner vs. Dustin

Titles: 0

War Games: O'Haire and Candido

Submission: Sting

Submitter: Candido

Rey: Yes

Kim: Yes

General: Boosh~