WCW: Heart and Soul

The Final Countdown · February 7, 2018

June 15th, 2003: Great American Bash <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ZPtDlWo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZPtDlWo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> June 15th, 2003 From PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Attendance: 35,110 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="2nqjRO5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2nqjRO5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sMmTkKz60W8" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/sMmTkKz60W8"</a> frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Brian Kendrick <img alt="uOGLnPZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uOGLnPZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vtYAboC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vtYAboC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I told these guys to go all out to try and get this show off to a hot start. I'm not sure if that was a bad idea for Kendrick or if he was letting the pressure of the moment get to him, but he looked off his game here. His performance was still not that far behind Kidman's overall though, so I still believe he has a bright future in WCW. This was a good match all in all, and it was successful in getting the fans into this show. After about ten minutes of fast-paced cruiserweight action, Kendrick blew Torrie a kiss. She recoiled in disgust and climbed onto the apron to yell at him, but was very nearly knocked off the apron when a charging Kidman had to slam on the brakes to avoid crashing right into her. Kendrick took advantage of the situation by rolling Kidman up and stealing the pin. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 80</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">True Heroes and Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Salvation (w/Father Isaac) <img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg<img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg </div> With Lance involved, I chose to let them call this one in the ring, with Lance obviously leading the way there. Punk didn't seem to be at his best tonight, but he was still the best overall performer in the match. He, Lance and Mortis were noticeably above the other three, though it's not like anybody was terrible. Sharing the ring with such talented workers was good for both Chavo and Destroyer. Chavo showed some great fire while brawling with the Salvation members, and Destroyer held up admirably with Lance's technical skills. This match wasn't going to blow anyone away, but it was fine. The match eventually ended up with Mortis stranded in the wrong corner, being isolated and broken down by the teamwork of True Heroes. Storm took him down and locked in the Calgary Clutch, and Punk and Chavo made sure Alexander and Destroyer couldn't break it up before Mortis tapped out. Mortis is the most over member of his team and the second biggest star of the group outside of Unnatural, but he took the loss here as punishment for the failed drug test. Hopefully he'll clean up his act, or it's really going to limit his potential. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 75</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LEPRnye.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LEPRnye.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/3ZTpoTU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpg<img alt="Z3xclCp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z3xclCp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Empire cut a group promo backstage. Corino and Bischoff handled all the talking, with the rest standing in silent support. Palumbo was very underwhelming in his silent role, but fortunately he was just a bit player. They didn't make more than a passing mention of Austin, because the real focus here was on hyping the tag match against the Steiners. Corino said he was sure Scott Steiner had to cheat his way through his tests at Michigan, because there was no way he was smart enough to graduate from a legitimate university like that. "No one with a college education would ever be stupid enough to call out Goldberg!" he said. "No one with half a brain would be dumb enough to call Goldberg's manhood into question! And tonight, "Big Poppa Chump", you're going to find out that Goldberg is still man enough to beat the living crap out of you AND your stupid brother!" Goldberg paced back and forth with a snarl as Corino talked him up, and between Corino's promo and his angry behavior, he came across really well here. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Hayabusa vs. "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson {©} http://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Last month's match was about holding back and sacrificing match quality for the sake of the story, but there were no such restrictions in place this time. I let them call it in the ring, which was fine with Danielson there to lead it. I also told them to really go all out this time, and that was a mistake. Hayabusa did not do well at all, rushing through big spots and not looking nearly as crisp as usual. He was really off here, so it was up to Danielson to salvage what he could. Fortunately Bryan was up to the task. He did a great job here, saving the match with some good technical wrestling and ensuring it was still better than their Mayhem bout. After Danielson narrowly kicked out of a Falcon Arrow, Hayabusa dragged him over to the corner for his Phoenix Splash. Bryan still had enough left to get up, cut him off on the top rope and execute a belly to back superplex that ended the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 79 <img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="OSPVvmB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OSPVvmB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Jung Dragons came out after the match, all holding signs that read "Objection!" Stacy stood back and waved her sign, leaving the talking to Hayashi and Yang this time. Kaz explained that this match should never have happened, because not only did he pin then-cruiserweight champion Christopher Daniels and never receive a title shot, but he and Yang won a tag match against current champion Danielson and his #1 contender and again received nothing. Yang took over, saying he and Kaz were both victims of a massive conspiracy, and they objected! When Danielson looked as if he was going to go up the ramp and confront them, Yang quickly took several steps backwards. That was the indication that he's switching to a conspiracy victim gimmick like his partner, but Yang's is less cocky and more cowardly. I thought he did a good job with it, and the gimmick should get over really well. Stacy contributed a lot to the segment even without talking, as her presence does a lot to help the Jung Dragons get a bigger reaction. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 74</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Hardcore Rules: Rob Van Dam (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Bobby Roode (w/Ric Flair) <img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/uj4FkBt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I'm not a big fan of hardcore wrestling, but it fit the story in this particular match, so I made an exception. Van Dam was right at home in this environment and turned in a great performance, no surprise after all the years he spent in ECW, and Roode adapted to it admirably well in his own right. But I'm not the only one who isn't a fan of these kinds of matches. Our crowd has grown used to great wrestling, and they didn't respond as well to this hardcore match. There was a lack of psychology here, but I guess that's to be expected when they spend most of the match hitting each other with weapons instead of telling a story. That just goes to show how good the work actually was and how much people care about Van Dam, because even with the lack of storytelling and the fans being against this style, this was still the best match of the show to this point. The basic idea here was that with Heyman's influence, RVD had rediscovered his "hardcore spirit" and returned to his Philadelphia roots, and despite the best efforts of Roode and Flair to find a chink in the armor, this was a different Rob Van Dam than they'd been dealing with previously. He beat on Roode with a chair until he was barely moving, and likely could have just pinned him there, but instead did a sort of running legdrop that drove the chair into his face. Still not done, he hopped onto the top rope, did his finger pointing pose, and came down with the Five Star Frog Splash. Then, and only then, did he make the cover and end the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 84</div> They'd already won the match and made their point, but it wasn't enough for Heyman. He shouted for "MORE!", and Van Dam obliged. He gave the downed Roode several punches to the face, and Heyman began helping him set up a table in the ring. Flair entered to put a stop to it, but RVD knocked him down with a thrust kick to the face before returning his attention to Roode. RVD and Heyman rolled Roode onto the table, and he sent him crashing through it with a Five Star Frog Splash! Flair got back up and tried to shove RVD out of the way so he could help Roode up, but Heyman punched him in the back of the head. Ric turned and grabbed Paul by his leather jacket, but that was all he got to do before RVD whacked him across the back with the chair. That shot dropped Ric to his knees, and RVD grabbed him by the back of the head and threw him into the buckles, where Ric slumped down. RVD and Heyman shared a look, and Paul crouched down and held the chair in front of Flair's face. RVD walked over to the opposite side of the ring, and despite the pleading of two referees and a few members of staff, he took flight and delivered a deadly <a href="https://i.imgur.com/hBe9FTt.gifv" rel="external nofollow">Van Terminator!</a> <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> More bodies came rushing out from the back, with Arn Anderson at the head of the pack. He yelled at RVD and Heyman, asking them what they thought they were doing. RVD just shrugged, smirked and did his finger pointing again as Heyman applauded. Arn shook his head in disgust and bent down to check on Flair, who was now donning the crimson mask. RVD's performance was good here; his mannerisms and swagger throughout the entire segment really worked. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 90</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Steiner Brothers vs. Goldberg and King Corino (w/Eric Bischoff) http://i.imgur.com/k45HPCq.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/JJpe0Lr.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This was never going to be about great ring work. This match was all about the story, and the story was Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg. The crowd really came alive any time those two shared the ring, though we kept such moments teasingly brief. Goldberg and Corino didn't mesh as a team at all, and everything was awkwardly paced as a result. Then again, I'm not sure Goldberg has ever really worked well with a partner. Despite Goldberg and Corino being the two most over heels on the roster, this was the Scott Steiner show. Scott carried this match the whole way, from tossing Corino around with crisp suplexes to his great brawling exchanges with Goldberg. I don't know if it was the heat of the moment or what, but Scott seemed to take his already solid brawling to another level during this match. There wasn't a ton of selling on display here, but that didn't stop this from being a good match. The brief teases of Scott vs. Goldberg finally boiled over into an explosive brawl on the outside. Scott held his ground and matched up physically with Goldberg like virtually no one else in WCW can do, but he should have been paying more attention to what was happening inside the ring. Rick's best days are behind him both in kayfabe and for real, so it wasn't much of a surprise to anyone when Corino dumped him with the piledriver to end the match, after which he and Bischoff had to pull Goldberg away from his fight with Scott. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Shane Douglas vs. Sean O'Haire {©} http://i.imgur.com/mS6Goca.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg</div> We'd played up the idea that Douglas would need to have a strong game plan if he was going to defeat the physically superior O'Haire, and that plan consisted of attacking the champion as he was on the ramp. Rather than trying to go after him head on though, he attempted to go low and take his legs out with a chop block. Sean saw it coming though; he blocked it and knocked Douglas down with a clothesline on the ramp. Thus began a fast-paced, all-out brawl. Douglas was adept at working that style of match so that was a plus, but they didn't tell a story that made a whole lot of sense. The idea was Shane knew he needed to outsmart O'Haire, so engaging him in what became a more straightforward brawl didn't fit. Both guys performed at about the same level, and the match was fine but didn't stand out. It came down to Douglas wrestling O'Haire down to the mat and going for the crossface, only to have Sean power out of it and hit the Widow Maker for title defense #12. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 76</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/FIVYBul.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/l0qRIIJ.jpg</div> We sent it to Roddy Piper and Bobby Heenan backstage, allegedly so they could offer their analysis of the three way main event, but that wasn't actually what happened. Bobby quickly hijacked the segment to condemn the actions of Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman. An emotional Heenan shouted that Ric Flair was more than just a legendary champion and a Hall of Famer--in professional wrestling, he was a GOD! Bobby wished Ric a speedy recovery, and publicly begged someone to beat RVD and Heyman back to the bingo hall they came from. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 89</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams vs. The Hardys {©} http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/uY8UroB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/YIpiDFE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1tytiqE.jpg</div> First things first: both Hardys were awesome tonight. The effort and desire to put on a great match were there. Maybe they would've done so with different opponents to work with, but tonight's match was merely passable. A lot of that is down to Brian Adams. He would've struggled to hold up his end even under the best of circumstances, and it was even more noticeable tonight because he was frequently out of position and seemingly lost as to what he was supposed to do. The match was also set back by a lack of a ring general in there to hold the story together, which seems to be a recurring theme with Hardys matches now that Lance Storm isn't in the picture. Matt hit the Twist of Fate on Adams, and since Daniels and Adams had already used the one save they were allowed, Jeff turned around on the apron to play to the crowd as the match was ending. Daniels entered the ring anyway, attacked Matt and hit the Last Rites, which had Jeff shouting for the DQ. He, as well as Mike and I on commentary, were stunned when ref Marty Rubalcaba not only didn't disqualify the challengers, but counted three as Daniels covered Matt! A postmatch replay revealed that, unbeknownst to everyone but the referee and Daniels himself, the Fallen Angel had tapped Adams on the back to make a blind tag just as he was about to be hit by the Twist of Fate. It had been a cunning move by Daniels, a good call by the official, and a stunning title change. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> We showed footage of a press event in Australia promoting next month's Bash at the Beach coming to the Land Down Under for the second straight year. Sting, Made in Italy w/Dawn Marie, Fit Finlay, Minoru Tanaka, Harry Smith and Konnan were all on hand to plug the show, which I'm strongly considering keeping in Australia every year as a new annual tradition. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 67</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. TAKA (w/Eric Bischoff) <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ncMyE2p.jpg<img alt="JYc2Jmc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JYc2Jmc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I had considered making this a lengthy epic, but that didn't seem to fit in this particular situation with these characters. Instead they went for 13 or 14 minutes and worked a match that was all action. That worked well for TAKA, as the pace of the match really accentuated his flashy aerial offense. He looked great here, landing on Austin with a dive over the top rope and onto the ramp, as well as a beautiful top rope Asai moonsault. As great as he was, Austin was even better. The crowd loved him and popped big for everything he did. But for whatever reason, this match just never rose above being decent. Maybe it was the length, maybe the fans didn't buy TAKA as a physical threat to Austin. I don't know, but whatever it was, I have to consider this match a disappointment that failed to meet my expectations. Obviously the story here was that TAKA had to use his exciting aerial moves to try and put Austin down, because if Austin got to turn it into a brawl it wasn't going to end well for The Empire. Austin did eventually get TAKA grounded with punches and kicks, and Bischoff could see things going the wrong way. Eric climbed onto the apron to provide a distraction, and it worked, as Austin stared him down long enough for TAKA to recover and connect with a springboard dropkick. It was a short-lived success though, because Austin fought his way back and hit the Stunner to win the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Diamond Dallas Page vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles {©} <img alt="Pi7V8Vw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Pi7V8Vw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The story was clearly defined here. DDP wasn't the athlete AJ Styles was, especially now at 47 years old, but he had years of experience plus a feared finishing move to fall back on. Styles was consistently one step ahead of Page, who struggled to slow down the amazing athlete. Yet Mike and I stressed that one Diamond Cutter was likely all he would need to become a 3 time US Champion, and the veteran would be looking for that one perfect opportunity to hit it. Beyond the story, Page's declining physical skills were readily apparent here. He was never an elite worker anyway, but he's slowing down a lot now. It was up to AJ to carry this match, and he did so. Styles is a phenomenal worker, no pun intended, and he's right on the cusp of main event stardom. He took on the responsibility here, and with him leading the way, this equaled the RVD/Roode match as the best of the night up to this point. DDP continued to look for that one chance to snap off a Diamond Cutter, and he finally created that chance for himself by using his veteran expertise to sucker AJ into thinking he was more weakened than he was. Styles was caught flat-footed and walked right into the Diamond Cutter! Dallas made the cover and hooked the leg, and Rubalcaba counted once... twice... ...but AJ got a foot across the bottom rope just before the 3! Dallas couldn't believe it, but he was too smart to waste time complaining. He pulled AJ up by the hair and went straight for a second Diamond Cutter, but Styles countered with a belly to back suplex. Page was slow to his feet, and when he did get up he was met by AJ's Phenomenon DDT. Styles dragged Dallas close to the corner, executed the Spiral Tap and retained his title over the three time world champion. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 84</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg The Unnatural (w/Father Isaac) vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. {©} http://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg</div> Before the match, we aired a video package with pre-taped comments from all three guys. They didn't break any new story ground, but they did a strong job of repeating some of the same points previously made and it was slickly edited. The video definitely gave this a big fight feel and got the fans at home more excited for the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div> The Unnatural seemed to be walking into an impossible situation here. He'd thrust himself into this match, which neither Rey or Eddie could be pleased about, and he'd stirred the two friends up and all but encouraged them to work together against him. To make matters worse, all three men were legal at all times, meaning Mysterio and Guerrero had all the time in the world to double team him if they so chose. Playing off of that build, the early minutes of this match saw The Unnatural battered from one end of the ring to the other by his two opponents. All of his attempts to fight back were promptly snuffed out, and it looked like only a matter of time before he was eliminated and we ended up with Guerrero vs. Mysterio for the title. Rey was about to run the ropes for another attack on Unnatural, but Eddie suddenly wrapped him up in a schoolboy! Everyone was surprised as Nick Patrick slid into position and counted once... twice... ...but Rey kicked out! Rey popped back up to his feet and stared at Eddie, who just smiled, shrugged and made the "belt around the waist" motion to make his point clear. Rey nodded, understanding that Eddie had seen an opportunity to eliminate him and then just have a wounded Unnatural to finish off, and seemingly not holding it against him. But even if Rey understood, the two of them working together in this match was now a thing of the past. Guerrero and Mysterio locked up and jockeyed for position, and now all three men were officially out for themselves. Rey and Eddie went back and forth with some exciting fast-paced action reminiscent of their classic battles over the Cruiserweight title years ago while Unnatural sat in the corner and recovered. Eventually Unnatural got back up and dropped them both with a leaping clothesline, and thus the match proper really got underway with everyone in on the action in a true three way match. The slow build up to Eddie's sneaky pin attempt had gotten the crowd warmed up and ready for this next phase, as I'd given them the freedom to call this in the ring and judge for themselves when the right time to shift gears came, and they worked it perfectly. It was tense as everyone found themselves on the wrong end of near-falls more than once, and it became a combination of looking to hit big moves to score an elimination while also watching your back and taking care not to find yourself in a precarious position out of nowhere thanks to the third man. Rey solved this dilemma by sending Unnatural to the floor with a tiltawhirl headscissors, then turning his attention to Eddie. He lifted Eddie onto the top turnbuckle and climbed up for a super hurricanrana. But Guerrero knew him well; he had that move scouted and had a perfect counter prepared. He beautifully turned it into a Black Tiger Bomb off the top rope, and Nick Patrick counted once... twice... ...and a third time! Rey Mysterio Jr. was the first man out! As the shock of that wore off, it began to set in that we were guaranteed a new World Heavyweight Champion. It was one fall between Eddie Guerrero and The Unnatural to determine who would leave Pittsburgh with the gold for the first time. The Unnatural came back into the ring, and he and Eddie began brawling. Unnatural won that battle and got a close call with his old Curtain Call move from his WWF days, but when he attempted the Unnatural Selection, Eddie blocked it, spun out and snapped off a trio of rolling vertical suplexes. He kept up the pressure with a brainbuster that brought about a long two count, and then he headed up top for the same move that he used to beat Hulk Hogan for the WWE title, the frog splash. He took flight to deliver the finishing blow that would bring him to the top of the mountain in WCW for the first time. But The Unnatural got his knees up! Eddie took his shot and came up empty! The former Dustin Rhodes yanked him up to his feet and again went for Unnatural Selection, and this time Eddie had no counter. Unnatural hooked the leg, and Nick Patrick's hand came down once... twice... and a third time! After 14 years of effort and a grueling 33 minutes and 53 seconds tonight, the son of the American Dream had finally reached the same pinnacle his father reached three times before him! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99 http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg<img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg</div> He was winded and his face paint was partially smeared, but The Unnatural had finally done it. He was joined in the ring by the rest of Salvation, who helped him to his feet. When Nick Patrick handed him the title belt, he barely spared it a glance before handing it to Father Isaac. Instead, he called for a microphone. "Tonight is a night none thought would ever happen," he said through gasps. "Even I myself doubted it would ever come to pass, but it was only made possible by the support of my family. No, not my father the American Dream, or my sister the former cheerleader, or my half-brother the standout amateur wrestler in the state of Georgia. I'm speaking of my true family; Father Isaac who gave me purpose, and my brothers surrounding me who lent me their strength. "If I'd won this title before I found Salvation, I'd have selfishly thought only of the ways it would benefit me. The adoration it would have won me, the money in my bank account. Now those things mean nothing to me. I won this title not for me, but for all of you. Now that I have won this championship I have greater influence and my voice carries more weight. Listen to me, and I will help each and every one of you find your own personal Salvation." Dustin did a great job here despite his fatigue, and Mortis also came across well in his role of silent support. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 91</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: 96</div>

KnowYourEnemy · February 7, 2018

Sad to see Rey lose the title here -- I'm a massive mark for Dusty and Dustin, who have made a genuine huge impact on the business, and Cody, who could very well make an equally groundbreaking impact if his work on in ROH and the indies keep up. However, it was definitely the right move for The Unnatural to pick up the win -- it really gives momentum to The Salvation stable.

I've always been a fan of a stable member holding a title -- there are many ways to go, and the faction creates multiple scenarios to end a match. Also, if Spanky can hit 80 at this point in his career and he's "off his game", he's going to be huge in WCW.

Dusty and Dustin were huge stars in groundbreaking roles, and Cody would've been one had he been booked better -- WWE definitely dropped the ball, but I think that it's still difficult for fans to appreciate his heel work when they respect his older brother and father so much.

DHK1989 · February 7, 2018

Congrats to Dustin on winning the World Title. Wonder where things will go from here with Rey and Eddie.

kinnikuniverse · February 7, 2018

Gosh darn....

I don't know what to say... you completely fooled me in more ways than one.

Man, I'm happy for Dustin, but I didn't see that coming at all.

Rey being eliminated first OMG!

Hardyz losing their titles to daniels and adams of all people!!

Aww. Hope that busa and AmDrag have that third match.

Oh, and EAGLES FLY FREE!!!!!

Dawn · February 7, 2018

Ah, the infamous TFC drug test-related falls. How I missed them

Very happy for the Unnatural, I didn't think you'd go this far with him, but as the breakout character of the diary, I'm happy you did (I also might have overstated the comment about him OBVIOUSLY being there to take the fall.)

Great stuff like always!

K-Nection · February 7, 2018

Well I seem to have went with too many "safe" predictions this month and Bret made me pay lol. I'm so glad Dustin had gotten the nod as he has been a true darling in this dynasty.

JMike · February 7, 2018

God DAMN that was a good show. They just keep getting better. I feel kinda dumb for having not seen the Tag titles change hands but oh well, whatcha gonna do? Unnatural is champ, baby!

Beejus · February 7, 2018

Even I thought I was crazy for thinking that the World and Tag titles would change hands, but I really showed me!

Damn good Bash TFC, one thing I found interesting was that I'm getting the notion that perhaps RVD is going to heel turn in the near future. That would definitely be a breath of fresh air for him, and it will only help as Heyman is obviously a better heel than a face.

I am for sure looking forward to what happens on the ride next month to Australia and Bash at the Beach! Your idea of making that an Australia-only PPV is something that I would find limiting though, personally I think that BatB is a bit limiting in general because if you don't have it in a beach town then the name makes no sense. Of course Australia is a wonderful island continent so the name will fit nicely no matter what you do there, but for me it just seems like there's a lot of places that aren't getting love if a company decides to just put all of it's shows in one region. (I say this as HtG sees Eric move every Nitro to Las Vegas, so take it for what you will <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> )

Hashasheen · February 7, 2018

Speaking of moving PPVs around, is there a reason you didn't move WCW to Canada for a headquarter location in the prelude to the game, TFC?

KnowYourEnemy · February 7, 2018

<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> I am for sure looking forward to what happens on the ride next month to Australia and Bash at the Beach! Your idea of making that an Australia-only PPV is something that I would find limiting though, personally I think that BatB is a bit limiting in general because if you don't have it in a beach town then the name makes no sense. Of course Australia is a wonderful island continent so the name will fit nicely no matter what you do there, but for me it just seems like there's a lot of places that aren't getting love if a company decides to just put all of it's shows in one region. (I say this as HtG sees Eric move every Nitro to Las Vegas, so take it for what you will <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> )</div></blockquote> I think WCW drew pretty well in Australia about this time -- I'm not sure how that reflects in-game. I, for one, would love to see an [Australian] Commonwealth Title -- sort of like the WWE UK Title, but I'm not sure who would be over down under. Nathan Jones, maybe? Dennis Rodman, perhaps?

The Final Countdown · February 7, 2018

Great American Bash Wrap-up and Hall of Champions <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;">June 15th, 2003 Shortly after the end of Great American Bash</div> "Hell of a job, champ." Dustin looked up at me, smiled, then looked back down at the belt he held in his hands. He'd scrubbed off his face paint and changed into his street clothes, now fully out of his Unnatural persona. "I wasn't kidding in my promo when I said I didn't think this was ever going to happen," he said, still staring at the belt. "I'd accepted it, even." "I didn't think you'd ever win it either," I said bluntly. "When we first re-started, I didn't see you as anything other than a good veteran hand. But I'm happy you proved me wrong. You earned this." "Thanks, Bret. I appreciate it." I shook his hand and continued to make my backstage rounds. I made sure to congratulate both Rey and Eddie for their own contributions to the great main event. Fantastic PPV main events have become routine since Rey won the title. Dustin has big shoes to fill. Several of the boys were gathered around a table for a poker game that Tenay put together. Based on what I could see, it looked like Lance Storm was doing great again. Scott Steiner stopped me to complain about not getting enough time tonight, specifically singling out Yang and saying he could've had more time to entertain the fans if I just got rid of that guy. Ric Flair was talking about ring psychology with his protégé James Storm. He's only a tag team job guy right now, but maybe Ric can help him become something more. Bobby Roode stopped me to politely say that he thinks hardcore matches aren't really his forte and it'd be better if he just worked standard matches from now on. I told him I agreed, and hardcore matches weren't going to be a regular thing in our company anyway. This was another great night for us, but already I'm looking ahead. We've got the next Renaissance PPV coming up soon, and then there's Bash at the Beach in Australia. No rest for the weary. We need to keep this momentum going. If we can, WWE will be feeling the heat soon enough.</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions:</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;"><img alt="u9bsFuK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> NITRO BRAND World Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg The Unnatural http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg Won: June 15th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Previous Champions (since March 2001): Rey Mysterio Jr.: December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days) Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days) Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (168 days) Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days) United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg AJ Styles <img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: December 29th, 2002 from Shane Douglas at Starrcade in Sydney, Australia Previous Champions (since March 2001): Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days) Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days) Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days) Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days) Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days) Cruiserweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson (2nd reign) <img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: April 20th, 2003 from Christopher Daniels at Clash of the Champions in Toda, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days) American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days) AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days) TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days) Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days) Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days) World Television Champion: <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sean O'Haire http://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg Won: January 26th, 2003 from Fit Finlay at Sin in Denver, Colorado Previous Champions (since July 2002): Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days) World Tag Team Champions: http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams (1st reign for the team, 3rd for Adams individually) http://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/uY8UroB.jpg Won: June 15th, 2003 from The Hardys at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Previous Champions (since March 2001): The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (#2): December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) (#2): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days) The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days) ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May): <img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2003: Eddie Guerrero 2002: Diamond Dallas Page Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November): <img alt="1qogKhQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1qogKhQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2002: Rey Mysterio Jr. 2001: Rob Van Dam </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2aDyraK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2aDyraK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> RENAISSANCE BRAND World Women's Champion: http://i.imgur.com/741TrEA.jpg Manami Toyota (4th reign) http://i.imgur.com/LyKOnBY.jpg Won: October 5th, 2002 from Etsuko Mita on Women's Wrestling Renaissance in Tokyo, Japan ((This was formerly the WWWA World Championship, the top title in All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling. The title was renamed the WCW World Women's Championship upon WCW buying AJW, and its title lineage was kept intact.)) Previous Champions (since January 2002): Etsuko Mita: January 9th, 2002-October 5th, 2002 (269 days) </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Ultimate Fan Series 2003: Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson) 2002: The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes) 2001: The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright) 1989? Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers) </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Scores (out of a possible 12 points): ((+3 = correctly predicted The Unnatural as the next world champion)) Beejus: 11 deanohbk: 10 ElectricX: 10 chrismday: 10 K-Nection: 9 (+3) evileddie10: 9 michgcs: 9 GingeyOne: 9 Happy0wns: 9 Theheel: 9 Rateddc: 9 Dead_Jester: 9 Satyr24: 9 (+3) DHK1989: 8 Texasrangers13: 8 James The Animator: 8 Danny_H22: 8 jscotty: 8 Kainlock: 8 2Sweet: 8 The Pitbull: 8 Nobby_McDonald: 8 Caveman KungFu: 8 crackerjack: 7 kinnikuniverse: 7 bonnie: 7 JMike: 7 Uncrewed: 7 Warhawk8492: 7 DavidCorperial: 7 cbacon87: 7 Cro Cop Rules: 7 DGenerationMC: 6 Kijar: 6 Wolfman84: 6 </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>Final Standings in prediction contest after four shows: Satyr24: 42 Happy0wns: 37 Rateddc: 36 (23:20) Kijar: 36 (23:01) James The Animator: 35 K-Nection: 34 Theheel: 31 kinnikuniverse: 33 Warhawk8492: 30 michgcs: 30 chrismday: 30 Smasher1311: 29 Dead_Jester: 29 ElectricX: 29 crackerjack: 28 GingeyOne: 28 deanohbk: 28 jscotty: 27 evileddie10: 27 DGenerationMC: 26 Beejus: 26 Uncrewed: 25 The Pitbull: 25 DavidCorperial: 24 JMike: 24 Danny_H22: 24 DHK1989: 23 Cro Cop Rules: 22 Nobby_McDonald: 21 Wolfman84: 20 bonnie: 20 cbacon87: 19 Texasrangers13: 14 2Sweet: 14 The Lariat: 12 Spirophore: 9 Kainlock: 8 Caveman KungFu: 8 KnowYourEnemy: 6 WilburTrey: 5 Ian carlisle: 5 </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> I'll be contacting the bolded three via PM soon, and they will have the options of choosing between taking part in the WWE draft and booking Summerslam. If any of them request a different prize, Kijar would be the first alternate since he lost out via tiebreaker. I'll wait a day or so before I start sending the PMs out just in case I made a mistake with the point totals; if anyone thinks I did, let me know ASAP. <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>Sad to see Rey lose the title here -- I'm a massive mark for Dusty and Dustin, who have made a genuine huge impact on the business, and Cody, who could very well make an equally groundbreaking impact if his work on in ROH and the indies keep up. However, it was definitely the right move for The Unnatural to pick up the win -- it really gives momentum to The Salvation stable.</div></blockquote> Cody's quite the story, and should serve as an example to anyone in WWE frustrated with the way their careers are going. He bet on himself, left and is without question a bigger star now. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've always been a fan of a stable member holding a title -- there are many ways to go, and the faction creates multiple scenarios to end a match. Also, if Spanky can hit 80 at this point in his career and he's "off his game", he's going to be huge in WCW.</div></blockquote> I have high hopes for him. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Dusty and Dustin were huge stars in groundbreaking roles, and Cody would've been one had he been booked better -- WWE definitely dropped the ball, but I think that it's still difficult for fans to appreciate his heel work when they respect his older brother and father so much.</div></blockquote> Personally I'd say Cody and Minoru Suzuki are the two best heels in wrestling right now (in very different ways.) Cody in the last Being the Elite, sitting in the bath tub with his Cody beer, a Cody Rhodes poster on the wall, smoking a cigar and playing the harmonica while everyone else in Bullet Club is miserable over what he did to Omega? Genius. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Oh, and EAGLES FLY FREE!!!!!</div></blockquote> That was a bigger upset than Daniels and Adams! What a finish! <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="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Ah, the infamous TFC drug test-related falls. How I missed them <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> At least I no longer test for steroids! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I even made a joke out of that very early on with a tongue in cheek reference to what happened with Macho in TGAAB. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Very happy for the Unnatural, I didn't think you'd go this far with him, but as the breakout character of the diary, I'm happy you did (I also might have overstated the comment about him OBVIOUSLY being there to take the fall.) Great stuff like always!</div></blockquote> It was a reasonable assumption to make, considering I went out of my way to put emphasis on Eddie vs. Rey. <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> I am for sure looking forward to what happens on the ride next month to Australia and Bash at the Beach! Your idea of making that an Australia-only PPV is something that I would find limiting though, personally I think that BatB is a bit limiting in general because if you don't have it in a beach town then the name makes no sense. Of course Australia is a wonderful island continent so the name will fit nicely no matter what you do there, but for me it just seems like there's a lot of places that aren't getting love if a company decides to just put all of it's shows in one region. (I say this as HtG sees Eric move every Nitro to Las Vegas, so take it for what you will <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> )</div></blockquote> Bash at the Beach is a name that only lends itself to certain areas, agreed. It is restricting in that way, but I feel like that PPV is too well established to change it. I think doing it in Australia annually should work out well. That's an area I want to visit at least once a year if not twice. Obviously I run most of my shows in the US, plus Japan is covered with Renaissance. I have the popularity to run in Mexico but doing promos would be an issue, so maybe I'll try and run a PPV there some day and then do Nitro the next night in California. Now my popularity in the British Isles has caught up, but a lot of the individual workers aren't as over there as they are elsewhere. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Speaking of moving PPVs around, is there a reason you didn't move WCW to Canada for a headquarter location in the prelude to the game, TFC?</div></blockquote> Two big reasons: -At the start, Canada was one of my least popular areas. -At the time, I don't think I could even get a TV deal in Canada. <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 think WCW drew pretty well in Australia about this time -- I'm not sure how that reflects in-game. I, for one, would love to see an [Australian] Commonwealth Title -- sort of like the WWE UK Title, but I'm not sure who would be over down under. Nathan Jones, maybe? Dennis Rodman, perhaps?</div></blockquote> Australia begins tied with Japan as WCW's second best area (the US obviously being first.) That helped me get great TV deals in Australia and Japan early on, which helped them both grow even further. I am currently more popular in Australia than anywhere else, even the US, but I'm still not eligible for National status there because of its lesser importance.

DHK1989 · February 7, 2018

Speaking of Australia, where is Nathan Jones working currently in-game? Is he even signed anythere?

The Final Countdown · February 7, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Speaking of Australia, where is Nathan Jones working currently in-game? Is he even signed anythere?</div></blockquote> He's in WWA. He beat Michael Modest to become their current world champion in March.

DHK1989 · February 7, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He's in WWA. He beat Michael Modest to become their current world champion in March.</div></blockquote> Have you tried to do a working relationship between WCW and WWA?

KeyserSoze · February 7, 2018

I just want to say that is one of the best dynasties I've ever read. Events seems so cool and the outside the ring action gives a flair that helps the inmersion.

Kudos TFC

Dead_Jester · February 8, 2018

Great show.

Really happy to see Dustin finally win the big one.

Daniels and Adams taking the Tag Straps was a major surprise seeing as how Adams is only on a pay per appearance deal, maybe transitional champions? if so i'll be damned who will beat them as the only other face teams I can think of are the Heroes, who look like they are moving onto bigger things, the Steiners, Rick is on the decline, and the Hardy Brothers, who they just won the Titles from.

Definitely interesting times ahead.

Beejus · February 8, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James The Animator" data-cite="James The Animator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I guess I thought that GAB wasn't an important enough event for WCW to warrant a title change.</div></blockquote> Personally, given how long GAB was an event compared to a lot of WCW's other shows, I always think of it as the SummerSlam to Starrcade's WrestleMania. I know most would point to Bash at the Beach or SuperBrawl as that more thanks to how the show became booked in the late 90s, but it has more longevity.

Satyr24 · February 8, 2018

BATB in Australia........ in July, You do know that is winter right

Also 2 titles changes from my ufs picks, watch out the rest of the champs were on a roll

GingeyOne · February 8, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Satyr24" data-cite="Satyr24" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>BATB in Australia........ in July, You do know that is winter right Also 2 titles changes from my ufs picks, watch out the rest of the champs were on a roll <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Yeah was just going to say this! A cold wasteland on the frozen beach! Great news for The Unnatural! Very happy for him!

kinnikuniverse · February 8, 2018

WOO-HOO! !! TOP 8 BABAY!!! we getting closer!

Well, I dunno where exactly in Australia you can host BATB, but I have surfers paradise. I dunno I'd there's a stadium there, but it's the most beach - like setting in Australia, so that's a start.

I don't think you should limit it to Australia. I think you should instead do a "Bash at the beach" tour, where every nitro and BATB will be hosted in all kinds of beach towns, from Miami to the bay area to maybe even mexico. Hell, Nagoya and osaka has beaches, so that could be a solution!

EDIT: found a place in australia! The brisbane covention and entertainement centre! I don't think it's near the beach, but hey, it's better than nothing!

Nobby_McDonald · February 8, 2018

Well, I didn't see some of that coming. Cracking show.

Chaossy · February 8, 2018

I've been reading this whole topic for the past day, with breaks of course. I absolutely love it so far, keep up the good work! You'll defiantly be one of my influences if I decide to do a dynasty.

K-Nection · February 9, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><hr noshade size=3> I have the popularity to run in Mexico but doing promos would be an issue, so maybe I'll try and run a PPV there some day and then do Nitro the next night in California. Now my popularity in the British Isles has caught up, but a lot of the individual workers aren't as over there as they are elsewhere. </div></blockquote> With the addition of Eddie you now have someone who can at least cut promos there. One thing you might consider is starting regional dev companies in all the countries that you want to expand to and start rotating your roster down to work in those countries. This will dramatically raise the rate at which they learn the languages. Have guys who are "ready in wildside" start doing 5 month "tours" in these different companies and you will be surprised how much it will help you. I know it seems a bit gamey but it can really help you mold a diverse roster and it helps get your new blood over in those areas while expanding your roster's capability of doing promos anywhere. Also *if* you decide to start a WCW network you can throw all these territorial promotions on the network and get your dev guys over before you even use them.

The Final Countdown · February 11, 2018

No story update just yet. The preview for the next Renaissance PPV should be coming in the next day or so, and after that it'll be time for news, the national battle report and a summer roster update. But something just happened in-game, and I wanted opinions on whether or not I should honor it. There's a pre-set narrative in the mod about Rock leaving wrestling behind to focus on Hollywood, as he did in real life. So now I have a choice: do I honor the narrative by going into the editor and setting Rock's status to 'left the business'? Or do I leave it alone and let him stick around? I don't feel like he would've stuck around with how lucrative he knew Hollywood could be, even if WCW really had still been around and a major threat like they are here. But if he leaves, they're going to lose their biggest weapon in the national battle by far, and my Austin/Goldberg combo is probably going to stomp them every single month. That's a major competitive advantage for me, so I wanted to hear what you guys think. Do I stick to reality and send Dwayne to Hollywood, or should he keep slumming it in WWE? I welcome any and all opinions and comments on this, whether you do it here in the thread or via PM. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DHK1989" data-cite="DHK1989" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Have you tried to do a working relationship between WCW and WWA?</div></blockquote> I don't see the need. It'd be a huge benefit to them, but there's really nothing for me to gain. <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>Personally, given how long GAB was an event compared to a lot of WCW's other shows, I always think of it as the SummerSlam to Starrcade's WrestleMania. I know most would point to Bash at the Beach or SuperBrawl as that more thanks to how the show became booked in the late 90s, but it has more longevity.</div></blockquote> Yep, I definitely view GAB as one of my major shows. It has more history than probably any WCW PPV except for Starrcade. I'm sort of viewing it as Starrcade is the obvious grand finale, and GAB, Bash at the Beach and Halloween Havoc are the next tier, with SuperBrawl just outside that mix. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Satyr24" data-cite="Satyr24" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>BATB in Australia........ in July, You do know that is winter right Also 2 titles changes from my ufs picks, watch out the rest of the champs were on a roll <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> ...I did not know that, no. <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> And you didn't even back them in the predictions! What a lack of faith from the manager of Satyr's Hopeful Few! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GingeyOne" data-cite="GingeyOne" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yeah was just going to say this! A cold wasteland on the frozen beach! Great news for The Unnatural! Very happy for him!</div></blockquote> I just looked into it, and according to the web, the average lowest temperature for the coldest day in the year in the city I'll be running BATB is 45 degrees (F.) If that's your definition of a cold wasteland, you'd be absolutely miserable out where I live! <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="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> I don't think you should limit it to Australia. I think you should instead do a "Bash at the beach" tour, where every nitro and BATB will be hosted in all kinds of beach towns, from Miami to the bay area to maybe even mexico. Hell, Nagoya and osaka has beaches, so that could be a solution!</div></blockquote> I feel like I'm pretty much committed to this for this year, but that's not a bad idea for the future.

kinnikuniverse · February 11, 2018

Have rock stay in wrestling. Cause I don't want this diary to end because you're bored of always winning the national battles! Besides, he can still do movies while wrestling.

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