Welcome to New York... Again

[TCP1]

<p>Weston Cemetery, New York City, Boxing Day…</p><p> </p><p>

I stood, drenched in rain in a long overcoat. A gift from Larry for the success of Empire City Showdown. I was starkly reminded of my first visit to New York all those years ago. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. But really, nothing was the same now. Around me stood familiar faces. Bryan, Chuck and Cameron Vessey were directly beside me. Behind were Ralph Liotta, The Hangman, Bradley Blaze and David Stone with Lucy Stone-McFly. Elsewhere were the likes of Sam Keith, Ernest Youngman, Roger Cage, Logan and James Wolfsbaine, Bulldozer Brandon Smith, Rick Sanders, The original Masked Mauler, Marv Statler and Dean Waldorf. Even Mitch Naess was there, looking tired and dishevelled. </p><p> </p><p>

It was like looking into the past. Only we weren’t looking into the past. We were gazing, starkly into the future and for the first time in six years, the future seemed meaningless. Everything we’d meant to achieve and accomplish. All eyes on the big prize and now we stood here, in front of an open grave, lowering our mentor and our friend back to the Earth.</p><p> </p><p>

Larry had called me for a private meeting after Empire City Showdown. That’s when he’d given me the coat and we’d had an open and honest conversation about the future and what would happen with NYCW.</p><p> </p><p>

It was the last time I’d seen him. The last time anyone had seen him alive. The following day, while I made notes ready for the landmark Welcome to New York 50, I’d received a call saying he’d passed away peacefully in his sleep. He’d fought for so long, with so many people, that the idea of him doing anything peacefully seemed strange.</p><p> </p><p>

The next call came from someone else. I’d expected it of course. Larry had told me about it and how you can be the best promotion in the world, but if the bills don’t add up, you’re nothing. I’d argued with the man for over an hour and in the end he’d agreed to let me book the final show. A farewell to everything we’d achieved in six years.</p><p> </p><p>

It all seemed pointless though.</p><p> </p><p>

Funeral arrangements were made and invitations sent out. I had to sit down with all the talent we employed to explain what was going on. Some were sad, others angry, but generally everyone agreed that they wanted to go out with a bang. Give Larry one last show to call his own. Actually, before he’d passed he’d told me what he thought would make a great main event for a show. So we intended to give the crowd exactly that.</p><p> </p><p>

After the service I spoke to Ross Henry to see if he could get out of his commitments to make an appearance for old times’ sake. He couldn’t. I understood of course, but sometimes you have to ask the question. He did promise to be in attendance though, on the opposite side of the hard camera.</p><p> </p><p>

There were so many things I wished I’d done differently. So many mistakes, missteps and miscalculations. But there was no point thinking about that now.</p><p> </p><p>

We had one show left. One final hurrah and we intended on making it the best we could.</p><p> </p><p>

Next time on Welcome to New York… The Memorial Show…</p>

[TCP1]

<p>Welcome, for the last time ever, to New York…</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Welcome to New York 50: Larry Vessey Memorial Show</strong></p><p>

Saturday, Week 4, December, 2021</p><p>

Evanovich Riverside Arena, Trenton, New Jersey</p><p>

Attendance: 10,000 (SOLD OUT!)</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>ANGLE:</strong> Cameron Vessey cuts a promo paying homage to his dad and what he’s built here. As was his last wish, he’d give a title shot to a man who has seen it all and never put a foot wrong… Ralph Liotta. <strong>(B)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>FIFTEEN-MAN BATTLE ROYAL:</strong> Elemental IV won a battle royal in 10:13. The other members of the 'final four' were Rust Dillon, William Jetterson and American Elemental II, with Rust Dillon being the final elimination. William Jetterson got the most eliminations over the course of the match. <strong>(D)</strong></p><p>

Everyone deserved a spot on the card and we thought Elemental IV deserved a win to make up for his failed tag team title run.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>ANGLE:</strong> Bradley Blaze says that tonight, for the last time, him and The Hangman are going for the gold. The Texas Rough Riders ride… <strong>(C+)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>NYCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH:</strong> Texas Rough Riders defeated Legacy © in 12:37 when The Hangman defeated Robin DaLay by pinfall with a Choke Slam. Texas Rough Riders win the NYCW World Tag Team titles. <strong>©</strong></p><p>

A fitting end to the tag team titles as two of our most talented workers leave the promotion with their heads held high and gold around their waste. Legacy were great champions in their own right, but I owed it to Blaze especially to give him one last big win.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>NYCW US TITLE MATCH:</strong> James Wolfsbaine © defeated The Masked Mauler VII in 9:54 by pinfall with a Smash Hammer. <strong>(D+)</strong></p><p>

With the crowd roaring behind him, the undefeated Wolfsbaine dismantled the old school throwback Masked Mauler VII. The match was exactly what it needed to be.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>SINGLES MATCH:</strong> Austin Smooth defeated The Architect in 10:03 by submission with the Smooth Hold. <strong>(C+)</strong></p><p>

It seemed right to let The Marvelous Ones tear each other apart one last time. Plus Smooth deserved to blow-off the feud with a decisive victory. After the match the two men made up and celebrated as a team one last time.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:</strong> David Stone defeated Chuck Vessey in 13:12 by submission with a Stone Ankle Stretch. <strong>(C+)</strong></p><p>

Another great match as everyone is doing their absolute best to steal the show one last time. David Stone gets the win, because the Chuck Vessey character needed to go out with a loss. Villains never truly prevail, unless their name is Stone.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>NYCW EMPIRE WORLD TITLE MATCH:</strong> In the final match in NYCW history, ‘Flash’ Ralph Liotta challenged the new champion Cameron Vessey for the Empire World Title. The crowd gave both men a standing ovation before the opening bell and duel chants for both competitors rang throughout the arena for the full duration of the match. Not wanting to disappoint and each wearing an armband with the initials LV, the two top faces of the company held nothing back in a thrilling spectacle of showmanship and athleticism. Liotta kicked out of now fewer than three Vessey Driver IIs and Cameron returned the favour by reversing multiple attempts at a Flash Bang or a Flash of Brilliance. When Cameron locked in an Ankle Stretch, sweat pouring down his face, Liotta knew exactly what to do. He rolled through, sending the champion flying across the ring. By the time Cameron got to his feet, Liotta was standing in the corner, with a finger pointing to the heavens. Vessey staggered towards his opponent as Liotta unleashed a perfectly executed Flash of Brilliance Super Kick. Using the momentum from the kick into a pin with both legs hooked as referee Michael Bull counted the 1-2-3 and sending the NYCW faithful into raptures.</p><p>

Ralph Liotta defeated Cameron Vessey © in 30:15 by pinfall with a Flash of Brilliance Super Kick. <strong>(B+)</strong></p><p>

Fitting way to end as the young kid finally gets his hands on the title and fulfils his boyhood dream. Match was the second best we’d ever put on, just failing to dethrone the Henry vs. Blaze vs. Valentine triple threat from Empire City Showdown IV.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>ANGLE:</strong> The entire locker room come down to the ring to celebrate. Friend and foe, together, for one last time as the crowd deafen the surrounding area with a ‘Please don’t go’ chant.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>OVERALL: B</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Next time on Welcome to New York… The end…</p>

[TCP1]

<p>New York City…</p><p> </p><p>

Allen Packer had wasted no time in announcing the purchase of NYCW as a developmental territory for USPW. The news had been met with shock around the world, matched only by the death of Larry Vessey. He’d quickly installed Steve Flash as the head trainer and signed up most of our talent onto developmental contracts. Larry had confided in me that this was always the plan. Larry had signed a deal with him years ago to build up the base, destroy the competition and then we’d step in and buy the company. In exchange Larry had been given a huge retainer and basically whatever he wanted. Partners with wrestling’s biggest businessman and the only reason it had taken so long, was because of me. Nobody had expected us to achieve what we did, but, like all things, it had to come to an end.</p><p> </p><p>

Some of our workers, like Bradley Blaze and The Hangman had come to me asking for advice, I’d told them in no uncertain terms to accept the offer and wished them well. Making sure to also tell them that I’d be keeping a close eye on their progress and not to let me or the old man down.</p><p> </p><p>

I felt numb. Not sad, or relieved, just numb. So much of my life had gone into making NYCW one of the most prestigious and forward-thinking promotions in the world. But at the end of the day, money talks. And Allen Packer had executed his plan to perfection. He followed his purchase of us by doing the same to MAW and disbanding them immediately. The wrestling world had changed drastically in the last four years and now SWF and USPW were locked in a titanic struggle for all the marbles.</p><p> </p><p>

But that didn’t matter to me. I was done with it. The politics, the egos and the constant stress. Sure there were amazing moments and some genuine long-term friendships, but I couldn’t face starting it all again. I’d come so close to real success that the thought of going back to the beginning was too much to bare.</p><p> </p><p>

It was time to call time on my brief stint and take a job back home.</p><p> </p><p>

As I left the city limits, I saw a sign. The sign which had served as inspiration to me all those years ago. I stopped and took a photo and smiled. Larry’s stern face appeared in my mind.</p><p> </p><p>

We’d done pretty well old man.</p><p> </p><p>

As I drove away and looked back one last time, the sign became smaller and smaller and eventually it disappeared. And then I couldn’t see ‘Welcome to New York’ any more.</p><p> </p><p>

The end…</p>

[TCP1]

<p>Note from me:</p><p> </p><p>

Thanks so much for everyone who read this diary and guessed on results. It’s by far my most long-running game of TEW 2016 and I’ve really enjoyed it. Sadly reaching Cult (for the first time ever while playing) proved a little more complicated than I expected and needless to say, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Turns out the game is more challenging than I expected. Which I’m pretty sure makes it an awesome game. </p><p> </p><p>

If you're looking for an alternative in the short, I can highly recommend '<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541445" rel="external nofollow">SCW: You've Gotta Have Faith</a>' by HRTVAndrew, which is written in a similar style to my approach. </p><p> </p><p>

Now that I have a better idea of what is expected, I think I’m going to run another diary, only this time I’ll pick a different company and (where possible) aim to hire different workers to the ones heavily pushed here. If anyone has any ideas on what they’d like to read, let me know.</p><p> </p><p>

I don’t particularly want to run any of the big boys (TCW, USPW or SWF) and no women’s or hardcore promotions. But I could be persuaded to most others. Or, if someone has a great idea for a fictional promotion with a strong theme (I’ve tried Texas-themed before, that might be fun to revisit seeing as it ended with my top draw committing suicide and me following him off the deep end) then I’m open to that too.</p><p> </p><p>

Basically, I’m looking for inspiration, in whatever form. Would there be interest in a Texas-themed promotion? Perhaps Bradley Blaze as the figurehead? Let me know.</p><p> </p><p>

Thanks again, and see you soon.</p><p> </p><p>

TCP1</p>

[Hashasheen]

I'd be interested in a Texas fed, yeah. Though perhaps it doesn't have to be in 2016, but rather something like the 2013 or 2014 versions?

[TCP1]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45361" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'd be interested in a Texas fed, yeah. Though perhaps it doesn't have to be in 2016, but rather something like the 2013 or 2014 versions?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I suppose I could find an older Cornellverse mod from say 2013 (is there one?) and then sim up the promotion from the ground up and start in 2016? I'm reluctant to go back as far as 1997 though, because there's way too much history and knowledge of the time I think I'd find it overwhelming?</p><p> </p><p> I'd need to think about starting size and potential owners too? I'm thinking it might be fun to start with the company the same size as CZCW but in Texas not Cali?</p>

[Theheel]

<p>I was afraid this was the end. You found a good way to wrap things up in story though. So how much money did you lose in the last year once you made the jump to cult?</p><p> </p><p>

I would vote an area where there would be competition like the southwest or maybe Canada. Texas would be interesting as well</p>

[HRTVAndrew]

<p>I loved this from start to finish, and you wrapped it up very well. The end made complete sense, and I'm looking forward to seeing whatever it is you come up with next.</p><p> </p><p>

Southern-themed promotions are fun (and the lack of competition in the Mid-South area is a big reason I put SCW there!). I also wouldn't be opposed to doing something in Canada. Maybe see if you can grow something to take down NOTBPW and the DeColt boys?</p>

[John Lions]

<p>Great read TCP1, I really enjoyed it! There haven't been many CornellVerse diaries that go on long enough to really see what the writers long-term plans were, so it was a delight to see it. It was very reminiscent of the old Welcome to the Coastal Zones.</p><p> </p><p>

For a curveball suggestion, you could always give DIW a try. Hardcore company with a lot of interesting characters and a easy owner character to write, comes with a war between APW and RAW so there will be easy conflict. Takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to try a whole plethora of new workers you've never used before.</p>

[Hashasheen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TCP1" data-cite="TCP1" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45361" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I suppose I could find an older Cornellverse mod from say 2013 (is there one?) and then sim up the promotion from the ground up and start in 2016? I'm reluctant to go back as far as 1997 though, because there's way too much history and knowledge of the time I think I'd find it overwhelming?<p> </p><p> I'd need to think about starting size and potential owners too? I'm thinking it might be fun to start with the company the same size as CZCW but in Texas not Cali?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well, what I'd be thinking is that you convert TEW 2013's 2013 and 2014 databases into TEW2016. </p><p> </p><p> One of the things I like about CVERSE Mid-South is that you have the legacy of TWL, but also there's the controversial AMW as well. WPL is supposed to be the revival of the scene, so you could run with that. Otherwise, there's a few cool renders like Southern Wrestling Academy, Outlaw Championship Wrestling, etc... that you could adapt. SWA could work as a training school promotion concept, while OCW could work as an anti-COTT effect if you wanted.</p>

[MisterRomanini]

What a bittersweet ending to this dynasty. It kinda makes sense, storyline-wise, but still I was rooting for the success of NYCW.

[TCP1]

<p>Tank you all for supporting and the kind words. I've decided to run a Mid-South based Texas promotion with heavy focus on COWBOYS. Cos who doesn't love cowboys.</p><p> </p><p>

What I need help with is:</p><p> </p><p>

Company Name (ideally with spirit of Texas, but no reference to a region as I intend to become a global player without rebranding).</p><p> </p><p>

Company Owner (perhaps a younger guy this time, or someone who can be written as something different to Larry Vessey. Maybe a cheerful, spend money kind of guy).</p><p> </p><p>

Someone to create the logo and banner for said company and preferably unique to any TEW 2016 mod.</p><p> </p><p>

Anyone got any ideas?</p>

[MisterRomanini]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TCP1" data-cite="TCP1" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45361" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Tank you all for supporting and the kind words. I've decided to run a Mid-South based Texas promotion with heavy focus on COWBOYS. Cos who doesn't love cowboys.<p> </p><p> What I need help with is:</p><p> </p><p> Company Name (ideally with spirit of Texas, but no reference to a region as I intend to become a global player without rebranding).</p><p> </p><p> Company Owner (perhaps a younger guy this time, or someone who can be written as something different to Larry Vessey. Maybe a cheerful, spend money kind of guy).</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Someone to create the logo and banner for said company and preferably unique to any TEW 2016 mod.</strong></p><p> </p><p> Anyone got any ideas?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I can create the new logos with no problem.</p>

[TCP1]

<p>What do we think about: All Star Wrestling</p><p> </p><p>

With a logo which uses Texas flag colours for lettering?</p>

[John Lions]

<p>For an owner, I like the idea of the "spend money" kind of guy, what about an oil tycoon, rancher, or like a texas BBQ chain owner?</p><p> </p><p>

Instead of getting involved in the "booking" or "business" side of things, he treats his own promotion like he is just a big fan, but throws out a "push the hell out of that guy" or occasionally says "spend a bunch of money and bring in that guy in" kind of person. Mostly hands-off unless money is bleeding out and is just a huge mark for his own company.</p>

[HRTVAndrew]

Pistol Pete Hall seems like a heck of a fit for something like this.

[Theheel]

Yeah you could always resurrect JR Ewing....or if not JR one of the other Ewing boys for a spin on things

[TCP1]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Theheel" data-cite="Theheel" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45361" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yeah you could always resurrect JR Ewing....or if not JR one of the other Ewing boys for a spin on things</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> To go full-blown WCCW rip-off I could have an owner who has a lot of sons who he wants as massive stars.</p>

[MisterRomanini]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TCP1" data-cite="TCP1" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45361" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What do we think about: All Star Wrestling<p> </p><p> With a logo which uses Texas flag colours for lettering?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Something like this?...</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="WM4bGHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WM4bGHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[TCP1]

Ooooo, that looks awesome.

 

Any chance of a banner too?

[TCP1]

I’ve just noticed Shrek’s face behind the logo. That’s... odd. Lol.

[MisterRomanini]

I’ve just noticed Shrek’s face behind the logo. That’s... odd. Lol.

 

I have noooooooo idea of what you're talking about ..

 

JK, I'll make one without this easter egg.