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[RealWorld] HoH: Introducing Hardcore to a new generation


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<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="svUUdtD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/svUUdtD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p>

<strong>House of Hardcore XLI</strong></p><p><strong>

Sat Wk 3 November 2018</strong></p><p><strong>

Show Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D+</span></strong></p><p><strong>

Manhattan Center, NY, Tri State, United States</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 550, Viewership 11.150 (Shown on Twitch USA)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="YTml2RL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YTml2RL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<em>Please welcome House of Hardcore owner...</em></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Dreamer makes his entrance to kick off the show, but keeps his fan welcome speech short as he wants to address another issue, the night's main event featuring an opponent of his choosing to go against Daivari. Dreamer then basically recaps the incidents of last month, when Daivari attacked both him and Cabana after their tag match, having taken offense to not been booked to wrestle and also voicing his displeasure of the veteran "has beens" hogging up the main event spot at the expense of younger talent.</p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uA4NYcQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uA4NYcQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p>

<em>Speak of the Devil...</em></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Daivari's music hits to interrupt Dreamer's promo and the man himself comes out with a mic in hand to a chorus of boos. After claiming that Dreamer is wasting time that could be spent wrestling and pointing out that his elongated promo is another case of keeping the spotlight on himself, Daivari demands to know who his opponent for the night will be. With a smile on his face, Dreamer tells Daivari and fans in attendance to welcome...</p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iomAbZj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iomAbZj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p>

<em>The greatest first generation wrestler...</em></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Jay Lethal! As glad as the fans are to see him, their reaction isn't what you'd expect for a man supposed to be a 'babyface fan favorite'. Whether fans preferred the heel Lethal ROH showcased previously or TNA's comedy take of "Black Machismo" impersonating Macho Man Randy Savage, Lethal still talks about beating Daivari in the main event and just before things get to blows, Dreamer separates the two and tells them to save it for the match.</p><p>

<strong>Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="GwOQK29.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GwOQK29.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="In4g92l.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/In4g92l.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Barbie Hayden vs Mickie "Moose" Knuckles</strong></p></div><p></p><p>Hayden may have lost to Knuckles in their singles bout two months ago, but Knuckles took the fall once Hayden teamed up with the Lucha Sisters, so there seems to be enough fan interest in a rematch already, judging from the reactions as the two women make their entrances. The fight itself reflects the perception of an "even ground" between the two of them, with Hayden putting up enough of a fight to prevent Knuckles from absolutely dominating the match through sheer power. This alternate approach is fresh, but it takes both women out of their comfort zone, resulting in an obvious lack of psychology at times that causes the bout to drift. Still, Hayden is by far the better wrestler in the fight and through a smart combination of speed and technical skills, she manages to ground Knuckles until she's able to lock in a Camel Clutch on her back. Even Hayden herself seems to be surprised to win, with Knuckles shaking her head in disappointment at the clean tapout loss in under six minutes.</p><p>

<strong>Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="XBRlfhK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XBRlfhK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG1d1VL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG1d1VL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Rampage Brown vs Lance Anoa'i</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The second match tells a similar story but with male wrestlers, as Anoa'i somehow manages to hold back Brown from completely overwhelming him. It's put together and executed in much tighter fashion though, without showing and glaring gaps of in-ring psychology. It's also different in that Brown wins it as opposed to the babyface underdog, though again it only takes six or so minutes from bell to bell.</p><p>

<strong>Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="YTml2RL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YTml2RL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4p3ueA2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4p3ueA2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="EwaO7H8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EwaO7H8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pVeZFwa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pVeZFwa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Tommy Dreamer & Brian Pillman Jr. vs Slophunters</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Dreamer courteously lets Pillman Jr. start the match and show what he can do, a symbolic move of him showcasing the next generation via his own performances and running House of Hardcore. The Slophunters are in no mood of playing nice though and attack the youngster with much aggression. While this does allow Pillman to show some improvement as far as his selling goes, it also allows the heels to cut the ring in half and prevent him from tagging in Dreamer while they wear him down. It takes a botched moonsault from Silver for Pillman to get a break and he makes the best of it, dropkicking an incoming Alex Reynolds who's flying in to make up for his partner's error, before Dreamer gets the hot tag. The innovator of violence takes no prisoners and of course he also takes the Slophunters to the outside of the ring for some of his trademark weapons spots. Age is showing though and despite his heart, Dreamer is too slow to hit his offense, allowing Reynolds to regain the initiative. Pillman's there for the save and Dreamer crawls back into the ring to tag in the youngster and make him the legal man, but Reynolds outsmarts him when he turns his attention to Dreamer, who he eliminates by knocking him off the apron, before catching an emotional and thus reckless rookie in the Reynolds Wrap for the tap out.</p><p>

Grade: <span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="73h7KDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73h7KDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AfGfdXv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AfGfdXv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kbl6GJM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kbl6GJM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rsxdYVh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rsxdYVh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Destruction Duo vs Lucha Sisters</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Despite the Destruction Duo's attempts to quickly squash their opponents, the Lucha Sisters are no pushovers and their quick tags result in a whirlwind of offense thrown at the two monster heels. Yim's joshi mix of aerial attacks, ground based submissions and stiff kicks especially seems to be a hit with the crowd, though it only takes a single mistake for her to get caught by Havok and her Demon Drop for the pin while Alpha Female keeps Leva Bates busy brawling at ringside.</p><p>

Grade: <span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="QhWYsyg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QhWYsyg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="VZ5cP86.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VZ5cP86.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Colt Cabana vs Kevin Kross</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

It's a clash of styles as funnyman Cabana gets to wrestle the psychotic Kross, a man who seems to be what you get if you take Randy Orton and add the psychology of Jake "the Snake" Roberts along with heavy puroresu influences. That said, the two play up their differences nicely but never at the expense of the in-ring action. Cabana's amateur wrestling style meshes nicely with Kross's submission game, though "Killer" Kross seems hellbent on more than just making Cabana tap; he wants to injure him. It's this stubborness that ends up costing him the match, as refusal to comply to several referee warnings sees him getting disqualified, cutting the match short at just fourteen minutes or so.</p><p>

Grade: <span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="oDUoFk3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oDUoFk3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HyG59rx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HyG59rx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Katarina Waters vs Serena Deeb</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Waters and Deeb hold one victory each in singles matches against each other, the rest of her confrontations having been in multi man bouts. With Deeb pinning Summer Rae in a triple threat match the month prior though, the two meet again in a one on one situation and Deeb as the slight favorite. Sadly though, the bout underdelivers, at least in comparison to all the matches that have preceded it, being good but just not as good as everything else so far in the show. Deeb gets the clean win after spearing Winters by 15:49 but whether this was enough to end their rivalry is unclear, since the match feels like it lacks the necessary gravitas.</p><p>

Grade: <span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="ozvg9H0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ozvg9H0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Bzs082z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bzs082z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Madison Eagles vs Tenille Dashwood</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Having literally stolen the show at House of Hardcore XL, Australians Dashwood and Eagles clash once again in the semi main event. From the opening bell, it's apparent they are out to repeat that feat, going all out to hit each other with everything they've got in a fast-paced spectacle that ends up quickly killing both womens' stamina. The exciting start evolves into a sluggish bout and things drag on for over fifteen minutes, before Dashwood catches Eagles with a surprise cradle for the pin.</p><p>

Grade: <span style="color:#A0522D;">D+</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ozvg9H0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ozvg9H0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Bzs082z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bzs082z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p>

<em>It is so not over yet...</em></p></div><p></p><p>Now holding one victory over each other, Eagles and Dashwood get on the mic to point it out (although neither mentions that both wins were tainted) before agreeing to have one more match to settle the score, presumably at next month's House of Hardcore XLII.</p><p>

<strong>Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="uA4NYcQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uA4NYcQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="iomAbZj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iomAbZj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Shawn Daivari vs Jay Lethal</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Fans are red-hot for the main event by this point and the two men make the best of it, pacing themselves for an epic bout as well as allowing for much trash talk and fan interaction. Daivari first looks to overpower Lethal, but that is obviously a strategy that won't take him far as Lethal easily fights back. He then resorts to frequently throwing in any dirty trick he feels he can get away with, but Lethal looks like he's a step ahead of him thanks to his time spent with Truth Martini in ROH. As things pick up, Lethal hits the Lethal Combination for a two count and the truth hits Daivari like a ton of bricks: this isn't a match he can hope to win. Lethal's just too good and it's only a matter of time until he scores the pin, a dynamic further emphasized by Lethal dropping the elbow for another two count. Daivari starts to get desparate and when Lethal goes for another Lethal Combination, Daivari shoves the ref to take the hit instead. In the aftermath. Lethal is hit with a low blow, only for Daivari to leave the ring and return with a kendo stick, whacking Lethal once again between the legs before applying the Camel Clutch with the stick in Lethal's face. Lethal struggles, biting the kendo stick in pain, but there's nowhere for him to go. As soon as the ref begins to move, Daivari throws the stick away and resumes the Camel Clutch. Ref Rob Tuttle is slow to recover, adding to the drama and raising hopes of Lethal escaping the hold, but the damage he's taken is just too much and he stays in there until the ref calls for the bell, declaring him unable to continue.</p><p>

<strong>Grade: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p>

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  • 2 weeks later...

<p>Barely a year in-game for this diary and I'm afraid I'll have to pull the plug. Much as I hate to do it, the only thing I hate more is leaving it slide into limbo without ever explicitly saying it stopped. The reason for this has to do with the peculiar ways my mind works, namely its inability to compromise the real world with "fantasy booking". HoH is declining steadily and my answer is to add a second show per month to make up for the popularity losses from the regional war, yet it feels... dishonest towards the monthly setup of HoH in the real world. Even worse, I find it really hard to portray the workers properly the more real world events go another way than things in my diary. Bottom line is, it's becoming more of a struggle than fun. Apologies for giving up on this and thank you for following along for while it lasted.</p><p> </p><p>

If you enjoyed the ride, here are some other ongoing diaries by yours truly you might want to check out:</p><p>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541640" rel="external nofollow">[CVerse] Black Canvas Grappling: Defenders of Puroresu</a></p><p>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541720" rel="external nofollow">[CVerse] GSW: Guess who's back, back again...</a></p><p>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=539538" rel="external nofollow">[LondonVerse] E-S-Dub! E-S-Dub! E-S-Dub!</a></p>

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<p>If you don't enjoy it there is no point carrying on just for the sake of people who read the diary. Your enjoyment is the number one thing. Plus if you're not enjoying it, it will show in your writing.</p><p> </p><p>

Personally, my PSW (real world, created company) game is in it's tenth game year and I'm enjoying it more than ever. I only have a small, loyal following but they must enjoy reading about it.</p>

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