21CW: Rule Britannia

olde_gregge · July 25, 2019

Just chiming in to say that I have really enjoyed the first two weeks of shows you've put on. I love the amount of effort you put into the segments and am impressed how alive you make all the characters, even the lesser ones feel. I haven't bit yet on a 21CW save in the Default database, but this diary might be the inspiration needed to give it a shot.

arwink · July 26, 2019

THE BOOKER TURNS THE SPOTLIGHT ON…

“The Bad Seed” KELVIN BADBERRY

AGE:

23 (3 Year Pro);

BUILD

: Bulky Heavyweight;

STYLE:

Brawler;

NATIONALITY:

English (White);

CURRENT GIMMICK:

Street Thug (Below Average)

FINISHERS:

Berry Crush (Twisting Snap Powerslam);

SIGNATURE MOVES & SPOTS:

Running Facewash, Single Arm Sideslam to a charging opponent, Sitout Powerslam, Atomic Drop followed by an STO.

THEME SONG:

Tupello

, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

NOTES:

2012 Graduate of the National School of Wrestling, Protege of Pit Bull Brown

"The Bad Seed" Kelvin Badberry (Calvin Bradbury) is a big bruiser from Yorkshire, one of the graduates of the National School of Wrestling who walked straight into a 21CW contract. He’s 6’5” and looks like a schoolyard thug, and he’s spent the last three years playing that up. I suspect that he was a project of Pit Bull’s right from the beginning and being relieved of the book allows for a more hands-on relationship without Pit Bull looking like he’s showing favouritism.

In the three years since he joined the undercard, Badberry has been low on wins and high on screen time. He’s the resident bruiser the heels turn too when they need to give a babyface a tough fight, the guy who’ll reliably beat down an opponent who beat him in a warm-up match before a pay-per-view. The big guy who isn’t a fully-fledged superheavyweight like Balder or War Machine…or even a fellow rookie like Grave Digger. This means he’s never put in the role of the monster heel, but rather the guy who gets someone over to give them credibility against the monster.

He’s carved out a niche to support that—while he’s not the monster, he is the hardcase bully with something to prove. Badberry’s strength lies in the fact that fans are never entirely sure where the gimmick ends and an actual penchant for inflicting pain and bolshy behaviour truly begins. Right from the outset he brought the intensity in the ring, and his Yorkshire accent lends him instant credibility as a hard bastard with a chip on his shoulder, looking to do some damage.

That said, three years losing matches in the undercard hasn’t done his credibility any favours. The fans may buy him as a threat, but he doesn’t generate a lot of heat or get a lot of direction. Fans don’t necessarily buy him as a threat—they buy him as a storyline tool. They pay attention if the gimmick of a match is “will Badberry injure somebody before the big fight,” but outside of that his appearances tend to fall flat.

I have hopes this will change. While he’s not one of our brightest prospects—he’s certainly not got the massive upside of a Wade Orson or Apollo Prince, nor the heel potential of a guy like War Machine—Badberry is a deft performer for his age and experience. As his psychology develops and he learns to sell a little better, his authenticity and look will carry him far. With Pit Bull taking an active interest in the young heel’s development, and the Wrestling Showcase giving Badberry space to truly develop his character and get over a finisher, the future looks bright for the bad seed.

IN THE RING:

Badberry’s in-ring style is all about his power and his height—he likes to pick guys up and throw them down. What makes him stand out from other heavyweights are his footwork and his speed—he’d already impressed with the speed and fluidity of his snap powerslam when he caught a charging opponent, but his ability to change direction while delivering it transformed it into the Berry Crush and made people stand up and notice.

He’s very much a bully in the ring—throwing opponents around and unleashing hell in the corner, with both his corner elbow and his running facewash a favourite when he’s trying to weaken an opponent for an angle. He’s at his best against opponents who like to build up momentum—both the Berry Crush and his one-handed side slam are big, impressive moves that changes the momentum of a match in an instant. In contrast, he tends to struggle against opponents who get him on the mat and unleash technical holds—Badberry relies heavily on his vertical base where strength and footwork serve him best.

The big issue with his style, at this particular moment, is fleshing out his offense to reduce the reliance out-of-nowhere finishes. This shouldn’t be particularly hard—Eric Tyler argues that a finisher isn’t really a finisher until you’ve beaten a hundred guys with it clean. Right now, Badberry’s Berry Crush is a move that gets a pop, but not one the fans truly expect to end a match. Too many people have kicked out of it and made a comeback, and it’s diluted the impact. While the tournament will give us a chance to rehab the move a little, I think it’s worth looking for a second finisher to add to his repertoire. Something much less sudden, possibly even a simple submission move tht can be made dangerous with his size and attitude.

arwink · July 28, 2019

ROAD TO STEEL CAGE CHALLENGE – PART THREE

Thursday, Week 3 January 2016

OLD KENT ROAD ARENA – 11,873 people

COLD OPEN:

Cliff King cuts a short promo backstage, addressing the events in last week’s six-man match when his client, War Machine, left the match completely after taking out Daniel Black Francis. War Machine agreed to fight alongside the Cornells to achieve an objective, King explains, and there was no reason to stay once that objective was completed. “You can rail and complain all you want, and it will change nothing,” King says. “My advice, let bygones be bygones and stay out of War Machine’s way….otherwise the day when his objective becomes taking away your belt will arrive sooner than either of you wish.”

RATING: B

IN THE RING:

Tommy Cornell is out in the ring with his cousin and Beast Bantom. Cornell’s, right arm still in a sling and wearing a three-piece suit. Edward Cornell wears his own suit, the title belt, and a chagrined expression. Beast Bantom cuts a figure in jeans and a tight shirt, openly grinning at the distaste Tommy has for his attire.

Tommy cuts a promo about last week being a misstep. He took a week off and trusted Edward when his cousin swore he had things covered, and then he tuned in to see his cousin had recruited War Machine for the main event. Tommy understands that choice—how easy it is to be tempted by a monster of War Machines’ size and power…but you want more than that for your back-up, especially when you’re building a legacy worthy of the name Cornell.

There’s a pause as Tommy throws a withering glance in Beast Bantom’s direction, then he moves on with his promo. Now the Cornell’s have three problem—Kevin Jones, whose pinfall over the champ has seen him slotted into the Number One Contender’s spot for Edward’s World title. War Machine, the unstoppable monster, whose manager Cliff King is no doubt eyeing a title challenge for his client. Pit Bull Brown, whose owed some payback for putting Tommy on the shelf. It’s a good thing Edward’s plan for derailing Adam Matravers worked so well—four threats is one more threat than the Cornel Legacy has numbers.

“Tonight, we do something about that,” Cornell says. “Pit Bull, Jones, you go coax your buddy Reason out of his DJ booth for the main event tonight, because we’re going to do this again…and this time, we do it right. I’ve recruited a few good men to watch the champion’s back, and unlike Eddie, I’ve got the experience to pick guys we can trust to get the job done.”

RATING: B+

BACKSTAGE:

We cut backstage, where Dark Angel lurks beside the monitors, watching the events play out in the ring. His face is incrruitable, giving away nothing, even after his little brother Harry Wilson comes over and asks why Dark Angel stood by and let Faust and Stoat corner Harry at last week’s show. “I know they didn’t hurt me, but they could have,” Wilson says. “You know I’ve got your back…so how come you didn’t have mine?”

Dark Angel twists his head around to fix Harry Wilson with that blank stare. The expression doesn’t change, but he reaches out to lay a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder. It’s possibly the most attention Harry’s ever gotten from his brother, and he beams with delight as the two share a moment.

RATING: B-

ANDREW LEE vs. LUKE COOL:

Lee gets a strong start here, utilizing balls-to-the-wall approach while the commentator’s put over his recent success in the tournament on Friday’s Wrestling Showcase. Luke Cool tries to take a powder to the outside and get a break from the assault, but Lee flies off the ring apron and smashes Cool against the guard rail with a double knees.

Cool lands a sneaky Graeco-Roman thumb to the eye at ringside, a desperation move to give him space from the furious assault. He follows it up with some fast offense of his own, battering a half-blind Lee with knee strikes and kicks, then clotheslining him against the apron.

Having shown he can match Lee’s fury, Cool brings the match back to the ring and shifts focus back to the technical game. He works the neck and back with his offense, cutting off Lee’s comebacks with practiced ease, and eventually catches Lee with the Cool Cutter after a hard fought battle.

RESULT: Luke Cool wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 13:57; RATING: C

VIDEO PROMO:

Adam Matravers cuts a promo from the hospital, where Phoebe Plumridge is starting rehab. He talks about the pain of seeing the woman he loves having to put herself back together, learning now to use limbs that were left numb after Beat Bantom’s assault. She’s a brave woman, keeping a stiff upper lip about things…but if she won’t show her anger, Matravers will. In two nights, he’s going to step into the ring with Beast Bantom, and he doesn’t care about how big the Beast is and how much he weights. At Cage Match Challenge, Bantom is going to know pain unlike anything he’s known before.

RATING: B

PRE-MATCH SHOWDOW:

Phillip Cooper hits the ring with the UK Championship around his waist and some tall, red-and-white stripped headwear modelled after the Cat in the Hat’s. He’s accompanied by the physically impressive Doomsday— and ripped as Doomsday may be, the commentary team notes that Phillip Cooper is rolling with a green rookie as his partner because there were damned few other people on the roster willing to team-up with the new United Kingdom champion.

Sebastian Koller is the first opponent to hit the ring, and he waists no time getting in Cooper’s face. The two men stand to-to-toe, staring one another down. They start trading words…and Koller knocks off Cooper’s hat and kicks it to ringside.

Cooper doesn’t like that and starts throwing punches, kickstarting the match before entrances are finished.

RATING: C+

SEBASTIAN KOLLER & WADE ORSON vs. PHILLIP COOPER & DOOMSDAY:

Wade Orson comes tearing down the ramp as Doomsday and Cooper double-team Koller, evening up the odds. Orson catches Doomsday with a big belly-to-back suplex, and being dumped on his head sends the ripped Scotsman scrambling for ringside, leaving Phillip Cooper to negotiate his challenger and the man he stole the championship from as they start the quick tags.

Koller and Orson work well together….right up until Koller has Cooper on the ropes, setting up for the Hamburg Rock City, and Orson tags himself in looking to get the pinfall. This starts a sequence where the two faces try to outdo each other, teamwork breaking down as they both look to be the one who gets the three, and this dissention creates the opening Cooper needs to take control.

He traps Koller in the wrong part of town, occasionally tagging Doomsday in to hit a big slam or elbow strike to the corner, but mostly using the big man as a means of landing cheap shots while Cooper distracts the referee. The hot tag brings Orson back in with a comeback full of big suplexes and bigger body shots…and as things break down Cooper scrambles for his hat at ringside. Orson wade follows, leaving Koller and Doomsday in the ring…and the Rock-and-Roller from Germany takes the bigger man down with a tornado DDT and follows it up with the Hamburg Rock City for the three-count.

RESULT: Sebastian Koller won via pinfall on Doomsday; MATCH TIME: 11:40; RATING: C-

POST-MATCH:

Phillip Cooper is down at ringside, fishing the brass knuckles out of his hat. He climbs into the ring and blasts Sebastian Koller with the knucks, knocking the rock-and-roller out.

Wade Orson crashes into Cooper, brawling with the champ, but Doomsday grabs Orson from behind and locks in a full nelson…one that Orson can’t break free of. Doomsday holds him in place as Cooper lines up another brass knuckle shot, leaving both Orson and Koller down in the centre of the ring.

The assault done, Cooper snatches up his title and his top-hat, heading back up the ramp with Doomsday trailing behind.

RATING: C

BACKSTAGE:

We cut backstage, where Kevin Jones is wrapping up his wrists ahead of tonight’s main event. He’s talked to Reason and Pit Bull, and they’re both in for tonight’s main event…but Cornell seems to have made a mistake if he thinks recruiting more men will intimidate him. “My whole career, I’ve thrived on competition,” the Welshman says. “I want to fight the best. I want to face the biggest challenges. In two nights time, I’m going to take Edward Cornell’s title in the middle of a Steel Cage at Steel Cage Challenge…and then, Tommy? I’m going to fight my way through all the kings horses and all the kings men until I find my way to you.”

RATING: B-

HARRY WILSON vs. MARK MISERY (w/Vicki Company):

Misery does his usual schtick of stalling and trying to control the pace, but Harry Wilson stays on him and forces a competitive match, ultimately picking up the win with the Full Metal Jacket.

RESULT: Harry Wilson wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 11:32; RATING: C

POST-MATCH:

Van Halen’s

Running With the Devil

plays and The Faust and the Furious hit the ring, circling Harry Wilson and cutting off escape. Jonathan Faust congratulates Harry on the victory here this evening. Faust goes on to talk about the relationship between Wilson and his older brother, the seemingly uncaring Dark Angel. He doesn’t blame Wilson for caring about his brother—brothers should care for one-another—but this relationship goes one way. Faust isn’t going to ask Harry to turn against his brother, simply…stand aside, and let the Faust & the Furious do what needs to be done.

Harry Wilson snatches the microphone and informs Faust that he’s right—Angel and Wilson have always had a strained relationship. Dark Angel was away a lot when Harry was a kid, learning his craft in American and Canada, doing tours of Japan. It made him one of the best wresters in the world, a man Harry Wilson looks up to, and there is no way he’s standing aside and leaving Angel to fight on his own. In fact, come Cage Match Challenge, Harry is going to fight alongside his brother in a tag-team match against the Faust and the Furious.

Faust shakes his head, bitterly disappointed in Harrys’ choice. He doesn’t blame Harry, but they both know this will only end in tears. Dark Angel is driven by demons he can’t acknowledge, and it leaves no place for family or brotherly love.

RATING: B

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW:

Dane Rowley stops by the Cornell’s locker room to find out who they’ve recruited to the Cornell Legacy, but he’s refused entry by Beast Bantom and his persistence merely brings out Edward Cornell to berate the young interviewer and push Rowley over

The Underdogs, Michael X and Joe Simpson, watch all this happen from the far side of the hallway. They help Dane Rowley to his feet, dust him off and point out the problem with letting people disrespect you. Rowley points out that Cornell is the champ and Beast Bantom is a monster, and Joe Simpson points out that it means nothing. “It ain’t the size of the dog in the fight,” he says, “it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

They’re going to prove that when one of the Underdogs wins the Breakout Star tournament, and go on to challenge for the World title.

RATING: C

CROUCHING STORM, HIDDEN SIFU vs. THE IVANOFFS:

Sifu and Chris Storm have made secret of their desire for a tag-team title shot, but their ambitious run into an obstacle here—it may be a few years since they last held gold, but for many fans the Ivanoff’s are the tagteam for 21CW. A veteran presence in the division, the pre-eminent heel team and a constant threat to anyone with title ambitions.

Which makes it easy to forget—at least, prior to us having Nova bring it up on commentary—that the big, powerhouse Russians are still in their twenties and hitting their stride as performers. They may not have the fancy strikes of Storm and Sifu, but the Ivanoff’s move well for a couple of bulky light heavyweights and they excel at wearing an opponent down with targeted, clubbing blows and slams.

Both teams have the other scouted at this point, and every effort is made to avoid one-another’s big moves. The action goes back-and-forth, the advantage traded from side to side, but Sifu picks up the pinfall after they double-team Igor with the Double Back Fist.

RESULT: Sify wins via pinfall on Igor Ivanoff; MATCH TIME: 8:08; RATING: C

POST-MATCH:

Sifu drops down to sit cross-legged in the centre of the ring, while Ricky Storm calls for a microphone. He points out that Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu have been of a roll in the last few weeks, beating every team put in front of them…and it’s earned them a shot at the Tag-Team Titles when they take on the Red Devils at Steel Cage Warfare…and there’s no way they the Devils are walking out with the title belts.

RATING: C

VIDEO PACKAGE:

With The Pride and Hot Stuff signed to a number one contender’s match at Steel Cage Challenge, we present a video package looking at the way the two teams are preparing for the clash.

The footage of the Pride shows them running drills at the National School of Wrestling, testing tag-team moves on students and working under the watchful eye of trainer Colin “The Steamroller” Chalke.

Meanwhile, Hot Stuff do no training whatsoever—the pair are shown partying their way through Paris, tanning on the beaches of Pain, and getting fitted for bespoke suits. Kathleen Lee points out that when you’re this good, you’re always prepared.

RATING: C+

JOE SIMPSON vs. WAR MACHINE (w/Cliff King):

Joe Simpson starts the match by offering War Machine a handshake, only to get pushed over. Simpson bounces back to his feet and stands toe-to-toe with the much bigger man, the size difference daunting…until Simpson stomps on War Machine’s toes, then unleashes a flurry of kicks to the thigh as Machine hops on one foot. The smallest man on the 21CW roster proceeds to work the leg with dropkicks and sweeping strikes, and for a moment it looks like he’s picking up momentum.

Then War Machine cuts him off with a clothesline, and the mauling begins. Embarrassing the big man proves to be a bad tactic, as he throws Simpson around with vicious intent before picking up the win with a Choke Bomb.

RESULT: War Machine wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 8:40; RATING: C

POST-MATCH CONFRONTATION:

Cliff King climbs into the ring and cuts a promo for his client, warning Daniel Black Francis that he’ll need to bring everything he’s got on Saturday night. That done, the pair head up the ramp…

…and come face to face with Edward Cornell, Tommy Cornell, and Beast Bantom as they’re heading down for the main event. Edward Cornell and War Machine stare at one another, the champion visibly eager to get it on with the big man. Tommy Cornell touches his cousin’s shoulder, urges him to stand aside and let War Machine past, and Edward grudgingly gives the order to create the space necessary.

War Machine smirks, ready to pick a fight…only to hesitate with Absolutely Flawless’ music hits and he realises the numbers game is well and truly against him. Cliff King grabs his client’s arm and forces him to back away.

RATING: B

KEVIN JONES & THE DEFENCE FORCE vs. BEAST BANTOM & ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS (w/Edward Cornell):

Tommy Cornell joins the commentary team for this one, answering questions about his choice to bring the Kelly twins into the fold. He puts them as a better choice than War Machine because they’re used to working with others—and because they’re a great team that could be outstanding if they listen to Tommy and accept his guidance.

They seem to live up to the billing here, using quick tags and double-teams to take control and trap Kevin Jones in the wrong part of town. The tactics are simple—wear down the number one contender and make sure he’s not at 100% as he goes into Steel Cage Challenge. The Martin’s are very good at their job…and even better when they set up Bantom to make big, decisive moves.

Unfortunately, Bantom isn’t as used to teamwork, and it’s on his watch that Jones makes the hot tag and brings in both members of the defence force. Reason takes Kelly Martin over the top rope with a clothesline, while Pit Bull wades into the frey throwing lariats and big right hands. Steve Smith puts over the first ever 21CW champion, and Tommy Cornell makes a big statement—that good as Pit Bull is, he can’t win without breaking the rules and throwing that big right. In a fair fight, he isn’t on Cornell’s level…even if Cornell is nursing an injury and fighting with one hand.

Jeff Nova warns Cornell that he just might book a match to test that statement, but it’s quickly swept aside as the action breaks down in the ring. The Martins and the Defence Force spill into ringside, with Kelly sending Pit Bull careening into the commentary table. Pit Bull pops up, ready to wade back into the fray…and gets caught in a one-handed headlock from Cornell, who promptly dumps the back of Pit Bull’s skull against the floor.

Meanwhile, Edward Cornell has provided Beast Bantom with a chair, and the big man uses it to crease Kevin Jones’ skull in full view of the referee, getting the match thrown out after twenty furious minutes.

RESULT: Kevin Jones won after Beast Bantom was disqualified; MATCh TIME: 21:54; RESULT: B

-

FINAL SHOW RATING: B-

Friday, Week 3, January 2016

Edgewear Hall (Northern England) – 2,000 People (Sold Out!)

COLD OPEN:

The commentary team look at the A-Block scoreboard after the first round, with Apollo Prince, Yuri Iliakov, Kelvin Badberry, & Michael X all sitting on two points and everyone else looking on the scoreboard. They then run down the matches we’ll be seeing on tonight’s card:

• The powerhouse Mass Hulk will square off against MMA-fighter-turned-wrestler Edison Silva

• “Born Winner” BW Eddie will get a chance to live up to his nickname against Doomsday.

• The Scottish Sparkplug, Michael X, will take on one-half of the tag-team champions, Yuri Iliakov

• And our main event the Nigerian Sensation, Apollo Prince, will be up against Kelvin Badberry.

We cross over to Colin Clarke in the control centre ahead of our opening match.

RATING: C-

CONTROL CENTRE:

Clarke stands in front of the brackets for the coming night. He puts over Silva as the favourite in the match to come—Mass Hulk has the speed and power, but Silva has a few extra years of experience…both in wrestling, and inside the cage.

We move on to take a closer look at the two wrestlers, courtesy of short vignettes. Mass Hulk’s shows the big man training with his tag-team partner, Mark Adonis, and Adonis’ provides the voice-over as he hypes his partner’s physical power.

Edison Silva footage shows in drilling take-downs and strikes, launching kicks and knees. His voice-over talks about his love of fighting, and how he likes to punched in the face early so the adrenaline is pumping and his body knows he’s in a fight.

We cut back to Clarke, who points out that somebody is going to get on the scoreboard after this match.

RATING: C-

EDISON SILVA (0 Points) vs. MASS HULK (0 points):

Edison Silva may give up size and power to his opponent here, but the smaller man’s footwork and positioning give him an edge in the early stages. He lands a series of kicks and elbow strikes, only really giving up the advantage when he takes the big man down…and Mass Hulk powers free of the cover with relative ease.

The rest of the match revolves around Silva trying to neutralize Hulk’s power, eliminating the vertical base and focusing on the leg. Hulk gets trapped in a heel hook that looks like it might end things, but ultimately drags Silva’s entire bodyweight as he crawls for the ropes.

The match wears on and Mass Hulk takes the worst of it, showing signs of fatigue. Ultimately, he leaves an opening, and Silva quickly capitalises with a Knee Strike KO.

RESULT: Edison Silva wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 9:14; RATING: D-

THE CONTROL CENTRE:

We but back to the control centre, where Colin Clarke updates the scoreboard and puts over our next match. Doomsday was on the losing end of his bout with Kelvin Badberry, and proved to be a sore loser when he assaulted the big man after. He may be the greenest man in this tournament, but Chalke theorizes that Doomsday’s size and strength will make a big difference against an opponent like BW Eddie who likes to throw opponents around with suplexes.

We cut to a short video of what Doomsday can do, replaying the footage of him taking Badberry with the Apocalypse Drop on the concrete.

We then cut to a few words from BW Eddie, who puts over his Born Winner initials as both an attitude and a promise. He may not get his hand raised after every match, but he always starts with the firm belief that he can take an opponent down…no matter who they are, or how much bigger they may be.

RATING: C-

PRE-MATCH ATTACK:

Doomsday is heading down to the ring for his match, slapping hands against his elbows as he walks. He gets halfway there before he’s jumped from behind, Kelvin Badberry getting some payback on the big man by knocking him down and sending him headfirst into the barricades at ringside.

Doomsday lies prone, barely moving, and Badberry rolls him into the ring before walking off.

RATING: C

BW EDDIE (0 Points) vs. DOOMSDAY (0 Points):

BW Eddie wastes no time trying to take advantage of attack, slipping into the ring and rolling Doomsday up before the big man can recover. Doomsday grabs at the ropes to break the pinfall, but he’s noticeably limping as the match progresses, and it doesn’t take long before Eddie gets the ripped heavyweight up for a Wrest-Clutch Exploder.

RESULT: BW Eddie wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 4:41; RATING: D-

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW:

We show some footage from the Steel Cage Challenge press conference, where the Red Menace release a statement via a translator from the Russian Embassy accusing 21CW management of favouring local-born talent. The two big men scowl as their representative informs the world that they should have been excused from defending their ta-team titles while competing in the gruelling schedule of the Breakout Star Tournament, and this shows a blatant disregard for the health of two premier Russian athletes.

We then cut backstage, where Melanie Florence is standing by to get Sifu and Storms’ thoughts on the announcement. Ricky Storm commandeers the microphone, wishing Iliakov luck in tonight’s match. He hopes the Russian’s decision to compete in the tournament pays off and earns one of them a title match…because the reason Sifu and Storm aren’t in the tournament is they didn’t want to take their eye off the ball. “They made us an offer, gave us two slots, and we told Jeff Nova what we’re here to tell you—Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu are a tag-team. In fact, we’re one of the best tag-teams going…and at Steel Cage Challenge we’re going to take those belts off the Red Menace, put the entire tag-team division on our backs and carry those belts to new heights. We want to see the Tag-Team titles defended in the main event of pay-per-views. We want it to be just as important—just as special—as seeing the world title defended. We believe in that vision…and we’re happy to give up shots at individual gold in order to make it happen.”

RATING: C+

CONTROL ROOM:

We cut back to the control room, where Colin Chalke runs the stats on our next match—Michael X versus Yuri Iliakov. Two tag-team specialists looking to break out on their own, without the help of their partners. Two strikers who rely on their ability to wear an opponent down, with Iliakov looking to use the devastating power of the Kiev Krush and Michael X setting up for the XDT.

Iliakov is the more technical wrestler in the match-up, courtesy of a background in Sambo and kickboxing—watch him try go swarm his opponent and use his superior strength.

Meanwhile, Michael X is a brawler who goes out there and fights with his heart on his sleeve, and he’s proven he’s got what it takes to take a beating until he gets the opening he needs. He’s giving up size and reach, but he’s quick on his feet and there’s no questioning his ability to endure…and the impact he can have when he seizes an opening.

RATING: C

MICHAEL X (2 Points) s. YURI ILIAKOV (2 Points):

Both these men are on two points in the tournament, which means one of them will have the first real chance to pull ahead of the pack. They play out the classic wrestling dynamic—a smaller, plucky babyface standing up to a larger, stronger foreign heel—and X does a great job of bumping like hell and making fiery comebacks.

The big Russian has the XDT scouted here—every time Michael X goes for it, Iliakov either reverses or simply shoves himself free—but the same token nothing he does seems to be keeping X on the canvas. Iliakov grows more and more frustrated, and the match runs down the clock before getting declared a draw.

RESULT: Time limit draw; MATCH TIME: 15:00; RATING: D+

POST-MATCH CONFROTATION:

Iliakov and X both stand on either side of the referee as the result is called, award them both a single point for the match. X eyeballs the tag-team champion…and gets blasted from behind as Victor Beskov hits the ring.

The two Russians beat X down, stomping a mudhole in him…and then scarper when Joe Simpson, Sifu, and Ricky Storm come charging out to make the save.

RATING: C-

CONTROL ROOM:

Colin Chalke is excited about our main event this evening—with X and Iliakov going to a draw, a decisive victory in the bout between Apollo Prince and Kelvin Badberry will rocket someone to the top of the point table in the tournament’s A-Block. He then throws to a pair of carefully produced video packages featuring tonight’s competitors.

Apollo Prince’s package talks about seeing American pro-wrestling on a late-night channel in his native Nigeria, falling in love with the sport and dedicating his life to getting an opportunity to fight in the big leagues. He got his start in Africa, but found his way to the UK’s National School of Wrestling in order to really hone his craft…and now he’s got the chance to prove he’s got what it takes to hang with the best in the world.

Kelvin Badberry talks about growing up on an estate, getting picked on by the other kids because he was small. Then puberty hit and he became a big lad, strong enough to hold his own in a fight and handy with a knife if someone bigger came along. He grew up being told there were no opportunities for a guy like him—that he was a thug, a menace, everything that was wrong with the world. Everything he’s got in this world, he’s got because he took it away from somebody who told him it shouldn’t be his…and tonight he’s going to take away Apollo Prince’s opportunity here in the tournament.

RATING: C

APOLLO PRINCE (2 Points) vs. KELVIN BADBERRY (2 Points):

Someone has chance to be the first man to four points in the tournament in this one, and the commentary team spends a good chunk of time talking about what it means to have that kind of buffer and the psychological edge it provides.

The early part of the match revolves around Badberry trying to lay hands on Prince. The young Nigerian gets a good run, but ultimately gets cut-off when he charges the corner and Badberry puts him down with the single-arm side slam. From there, the big man brutalises his opponent, eventually tangling him in the ropes and delivering a series of facewash boot scrapes to take the fight out of Prince.

There are come-backs—with Prince, there’s always a come-back—but Badberry excels at cutting small, fast opponents. Des and Dane talk about the necessity of grounding the big man and taking away his strength advantage, putting over the speed and balance Badberry exhibits as he changes a matches momentum, but Prince isn’t quite up to the ask of outwrestling the Bad Seed.

Then Doomsday appears.

The big Scot doesn’t interfere in the match. No, he just walks down to ringside and stands on the apron, smirking, Watching the action up-close, gesturing to Badberry and making dire threats about what’s going to happen after this show is done. It’s a distraction, and one Badberry doesn’t need—he takes his eye of the ball and Price hits the Apollogy, picking up a quick three-count and scrambling out of the ring. Chaos erupts as Doomsday climbs over the ropes….and the taping goes off the air right as he charges Badberry.

RESULT: Apollo Prince wins via Pinfall; MATCH TIME: 9:59; RATING: D+

FINAL SHOW RATING: C-

THE NEWS FROM BACKSTAGE

We’ve started downplaying Edison Silva’s MMA background on-screen lately, putting him over as a guy who trains in several martial arts rather than a guy who fights MMA specifically. Now that he’s got his first fight scheduled—and fans are aware of his legit record of 0-0-0, he was only going to get ridiculed.

Dark Angel’s entire gimmick relies on him being a silent threat in the ring, but he’s actually a remarkably gregarious guy when you put him in a situation where the general public won’t see. He kept the locker room in stitches ahead of this week’s TV tapings, doing dead-on impressions of Tommy, Jeff Nova, and Jonathan Faust cutting promos.

Friendship is in the air at 21CW at the moment. Our new interviewer, Kathleen Lee, has been hanging out with Phoebe Plumridge recently, and their chemistry is infectious.

Meanwhile, undercard talents Sifu and Andrew Lee have forged a strong friendship—apparently they both train at the same gym, and have spent a lot of time sparing against one another and honing their gimmicks.

DJ Reason thinks Beast Bantom is going to be money, and let me know we should strap a rocket to the kid to get up into the main event as soon as possible.

Luke Cool is convinced that Ricky Storm is going to be a star, and dropped some not-so-subtle hints about doing a short program with the kid.

The, of course, the big news coming out of the show is what happened with Tommy backstage…

arwink · July 28, 2019

THE REAL CORNELL LEGACY

I spent a little over a decade with HGC and Total Championship, kicking off with an in-ring career back when they launched as Hollyweird back in December of 96 and transitioning into a backstage role after a series of concussions in 1999. I was there for Tommy’s debut after the Eisen’s kicked him to the curb. There for his rise up the card, and his eventual transition into the boss when Hollyweird became Total Championship Wrestling and legitimately offered an alternative to Supremes’ sports-entertainment approach. There when he was, officially, the boss and decided the direction we'd all be going in.

I’d worked with Tommy Cornell in the ring. I’d ridden with Tommy from town to town. I’d worked his production team in Total, and seen how he liked to operate up close.

And here’s the thing about Tommy: he’s always been one of the

boys

, but he’s rarely been one of the

guys

. He’s a true professional and a benefit to any company he walks into, but he’s not beloved the way a guy like Ricky Dale Johnson is. RDJ invites guys to have a beer after the show, turns on the Texas charm and becomes the life of the party. Tommy Cornell is always thinking, always planning, always reserved. He's not going to ask you out for a drink--Tommy was straight edge before straight edge was a thing, and in the back of his mind he’s constantly filing details he’ll need to cut a promo on you, calculating the best way to get you over and get himself over while he’s doing it.

And Tommy has a lot of beliefs about the way good wrestlers develop. He’s always happy to offer advice if asked, but rarely goes out of his way to offer it uninvited. He believes in learning on the job, doing what wrestlers do out there in the ring. He actively loathed the idea of Rhode Island Pro Wrestling when the Eisen’s set it up, fearing that it would result in a generation of wrestlers who all wrestled the exact same style. It’s why the guys who came out of TCW’s training camp rarely got themselves a long-term gig straight-off, getting told to go forth and pick up experience everywhere they could.

On the rare occasions Tommy took someone under his wing and actually trained them, it was usually done with the long-term gain in mind and represented the kind of once-in-a-lifetime talent like Wolf Hawkins.

Hawkins wasn't just trained by Tommy--he was trained in Tommy’s own private gym in his mansion outside of San Francisco, working closely with Tommy and being groomed for a run at the top. And while it was done to really bring all Wolf’s gifts to the fore and develop an outstanding talent, it was also done for the simple reason that it made Wolf Hawkins a TCW guy through and through, the guy Cornell could trust to carry the company when it was finally time to walk away.

Because, at heart, Tommy Cornell was a builder of Empires. It’s what made him so good, what helped forge the vision of TCW into a challenger to the Eisens, and what made stables like the Syndicate so believable for the fans. His hunger to leave a legacy was palpable, and he was good enough to be wrestling’s own private Charlemagne and conquer the goddamn world.

I could see that same impulse at work backstage this week. Tommy had taken Sifu under his wing, the same way that he’d taken on Wolf as a protégé all those years ago. Sifu wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but the kid had plenty of upside…and there was no doubt that working one-on-one with Tommy was going to make him a world class talent before his career was done.

And once again, Tommy was building himself an empire—no matter what we were doing out in the ring, backstage the Cornell Legacy was a very real and featured a very different line-up. Tommy and Edward had virtually adopted Sifu, the three of them thick as thieves ain’t the locker room. Ricky Storm wasn’t getting the same attention and training from Tommy, but had developed a firm friendship with his cousin Edward and seemed to become a de-facto fourth. Four guys who didn’t go out drinking or partying with the boys, who held themselves separate and thought through the implications of everything they did.

Four guys who were rarely seen together outside a locker room, because Tommy Cornell didn’t break kayfabe for any reason, even if he was trying to build you into the next big thing in the company.

Much as Tommy was going to help Sifu, it was still a one-on-one thing. Private training for a talent Tommy had seen something in and wanted to develop, a man to leave behind once his own career was done.

I respected that, but I knew it wasn't enough.

Tommy's approach to talent meant that TCW recruited heavily from the independent scene. For years they'd taken the best of DAVE, the best of NYCW, the best of the guys heading over to Japan tour after tour. As that talent pool got tighter, courtesy of USPW rising up to become a national powerhouse, TCW found it harder and harder to replenish.

We could relate to that.

And unlike TCW, we didn’t have the option of raiding the smaller feds to restock on talent when guys grew stale. For better or worse, 21st Century Wrestling was the UK scene these days—Men of Steel had gone, Ring of Fire had shut down, and the Scottish National Promotions seemed ready to crash-and-burn with the shenanigans of Mark Carnie drawing headlines week after week.

If we wanted guys to get experience before they found their way to us, we needed to give them that experience. Excursions helped with that—there were a few of the school grads doing the loop in Europe—but there were only so many slots for that.

Which is why I’d spent the last two weeks laying the groundwork for Evolve Wrestling UK—a small promotion based around London that could be used to test out new prospects and give the younger guys extra experience in front of a live crowd.

K’Lee Hawkins had agreed to step down as our regular road agent and run the small fed. We funded it and provided the talent, but budgeting and booking decisions were entirely in his purview—my only request is that he get a bunch of guys over enough that they could step into a 21CW ring with a little buzz behind them. We'd already set him Nightmare to work with--the big man would provide a nice main event fr a small promotion, and K'Lee had instructions to work the big man to the point where he actually wrestled like an athlete.

I doubted it would be enough to save his contract with 21CW, but it was the best shot we had for now...

christmas_ape · July 29, 2019

Really enjoyed the Cornell post, I'm sure I'm not alone in this but he's always been one of my favourite characters and this so perfectly describes exactly how I've always viewed him.

neslo024 · July 29, 2019

This diary has been great. Love the narrative pieces. You've done a great job with what amounts to a massively bloated roster. They have always been borderline overwhelming for me to try and play with. Really enjoyed what you've done.

arwink · July 29, 2019

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;">THE BOOKER TURNS THE SPOTLIGHT ON…</span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"> </span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"> </span></span></div></div></div><img alt="sLnWeom.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sLnWeom.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"> </span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"> “The Neanderthal” ANDREW LEE</span></span></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>AGE:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 21 (2 Year Pro); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BUILD:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ripped Middleweight; </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>STYLE:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Brawler; </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>NATIONALITY:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> English (Pacific); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>CURRENT GIMMICK:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Wild Man (Above Average)</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FINISHERS: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Stone Age Kick (Running Leg Lariat); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>SIGNATURE MOVES & SPOTS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Mushroom Stomp; Sliding Lariat; Springboard Armdrag; Springboard Moonsault; Double Knee Strike to a cornered or downed opponent; Buckle Bomb</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>THEME SONG:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Release the Bats</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, The Birthday Party</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>NOTES:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 2013 Graduate of the National School of Wrestling</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s a pity that Andrew Lee didn’t exist at the same time DAVE was active, because he’d be ideally suited to a two-year run as a hardcore wild man with Phil Vibert carefully moulding the rookie and using the lawless environs to accentuate his strengths.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Instead, Lee graduated the National School of Wrestling and walked into a job with 21CW courtesy of his look. He’s a specimen—spectacularly sculpted, his ripped musculature honed by long hours at the gym, and virtually devoid of body fat. He can talk, he’s got the basics of putting a match together down, and while he wrestles with the recklessness of a backyard-trained hardcore wrestler it’s coupled with an instinctual nous for when taking a risk will actually get a pop versus when it’s just taking risk for its own sake. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> At the same time, he’s got some flexibility. While his entire run with us has involved playing babyface, popping the crowd with his big moves before eating the pinfall in undercard matches, Lee’s got the kind of range that lends itself to switching alignments and adopting an array of gimmicks. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> What limits him at the moment is simple—Lee is a guy that’s really easy to get over, but he’s not yet got the experience to get another guy over in return. The psychology is there, but he’s so used to working the fearless wild man gimmick he debuted with that selling other people’s offence is a secondary concern. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s likely that will come along in time. In fact, given that he only clocks up his third year in the business come March, it seems likely he’ll become a very big deal in the years to come.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>IN THE RING:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Lee garnered his nickname during his training days, developing a fighting style that is low on technical finesse and very high on brutality, physical power, and high-octane velocity. In this, 21CW has been a boon to his development—if he’d debuted on the American indies, all that energy would be devoted to the simple art of dropping people on their head. Instead, our prohibition against spinal shocks outside of finishes has forced him to adapt.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Lee sees the entire ring as a weapon and an ally, throwing people into turnbuckles and ropes, then using those same ropes to throw himself at opponents with an array or springboard, slingshot, and tope rope moves. He’s at his best using his own body as a weapon, hurling himself into opponents with as much speed as he can muster. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> On the plus side, it means he's a captured something that is relatively hard for a rookie wrestler--a unique style that is distinctly his. On the downside, it's an approach that's incredibly high risk and shows a weakness that mat technicians and masters of psychology can exploit to gain an advantage</div></div></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>-------------------------</p><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="olde_gregge" data-cite="olde_gregge" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Just chiming in to say that I have really enjoyed the first two weeks of shows you've put on. I love the amount of effort you put into the segments and am impressed how alive you make all the characters, even the lesser ones feel. I haven't bit yet on a 21CW save in the Default database, but this diary might be the inspiration needed to give it a shot.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Cheers. As someone who was always a bit hesitant about 21CW, I recommend giving them a shot. They're a big change of pace from the US companies, and an interesting challenge if you're used to building around familiar names.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="christmas_ape" data-cite="christmas_ape" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really enjoyed the Cornell post, I'm sure I'm not alone in this but he's always been one of my favourite characters and this so perfectly describes exactly how I've always viewed him.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I always dug Tommy with TCW for that "What if Bryan Danielson owned a wrestling company" kind of vibe. </p><p> </p><p> What's interesting here is the potential for his clique-building to become a 1996-HBK-level problem. Everything is pretty harmonious in the 21CW locker room, but all it'll take is one botch in the ring or a backstage problem for Tommy to start negative relationships with a whole bunch of people.</p><p> </p><p> And given that he generally works with the other big names in the company...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="neslo024" data-cite="neslo024" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This diary has been great. Love the narrative pieces. You've done a great job with what amounts to a massively bloated roster. They have always been borderline overwhelming for me to try and play with. Really enjoyed what you've done.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks. And I hear you on the roster bloat--I was all fired up to play 21CW when TEW2016 first launched, excited by the idea of doing a cult-to-international run. Then I saw they were already national, had a roster stocked with a long list of unfamiliar names (or uninspiring ones--I'm looking at you, Phillip Cooper), and went back to the 97 database to play HGC.</p><p> </p><p> When I started the diary, I wanted to tackle that head-on...which is why there's a young lions tournament, and a focus on names I'd ordinarily shy away from like DBF and Cooper.</p>

arwink · July 29, 2019

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;">COMING UP AT STEEL CAGE CHALLENGE</span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"> </span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;">

</span></span></div></div></div><img alt="HgSU040.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HgSU040.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

21CW kicks 2016 off the only way we know how—with all the action of Steel Cage Challenge. Broadcast live from the YourHotel’s Centre in Dublin this Saturday.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Our show will kick off with a grudge match in the cage when </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Adam Matravers</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> returns to avenge Phoebe Plumridge and take out his aggression on </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Beast Bantom</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The tag-team titles are up next, when the challengers </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> take on the unstoppable </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Red Devils</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. The champs have been wrestling in the Rising Stars tournament in all month, while the challengers have been honing their tag-team work—will it be enough to stop the bigger men?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Daniel Black Francis</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> takes on one of the biggest threats in his career when he steps into the ring with </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>War Machine</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. Machine specifically sought out this match, impressed with DBF’s work, and Francis is eager to topple 21CW’s unstoppable force.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Hot Stuff</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> put out Leigh Burton back in October, costing </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>The Pride</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> their tag-team championships. Now Burton is recovered from injury and they’re determined to get some payback…and where better than in a number one contender’s match for the tag-team gold?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Six-man action follows, as </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Pit Bull Brown</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> and </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>DJ Reason</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> join forces with</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Sebastian Koller</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> to take on</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Tommy Cornell and Absolutely Flawless</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. Cornell’ still sporting an injured pectoral courtesy of a Pit Bull Brown match a few weeks back, but after boasting that he was a better wrestler than Brown even with one arm out of commission he’s got some big words to live up to.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Our newly crowned United Kingdom champion, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Phillip Cooper</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, will have his first title defence against a man whose already held the belt twice—</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Wade Orson</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The aloof </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dark Ange</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">l teams with his younger brother, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Harry Wilson</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, to take on a duo that has tortured him for months in </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>The Faust & the Furious</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. Faust has spent the last few weeks warning Wilson that he can’t trust his brother, because the Angel’s ambition leaves no space for siblings, and promises that Faust and Stoat will walk away the victors. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Finally, in our main event, the World Title is on the line in a Steel Cage Match designed to keep the growing number of </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Edward Cornell</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">’s allies from interfering in the bout. The challenger, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Kevin Jones</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, is looking to score his second ever title reign at the top…and the MVP of 21C thinks he’s got what it takes to beat Cornell in a fair fight.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Quick Card</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

STEEL CAGE MATCH – Adam Matravers vs. Beast Bantom</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

21CW TAG-TEAM TITLE MATCH – Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu vs. Red Menace</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Daniel Black Francis vs. War Machine</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The Pride vs. Hot Stuff</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Sebastian Koller & The Defence Force vs. Tommy Cornell & Absolutely Flawless</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

21CW UK CHAMPIONSHIP – Wade Orson vs. Phillip Cooper</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Dark Angel & Harry Wilson vs. The Faust & The Furious</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

STEEL CAGE MATCH for the 21CW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Kevin Jones vs. Edward Cornell</div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div>

Hashasheen · July 30, 2019

Thanks. And I hear you on the roster bloat--I was all fired up to play 21CW when TEW2016 first launched, excited by the idea of doing a cult-to-international run. Then I saw they were already national, had a roster stocked with a long list of unfamiliar names (or uninspiring ones--I'm looking at you, Phillip Cooper), and went back to the 97 database to play HGC.

When I started the diary, I wanted to tackle that head-on...which is why there's a young lions tournament, and a focus on names I'd ordinarily shy away from like DBF and Cooper.

You're a better player than me. I go trim Nova's roster size and set up a weekly developmental to flush the undercard of undesirables.

Given the push to go international, dare I ask how much effort you'll be devoting to European expansion over North America?

neslo024 · July 30, 2019

The roster is huge but has a ton of potential once you sift thru everything. Leigh Burton is a beast. Kid is early 20s and can already call in the ring from the jump or is fairly close to it unless I'm remembering incorrectly. Tons of monsters and Jack-knife type guys. With no real competition I'm excited to see how they all develop.

christmas_ape · July 30, 2019

STEEL CAGE MATCH – Adam Matravers vs. Beast Bantom

21CW TAG-TEAM TITLE MATCH – Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu vs. Red Menace

Daniel Black Francis vs. War Machine

The Pride vs. Hot Stuff

Sebastian Koller & The Defence Force vs. Tommy Cornell & Absolutely Flawless

21CW UK CHAMPIONSHIP – Wade Orson vs. Phillip Cooper

Dark Angel & Harry Wilson vs. The Faust & The Furious

STEEL CAGE MATCH for the 21CW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Kevin Jones vs. Edward Cornell

neslo024 · July 30, 2019

Quick Card

STEEL CAGE MATCH – Adam Matravers vs. Beast Bantom- I think this feud is just getting started. I see phoebe making her way to ringside and the distraction costing Adam the match.

21CW TAG-TEAM TITLE MATCH – Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu vs. Red Menace- I think Sifu and Storm will be a better match up vs The Pride who I also think will win.

Daniel Black Francis vs. War Machine- this might not even be close. I think DBF is about to be made an example of.

The Pride vs. Hot Stuff- This is a pure homer pick cause I love Burton. He gets his payback and you have two quality heel teams to make their lives miserable.

Sebastian Koller & The Defence Force vs]. Tommy Cornell & Absolutely Flawless- - no way Tommy loses his first big event.

2[/b]1CW UK CHAMPIONSHIP – Wade Orson vs. Phillip Cooper- not too familiar with either of these guys so this was a pure guess.

Dark Angel & Harry Wilson vs. The Faust & The Furious- I feel a turn coming for Harry but not tonight. I think Angel abandons him to Faust and that will be a breaking point

STEEL CAGE MATCH for the 21CW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Kevin Jones vs. Edward Cornell- wins this one with underhanded tactics.

[/indent][/indent]

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Looking forward to this show.

Rateddc · August 4, 2019

<p>STEEL CAGE MATCH – Adam Matravers vs. <strong>Beast Bantom</strong></p><p>

21CW TAG-TEAM TITLE MATCH – Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu vs. <strong>Red Menace</strong></p><p>

Daniel Black Francis vs. <strong>War Machine</strong></p><p>

<strong>The Pride</strong> vs. Hot Stuff</p><p>

Sebastian Koller & The Defence Force vs. <strong>Tommy Cornell & Absolutely Flawless</strong></p><p>

21CW UK CHAMPIONSHIP – Wade Orson vs. <strong>Phillip Cooper</strong></p><p>

Dark Angel & Harry Wilson vs. <strong>The Faust & The Furious</strong></p><p>

STEEL CAGE MATCH for the 21CW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Kevin Jones vs. <strong>Edward Cornell</strong></p>

arwink · August 9, 2019

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="HgSU040.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HgSU040.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Saturday, Week 3, January 2016</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> The YourHotels Centre (Ireland) – 26,469 People</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>OPENING VIDEO:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> A video plays recaping the conflicts between Tommy Cornell and Pit Bull, Adam Matravers and Beast Bantom, and Kevin Jones going after Edward Cornell’s title. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>CAGE MATCH—ADAM MATRAVERS vs. BEAST BANTOM:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We’re doing this match old-school tonight—no escapes will end this, just a pinfall or a submission inside the four walls of steel. It’s terrain that plays to Bantom’s strengths—Jeff Nova likens it to being trapped inside a shark tank </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>with</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> the shark—and the opening minutes are spent with Matravers trying to brawl with the big man and getting ground against the steel in return.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It quickly becomes apparent that Matravers needs to fight smarter and set his rage aside, and as this sinks in the momentum of the match changes. Matravers uses speed to wear Bantom down. He uses the cage as a tool—when Bantom tries to force him up against the steel, Matravers gets his feet against the walls and uses it to get more momentum and power as he fights free. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Bantom responds with trash-talk, his quips about Plumridge in hospital just audible on the camera mics, and that tips Matravers over again. Bantom uses the anger to take advantage, taking Matravers down to Suplex City for a stretch…but ultimately he gets cocky and Matravers makes a comeback, putting Bantom away with the Mile High Moonsault. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Adam Matravers wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 12:05; RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Adam Matravers rolls out of the ring and grabs a microphone, screaming Cornell’s name. He’s in the process of making threats about what he’s going to do when he’s blindsided by Beast Bantom, the big man lurching out of the cage and smashing his full bodyweight against the smaller opponent.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Matravers goes sprawling and Bantom latches onto him, dragging him up the ramp and onto the steel of the main stage. An escape attempt is cut off and Bantom launches Matravers off the stage and into the ring equipment below.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We quickly cut to some pre-taped footage as the medical team rushes to Matraver’s aid. R</div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>ATING: B-</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>EARLIER TODAY: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">We show some footage from earlier in the day, with Daniel Black Francis hitting the queues outside the YourHotels Centre to hype the gathering crowd before the show begins. He’s in the process of polling who the fans are most excited to see when he’s interrupted by Cliff King.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> King informs DBF that he shouldn’t be taking his eye off the ball. Tonight, he’s wrestling the most dangerous force to be unleashed on 21CW in its history, an unstoppable War Machine that’s decided to test his abilities against DBF and find out what he’s made from. And War Machine wants DBF at his best, no distracted by playing to the fans. “We don’t want the hype man tonight, we want the wrestler,” King say. “I honestly doubt your ability to survive if the hype man climbs into the ring with my client.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>TAG-TEAM TITLES—CROUCHING STORM, HIDDEN SIFU vs. THE RED DEVILS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Red Devils wrestle like MMA bad-asses, focusing on takedowns, strikes, and submission holds. Storm and Sifu wrestle like the highlight reel of a Wuxia film, stringing together combinations built around kicks, hard strikes, and some spectacular moves off the top rope. It’s an approach that rattles the straight-laced Russians, coupled with superior teamwork, and it’s only the raw power and size of Iliakov and Beskov that hold the line.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The action is starting to pick up, both teams finding their groove, when the Koloff’s hit the ring with lengths of steel chain in hand. They promptly haul members of both teams out into ringside, laying out Storm and Beskov before taking the brawl to their teammates. The referee is reluctant to throw out a title match on interference, but it quickly becomes clear that neither of the legal men is getting up, and their partners are too busy fighting with the Ivanoffs to continue the match. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Draw, when the match is thrown out due to the Ivanoff’s attacking; MATCH TIME: 12:28; RATING: C</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH TITLE THEFT: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Ivanoff’s have steel chain wrapped around their forearms as they lay into Sifu and Iliakov, quickly taking champ and challenger out as quickly as they took the other half of those tag-teams. Igor ad Ivan Ivanoff then grab the tag-team titles and leave, stealing the titles whiel the medical teams come out to check on their bloodied victims. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE PROMO: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Tommy Cornell paces backstage, arm still in a sling. He talks about his boast while doing commentary on the Best of British Wrestling, about making a crack about being a better wrestler with one arm than Pit Bull Brown will ever be with two. It seems Jeff Nova objection to that…and while Nova isn’t vindictive enough to book a one-on-one match, he’s going to be sending Tommy Cornell out tonight to wrestle while injured.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> That’s fine. Cornell might have been speaking off the cuff, but he believes in what he said. Pit Bull Brown might have been the big dog in this company back in the day, but </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>today</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> the biggest dog in 21CW is named Cornell and he’s the best wrestler in the word. Pair him with a tag-team like Absolutely Flawless, and it doesn’t matter which two people Pit Bull Brown coaxes into wrestling with him—the results will be a victory for the Cornell Legacy. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: A</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>DANIEL BLACK FRANCIS vs. WAR MACHINE (w/Cliff King):</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The match starts with a collar and elbow, but War Machine easily picks Francis up and throws him into the turnbuckles. The big man poses, muscles bulges, then motions for Daniel Black Francis to come at him again.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> A second lock-up sees DBF shoved backwards, the momentum sending him onto his back and then flipping him over onto his stomach. Again, War Machine flexes his muscles and paces the ring, showing off his power. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The third lock-up sends Francis into the ropes, and he comes barraging out with a shoulder block…which does absolutely nothing against the big man, except put DBF on his butt a third time. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> War Machine plays to the crowd, utterly confident that he’s got this match in the bag…which is when DBF starts changing up his tactics, using footwork and rapid shifts in direction to dance around the big man, coming at him from unexpected angles and getting the leverage Daniel Black Francis needs to take away the strength advantage. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> A ducked clothesline sees Daniel Black Francis hit the turnbuckles and fire back with a flying cross body. A powerbomb attempted is transferred into a Rana Takedown that dumps War Machine on his head. DBF starts working the knee submissions, alternating with quick roll-ups that get him a two-count several times. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Daniel Black Francis moves into the rare terrain occupied by guys who can get the big man down and actually make him work for the victory. War Machine does eventually cut him off, slapping on a headlock and working it for a good minute, forcing DBF to carry all four hundred and fifty pounds of War Machine’s massive bulk. It’s followed by a big power slam, a series of clubbing, cross-face blows, and War Machine dragging DBF to the corner to set up for the Second Floor Legdrop. The big man goes up…and Daniel Black Francis rolls free, leaving nothing in the pool as four hundred pounds crashes into the canvas.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Daniel Black Francis immediate tries to capitalise, going for the Rasta Lock, dragging War Machine out into the centre of the ring. The big man tries to break free and can’t, so makes the slow crawl for the ropes, using his strength to drag DBF along with him. Even so, it’s a close thing, and Daneil Black Francis goes into the next part of the match with confidence.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> This, ultimately, proves his undoing. A bell-clap rattles him, a Samoan drop puts him down, and this time the Second Floor Legdrop connects to give War Machine the victory. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: War Machine wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 10:29’ RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH PROMO:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cliff King escorts his client up the ramp, the triumphant War Machine rolling behind him like an unstoppable tank.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> They stop when Daniel Black Francis crawls over to the side of the ropes and calls for a microphone, delivering a single breathless message: “You won…this one…but next time...the Rasta Lock…makes you…tap.” </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jeff Nova speculates why DBF is poking the bear as an amused War Machine rolls up the ramp—“Kid, when you’ve just lasted longer than anyone’s lasted against an unstoppable force…take the win, don’t poke the bear.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE PROMO: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Kevin Jones cuts a promo about starting his career as a one-note joke, wearing funny glasses and taking pratfalls in order to get a job. He hated to do it, but he needed the money and it let him do what he loved…gave him an opportunity to compete against better man and learn what it took to beat them.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Now he’s here. 21CW. Nobody asked him to dress silly or make jokes. They just let him go out there and do what he does best—wrestle. They gave him an opportunity and they gave him bigger opponents, and every step of the way Kevin Jones rose to the opportunity. He became the MVP of 21C…the big match specialist who can outwrestle anyone because he’s just that damn good.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Edward Cornell is a great wrestler. Hell, Edward Cornell is the champ—and Tommy Cornell or no Tommy Cornell, you don’t stay the champ in a company like 21CW if you aren’t good. Edward Cornell is what Kevin Jones lives for—competition against the best—and tonight they step into a steel cage where the only way he keeps that title is being the absolute best. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>VIDEO PACKAGE: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The number one contender’s match for the World Tag-Team Titles is up next—a grudge match featuring the former champs, The Pride, and the men who cost them the belts, Hot Stuff. We take a closer look at the training regimen of these two teams going into this match. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Pride are all business—working out, studying tapes, practicing takedowns and big throws. Leigh Burton handles the voice over, talking about the long months of rehab and making sure he’s good to go. Reminding everyone that discipline brought them the titles once, and it’s going to get them another shot.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meanwhile, Hot Stuff’s footage is taped from a rave in Goa—Buff Martinez is dancing shirtless on a podium, while J-B Cash is downing shots. Kathleen Lee puts over her team as a pair of professionals—when they’re paid to show up and make an appearance, they’re going to be the life of the party. When they’re paid to come in and wrestle, they’re going to fight just as hard. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>THE PRIDE vs. HOT STUFF (w/Kathleen Lee): </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">In the early moments of this one, The Pride are an unstoppable wrestling machine. They take down both members of Hot Stuff with ease, keep them contained with quick tags and double-teams, and unleash hell as Leigh Burton gets his chance at a little payback against the men who put him out.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s a strong, fiery start for the two patriots…and then it goes horribly wrong. Leigh Burton hits the ropes, looking for momentum for a spear, and Kathleen Lee is there to trip him and send him stumbling across the ring. Martinez and Cash seize him and cut the ring in half, starting a prolonged beat-down where the pair use quick tags to keep Burton off-balance. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Burton plays the babyface in peril to perfection, and the crowd is so hot for the tag that they erupt when he finally dives across the ring and brings Leo Price back into the match. Lots of good, hard-hitting moves from Price only stoke the flames as he takes the fight to Hot Stuff…but he’s caught with a powerslam/cutter double-team that rattles him good and proper. Burton hits the ring to make the save and the action breaks down fast—Burton takes J-V Cash over the top rope and Price fires up against Martinez, hitting a series of shoulder blocks as he builds up momentum...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And then Kathleen Lee interferes a second time, sending Price stumbling into the Heat Seeker for the three-count. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Buff Martinez won when he pinned Leo Price; MATCH TIME: 15:06; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">We cut backstage, where the trio of Pit Bull Brown, DJ Reason, and Sebastian Koller are standing by for their match against Tommy Cornell and the Martin twins. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Pit Bull cuts a cold, even-tempered promo about Tommy Cornell disrespecting him…and he promises that tonight he’s going to knock Tommy on his arse. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> DJ Reason makes no bones about being there to back up his friend—he and Pit Bull may not have much in common, but they’re brothers from another mother and they’ve always got one-another’s back.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Sebastian Koller…well, the rock-and-roller doesn’t have any beef with Cornell and the Martins. But the Rock-and-Roller came to Ireland to put on a show, and if you can’t get the headline spot on the bill, your best bet is going out there and stealing the show to make sure everybody’s talking about you when the night is over.By the time tonight is over, Tommy Cornell will know Sebastian Koller’s name…and 21CW will have no choice but to give him a shot at Phillip Cooper so Koller can get back the United Kingdom Title. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>SEBASTIAN KOLLER & THE DEFENCE FORCE vs. TOMMY CORNELL & ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> All the faces want a piece of Cornell in this match, and Tommy uses that to his advantage throughout. He leaves the Martins to do the bulk of the work, content to direct traffic, interfere, and nurse the injured arm still strapped tight and held in a sling.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The action goes back-and-forth despite that, courtesy of Tommy playing spoiler at opportune moments. Then the trio of Koller, Brown, and Reason go on a tear around six minutes in, hammering both Kelly and Lance with finishing moves until they’ve got no choice but to tag Tommy.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cornell finds himself in the ring with Koller, wrestling one-armed and unable to hold his own, and much of the match revolves around his desire to keep Koller from tagging in Pit Bull. He’ll fight Koller for a stretch, then charge across the ring and dropkick Pit Bull from the apron…tussle with Reason, then trip the bigger man when DJ tries to go for a tag. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Everything Tommy does involves keeping Pit Bull away…right up until Reason makes the break for it and get the hot tag. Pit Bull charges across the ring and takes the right right to Cornell, peppering him with forearm shots and throwing him into the ropes. There’s fury there, and grim satisfaction at bouncing Tommy around the ring, and even the Martin’s interfering isn’t enough to stop the pain.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Then Pit Bull nails Tommy’s injured shoulder with a roundhouse kick..and Cornell crumples, nursing his injury, bringing the ref over check on him. Pit Bull paces back-and-forth, restless and ready to keep fighting, utterly sure that Tommy’s faking it and looking for an advantage.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> When the ref final confirms Cornell is good to go, Pit Bull comes rushing in…and promptly gets low blowed by Tommy while Lance Martin distracts the referee. Tommy stands, and his injured arm is free of the sling. In fact, that arm is fully operational as he starts peppering Pit Bull with offence, ultimately locking on the Guilt Trip and choking the big man out. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Tommy Cornell wins via submission; MATCH TIME: 11:14; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH BRAWL: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Tommy shows no signs of releasing the Guilt Trip after the match. In fact, he seems intent on choking Pit Bull out until Reason and Koller climb into the ring and force the break. Tommy lets go and backs away a few steps…until he’s flanked by the Martin twins. Cornell grins widely as Koller and Reason notice that they’re now outnumbered, and the tension builds as the two sides prepare to brawl.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Then Pit Bull gets to his feet, drawing applause from the crowd who thought he was out. The veteran staggers slightly, breathing hard, and lurches towards Tommy with intent. Cornell isn’t impressed. Pit Bull is virtually out on his feet, outsmarted and outfought. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cornell lets Pit Bull stagger into him and bounce off, the trademark smirk in place as he thinks about what he’s going to do to put Pit Bull down for good. Cornell rolls his shoulders, prepares to hit a DDT…</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> …and gets caught by surprise when Pit Bull gets his feet beneath him and lashes out with big punch to the jaw that takes Tommy Cornell off his feet. The TCW legend is out, splayed against the mat, and the Martins are so surprised that they don’t even think to stop Pit Bull as he collects his allies and walks away. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: A</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> BACKSTAGE PROMO:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Luke Cool stands in front of the 21CW banner and cuts a sneering promo wishing Wade Orson luck in tonight’s championship match. He points out that right now, 21CW is four weeks away from the biggest show of the year—World War. It’s the time of year where everyone’s got a chance to survive the World War Rumble and earn themselves a shot at the World title. The time of year where every bit of momentum matters, and every winners purse you take home is important because that’s an extra chance you can take at World War without worrying about it costing you a few week’s rent once the match is over.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And tonight? Luke Cool is cooling his heels, and it’s all Wade Orson’s fault. Luke Cool isn’t taking home spit, while Wade Orson gets a chance at the United Kingdom title. “Right now, you’re probably asking yourself how you can beat Phillip Cooper tonight,” Cool says. “You’re dreaming about what you’re going to do when you’ve got that belt around your waist, how you’ll spend the extra money that tends to flow a champion’s way.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “What you should be thinking about is this: what exactly is Luke Cool going to do, after everything I’ve taken away from him? How exactly is he going to repay me for everything that I’ve done to him?” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>UNITED KINGDOM TITLE MATCH—WADE ORSON vs. PHILLIP COOPER:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Wade Orson looks like the kind of guy you expect to gas out fast. He’s big, with a body-builder’s physique, and his style is all about high-impact slams and big suplexes as he wears an opponent down. What catches people by surprise is the quality of his conditioning—Cooper goes to outpace the big man and tire him out, Orson keeps up with ease, perfectly happy to run around the ring and keep the pressure on. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The result is nearly twelve straight minutes of constant pressure, especially when the tables are turned, and Orson uses the speed and pace of the match to keep Cooper away from the top hat where he’s presumably got brass knuckles hidden. A trio of big Germans rattle the champ, and Orson goes in for the pinfall…</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> …only to get dragged out of the ring by Doomsday, breaking the pinfall. The two big men brawl at ringside for a moment, trading a series of hard clubbing blows before Orson finally picks Doomsday up and slams him into the concrete. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The damage is done though—Cooper has recovered enough to come tearing across the ring to nail Orson with a baseball slide dropkick, and he feeds the challenger back into the ring to finish things with the Cooper Fly Splash. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Phillip Cooper retains the United Kingdom Title via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 12:20; RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE PROMO:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Edward Cornell sits backstage, title belt slung over a shoulder clad in a very expensive suit. He’s sitting alone at the moment, because that’s the way 21CW wants him—alone, trapped in a cage with Kevil Jones, forced to rely on himself. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Everyone thinks that his cousin is calling the shots, but they forget that Edward was the man who made it happen. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>He</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> saw an opportunity to elevate his stock. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>He</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> convinced Jeff Nova to invest millions in bringing Tommy Cornell back to England, securing the best back-up money can buy on someone else paycheque. It was Edward who took the title off Matravers, and Edward who ordered the attack on Phoebe Plumridge in order to throw Matravers off the championship scent. Edward who told Bantom to throw Matravers off the stage earlier this evening.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> People are so used to looking towards Tommy that they forget that Edward Cornell is a vicious, unrelenting, dangerous SOB…and he doesn’t need Tommy Cornell in his corner to win. “I’m not trapped in that cage with you, Jones—you’re trapped in there with me. The most vicious, ruthless, </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>intelligent</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> competitor to ever step into a 21CW ring.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>IN-RING PROMO: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Faust and the Furious hit the ring for their tag-team competition, and Jonathan Faust grabs a microphone to call their opponent’s out. He warns everyone—and in particular Harry Wilson—to pay attention to what occurs in the next match. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “You all look to Dark Angel like he’s superhuman. An ethereal phenomena that somehow stands above the rank and file mortals like you and me. But he’s mortal, and just as prone to mortal weaknesses like vanity, hubris, and fear. He’s spent a lifetime working alone, honing himself into a weapon, simply because he cannot stand to treat a partner like his equal. You know this, Harry, but you don’t accept it. You still think that if you have his back, if you stand up and fight beside him, he’ll start to love you and acknowledge your talents as a wrestler.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “It’s time to accept that’s not who Dark Angel is. It’s time to free yourself of the hold the Dark Angel has upon you and walk away, leaving him to his fate and the pain that’s been promised to him.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>HARRY WILSON & DARK ANGEL vs. THE FAUST & THE FURIOUS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> For all Faust’s talk about his dark side, Angel and Wilson make for a surprisingly effective team. They switch in-and-out fluidly, make great use of speed and rapid-fire kicks to keep their opponent’s off guard, and have the potential to switch up their styles on a dime when the situation calls for it. Harry, in particular, is smooth and reliable with every aspect of the fight game, equally adept at brawling or technical holds with Stoat as he is trading high risk moves with Faust. He might not have his older brother’s experience, but Wilson makes up for it by being younger, faster, and crisper in everything he hits.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Naturally, he’s also the one that the Faust & the Furious eventually trap in the wrong part of town and work over using fast and efficient double-teams. Stoat, in particular, is a dangerous man in this situation, trapping Wilson in a corner and wearing him down with forearm shivs and elbow strikes, finishing it off with a dropkick that gets great elevation and snaps into Wilson’s face. Faust’s approach is more focused on control—he’s the one who’ll speed across the ring to elbow Angel off the apron before resuming the beat-down on Wilson, and the guy who’ll target Wilson’s knee to leave him running on a bad wheel.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Wilson endures a lot, but eventually makes a break to get the hot tag, and Dark Angel hits the ring with intent. Clotheslines and leg lariats take Faust and Stoat down, the intensity building up as Angel digs into his back catalogue and hits a few springboard moves he hasn’t broken out in years. Fast and Stoat can’t contain him, and their panic is visible. Angel nails Stoat with a Descent into Hell and makes a cover, but Faust breaks it up and hammers Angel with a low blow, bringing Wilson back into the match to make the save. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Things break down as all four men go at it, and Wilson clothesline’s Stevie Stoat out of the ring and the pair brawl on the floor. Angel and Faust go at it in the ring, with Angel clearly out-wrestling his opponent…right up until the tell-tale crack of a chair shot echoes out from ringside. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Stoat is standing tall, chair in hand, Harry Wilson stunned. He arranges Wilson against the guard rail, spreading his arm out along the steel. Once he’s happy, Stoat lifts the chair with intent to batter the exposed limb, and Steve Smith is going nuts on commentary, arguing that the attack will break Wilson’s arm at the bare minimum…</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And that’s when Dark Angel makes the call to save his brother, sailing out of the ring with a beautiful tope to wipe out Stoat before the chair shot can land. The crowd erupts, but the move has taken a toll on Dark Angel—he’s slow to rise, and Jeff Speculates that he caught the chair as much as Stoat when he landed the tope. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The veteran wobbles his way back to the ring, determined to finish the match…and promptly gets felled by a Deal with the Devil from Faust to end the match. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Jonathan Faust wins via pinfall on Dark Angel; MATCH TIME: 20:26; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH TAUNT:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Everyone is exhausted after that one, and all four men are slow to rise after the bell. Faust is the first man to recover, crawling over to the apron in order to get a microphone. He uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet, and his grin slowly turns maniacal as Stevie Stoat climbs into the ring to join him.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Faust staggers over to stand over Angel. “This isn’t over,” he announces. “This? This is just a beginning.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> VIDEO PACKAGE:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Let me tell you how tonight’s main event is going to go,” Tommy Cornell says, kicking off a slick video package showcasing the best of Edward Cornell’s matches in recent years. Cornell puts over his cousin’s athleticism, his killer instinct, the fact that nobody has kicked out of the Black Lightning Bomb ever, and all it will take is one move to end this match in record time.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Let me tell you what it means to be the MVP,” Kevin Jones says, and then it’s his turn to narrate over a highlight package from his own matches. He talks about being driven to compete, to be the best. How sick it makes him to watch a man like Edward Cornell hold onto the belt through trickery and interference. “Well, tonight, there’s nobody in your corner. There’s no way for Tommy or Bantom or the Martins to get through the cage and help you out. Tonight, there’s no escape from the best of the best in 21CW…and that means your title is mine, Edward. Enjoy it while you can.” </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B+</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>CAGE MATCH FOR THE WORLD TITLE—KEVIN JONES vs. EDWARD CORNELL: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The early commentary focuses on how unusual it is to see Edward Cornell standing alone these days, given the speed with which the Cornell Legacy has accumulated allies in 21CW. Nova and Smith discuss whether the champ can really stand up to a physical wrestler like Jones, skilled in locking down the ring and controlling his opponents.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The answer in the early stages seems to be no—Jones starts strong and doesn’t let up, slinging Cornell into the cage walls and suplexing him around the ring. Cornell keeps putting distance between them—at one point, even trying to climb free of the cage—and Jones tracks him down and cuts him off, herding him into the centre of the ring to fight the match Jones wants to fight.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s not until Cornell sidesteps a charge that the momentum finally turns—Jones goes smashing into a cage wall and Cornell catches him a tornado DDT while he’s staggered. The head impact is sold hard for the next stretch, Jones fighting like he’s had his bell rung and Cornell taking advantage, taking cheap shots and putting the challenger down for multiple two-counts. The fighting spirit of Jones won’t let him stay down for the three, even if he’s not entirely conscious of where he is and what he’s doing. The challenger endures, and finally makes his comeback when he catches Cornell with a short-arm clothesline, setting up a fiery run that culminates in Jones catching Cornell as the champ tries to go up the ramp and hitting a superlplex from the top rope that leaves both men winded.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Tommy Cornell hits the ring at that point…but there’s no way to help his cousin. He batters the side of the cage and causes some distraction, but Edward Cornell is on his own as he and Jones get back to their feet.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> What follows in the closing sequence is a fairly even series—champ and challenger trading big shots, reversing moves and switching up the momentum. Jones locks his arms in for the Belly-to-Belly Suplex that serves as his finisher…and Cornell headbutts him to break the hold, buying a moment to steady himself and hit the Black Lightning Bomb to end things. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Winner by pinfall, and still 21st Century World Champion, is Edward Cornell; MATCH TIME: 22:49; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH ASSAULT: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The cage door is opened and Tommy Cornell climbs in to hug his cousin and raise his hand. The two play to the crowd for a while, flipping the bird as they’re booed by the fans, and ultimately turn to consider the downed form of Kevin Jones in the centre of the ring.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Edward goes over and re-locks the cage while Tommy picks Jones up and plants him with an impaler DDT in the centre of the ring. Jones gets spiked hard, and falls limp.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s not enough. Tommy and Edward get him up for a second DDT—the third impact to the head he’s taken tonight—and they drag him over to the ropes and start climbing so they can get some more impact.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> There’s a roar as Adam Matravers comes tearing thorugh the ramp. The former champ is taped up—rib injuries, cuts and bruises, a row of stitches in his his head—but he hustles his battered body down the cage and start climbing. The two Cornells let Kevin Jones go and back away, vaguely horrified that Matravers is still standing, let alone trying to get into the cage and come after them.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The back to the centre of the ring, and Matravers’ makes it to the top of the cage and pauses there, wincing, definitely in pain. Tommy Cornell relaxes for a moment, seeing the opening. He taps his cousins’ arm and gestures forward, advancing to attack.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Which is when the injured, determined Matravers launches himself off the top of the cage, wiping out both Cornells with a big, flying crossbody to end the show as the PPV ends. </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: A</strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FINAL SHOW RATING: B+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;">NEWS FROM BACKSTAGE</span></span></strong></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I went out of my way to compliment Matravers and Pit Bull after the show—both guys were given angles designed to get them over as threats to Cornell, and both rose to the occasion and delivered exactly what they needed to do. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I also took Sebastian Koller aside and gave the young wrestler some encouragement—a lot of the boys are high on Koller’s potential and want to see him pushed to the moon, and yet his momentum has slowed since I got the book. I wanted him to know it was a temporary situation, and run him through some of the plans we had for him after World War was over with.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Luke Cool took the opportunity to tell me that he thinks Ricky Storm is going to be a star, suggesting we push him real hard in the coming weeks. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meanwhile, Phillip Cooper complained that Doomsday couldn’t sell worth a damn, and the kid needed to learn how to work before he’d be happy about forming a permanent partnership with the rookie. Coop’s not wrong about Doomsday, but his own selling is nothing to write home about and he’s got a lot more years under him. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dane Rowley was brought before the wrestler’s court, accused of moaning about things and bumming everybody out. He was sentenced to cheer up, and told to bring a few cases of beer in for the boys to make up for things. He took the punishment with good grace. </div></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div>

arwink · August 9, 2019

<p>One of the first notes I wrote for myself about this dynasty: "Rule Zero: Don't get it into your head that you need to be graphics heavy--it'll slow things down and give you a reason to stop posting. Accept you're a big-wall-of-text guy and go with it."</p><p> </p><p> First thing that happens when its time to post a pay-per-view? "I'll keep putting that off until I got a few hours to upload all the pictures and break things up with graphics..."</p><p> </p><p> Applying rule zero here, otherwise it could have been another month until I get around to posting the show <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Given the push to go international, dare I ask how much effort you'll be devoting to European expansion over North America?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> In game, quite a lot. One of the directions I'm looking at for Showcase, once the tournament is done in March, is turning it into the International Tour show.</p><p> </p><p> Narratively...not so much, because Europe is a relatively sane choice for 21CW. We've got TV there, and it's large enough to build up pop at a decent clip. The European feds are all smaller, and have a field of stars we can poach when fresh names are needed.</p><p> </p><p> America is the place where things get interesting. Our coverage there is tiny, our talent is going to look relatively attractive to bigger companies as our popularity grows, and I can't imagine that it's anything but a production nightmare for the booker (especially given the need for work visas and local production crew. </p><p> </p><p> At the same time, we're currently the only national company that has broad international TV coverage (even if it's tiny in the US), so I can see those conflicts coming sooner rather than later. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="neslo024" data-cite="neslo024" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The roster is huge but has a ton of potential once you sift thru everything. Leigh Burton is a beast. Kid is early 20s and can already call in the ring from the jump or is fairly close to it unless I'm remembering incorrectly. Tons of monsters and Jack-knife type guys. With no real competition I'm excited to see how they all develop.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Burton and Orson are both beasts in the ring--I'm figuring a six-month program with Tommy Cornell could easily turn Orson into one of the best brawlers under the age of thirty in the database. Koller is a very close third, and as the other talent keeps suggesting, he's ready to go on the mic.</p><p> </p><p> I kinda look at the roster as early Ruthless Aggression era Smackdown--the young talent is there and getting over, but it probably isn't super helpful that you've canned Paul Heyman and his focused way of building talent...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="neslo024" data-cite="neslo024" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> <strong>Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu v</strong>s. Red Menace- I think Sifu and Storm will be a better match up vs The Pride who I also think will win.<p> <strong>The Pride</strong> vs. Hot Stuff- This is a pure homer pick cause I love Burton. He gets his payback and you have two quality heel teams to make their lives miserable. </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Incredibly sound wrestling logic, but I wanted to keep the belts on Menace for the "pin a champ in the tournament, earn a shot at the belts" aspect of the Showcase tournament. </p><p> </p><p> There's also a gulf between the overness of The Pride and Hot Stuff that needs to be bridged before I really cut the two teams loose on a title fued--in a lot of ways, Cash and Martinez are the tag-team's equivalent of Tommy Cornell in terms of being way bigger than anyone they get into the ring with.</p>

neslo024 · August 9, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="arwink" data-cite="arwink" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>One of the first notes I wrote for myself about this dynasty: "Rule Zero: Don't get it into your head that you need to be graphics heavy--it'll slow things down and give you a reason to stop posting. Accept you're a big-wall-of-text guy and go with it."<p> </p><p> First thing that happens when its time to post a pay-per-view? "I'll keep putting that off until I got a few hours to upload all the pictures and break things up with graphics..."</p><p> </p><p> Applying rule zero here, otherwise it could have been another month until I get around to posting the show <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> In game, quite a lot. One of the directions I'm looking at for Showcase, once the tournament is done in March, is turning it into the International Tour show.</p><p> </p><p> Narratively...not so much, because Europe is a relatively sane choice for 21CW. We've got TV there, and it's large enough to build up pop at a decent clip. The European feds are all smaller, and have a field of stars we can poach when fresh names are needed.</p><p> </p><p> America is the place where things get interesting. Our coverage there is tiny, our talent is going to look relatively attractive to bigger companies as our popularity grows, and I can't imagine that it's anything but a production nightmare for the booker (especially given the need for work visas and local production crew. </p><p> </p><p> At the same time, we're currently the only national company that has broad international TV coverage (even if it's tiny in the US), so I can see those conflicts coming sooner rather than later. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Burton and Orson are both beasts in the ring--I'm figuring a six-month program with Tommy Cornell could easily turn Orson into one of the best brawlers under the age of thirty in the database. Koller is a very close third, and as the other talent keeps suggesting, he's ready to go on the mic.</p><p> </p><p> I kinda look at the roster as early Ruthless Aggression era Smackdown--the young talent is there and getting over, but it probably isn't super helpful that you've canned Paul Heyman and his focused way of building talent...</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Incredibly sound wrestling logic, but I wanted to keep the belts on Menace for the "pin a champ in the tournament, earn a shot at the belts" aspect of the Showcase tournament. </p><p> </p><p> There's also a gulf between the overness of The Pride and Hot Stuff that needs to be bridged before I really cut the two teams loose on a title fued--in a lot of ways, Cash and Martinez are the tag-team's equivalent of Tommy Cornell in terms of being way bigger than anyone they get into the ring with.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Great show, lots of things I didn't see coming. Really liked what you did with Maveras. You are totally on point about the pop differences. Getting the roster organized is the first step in turning it into the force it had the potential for and you've done an excellent job at that. Looking forward to the next installment.</p>

arwink · August 12, 2019

I walked into the office with a spring in my step on Monday, happy with the initial reviews of Steel Cage Challenge and the .26 buy rate. It wasn’t huge by American standards, but it made us a tidy profit and meant we’d start rebuilding the war chest with next month’s World War pay-per-view.

We would, however, be in the red overall for January, because those profits had already been earmarked for a very specific project—the launch of Evolve Wresting UK.

We’d done the set-up for a few weeks now, and K’Lee and Nightmare were already at the warehouse space we’d acquired to handle the training side of things. We’d also stocked the small federation with a small team of trainers and new faces—for the moment, Nightmare would be the only name familiar to recent 21CW viewers that also worked Evolve.

This is largely because all the other likely candidates were caught up in the tournament on Showcase, and we didn’t want Evolve to become the “development fed” in the way Rhode Island has for the Eisens. Instead, we wanted to take a few months to establish the small fed and give it an identity separate to the main show. It was—narratively, and in as many ways as it could be on the business front—a separate entity to 21CW.

This seperation a concession to the back-and-forth Jeff Nova and I had gone through trying to figure out the best way to develop young talent. A big part of the debate had been trying to balance the benefits of a dedicated training centre versus sending guys on excursion—essentially, taking the Burning Hammer route where young guys like Mass Hulk and Adonis would spend their first year or two putting guys over and working with a limited move set, then have a a year or two away at an international promotion to round themselves out when they’re reaching a point where they deserve a push.

It’s an approach that has its advantages—the biggest being you get a steady supply of young guys devoted to putting other folks over, and the combination of time away and taking the brakes off their move set means they seem like a much bigger deal when you bring them back and push them. There’s no question how they went from putting guys over to getting big wins, because the fans can literally see the evidence out there in the ring.

Unfortunately, Nova wasn’t a fan of that idea of excursions—he wanted to keep the guys in-house—so Evolve UK was a compromise that would serve the same purpose.

The training side of things would be handled by a small team, headed by K’Lee. He’d be joined by an international team of talent, including:

Former 21CW talent Arson Welles taking on the basics class, working with the new arrivals. He'll be doing double-time with the National School
Former Puerto Rican stand-out Kashmir Singh, a talented guy with rock-solid consistency we wanted him to pass on to our rookies.
Ex-Cop Keith Adams, primarily there for cardio training, grappling, learning how to handle yourself as a public figure, and working on in-ring safety.
Welsh high-flyer and former 21CW champion Red Dragon, who’d be teaching top ropes moves.
MMA stand-out Oleg Dorosklov—he’s only coming in a handful of times a month, but his job is drilling guys in submissions and takedowns.
American indie veteran Silver Shark was there to teach people different styles, particularly his experience with lucha libre.
Finally, UK manager Simona Cox was there to work on promos and management skill.

As for the federation itself, K’Lee and I had sat down and put together a list of names to approach—a combination of young guys and established talents he could use to establish things. They’d get some experience and training, in addition to regular work, and in a few months we’d trade some of our young guns for some of Evolve UK’s upper card.

INITIAL ROSTER

MAIN EVENT

Eric Future
Keith Adams
Trance
Rave
Petey Barnes

Billy Robinson
Don Henderson
Nightmare
Merle O’Curle
Red Dragon

UPPER MIDCARD

Jon Michael Sharp
Martin Heath
Padriag O’Hearne
Stardust Phil Cox
Ultra Fly

Davey London
JK Lee
Kashmir Singh
Lanny Mochin
Vic Walker

MIDCARD

Stardust Phil Cox
Landon Mallory
Silver Shark

Connor Threepwood
George Wolfe
Hercules Johansson
Jimmi Adams
Kalvin Adams
Matthew Macks
Ray Snow
Samoan Machine

LOWER MIDCARD

Gordon Leve

Clubber Kohl
Ferdinand Arneaux

MANAGERS:
Simona Cox, Marbella, Khloe, Kourtney, Joy, Kitty Katz, Liz Sweetheart

ANNOUNCE TEAM:
Martin Bloydell, Lawrence Young

REFEREE:
Humphry Woosley

ROAD AGENT:
K’Lee Hawkins

christmas_ape · August 13, 2019

Definitely no lack of managers in Evolve, I'm guessing you're hoping to bring one or two of these up to 21CW as they do fit your product well. Will be interesting to see which members of Evolve get to swap with the younger 21CW guys. Whilst there's some names I'm not too familiar with it definitely looks like they have a strong heel side, so I'd expect either some turns or it will be mostly heels coming up to the main roster. Don would be my first shout, Billy and Merle are both talented but perhaps for that very reason are needed more in Evolve.

EBEZA · August 14, 2019

Wow, I'm back up-to-date, and loving how this diary is going! Steel Cage Challenge was awesome, and I love the idea of introducing Evolve! It's almost a shame you couldn't have someone running Evolve for you! Bring on 2020!

arwink · October 17, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Right, then. Sorry for the radio silence on this one--sick pets turned into dying pets, and then elderly relatives got in on the action, and then the computer I play TEW on became inaccessible. Starting to catch up on all the things I'm behind on, finally--the first instalment of the Road to World War III is almost done and I've finally managed to lock down my understanding of perhaps the trickiest character on the roster... </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">THE BOOKER TURNS THE SPOTLIGHT ON…</span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></span></div></div></div><img alt="0QSX35O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0QSX35O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;"> THE 21ST CENTURY WORLD CHAMPION, EDWARD “THE BUSINESS’ CORNELL </span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>AGE:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 32 (7 Year Pro); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BUILD:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Toned Middleweight; </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>STYLE:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Regular Wrestler; </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>NATIONALITY:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> English (white); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>CURRENT GIMMICK:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Franchise Player (Average)</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FINISHERS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Black Lightning Bomb (Spinning Underhook Fallaway); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>SIGNATURE MOVES & SPOTS:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jawbreaker Uppercut (European Uppercut to a charging opponent), Decimation Drop (Package Piledriver), Charging Uppercut to a Cornered Opponent; Separation Anxiety (Grounded Hammerlock into an inverted armbreaker); </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>THEME SONG: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Release the Bats</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, The Birthday Party</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>NOTES:</strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Current 21st Century World Champion (October 2015—Present); Ranked #87 in the 2015 Power 500; One prior 21st Century World Champion Reign (April 2013—February 2014); One 21st Century United Kingdom Reign (February 2012—September 2012); Cousin of Tommy Cornell.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The mindset a wrestler brings to a match affects everything they do inside the ropes. A guy on a roll walks and moves like he’s ready to take on the world and win, and a guy in a slump is half-beaten before the first bell sounds. Like athletes everywhere, the psychology that drives a wrestler is as important as their skills.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The one immutable truth that drives Edward Cornell is simple: he’s never going to be as good as Tommy Cornell.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> This shouldn’t be a big deal—lots of wrestlers aren’t as good as Tommy. Hell, the man is 37 years old and the top-ranked wrestler in the Power 500, which largely means no-one is as good at him at this point in time. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But those guys didn’t debut with Cornell’s last name. They didn’t have all eyes on them from the first day at training camp, or the constant background noise of fans, coaches, and opponents using Tommy to highlight shortcomings.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> They didn’t kick off their professional career with a short winning streak that made people think maybe the second coming of Tommy was possible after all, only to spend the next six months picking up losses as people accused him of choking, of trying to run before he could walk, of getting opportunities because of his name instead of his talent.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And that’s the thing about Edward Cornell—when he finally broke and turned heel, it wasn’t just because he had a chip on his shoulder about everyone having such high expectations. He turned heel because he knew he was never going to be his cousin, and the only way to achieve the victories and accolades to soothe the irritation that thought caused him was by transforming himself into someone much, much worse. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Tommy Cornell might be one of the dirtiest players in the game, a calculating heel who will stop at nothing to pick up victory in the ring, but that pales in comparison to the depths his cousin stooped too. Where Tommy might injure you to get an advantage in a match, Edward Cornell set out to cripple opponents and strip years off their careers. In short, he’s driven by a hunger for the win, with little regard for how it gets there and what happens to his opponents afterwards. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But all that was then, in the years where he was compared to his more famous cousin in abstract. Now, with Tommy Cornell actually standing right beside him, you have to wonder just how far Edward will go to prove himself now that the man he’s always been compared to is both an ally and a constant reminder of why he was driven to such extremes.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> IN THE RING: One of the hallmarks of Eddie Cornell’s rise has been the legitimacy of his promises—he carefully avoids making any promises of victory during promos, preferring to remind his opponents that the match is going to hurt and hurt bad. His in-ring style is almost entirely built around that promise—in a company where dropping people on their head is relatively verboten, Cornell’s offense is almost entirely built around targeting the neck and the skull. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> While Tommy Cornell is one of the pre-eminent technicians in the world, Edward Cornell is a tactician. He starts wrestling a match weeks before he actually steps into the ring, identifying weaknesses to exploit and creating weaknesses where none exist. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And so much is made of the fact that Edward isn’t Tommy that it’s easy to overlook just how good he really is. If he’d had a different last name, or debuted under a mask, there is every chance we’d be talking about him as a veteran wrestler who is known for his incredible stamina, ring awareness, hard-hitting power, stiff European uppercuts, and diverse toolkit for breaking an opponent down. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Instead, his submission ability is obscured by the fact that he’s never content to inflict pain—he wants to pull arms out of sockets and put opponents on the injured list. His chain-wrestling is solid, but only deployed to position himself for one of the big moves where he can spike opponents into the canvas. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Even his signature finisher—an improbable spinning underhook fallaway slam that is delivered with fluid speed—gets talked about as a bit of underrated trickery attempting to match Tommy Cornell’s Rough Ride* rather than being appreciated as the innovative bit of wrestling that it is.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In short, Edward Cornell is a spiteful, vicious man in the ring…but if you look close, you can almost understand why. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> *</div></div></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow">According to Adam Ryland (who should know)</a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=381708&postcount=7" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">: a slingshot suplex that stalls in the vertical suplex position, then drops into a stunner as the opponent is then dropped behind). Ron Killings hit one once, and it’s…</div></div></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow">a little insane</a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=385046&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">**.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> **Interesting sidenote: I’ve had those posts bookmarked since 2008, just in case I wrote a dynasty with Cornell in it. I think this is the first time I’ve had reason to dig ‘em up. </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div>

arwink · October 17, 2019

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR—PART ONE</span></span></strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><img alt="RoxbpuH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RoxbpuH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Thursday, Week 4, January 2016</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Leamington Spa Arena (Central England) – 10,000 People (Sold Out)</strong></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>COLD OPEN:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Adam Matravers is backstage, getting his ribs taped up and a bandage wrapped around the stitches in his skull. It’s been six days since Beast Bantom threw him off the stage, trying to injure him the same way Bantom injured Phoebe Plumridge. The medical team has advised him against being here tonight, but Matravers doesn’t want to go back to Plumridge and tell her he walked away from payback because it hurt. After what Bantom and Cornell did to Plumridge, he’s not going back with excuses…he’s going back with someone’s head. So…banged up or not…he’s here tonight to make the Cornell’s life a living hell. He wants the Cornells—any Cornell—and if they’re not game to step into the ring with him, he’ll take on any flunky they send his way. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> ANNOUNCE TEAM:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Steve Smith and Jeff Nova welcome everyone to tonight’s show and put over the card. Adam Matravers has asked the Cornells to send him someone to fight, and they’ve complied—Edward Cornell isn’t here this evening, and Tommy Cornell declined the challenge, but they’ll be sending out Lance Martin in tonight’s main event. But first, our opening match-up—a man who was just moments away from winning the World Heavyweight Title last night…</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> KEVIN JONES vs. MARK MISERY (w/Vicki Company): </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Six nights ago Kevin Jones was fighting for the biggest prize in wrestling, thriving on the competition. Now he’s up against a very different challenge—Misery seems determined to avoid a fight, stalling and begging off again and again. It’s a choice that infuriates Jones, and he unleashes hell on Misery, throwing him around and staying on him like white on rice.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Misery goes back to his usual tricks to turn it around—eye rakes, low blows, punches to the face after distracting the ref. Vicki Company does everything she can to even the odds, but Jones rolls through the distractions and finally lands the Belly to Belly suplex. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Kevin Jones wins via Pinfall; MATCH TIME: 11:35; RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH ATTACK:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jones gets his hand raised, but when he turns around Danny Patterson and Harley Neill are on the apron, draped over the ropes and fixing a murderous stare on the MVP of 21C. Jones walks over to them, getting up in their face…and gets caught from behind by Mark Misery, who knees him in the back and starts pummelling him. Patterson and Neill join, delivering a three-on-one beatdown on Jones, leaving him laid out. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cut backstage, where Nightmare and Grave Digger are flanking a hooded Jonathan Faust in a dark locker room. They’re all lit from below, giving them an uncanny look and playing up the big man’s height. Faust cuts the promo—the Faust and the Furious may have </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>beaten</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Wilson and Dark Angel on Saturday, but it’s a victory that turns to ashes in his mouth. His goal isn’t victory—it’s destruction. It’s stripping away everything that makes Dark Angel’s life worth living. It’s illuminating truths that men like Harry Wilson are blind too, thinking his brother really loves him. The price of refusal is pain…so tonight Faust has called forth the Hounds of Hell. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>HARRY WILSON & DARK ANGEL vs. THE HOUNDS OF HELL: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">This isn’t really a match—The Hounds of Hell aren’t interested in going for pinfalls or getting the win. They’re just interested in bringing the pain, and it takes endless quick tags from Angel and Wilson to keep themselves from getting their heads taken off Things break down early, and Angel takes Grave Digger out of the ring, leaving Harry Wilson to pick up the win with a Full Metal Jacket on Nightmare. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Harry Wilson wins via pinfall on Nightmare; MATCH TIME: 5:50; RATING: C</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>POST-MATCH PROMO: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Wilson grabs the mic as Dark Angel rolls Nightmare out of the ring. “Faust, you and Stoat may have had what it takes to beat us at Steel Cage Challenge, but we’re still standing. We’re still together…still family…and it doesn’t matter what you throw at us. You may have the Hounds of Hell at your beck and call, but I’ve got an Angel at my side, and at Steel Cage Challenge he showed me that he’s got my back and I can trust him. That means the two of us can handle anything you throw at us, so bring it, man. Bring it on.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Melanie Florence tries to get a few words from Mark Misery, Patterson, and Harley Neill, but they blow her off and leave Vicki Company to deal with things. Vicki says that she and Mark Misery are sick of being overlooked here in 21CW—a trait they share with Patterson and Harley Neill. “Tonight, we wanted to make a statement—and look, you’re right here, paying attention to us. Nobody overlooks us anymore. As of this moment, we are the ticking time bomb nestled against the heart of this company…and you should very, very afraid of what will happen when that bomb finally goes off.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> IN-RING PROMO:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Pit Bull Brown hits the ring for his scheduled match against Kelly Martin, grabbing a microphone before he climbs in. He talks about how satisfying it was to knock Tommy Cornell out at Steel Cage Challenge, and lays out a challenge. “It’s been two months since you got here, Cornell, and you haven’t climbed into this ring for a one-on-one match-up. Me, I’ve been here from the beginning. I was the first championship in this company, the man who took that title your cousin is so proud of and made it mean something in this business. I’ve held that bet three times, and I think I’m ready for a fourth…but I want you first </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “So I’m laying out a challenge—you and me. World War. I’ll knock your arse out one more time, and then I’ll go after your cousin and take that title he’s so proud of.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> PIT BULL BROWN vs. KELLY MARTIN (w/Beast Bantom):</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Tommy Cornell joins the commentary team for this one, putting over the talent of Kelly Martin. The newest member of the Cornell Legacy shows his customary vicious streak as he targets an arm and works it with intent. Nova notes that you can already see the influence of Tommy Cornell in the Martin’s style, but Pit Bull is a veteran of a thousand battles in the ring and has a lot of the usual tricks scouted. He guts through the pain and hits the Dog House Piledriver in order to take the victory. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Pit Bull Brown wins via pinfall; MATCH TIEM: 11:41; RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> POST-MATCH ATTACK:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Beast Bantom blasts Pit Bull in the back with a chair after the match, then pins the veteran beneath his bulk to hold him in place. Tommy Cornell leaves the commentary desk and stands over the downed Pit Bull.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “You think you’re a big deal, Pit Bull? You land one sucker punch, put me on my ass, and you think you’ve got what it takes to wrestle in my league? You may have been a big deal when when this was a pissant minor fed, but those days are gone. Twenty-First Century Wrestling’s stepped up in the world. It’s the place where the best of the best come to wrestle.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “Personally, I don’t think you rank among their number…but maybe you’ll surprise me. You want a match at World War, you’ve got one. Just make sure you bring everything you’ve got and leave it out on the mat, because you’re only going to get one shot.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>VIDEO PACKAGE:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We play a short recap of the Tag-Team Title match at Steel Cage Showdown, the even battle between the Red Menace and Crouching Storm, Hidden Sifu that ends with the Ivanoff’s laying waste and stealing the titles.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cut from there to Ricky Storm and Sifu in the medic’s office after the bout. Sifu is getting checked for a concussion, while Ricky Storm is getting a cut on his forehead swabbed. He stares down the lens, ignoring the pain as iodine is applied, intently focused. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “We came here tonight with a goal—win the belts, put the tag-team division on our backs, raise it to heights it’s never seen before in this company. We went in with a game plan, had the champions on the ropes…and then the Ivanoff’s stuck their noses in. And now Hot Stuff are the number one contenders, assuming someone can get the belts off the Ivanoff’s to fight for ‘em.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “So now we’ve got ourselves a list of obstacles between us and our goal—Ivanoffs, Red Menace, Hot Stuff…hell, throw in any tag-team willing to step up and get in our way. Sifu and I are men of focus…men of discipline and iron will. If we set ourselves a goal, we work towards it with intent. Tonight? Tonight was a set-back, but it’s not going to stop us.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>THE PARTY ANIMALS (w/Liz Sweetheart) vs. THE IVANOFF BROTHERS:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Party Animals make their return to 21CW for a tryout, taking on the men who have come to define the tag-team division since their departure. The Ivanoff’s come out with the title belts draped over their shoulders, mocking the fans as they boo, and they jump Trance and Rave as soon as the bell rings.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Party Animals prove they haven’t lost a step in their time away—if anything, the two high-flyers have added a few extra strings to their bow, picking up a few power moves and technical holds in addition to their high-risk offence. The Ivanoff’s eventually cut the ring in half, working over Trance and battering him with quick double-teams, targeting the back. The hot tag brings Rave in for a brief come-back, but it’s short-lived—ultimately the Ivanoff’s take him down with the Red Curtain and roll out of the ring with title belts in hand. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Ivan Ivanoff wins via pinfall on Rave; MATCH TIME: 10:12; RATING: C</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cut to some footage from the pre-show press conference for Steel Cage Warfare, where an interview with United Kingdom Champion Phillip Cooper was interrupted by the Rock-and-Roller, Sebastian Koller. The two engage in a furious exchange of words, with Koller making it clear that he’s coming after Cooper to get his title back. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Doomsday steps in to prevent Koller to from assaulting Cooper, playing bodyguard, but Koller isn’t impressed. “If I’ve got to take you apart to get to him, mein fruend, make no mistake…I will.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cut to the interview stage, where Melanie Florence is standing by with the trio of Luke Cool, Buff Martinez, and J-B Bash along with Kathleen Lee. The interview focuses on Hot Stuff’s status as the number one contenders, putting over the fact that their win against the Pride seemed like a stroke of luck, and asking about the news that Cool had signed a management contract with Kathleen Lee.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Lee takes the opportunity to make a few things clear—Hot Stuff’s victory wasn’t a fluke, it was the result of a plan implemented by two talented, well-trained wrestlers who studied their opponents and learned their weaknesses. “Just because The Pride shows the world their playbook, it doesn’t mean we’re going to do the same.”</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meanwhile, Luke Cool puts over alliance with Lee as pure pragmatism—he wants money, he wants success, and he wants championships. Kathleen Lee has a proven record of guiding her clients to all three. “You are about to bear witness to a new kind of Cool—one defined by success and victory. And Wade Orson—you’re the first order of business.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WADE ORSON & THE PRIDE vs. LUKE COOL & HOT STUFF (w/Kathleen Lee): </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Wade Orson and Leigh Burton are the young, promising bulls of the National School—both big, both strong, both young and blessed with tremendous upside. They’re also two men who come into this match enormously pissed off and looking to prove something, which means that Leo Price ends up looking like the old guy struggling to keep up with his younger allies.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> On the other hand, Luke Cool and Hot Stuff are three guys just hitting their peak as performers, and they all know their business and work well together as a team. They quickly corner Leo Price and punish him, taking control of the match, and the triple-teams come fast and thick despite Price’s best efforts. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> A hot tag and come back give the faces a late rally, but the damage to Price proves decisive when he finally palls to an El K.O from Martinez. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Buff Martinez wins via pinfall on Leo Price; MATCH TIME: 16:05; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>SIT DOWN INTERVIEW: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Steamroller, Colin Chalke, steps away from his analyst duties on the Friday Night Wrestling Showcase to sit down with Daniel Black Francis and analyse his loss to War Machine over the weekend. Chalke puts DBF over as a guy who not only hung with War Machine for over ten minutes, but one of the first men to successfully get the big man down and keep a submission on him. Further, he’s one of the only guys to ever fight War Machine and welcome the idea of a rematch, going so far as to call the big men out. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Together they talk through the events of the match and the reasons Daniel Black Francis believes he can win a second bout. DBF puts over War Machine’s power, and admits taking the big man’s forearms feels like he’s being hit by a car, but he went into their match with a game-plan to wear the big man out and disrupt his sense of balance. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He goes on to claim that War Machine didn’t beat him—DBF got confident after he saw his plan working, and he took his eye off the ball. You can’t do that in the ring with a man like War Machine…and next time, he’s not going to make that mistake. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> ADAM MATRAVERS vs. LANCE MARTIN:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The tape on Matraver’s ribs and the bandage on his head are a pair of big targets, and Lance Martin wastes no time targeting them both. Worse, he shows the typical Martin viciousness in his assault—the Martins don’t care about beating you, they care about inflicting pain. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It makes for a surprising even match, with Marin holding his own against the former chapion and controlling the bulk of the offence. Matravers is fired up and makes big, hard-hitting comebacks…but his biggest weapons are all hampered by the injuries to his ribs, and there’s only so far raw fury will carry you.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Several times, Martin gets his opponent in abdominal stretches or tight crevats, working the ribs and making sure he hurts. He moves on to clubbing the bandage around Matravers stitches, breaking them open and spilling crimson on the canvas. It seems like it might be the end, but Matravers ultimately makes the big come-back and hammers his opponent with knees, kicks, and a flying lariat. He then guts through the pain and goes up the ropes, hitting the Mile High Moonsault for the win. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Adam Matravers wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 18:12; RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> POST-MATCH:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Matravers lies sprawled on the canvas after the match, one hand clutching the injured ribs, the other trying to staunch the flow of blood from his head. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Then the Titantron comes to life, showing Edward Cornell in a busy hospital hallway, title belt over his shoulder as he smiles and says hello. He starts to walk as he cuts a promo, asking Matravers if he knows the real problem with focusing on payback instead of protecting the things that really matter to you? Vengeance distracts you, and it makes you even more vulnerable than you were before.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Look at Edward—he values the world title above everything, and every choice he makes is predicated on protecting his belt. It doesn’t matter that Matravers attacked him after his match at Steel Cage Warfare—the match was over, Edward still had his belt. Matraver’s attack didn’t do any lasting damage, so it won’t affect Edward’s next title defence any.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But it might embolden people to try a similar tactic, and that’s something Edward doesn’t want to happen at all. Which means Matravers needs to pay a price for his actions, but it won’t just be a beating. Wrestler’s get beat up all the time. They come back for more—hell, look at Matravers. Getting thrown off a stage didn’t keep him down.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But there is something that matters to Adam Matravers far more than titles, far more than vengeance.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And here Edward Cornell comes to a stop, nudging open a hospital door and giving the camera a glimpse inside. Phoebe Plumridge is in a private bed, still bruised and looking terrible as she recovers from her injuries. She hasn’t noticed Cornell yet, too focused on eating the food on a tray beside her bed. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cornell gives the camera an evil smile. “Time to pay the piper, Matravers.”</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He steps into the room and Phoebe Plumridge screams when she sees him, and the door swings shut behind him as Cornell steps inside.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> RATING: A</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FINAL SHOW RATING: B</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><img alt="KOPQOsL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KOPQOsL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Friday, Week 4, January 2016</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Hall Green Cricket Club (Central England) — 1,992 People</strong></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>ANNOUNCE TEAM: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Our commentary team welcomes everybody to round two of the B-Block of this year’s Breakout Star Tournament. They run down tonight’s feature matches, which include:</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> • “The Specimen” Mark Adonis (0 Points) taking on the massive, deadly Grave Digger (0 Points)</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> • “The Neanderthal” Andrew Lee (2 Points) wrestling the Rip Chord trained Curtis Jenkins (0 Points)</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> • “Anarchy’s Favourite Son” Bedlam (2 Points) taking on the massive Brickhouse Balder (2 Points)</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> • And, in our main event, underdog Joe Simpson (0 Points) taking on one-half of the tag-team champions, submission specialist Viktor Beskov (2 Points)</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> But first, let us check in with the Control Room for a break-down of our opening match… </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: D</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> THE CONTROL ROOM: </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">We cut to the Control Room where The Steamroller, Colin Chalke, is standing by. He thinks it’s going to be an interesting one—Mark Adonis and Grave Digger are two recent graduates of the National School of Wrestling, still looking to make an impact here in 21CW, and they’re both wrestlers who rely heavily on strength and power. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Of course, Grave Digger doesn’t take much to make an impact—at 6’8”, over three hundred pounds, he’s already caught the attention of Jonathan Faust and been recruited into his Hounds of Hell alongside former MOSC champion Nightmare. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> With that in mind, we cut to some pre-taped footage of Mark Adonis giving his thoughts on the coming match-up. Adonis puts Grave Digger over as a big dog in a tournament of big dogs, but Mark Adonis doesn’t sweat that—there’s nobody in this competition who trains as hard as Mark Adonis and his buddy Mass Hulk, and there sure as hell don’t bench the kind of weight that he does. If Grave Digger wats to match Adonis on power, he’s in for a rude awakening. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> MARK ADONIS (0 Points) vs. GRAVE DIGGER (0 Points): </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">This one’s a pretty basic hoss fight, full of strikes and big slams, quickly spilling out to the floor where Grave digger makes full use of the guard rail and the ring apron to battle his opponent. Mark Adonis gets a great moment when he press slams the big man, showing off his phenomenal strength, but Grave Digger rises and comes back with a vengeance, ultimately hitting the R.I.P piledriver to walk away with the two-points. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Grave Digger wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 5:56; RATING: D</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cut backstage, where Melanie Florence is standing by with Curtis Jenkins. She welcomes him to 21CW, and puts over his incredible match last week which, unfortunately, resulted in a loss to Bedlam. How does he feel about walking away the loser after his debut was so heavily hyped, and has it changed his game-plan going into tonight’s match with Andrew Lee?</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Curtis Jenkins is incredibly humble in loss, congratulating Bedlam on kicking the tournament off as a win and putting him over as an incredibly dangerous opponent. As for tonight…well, when he was in America, he learned about a saying they have in baseball—everyone’s going to win 54 games, and everybody’s going to lose 54 games. It’s what you do with the other 54 that counts. “Last week was one of my losses, but there’s still another six matches in this tournament and tonight I’m going to turn things around.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: D</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> CONTROL ROOM:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Back to the control room we go, and this time the Steamroller is looking forward to a very different kind of contest. Curtis Jenkins and Andrew Lee approach wrestling matches from very different directions—the Neanderthal has a physical, high-impact style that’s heavy on risk and big rewards. Meanwhile, Jenkins has been trained by one of the best technical grapplers in the world, an expert on working a body part and dismantling it in order to pick up the win. Watch for him to spend some time softening up the neck throughout the match, in preparation for the Fisherman’s Suplex he likes to use in order to put guys away. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: D+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>ANDREW LEE (2 Points) vs. CURTIS JENKINS (0 Points): </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">It’s been a tough tournament for the Chord-trained Jenkins thus far, drawing the top seeds in his block for his first two rounds. The commentary team start talking psychology in a tournament like this—how much do you find yourself carrying from fight to fight? How does a tough beginning like this impact on later matches? Jenkins puts in another strong showing here, but Andrew Lee’s unorthodox style proves too much for Jenkins to adapt to, and ultimately CJ falls prey to the Stone Age Kick. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Andrew Lee wins via pinfall; MATCH TIME: 11:07; RATING: D-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> COTROL ROOM:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Back to Colin Chalke for another match breakdown, and this time he does so while taking a closer look at first-round footage of Bedlam and Brickhouse Balder wrestling. These are two very big, strong men and Chalke expects that result will hinge on the tactics of the competitors. If Bedlam tries to throw his larger opponent around, it’s going to be short and ugly…but if he tries to keep the match going, wearing the bigger man out, his unorthodox style and deadly Mind Strangler could be enough to pick up the win. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: B-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>BEDLAM (2 Points) vs. BRICKHOUSE BALDER (2 Points):</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The real question going into this match is whether Beldam’s unorthodox offence, viciousness, and physical power would be enough to overcome the sheer strength and immovable bulk of Balder. It turns out he does—Bedlam targets the neck consistent for eight straight minutes, running the bigger man ragged, then locks in the Mind Strangler to pick up the submission victory. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Bedlam wins via submission; MATCH TIME: 8:18; RATING: D+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Melanie Florence chases down Mark Adonis as he’s leaving the arena with Mass Hulk. She puts over the fact that the pair—the Men of Steel—have only recently graduated from the National School of Wrestling, and the bulk of their competition has revolved around working as a tag-team. Given all that—and the fact that he’s now lost two first round matches, how does Adonis rate his chances in the rest of the tournament?</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Adonis takes the question in good humour, acknowledging that he’s still new to the game, even among a field of young lions like this. That doesn’t mean you can discount him—you don’t graduate the School without skills and natural gifts, and there’s no two wrestlers in their class that can match the looks, the power, and the natural tag-team chemistry of Mark Adonis and Mass Hulk. “We might not win every match, but we learn something from every loss—and we’re getting better every week. I might not come out of this tournament with runs on the scoreboard, but I’ll come out of it a better wrestler…and if that means Hulk or I have to find our way to the world championship the long way, rather than taking a short cut, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: D+</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>CONTROL ROOM:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We cross to the control centre for the final time this evening, and Steamroller Colin Chalke is incredibly excited by our main event. Your natural instinct will be to back Victor Beskov in this one—the Russian submission specialist is already a champion in 21CW and holds advantages when it comes to size, weight, reach, and natural ability. He’s a legit powerhouse—a bear of a man who has all the tools to take this tournament out and challenge for the World Championship title.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> And on paper, you can’t see Joe Simpson hanging with a man like Beskov. He’s five-foot-seven, a hundred and seventy pounds. That means he’s giving up over a foot of height and eighty pounds to the Russian heavyweight, and it takes something special to make up that shortfall against a man as good as Victor Beskov.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The question tonight becomes—does Joe Simpson have that something special? We’ve seen his orthodox style in the ring, and his ability to take a beating and fight back on heart and guts. We know how bad he wants it, and what he lacks in size and power he makes up for with speed, intense training, and some of the most impressive conditioning you’ll see among the rookies. He doesn’t have any advantages, but he’ll be there to capitalise on any mistakes Beskov might make…. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RATING: C-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> JOE SIMPSON (0 Points) vs. VICTOR BESKOV (2 Points): </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Simpson’s tactic in this one seems to be pushing the pace, forcing Beskov to chase him and use up valuable energy moving that big, muscular frame around the ring. As the Russian runs out of steam, Simpson is there to start sniping at him—charging kicks, a leaping bulldog that takes Beskov from behind, and a series of charging forearms that wears the big man down.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> It’s a moonsault press that changes the momentum of the match, with Besokv catching his opponent and slamming him into the mat, spending the next phase trying to grind Simpson down with submission holds and big slams. Joe does a phenomenal job selling the big, had-hitting offense…and times his hope spots to draw a roar from the crowd every time he gets a brief flurry of offence. Its an absolute mauling, but one that Simpson endures, constantly finding reversals or getting to the ropes to break up the submission attempts.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Eventually Beskov makes the mistake of trying to judo-throw Simpson a little too close to the ropes, and the smaller man positions himself to springboard off and catch his opponent with a rebound elbow to the face. It sets him up for a fiery comeback, but proves to be too little too late. He gets Beskov down with a series of low dropkicks, then locks in a Boston crab in the centre of the ring, but the time runs out before Simpson can draw a submission or Beskov can mount an escape. Both men score a point for this one, but it’s a result that will likely sit poorly with both. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RESULT: Time Limit draw; MATCH TIME: 15:00; RESULT: C-</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FINAL SHOW RATING: C-</strong></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46815" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>THE NEWS FROM BACKSTAGE</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> We started rehabbing some gimmicks this week, repositioning some of the established stars to make better use of them in the future. The biggest change is Kevin Jones, who is being repositioned as an Arch Competitor off the back of his failed challenge, driven by his hunger to get back in the world title picture and face the best of the best, while setting aside the lingering stigma of the comedy gimmicks that dogged his early ears. It’s been getting a very good response so far, and I suspect it will add a few miles to the tail end of the veterans career.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> On the other hand, Kelly Martin has been working a cocky young gun gimmick ever since he started in wrestling…and as the youngster ticks past thirty and moves into prominence as an established star, his “youth” is a feature we’re going to stop emphasizing. The joy of the Martin twins isn’t that they’re arrogant youngsters anymore—it’s that they’re a pair of no-good, spiteful, chickenshit heels working an old school formula.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The backstage relationships continue to evolve this week, with Edward Cornell cementing the position of Ricky Storm as a feature in his backstage clique, even if Storm isn’t receiving the same kind of one-on-one attention that his partner, Sifu, is getting from Tommy.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meanwhile, Kelly Martin has been going out partying with Kelvin Badberry after the shows of late, and the pair are proving to be thick as thieves backstage.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The rest of the locker room might not have been engaged in this much bonding, but they’re in a great mood at this week’s taping. This was largely due to commentator Steve Smith organising a whole-of-company poker tournament to help kill time during the long day’s taping. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Matravers continued the weekly trend of veterans telling me to push Sebastian Koller into a more prominent role—this week the emphasis was on the speed with which Koller’s ring work is developing, accompanying a strong suggestion that we need to get behind him. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> On the other hand, other guys were causing trouble. Curtis Jenkins—a guy who learned about respect at the feet of Rip Chord—got hauled before the wrestler’s court after leaving the backstage area strewn with dirty plates and empty pizza boxes taken from catering. Jeff Nova pulled him up on it and set him the task of scrubbing everything, and the exercise in humility seems to have done some good.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Kelvin Badberry, however, has decided that the Showcase tapings are not worth the same professionalism as the A-show. He showed up late for this week’s tapings, missing his agent meeting, and actively snorted with derision when given a warning not to do it again and stressed the importance of the opportunity showcase represented. “If you wanted me over, guv, I’d be over,” he said.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Being mentored by the former booker seems to have made him a bit of a politician. Not exactly the result I’d been hoping for. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Referee Carl Dexter has always been a bit rotund, but he’s spent the last few months hitting the gym with the boys and learning how to get in shape. He’s looking great, and seems to be moving better when calling the matches. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I spent the day after the Showcase tapings dealing with some contract works. We signed a deal with Aussie cruiserweight Jase Cole—a process that took slightly longer than usual because we’d planned on bringing him in with his wife-and-manager Simona Cox during his first run. That proved to be a sticking point, as Cole and Cox had recently finalised an acrimonious divorce and neither was particularly happy about working the same brand. A bunch of long, tiring negotiations saw Cox’s contract transformed into a training gig with Evolve…although I’d still be keen on bringing her up if the opportunity presented it. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Significantly easier was the signing of Jackie Goldstein, a young manager working a smarmy-agent gimmick that he first developed at the National School before going onto the independent scene. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Similarly, Grave Digger hit me up to increase his salary, asking for a $1430 a month increase. In truth, his popularity has rapidly increased with the launch of the National Showcase, despite being on the losing end of things. The kid is talented, possesses a great look, and is rapidly becoming a draw, so we negotiated a $1,072 a month increase that seemed to please everyone. </div></div></div></div></div></blockquote><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div>

Jaded · October 19, 2019

Just read through this entire dynasty in one go and wow, it’s fabulous! Love what you’re doing with the Cornells, Matravers and Phoebe in particular, but you’ve developed so many interesting characters in the show so far.

neslo024 · October 20, 2019

Sorry for your losses. It is good to have you back on the boards as this was a very enjoyable diary. Another great couple of shows. Looking forward to more.

arwink · October 20, 2019

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">THE PLUMRIDGE PROBLEM</span></span></strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vPRx1u5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vPRx1u5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Pit Bull Brown did a lot of things right as a booker, but I never truly understood why left Matravers and Plumridge as a working on-air unit. Sure, they’re a married couple and disgustingly sweet together backstage, but that relationship chemistry always feels stilted and awkward the moment they’re working together on air. Plumridge doesn’t sell her husband’s bumps particularly well and doesn’t convey a sense of hope when he’s making a comeback. </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

So a very real connection ends up feeling fake.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Getting her the hell away from Adam’s matches was my first order of business as booker, and it segued nicely into our desire to get over both Beast Bantom and the nasty streak in Edward’s Cornell’s character. It had an immediate effect on Matravers promos and in-ring work, and the fans liked them apart. There’s no question of putting them back together as the angle plays out—their partnership is best left behind the scenes.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

All of this is great for Adam. It’s not so great for Phoebe, whose now off camera for a long stretch. It also </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>raises </em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">an important question: what we should do with Phoebe after the angle blows off.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

She might be a poor fit with her husband, but she’s still got chops as a ringside manager and a reputation we can definitely use. And I’m not the only one who knows it.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

We’re setting up for the Showcase taping when she drops into the seat beside me at the production desk, dressed down in a tracksuit and hoodie, the lack of make-up making it even harder to place her if you’ve only ever seen Phoebe on-screen. No point blowing the angle, even if it’s impossible to keep her home with Matravers is competing. She wants to be here, monitoring things. Making sure she’s got the details first-hand, if she needs to cut a promo down the line.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So,” she says, grinning, “whose turning heel?”</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

It’s a standard wrestling question. You separate a team that’s been working together for a while—even one that isn’t great, like Matravers and Plumridge, and wrestling logic says you turn one heel and the pair of them feud. For a manager like Plumridge, that usually means bringing aboard a new client and getting them over… evidently a challenge she’s looking forward to.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

And it should be an easy question to answer, but there’s nothing easy about this gig. “Still thinking it through,” I said. “Weighing up the options. Turning Adam’s not a good choice—he’s the highest profile Face we’ve got, and we’re overloaded with heels at the top.”</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“So it’s me then,” she says, and to her credit she almost holds back the excitement in her voice. Phoebe Plumridge has seventeen years in the business, and she spent most of them working on the clean side of the ring. Not an easy thing for a valet or manager, but it’s where her strengths lie and she knows it.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

And like most career faces who excel at the role, there’s a part of her that’s hungry to prove she can take the antagonist’s job. Set herself up as a nemesis, get talent over as her minions.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

For a moment, I’m almost tempted to give her a chance.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

“Maybe,” I said, “but I’d prefer to be daring and mix things up, given your history. I’ve got some ideas, but I want your suggestions. Assuming we keep your face, how would you like to play things? Especially if we needed to keep you apart for a good stretch?”</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The question catches her off-guard. Lots of guys get into the habit of pitching ideas to a booker, and there’s more than a few managers who do the same. Plumridge has never done that. She’s too humble, too conservative. Too used to fitting into the role other people expect of her, and too focused on watching over Adam Matravers’ career at the expense of her own.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

But as she thinks it through, I can see the ideas sparking. The slow smile as she figures out paths she might want to take. Eventually, she nods. “Okay, if it was me…”</div></div></div></div>

arwink · October 21, 2019

THE BOOKER TURNS THE SPOTLIGHT ON…

LUKE COOL

AGE:

30 (12 Year Pro);

BUILD:

Middleweight;

STYLE:

Regular Wrestler;

NATIONALITY:

English (White);

CURRENT GIMMICK:

Prima Donna (Above Average)

FINISHERS:

Cool Cutter (Reverse Snap Inverted DDT);

SIGNATURE MOVES & SPOTS:

Avalanche Scoop Slam; Spinning Spinebuster; Jumping Sleeper Slam, Top of the Pops (Jumping Crescent Kick), Slingshot Corckscrew Plancha,

THEME SONG:

Sail

, AWOL Nation

NOTES:

Three Time 21st Century United Kingdom Champion (June 2008 – February 2009; July 2010—February 2011; June 2013—February 2014); Two Time 21st Century Tag-Team Champion (December 2008—February 2009, with Phillip Cooper; June 2009—November 2009, with Rolling Johnny Stones); Ranked #266 in the 2015 Power 500

Hailing from Nottingham, England, Luke Cool debuted in 2004 and spent the first few years of his career as a clean-cut babyface heartthrob the company marketed towards an audience. Like most young pretty-boys, his gimmick rubbed the predominantly male fanbase 21st Century Wrestling drew the wrong way, and he turned heel on the back of their growing irritation with his success. It’s a change that pushed him into the midcard…and seemingly stalled him there.

He’s picked up titles along the way, earned himself a constant presence on 21CW cards, but after eight years Luke Cool is still looking for that thing that will truly make him stand out and earn a push to the upper reaches of the card. Like 21CW itself, Cool is a man plagued by the label of good-but-not-great. He’s good looking and well-conditioned, but doesn’t couple it with a physique that looks that great in a world of sculpted self-publishers. He’s got some technical chops, but they’re not a strength and there are plenty of crisper, smoother grapplers. He can fly, but he’s not the kind of guy who wows you with his top rope moves, preferring to keep his moveset focused on the handful of things he knows how to land perfectly. He can brawl, but there’s always someone bigger, stronger, and better positioned to throw guys around. He’s can cheat, but he’s on a roster with guys like the Martin twins and Edward Cornell, both of whom show a passion for fighting dirty that few can match.

To talk about the reasons Luke Cool hasn’t been pushed harder is invariably an act of creating a list of areas where he’s outclassed, but its also a list of attributes that add up to a highly competent wrestler whose place on the card is maintained by an innate ability to get heat through attitude alone.

And all he really needs is that one breakout detail—that one win, that one move, that one moment that puts him on the map and breaks him away from the pack. That makes people believe that he’s a potential threat to the best-of-the-best.

IN THE RING:

Luke Cool may not excel at anything, but his strength lies in being able to adapt to the style and pace of any opponent. He embraces that versatility and uses it to frustrate, thwarting the best an opponent has and targeting their weaknesses. It works exceptionally well against opponents that have only a few strings in their bow, but means that he frequently struggles against opponents who have the experience to switch up their own styles in return.

His favourite tactic, however, invariably revolves around a tight targeting of back, and he’s survived being a small man in a federation full of giants by using his own bodyweight as a tool. Nearly all his significant moves involve grabbing an opponent and leaving his feet, letting gravity do the job of pulling bigger man down and delivering staggering impacts to the rare smaller opponent. Over the years he’s grown particularly adept at closing the distance when an opponent goes to the second rope, charging in to lay them out with a snap scoop slam that drops them to the canvas.

Ultimately, though, his favourite weapon is the Cool Cutter, and his greatest weakness lies in his reliance on a single finisher. The move is devastatingly effective against an opponent has been worn down, but it’s easily scouted and easily reversed…and the reliance on it has cost Cool more than one title.

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