Rhode Island Pro Wrestling: Tomorrow's Stars... Tonight!

20LEgend · May 5, 2020

Just wanted to jump in and say you have a great diary going here. I´m unfamiliar with pretty much everyone in this roster so will be interesting to learn about them and what I can expect from them if I ever get a chance to book some of them myself.

Yeah, I'm hoping that at least a couple of them become the Spencer Spades and Lenny Browns of TEW 2020, and then I can look back and remember booking them before I realised the potential they had. I'm not sure there's anybody on that level, but seeing some of them in SWF in the coming years will be rewarding.

Really enjoying this diary so far, it's fun to see so many new characters.

I've never paid attention to RIPW, but it feels like a completely fresh group which I like. Other than Hellion, I'm not familiar with any of them really.

This is AWESOME. I think I’ve found my diary of choice so far.

Thank you

I loved that last segment. I'm always a sucker for getting the roster on the stage moments but that was just executed really well, nice to see that storyline come to a great close (or at least partial close? I suppose it depends on like you say if Hellion really was the attacker, I'd guess no though).

Either way though it's a great way to set up that title match. It's impressive that despite it not being a lengthy read you're getting everything that needs to be in.

I think used sparingly, it can be a really impactful type of angle and can help make it clear that "this is important". I was unsure if the match would feel rushed, but building Hellion up throughout the month before Forrest's return helped I think.

This is a great way for me to get acquainted with the RIPW roster. I can sense some early NXT vibes with this, lovin it.

NXT is basically my reference point for developmental companies (probably most people's too), and I hope that like NXT we can get some good signing in to raise the bar in the company. Everybody is a blank slate though, which I like. Hopefully I can build some interesting characters as a result of that.

Great diary so far. I am loving the characters.

I'm enjoying Curt Merrit at the minute, as he's performing much better than I expected. Funnily enough he's one of few people on the roster not actually under an SWF deal.

I really like that hook because as an outcome it's intriguing.

Well, was it him... because honestly it may or may not be!

Good way to close out the investigation arc; with unanswered questions!

Yeah, Hellion was always going to be the one involved in that segment, but I was undecided whether he'd be behind the attack. I've now decided, and we'll find out in the coming weeks

I finally sat down and read up on your shows, and man they are awesome! I love what you are doing with the different guys. Really interesting stuff and I look forward to continuing to follow!

Thank you, really keen to see how this roster develops. I think RIPW are a great option for a long term game, and I hope to look back on this thread and see all the future stars who have passed through the ranks!

20LEgend · May 5, 2020

Friday, February Week 2, 2020 - Rivalry

Friday, February Week 2, 2020 - Rivalry!

Concerning noises coming out of the SWF this week, as several departments were asked to downsize as a result of a downturn in business. This shouldn’t affect us down here too much, but it’s unlikely that Jerry and Eric will be splashing the cash any time soon. While the company is in a transitional period, and set backs are to be expected, USPW’s continued dominance makes our role down here even more important. These kids are the future of the SWF, and The Eisen brothers can’t afford for this next generation not to be a good one. Rivalry will be a big test of how far we have come, and I have high hopes for a couple of the bigger matches on the card.

Match #1: All Night Party bt. The Rhode Island Scholars in a rematch which ended in the same way. Marty Simmons pinned Curt Meritt following a Crazy Driver in 7:53. Rating: 22

Segment #1: All Night Part celebrated with the fans, looking to increase their excitement for the rest of the show. Rating: 14

Booker’s Note: This match got the show off to a strong start, and furthered the comeuppance of The Rhode Island Scholars. We wanted to get the crowd as hot as we could to set the tone for the show, and this match did the job in that respect.<hr color=black>

Segment #2: As Texan Justice joined Hank Whitman at ringside before the match, the referee sent them to the back. He had received orders from management that due to actions in the build up to the match, Hoss Hadley & Samson Sharpe would be barred from ringside. The two men didn’t react well to this news. Southern Comfort have routinely outnumbered their opponents recently, but Hank and Marvin would now be a straight one on one match. Rating: 22

Booker’s Note: There are going to be ups and downs for the fans during this show, and this segment was another designed to get them in high spirits. The segment also gave the chance for Hoss & Samson to give their reaction to being kicked out, but they didn’t do too well.<hr color=black>

Match #2: Hank Whitman bt. Whole Lotta Marvin in 9:49, after kicking Marvin in the nuts while the referee was distracted and rolling him up. Rating: 23

Booker’s Note: Marvin was much improved on his recent performances, and both men held their own in what turned out to be a decent match. The tainted victory leaves things open, and given what they produced, I see no reason we won’t do a rematch between the two in the future.<hr color=black>

Segment #3: Forrest Ratzloff cut a promo on his return, talking about how great it was to be able to defend his title tonight. That said, he was fully aware of how dangerous his opponent is. After all, he beat Hellion to become the Champion back in October. Ratzloff said he doesn’t know if Hellion was the one who attacked him, but tonight he has to fight like he was! Rating: 36

Booker’s Note: Forrest cut a good promo to promote the Main Event, and improved well throughout. We kept open the possibility that Hellion wasn’t behind the attack on Ratzloff, as that story will continue to develop over the next weeks. <hr color=black>

Match #3: The Wrecking Balls bt. Zap Powerson & Zeke Cromstock in 9:59 when Zeke was pinned by Clubber.

During the match, Son of Vengeance took Zap Powerson down behind the referee’s back, and Zap wasn’t the same after the involvement. Rating: 16

Segment #4: Zap Powerson was left in the ring after the match, and didn’t leave as he reflected on a disappointing defeat. As she did last month, Lisa Bowen offered a shoulder to lean on. Rating: 21

Booker’s Note: Despite not being their biggest fans, The Wrecking Balls needed a win to remain a threat, and this thrown together team seemed ideal for that. We kept Zap strong with S.O.V’s involvement, but this wasn’t a great match for anybody involved. Zap and Zeke looked terrible as a team, and probably won’t be put together again any time soon. The post-match focussed on Zap Powerson, as of the four men involved, he’s the one we’re most invested in.<hr color=black>

Match #4: Wilie LaRoux bt. Bryan Jewett © in 9:51 with a Reverse DDT. Jewett looked in control of the match, until The Magic Boys came out.

Kingsley Christopher distracted the referee, allowing Newquay Brown to take Jewett down. With three on one odds, and no help from the back, Bryan Jewett stood no chance. Willie LaRoux in the new RIPW USA Champion! Rating: 23

Segment #5: Infamous celebrated on the ramp together, with Willie LaRoux and The Magic Party all holding Championship Gold. Kingley & Newquay couldn’t celebrate too much however, as they had a match with The Sunshine Connection coming up. Rating: 12

Booker’s Note: We took the title off Bryan Jewett as plans have changed with him going forward. He will move into a different storyline following his defeat to LaRoux, who gets a big win in what turned out to be an okay match. Bryan was of course kept strong despite losing the title, and has big things in his future.<hr color=black>

Match #5: Warwick Good bt. Deever Arnold in 13:46 with a Face First Suplex. Rating: 32

Booker’s Note: Deever Arnold put in the best performance of the night so far, but is almost a victim of his reliability. Warwick was given the win tonight to hopefully give him a boost in the eyes of the fans, and further establish him as a top heel in the company. Coming off a loss to the RIPW Champion last month, we felt Good needed the win. Arnold will of course come back from this, and left nothing in the ring with an impressive showing.<hr color=black>

Match #6: Zharnel Zephaniah bt. Roderick Flack in 2:25, after taking him out with a Guillotine Choke. Rating: 9

Booker’s Note: This match was just a case of getting the only two unbooked guys on the card, and gave a short break between two of the bigger matches on the night. Roderick Flack’s time will come, but he was used as a sacrificial lamb to Zharnel in this. A poor match, that the crowd didn’t care for in the slightest. The less said about this, the better.<hr color=black>

Segment #6: Both frustrated by their defeats, there was an incident in the back between Bryan Jewett and Zap Powerson. While nothing came of it physically, it was clear the two men’s relationship has become strained. Angered by something Zap said, Bryan remarked that a bit of help earlier wouldn’t have gone a miss. Rating: 34

Booker’s Note: Bryan Jewett struggled a little bit in this segment, with Zap Powerson surprisingly outperforming him as the two went back and forth. Lisa Bowen has been a great influence on Zap, and he is looking better by the week when it comes to talking on-camera.<hr color=black>

Match #7: The Sunshine Connection bt. The Magic Boys © in 12:09, when Rocky Weatherfield pinned Kingsley Christopher following an Implant DDT. The Sunshine Connection are the new RIPW Tag Team Champions!

During the match, the commentators confirmed that actions earlier had resulted in Son of Vengeance and Willie LaRoux being barred from ringside. Rating: 23

Segment #7: The new Tag Team Champions celebrated in the ring. Despite a difficult couple of weeks, the two men have got their reward for working hard and picking up wins in the tag team division, and stood tall with the titles in the air. Rating: 14

Booker’s Note: After a few big heel wins tonight, we wanted to give fans some green shoots of hope before the Main Event, and The Sunshine Connection have impressed enough to deserve a run with the titles. Rocky once again stood out as a good performer, while Lucinda Lush did a good job at ringside. The match definitely brought the crowd back up after the previous one, and did its job ahead of the RIPW Championship match. A big title change is always good to pop a crowd, and these two are increasingly popular figures with the fans<hr color=black>Segment #8: A recap package told the story of the “Who Attacked Forrest Ratzloff?” angle, and showed footage from Monday’s show where Hellion took down the returning RIPW Champion. Rating: 23<hr color=black>

The Main Event: Forrest Ratzloff © bt. Hellion in 9:41, hitting a huge Lariat, after Hellion had driven himself head first into the steel ringpost. Forrest Ratzloff retains the RIPW Championship. Rating: 33

Segment #8: Forrest Ratzloff celebrated a successful return to the ring, while the commentators put over a huge victory for the RIPW Champion. He’d taken down the “seemingly unstoppable” American Hellspawn! Rating: 18

Booker’s Note: While we were convinced this was the right match to go with for the RIPW Championship, the decision on who would win was more difficult than anticipated. In my mind, this build had led to Hellion taking the title, allowing us to build a new top babyface to eventually overthrow him. However, with the recency of Hellion’s previous run, and Forrest only being a couple of months into his reign, Mean Jean was right in pushing for Forrest to retain. The booking slightly protects Hellion, as he was the architect of his own downfall, but is a huge victory for Ratzloff. He beats Hellion again, and establishes himself in his return match as the face of the company.

This was a little shorter than I’d like our main event matches to be, but given the personnel involved, we had to keep it short and sweet. Nonetheless, the two men worked really well together, and we got a strong main event to a very solid show.<hr color=black>

Overall Rating: 32Attendance: 170 (+2)

The show increased our popularity in Rhode Island

<hr color=black>Final Thoughts: Another decent show that featured two or three impressive performances. Some good signs and some worrying, but two big title changes set things in motion for the coming weeks. This will give us a shot in the arm, and with Forrest Ratzloff back and fully fit, we’ll continue to build on a good couple of months for RIPW. Surprisingly, there still hasn’t been any word from Jerry or Eric regarding any call ups, with SWF seemingly playing it safe at the beginning of 2020.

tryker2710 · May 5, 2020

Very good show there! Unfortunately booked yourself into the corner giving Hellion the title match in the middle (At the end of now) his winning streak and I'm interested to see what you do with him now considering he just lost the big one.

20LEgend · May 7, 2020

Monday, February Week 3, 2020 - Episode #7 of “Tomorrow’s Stars… Tonight!” <div style="text-align:center;">Monday, February Week 3, 2020 - Episode #7 of “Tomorrow’s Stars… Tonight!” <img alt="PG2sl1n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PG2sl1n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="DyCQ9x9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DyCQ9x9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Coming off the back of “Rivalry”, tonight is an important show as we set out with a clean slate following the big event. We have two new Champions in the company, and one half of the Team Team Champions (Drew Danson) brought beer for the whole roster to celebrate. This definitely helped the mood backstage, and seems to be the one thing everybody down here can agree upon.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TV0a2KI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TV0a2KI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hHdz3ix.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hHdz3ix.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bIOjwoP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bIOjwoP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XK0dqUw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XK0dqUw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eo7qyc2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eo7qyc2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g6I7wQ9.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g6I7wQ9.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Segment #1: Forrest Ratzloff cut a promo to open the show, putting over his victory over the “unstoppable” Hellion at Rivalry. He admitted that Hellion had been his own worst enemy on Friday, but all that mattered to him was leaving with the title. Forrest was cut off by Infamous, who ran down the Champion for being absent for the last month. Willie LaRoux put over that he was the true Champion of RIPW, having won the USA title at Rivalry. This whole interaction led to a match being made, Forrest Ratzloff and three hand-picked partners, against all four members of Infamous. Rating: 40 Segment #2: After that match was made, a video package aired showing footage from Forrest Ratzloff’s victory over Hellion at Rivalry. Hellion drove himself head first into the ring post, a mistake which ultimately cost him the match. Rating: 18 Booker’s Note: The promo from Forrest got the show off to a good start, and it was good to see the Champion excel in an SWF style “modern opening” segment. This is exactly the type of Main Event set up you could expect to see on an episode of “Supreme TV”, so it’s important the guys have experience in this environment. We made sure to protect Hellion when discussing Ratzloff’s win, and his own mistakes and weaknesses allow us the chance to develop his character further, hopefully without hurting his perception as a huge threat to anybody he comes across.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TBC5hLk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TBC5hLk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="n1XP8Pv.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n1XP8Pv.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uRqN83Y.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uRqN83Y.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Match #1: Hellion bt. Whole Lotta Marvin in 7:48 via pinfall with a Devolution Bomb. Rating: 23 Segment #3: Hellion looked disturbed following the match, and paced around the ring unsure whether to continue the beatdown on Whole Lotta Marvin. He then left the ring, but circled all the way around the ringside area, before leaving up the ramp. The commentators were unsure what Hellion was up to, but were worried about the mindstate of such a dangerous figure. Rating: 15 Booker’s Note: Whole Lotta Marvin lasting almost 8 minutes is a credit to how we see him, and the idea was that he did a good job in evading the offence of Hellion, but was soundly beaten. His inconsistency was once again clear in this match, and his charisma is covering up serious deficiencies in his work. This has become a serious concern, and for the early steps he took forward, it feels like Marvin is back to square one. Hellion’s booking is a bit of a rehabilitation job after the defeat to Forrest Ratzloff, but hopefully we can find some more depth to his character this way. He is currently being presented as having some vulnerability at this time, while remaining a serious threat in ring.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hHdz3ix.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hHdz3ix.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wi5mljF.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wi5mljF.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="If3ZlQs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/If3ZlQs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aqjwXVk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aqjwXVk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Mrz3mwl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Mrz3mwl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Segment #4: Forrest Ratzloff is shown with his team for tonight’s Main Event. Despite Bryan and Zap’s incident at Rivalry, they all seem to be on the same page ahead of this one. Forrest told the guys that he didn’t even have to think about this one, these three were his only choices to face Infamous in the Main Event. Rating: 28 Booker’s Note: Little to say on this, it simply continues to build to the night’s Main Event, and establishes the “clean cut” faces all being on the same page going into that match. The segment also poured a bit of cold water on the issues that appeared to be developing between Bryan Jewett and Zap Powerson.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7NihGnb.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7NihGnb.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Pok62tJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Pok62tJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mfkmtbH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mfkmtbH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="n1XP8Pv.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n1XP8Pv.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="YbChInb.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YbChInb.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jZcv3vK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jZcv3vK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Fa9HLDx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Fa9HLDx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Match #2: Southern Comfort bt. Zeke Cromstock & The Sunshine Connection in 12:01, when Zeke was pinned by Hank Whitman following a Swinging Neckbreaker. Rating: 22 Booker’s Note: While The Sunshine Connection losing isn’t ideal, Southern Comfort really needed a win to turn their recent fortunes around. The idea of the booking was The Sunshine Connection and Texan Justice neutralising each other, and Hank Whitman besting Zeke Cromstock. <hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hHdz3ix.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hHdz3ix.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wAZo14z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wAZo14z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Segment #5: Warwick Good approached Forrest Ratzloff in the back, as the RIPW Champion prepared for the Main Event alone. Good said that Forrest might be focussed on tonight’s Main Event, but he needs to keep an eye on his inner circle. Good said that one of Ratzloff’s buddies isn’t to be trusted, before he headed out of the locker room to leave the Champion to mull things over. Rating: 22 Booker’s Note: Keeping the Forrest Ratzloff attack angle going, we used an untrustworthy source in Warwick Good to plant doubts in the mind of Ratzloff before the main event. Whether he actually has information, or is just stirring the pot wasn’t made clear, but with this storyline proving popular, we have decided to get as much out of it as possible. This was a rare miss from both men, as they didn’t play off each other well at all.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uBokuV0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uBokuV0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="d1kRub2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/d1kRub2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WJQY7BO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WJQY7BO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cAEhUiV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cAEhUiV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Segment #6: Footage from “earlier this week”, showed a confrontation between All Night Party and The Wrecking Balls. They were in the training center, where things got heated after words between the two sides. The commentators confirmed that they will square off on next week’s show. Rating: 18 Booker’s Note: Neither team were on the show, so this segment simply set up a match next week. Again, the guys didn’t do well without a script to follow, and after giving lots of the guys the chance to have a bit of freedom when talking, it’s clear we’re asking too much, too soon. In future, we will need to script promos more tightly, until the boys are confident and experienced enough to throw their own stuff in there.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hHdz3ix.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hHdz3ix.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wi5mljF.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wi5mljF.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="If3ZlQs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/If3ZlQs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aqjwXVk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aqjwXVk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="n1XP8Pv.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n1XP8Pv.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bIOjwoP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bIOjwoP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XK0dqUw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XK0dqUw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eo7qyc2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eo7qyc2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g6I7wQ9.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g6I7wQ9.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Main Event: Bryan Jewett, Deever Arnold, Forrest Ratzloff & Zap Powerson bt. Infamous in 10:11, when Deever Arnold pinned the USA Champion Willie LaRoux following a Cannonball Senton. Rating: 27 <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Mrz3mwl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Mrz3mwl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Segment #7: After the match, Lisa Bowen entered the ring, and was unhappy that when given the chance to tag in Deever Arnold or Zap Powerson, Bryan Jewett chose Deever. While the decision ultimately led to them winning the match, Lisa was still unhappy with the choice he made. She led Zap Powerson away, putting a dampener on things, as Bryan Jewett, Deever Arnold and Forrest Ratzloff stood tall in the ring. Rating: 18 Booker’s Note: The show would have ended with a happy conclusion, but Lisa causing friction continues to be useful, as we look for the one thing that will make Zap Powerson click. I feel he has everything needed to succeed in the business, but that spark is missing so far. Part of what we’re doing with Zap is very week to week, trying things and hopefully making some headway with his character development. Deever gets a good win after defeat at Rivalry, and perhaps put himself in line for a RIPW USA title shot against Willie LaRoux. The match itself disappointed, and we expected better from a fairly star-studded main event. Nobody really stood out, given the limited time all 8 men had in the ring.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;">Overall Rating: 29Attendance: 151 (-19) The show neither increased nor decreased our popularity in Rhode Island</div> <hr color=black>Final Thoughts: This wasn’t a good way to come off the Rivalry event, and things didn’t quite play out as we’d hoped. The opening promo aside, none of the angles landed as we intended them to, and it’s something we need to think about. Strictly scripting promos seems to be the best way forward, and while we want the boys to be ready for anything, it is probably what they can expect, when they get up to the SWF anyway. Despite my feelings that a few of our guys are ready to take the next step, if Jerry and Eric watched tonight’s show, they’d be in no rush to internally promote any of these guys. It goes without saying, but there is a hell of a lot of work ahead!<hr color=black><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="tryker2710" data-cite="tryker2710" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47989" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Very good show there! Unfortunately booked yourself into the corner giving Hellion the title match in the middle (At the end of now) his winning streak and I'm interested to see what you do with him now considering he just lost the big one.</div></blockquote> Thank you, in my mind he was taking the title, then I realised how recently he had it. Hopefully I can make a positive from having to add more depth to his character, but we'll have to see. I'm almost hoping he gets a call up soon, as much as I'm enjoying booking him. Yet to have anyone taken yet though, so maybe it's around the corner <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

20LEgend · May 13, 2020

Monday, February Week 4, 2020 - Episode #8 of “Tomorrow’s Stars… Tonight!”

Monday, February Week 4, 2020 - Episode #8 of “Tomorrow’s Stars… Tonight!”

Having shown a little concern about the issue in recent weeks, Forrest Ratzloff officially signed a two year extension to his SWF development contract this week, and will remain down here in Rhode Island for the time being. This is great news for our Champion, only topped by the roster’s delight when Lucinda Lush brought her new puppy in to show everyone. I’m not sure this would have gone down quite as well with Christian Faith and Skull DeBones back in our day. That said, Jack Bruce would have probably taken it home with him. Times change, and of course, even stubborn old timers like myself must move with them.<hr color=black>

Segment #1: Having made their entrances for the opening match, Bryan Jewett and Zap Powerson appeared to be having issues before the bell had even rung. With the referee struggling to control them, RIPW Champion Forrest Ratzloff intervened. He told both men to calm down, and to settle it in the ring. Lisa Bowen didn’t appreciate Forrest’s input. Rating: 43

Booker’s Note: This storyline continues to develop, and we further wanted to push Forrest Ratzloff as a figurehead of the roster and a leader of the locker room. His decision to step in on behalf of the struggling referee reflects this, and shows the respect Bryan and Zap have for him. Similarly, we hope that by establishing Forrest in this role, we maximise the potential heat on whoever it was who took him out. Forrest did a great job putting this over, and is one of the few people we wholly trust to put his own spin on things.<hr color=black>

Match #1: Bryan Jewett bt. Zap Powerson in 9:19 with a Fisherman’s Suplex. While the match was heated, it was contested in a completely fair manner. Rating: 18

Segment #2: Despite their apparent personal issues, Bryan and Zap shook hands after the match. Powerson was initially reluctant, but did accept the gesture after looking to Bowen on the outside for guidance. Rating: 13

Booker’s Note: Lisa did some good work at ringside, and helped mask the fact that the action wasn’t great. Thankfully, the crowd were pretty into the match, and they seem to like both of these guys. The face vs. face dynamic was a little bit different, but the post-match segment cleared up any animosity between the two. For now.<hr color=black>

Segment #3: Heading to the back, after the announcers hear of an “incident”, we see Deever Arnold found out cold. Whether this is the same attacker as the one that got Forrest Ratzloff is unclear, but interestingly Deever’s heated rival Warwick Good is first on the scene. Good feigns concern for Arnold, and half-heartedly called for medical assistance. Rating: 27

Booker’s Note: Having crossed most of our storylines with this major Ratzloff attack angle (to varying degrees), there is an intentional attempt to create confusion with the storyline, although hopefully not too much that it is difficult to follow. Various open ended questions have been asked (such as “was Hellion actually the guy who attacked Ratzloff?”) during the storyline, and this is another one. By the end, a large portion of the roster will be considered “suspects”, and this will hopefully engage fans before the eventual reveal.<hr color=black>

Match #2: All Night Party bt. The Wrecking Balls in 7:52 when Simmons pinned Crusher following a Crazy Driver. Rating: 23

Segment #4: All Night Party celebrated in their unique way, getting the fans involved as much as they could, as they went all around the ringside area. Rating: 15

Booker’s Note: Four decent performances in this one, and pretty much as you’d expect from the workers involved. Stevie and Clubber had a couple of missteps here and there, but not too much to hurt the match. The crowd got into this more as it went on, and were happy with the victory for All Night Party.<hr color=black>

Match #3: Rocky Weatherfield bt. Barron Royal in 7:17 following an Implant DDT. Rating: 24

Booker’s Note: As usual, Rocky delivered here and Drew Danson was good at ringside offering support to his partner. The match was decent, but really happened to set up the post-match angle.

Segment #5: As Drew Danson joined Rocky in the ring to celebrate, Southern Comfort came down to the ring, and laid them out. The RIPW Tag Team Champions were left down in the ring, outnumbered by a group who clearly have their eyes on the titles currently held by The Sunshine Connection. Rating: 21

Booker’s Note: Southern Comfort and particularly Hoss & Samson, haven’t been booked particularly strongly in the first two months of the year, but recent weeks have looked to change that. A win last week, in a six man tag involving Drew & Rocky, followed by this dominant attack hopefully gets them back towards where they need to be. The trio will always be a threat with their numbers advantage over much of the roster, but there’s still work ahead in terms of presenting them as a reasonable threat to the Champions.<hr color=black>

Segment #6: The commentators send to the back, and having seen Deever Arnold laid out earlier in the night, we now see that Bryan Jewett has been attacked too! While nobody saw who took him down, Bryan is being checked on by the backstage Doctor. Rating: 15

Booker’s Note: Making it clear that the “attacks” are now an on-going issue, this segment slightly leans into the theory of Zap Powerson being involved, despite the two men seemingly making up earlier. It also confirms a clear pattern to the assaults, with the company’s top babyfaces all being targeted.<hr color=black>

The Main Event: Deever Arnold bt. Willie LaRoux in 10:30 by DQ as a result of Son of Vengeance getting involved in the match. Therefore, Willie LaRoux is still the RIPW USA Champion.

The Magic Boys had also come out to cause a distraction, but when the plan crumbled, Willie ordered the easiest route to retaining his title, an intentional DQ! Rating: 32

Segment #7: After the match, as the commentators put over a terrible night for Deever Arnold, Infamous headed to the back having got the job done. Forrest Ratzloff came down to check on his friend, and had some words for Willie & co. as they crossed paths on the ramp. Rating: 17

Booker’s Note: This was a really good match from two of the strongest performers on our roster. They worked really well together, and this programme between the two definitely has legs as a result. The disqualification allows us to extend the rivalry, while hopefully putting some heat on the weasley Willie LaRoux.

Forrest’s appearance at the end of the show, once again puts over his unique position on the roster, and shows him to be a “true Champion” who is interested in more than just his own career. This is a direction we will continue to take with Forrest Ratzloff, despite it not necessarily being one he can take to the big leagues with him.<hr color=black>

Overall Rating: 31Attendance: 64 (-87)

The show increased our popularity in Rhode Island

<hr color=black>Final Thoughts: Despite a severe drop off in attendance for this show, we were happy with how it came out overall. The main event particularly stood out as one of the better matches we’ve seen since I came down to Rhode Island. Storylines are finding their feet, and Ratzloff is doing well in his role at the top of the card. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to be positive, at the end of my second month as a part of the RIPW development system.

MisterRomanini · May 13, 2020

Oh yeah, the Whodunit story and the Zap + Lisa dynamic got me hooked. Can't wait to see how this develops.

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