A Global Uprising? [Effganic]

DinoKea · January 3, 2021

Back to being able to make full Predictions which is awesome. Honestly I'm surprised Reijiro waited so long to retire. Raiden & Poseidon are probably my two favourite top guys, which is awesome alongside the evolution of King Kong Grady.

Predictions

Preshow: Tommy Carleton def. Richard Auston

Nearly TV time for Tommy, while Rich never managed to take off like Jimmy & Tommy.

Preshow: Heavenly Bodies def. Tallman & Waldron

Heavenly Bodies are one of your established teams, while Tallman and Waldron are currently just local rookies.

Preshow: King Kong Grady def. Mo Ponder

Mo is on my list of guys who I'm unlikely to pick to win. Tied with Nehemiah and just above Jacoby Disney

Preshow: Derby & Mitchell def. Slay & St. Croix

Idk, but last time St. Croix's team got the win so going for the opposite this time.

Black Hat Rodeo def. The Hillbillies

Hillbillies are pretty much your lowest ranked tag team. Black Hats meanwhile are ex-champions.

Madalene DeGeorge def. Laurette Lorio

DeGeorge needs win to show why she's getting a title shot.

Durant & Brownfield def. Sunset Army

Sunset Army have never really taken off while Brownfield and even more so Durant are starting to take off a bit

??? def. Reijiro Kandori

With Kandori heading towards retirement, I can'tsee him getting many wins, bot that he really was anyways

Jack Raiden def. Mean Machine

Mean Machine is the lowest ranked of the Riptide and while I like him, I can't see him getting a win over Jack.

The Mechanics def. Black Hat Rodeo (Whitlock & Bragg)

Pretty 50/50 honestly, but I think Mechanics edge it, if for no other reason than building up Bragg's take over od the Rodeo

Zergon · January 3, 2021

(P) Tommy Carleton vs Richard Auston

Tommy continues to get some momentum in the pre-shows

(P) Heavenly Bodies vs Tallman and Waldron

Bodies are higher on the pecking order.

(P) King Kong Grady vs Mo Ponder

Grady seems to be getting a push despite his earlier failure as part of Man Mountains. Not sure where this will lead but surely he ain´t losing to Ponder here.

(P) St. Croix and Slay vs Derby and Mitchell

Derby is the biggest name here and since Slay had her shot already, I´m picking Derby this time.

Black Hat Rodeo vs Hillbillies

There ain´t that many tag teams I could see going over Rodeo and Hillbillies certainly ain´t one of them.

Madalene DeGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

Starting to build up champs next challenger not that DeGeorge needs that on a same way Slay did as DeGeorge is already one of the top three womens in your division.

Sunset Army vs Durant and Brownfield

Sunset Army lost in pre-show to Danger Boys and then were steamrolled by Wolf in the main show so hard to see them being able to beat someone like Durant who have been getting pretty big push lately.

Reijiro Kandori vs ???

Assuming this is new signing. With Kandori retiring he´s not going to go over here but he´s still big enough name that I assume this new guy will be decently big name as well.

Mean Machine vs Jack Raiden

Machine is the least important member of Riptide so I don´t see him beating Raiden.

Black Hat Rodeo (Whitlock and Bragg) vs The Mechanics

Normally I would go with Rodeo here but it looks like Whitlock´s time in the group are running short so I assume this is one of those matches that eventually lead him being kicked out and Bragg taking the lead.

jokerdesilva · January 5, 2021

May 7th, 1986

Milford Ice Pavilion, crowd of 952

In fantastic news, I spoke to Havoc TV, who air GCW Combat Television, and they were willing to extend us to an hour and a half, which would come in very much handy with our steadily growing roster.

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Pre-Show – Tommy Carleton vs Richard Auston

A nice return to the show for Richard Auston, who is one of our more tenured guys but one I just really can’t think of anything to do with. The Carletons, Danger Boys, Jimmy Gs, and the like of the roster started off on a skid, but are young enough to develop into something better. Richard Auston is in his 30s and just not great. Good job guy, though, and he put Texas Tommy over with a lariat in 7:43. (32)

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Pre-Show – Heavenly Bodies vs Tallman and Waldron

Tallman and Waldron have at least had a couple safe matches, so hopefully the injury was just a bad move and we can progress from here. They looked a little better, while the Heavenly Bodies are still nice, just not catching fire. Jupiter got the win with a Sidewalk Slam in 7:27 to win. (26)

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Pre-Show – King Kong Grady vs Mo Ponder

Well, the Man Mountains push saw zero development for Grady, but he seems to be picking up a little in his new gimmick. It’s still not great, but it might be worth something. He hit the stalling suplex in 8:21 to win. (26)

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Pre-Show – St. Croix and Slay vs Derby and Mitchell

Well, that was a damn good match. Lilyanna in particular is really just catching fire and she has a definite future – and while Bertha didn’t blow me away with a mini-push, she’s still trying hard and getting a little better. This wasn’t her day, though, as Lilyanna got the win with a Thrust Kick on Bertha in 8:51. (40)

We opened the show with Jack Raiden backstage, looking more furious than ever and with a large white bandage stuck on his forehead.

"Fourteen stitches, that was the first part I remember of my evening. Fourteen stitches to put my face back together after you bloodied me up. Sounds like a thrill, eh? I got to wake up in pain, Poseidon, and not pain because you tried to break my skull in, oh no. Not pain because you tried to put my head through a steel post, or because you tossed me around into all kinds of steel. I'm used to that pain. I can handle that pain, no problem at all.

No, the pain I was in was the pain of knowing that you'd stolen something from me. The pain was from knowing that I'd failed. Failed to handle your plans, failed to prepare myself for just how desperate you were. They say a cornered animal is the most vicious, and you're cornered now, aren't you, Poseidon? You know that I'm the one who's strong enough. You know that I'm the one who's tough enough. You know that I have no problem with ripping you to pieces. And it took every ounce of viciousness and cruelty that you have, every drop of venom, every mean trick, and you could still barely roll me up and keep you down with your feet on the ropes like a coward."

He ripped the bandage off of his forehead, showing off the fresh stitches.

"Thank you. Thank you, for this," he said, pointing at the wound. "Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the scar I can look at in the mirror to know just what kind of man you are, and just who I need to be to beat you. Because I'm going to beat you, and you know it, and that makes you afraid, Poseidon. You're more afraid than you've been for a long time, because you're starting to lose that grip. I'm going to take that title from you. I'm going to take you limb from limb. And we're going to find out, you and me, what kind of man you really are, because I know for a fact you're not man enough to go one-on-one with the Kodiak." (83)

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Black Hat Rodeo vs The Hillbillies

A solid rebuild of momentum for the Black Hats, who came out storming. The Hillbillies were as feisty as ever, but it wasn't enough to handle the two big hosses who tossed them around like sacks of grain for a good chunk of the match. Jase Marshall won with the Spinebuster in thunderous fashion in 6:52. (35)

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Madalene DeGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

Not a great match, but Madalene looked excellent, which made up for Laurette being a green little unknown. There's too many examples of that in the women's division, to be honest, and I'm glad I have the likes of Madalene to serve as an anchor. I might need to go on a bit of a hiring spree for the women again here soon. As it is, the High Class Lady did an excellent job working around Laurette's occasional clumsiness, and she won in 6:55 with her DDT. (36)

Madalene went backstage, dabbing herself with a handkerchief and running her fingers through her hair to fix it.

"You see? Did you see that, Lily-Rose? I'm only getting better. Meanwhile, there's gray showing in your hair - have you noticed that, darling? Do you need the number of my stylist? I'm not sure that you could afford it, but it certainly couldn't hurt. You need to look your best for the last few weeks of your title reign, don't you think? Because come June 1st, Coming Storm? I am going to take that title, darling. I am going to show that Class rules above all else. And you'll be left in your proper place - looking up at me, from below, your new GCW Women's Champion." (59)

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Sunset Army vs Durant and Brownfield

Coming off their solid win over Adonis and Jimmy G, Durant and Brownfield once again looked great as a tag team, handling the Sunset Army well. They seem to really be developing as a duo, while Reijiro at ringside was left trying to guide his soldiers as best he could, but Sanzo and Karasuma seemed a little bit outmatched. Their initial rush to greatness, bolstered by their unique Japanese in-ring style, was no longer throwing the GCW boys for a loop, and it meant that Tarzan and Sebastien were a lot better prepared to counter their offense. Tarzan won with his missile dropkick in 8:03. (37)

Backstage, Scorpio Nations was with Marcus Kramer for an interview, the burly veteran standing behind him with crossed arms and a glower on his face.

"So, trying to rub it in, huh? Huh? You think that's funny, Mr. Prince of Wrestling? You think that's gonna fly here, in my company? Uh uh! This is Scorpio territory, alright? Least it will be, soon enough. And I'm getting real tired of people comparing me to some baldheaded idiot who thinks he's even remotely on my level."

He scoffed, putting on a whiny voice. "Sebastien this, Sebastien that, oh he's so cool, oh he's the future." Then he spat on the ground. "Makes me sick. People seem to have forgotten who the real rising star is around here, and I think it's high time they appreciated it. So, Mr. Haitian Hammer, Mr. Pretty Princess, why don't you and me settle our business? Assuming you're not too busy biting on my style and playing tag team wrestler. I'm way better at it than you are, and besides, if you think you can go off and win those tag team championships? Well if we couldn't pin down the Gwinns - yet, yet mind you, because I'm totally gonna when I get a mind to it - there's no way you can pull that off. Better off if I lock you in the Scorpion Clutch and put those dumb dreams behind you. The hard way." (53)

Following that, a muscle car roared up outside the arena and a man stepped out, with a dyed streak of blonde in his hair and a leather jacket on. We went to commercial, and when we came back, he was backstage for an interview, revealing himself as established WWB star Braden Voss.

"I'm not a man who likes to talk much, but I figured, it's my first day in the new company, I better introduce myself, right? At least, for those of you who aren't familiar. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Braden Voss. They call me the Roadrunner, because I'm always on the go, on the move, on the come up, and I'm too fast for anyone to pin down, whether it's behind the wheel, on a hog, or in the ring. I've been champion before, I'll be champion again, and I'm gonna do it here, in the home of real, grounded wrestling, GCW. And I have been hearin' tell about some big hot shot who calls himself Poseidon, trying to stamp on all the little people. That don't fly with me. None of this shortcuts and armies of goons nonsense does. That's why I'm making my mark, showing off my skills, and I'm gonna start with a guy who's proven he doesn't like to fight his own battles: Reijiro Kandori. So leave your Army at home, and let's see who the better man is, yeah?" (42)

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Reijiro Kandori vs Braden Voss

Scowling on his way down, the recently bested - and aging - Kandori made his way to the ring, sans his Sunset Army. Braden Voss ran out to meet him, flinging himself over the top rope and onto the second in the corner so that he could pose for the fans. Up against Kandori, his undersized nature at 5'10 didn't stand out too much, and he was able to work circles around the technically sound veteran, proving too quick for his tricks to lock down. Voss might not be a marvel on the stick, but he's as fast as anything in the ring, just as advertised, and an immediate injection of babyface flash into the roster. It only took 5:47 for him to hit a Flying Back Elbow, spinning elegantly through the air, and getting the pin for a decisive first win in the company. (53)

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Mean Machine vs Jack Raiden

A solid brawl between the two, with Raiden being furious and fiery. It wasn't often that Mean Machine looked outmatched in brute brawling, or in anger, but he certainly was here. Still, he was a vicious fighter, battling against Kodiak Jack's superior size and taking every short cut he needed to stay ahead: including attacking Jack's wounded forehead, busting him open again. The bleeding Kodiak Bear roared and fought back, knocking Machine across the ring with shoulder tackles, and whipping him around with brute force, all the same. The ending came when Raiden muscled him up for a Powerbomb, which was Night Stalker's cue to roll in and blast him with a thrust kick to the back of the head, leading to the DQ at 17:55 from blatant interference. (55)

Mean Machine and Night Stalker attacked Jack Raiden once again as the bell rang and the referee tried to waive them off, to no avail. It was an ugly beating, as both men brought in chairs to blast Kodiak Jack with, taking the fire out of him and leaving him bleeding on the mat. It got worse from there, though, as Mean Machine wrapped one of the chairs around Jack's ankle, calling for the Night Stalker, who leapt off the second rope to stomp the legs of the chair closed with a sickening snap. Jack Raiden howled in pain and thrashed on the ring as security and medical personnel rushed out, finally getting the RIptide to back off and leaving him to be checked on. (56)

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Black Hat Rodeo (Bragg and Whitlock) vs The Mechanics

A solid battle between the brawling cowboys and the technically minded heroes, coming in hot after a win over the Riptide. It was clear early on that things between Bragg and Whitlock were only getting worse, and neither seemed to be on the same page at all, something that the Mechanics were far too happy to take full advantage of. Billy Ray looked ready to fight up a storm as usual, but Carver Wells blasted him with a flurry of kicks and chops that saw him sprawling, and he bailed out of the ring when Carver nearly whipped him down in the Neckbreaker, only escaping by the skin of his teeth. He tagged in Whitlock, throwing him to the wolves as he recovered, and it wasn't long at all before Whitlock was in the Spinning Toe Hold and submitting at 15:29. (54)

After the show, Jack Raiden - limping in case anyone happened to be peeking around, which was a touch I appreciated - staggered over to my desk.

"Borrow your ear, bud?" he asked.

I could have been bothered by being called 'bud" by one of my talent, but it was Jack Raiden, so he could get away with it. Presuming what he had to say wasn't too upsetting. If nothing else, he was Canadian. They have different ways up there.

"Always, Jack, what've you got?"

"That Jupiter kid, you heard him on the stick much?" he asked.

To be honest, I hadn't. Jupiter and Saturn didn't exactly make too much of a hubbub backstage one way or another, and being a fairly consistently undercard tag team - which, when they were both in their 20s, wasn't the worst thing - I hadn't much thought to put them on the mic. So I just shrugged and shook my head. "Can't really recall, no."

"You should give him a try," Jack said. "Seems like the guy knows how to talk. His partner not so much, but." He shrugged, too. "Can't win 'em all."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, he was cutting some mean kinda promo backstage about the car rental guy. Saying some real wicked stuff. Didn't know he had it in him. Always seemed like kind of a soft touch to me, otherwise." Another shrug. "Just thought it might be worth considering, when you got a minute for 'em."

Admittedly, I didn't know how long that would be - with the recent ascension of the Riptide, the Black Hat Rodeo, and Kramer and Nations gelling, our tag team division was more flush with talent, at least on the heel side, than it had been for a minute. But it was always best to have options, especially with Kramer aging, and to get someone's opinion from the back. Least of all when it was a positive opinion for a change.

"I appreciate that," I said, at last. "Really. It's good to hear they're coming along."

"Ah, ain't no thing," Jack said. "Just gotta keep the kids chugging along. I was one of them, once."

Not that long ago, either, I thought but didn't say. He was talking like a true veteran, but he was scarcely 32. No, I amended, what he was talking like was a locker room leader. And that? That I liked.

"You're one of the good ones, Jack," I said. "Let me know if anyone else stands out to you. I always respect a reasoned opinion."

"Will do, boss man. Have a good one."

"You too, Jack. See you next week."

Well, for our first longer show, we certainly performed well, as while we didn’t have any stand out matches, everything was solid-to-good, and Jack Raiden was once again an absolute killer on the microphone. Shame he’s going to be out of action for a bit. Hopefully the pay-off will be worth it. (58)

Next Week:

(P) Lail and Demand vs Hillbillies

(P) Cash Firestone vs Big Hank Banner

(P) King Kong Grady vs Layton White

(P) Slay and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

Madalene DeGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

Scorpio Nations vs Tarzan Brownfield

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Sunset Army (Kajitani/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Robinson and The Mechanics

Riptide (Stalker and Machine) vs Koziol and Voss

DinoKea · January 5, 2021

New roster member is always cool to see. Hopefully Voss is another great addition to your roster. Excited for the extra ½ hour of content too. Can't hate getting extra of this diary.

Predictions:

Preshow: The Hillbillies def. Lail & Demand

Never though I'd say this, but Hillbillies are higher on your card.

Preshow: Big Hank Banner def. Cash Firestone

Can't imagine this being anything but ugly.

Preshow: King Kong Grady def. Layton White

More wins for the new beast in GCW

Preshow: Slay & Bee def. Derby & Mitchell

I kinda just 50/50 a lot of these

Madalene DeGeorge def. Laurette Lorio

You always build up your next women's challenger with a bunch of wins.

Scorpio Nations def. Tarzan Brownfield

Tarzan is definitely the worse member of his team with Scorp a few levels above him at least.

Billy Ray Bragg def. ??? (GCW North American Championship Open Challenge)

Fun how ???? chances of winning decrease dramatically in an open challenge.

Robinson & the Mechanics def. Sunset Army

All three are on a lower level now Reijiro is retiring.

Koizol & Voss def. Riptide (Stalker & Machine)

This admittedly makes a terrible run for the Riptide, but honestly I think Voss gets a few big wind to establish himself.

KyTeran · January 5, 2021

P) Lail and Demand vs Hillbillies

(P) Cash Firestone vs Big Hank Banner

(P) King Kong Grady vs Layton White

(P) Slay and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

Madalene DeGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

Scorpio Nations vs Tarzan Brownfield

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Sunset Army (Kajitani/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Robinson and The Mechanics

Riptide (Stalker and Machine) vs Koziol and Voss

Zergon · January 5, 2021

(P) Lail and Demand vs Hillbillies

Rare win for Hillbillies

(P) Cash Firestone vs Big Hank Banner

Banner continues his winning ways in pre-show

(P) King Kong Grady vs Layton White

Same with Grady, another win under his belt

(P) Slay and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

Still don´t see any reason why Derby wouldn´t win here.

Madalene DeGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

DeGeorge gets another win

Scorpio Nations vs Tarzan Brownfield

Scorpio is bigger name.

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Don´t think it´s yet time for Bragg to drop the belt

Sunset Army (Kajitani/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Robinson and The Mechanics

Way too big names for Army to beat in anywere near fair fight.

Riptide (Stalker and Machine) vs Koziol and Voss

With Jack appearantly out of the picture on short term, I have to assume either Koziol or Voss will be the next challenger.

jokerdesilva · January 6, 2021

May 14th, 1986

Milford Ice Palace, 910 in attendance

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Pre-Show – Lail and Demand vs The Hillbillies

Not a terrible match, all things considered. Lail and Demand seem to be improving just a tad, and being a couple of big monsters, they certainly have a future use if they can keep it up. The Hillbillies, meanwhile, are about what they’ve always been, but as reliable undercard babyfaces, they got the win here when John Boy got the pin off a Leaping Headbutt at 8:30. (20)

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Pre-Show – Cash Firestone vs Big Hank Banner

Perhaps the most damning part of this match was the fact that Cash looked almost as good as Banner out there, which just shouldn’t be the case when Banner has been on TV and is ten years his senior. Oh well. This was Banner’s night, of course, as he bullied around the smaller Firestone, and won with a Running Splash in 5:42. (25)

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Pre-Show – King Kong Grady vs Layton White

The on-going brutality of King Kong continued against one of my most reliable job guys, who has seemed to learn by now that he’s not going to wriggle out of jobbing to big young heels. He made Grady looks good and I’m optimistic he’s improving a little. Stalling Suplex for the win at 7:11. (27)

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Pre-Show – Slay and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

This was Lilyanna’s match to shine in, as usual, but the other three are doing alright. Bee seems to be getting more comfortable in the ring, while Bertha was Bertha. A lot of striking and hard hitting, but in the end, Lilyanna hit her Thrust Kick on Violet Bee to win at 8:53. (39)

We went backstage to our duo of bikers, Wolf Koziol and Braden Voss, who looked like a pleasantly appropriate pair in similar leather jackets. It feels like I can certainly do something with that if needs be.

"Tonight is gonna be a good night," Wolf said, slapping Braden on the shoulder. "A good night! You know why? Because the Roadrunner and the Wolf are going to step into that ring, side-by-side, and we're gonna go to war."

"Absolutely," Braden said, slapping him back. "We're brothers of the road, you and me, I could see it as soon as I got to this company, and there's no one I'd rather have by my side."

"And no one I'd better trust to fight the so-called Riptide. We've had a lot of problems, you and me, but I like to think the Night Stalker remembers me every time he takes off that mask and looks at his ugly, bald mug, right? And I could do the same to you, Poseidon."

"Once I've had my fill," Braden said, grinning savagely. "I've come to this company for gold, and you're the man holding it, right? And you've never messed with me before. You have no idea what I'm capable of. And I'm going to show you just what I can do." (55)

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Madalene deGeorge vs Laurette Lorio

I'm going to be honest - I wrote this match down for two shows in a row and just forget about it until they came out to have basically the same match they did last week. Woops. Oh well, it did the same job once again: that is, show of Madalene's skills against one of my most reliable - and perhaps lowest ceiling - female babyfaces. I'm not exactly expecting huge things from Laurette just yet, so it only feels fair to put her in this kind of position. If anything, Madalene beat her even more quickly and effortlessly this time along, spiking her with a DDT for an easy win. (37)

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Scorpio Nations w/Marcus Kramer vs Tarzan Brownfield

Exactly as I’d expected, a very impressive showing from two impressive young athletes. Scorpio looked as smug as ever coming in, sure that he'd win since Tarzan is one of the few men on the roster he's actually larger than. Tarzan, meanwhile, had his usual sullen, wildman fire, though he looked momentarily confused and even concerned to be coming out by his lonesome, but he funneled it into intensity - lashing out with quick strikes and high flying moves. He looked great, but Marcus Kramer was at ringside to interrupt here and there, slowing him down and distracting him and making it easy for Scorpio to pounce when he needed to, pummeling him with arm wringers, quick suplexes, and a hammerlock bodyslam that left him reeling. In the end, it piled on too high, and Scorpio locked on the Scorpion Clutch at 15:44 to win. (48)

We went backstage to Sebastien, who was shaking off an apparent injury and holding a bloody towel to his nose.

"That was a cute trick, hitting from behind and locking me in a broom closet. I know that it was you, Scorpio, or Kramer, one of the two of you. Maybe both. I know you were trying to split me and Tarzan up, make it easier to beat him down when I was not there to protect him from your hired gun. Well, next time you won't be so lucky. You can only win this in a two-on-one and you know it. Tarzan is faster than you, has more fire and more heart than either of you could ever dream of, and I'm never going to stop coming. I'm never going to stop fighting. I'm going to bring you all the pain and punishment I can, because you deserve it all."

Tarzan shuffled to the back, clearly still feeling the damage to his shoulder and neck, and glared at the camera, rubbing at his injured collar area.

"We are more than you can handle, and more than you are ready for," Sebastien said, giving his other houlder a squeeze. "Next time, we are going to get you in a fair fight. Next time, we are going to show you what we can really do, and that there's only so far you can cheat your way to the top." (48)

Billy Ray Bragg came sauntering out to the ring next, a microphone in hand.

"Shee-oot, you know, I'm feelin' so good about things from Sunday, when I beat my open challenge easily, that I'm thinkin' I ought to open it up even more. No one is gonna take this belt from me, after all, and I figure after I defend it a few more times and show that I am the man around here, the unstoppable, the undeniable, and the most dangerous damn rattlesnake around, management will have no choice but to send me on a collision course with the Heavyweight Title. I don't happen to care who has it at the time, since I've proven damn well I can beat anybody. And to that end, I want me another opponent tonight, and every week from here. I'll beat all y'all. So come on. Whoever wants some, can come 'n get some." (74)

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Kurt Grey vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Match

After a momentary pause, it was Grey who came out to be the one to challenge him as one of his last matches, more than likely, in the company. He did his best but his age is catching up to him, and Bragg was still feeling his bad calf muscle, making this a slightly poorer outing than I'm used to from the Sidewinder. Hard to hold it against him, though. He still won in commanding fashion with the Sidewinder Choke in only 4:39 for a very decisive victory. (45)

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Sunset Army w/Kandori and Kajitani vs Robinson and the Mechanics

A decent showing for the Japanese team, better than some they’ve had. Maybe I just need to keep giving them some seasoning – taking on Raiden out of the gate was probably just too much too soon and raised my expectations too high. Still, this was all on the babyfaces, who dominated with superior wrestling skill and fluidity, seeming to handle all of Sanzo, Karasuma, and Umari pretty effortlessly. They had the experience and the skill, after all, Wells and Osburn especially showed off some very nice tag team moves together, working over limbs and cutting down the burly Umari especially. While the Sunset Army battled valiantly, and especially tried to work Wells over as the smallest member of the team, they couldn't pin him down for long so he could tag in Robinson or Osburn to save the day. At the end, it was Carver Wells himself who got the win with a Neckbreaker in 9:36. (42)

Following the match, though, the good guys couldn't celebrate for too long. Reijiro and Giant Kajitani slipped into the ring to blast them from behind, Reijiro in particular falling on Robinson and battering him with stomps and kicks, and rolling him into a Kandori armbar like he was ready to snap his arm. Wells and Osburn tried to fight back, but they were being mobbed by four members of the Sunset Army, and only barely managed to shove Reijiro away before he could, hopefully, do any permanent damage, falling on top of him together to save him from the beating. (44)

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Riptide vs Koziol and Voss

A very solid main event between the two masked menaces and the rough-riding bikers. Wolf and Braden definitely have a similar look, and Braden makes Wolf - who's only 6 foot and not quite the physical powerhouse I think he thinks he is - look even more imposing in comparison, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. They looked good in the ring, too, with Braden able to do the selling that Wolf either can't or won't, while Wolf kept the crowd fired up and engaged by howling and stomping on the mat. Unfortunately, their fairly new alliance was perhaps their downfall. Voss tagged in Wolf who stormed in, pounding Mean Machine with shoulder tackles and taking him down for a two count with a running crossbody. He got blasted by a back elbow, though, and a high knee from Night Stalker, and when he turned to tag in Braden, dizzied, Braden was instead distracted by Poseidon who had come out to ringside and was taunting him. He missed the tag, which led to Wolf eating a thrust kick from Night Stalker at 20:41 for the win. (55)

Poseidon was backstage with the celebrating Riptide for an interview.

"You want to make a challenge to me, Braden Voss? You, who have just arrived in this company? My, that is bold. Maybe it's because you are new here that you have the arrogance to challenge me, to think you can stand against me, but allow me to reintroduce myself for your benefit. I am the King of the Sea, Poseidon. I have ruled over this company for some time, now, for almost six months, and I have no plan of stopping any time soon. But I suppose you have one thing in your favor. I haven't defeated you yet, have I? And I have already conquered so many of the fools in this company.

So let's see what you can do, shall we? It will be satisfying to see the bold little Roadrunner drown, just like everyone else." (70)

Another solid all the way through card that has me very excited for the future. If this is what we can do with no Jack Raiden, Billy Ray injured, and the Mechanics wrestling the Sunset Army, well. That says a lot. (57) The numbers came in as .32 rating and 246k viewers.

Next Week:

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Garry Beltran

(P) Keaton Whisenant vs Boston Sills

(P) Sunset Army (Umari/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Riddle, Tallman and Waldron

(P) Violet Bee vs Lilyanna Derby

Dale Whitlock vs Big Hank Banner

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

DeGeorge and St. Croix vs Criss and Branch

Marcus Kramer vs Sebastien Durant

Adonis Lash vs Braden Voss

Riptide vs The Gwinn Brothers – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

DinoKea · January 6, 2021

Very nice to see everything is starting to evolve nicely. Banner & Firestone kind of surprised me as I was expecting worse, but I guess I probably underestimated the pair.

Predictions:

Preshow: Garry Beltran def. Sawyer Rodriguez

Garry currently is floating around with not much to do, but Sawyer has even made TV if I remember correctly.

Preshow: Boston Sills def. Keaton Whisenant

I always forget home many reliable job guys you have.

Preshow: Sunset Army def. Riddle, Tallman & Waldron

Bit of rebuilding for the Sunset Army after their recent loss.

Preshow: Lilyanna Derby def. Violet Bee

A lot of building up Derby I'm noticing

Dale Whitlock def. Big Hank Banner

While Dale is definitely getting on in the years, I can't see him being jobbed out to Hank

Billy Ray Bragg def. ??? (GCW North American Championship Open Challenge)

Can't see this being a build up to Billy losing on TV

DeGeorge & St. Croix def. Criss & Branch

Honestly just instinctively went for DeGeorge before spotting Criss. 50/50 on the match anyway so I'm taking a gamble on the champ losing.

Sebastien Durant def. Marcus Kramer

Durant is heading up to card while Kramer is starting to look towards his retirement

Braden Voss def. Adonis Lash

If Voss is set for a title challenge, no way he loses out to Lash.

The Gwinn Brothers def. Riptide (GCW Tag Team Championship)

Honestly, wouldn't surprise me if you let Riptide take the title now as you've got a much wider array of face tag teams to challenge any heel champs thanks to Mechanics and Durant & Brownfield forming new duos. Dunno if they'd get a long reign, but they could at least get one.

Zergon · January 6, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Garry Beltran

Beltran haven´t been seen much since Man Mountains broke up so not sure if he´s going to be repacked like his former team mate or if he´s a jobber now. I do pick him to win here but thinking this match will tell a lot on where Garry is going

(P) Keaton Whisenant vs Boston Sills

Sills have been bigger name so far

(P) Sunset Army (Umari/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Riddle, Tallman and Waldron

Army picks up some momentum.

(P) Violet Bee vs Lilyanna Derby

I do thin DeGeorge will get the belt soon and I expect Derby to be the first challenger so I assume she goes over here.

Dale Whitlock vs Big Hank Banner

Dale is on his way down, not sure if he´s already dropped enough to lose to Banner but considering were the current story seems to be going with him I assume so.

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

I would expect Bragg and Dale fight with the belt on line at some point in near future an for that to happen, Bragg needs to keep the belt for now.

DeGeorge and St. Croix vs Criss and Branch

I usually go with challenger on these ones but since I expect DeGeorge to win the belt I go with champ here.

Marcus Kramer vs Sebastien Durant

Big win for Durant but pretty sure he´s ready for that

Adonis Lash vs Braden Voss

Looks like Voss is going to be the next challenger (poor Wolf, he´s detour seems to be pretty long one) so he gets a good win here.

Riptide vs The Gwinn Brothers – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

Riptide have been winning matches I didn´t expect them to win time and time again so maybe it´s time for me to pick them for once. I could see this one going either way but Riptide´s wins over main event level faces makes me see them as stronger team.

KyTeran · January 6, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Garry Beltran

(P) Keaton Whisenant vs Boston Sills

(P) Sunset Army (Umari/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Riddle, Tallman and Waldron

(P) Violet Bee vs Lilyanna Derby

Dale Whitlock vs Big Hank Banner

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

DeGeorge and St. Croix vs Criss and Branch

Marcus Kramer vs Sebastien Durant

Adonis Lash vs Braden Voss

Riptide vs The Gwinn Brothers – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

smw88 · January 6, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Garry Beltran

(P) Keaton Whisenant vs Boston Sills

(P) Sunset Army (Umari/Karasuma/Sanzo) vs Riddle, Tallman and Waldron

(P) Violet Bee vs Lilyanna Derby

Dale Whitlock vs Big Hank Banner

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

DeGeorge and St. Croix vs Criss and Branch

Marcus Kramer vs Sebastien Durant

Adonis Lash vs Braden Voss

Riptide vs The Gwinn Brothers – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

jokerdesilva · January 7, 2021

May 21st, 1986

Milford Ice Palace, 869 in attendance

After the show, we got reports back that Marcus Kramer’s bruised kidney was now healthy, which was very good to hear.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="GzhClyg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GzhClyg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="UG897Cl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UG897Cl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Pre-Show – Sawyer Rodriguez vs Garry Beltran

A return to action for Garry Beltran following his loss in the battle royale and his separation from Grady. He hadn't done anything in the Man Mountains run to impress me enough for a proper feud or push for him, but it's safe to say I could always use a handful more babyfaces here and there. He didn’t look half bad here, at least, and stomped all over Rodriguez, hitting a Face Plant in 6:24. (26)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hiSJ7NB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hiSJ7NB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="iEVlPgG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iEVlPgG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Pre-Show – Keaton Whisenant vs Boston Sills

Well, Keaton has done little to impress me up to this point and he certainly didn’t here. Boston looked head and shoulders above, though, so maybe there’s something to be done with him yet, as much as his appearances haven’t dazzled. He won with the Top Rope Elbow Drop in 5:44. (28)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="gyoK4p7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gyoK4p7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BPTfUM0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BPTfUM0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Jv3HJp1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jv3HJp1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="cZPrvLJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cZPrvLJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3vpkM9H.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3vpkM9H.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="PoE8C0f.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PoE8C0f.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Pre-Show – Sunset Army vs Tallman, Waldron, and Riddle

Well, this wasn’t especially pretty. Kolton Tallman was the prize of his team, which wasn’t saying much, and Riddle and Waldron both looked badly off their game. And they don’t have much to be off to begin with. The Sunset Army worked them over pretty efficiently, though, with Sanzo in particular looking pretty slick, which makes it all the more disappointing he broke his toe in the going. Sigh. Umari got the win with his Butterfly DDT in 9:50 to finally end it. (18)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="C0yukIy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/C0yukIy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="IPc6bJ3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IPc6bJ3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Pre-Show – Violet Bee vs Lilyanna Derby

Now this was quite the match to round out the pre-show and jazz up our local fans. Lilyanna looked as good as ever and guided Bee through things nicely, pummeling her with kicks and looking like an absolute killer. She got the win off a Thrust Kick in 9:27. (43)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UlFY9aV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UlFY9aV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="4IdASUz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4IdASUz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Dale Whitlock w/Bragg vs Big Hank Banner

Yes, Banner made TV again, and he made the most of it okay. He’s not impressing me much, but Whitlock made him look good in defeat. He let the big man get a lot of offense in, reeling under his size and superior power, but never truly seemed to be in that much danger. He was too cunning, and Billy Ray was there to distract Big Hank when it seemed like he might be getting ahead too quickly. After a nice, hard hitting exchange, the vet got the win in 8:24 with his Hangman’s Neckbreaker. (41)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2GSvv3o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2GSvv3o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Following the match, Billy Ray stepped into the ring with a microphone and slapped Dale on the back a few times.

"See, that's what I like to see! There's still plenty of fire left in the Rodeo, y'hear that? And especially here, with me. The Sidewinder is on the rise, and I'm still looking for a fight that actually means something. So it is time once again for me to announce my open challenge for anyone who wants a shot at the North American Championship. I just hope some from the back with a real set of brass ones comes out, because I'm tired of bein' bored." (66)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="s4EVIsf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/s4EVIsf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="2GSvv3o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2GSvv3o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Aaron Redcloud vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Match

Following his challenge, it was Aaron Redcloud who came out, whooping and slapping hands on the way down. This was a nice test-run for his abilities and to see how much he’s grown. Not much is the brutally honest answer. His character work is excellent and he makes a perfect tough as nails babyface, but his in-ring work just isn't impressing and really hasn't stepped up in the now eight or so months I've been in charge. Meanwhile, Billy Ray looked as good as ever in-spite of his injury. They pummeled one another back and forth, Redcloud refusing to back down, firing away with heavy-handed but uninspiring offense, while Billy Ray worked him down to the ground and battered him, and put him away at 7:56 with the Sidewinder Choke. (49)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kMX7dHf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kMX7dHf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

We went backstage next to Madalene DeGeorge.

"I really do hope you've been paying attention, Lily-Rose, my darling. I've been trying to send you a clear message, you see. A message of just what you can expect on the 1st. You are going to walk into that arena, and you are going to step into that ring, and you are going to come face-to-face with a truly High Class woman. And when that happens, you're going to realize that your time is up, and my time has come. You won't escape me and my talents any longer, I can promise you that, my dear. And just in case you need any more proof, well, we have a tag team match coming up, don't we? I hope you and your partner are ready. Because I certainly am." (48)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kMX7dHf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kMX7dHf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="A4sP4BO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/A4sP4BO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="spCwuOE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/spCwuOE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6Vj8zZx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Vj8zZx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

DeGeorge and St. Croix vs Criss and Branch

The two younger women dragged things down a little, both still being pretty clunky in the ring, but Lily-Rose and Madalane looked fantastic. Here's hoping the DeGeorge and St. Croix combination can continue to pay dividends for Camille, because they really work as a duo thematically, and she could use the help. Both of them were delightfully arrogant and showboaty, stepping all over Trinity Branch for the bulk of the match as the young upstart was outclassed by their tag team work, and Lily-Rose wasn't able to tag in. Madalene in particular seemed to delight in taunting Lily-Rose, after every particularly impressive flurry of offense telling her "This will be you soon," and "Think you could kick out of that one, darling?" and the like. That didn't stop her from scampering when Lily-Rose did get the tag, sending in Camille to face off with her, but a little bit of chicanery and double-teaming made it easy for Madalene to secure a DDT and get the win at 11:20. (40)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="y9F4RTI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9F4RTI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="NxT7xcK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NxT7xcK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Marcus Kramer w/Scorpio Nations vs Sebastien Durant w/Tarzan Brownfield

Kramer seems to be losing steam at his age, which is understandable, but he still had a hell of a match with Sebastien while he was going. It was a nice hoss fight, as both men are about the same size, though Kramer has that powerlifter physique that makes him look like even more of a monster. He threw Sebastien around early, but the Haitian Hammer was as enduring as ever, suplexing him over nicely despite his size. They seemed pretty evenly matched, while led to Scorpio trying to interfere, but Sebastien reversed a whip into the ropes, causing Scorpio to accidentally blast Kramer in the back of the head with a forearm. That made it academic for Sebastien to hit the Fallaway Slam at 6:09 to win. (45)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="klRBEZ8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/klRBEZ8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Braden Voss was backstage for an interview.

"Glad to hear you're open to a challenge, Poseidon. Look, I got it. I'm new around here, right? The new fish, I guess you could say. But that means I've got everything in the world to prove, and absolutely nothing to lose. I've been told I've got a big mouth before, and you can definitely say I'm biting off more than I can chew, but hell, you only go around this world once, right? And I'm in this industry to be the best. I'm here to climb the mountain, and right now, that mountain is you. So I'm gonna see you on the 1st, Poseidon, and you better give me everything you have, because this Roadrunner don't quit." (50)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="p0xdieg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/p0xdieg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="klRBEZ8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/klRBEZ8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Adonis Lash vs Braden Voss

A nice, solid battle between one of our most reliable veterans and our hot new upstart. Honestly, despite being a solid upper mid-carder in WWB, Voss isn’t setting the world on fire yet like MJ Abruzzi did out of the gate, but he’s holding his own. Maybe he just needs a bit more time to find his groove in a new company. I can't hold everyone to the same standards, and it's not like he's disappointing. He zipped around nicely, putting Lash down with the flying back elbow at 13:31. (51)

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

We went to Wolf Koziol next backstage.

"You know, I've got a funny feeling, here. My dance card is actually empty for a change. I'm used to someone at this point trying to piss me off one way or another, and my buddy Braden is taking aim at the champ, so I guess that leaves me with nothing to do. And that's not who I am. Anybody who knows anything about Wolf Koziol knows one thing, and that's that I'm a fighter. And since I know someone sitting in the back who likes to act like a badass without putting in the work, well, I think it's time I put you to the test.

So, Godfather. Abruzzi. You want to be the big cheese? You want to play like you're the man at the top? How about you come face me like a man and prove it. I know your little ego got bruised, but if you're half the man you claim to be, I'll give you the fight you need and then some. If nothing else, hell, it'll give me a way to work up a sweat and get ready for my next shot at the gold." (69)

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ne7XagD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ne7XagD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="iPMwsYN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iPMwsYN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> vs <img alt="goNQMMY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/goNQMMY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="EBceTSA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EBceTSA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Riptide vs The Gwinn Brothers – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

Our second title match of the evening, and a doozie – albeit not quite as good as I was hoping for. Riptide have caught fire, especially Night Stalker, but the Gwinn Brothers just aren’t quite there yet. They're solid midcarders, don't get me wrong, they're just not main eventers. It led to a solid brawl, the Gwinns hitting hard and looking tough as nails as ever, while the Riptide were vicious and unyielding. They took every shot they could, backing up Bill Gwinn into the corner and taking turns stomping him to the mat and making quick tags to take the fire out of him. It was a long, hard-fought contest, with Darrell getting hot tag late that saw him storm in, throwing out big shots and knees - the crowd engagement just wasn't quite to the level that I'd hoped. He blasted Night Stalker, and tried to pin him, but he'd missed a tag to Mean Machine - who didn't miss when he hit an Axe Bomber at 22:01 to get the pin, and end the Gwinn Brothers' reign at 136 days. (52)

The latter two matches were weaker than I expected, and it led to a slightly down show, though still nothing terrible. I really just need to stop thinking that the Tag Team titles can main event shows – though maybe with Riptide holding the belts, that can change. See? There I go again. (53) We got a .31 rating and 235k viewers for our troubles.

Following the show, the Riptide walked back through the curtain together, both holding their newly won tag team titles that they'd just won and been celebrating with in the ring. Mean Machine started heading pretty much immediately to the locker room, no doubt exhausted after going 20+ minutes, but boy if he didn't look in great shape for 38 all the same. The mask helped. It was hard to tell how old he really was, and he certainly didn't wrestle like someone who'd been in the game close to 20 years.

Night Stalker, though - Benner - made his way right over to me.

"Hey, congratulations," I said, nodding at the belt on his shoulder. "You guys put on a heck of a show out there."

"Well, I 'ppreciate the opportunity," he said. Now that he was wearing that kind of mask, it was even more entertaining to hear his thick Mississippi accent come out of it. "Feels nice to wear a belt again."

"I'm sure it does." He'd been North American Champion not that long ago, before I'd taken over, back during his possibly ill-conceived babyface run. "Well, you've been killing it, and I'm not going to ignore one of my talents doing damn good work." And frankly, I hadn't ignored anything he'd done. At the rate he was going, he'd have a proper main event run before too long - maybe not with the belt, but certainly contending. "Keep it up."

"I plan to," he said. "And, lissen, I know it's your job to watch this kinda stuff, so I'm sure I ain't tellin' you nothin' you don't already know, but I jus' wanted to say, that Redcloud kid?"

"Aaron? What about him?"

"Boy, I see that kid and I smell money," he said. "Seems like he's a real star in the waitin'. Just wanted to say he deserves some good attention, y'know?"

Honestly, I was amused more than anything to hear that. Here I was, starting to lose a little faith in Aaron after being such a big fan when I'd taken over the company, and now one of my top stars was telling me what I'd thought in the first place - that he needed some time, but he was a star in the making. Maybe I'd been right the first time. Or maybe Antone had been just as dazzled by some natural IT-factor as I had been.

As it was, I nodded my head. "Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing. He still needs some work in the ring, but... "

"He'll get there," Antone said. "Maybe. I figger he can be in that mix with Scorpio and Sebastien, y'know?"

A bunch of kids right in their 20s with potential. It was nice to see. "I hope you're right. And I always appreciate the advice. Much as I might like to, I can't quite do this job just by myself."

"Hey, you're doin' fine, boss," Antone said. "I mean, you made me a champion, so am I gonna complain?"

I snorted softly. "No, no I suppose not."

Next Week:

(P) Isaac Holman vs Danjou Nakasato

(P) King Kong Grady vs Nehemiah

(P) The Dregs vs The Danger Boys

(P) Bee and Slay vs Mitchell and Derby

Jimmy G vs Big Hank Banner

Madalene DeGeorge vs Trinity Branch

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Riptide, Kramer and Nations vs Gwinn Brothers, Durant and Brownfield

MJ Abruzzi vs Braden Voss

DinoKea · January 7, 2021

Honestly Riptide deserve those titles, and it's a good way to keep the faction strong considering the Reign of Raiden is coming soon. Honestly thought Scorpio & Kramer were going to be your next tag champs.

Predictions:

Preshow: Danjou Nakasato def. Isaac Holman

This is a rare situation with the likes of Holman where it could go either way. I'm guessing it's just training though as he'll likely just be on the pre show for a decent while longer.

Preshow: King Kong Grady def. Nehemiah

Yeah, I have no expectations of Nehemiah winning this match, particularly with Grady getting pushed.

Preshow: The Dregs def. The Danger Boys

I think The Dregs are currently the superior team although I could easily be wrong, particularly considering Riptide just got the title.

Preshow: Bee & Slay def. Mitchell & Derby

Slay's decent and after the match Bee was just a part of, I think these two get the win.

Jimmy G def. Big Hank Banner

Jimmy's been working his way up the card a bit and I think it's enough to warrant a win of BHB. I can't amazing this being a particularly pretty match though.

Madalene DeGeorge def. Trinity Branch

No explanation needed really

Billy Ray Bragg def. ??? (GCW North American Championship Open Challenge)

Billy Ray retains as we build up to the big PPV

Gwinn Brothers, Durant & Brownfield def. Riptide, Kramer & Nations

I think this is your way of putting a bit of momentum back to the baby faces.

Braden Voss def. MJ Abruzzi

50/50 but Voss is about to challenge Poseidon, so I'm going with Abruzzi

Zergon · January 7, 2021

(P) Isaac Holman vs Danjou Nakasato

Not sure on this as both are jobbers in my eyes but thinking Nakasato is more established (or at least have been here slighly longer) so I go with him

(P) King Kong Grady vs Nehemiah

Grady continues to build momentum.

(P) The Dregs vs The Danger Boys

I seem to always think that Dregs are bigger deal than what they actually seem to be but pretty sure they higher on the pecking order here.

(P) Bee and Slay vs Mitchell and Derby

Still picking Derby.

Jimmy G vs Big Hank Banner

I didn´t mind being wrong last time with Banner and I won´t mind it here either but have to pick bacstage politics over jobber on the rise.

Madalene DeGeorge vs Trinity Branch

Build up for the newest challenger continues.

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Thinking these open challenges are eventually going to cost Bragg the belt but not quite yet.

Riptide, Kramer and Nations vs Gwinn Brothers, Durant and Brownfield

Giving Brothers one over Riptide here as they likely going to get (and lose) a rematch for the belts soon.

MJ Abruzzi vs Braden Voss

Not sure what to expect here but I´m going to fall back on the usual challenger won´t lose to anyone else than champ idea that I often use myself.

KyTeran · January 7, 2021

(P) Isaac Holman vs Danjou Nakasato

(P) King Kong Grady vs Nehemiah

(P) The Dregs vs The Danger Boys

(P) Bee and Slay vs Mitchell and Derby

Jimmy G vs Big Hank Banner

Madalene DeGeorge vs Trinity Branch

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

Riptide, Kramer and Nations vs Gwinn Brothers, Durant and Brownfield

MJ Abruzzi vs Braden Voss

jokerdesilva · January 9, 2021

May 28th, 1986

Milford Ice Pavilion, 853 in attendance

Filed under "enormously frustrating news": Mean Machine was working an XWA show prior to Combat Television this week and suffered a moderate concussion. The doctors say that he shouldn't wrestle for the next 40 or so days while he recovers, to make sure he doesn't suffer any lasting trauma. I'm definitely not in a great hurry to put him in any serious harm, of course, but when he literally just won the tag team belts a few days ago...

Luckily, however, that wasn't the only news I got from our medical department, but more on that later.

vs

Pre-Show – Isaac Holman vs Danjou Nakasato

Just another test run for Danjou in particular to see how he goes winning a match. Honestly, nothing too impressive, and both looked about the same level at this point – green, awkward, and not really invested in by the crowd, though that’s hardly a surprise. Danjou got the win with a Top Rope Dropkick. (17)

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Pre-Show – King Kong Grady vs Nemehiah

And in the reverse terms, just a classic battle of two big hosses. It was a thudding slugfest between the two, with Nehemiah being obviously more seasoned and capable but Grady seems to be sinking his teeth into this heel run a little. Here’s hoping it continues well. He won with the Stalling Suplex, an impressive visual on someone as big as Nehemiah. (26)

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Pre-Show – The Dregs vs The Danger Boys

A match between two teams that are fringe full-carders, and I have slight plans for both so it was nice to see them put on a decent showing. While neither is ready to set the world on fire, both have improved since I started here at least a little and that gives me confidence. This time, Alonzo got the win with a Claw Hold for the Dregs. (31)

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Pre-Show – Slay and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

As always, a nice showing between the women to be the best match on the pre-show. Derby was the star as always, while Mitchell seems to have an undeniable quality about her that I like. Here’s hoping she can develop well. She works well with Lilyanna, at least, being a similar style and having a similar strike-based offense, and won with a Thrust Kick of her own on Bee. (39)

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Jimmy G vs Big Hank Banner

I won't lie, I was slightly concerned about putting this match on TV at all given who was in it, but both of these guys have had TV time and exposure as of late, so I decided to roll the dice. It went okay, but it was nothing to write home about, and it was little surprise who came out looking like the more impressive in-ring performer. Jimmy G tried to nail Banner early with his superior quickness, but Banner out-sized and out-muscled him, controlling the match pretty easily by just whipping him around and dropping him with big shots and tackles. Jimmy bounced around and looked good, but never really got ahead, and a combination powerslam and running splash got the win for Banner. (30)

Following the match, Big Hank Banner celebrated his nice TV win in the ring, waving his hands and showing off for the crowd. With his back to the entranceway, though, he missed Lester Haas storming out and leading King Kong Grady behind him, pointing right at Banner. Grady rolled into the ring and blasted Banner from behind with a running body smash, dropping down to hammer him with elbows and forearms before lifting him up for a very impressive stalling suplex and leaving him laying. (23)

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Madalene DeGeorge vs Trinity Branch

Hey, at least I remembered to put Madalane in the ring with someone other than Laurette this time. It was the Madalene show as always. She’s clicking on all cylinders, while Trinity put on one of her best matches so far – not saying much, but still something. Still, it was far from enough to deal with Madalane's evasive and tricky in-ring style, and she pummeled the young girl, including an ugly camel clutch variation using Trinity's pigtails to crank back on her neck before the ref forced her to break - at 4 and a half, of course. The damage was done, of course, and from there it was academic for Madalene to hit the DDT to win. (41)

We went backstage next to Reijiro Kandori, flanked as always by his Sunset Army soliders.

"I hope you enjoyed what I did to you, Dustin Robinson. You have so long claimed to be the standard-bearer of GCW, a hero, and an icon. Well, I'm afraid that your time has come. We are two seasoned warriors, you and I, who have been fighting for years, but I bring with me the curtain of sunset. My Army, which is ready to bring an end to the modern era, and usher in a new darkness. And I can think of no better victim to our crusade than you. You will fall. Your legacy will be in tatters, and the Sunset Army will do what it has set out to do. Just you wait, Robinson. Your time is short." (71)

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Dustin Robinson vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Match

Billy Ray didn't even bother to bring a microphone out this week, he just stormed to the ring with the North American Championship in hand and waited. It was good ol' Dustin Robinson himself who came out to take one more crack at the NA Title while there was an open challenge running, much to Billy Ray’s ire. He looked about ready to bail, but Dustin rolled into the ring and started throwing hands, causing the bell to ring and the match to become official. They warred back and forth in a technically sound but vicious brawl that saw a lot of grappling to the mat and old-school wrestling transitions, jockeying for power, with Bragg throwing closed fists and eye rakes to take advantage, while Dustin outwrestled him cleanly at other times. Reijiro appeared from the crowd, though, and ended up smacking Reijiro with a kendo stick shot while Bragg had the referee distracted, and he was all too happy to pick up the pieces and lock in the Sidewinder Choke to retain. (55)

After the match, Reijiro disappeared, while Billy Ray continued his assault, stomping Dustin Robinson who was nearly unconscious and calling him out as an "over the hill old fraud." He busted him open with a set of spiked boot spurs, leaving him bleeding, and seemed ready to do more before Dale Whitlock actually pulled him off, standing in between the Sidewinder and his old rival. Though there was no microphone, Billy Ray and Dale argued back and forth, with Billy Ray audibly calling Dale Whitlock "a broken down old bronc'" as well, who needed to be "put out to pasture."

That had him summon the other two members of the Black Hat Rodeo, and Olivares and Marshall were all too happy to lay into Whitlock with punches and stomps, and throw him into a big spinebuster. The beatdown was cut off, though, when the Mechanics ran down to ringside next, sliding into the ring and chasing off the cowboys. As he backed away, belt head over his head, Billy Ray yelled that "This is my Rodeo now!" (53)

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Kramer/Nations/Stalker/Black vs Gwinn Brothers/Durant/Brownfield

A big cluster of a semi-main showing off the somewhat depth of the tag division, which was very nice to see given where we were when I started at the company. Kramer and Nations strutted out first, followed quickly by the Night Stalker, who took a moment to explain that Mean Machine wouldn't be appearing tonight, but he had a replacement, and the newest member of the Riptide: the Jackal, Ashton Black! Black emerged from the back, looking ready to scrap. A solid upper midcarder, he had been out with an ACL tear for something like 11 months, well before I took over, and given that he'd been a 2-time tag team partner with Poseidon, well, this felt like a perfect fit. I'd been hoping for a slightly more explosive redebut, but needs must.

As it was, he looked just a bit out of sync, fresh off of injured reserve, which was more storyline than reality, luckily. He showed off some vicious in-ring skills, a slightly more athletic and explosive version of Night Stalker, and more imposing than Scorpio. They battled back and forth with the mismatched babyfaces, as the gritty Nebraska brawlers the Gwinn Brothers seemed a little out of place with the Tropical terrors. Still, a great contest that showed off how good Scorpio was gotten, how great Stalker is, how much potential Ashton still has coming off injury, and letting the faces develop and show up better. It was Black who was out of position for the finish, and he walked into a High Knee from Darrell Gwinn, who got the win. (52)

We went backstage to Poseidon next.

"I've enjoyed listening to you talk, Voss. You do it very well. You run that mouth with aplomb, and it's easy to see why you've gotten where you are. Fast-talking, and sly, and willing to stick your beak where it doesn't belong. But I have grown bored atop my throne, and I am hoping that you will be a suitable diversion. So do try to impress me tonight. I want to know that I am stepping into the ring with a warrior. With a man who is capable of giving me some true degree of fight. And if nothing else, I know that standing up against you will be entertaining, because it's not very often you get to see a bird drown. Go ahead. Ask your Wolf what's going to happen when you cross me." (74)

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MJ Abruzzi vs Braden Voss

A solid battle between two former WWB standouts, and they looked good – though MJ was clearly the man of the hour. It was a nice combination of styles, as both are on the smaller side and both are able to roll out fast-paced and technical moves, bouncing around and selling nicely. Abruzzi looked especially brutal, trying to work down Voss's limbs and break him down piece by piece, but Voss was fast and relentless, hammering him with kicks no matter how his knees were attacked. Late in the match Abruzzi seemed to be fishing around for a pair of brass knuckles in his tights, but Wolf ran out to ringside to get in his face and try to bring it to the ref's attention, to make sure he couldn't cheat his way to another victory. This left him prone to a flying back elbow from Voss, who snatched the win. (58)

A solid show all around, better than last week, and it feels like things are setting up nicely for Coming Storm, though if I'm entirely honest the Wolf-Abruzzi storyline has felt entirely slapdash, but at least I can trust the match will be great when it happens. Here’s hoping the show as a whole goes off well. (59) The ratings came in at .33 and 255k viewers.

GCW Coming Storm:

(P) St.Croix and Bee vs Mitchell and Derby

(P) Cash Firestone vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Sunset Army vs The Danger Boys

(P) The Dregs vs The Hillbillies

King Kong Grady vs Big Hank Banner

Kramer and Nations vs Durant and Brownfield

Madalene DeGeorge vs Lily-Rose Criss – GCW Women’s Championship Match

Reijiro Kandori vs Dustin Robinson

Black Hat Rodeo vs The Mechanics

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

The Gwinn Brothers vs Riptide – GCW Tag team Championship Match

MJ Abruzzi vs Wolf Koziol

Braden Voss vs Poseidon – GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Zergon · January 9, 2021

(P) St.Croix and Bee vs Mitchell and Derby

I continue to pick Derby here as she have delivered so far.

(P) Cash Firestone vs Aaron Redcloud

Aaron is the bigger name.

(P) Sunset Army vs The Danger Boys

Not sure about this one with Army being in feud with Robinson but thinking Boys have had slighly more steady push lately while Army are just Kandori´s goons who´s threat comes from their numbers rather than indivitual skills and thus wins and losses don´t matter that much with them.

(P) The Dregs vs The Hillbillies

Bigger names.

King Kong Grady vs Big Hank Banner

Doubful this would be a great match but interesting to see were this would go as while Banner has the backstage politics on his favor, I do feel Grady needs to win this after lackluster performance as Man Mountains and you did give him a manager which points towards a push. All that said, you have shown your not afraid to push Banner for story´s shake so I go with him here even if my gut says Grady should win.

Kramer and Nations vs Durant and Brownfield

Thinking Tarzan is the weak link here.

Madalene DeGeorge vs Lily-Rose Criss – GCW Women’s Championship Match

As I said earlier, I´m thinking it´s time for a chance and start building the face side of your women division a bit below Criss.

Reijiro Kandori vs Dustin Robinson

Robinson has been jobbing a lot lately but not sure if he´s fallen hard enough to lose to retiring Kandori here. In all honesty, this feels similar to me than with Army´s feuds with Raiden and Wolf on Army just biting more than what they could chew.

Black Hat Rodeo vs The Mechanics

I see Mechanics being higher on the card even if Rodeo is more established tag team.

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

I assume this would be Dale vs Bragg and I could see a title chance here but thinking Bragg would retain at least for now unless you have other plans for him that doesn´t involve title belts.

The Gwinn Brothers vs Riptide – GCW Tag team Championship Match

Even with Machine injured, I don´t Riptide dropping the belts this quickly.

MJ Abruzzi vs Wolf Koziol

Cheaty win to keep this onen going bit longer would be my guess.

Braden Voss vs Poseidon – GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Don´t see Voss getting the belt here but I think this particular feud will continue bit longer so the loss is unlikely to be clean either.

smw88 · January 9, 2021

(P) St.Croix and Bee vs Mitchell and Derby

(P) Cash Firestone vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Sunset Army vs The Danger Boys

(P) The Dregs vs The Hillbillies

King Kong Grady vs Big Hank Banner

Kramer and Nations vs Durant and Brownfield

Madalene DeGeorge vs Lily-Rose Criss – GCW Women’s Championship Match

Reijiro Kandori vs Dustin Robinson

Black Hat Rodeo vs The Mechanics

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

The Gwinn Brothers vs Riptide – GCW Tag team Championship Match

MJ Abruzzi vs Wolf Koziol

Braden Voss vs Poseidon – GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

DinoKea · January 9, 2021

Coming Storm 1986 Predictions:

Preshow: Mitchell & Derby def. St. Croix & Bee

St. Croix and Bee are definitely not on the same level as Derby.

Preshow: Aaron Redcloud def. Cash Firestone

Aside from an awesome name, I feel like Cash doesn't have too much going for him right now. Redcloud however it seems could be a future star if he can develop

Preshow: The Danger Boys def. Sunset Army

It's weird to think these would've been two (near) top tag teams when you started this diary. Going for Danger Boys mainly because they lose their last match.

Preshow: The Dregs def. The Hillbillies

If the tag team has a name, they'll probably beat the Hillbillies.

King Kong Grady def. Big Hank Banner

You know, for all your making fun of Hank, he's managed to work his way up from winning on the preshows quite nicely. Sure pretty much everyone barring Disney has more potential, but still.

Kramer & Nations def. Durant & Brownfield

It kind of depends where you want to go with this who wins, but honestly Kramer is a bigger name than Brownfield, even if he's ageing a bit.

Madalene DeGeorge def. Lily-Rose Criss - GCW Women's Championship Match

Everything has been building up to this I feel like. Lily-Rose has had a decent length run as champ and I think now is when it comes to an end.

Dustin Robinson def. Reijiro Kandori

Enjoy retirement

The Mechanics def. Black Hat Rodeo

I'm honestly not 100% on who would win as getting a read on where tag teams stand against singles stars is always hard. I think Mechanics are the bigger names though.

??? def. Billy Ray Bragg - GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

I feel like this open challenge thing has been building to this. It's nearing time to Billy Ray to take command of the Black Hats and start looking towards the Heavyweight Championship. As such it's probably time he loses the belt, even though I know you try to avoid swapping two titles on one card.

Riptide def. The Gwinn Brothers - GCW Tag Team Championship Match

Even though Mean Machine is injured (and I'm guessing that means Ashton Black is taking his spot), I think a run of a heel champion with the belt is what you're thinking right now since your face side is finally good enough to have one.

MJ Abruzzi def. Wolf Koizol

I could be wrong, it's always harder with feud matches as you have to work out where you're at. Are the going for one more PPV or ending it here? But Abruzzi will likely be challenging Raiden when he gets the belt, so I see him beating Wolf here.

Poseidon def. Braden Voss - GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Everyone knows it's a filler feud, one to give Poseidon someone to face while we wait for Raiden to recover and make the challenge. It establishes Voss nicely as a top face though.

KyTeran · January 9, 2021

(P) St.Croix and Bee vs Mitchell and Derby

(P) Cash Firestone vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Sunset Army vs The Danger Boys

(P) The Dregs vs The Hillbillies

King Kong Grady vs Big Hank Banner

Kramer and Nations vs Durant and Brownfield

Madalene DeGeorge vs Lily-Rose Criss – GCW Women’s Championship Match

Reijiro Kandori vs Dustin Robinson

Black Hat Rodeo vs The Mechanics

??? vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship Open Challenge

The Gwinn Brothers vs Riptide – GCW Tag team Championship Match

MJ Abruzzi vs Wolf Koziol

Braden Voss vs Poseidon – GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

jokerdesilva · January 12, 2021

June 1st, 1986 GCW Coming Storm

Rupert C. Thompson Arena, 4400 in attendance

Once again in good news, Billy Ray’s leg was finally healed up in time for the big show. He was still damn good even on a bad calf, but it was nice to have him at full strength.

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Pre-Show – St. Croix and Bee vs Derby and Mitchell

Derby and Mitchell continue on as a solid pairing, and Derby continues to be an absolute in-ring standout. There’s not a ton else to say about this match. Adrianna won with the Thrust Kick on Camille in 8:41.

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Pre-Show – Cash Firestone vs Aaron Redcloud

I wish Cash had a bit more in-ring stamina because his name alone is fantastic, and he’s one of my faster developing newbies. Still, until he can step up a bit more and not start looking gassed after five minutes, this is what he can expect. Aaron won with the Overhead Slam in 6:07. (24)

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Pre-Show – Sunset Army vs Danger Boys

With Reijiro retiring soon and the Sunset Army not really getting over, it’s hard to know exactly what to do with them. They’re passable workers and an established unit, though, so they have at least one purpose: fodder for the tag division. Bret hit a Bulldog to win in 8:29. (27)

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Pre-Show – The Dregs vs The Hillbillies

Similarly, the Hillbillies are probably not going anywhere any time soon, but they’re good bodies at least, while the Dregs keep creeping steadily up in my estimation. Gabe Pilcher with the Spinebuster in 9:46. (30)

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King Kong Grady vs Big Hank Banner

Well, this match was about as ugly as I was expecting. Grady stomped out looking like a big angry monster with Lester Haas leading him down, and Big Hank looked impressive standing up to him - and even giving up a few inches for a change. The stare down, at least, was fun. Then they actually started wrestling. Just a plodding exchange of power moves between two raw and unpolished wrestlers. I suppose one could argue that this match was better than it would have been when Grady was still a babyface in October, but eh. Lester called the shots nicely at ringside and distracted Banner towards the end, leading to him getting crushed in the corner with a running body press and then falling to the stalling King Kong Suplex at 8:17. (25)

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Kramer and Nations vs Durant and Brownfield

I really need team names for both of these duos, as I’ve really enjoyed them working as pairings. As it is, a hell of a good match. Marcus is starting to run out of steam as he rapidly approaches 50, but he’s still a damn good wrestler, and Durant and Brownfield are heavily on the come up. And Scorpio is just Scorpio. A breakout star in the making. While Kramer brought the name value, and Tarzan brought some dazzling athleticism, it was definitely the high point when Sebastien was in there battling with the smaller but cagier Scorpio. He got the win here in 10:22 with the Scorpion Clutch. (52)

We went backstage to a dark room where Poseidon was waiting with the masked Night Stalker and Ashton Black.

"Just when they think there's a moment of weakness in the Riptide, we change things up, don't we?" Poseidon began. "Our Mean Machine was left battered and unable to compete, but that's far from the end of things for us. I've had a man waiting in the wings, a former partner and disciple who just needed the opportunity to heal, and to focus on learning the true path of the Riptide. And now he has arrived, ready to attack. A vicious, bloodthirsty Jackal."

"Oh, yes, and it feels so good to be back," Ashton said. "I've had to spend almost a year waiting for my opportunity, waiting to step back onto this stage, waiting to fight, waiting to hurt people. I've missed hurting people so, so badly. You forget how sweet suffering tastes until you're not swimming in it every day, but now I'm back, and the Riptide is stronger than ever, because I am a seasoned tag team champion, and I know how this works."

"We know how it works," Night Stalker added. "Champions. Unstoppable. That's what we are, and that's what we're going to be. If you thought there was weakness here with Mean Machine out, rest assured, he's going to return even more furious and unstoppable than before, and when he does, he'll be stepping right back into the strongest group in wrestling, and stepping right back in as a champion. Me and Ashton will hold things down until he's ready, and no one is going to take these titles from us."

"No one will take any of these titles from us," Poseidon said. "That is what the Riptide means. Unforgiving, merciless power. There is no fear here. No hesitation. You cannot stop us, you cannot truly hurt us, and so you cannot defeat us. What can you do to men who have no fear of death? What can you do, to men who have seen the dark side and come out stronger? No. Nothing. You have nothing. And whether it is the Gwinn Brothers or Braden Voss, or anyone else, you cannot stop us. Tonight the Riptide will be stronger than ever." (63)

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Madalene DeGeorge vs Lily-Rose Criss – GCW Women’s Championship

Well, Lily-Rose did her part and established an opening title run, but she never truly impressed me as anything but a safe veteran, and frankly, she's already chewed through the bulk of credible challengers besides. Time to go in a different direction - and see about pulling in a few other women to refresh the roster. She put up another good showing here, dancing around the ring and showing off impressive athleticism as usual, but this time Madalene was a step ahead, clearly sharper than the last time they'd faced off. She ducked neatly out of the way of a Crossbody and pounced to score a DDT on the dizzied Lily-Rose, getting the pin at 9:42 to end her inaugural 147-day reign. (46)

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Reijiro Kandori vs Dustin Robinson

Just a short match, which is all that can be asked for, but these two have worked together a dozen times in the past and know how to put on a solid contest, even when both of them are really on their way out. It was a lot of expertly done technical wrestling and grappling on the mat, that saw the vicious Reijiro trying to out-think and out-work Dustin, but never getting ahead of the stronger and more resilient hero. Dustin won with the Slingshot Suplex in 5:53. (53)

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Black Hat Rodeo w/Billy Ray Bragg vs The Mechanics

And here we have Olivares and Marshall in probably their best showing to date, which is nice to see. They were in there with good opposition, of course, but still. It was the perfect pairing of the big bruising cowboy toughs trying to dominate the smaller, smarter men, and the Mechanics circled them neatly, seeming well ahead at first. Carver Wells in particular moved circles around Olivares for a good chunk of the match, nearly scoring with a Neckbreaker, but Billy Ray tripped him up from the outside. That was the other story of the match, as he similarly blindsided Ryan Osburn with a shot from a cowboy boot to leave him dizzied and walk right into a Spinebuster from Marshall for the win at 13:46. (46)

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Dale Whitlock vs Billy Ray Bragg – GCW North American Championship

Yes, the Black Hat Rodeo finally implodes. Billy Ray made his challenge, and it was Dale Whitlock who stormed out to meet him, still showing a black eye from the brawl on Combat Television. They started throwing hands and battling one another from the word go, and while Billy Ray was younger and a little bit bigger, it seemed at times like experience would win out. Dale seemed to know just about everything he was going to do as he was going to do it, wriggling out of the Sidewinder Choke a few times and nearly bisecting him with a football tackle. It only got a near fall, though, and he set up for the Hangman's Neckbreaker - at which point Billy Ray mule-kicked him squarely between the legs. He was disqualified for the blatant low blow, but kept his title, and stomped Dale a few times before spitting on him and scampering out of the ring. (54)

MJ Abruzzi was backstage in a private locker room, waiting for the camera and his interview to begin. Sitting behind him were Scorpio Nations and Marcus Kramer on a couch, Scorpio's legs kicked up as he drank from a flute of champagne.

"Tonight has been a good night for the Syndicate, and I intend for that to continue. Wolf, you've done a damn silly thing by trying to call me out. You think you're better than me? You think you can stand a chance against the Godfather? Nah, nah nah. That's not how this works. Y'see, you talk a big game, you howl your head off, the people cheer. It's great. It's fantastic, for you. It's a great place for the Wolf. But it's not... on my level. Not on the Godfather's level."

Camille St. Croix appeared, handing him a glass of champagne to go along with the one Scorpio was drinking. At the same time, Madalene DeGeorge stepped in, too, holding her newly-won Women's Championship.

"See, I am a winner. I surround myself with winners. And you, well, you just don't have the chops, do you? You don't have what it takes to win at all costs like I do. That's what separates the best from the rest, and brother, I am the best." (67)

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The Gwinn Brothers vs Riptide – GCW Tag Team Championship Match

Ashton Black once again stepped in for Mean Machine. I’m not crazy about slotting in an “extra” tag team champion, but that’s part of the upside of stables, right? Night Stalker was the standout, of course, but the Gwinn Brothers are looking well improved, too, and hopefully after working as a babyface anchor to the tag division, this title loss can spark some greater character. They sure came out feisty. It wasn’t enough to overcome a different opponent in the Jackal, though, and Night Stalker hit his Thrust Kick in 17:43 to seal the deal. (54)

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MJ Abruzzi vs Wolf Koziol

As usual, Wolf wasn’t really inclined to sell, which took the match down a tick, but MJ was damn good enough to raise it anyway. A shame, since half the intention was for MJ to start tearing apart Wolf's legs to slow him down, but it was undercut slightly by him not really selling the assault, the very leg-whips and knee breakers and the like. He just kept coming up and storming back on the assault, looking like the toughest man in the ring. Abruzzi made him look like a world-beater, too, so at least there's that. He ducked out of a couple running Lariat attempts, escaping by the skin of his teeth. In the end, after a grueling 20:03 match that saw Abruzzi throw everything at Wolf that he had, he managed to win when Kramer and Nations played distraction at ringside, letting the Godfather slip out a pair of brass knuckles to KO Wolf and steal the pin. (57)

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Braden Voss vs Poseidon – GCW Heavyweight Championship Match

I won’t pretend that Braden is the best top challenger I’ve had so far, but he put on a damn good showing, and Poseidon is still the man in this company. It was the perfect battle of the flashy David against the monstrous Goliath, as Poseidon had nearly half a foot in height on the Roadrunner. Still, Braden played to a very nice stick-and-move strategy that saw him throwing his best at Poseidon relentlessly, hitting him with kicks and chops and strikes of all kind to keep him dizzied. Of course, the problem was that Poseidon could absorb just about anything that Voss threw at him, and hit twice as hard. Ultimately, Poseidon proved to be just too much, tossing Voss around with brutal suplexes and slams to leave him reeling, and with a Knee Face Crusher at 15:17, he secured his title once again. (59)

Well, another show that has plateaued a little bit. Our undercard seems to be rising up steadily, making for a far more even show across the board, but the top end isn’t really inching up there much. There’s an obvious change I can make that will hopefully refresh things and bump it up a notch, and it’s sure to come soon, I’m just trying to milk the status quo as long as I can – if only because I’m enjoying one act in particular. (57)

Next Week:

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Lail and Demand vs Nehemiah and Beltran

(P) Suzanne Levee vs Lilyanna Derby

(P) Trent Stevens vs Kurt Grey

Heavenly Bodies vs Durant and Brownfield

Abruzzi with Nations and Kramer vs Banner and the Hillbillies

Jimmy G vs Dale Whitlock

Black Hat Rodeo (Olivares and Marshall) with Slay vs Gwinn Brothers with Criss

Riptide vs Koziol and Voss

DinoKea · January 12, 2021

Predictions:

Preshow: Aaron Redcloud def. Sawyer Rodriguez

Aaron takes home another win

Preshow: Beltran & Nehemiah def. Lail & Demand

What's that, Nehemiah winning?!

Preshow: Lilyanna Derby def. Suzanne Levee

You don't debut on the preshow and beat Derby

Preshow: Trent Stevens def. Kurt Grey

Kurt's got to be fully retired soon.

Durant & Brownfield def. Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies aren't the worst, but they're definitely not the greatest

The Syndicate def Banner & the Hillbillies

Banner has just turned into a regular jobber

Dale Whitlock def. Jimmy G

Jimmy has had a rise up the card, just not that far.

Black Hat Rodeo (Olivares and Marshall) with Slay def. Gwinn Brothers with Criss

50/50ed it honestly

Riptide def. Koziol and Voss

Can't see you letting the tag champions lose.

Zergon · January 12, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Aaron Redcloud

Bigger name

(P) Lail and Demand vs Nehemiah and Beltran

Not used to see any of these guys getting wins (well, maybe that´s not fair on Beltran´s case as he did win plenty as one half on Man Mountains before you decided that it wasn´t working) but thinking Nehemiah and Beltran are slighly above Lail and Demand but I could be wrong here.

(P) Suzanne Levee vs Lilyanna Derby

Derby feels like logical next opponent for DeGeorge once the usual rematch from Criss is done

(P) Trent Stevens vs Kurt Grey

Haven´t seen Stevens for a while but he´s the future here

Heavenly Bodies vs Durant and Brownfield

Bigger names

Abruzzi with Nations and Kramer vs Banner and the Hillbillies

Way bigger names. As a side note, interesting that Banner seems to be jobbing more now but he´s facing tougher opponents as well so that´s somewhat expected and frankly probably works better for him in the long run than squashing jobbers if he can keep his ego in check long enough to benefit being in ring with more talented guys.

Jimmy G vs Dale Whitlock

Thinking Dale is still higher on the ladders

Black Hat Rodeo (Olivares and Marshall) with Slay vs Gwinn Brothers with Criss

Criss vs. Slay is the difference maker here. Looks like you are starting to incorporate women division a bit more with the guys with this and DeGeorge and St. Croix being included into Syndicate

Riptide vs Koziol and Voss

Thinking these two are big enough names to beat Riptide in non-titles match (or title match for that matter but that´s another story). Unless Synticate wants to play with Wolf bit more that is.

KyTeran · January 12, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Lail and Demand vs Nehemiah and Beltran

(P) Suzanne Levee vs Lilyanna Derby

(P) Trent Stevens vs Kurt Grey

Heavenly Bodies vs Durant and Brownfield

Abruzzi with Nations and Kramer vs Banner and the Hillbillies

Jimmy G vs Dale Whitlock

Black Hat Rodeo (Olivares and Marshall) with Slay vs Gwinn Brothers with Criss

Riptide vs Koziol and Voss

Herrbear · January 16, 2021

(P) Sawyer Rodriguez vs Aaron Redcloud

(P) Lail and Demand vs Nehemiah and Beltran

(P) Suzanne Levee vs Lilyanna Derby

(P) Trent Stevens vs Kurt Grey

Heavenly Bodies vs Durant and Brownfield

Abruzzi with Nations and Kramer vs Banner and the Hillbillies

Jimmy G vs Dale Whitlock

Black Hat Rodeo (Olivares and Marshall) with Slay vs Gwinn Brothers with Criss

Riptide vs Koziol and Voss

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