(DOTM) New York is Always a Good Idea (Cverse)

[TCP1]

New York City… home of the massive Greenwalt Dome…

 

To say that the Greenwalt Dome is legendary would be an understatement. This was the premier venue for any events in the entire city of New York. Bigger in capacity than the Garden, higher in prestige than the Evanonich Arena. This was where the biggest crowds went to see the biggest shows. And here we were. Taking the first steps towards becoming a major player in the world of professional wrestling.

 

I spent time beforehand talking to some of the key players. Trapesi and Shaffer were predictably calm and in control ahead of their match. Aaron Andrews was really excited to get back to just doing what he loves and had actually formed a decent relationship with his opponent backstage. McManus had no doubt that they’d steal the show, but Shaffer overhead and told them to bring it. Friendly rivalries are always good. Bulldozer was smoking a cigar, while Harper drank a can of beer. The two had setup a little poker tournament to keep the boys busy and calm.

 

Larry had chosen to watch the show from in the crowd and was wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap to cover his identity.

 

EEE Supershow: Genesis Sunday, Week 4, February 2024 Greenwalt Dome, New York City, New York Attendance: 43,424

SINGLES MATCH: Angry Gilmore vs. Monty Trescarde In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Angry Gilmore defeated Monty Trescarde in 10:20 by count out. Rating: 65 Notes: Crushingly disappointing start as these two old-hands don’t click. I figured of all the match-ups these two where the least likely to let us down. Still, because of their joint popularity, the crowd were still into the match, even it was clunky and occasionally mistimed. SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. Spike Sylvain In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, The Eagle defeated Spike Sylvain in 9:53 by pinfall with a Freedom Slam. Rating: 67 Notes: This match with no build-up and two somewhat forgotten stars got the crowd more fired up than the opener, to give you an idea of how bad it was. The Eagle is still looking for some identity, btu we needed to heat him up to give him a chance. This was a good opportunity to do so. TAG TEAM MATCH: The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, The Fantastic Express defeated The Biggins Boys in 10:28 when Bart Biggins was counted out while fighting Rafe Sashay. Rating: 71 Notes: Another decent match between these two, but perhaps the sheen was wearing off after having battled around each other for over a year. That’s not to say they didn’t bring the goods, but it was underwhelming considering some of their previous matchups. SINGLES MATCH: Bradley Blaze vs. The Masked Mauler In a decent match, The Masked Mauler defeated Bradley Blaze in 7:57 by submission with an Iron Claw. Rating: 56 Notes: Oof, this was not great. Mauler is still someone we’re high on, but Bradley clearly needed more name recognition before being put onto the main show like this. Perhaps we’d save him for bit-parts going forward. SINGLES MATCH: Charlie Corner vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Charlie Corner defeated Phil Anders in 9:52 by pinfall with a Corner Cutter. Rating: 59 Notes: Cali Cool brought the goods, but Anders’ green-ness in the ring was unavoidable. He definitely needed more seasoning, which would come. And in his defense, when he was good, he was great. He just wasn’t good enough for long enough. EEE WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Twin Powers (Bulldozer Brandon Smith & Andrew Harper) vs. Cross River Connection (c) In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Cross River Connection defeated The Twin Powers in 9:45 when Prime Time Jack Pryde pinned Andrew Harper after using a foreign object. Cross River Connection make defence number two of the EEE World Tag Team. Rating: 73 Notes: This was a great match-up. The newly christened Twin Powers brought their absolute best and the Cross River Connection matched them every step of the way. Billy Keelan did great work outside the ring, but when he tried to toss in a billy club, Prime Time caught it and smashed Harper in the face and stole his team the win. Classic tag team wrestling. EEE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: Honest Frank Jr vs. Danny Hagman (c) In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Danny Hagman defeated Honest Frank Jr in 9:33 by count out. Danny Hagman makes defence number one of the EEE Intercontinental. Rating: 68 Notes: This match may have been the most disappointing of the whole show. I secretly had a feeling these two might just sneak into top-tier entertainment, but a lack of psychology really hurt matters. This is what happens when you build a company’s midcard around younger stars. I’d have to reconsider the pushes a little if this was going to be a consistent issue. Better to have someone in each match who can help carry it and teach the new generation how to work effectively. SINGLES MATCH: Fro Sure vs. Davis Wayne Newton In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Davis Wayne Newton defeated Fro Sure in 9:44 by pinfall while using the ropes for leverage. Rating: 73 Notes: No such worries between these two, who are two of the best we have in all aspects. An extended feud between them might just elevate them both to the tippy top. This was a great starting point and only hints at how high they could get if we nurtured it properly. SINGLES MATCH: Aaron Andrews vs. ‘The Georgia Bulldog’ Riley McManus In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Aaron Andrews defeated Riley McManus in 21:43 by pinfall with a Flying Body Press. Rating: 75 Notes: We might need to look at his ‘Finisher’ as it’s just a basic move and it’s not the 1970s anymore (no matter how much Vessey wishes it was). But I expected good things and they delivered in spades. An absolute barn-stormer of a match which breezed through it’s run time. Aaron Andrews, while toxic, was one of the best workers on the planet and we’d be using him for as long as we could. EEE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH Trent Shaffer vs. ‘The Star’ George Trapesi (c) In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, George Trapesi defeated Trent Shaffer in 24:57 by pinfall with a Star Maker Lariat. George Trapesi makes defence number three of the EEE World Heavyweight. Rating: 88 Notes: WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM? Holy cow! The second match-up between these two is an absolute barn-stormer of epic proportions. Comfortably our best match ever and an early contender for Match of the Year. Astounding stuff. I actually don’t know what to add that wasn’t said during the match itself.   OVERALL RATING: 86

 

We got a staggering 661,960 viewers and while we made a $515,855 loss, over $1m was taken out by the re-creation of New York City Wrestling. Backstage after thanking Shaffer, Andrews and Trapesi for their incredible performances, I was handed a print-out of the first months merchandise figures:

 

George Trapesi - $21,977

Aaron Andrews - $19,587

Prime Time Jack Pryde - $14,964

Fro Sure - $14,043

Emma Chase - $10,607

Angry Gilmore - $10,172

Perfect Pepper Pelton - $10,006

Trent Shaffer - $5,993

Danny Hagman - $5,466

Davis Wayne Newton - $3,269

 

People love their babyfaces in New York it seems. And why the devil not.

 

Next time… we begin planning for a completely new type of match…

[TCP1]

Prediction Results Standings following EEE Supershow: Genesis 2024

1. MisterRomanini - 10/10 (100%)

2. eayragt - 9/10 (90%)

2. Herrbear - 9/10 (90%)

2. Theheel - 9/10 (90%)

5. DinoKeo - 8/10 (80%)

5. KyTeran - 8/10 (80%)

7. John Lions - 6/10 (60%)

 

I will aim to keep a running tally throughout the year so that you can all see how you get on. Congrats to MisterRomanini for his perfect scores and to everyone for the high scores across the board. I suspect the opening show was always going to be a bit predictable, but I can guarentee you the next one won't be so straightforward.

[TCP1]

New York City… home of the Royale… no cheese…

 

Two months earlier…

 

At headquarters in a creative meeting, we were discussing upcoming shows and plans. The big show was three months away and we wanted to build a main event from scratch. At the moment we had George Trapesi, Trent Shaffer and Riley McManus as our top stars who we could realistically use. If we wanted someone else, we needed to heat them up as soon as possible. The plans for the end of this month were still a little in flux and the discussion was getting heated.

 

“What’s wrong with a battle royal?” Larry said gruffly.

 

“Everyone does battle royals,” Barrowman said. “They’re not special.”

 

“Why do things have to be special?”

 

“Because we’re not running a deli,” Sam snapped. “This is professional wrestling. Without special events, crowds aren’t going to be as engaged. In fact, if you’re insistent on switching to a PG-friendly sports entertainment type show in the future, you need even more special things to separate you from the competition.”

 

“So we’re back to a battle royal,” Angry Gilmore added.

 

“No!” Barrowman said.

 

“Intervals,” said Troy Tornado.

 

All eyes in the room moved to Troy. He was comfortably the least verbal member of the creative team. And rarely added anything different or special.

 

“Explain,” Larry said.

 

Troy got to his feet and went over to the whiteboard to explain.

 

“You start with two wrestlers, then, every two minutes you bring in another. Elimination occurs when they’re thrown over the top rope. Once all the entrants have entered, you keep eliminating until one wrestler remains and they are declared the winner.”

 

Everyone around the table was in shock. This was brilliant. It was unique, I’d never seen anything like it and it allowed us to use most of the roster AND winning something like that would be a real accomplishment. Absolutely incredible.

 

“What would we call it?” Larry asked.

 

“The Battle Royale?” said Sam.

 

“The Royal Battle?” chimed in Barrowman.

 

“The Royal Rumble,” proposed Gilmore.

 

“The Empire Royale,” said Troy.

 

Larry raised an eyebrow. “I like it.”

 

***

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #5 Friday, Week 1, March 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 9,566

[*]ANGLE: Gilmore and Trescarde get into an argument, while waiting to draw their entry numbers to the Empire Royale. about their match at the weekend. Trescarde laughs at his number, but Gilmore looks angry. Rating: 79 [*]SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. Loa Afu The Eagle defeated Loa Afu in 9:55 by pinfall with a Freedom Slam. Rating: 59 [*]ANGLE: Fro Sure & DWN are the next pair to draw their numbers. DWN looks devastated, but Fro Sure can’t help but laugh and do a little dance. Rating: 79 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Porkchop Patterson vs. Big Jon Walker Big Jon Walker defeated Porkchop Patterson in 7:33 by pinfall with a Monster DDT. Rating: 22 [*]ANGLE: Aaron Andrews draws his number and smiles, but refuses to tell Barrowman what number he drew. Rating: 71 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Aaron ‘The Ace’ Andrews vs. Loa Laki Aaron Andrews defeated Loa Laki in 10:29 by pinfall with a Standing Hot Shot. Rating: 59 [*]ANGLE: Trent Shaffer approaches the spinning dispenser and draws a number. Seemingly happy, he puts on his shades and ignores Barrowman’s questions. Rating: 88 [*]EEE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: The Masked Mauler vs. ‘The Star’ George Trapesi (c) George Trapesi defeated The Masked Mauler in 24:23 by pinfall with a Star Maker Lariat. George Trapesi makes defence number four of the EEE World Heavyweight. Rating: 80 [*]ANGLE: George Trapesi celebrates with Cheerleader Nicki. Rating: 82 [*]OVERALL RATING: 80 – 0.66 (497,312 viewers)

 

With little else happening of note, and all hands to the pump the week flew by and we were ready to go again.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #6 Friday, Week 2, March 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,204

[*]ANGLE: A row of wrestlers are lined up to draw their numbers. The Cross River Connection have to cut the queue because they have a match in a minute. After showing each other their numbers, the two high five. Behind them lurk Bulldozer Brandon Smith and Andrew Harper. Rating: 84 [*]EEE WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Razorbacks vs. Cross River Connection (c) Cross River Connection defeated The Razorbacks in 9:55 when Perfect Pepper Pelton pinned TJ Brown with a Prime Time Perfection. Cross River Connection make defence number three of the EEE World Tag Team. Rating: 67 [*]ANGLE: Fro Sure insults DWN about his number in the Empire Royale. But DWN has made peace with it. You’ve got to beat all the best to be the best. Not something Fro Sure knows anything about. Rating: 83 [*]SINGLES MATCH: John Greed vs. Monty Trescarde Monty Trescarde defeated John Greed in 9:44 by pinfall with a Cash Bonus. Rating: 66 [*]ANGLE: The Fantastics and the Biggins Boys are next up to draw numbers. Rafe and Zippy swap numbers and then laugh. Rating: 74 [*]SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. Teddy Powell The Eagle defeated Teddy Powell in 10:25 by pinfall with a Freedom Slam. Rating: 69 [*]ANGLE: Honest Frank Jr hasn’t forgotten about a shot at the Intercontinental Title. But he’ll settle for besting 29 others and claiming a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Rating: 88 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Angry Gilmore vs. Spike Sylvain Angry Gilmore defeated Spike Sylvain in 10:15 by pinfall with an Anger Management. Rating: 71 [*]ANGLE: Trent Shaffer insults George Trapesi and promises to win the Empire Royal. Rating: 91 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: The VCC vs. Bulldozer Brandon Smith & Andrew Harper Bulldozer Brandon Smith and Andrew Harper defeated The VCC in 9:38 when Andrew Harper pinned Ray Cavalero with a Spike Slam. Rating: 77 [*]OVERALL RATING: 80 – 0.66 (496,128 viewers)

 

 

Fantastic stuff all round there, with the gimmick about drawing numbers going over a storm with the live crowd. The following day, it was time to head to The Ministry to checkout the latest from NYCW:

 

NYCW Spring Showdown I The Ministry, New York City 1,000 (SOLD OUT!?!) Pablo Rodriguez defeated Ray Snow to win NYCW Tri-State Regional Title – 40 Sandman Winks defeated Rayne Man to retain the NYCW Nationwide Title – 56 The Wild Dogs defeated The Latino Kings to retain the NYCW Tag Team Titles – 47 Marco Gonzalez defeated Bowden Snoop – 41 Leonardo Fry defeated Derrick Crump – 31 Christian Plotcheck defeated Blue Dragon – 27 Clarence Chambers defeated Carlos Imes – 18 Overall Rating: 49

 

Well at least they’ve put the Tri-State Regional Title on someone worthy. That’s a step in the right direction. I would say though… it’s a bit samey.

 

Next time… More numbers are drawn and more feuds are intensified…

[TCP1]

New York City… where we have our eyes on the game-changing Empire Royale…

 

Slow news week after all that, so we just ploughed on ahead.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #7 Friday, Week 3, March 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,179

[*]ANGLE: Monty Trescarde looking to win big at Empire Royale. Rating: 82 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Garry the Entertainer vs. Monty Trescarde Monty Trescarde defeated Garry The Entertainer in 10:19 by pinfall with a Cash Bonus. Rating: 44 [*]ANGLE: DWN insults Fro Sure and warns him not to keep going after DWN, he’s a Canadian Hero after all. Rating: 86 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: The Biggins Boys vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew The Biggins Boys defeated Samoan Wrecking Crew in 9:45 when Bart Biggins pinned Loa Afu with a B-Dropper. Rating: 49 [*]ANGLE: The Biggins Boys remind each other that while they’re a team, it’s every man for himself at the Empire Royale. Rating: 82 [*]EEE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: The Masked Mauler vs. Danny Hagman (c) Danny Hagman defeated The Masked Mauler in 9:36 by pinfall with a Missing Piece. Danny Hagman makes defence number two of the EEE Intercontinental. Rating: 70 [*]ANGLE: Danny Hagman runs down Honest Frank Jr. Rating: 91 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Chip Martin vs. ‘The Georgia Bulldog’ Riley McManus Riley McManus defeated Chip Martin in 10:25 by pinfall with a Slingshot Suplex. Rating: 58 [*]ANGLE: George Trapesi wishes Shaffer all the luck in the upcoming Empire Royale. But he’s seen his number and knows that he’s going to need it. Rating: 85 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Charlie Corner vs. Trent Shaffer Trent Shaffer defeated Charlie Corner in 9:33 by pinfall with a Heart Burn. Rating: 73 [*]OVERALL RATING: 77 – 0.66 (495,369 viewers)

 

And again, not a lot going on as it really felt like all eyes were on us and what we’d do a little over a week from now.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #8 Friday, Week 4, March 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 9,646

[*]ANGLE: BBS and Harper will be gunning for Cross River Connection in the Empire Royale. And when they eliminate them, they’ll be getting another shot at the titles. Rating: 83 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Chip Martin vs. Honest Frank Jr Honest Frank Jr defeated Chip Martin in 9:55 by pinfall with a Roll The Dice. Rating: 58 [*]ANGLE: Riley McManus hates Aaron Andrews. There’s little else to say. Other than he’s going to do everything in his power to knock him out at the Royale. Rating: 79 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Fro Sure vs. TJ Brown Fro Sure defeated TJ Brown in 10:14 by pinfall with a Sure Thing. Rating: 59 [*]ANGLE: Aaron ‘The Ace’ Andrews has been around longer than half his opponents have been alive. But at Empire Royale, he’s going to show why he’s considered one of the best around. Rating: 72 [*]SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. Jamarr Green The Eagle defeated Jamarr Green in 9:51 by pinfall with a Freedom Slam. Rating: 56 [*]ANGLE Charlie Corner is a pretty laid back dude. But this Phil Anders guy is starting to irritate him. He doesn’t want to get mad… people wouldn’t like him when he’s mad. Rating: 67 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Bradley Blaze vs. Davis Wayne Newton Davis Wayne Newton defeated Bradley Blaze in 9:34 by pinfall with a Fisherman's Suplex. Rating: 56 [*]ANGLE: George Trapesi has it easy, no big match for him. So he’s throwing out an open challenge to anyone on the roster whose never had a title shot before to come challenge him. Rating: 84 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express The Fantastic Express defeated The Biggins Boys in 10:08 when Zippy Deverell pinned Bart Biggins while using the ropes for leverage. Rating: 76 [*]ANGLE: Both teams get into a big brawl, leading to a cascade of tag team wrestlers hitting the ring and being thrown out, battle royal style. When all is said and done, Bulldozer Brandon Smith is standing tall in the centre of the ring. Rating: 81 [*]OVERALL RATING: 77 – 0.64 (486,319 viewers)

 

And that, as they say, is that.

 

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale:

Runner-Up of Royale:

3rd Place in Royale:

4th Place in Royale:

Most Eliminations:

Longest Run:

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

 

Next time… The First Ever Empire Royale…

[Hashasheen]

Surprised you didn't filch Aztec Warfare and call it Imperial Strife.

[DinoKea]

Maybe I misread something but pretty sure I got 8/10 for my last predictions. Looking over the predictions it appears you may have accidentally had Gilmore win.

 

I have a sneaking suspicion I won't be reaching that level again

 

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale: Trent Shaffer

Bit of a boring pick honestly, but Shaffer is currently rivaling Trapesi

Runner-Up of Royale: Aaron Andrews

Needed face v heel for final 2 and really you've not got many faces even looking ready to step up. Based on the options Fro Sure is your only good face option and he's coming in off a loss

3rd Place in Royale: Fro Sure

Speaking of Fro Sure, 3rd place. Got to start pushing your next generation somewhere

4th Place in Royale: Riley McManus

I wanted to give Riley higher as I like him but it never really made sense and giving your top 3 slots to the 3 biggest names felt like a waste

Most Eliminations: Andrew Harper

Odd pick I know, but I always like to back someone big and brutish. Good way to reward a loyal member of your roster who has never held a title

Longest Run: Davis Wayne Newton

Wanted to give this to Blaze who feels too low on the roster list for how I've seen him in some of your previous works, with DWN in Top 4. This made more sense though.

EEE World Heavyweight: George Trapesi © def. Chip Martin

Chip's got no chance

EEE Intercontinental: Danny Hagman © def. Garry the Entertainer

I don't think Garry is at IC title level

Samoan Wrecking Crew def. Samoan Destruction Inc.

Odd pick but I think SDI are getting old, so SWC might be getting handed a little heat

[TCP1]

Maybe I misread something but pretty sure I got 8/10 for my last predictions. Looking over the predictions it appears you may have accidentally had Gilmore win.

 

Nope, I'm just tired and misread my own results sheet. All amended now.

[KyTeran]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale: Trent Shaffer

Runner-Up of Royale: Aaron Andrews

3rd Place in Royale: Bulldozer Brandon Smith

4th Place in Royale: Monty Trescarde

Most Eliminations: Angry Gilmore

Longest Run: Davis Wayne Newton

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[Herrbear]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale:Trent Shaffer

Runner-Up of Royale:Aaron Andrews

3rd Place in Royale:Fro Sure

4th Place in Royale:Bulldozer Brandon Smith

Most Eliminations:Bulldozer Brandon Smith

Longest Run:DWN

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[eayragt]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale: Davis Wayne Newton

Runner-Up of Royale: Aaron Andrews

3rd Place in Royale: Trent Shaffer

4th Place in Royale: Fro Sure

Most Eliminations: Riley McManus

Longest Run: Aaron Andrews

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

-Chip Martin clearly has something on one of the bosses to get this title shot

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[John Lions]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale:Aaron Andrews

Runner-Up of Royale: Trent Shaffer

3rd Place in Royale: Davis Wayne Newton

4th Place in Royale: Fro Sure

Most Eliminations: Andrew Harper

Longest Run: Trent Shaffer

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[Theheel]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale: Aaron Andrews

Runner-Up of Royale: Trent Shaffer

3rd Place in Royale: Riley McManus

4th Place in Royale: Honest Frank Jr.

Most Eliminations: Bulldozer Smith

Longest Run: Davis Wayne Newton

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[MisterRomanini]

EEE Empire Royale 2024

Winner of the Royale: Aaron Andrews

Runner-Up of Royale: Trent Shaffer

3rd Place in Royale: Bulldozer Brandon Smith

4th Place in Royale: Riley McManus

Most Eliminations: Bulldozer Brandon Smith

Longest Run: Fro Sure

EEE World Heavyweight: Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi ©

EEE Intercontinental: Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman ©

Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew

[TCP1]

New York City… where the biggest arena in New York is fast becoming our personal playground…

 

We were back to the Greenwalt Dome for the big show. We’d brought in some wrestlers on a one-shot deal to allow us to have an undercard of sorts for the event. We’d even put on the match-up that precisely 3% of the world wanted to see with Samoan Destruction Inc vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew. Two generations of Samoans battling each other was going to be a site to behold.

 

EEE Empire Royale 2024 Sunday, Week 4, March 2024 Greenwalt Dome, New York City, New York Attendance: 46,765 ANGLE: Larry Vessey’s gravelly voice gives a voice over to a video graphic highlighting still images of wrestlers. “Featuring: Bulldozer Brandon Smith… The Canadian Hero Davis Wayne Newton… Prime Time Jack Pryde of the Cross River Connection… Aaron ‘The Ace’ Andrews… Trent ‘The Talent’ Shaffer… Perfect Pepper Pelton of the Cross River Connection… Fro Sure… ‘The Georgia Bulldog’ Riley McManus…’The Bully Enforcer’ Andrew Harper… Honest Frank Jr… ‘California Cool’ Charlie Corner and Angry Gilmore. It’s a thirty man, over-the-top rope spectacular. It’s time, for the Royale… the Empire Royale… No cheese.” We then cut to the announce table with Mitch Naess and Emma Chase. Naess: “That’s right folks, we’re here in the magnificent Greenwalt Dome for the first ever Empire Royale. We’ve got all titles being defended tonight and then the big one. The over-the-top rope Empire Royale; where it’s every man for himself. Chase: “That’s right Mitch. Thirty of the top stars from Empire Elite Entertainment will be vying to win the biggest match of the year so far. With the winner knowing that they’ll be booking a slot against the EEE World Heavyweight Champion, whomever that may be.” Naess: “It’s certainly the biggest opportunity of the year for some of the competitors. Now, let’s go to ringside for the first match-up…” Rating: 75   TAG TEAM MATCH: Samoan Destruction Inc. vs. Samoan Wrecking Crew What we have here is something of a dream match. As arguably one of the most dominant tag teams of the last ten years faces off against the team some are saying can take their place. It’s a Samoan Showdown between Destruction Inc. and the Wrecking Crew. As you might expect, this is not a technical masterpiece, but more of a destruction derby of a match-up. There is even a moment where both teams attempt to headbutt each other, with both sides no-selling it. But the veterans succumb to the superior physical endurance of the newcomers. Samoan Wrecking Crew defeated Samoan Destruction Inc. in 10:05 when Loa Afu pinned Rhino Umaga with a Samoan Splash. Rating: 40 Notes: The biggest, and possibly first win for the rookie monsters. They have been improving steadily with their somewhat limited in-ring skills and it felt right to pull the trigger and allow them to take a step forward. The old sink or swim methodology.[/i] EEE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH Garry the Entertainer vs. Danny Hagman (c) Garry the Entertainer here with a rare shot at some gold on a major show. The crowd reaction to him is somewhat tepid. They do seem to love ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’ Danny Hagman. A man with some of the highest upside in the entire promotion. He also stands as the inaugural Intercontinental Champion. After a particularly brutal mistiming by Garry the Entertainer, he grips his shoulder and chest area. Seconds later, Danny has hit him with a Missing Piece and got the easy and quick win. In a decent match, Danny Hagman defeated Garry The Entertainer in 8:10 by pinfall with a Missing Piece. Danny Hagman makes defence number three of the EEE Intercontinental. Rating: 44 Notes: First things first. These two have great chemistry. Secondly Garry broke his collar bone in the second minute and the match was crippled because of it. Disappointing for Garry as this was his first proper title match on a big show. EEE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH Chip Martin vs. George Trapesi (c) Speaking of wrestlers stepping up to the plate. Chip Martin, son of the legendary Johnny Martin gets his first World Heavyweight Title shot on a major show. Sadly the situation is overwhelming to the obviously nervous youngster. To his credit ‘The Star’ George Trapesi doesn’t hold back. He knows his title is on the line and that there’s no room for any pity or concern. With Chip looking increasingly lost, Trapesi throughs him against the ropes as the camera zooms out and he hits a massive Star Maker Lariat for the win. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, George Trapesi defeated Chip Martin in 9:53 by pinfall with a Star Maker Lariat. George Trapesi makes defence number five of the EEE World Heavyweight. Rating: 44 Notes: And to complete the disappointment, Chip and George do not click, leading to this abomination. Thankfully, this show was sold on a single match. Because everything else has been toot. EMPIRE ROYALE MATCH Troy Tornado is in the ring. “Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the first annual Empire Royale. The rules are simple. Two men will start and every two minutes a new competitor will enter the match. Elimination occurs when someone is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. Once all thirty competitors have entered, the one remaining at the end will be declared the winner and will go on as the challenger to the EEE World Heavyweight Title at Starclash. So, without further ado, let’s find out who drew, number one…” ‘Oh mama, I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law…’ Entrant 1: Danny Hagman Danny Hagman hits the ring, nursing his elbow, an injury no doubt caused in his title defense earlier. He enters to applause as everyone waits for number 2. Entrant 2: The Masked Mauler The Masked Mauler comes out holding a clawed hand to a chorus of boos. The two lock-up and begin a basic chain-wrestling sequence, but it quickly descends into punching and kicking, which gives Mauler the edge. Hagman, still obviously tired from his earlier match ends up getting beaten down and this allows Mauler to lift him onto the top turnbuckle as he tries to ease him out. The countdown timer clicks down and the crowd chant along to zero… ‘It’s just one of those days, where you don’t want wake up, everything is ****ed, everybody sucks…’ Entrant 3: Angry Gilmore And here comes Angry Gilmore, marching to the ring, middle-aged and crazy as always. He immediately beats Mauler down to the mat and then takes his place trying to get Hagman out. But a poke in the eye stops that and all three men are in the ring, circling. Hagman and Gilmore agree to team up together, leaving Mauler to take a beating. The tag team moves are surprisingly slick between the veteran and the intercontinental champion. But they can’t quite get Mauler out as the time clicks down again. ‘Two faced! I feel you crawling under my skin, sickened by your face…’ Entrant 4: Rhino Umaga Rhino Umaga hits the ring and immediately sides with the Mauler, giving us our first two-on-two segment of the match. Hagman and Gilmore fight tough, but the fresh Umaga is too much for them and after throwing Hagman against the ropes he nearly eliminates him with a clothesline. Entrant 5: Brett Biggins Brett Biggins sprints to the ring looking fresh and ready to go. He runs up the turnbuckles on the outside and hits a top rope flying crossbody on both Rhino Umaga and Angry Gilmore. He follows this with a discus punch on Hagman before getting attacked from behind by the Mauler. Umaga has got to his feet, but looks dizzy. Masked Mauler applies the IRON CLAW!?!, which seems like an odd move for an over-the-top affair like this. But he then uses the CLAW to push Umaga to the ropes and over and out. Mauler brandishes his Claw hand with his other hand. Eliminated: Rhino Umaga (by The Masked Mauler) Remaining: Danny Hagman, The Masked Mauler, Angry Gilmore and Brett Biggins Momentarily the lights in the arena go out and are replaced with a blue-ish low-light and here comes the Prince of Pain himself… Entrant 6: Aldous Blackfriar Aldous takes his time to reach the ring and slowly removes his long black coat. This is a man who is already outsmarting his opponents. Choosing to use up most of his two minute time slot to get in, he picks the perfect spot when the four men in the ring are down and he begins to put the boots to Angry Gilmore in a corner. Lifting the old man up onto the top rope to try and ease him out, Aldous drops him as the timer reaches zero and the buzzer goes. The blazing guitar riff of Even Flow plays and here comes… Entrant 6: Perfect Pepper Pelton One half of the EEE World Tag Team Champions charges the ring and goes straight for Blackfriar. The two are furiously taking turns to punch each other until Pep ducks one punch bounces off the ropes and delivers a powerful clothesline. Like a ball of energy, he quickly lifts Blackfrair up and runs him towards the ropes and throws him clean out. Eliminated: Aldous Blackfriar (by Perfect Pepper Pelton) Remaining: Danny Hagman, The Masked Mauler, Angry Gilmore, Brett Biggins and Perfect Pepper Pelton Outnumbered by the volume of people gunning for him, The Masked Mauler, wisely drops to the mat and grips the bottom rope, refusing to let go as the other four men try to drag him free. Brett Biggins, having given up, turns on Pepper and begins to battle him. A rock version of the Canadian National Anthem plays… Entrant 8: Davis Wayne Newton We see now why DWN was so unhappy with his drawn number. It’s hugely unlikely that someone this early will win the whole thing. Nevertheless he spins in his long, sequin robe, makes sure to clean the bottom of his boots before entering the ring. Hagman wastes no time in attacking him. With the two of them paired up, Biggins and Pepper fighting and Gilmore still trying to coax Mauler from the bottom rope, the ring is starting to fill up as another two minutes passes. “Jump…” Entrant 9: Bart Biggins Joining his tag team partner and brother in the ring, The Biggins Boys waste no time in breaking out their patented tag team moves on Perfect Pepper Pelton. The high-low, the Heart Attack and even the double suplex. They make a mistake when they both climb to opposite top turnbuckles however, allowing The Masked Mauler to crotch Bart and Gilmore to punch Brett. Fortunately both men fall into the ring and not out. And here comes another tag team specialist… Entrant 10: Samoan Machine Slow and methodical upon his entrance, the massive Samoan Machine marches around the ring clubbing each of the other competitors down with double axhandles. He stops momentarily to beat his chest and roar as the timing clicks down again… “Every word I say is what I mean…” Business is about to pick up. Entrant 11: Bulldozer Brandon Smith Bulldozer is as good as his name as steps over the top rope to enter the match, kicks Samoan Machine in the gut and easily lifts the big man into a powerbomb. He scoops up the barely moving Samoan and easily tosses him. The Biggins Boys have seen the entrance and the both run against opposite ropes to clothesline Bulldozer, but he is wise to their tag team antics and follows Bart and clotheslines him over the top rope, before turning around to catch Brett in the middle of a crossbody. Bulldozer catches him with ease and backdrops him over the top rope too. Bulldozer then body-charges Perfect Pepper, sending him to the outside under the ropes. And a double-clothesline puts down the already exhausted Danny Hagman and The Masked Mauler. This leaves Bulldozer and Angry Gilmore on their feet. The two old foes square off and Gilmore pulls off his elbow pad and slaps his elbow, ready to fight… Eliminations: Samoan Machine (by Bulldozer Brandon Smith), Bart and Brett Biggins (by Bulldozer Brandon Smith) Remaining: Danny Hagman, The Masked Mauler, Angry Gilmore, Perfect Pepper Pelton, Davis Wayne Newton and Bulldozer Brandon Smith The buzzer sounds again… Entrant 12: Chip Martin Making his way to the ring with Gilmore and Bulldozer squaring off, Chip Martin makes a cross symbol on his chest and gets in the ring. Oddly Gilmore drills Martin with his unpadded elbow. Bulldozer then picks him up and powerbombs him and the two foes throw out the young kid together before turning against one another. Elimination: Chip Martin (by Bulldozer Brandon Smith and Angry Gilmore) Remaining: Danny Hagman, The Masked Mauler, Angry Gilmore, Perfect Pepper Pelton, Davis Wayne Newton and Bulldozer Brandon Smith They begin slugging at each other with heavy-duty hurting bombs. But in the time it’s taken to get to fighting Danny Hagman and The Masked Mauler are both up too. Hagman blindsides Bulldozer and throws him into the turnbuckle, following in with a charge. But Bulldozer ducks at the last minute sending the number one entrant out over the top. It looks like he caught his back on ring post on his way over. In the opposite corner; The Masked Mauler holds his Claw Hand in the air, and the pause gives Gilmore the chance to deliver a stiff elbow to his jaw. Rattled, Mauler is easily tossed by the veteran. Eliminations: Danny Hagman (by Bulldozer Brandon Smith), The Masked Mauler (by Angry Gilmore) Remaining: Angry Gilmore, Perfect Pepper Pelton, Davis Wayne Newton and Bulldozer Brandon Smith Gilmore and Bulldozer square off again, but this time it’s Davis Wayne Newton whose recovered from an earlier assault. He eyes up both men and decides better of it and goes and sits down in the corner; waving his hands at them to carry on fighting one another. They pause for a moment as the buzzer goes… “Every word I say is what I mean…” Uh-oh. On the outside a stretcher is brought out to collect Danny Hagman who hasn’t moved since being eliminated. Entrant 13: ‘The Bully Enforcer’ Andrew Harper The Twin Powers have united. Angry Gilmore is more than aware of the problem he know faces. But he doesn’t back down. He does try to encourage DWN to join him, but Newton rolls under the bottom rope to get a drink of water. While outside he doesn’t notice an awakened Perfect Pepper Pelton who smashes him with a clothesline. Pepper then slides into the ring alongside Gilmore as Harper steps over the ropes and alongside his partner. The crowd are going ballistic as the four men square off and start beating on each other. Angry Gilmore is the first to be overwhelmed as his longevity in the match starts to wear on him. Bulldozer delivers more and more heavy hits, pushing him to the ropes and with an almighty punch he flips the veteran over the top rope and out. Eliminated: Angry Gilmore (by Bulldozer Brandon Smith) Remaining: Perfect Pepper Pelton, Davis Wayne Newton and Bulldozer Brandon Smith, Andrew Harper With Gilmore eliminated, Bulldozer is able to save Harper from a beating from Pepper. The two behemoths double-shoulder charge him and like a rag doll he bounces out of the ring under the ropes. Getting his bearings, Pep sees DWN coming-to and blasts him again. The young man from Green Bay, Wisconsin slaps himself in the face to psych himself up when the buzzer goes. The guitar riffs tell him he’s got help. Entrant 14: Prime Time Jack Pryde Outside the ring, the Cross River Connection line-up, high five and charge the ring. Their speed keeps them out of the clutches of The Twin Powers and they both connect with dropkicks, followed quickly be a flurry of punches and then clotheslines which have Bulldozer and Harper reeling. But the big men manage to regain some control by reversing irish whips and sending the tag champs towards the ropes. Both big men follow up with immediate clotheslines that send Prime Time and Pepper over the top rope. As The Twin Powers celebrate, they don’t notice both opponents clutching to the top rope. Within a moment they’ve both managed to pull themselves to the apron just in time for Bulldozer and Harper to actually notice. The Twin Powers charge at their foes, but are stopped be stereo kicks to the stomach. Then from outside the ropes Prime Time and Perfect Pepper are able to hiptoss the big men out over the top rope and to the floor. The crowd are losing their minds as the two men raise their arms in triumph… WAM. Perfect Pepper Pelton delivers a lightning quick Super Kick to Prime Time, who falls to the floor; eliminated. Prime Time wheels around to complain, but Pep points out it’s ‘Every man for himself.’ Prime Time thinks for a second, which gives Davis Wayne Newton, who has dragged himself back into the ring, the opportunity to rush Pepper and bash him out of the ring too. Eliminations: Bulldozer Brandon Smith (by Perfect Pepper Pelton), Andrew Harper (by Prime Time Jack Pryde) Prime Time Jack Pryde (by Perfect Pepper Pelton), Perfect Pepper Pelton (by Davis Wayne Newton) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton DWN drags himself to his feet as the buzzer goes… Entrant 15: Big Jon Walker The big man stalks to the ring like a killer. He sizes up DWN, who offers his hand in friendship. Big Jon doesn’t accept and just smiles a malicious grin. So DWN pokes him in the eye and goes low. Taking the big man off his feet. DWN drags himself up, grabs Big Jon by the scruff of his neck and tries to through him out, but Big Jon stops and starts beating DWN down to the mat and continues to do so for the whole two minutes. “California lo-oooove.” Entrant 16: Charlie Corner California Cool Charlie Corner struts to the ring, wearing shades and waving to the ladies in the audience. He slides in as DWN escapes the beating from Big Jon and approaches Corner and offers his hand. Corner blasts DWN and then squares up to Big Jon. Despite the size difference, Corner doesn’t shy away as the two duke it out. After gaining the upper hand, Charlie lifts the giant into the air in a scoop slam, bringing him down with so much force that the ring shakes beneath him. He then takes turns putting the boots into both DWN and Big Jon as the counter counts down again. “You say you’re tired waitin by the telephone…” Entrant 17: Trent ‘The Talent’ Shaffer Business is about to pick-up as one of the favourites for the match enters earlier than he would’ve liked. But the ring could’ve been in a worse state for his arrival. Sliding into the ring and posing for the crowd, he’s attacked by Charlie Corner. But Shaffer turns around and delivers a Yakuza Kick to put him down. He then turns his attention Big Jon Walker, delivering a vicious Heart Burn, scooping him up and throwing him out. Elimination: Big Jon Walker (by Trent Shaffer) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Charlie Corner and Trent Shaffer Davis Wayne Newton staggers over to Trent and stands next to him, patting him on the shoulder in a friendly way, like their partners. Shaffer looks at the beaten and sweating DWN, smiles and drops him with a cutter. With DWN out cold, Shaffer goes over to put the boots to Charlie Corner. “I finally know why I can’t get an answer…” Entrant 18: JP Barnham Straightening his top knot ponytail, JP Barnham enters the match, fresh and looking for victims. With Shaffer and Corner kicking lumps out of one another, we sees DWN on the mat, marches over and applies a Twisting Indian Leg Vine. DWN screams in agony, as JP Barnham demonstrates a series of chain wrestling moves which change into a variety of submission moves. He grins throughout the mini-exhibition. “And this one is for the champions…” Entrant 19: Zippy Deverell One half of the Fantastic Express enters the ring, looking as confident and cocky as always. He knows exactly what he wants though and goes for JP Barnham, giving DWN a bit of a break. “And this one is for the champions…” Entrant 20: Rafe Sashay Now we see why the two men swapped their picks. The Fantastic Express, unbelievable come out in consecutive numbers. It’s a hue advantage to team up at this stage of the match, and the others competitors seem to know it. Trent Shaffer stops his attack on Corner to face the former champs, while JP Barnham staggers to his feet too and joins Shaffer. Even Corner senses the danger. With a three-on-two developing, DWN crawls over to the Fantastic Express to offer his services. Zippy kicks him in the head. And yells for the others to bring it! And they do. It’s a wild brawl with the five men, while DWN lays face-down on the mat, unmoving. Even though one side has the numbers advantage; The Fantastic Express are a well-oiled team. They separate JP Barnham from the group and a beat him down. It’s then Super Kicks for Corner and Shaffer as they take complete control. “IRON MAN…” Entrant 21: The Eagle The heart and soul of EEE enters to a good reaction. He’s wearing special facepaint tonight which looks like blood smeared over him by hand. The Fantastic Express waste no time in jumping him as he gets into the ring, but his power shouldn’t be under-estimated as he beats them back. JP Barnham has managed to get to his feet, but Zippy quickly clotheslines him over the top rope before switching his attention back to The Eagle. Elimination: JP Barnham (by Zippy Deverell) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Charlie Corner, Trent Shaffer, Zippy Deverell, Rafe Sashay and The Eagle The Eagle is dodging attacks from The Fantastic Express and is able to deliver a crushing stunner to Zippy and a Stun Gun to Rafe. He’s certainly feeling himself in a match almost custom-built for his style. Entrant 22: Ray Cavalero Fist-bumping his beaten partner on his way to the wring, Ray Cavalero twists his own wrists like he’s ready to go to work. Upon entering the ring he delivers clubbing blows to everyone standing. When he reaches The Eagle, he gets a blow back. The two stand toe-to-toe dishing out punishment and then chopping one anothers chests. The crowd Woo with each blow as both men refuse to quit. Couple of tough guys. Davis Wayne Newton, for reasons best known to himself, tries to get involved, leading to Cavalero and Eagle both chopping him at the same time. DWN collapses in a heap on the floor and quickly crawls away. “Can you remember, remember my name…” Entrant 23: Honest Frank Jr The Second Generation Superstar struts to the ring and he’s bringing Big Jon Walker back with him. Ordering Big Jon to wait outside, Honest Frank gets in the ring. It’s a low-blow for The Eagle and Ray Cavalero. A big clothesline to take out Charlie Corner, he then purposefully avoids Trent Shaffer, but nods to him in respect. Zippy and Rafe and regaining their strength in the corner and Honest Frank Jr crushes them both with a corner cannonball. He quickly gets up and short-armed clotheslines Rafe out over the top. He then goes back to Cavalero, who is still clutching his crotch. With a flourish, Frank Jr tosses him out. Outside the ring, Big Jon beats on both defeated opponents. Elimination: Rafe Sashay (by Honest Frank Jr), Ray Cavalero (by Honest Frank Jr) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Charlie Corner, Trent Shaffer, Zippy Deverell, The Eagle and Honest Frank Jr Entrant 24: Bradley Blaze The Cowboy Bradley Blaze comes to the ring in a leather duster coat and brandishing a lasso. Sliding into the ring he dishes out punishment, even trying to hogtie Zippy. But The Lip is wise to his games and escapes and crawls to the bottom rope and holds on tight. Trent doesn’t like the newcomer though and kicks him in the bread-basket and then smashes him with a Heart Burn. Before he can follow-up though, Charlie Corner attacks Shaffer again and the two go back to brawling. Bodies are certainly piling up in the ring. Entrant 25: Monty Trescarde Billy Keelan is back, escorting Monty to the ring. He has a little pep-talk with his guy and when Monty enters he goes right for Trent Shaffer. He gets a figure-four leglock on his target as Trent desperately tries to escape, clutching the ropes. But there’s no DQ in a match like this. Keelan is beside himself with joy at the pain being inflicted on his former client. The buzzer sounds and the lights switch to purple as some of the most funk-a-delic music the audience has ever heard plays. Entrant 26: Fro Sure The reaction to Fro Sure is surprisingly huge. He enters the ring with the cool of someone who knows he’s struck gold. A flurry of punches and kicks later and the ring are all in trouble. He picks up Zippy and slings him over the top rope. He turns his attention to Monty Trescarde and offers a test of strength and then kicks him in the nuts and The Eagle is able to toss the dastardly tax man. Fro Sure tries something similar The Eagle, who has learnt the lesson of Monty. But doesn’t act quick enough to miss the sudden shining wizard and he’s gone at the 52-minute mark too. Finally Bradley Blaze tries to beat the unique superstar, but Fro Sure tricks him into charging him, drops at the last minute and pulls down the top rope, causing Blaze to topple out. Then Fro Sure sees Davis Wayne Newton. The crowd are already losing their minds as Fro Sure lines up DWN and delivers a massive shining wizard to him too. The crowd count down and the buzzer goes again. Eliminated: Zippy Deverell (by Fro Sure), Monty Trescarde (by The Eagle), The Eagle (by Fro Sure), Bradley Blaze (by Fro Sure) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Charlie Corner, Trent Shaffer, Honest Frank Jr and Fro Sure “Surprise! You’re Dead, hah hah hah hah hah…” Entrant 27: Denny King Having not been seen since the first ever EEE show, Denny King makes a shocking return. He looks as tricksy and troublesome as always. He slides into the ring and sits in the corner, making no effort to actually attack anyone. Fro Sure is having none of that though and attacks, but Denny reverses an irish whip into his patented short-arm clothesline. King then pairs off with DWN, while Fro Sure remains being beaten down by Honest Frank Jr. Corner and Shaffer meanwhile, are still beating lumps out of one another as the buzzer goes off. “Hey Ho! Let’s go…” Entrant 28: Spike Sylvain A plum draw for EEE’s resident anarchist and punk. Sylvain is a whirling dervish of chaos as he enters the match and starts throwing out leg lariats and elbows to anyone in his way. His path of destruction continues surprisingly long when he’s met with a stiff punch to the face from Charlie Corner which knocks him silly. During the madness, the guys in the ring appear to have missed the fact that the timer is already ticking down… it hits zero… Southern Flavour begins to play… Entrant 29: ‘The Georgia Bulldog’ Riley McManus What a draw for The Georgia Bulldog! Oddly he orders Fern to the back and charges the ring. He looks more fired up than we’ve seen him in months. Obviously aware that this is his best chance to get the World Heavyweight Title back, he lays siege to everyone in the ring. Honest Frank Jr is stupid enough to get in his way. Slingshot suplex and he’s gone. McManus then targets Fro Sure and gives him the same treatment. Charlie Corner gets drilled with a seated powerbomb and is scooped up and out, ending his impressive run too. Eliminated: Honest Frank Jr (by Riley McManus), Fro Sure (by Riley McManus), Charlie Corner (by Riley McManus) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Trent Shaffer, Denny King, Spike Sylvain and Riley McManus The Georgia Bulldog and Denny King see each other from across the ring. Mitch and Emma explain their long and storied match-ups as the two men meet in the centre of the ring and are unloading on each other, with neither giving an inch as the buzzer goes for the final time and the only possible man enters at lucky number 30… ‘The drama, the trauma, don’t pay the prima donna!’ Entrant 30: Aaron ‘The Ace’ Andrews Much like McManus before him, Andrews storms the ring. If he’s smart, there’s no doubt he could finish this match off quickly. Jumping onto the apron and spring-boarding himself into the ring, he wastes no time to delivery a beatdown on Spike Sylvain. A spinning heel kick later and the New York Punk is eliminated. Andrews starts throwing around clotheslines, leg lariats and punches to everyone. At the same time McManus has beaten back King to the corner. McManus walks up to Andrews and they’re at each other. The crowd are beginning to reach fever pitch as Trent Shaffer viciously attacks Andrews from behind. McManus, aware that his on-again-off-again partner has that in hand, turns his attention back to Denny King. Crushing him with a corner clothesline, he picks him up and throws him clean over the top rope. Eliminated: Spike Sylvain (by Aaron Andrews), Denny King (by Riley McManus) Behind McManus, Andrews delivers a stiff punch to Shaffer knocking him into another corner. Andrews retreats momentarily to the third corner and Davis Wayne Newton climbs back into the ring and slumps into the fourth. Final Four Davis Wayne Newton, Trent Shaffer, Riley McManus and Aaron Andrews The crowd are chanting ‘THIS IS AWESOME’ and Mitch and Emma have to agree with them. As all four psych themselves up, it is, unbelievably, Davis Wayne Newton who moves first, charging the corner with Aaron Andrews in. McManus and Shaffer watch momentarily as the man whose been in there the longest takes on the freshest man. He’s pounding away, looking like a killer. He drags Andrews into the centre of the ring and lifts him in a standing suplex. But Andrews reverses and lifts DWN. He then carries him over to the ropes and drops him forward over the top. DWN lands on the apron though. Taking his chance; Trent Shaffer charges Andrews from behind, unaware that McManus is following him. All of a sudden Shaffer notices someone is holding the back of his trunks and as he barrels into Andrews; DWN drops, clutching the ropes and somehow Trent ends up over the top rope and on the floor. Eliminated: Trent Shaffer (by Riley McManus) Remaining: Davis Wayne Newton, Riley McManus and Aaron Andrews Torn between Aaron Andrews (on the mat) and DWN (on the apron), Riley looks at both and then strikes at DWN. Newton tries to pull the top rope down again, but McManus stops before he reaches him. But McManus has chosen poorly. Andrews was playing possum. DWN looks up just in time to see Andrews’ boot connect with his face and he topples over the top rope after a gruelling 45 minute run. McManus barely has time to turn around either as Andrews connects with a whip-like spinning heel kick and McManus looks up to the ceiling as he falls out too. Aaron ‘The Ace’ Andrews stands tall in the ring as the winner the first ever Empire Royale. Rating: 72   OVERALL RATING: 69

 

I was exhausted after that. What a match. Did it get the best rating? No, did I care? No I did not. We got a healthy 604,783 viewers and make a chunky $332,297 profit. But the devastating news was still to come. And it took the wind out of my sails.

 

Next time… The Pittsburgh Kid’s Broken Neck…

[TCP1]

 

Empire Royale 2024 Statistics

 

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Prediction Results For EEE Empire Royale 2024

 

1. Theheel - 5/9

2. DinoKea - 4/9

2. Herrbear - 4/9

2. John Lions - 4/9

5. eayragt - 3/9

5. KyTeran - 3/9

5. MisterRomanini - 3/9

 

Overall Prediction Standings

 

1. Theheel - 14/19 (73%)

2. Herrbear - 13/19 (68%)

2. MisterRomanini - 13/19 (68%)

4. DinoKeo - 12/19 (63%)

4. eayragt - 12/19 (63%)

6. KyTeran - 11/19 (58%)

7. John Lions - 10/19 (53%)

 

Hugely difficult set of results, but I have to say most people got two or more of the final four, although the order threw people a bit. This does mess with the overall standings, which will be collated over the course of a calendar (in-game) year and the person with the highest score will be declared the winner (in a Fink voice). But all-in-all I was impressed with everyone, even with a potentially surprising winner. Hopefully you enjoyed the Empire Royale. I appreciate the format was different, but I was thinking for the big 4 events, it might be nicer to have a bit more detail while keeping all other shows breezy. Contructive comments or feedback are of course welcome.

 

I’d also like to thank Willrock for his awesome logo and belt work. ReapeR for his belt work and ElChorizo and Scottie for their event logo work. Not to mention thanks to all the artists in the Re-Render thread for their continued excellence.

[eayragt]

Would be interested to know if you always wanted Andrew's to win, or the only way to keep him happy was to have him win.

[TCP1]

Would be interested to know if you always wanted Andrew's to win, or the only way to keep him happy was to have him win.

 

Are you suggesting that I bow down to wrestlers how kick up a fuss about results of matches?

 

No comment.

[Theheel]

Are you suggesting that I bow down to wrestlers how kick up a fuss about results of matches?

 

No comment.

 

Interesting no comment. I think Andrews was the guy but that now has me thinking

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New York City… where some of our big plans are crippled by an errant move…

 

Yes, the disastrous bump taken by ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’ Danny Hagman over the top rope resulted in an inoperable broken neck. I felt absolutely devastated not only for the Kid, who’d been a superb upper-midcarder threatening to break-out at any moment, but also for us as we had planned that breakout to happen this year. Now that was all up in flames and I had to get to re-writing three different storylines because of it.

 

Injury aside though; Empire Royale had been exactly the sort of successful new idea we’d been clamouring for. The online community were obsessed with it and it got more OnDem videos than almost any other wrestling content worldwide. I owed Troy Tornado a drink. Or a sustainable payrise.

 

With one Supershow between now and Starclash, subtitled ‘Good Friends, Great Enemies,’ we had work to do. The plus side was, we had a main event basically set in The Star vs. The Ace.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #9 Friday, Week 1, April 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,103

[*]ANGLE: Billy ‘The Brain’ Keelan is out with Monty Trescarde. They’ve heard that The Eagle is facing Trent Shaffer tonight. They think it’s outrageous that he’s getting opportunities ahead of the hottest free agent in professional wrestling. This Eagle better watch his back. Rating: 70 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Porkchop Patterson vs. Monty Tresacarde In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Monty Trescarde defeated Porkchop Patterson in 10:26 by pinfall with a Cash Bonus. Rating: 53 [*]ANGLE: Charlie Corner is still on a mission to defeat The Stud. Luckily he’s not getting angry just yet. Rating: 68 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: The VCC vs. The Razorbacks In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The VCC defeated The Razorbacks in 10:27 when JP Barnham submitted TJ Brown with a Golden Scissors. Rating: 52 [*]ANGLE: Billy Keelan is back with The Twin Powers. They’re happy that they dealt with the Cross River Connection at Empire Royale. Or maybe they dealt with each other. Is that dissention in the ranks? And all it took was a bit of pressure. Next they’re going to take away their shiny title belts. Rating: 86 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Fro Sure vs. William Jetterson In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Fro Sure defeated William Jetterson in 10:25 by pinfall with a Sure Thing. Rating: 55 [*]ANGLE: Honest Frank Jr is being interviewed by Thom Barrowman when Angry Gilmore walks by and starts ranting and raving. Before Honest Frank knows what’s happening, Gilmore is attacking him. Big Job steps in and stops the attack. Rating: 83 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: Alistair Shufflebottom & Ben Williams vs. The Twin Powers In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The Twin Powers defeated Alistair Shufflebottom and Ben Williams in 10:05 when Bulldozer Brandon Smith pinned Alistair Shufflebottom following Stereo Powerbombs. Rating: 53 [*]ANGLE: Davis Wayne Newton is in his personal balcony and he’s furious at Fro Sure. Some are born lucky, and he’s one of them. Rating: 85 [*]SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. Trent ‘The Talent’ Shaffer In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Trent Shaffer defeated The Eagle in 10:18 by pinfall with a Heart Burn. Rating: 72 [*]OVERALL RATING: 75 – 0.65 (491,579 viewers)

 

Decent start to the build. Hilariously I discovered that The Chop Shop had only gone and won the IPW Tag Team Titles, which was a nice reminder of the power of our creativity. Papa Swoll, who’d recently had a cup of coffee with us had signed an exclusive written contract with USPW. On the next show it was time to vacate the Intercontinental Title and hold a singles match for it. Davis Wayne Newton and Charlie Corner were two perfect opponents to fight over it.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #10 Friday, Week 2, April 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,464

[*]ANGLE: Trent Shaffer and Riley McManus come to the ring to start the show. They’re angry at missing out on a title shot that’s rightfully theirs. So they’re putting aside their differences for now and have a proposition. The Star and The Ace; if they’re real men, they’d put their spots on the line. In a tag team match. Trapesi and Andrews come out and they’re fighters and they’ll happily accept the challenge. Rating: 84 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Jason Patterson vs. The Masked Mauler In a poor match, The Masked Mauler defeated Jason Patterson in 7:37 by pinfall with a Piledriver. Rating: 53 [*]ANGLE: The Fantastic Express are backstage with Thom Barrowman. Rafe and Zippy are sick and tired of The Biggins Boys always getting involved in their business. It’s been going on for too long and a change is coming. At this point Zippy starts singing the song in his deep Kentucky drawl. Rafe smiles and nods his head in time with the music. Rating: 79 [*]SINGLES MATCH: The Eagle vs. William Jetterson In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The Eagle defeated William Jetterson in 6:10 by pinfall with a Freedom Slam. Rating: 65 [*]ANGLE: Angry Gilmore is furious and Barrowman is his listening board. Today he’s angry about the kids. Those damn kids; always playing frisbee on his lawn, always making noise with their pets and always challenging his spot in the professional wrestling business. Honest Frank Jr is just the next in a line of faceless youths who he needs to teach a lesson to. Rating: 89 [*]EEE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: Charlie Corner vs. Davis Wayne Newton In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Davis Wayne Newton defeated Charlie Corner in 9:50 by submission with a STF after blatantly cheating. Davis Wayne Newton wins the EEE Intercontinental. Rating: 75 [*]ANGLE: Honest Frank Jr has heard what Old Man Gilmore had to say. If he needs to fantasise about beating up kids to get his tired heart up for a fight, that’s fine with Frank Jr. The older generation have been holding on to all the wealth and success for too long. Now his generation are going to take it back by force. Rating: 83 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: The Biggins Boys vs. Spike Sylvain & Texas Hangman In a decent match, The Biggins Boys defeated Spike Sylvain and Texas Hangman in 8:19 when Bart Biggins pinned Texas Hangman with a B-Dropper. Rating: 60 [*]ANGLE: Cross River Connection are out for a chat about the challengers to their titles. “Seems to me Prime Time; that Lawnmower and the Harpist have bitten off more than they chew.” “Good point Pep. They may be bigger than us.” “And stronger.” “And more experienced.” “And have a decent manager.” “… Pep, are we going to lose?” “I don’t know…” They then both laugh and high-five one another. Rating: 83 [*]EEE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: Honest Frank Jr vs. ‘The Star’ George Trapesi (c) In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, George Trapesi defeated Honest Frank Jr in 22:02 by pinfall with a Star Maker Lariat following interference from Angry Gilmore. George Trapesi makes defence number six of the EEE World Heavyweight. Rating: 76 [*]ANGLE: With the match over Trent Shaffer and Riley McManus storm the ring. It doesn’t take long for Aaron Andrews to even the sides up, when all of a sudden; Davis Wayne Newton joins the fray and sides with Shaffer and McManus. It’s a brutal attack which leaves champion and challenger knocked down. Rating: 74 [*]OVERALL RATING: 79 – 0.66 (496,340 viewers)

 

That was an amazing show, highlighted by an incredible main event. Honest Frank Jr may not be World Heavyweight Title ready just yet. But it’s good to know that he can hang with the big boys.

 

Next time… the road to the Supershow is beset on all sides…

[TCP1]

New York City… where things are going so well, we have to pretend there’s drama when there isn’t…

 

I took a cab to The Ministry over the weekend to check-out the latest NYCW show and see what they were doing and if they’d taken my suggestions under advisement.

 

NYCW March Into Manhatten I The Ministry, New York City 1,000 (SOLD OUT!?!) Pablo Rodriguez defeated Denny King to retain NYCW Tri-State Regional Title – 57 Sandman Winks defeated Ray Snow to retain NYCW Nationwide Title – 52 The Wild Dogs defeated Crockett Tubbs & Geoff Borne to retain the NYCW Tag Team Titles – 49 Rayne Man & Jay Silver defeated Machine Gun Marino & Marco Gonzalez – 37 Christian Plotcheck defeated Leonardo Fry – 32 Stevie Stanley defeated Flip Simpkins – 51 Captain Canada defeated Blue Dragon – 41 Derrick Crump defeated Astro – 32 Overall Rating: 50

 

That was a decent little show. All the titles were defended and the crowd seemed very into a few workers, notably; The Wild Dogs and Astro. We’d have to keep an eye on those boys. Two shows to go and a relatively quiet week. Certainly in comparison to recent ones. On with the show.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #11 Friday, Week 3, April 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,401

[*]ANGLE: George Trapesi and Aaron Andrews are out and they’re angry. They’re not sure why DWN is getting involved in their business, but they’ll happily accept the extended challenge. Trent and Riley come out asking what extension? Trapesi adds DWN to their team and if he wins he gets a spot in the main event. But they need to make it fair. So they’ve got Fro Sure joining them. Oh, and the match isn’t at the Supershow. It’s tonight… in Gang Wars. Rating: 86 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Charlie Corner vs. Texas Hangman In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Charlie Corner defeated Texas Hangman in 7:59 by pinfall with a Corner Cutter. Rating: 40 [*]ANGLE: Fro Sure is backstage with Thom Barrowman and he’s delighted to be added to the main event. Maybe if he does well enough he might get invited to the main event of Starclash. Rating: 78 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Bryan Jewett vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Phil Anders defeated Bryan Jewett in 5:56 by pinfall with a Hangman's Neckbreaker. Rating: 49 [*]ANGLE: The Eagle has been around these parts for a long time. Some refer to him as the heart and soul of the company. He takes that responsibility seriously, but if The Brain wants to take him out with his personal accountant or whatever, then come get some. Rating: 66 [*]TAG TEAM MATCH: Chip Martin & Porkchop Patterson vs. The Fantastic Express In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The Fantastic Express defeated Chip Martin and Porkchop Patterson in 7:50 when Zippy Deverell pinned Porkchop Patterson with a Fantastic Flashbang. Rating: 55 [*]ANGLE: Phil Anders is with Thom Barrowman. He’s been trying to figure out where he stands with things right now. He’s used to just throwing bails of hay in Nebraska and beating up people he has a problem with. But Charlie Corner just never seems to do anything. Or go anywhere. What is the point of Charlie Corner? He’s going to push him and find out. Rating: 74 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Angry Gilmore vs. Big Jon Walker In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Angry Gilmore defeated Big Jon Walker in 6:15 by count out. Rating: 55 [*]ANGLE: Honest Frank Jr hopes that Angry Gilmore has learnt what happens when old people step out of their lane. Rating: 89 [*]GANG WARS MATCH: George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Fro Sure vs. Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews and Fro Sure drew with Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer and Davis Wayne Newton in 20:52 when the referee lost control and stopped the match. Rating: 77 [*]ANGLE: After the match is over; Trent Shaffer, Riley McManus and Davis Wayne Newton isolate Fro Sure and set about destroying his ankle with a steel chair. By the time Ace and Star make it to him the damage is done and he’s carried out on a stretcher. Rating: 79 [*]OVERALL RATING: 79 – 0.66 (496,257 viewers)

 

Another great show in a series of them as we begin to find our rhythm with high-end main events, great angles and lots of jobber-to-the-stars matches. This is classic 80s style wrasslin and while Larry was initially hesitant to step out of the 70s, the change has been good for us all. The third show of each month would traditionally be our weakest as Mitch Naess insisted on working the monthly PSW event on that day, forcing me to cover. And I was no Mitch Naess.

 

EEE All Star Wrestling #12 Friday, Week 4, April 2024 The Empire Ballroom, New York City, New York Attendance: 10,212

[*]ANGLE: George Trapesi and Aaron Andrews are out and they’re spoiling for a fight in honour of their friend Fro Sure who is hospital recovering. But they’re not stupid. Three on two is never a good idea. So they’ve searched high and low for the biggest name free agent they could find. And he’s here tonight. So DWN better get ready for the main event. Because he’ll be facing him; one-on-one. Rating: 79 [*]EEE WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: Samoan Wrecking Crew vs. Cross River Connection (c) In a decent match, Cross River Connection defeated Samoan Wrecking Crew in 10:25 when Perfect Pepper Pelton pinned Loa Afu with a Prime Time Perfection. Cross River Connection make defence number four of the EEE World Tag Team. Rating: 63 [*]ANGLE: Billy ‘The Brain’ Keelan is backstage with The Twin Powers. They’ve seen the troubles the Cross River Connection have been having. It’s adorable. They can high-five all they like, but when they’ve lost the tag team titles, what’s left keeping them together? Rating: 88 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Alistair Shufflebottom vs. Spike Sylvain In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, Spike Sylvain defeated Alistair Shufflebottom in 10:11 by pinfall with a Punk-N-Nasty. Rating: 45 [*]ANGLE: Billy ‘The Brain’ Keelan is out with Monty Trescarde. They think The Eagle is a little bit insane. He seems to think he’s the heart and soul of EEE. When in fact, he’s just some guy in facepaint. A lunatic who no-one really cares about. It’s a little depressing. But they’ll clip his wings once and for all. Rating: 68 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Angry Gilmore vs. Texas Hangman In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Angry Gilmore defeated Texas Hangman in 10:13 by pinfall with a Sky High Elbow. Rating: 47 [*]ANGLE: We cut to Fro Sure, who is in a hospital bed. His ankle was pretty badly destroyed by those punks. But it’s cool, he’ll be back to his best soon. And when he is; Davis Wayne Newton is in for a kicking. Rating: 87 [*]SINGLES MATCH: Valiant vs. Davis Wayne Newton In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Valiant defeated Davis Wayne Newton in 9:40 by count out. Rating: 77 [*]ANGLE: After the match is over Riley McManus and Trent Shaffer join Davis Wayne Newton in the ring and begin to circle Valiant. George Trapesi and Aaron Andrews rush down to even the odds and all six men square off before launching into a wild brawl. Rating: 73 [*]OVERALL RATING: 79 – 0.66 (498,728 viewers)

 

Well, we discovered a few things from that show. For one; Spike and Shufflebottom don’t click in the ring, which was actually bad for Spike. Tough to imagine him getting wins if he can’t wrestle our top-end jobbers. We also discovered, via a sprained wrist injury, that Angry Gilmore’s body was disintegrating before our eyes. Oof!

 

Never mind, we didn’t need to worry about that now and Gilmore had shown zero sign of wanting to stop.

 

EEE Supershow: Good Friends, Great Enemies

George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Valiant vs. Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton

EEE World Tag Team: The Twin Powers vs. Cross River Connection ©

Angry Gilmore vs. Honest Frank Jr

The Eagle vs. Monty Trescade

The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express

Charlie Corner vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders

 

Next time… Gang Wars main event…

[DinoKea]

EEE Supershow: Good Friends, Great Enemies

 

Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton def. George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Valiant

 

EEE World Tag Team:

The Twin Powers def. Cross River Connection ©

 

Honest Frank Jr def. Angry Gilmore

 

The Eagle def. Monty Trescade

 

The Biggins Boys def. The Fantastic Express

 

Charlie Corner def. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders

[KyTeran]

EEE Supershow: Good Friends, Great Enemies

George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Valiant vs. Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton

EEE World Tag Team: The Twin Powers vs. Cross River Connection ©

Angry Gilmore vs. Honest Frank Jr

The Eagle vs. Monty Trescade

The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express

Charlie Corner vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders

[Theheel]

EEE Supershow: Good Friends, Great Enemies

George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Valiant vs. Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton

The name of the show implies the Star and the Ace upcoming match

 

EEE World Tag Team: The Twin Powers vs. Cross River Connection ©

Are we going to see the Connection split up again? Maybe but not at this event. Look for it next month.

 

Angry Gilmore vs. Honest Frank Jr

Gotta think Jr is going to start making some real noise

 

The Eagle vs. Monty Trescade

I know Monty is an IRS based character, but I’d like to see his finisher changed to the Audit or (Cash) Windfall

 

The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express

 

Charlie Corner vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders

The Stud hasn’t done a ton in a slow climb up the ladder. Corner has been around longer but just doesn’t seem to be there yet either. I think Corner is going to win but on a whim I’ll take The Stud

[eayragt]

George Trapesi, Aaron Andrews & Valiant vs. Riley McManus, Trent Shaffer & Davis Wayne Newton

The heels should totally win here, but if you're having trouble convincing big names to lose...

EEE World Tag Team: The Twin Powers vs. Cross River Connection ©

Angry Gilmore vs. Honest Frank Jr

The Eagle vs. Monty Trescade

The Biggins Boys vs. The Fantastic Express

Charlie Corner vs. ‘The Stud’ Phil Anders