DAVE: The Alternate Showcase [CV97]

[falling_star]

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME:

THE ALTERNATE SHOWCASE

[A TEW DYNASTY BY FALLING_STAR]

 

---

 

VIBERT'S VOICE PODCAST

"JANUARY 1997, PT. ONE"

 

 

It all started at the end of 1996... well, it didn't all start there, but that's when it became my show. You probably know me, but, either way, my name is Phil Vibert… welcome to Vibert’s Voice. January 1st, 1997 is the day I became the official owner of Danger and Violence Extreme, purchased from founder Buddy Gaines with the intent of not only winning the East Coast Wars, as the warring promotions would come to be known, but of making DAVE the place for people who couldn’t or didn’t want to make it in the SWF environment.

 

Of course, Hollyweird Grappling Company was the new game in town at that time, and they were making a play for kind of the same thing. There were a lot of SWF castoffs and late-80’s, early-90’s stars that the audience was familiar with thanks to their time in the Supreme Wrestling Federation, and they were aiming to be the alternative but they wanted to be a similar flavor of the same thing. HGC wanted to be lite beer to SWF’s full flavor brew, but I wanted DAVE to be the full-on craft brewery experience instead. I wanted to give the viewer some of that full flavor experience with guys like Vengeance, give them their lite beer with real wrestlers like JD Morgan, and then hit them with the full-bodied stout flavor of a guy like Nemesis, may John rest in peace, or the IPA bitterness of an old school guy like Eric Tyler. I didn’t want to be SWF lite; extreme was right in the name, I wanted to be f**kin’ extreme.

 

HGC and SWF were breathing down my neck for Vengeance from the moment I took over; everyone was saying he’d done all he could in DAVE and was ready to take the next step. But, as far as I was concerned, I, and DAVE, were ready for that next step as well. Nemesis was such a unique character, the “Speaker of Truths,” and such a steal for us in DAVE, I knew he needed an antithesis and I knew it had to be Vengeance. So I did what any obsessed individual would do, and I invested everything in the company, and I do mean everything. I mortgaged my house, I took out business loans, I maxed out credit cards with cash advances, and I didn’t put a dime of it towards my own well-being. I had a really nice sports car, I sold it and bought this little beater that was good enough on gas for me to get around the Tri-State area. I was eating ramen noodles and canned tuna, I mean… anything to have more money to sink into the company.

 

I knew it was a risky decision, the written deals– Buddy had been telling everyone that, if they wanted DAVE to succeed, that they needed to be team players and believe in each other’s word as bond on their contracts. But HGC showing up changed the landscape; they were willing to offer stupid money, and they tried, and did, to talent in DAVE– we weren’t able to keep everyone around. But they wanted everyone, and I do mean everyone; they sent out feelers and written contracts to Johnny Martin, to Vengeance, to Nemesis, to Freddie Datsun.. I mean, Eric Tyler, even The Wolverine. The only guy we had who seemed safe from going out west was Henry Lee, and even then there were rumblings that HGC wanted to do a hardcore division with him as the centerpiece. Not to mention XFW had just started their King of the Deathmatch thing a few months prior, and I knew Henry was keen to compete in the next iteration but he also didn’t want to leave DAVE.

 

What I’m trying to say is this: when I took over the company, my entire main event scene was in question. Chris Caulfield wasn’t The Hardcore American yet, he was some blue chipper the crowd tried to boo out of the building every night. “Big Money” Brandon James was just Big Cat Brandon in his tiger facepaint, trying to get a rub from The Wolverine. There’s every chance in the world I was gonna be left with Tyrannosaurus Pex and Vin Tanner– God bless Vin, but his name might as well be Vanilla Tanner and he would’ve been lost at that time without Eric Tyler and the whole School of Tradition act that was blooming while they were kicking the shit out Freddie every night. When I signed the papers to purchase DAVE, I literally had no idea what the top of my card looked like outside of Nemesis, and even then I was going on his word alone.

 

There was buzz about the big surprises that could be in store, but there was also buzz about who could be leaving us– I’ve never had a pit in my stomach like the one I felt in the winter months of early 1997. Not even, you know, when I could see the writing on the wall there at the end. John was gonna come in as soon as he could, there was just the question of when his days in SWF were gonna be up. He hated Richard Eisen, and he wanted out so badly– he just had to orchestrate it so that he could get out of his contract and show up somewhere else immediately. Rumor has it he and Tommy Cornell were planning a bloodbath on live TV to get out of their contracts, but John didn’t last long enough to carry out that plan. How different the world may have been if that happened, but it all ended in a shouting match where Richard basically told John he could go to Hell, and John told Eisen that he’d send him there himself before storming out.

 

So, I had the last TV show before the 1997 edition of Back In Black, and then the Back In Black show itself to really establish myself, and DAVE, as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling, not just on the East Coast. The internet scene was small in those days, but everyone in the smart crowd was buzzing about what was gonna happen at those shows. I knew I had to do everything just right if I was going to be able to get a foothold, and really tell the stories John and I wanted to tell.

 

So, there you have it… DAVE, the beginning. January 1997, Phil Vibert goes into debt and makes one stupid decision after another just to deliver the kind of show the fans want to see… to deliver the shock the world expects, and still leave them shocked in the end. Thanks for joining me today on Vibert’s Voice as we, finally, take a deep dive into the DAVE years. Coming up next week, we’ll look at Back In Black and the quote-unquote “big bang” for Danger and Violence Extreme that took place there. Don’t forget to use promo code “EXTREME” to get your first thirty days of WrestleWorld for free– it’s the only place to see the DAVE tape library, and remember, we’ll be doing watch alongs for each TV and event over on the subscriber’s page. We’ll see you next time.

Edited September 28, 2022 by falling_star

[falling_star]

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME CHAMPIONS ROLL CALL

 

CURRENT DAVE EXTREME CHAMPION

NEMESIS

defeated Johnny Martin, January 1997

 

 

 

CURRENT DAVE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

THE ANIMALZ (THE WOLVERINE & BIG CAT BRANDON)

defeated Black Murder, January 1997

Edited September 29, 2022 by falling_star

[falling_star]

VIBERT'S VOICE PODCAST

"BUDDY GAINES"

W/ SPECIAL GUESTS BUDDY GAINES AND MITCH NAESS

 

       

 

PHIL VIBERT: Welcome to Vibert's Voice, the second episode in our deep dive into the year that was 1997 for Danger and Violence Extreme. Don't forget, you can follow along with the DAVE tape library on WrestleWorld, use promo code "EXTREME" to get your first thirty days for free. I wanna thank my first guest for joining me today... Mitch, it's been a long time.

 

MITCH NAESS: It really has, bossman. Thanks for having me today.

 

VIBERT: Oh, God, no need to call me that these days, Mitch. You're gonna give me traumatic flashbacks.

 

The pair share a brief laugh, and it's clear the two friends share a great respect for one another.

 

VIBERT: Well, let's get right into it... DAVE 1997. You had been the voice of the company for a while, and there was lots of pressure on me right from the beginning to find you a broadcast partner. But, man, if anyone can carry a DAVE show on their back, by themselves, with just their voice? That man was surely Mitch Naess. What did you think when you heard I was taking over?

 

NAESS: Well, I didn't know you then like I do now, so my first thought was, "do I still have a job?" But, man, you came to me early in the week and made me feel like the greatest announcer in wrestling history! Not only did I have a job, but I was going to be able to carry on business as usual in my position. It was a great relief, and it made me strive to be even better... for you, for the fans, for the wrestlers.

 

VIBERT: Let's talk for a minute about our other special guest, before he joins us... DAVE founder and original owner, Buddy Gaines.

 

NAESS: Sure.

 

VIBERT: When I bought the company, Buddy had already retired from the ring. He still hung out in angles on the card as the defacto "Director of Extreme" as he called himself; everyone knew he was the owner, so he leveraged that into some on-screen appearances late in his career. The crowd loved what he stood for, because they knew he was running the show.

 

NAESS: (laughing) You certainly changed that dynamic.

 

VIBERT: Well, I had to-- the crowd knew me, and hated me, from being JD Morgan's manager, but they were smart. They knew I was the new owner, they knew I was going to be running the show, so I thought, let's give them something they've never seen before in wrestling: an active, evil owner. Richard Eisen wasn't hated because of anything he did on television, he was hated in Pennsylvania because of who he was as an owner and businessman. For me, I wanted to show right from the beginning who I was going to be as the owner on-screen.

 

NAESS: Which, of course, played right into the hottest act in the company, Vengeance.

 

VIBERT: Exactly. The crowd knew that Vengeance, as a character, wasn't going to let me get one over on anyone in the company as a heel. I had already been stopped from screwing Johnny Martin over countless times, but, now, we had a spoiler coming in for the big babyface.

 

NAESS: Nemesis?

 

VIBERT: Nemesis. The Speaker of Truths, the devil's advocate, going toe-to-toe with the Avenging Angel of DAVE. I knew that would be the program to get us to the next level, whatever that level was, and I knew I had to keep them both on board to make my vision work.

 

NAESS: So, not to take over your show, but, how did Buddy Gaines figure into that?

 

VIBERT: Well, the Director of Extreme was going to have to go away, at least on-screen. We couldn't have a war for power between the good guy Gaines and the bad guy Vibert; Johnny Martin didn't need to be allied with Gaines on-screen, and Vengeance didn't need anyone or anything but himself to get over with the crowd. Long story short, Buddy's services were no longer needed on-screen.

 

NAESS: Well, again, not to take over... but that seems like a good a time as any to welcome Buddy Gaines to the show, doesn't it?

 

VIBERT: (laughing) I guess it does. Buddy, it's been even longer since I talked to you; welcome to the show, how have you been?

 

BUDDY GAINES: Well, aging isn't getting any easier; I could complain, but I won't.

 

VIBERT: Amen to that.

 

GAINES: But, seriously, thanks for having me on the show. I love talking about the good ole days.

 

VIBERT: So, let's just get into it... you were the Director of Extreme when I took over. You were the guy who would send 411 out to chokeslam the bad guys.

 

GAINES: The one who claimed he could control Vengeance. I had this grand booking idea, thank God you took over and it never took came to light, that I was going to be an extreme god and Vengeance was going to be my Avenging Angel. 

 

The trio all laugh heartily.

 

VIBERT: Buddy Gaines, the God of Extreme-- could've worked in an alternate timeline.

 

GAINES: Don't humor me, Phil, I already got your money.

 

Another hearty round of laughter from the three old friends.

 

VIBERT: So, tell me, Buddy: what, if anything, were your plans for DAVE before I took over?

 

GAINES: Well, I've heard the quote from Mitch a thousand times over the years, and it couldn't be more true-- I would've been content running local shows with local stars, making a name for ourselves by winning the East Coast Wars and establishing a name as the top promotion on the east coast. I would've been content living out life knowing that I was king of the east coast, but, man, Phil, I would've sworn you wanted to be king of the wrestling world back then.

 

VIBERT: I never would've admitted it at the time, but, I did. I wanted to take DAVE national and shove it up Richard Eisen's ass; John wanted that even more. While I had a healthy competitive spirit, John ran on pure spite. Eisen told him he'd never be anything after he kicked him out of SWF... Richard thought he would always be the only game in town. I wanted to shove that up his ass in quick fashion.

 

GAINES: See, I couldn't have cared less about what Richard Eisen and the SWF were doing... never could've dreamed of bringing in someone like Nemesis... and, here, you do it in a matter of weeks after taking over.

 

NAESS: I couldn't believe it, either. I don't think anyone believed Phil when he revealed the big surprise for Back In Black, because he told us all Nemesis was coming.

 

GAINES: I distinctly remember Johnny Martin telling me he thought Phil was a snake oil salesman.

 

VIBERT: His attitude changed really quickly when I delivered.

 

GAINES: Everything did, but you can't blame anyone for doubting you at the time, can you? I mean, one of SWF's biggest stars was just going to show up in Pennsylvania for our rinky dink operation?

 

VIBERT: (laughing) No, I got it-- how could it have been anything other than a pipe dream until the moment it happened? Hell, I don't even know that I believed it at the time-- I've convinced myself in the years since that I always had confidence in every move I made but, if I'm being honest? Nemesis showing up in January was never a certain for me... I wasn't even certain when he showed up at the building if he'd walk through the curtain, you know? Maybe he'd suddenly want more money, or maybe he'd get a call from Stallings.

 

NAESS: You mean JK Stallings, founder of HGC.

 

VIBERT: Of course. He was throwing money around like confetti at the time, and how we weathered the storm, I'll never know.

 

GAINES: I don't know if you threw money like confetti, but it was certainly more money than I ever imagined investing in the promotion. I mean, right out the gate, that first show.. everyone knew something special was brewing. It's why I had no trouble stepping aside on-screen... I knew people didn't care about Buddy Gaines anymore.

 

VIBERT: I don't know if that's entirely true. People had to have cared to invest the way they did after what happened to you.

 

GAINES: I suppose that's true.

 

VIBERT: We're about out of time for today, but, Buddy, how about you join us for the Back In Black watch along over on the subscriber page?

 

GAINES: I'd love to do that.

 

VIBERT: Then it's set. Mitch, you're always welcome on the show, but I know you're a busy man. Pittsburgh Steel Wrestling has a huge show coming up, your debut on WrestleWorld, I understand?

 

NAESS: That's right, Phil, and, to steal your line, use promo code "EXTREME" to get your first thirty days free-- which would include our upcoming show!

 

VIBERT: Great stuff. Listeners, Buddy and I will see you this coming Monday night; you can watch along on the 25th anniversary of Back In Black 1997 with the man who booked the show, and the man who made it possible. Until next time, this has been Vibert's Voice.

Edited September 22, 2022 by falling_star

[Scottie]

Great start! Excited to read this - maybe just check the formatting in dark mode, where it's pretty hard to read! But I love CV97

[falling_star]

1 hour ago, Scottie said:

Great start! Excited to read this - maybe just check the formatting in dark mode, where it's pretty hard to read! But I love CV97

 

I'll see what I can do about the formatting, but, unfortunately, dark mode just doesn't seem to be the best for viewing dynasties. It makes me sad, as that is my preferred skin. But, I'll look into it, either way! Thanks for the kind words.

[Dawn]

Really excited for more DAVE diaries! Though yeah, the formatting is a rough time on dark mode which caught me off guard since the initial post is fine. I'm sure it's easy to fix and keep a medium! Good luck

[falling_star]

COPIED FROM AN ORIGINAL 1997 FLIER, COLLECTION OF PHIL VIBERT

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME

PRESENTS

HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE!

AN ARENA SHOW LIVE FROM NEW JERSEY

FRIDAY, JANUARY WEEK ONE, 1997

FEATURING...

 

DAVE EXTREME CHAMPION JOHNNY MARTIN HAS AN OPEN CONTRACT!

The wrestling world is buzzing, and on our last stop before Back In Black, Johnny Martin has an open contract to defend his DAVE Extreme Championship against "anyone in the Tri-State area with the balls to step into the ring." Director of Extreme Buddy Gaines has said that JD Morgan is unable to accept the open challenge because he wants to preserve the planned main event for Back In Black, which, at this time, is Johnny Martin defending his championship against Phil Vibert's client JD Morgan. Gaines has promised to accept the signature of anyone who wants to step up, and it promises to be a memorable night at The Weston Gym in New Jersey.

 

VENGEANCE VERSUS TYRANNOSAURUS PEX

The Avenging Angel of DAVE, Vengeance himself, has promised to put an end to T-Pex's "misplaced vanity." Meanwhile, T-Pex claims that he is currently at his apex, and suggests Vengeance is out of line. He aims to do something that, so far ,Henry Lee has been the only man in the company to do: defeat Vengeance. Is T-Pex really at his apex, or will Vengeance reign supreme once again?

 

THE GOOD OLE BOYS ARE TAKEN TO SCHOOL

Freddie Datsun has had his share of trouble with Eric Tyler and Vin Tanner, who have recently dubbed themselves The School of Tradition. Not only Datsun had troubles with the School, but his superfan Roy Stephens has been taken to task by Tyler & Tanner as well. This Friday will see Datsun and Stephens teams up to take on The School of Tradition in New Jersey; will Tradition rule, or will The Good Ole Boys dismiss class once and for all?

 

THE ICON OF INSANITY DEFIES THE LAW

Henry Lee is known as The Icon of Insanity in DAVE, and is a former Extreme champion-- not only that, but he's been involved in some of the most insane moments in DAVE history! It's no wonder Phil Vibert and his Agency of Extreme have set their sights on Lee, but he has refused to join them so far. This Friday, Vibert promises to "lay down the law" by bringing in Officer Hardway to take down The Icon-- but will the corrupt lawman be any match for DAVE's homegrown hardcore hero?

 

TAG TEAM TITLES ON THE LINE!

Black Murder, Elijah Black and Murderous Mikey, defend the belts against The Hotbodies!

 

ALL OF THIS, PLUS MONTY WALKER, THE DARKNESS WARRIORS, 411, AND MORE!

 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I DON'T INTEND ON RELEASING FULL CARDS FOR ANYTHING BUT THE BIG MONTHLY SHOWS, BUT I WILL RUN PREDICTIONS FOR THE ANNOUNCED MATCHES. READERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PREDICT OTHER HAPPENINGS ON THE SHOWS AS WELL!

 

PREDICTION KEY

DAVE EXTREME TITLE: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. ??????

VENGEANCE VS. T-PEX

FREDDIE DATSUN & ROY STEPHENS VS. THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

HENRY LEE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

DAVE TAG TITLES: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE HOTBODIES

MONTY WALKER VS. ???????

THE DARKNESS WARRIORS VS. ???????

411 VS. ???????

[smw88]

DAVE EXTREME TITLE: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. ??????

VENGEANCE VS. T-PEX

FREDDIE DATSUN & ROY STEPHENS VS. THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

HENRY LEE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

DAVE TAG TITLES: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE HOTBODIES

MONTY WALKER VS. ???????

THE DARKNESS WARRIORS VS. ???????

411 VS. ???????

[monrapi3]

DAVE EXTREME TITLE: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. ??????

VENGEANCE VS. T-PEX

FREDDIE DATSUN & ROY STEPHENS VS. THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

HENRY LEE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

DAVE TAG TITLES: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE HOTBODIES

MONTY WALKER VS. ???????

THE DARKNESS WARRIORS VS. ???????

411 VS. ???????

[falling_star]

11 hours ago, Dawn said:

Really excited for more DAVE diaries! Though yeah, the formatting is a rough time on dark mode which caught me off guard since the initial post is fine. I'm sure it's easy to fix and keep a medium! Good luck

 

I think the issue is that I wrote the initial post in Google Docs and pasted it, while the post that is offending in dark mode was written right in the Invision editor-- not sure why that's the issue as it should probably be the other way around, but these are the new forums. It's really, really frustrating to me all the issues dark mode has on the forum, because it's my preferred viewing mode literally everywhere else; but around here? I suggest just not using it.

Edited September 22, 2022 by falling_star

[falling_star]

VIBERT'S VOICE PODCAST

"JANUARY 1997, PT. TWO"

 

 

So, we used to do these arena shows every week in the Tri-State area called Highway to The Danger Zone-- which is what we called our regular arena in Pittsburgh, The Danger Zone. This was before we had weekly TV, and, again, that's why it was was called Danger Zone TV-- because it took place in The Danger Zone. My first show in charge was our last Highway show, because I had organized a TV deal for us that would start the week of Back In Black; nothing special, but I got us an hour on Central Perk TV, this little east coast outfit that got us into the homes of the potential audience who could come to the arenas and see us. It was a natural, needed step in the evolution of Danger and Violence Extreme. I knew I wasn't going to give away Nemesis showing up at a Highway show, and TV was going to be taped so I could wait until the first TV taping because there was every chance Richard Eisen would've slapped me with an injunction to keep him from appearing for us-- not that we wouldn't have fought back, probably gone ahead with it anyway.

 

But, I knew I didn't want us to start off that way; it's one thing to appear to buck the system and not be willing to play quote-unquote their games, but it's another thing entirely to be dragged into the system and forced to play their game because, y'know, that's the way these legal things go. But, I knew I wanted my first show to be big, and that's how The Extreme Agency came about; I was already managing JD Morgan, it was just smart money to lean into this evil owner persona because, frankly, it had never been seen in professional wrestling until I did it. Sure, the territories back in the day had commissioners, but it was always this white hat, good sheriff type to make sure the fans went home happy. But, I decided early on, I needed to embrace not sending the fans home happy... I wanted to send them home thirsty for blood, whether it was mine of Morgan's or Eric Tyler's, I just wanted them to go home so angry that they had to come back for their pound of flesh from whoever.

 

And, not to brag, but it worked; it worked before I took over as well, especially when Vengeance was a heel and got physical with Miss Bliss. There was nearly a riot when he wrapped that chain around her neck, so, I knew what our fans wanted... they wanted to be happy, and chant, and be part of the show when it came to guys like Tim Tantrum and Lucas Hale, but in the main events? They wanted blood, and I don't just mean blade jobs and hard way cuts-- The Danger Zone was like the Colosseum, the wrestlers were the gladiators, and they fans wanted what they always want: to be entertained. They showed up knowing they'd get what they wanted, but they knew it didn't mean they'd leave happy, and I honestly loved that about my relationship with our fans in the DAVE days.

 

But, back to The Extreme Agency, and harking back to what I said about the main event scene in part one, I didn't know who I could count on to stick around so I just decided that I would be the center of attention. Now, I'd always, always, have a wrestler at my side to get the rub because there was no chance I'd step in the ring for any reason, but it would be like I was the devil and JD Morgan, Officer Hardway, and the rest were my favorite demons. It worked, and I knew right from the start we had something, right from that last Highway show...

Edited September 22, 2022 by falling_star

[Dawn]

14 hours ago, smw88 said:

DAVE EXTREME TITLE: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. ??????

VENGEANCE VS. T-PEX

FREDDIE DATSUN & ROY STEPHENS VS. THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

HENRY LEE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

DAVE TAG TITLES: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE HOTBODIES

MONTY WALKER VS. ???????

THE DARKNESS WARRIORS VS. ???????

411 VS. ???????

I second these predictions!

[falling_star]

 

PRESENTED IN AS COMPLETE A FORM AS POSSIBLE BY WRESTLEWORLD

 

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME

PRESENTS

HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE!

AN ARENA SHOW LIVE FROM NEW JERSEY

FRIDAY, JANUARY WEEK ONE, 1997

 

The WrestleWorld presentation of the show begins with a shot from the hard camera of the buzzing Weston Gym in New Jersey, the crowd restless as they wait for the show to start. A graphic of highly outdated quality comes onto the screen, listing the date and location of the show and labeling it as a Highway to the Danger Zone event. The crowd stirs and turns towards the entrance, a makeshift affair of chain link fence and thick stage curtains, erupting into cheers as DAVE Extreme Champion Johnny Martin makes his way into the gym. Mitch Naess' commentary track finally begins as the familiar voice of DAVE welcomes us to the show and mentions Martin's open contract for the night.

 

 

When Martin makes it to the ring, microphone in hand, he only has a few moments to play to the crowd and go through some standard babyface motions on the microphone before some more music hits, and JD Morgan enters the gym with Phil Vibert by his side. Naess hints at Vibert being the new owner of DAVE, but continues to call him Morgan's "sports agent," which has been his gimmick in the promotion to this point. Morgan and Vibert hit the ring, and Vibert has a microphone of his own; he calls Johnny Martin a fraud, and says that Martin would never be Extreme Champion if it weren't for a fluke victory in a four-way dance. Naess points out the match also involved Freddie Datsun, Henry Lee, and Vegeance and reminds fans that Vibert bullied the Director of Extreme Buddy Gaines into making a match between the four fan favorites to soften up the eventual winner for JD Morgan to pick the bones, but it didn't play out that way of Morgan and Vibert.

 

    

 

Vibert and Martin go back and forth on the mic for a while until Vibert eventually drops a line about "owning everyone in this building," to which the crowd begins a "F**K YOU BOSSMAN!" chant. Vibert just smiles wryly, waves them off, and goes on with his promo. Martin finally asks why Morgan is even out here tonight since Gaines said he can't answer the open call. Vibert then says that they're out here to make sure Martin doesn't make it to Back In Black, but before Morgan can attack, the DAVE theme music plays and Director of Extreme Buddy Gaines comes out to the roar of the sold out crowd. Always wearing his trademark leather biker jacket, Gaines comes to the ring and takes the microphone from Vibert's hand "with authority," as Naess says on commentary.

 

 

Gaines paces back and forth for a moment before shaking his head, and starting to rant at Vibert and Morgan. He says Vibert might think of DAVE as his playground, but Gaines is still Director of Extreme and his word is law around here; if Vibert can't play by the rules, then he is banned from building! Vibert says Gaines can't do that, but the Director of Extreme assures Vibert that he can indeed. Vibert isn't smiling, though, and he reiterates himself.

 

"No, Buddy," Vibert says with a dramatic pause. "You cannot do that, because..."

 

 

Officer Hardway blindsides Buddy Gaines with a brutal lariat to the side of the head, and JD Morgan attacks the Extreme Champion Johnny Martin. The crowd jeers as Vibert directs traffic, telling Morgan and Hardway to "take them out." Morgan puts the boots to Martin and eventually takes him out of the ring with a running belt shot from the Extreme title; Hardway brutalizes Gaines, eventually grabbing a chair and wrapping it around Gaines' knee while Naess raves on commentary that the Director has a bad knee.

 

"I was being literal when I said I own everyone here," Vibert practically growls on the microphone. "There's no reason to hide it for the sake of theatrics... I OWN DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME!" The crowd starts to throw trash into the ring as Morgan and Hardway both stomp on the chair, Gaines writhing and screaming in pain as he sells a shattered knee. "Buddy Gaines... you're fired!" Vibert announces with a smile. "Get this trash out of my ring, and out of my building!" Morgan and Hardway lift Gaines up as he continues screaming in pain, begging for mercy as he's literally dragged from the arena. Naess calls the scene despicable, noting that Gaines is the beloved founder of this promotion, and that he deserves better. Vibert, Morgan, and Hardway exit the arena with the injured Gaines in tow, dragging him backstage while a camera follows.

 

"Goodbye, Buddy," Vibert says as Hardway and Morgan toss Gaines out of an open door into the parking lot. Gaines lays there selling his leg as they slam the door shut on him, Vibert grabbing the cameraman and forcing him to focus in on his face. "We are The Extreme Agency," Vibert seethes. "And we OWN DAVE!"

 

 

        

THE DARKNESS WARRIORS VERSUS TIM TANTRUM & LUCAS HALE

 

Back in the Weston Gym, the ring has been cleaned of debris, and The Darkness Warriors are now inside of it, playing to the booing crowd in their matching robes. Mitch Naess points out that these men have been on a rampage in DAVE, and all the while have claimed that their "master isn't far away." Jay and Raul repeat that statement here tonight before their opponents for the evening come to the ring, Lucas Hale and Tim Tantrum entering the gym to Tantrum's theme music. The match itself doesn't last long, the Warriors making short work of Tantrum & Hale just like they have all of their other opponents in DAVE so far; their tag team finished, Fall Into Darkness, looks like a Doomsdy Device with with a flying body press instead of a clothesline. Hale takes the pinfall for his team, and Tantrum gives the crowd what they want by freaking out after the loss. "I didn't even get pinned!" he screams while throwing things around ringside.

WINNERS: THE DARKNESS WARRIORS

 

 

While Tantrum does his thing, the camera takes us to the announce table where Mitch Naess tells us that 411 has a special message for us tonight.

 

    

411 VERSUS SHAUD THE BOD

 

411 enters the Weston Gym to a bunch of cheers, the big man playing to the crowd and making his way to the ring where he calls Chris Caulfield a fraud. He says that the blue chipper isn't cut out for DAVE, and promises to send him packing after Back In Black, "and that's the 411 on Chris Caulfield." Tri-State regular Shaud the Bod comes out and calls 411 lame, and claims, "the real 411 is that big men with braided beards have no brains." Shaud claims to have brains, beauty, and brawn but 411 makes short work of him before ending things with a chokeslam for the win.

WINNER: 411

 

        

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

BLACK MURDER (C) VERSUS THE HOTBODIES

 

The Hotbodies are out to the ring first, playing to all the ladies in the crowd who can't stand them. Black Murder are out second with the DAVE Tag Team titles, which they retain in relatively short order by putting The Hotbodies away in a brawling affair that ends with Rodney taking the pinfall.

WINNERS, AND STILL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: BLACK MURDER

 

 

"The Icon of Insanity" Henry Lee is out next, whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his over-the-top entrance that includes coming in through the crowd. Lee says that it doesn't matter who is in charge around here because the inmates run the asylum, and he's at the top of the food chain. Lee says that Vibert is in for a rude awakening if he thinks he's going to steamroll The Icon of Insanity the way he and his cronies injured Buddy Gaines earlier tonight.

 

 

That brings out Phil Vibert, who tells Henry Lee, "he can either fall in line or be thrown outside with the rest of the trash." Lee tells Vibert to watch his mouth, and says he doesn't care about his money or power. Vibert can try to throw his weight around all he wants, but it's nothing an Asylum Buster won't fix.

 

 

That brings out Officer Hardway, who tries to attack Lee as Vibert tells the timekeeper to ring the bell.

 

HENRY LEE VERSUS OFFICER HARDWAY

 

Hardway's attack gets countered, and Lee goes on the offense. The ensuing match is little more than organized mayhem with chairs, tables, cookie sheets, trash cans, and even a crutch being used at one point while Hardway and Lee throw everything they can at one another. Vibert tries to aid Hardway more than once throughout the match, but it rarely helps. Lee picks up a big win with an Asylum Buster.

WINNER: HENRY LEE

 

 

"That's Genghis Rahn!" Mitch Naess screams on commentary as Henry Lee is blindsided by an attacker. "The Arizona Assassin! XFW's King of the Deathmatch!" It is Rahn indeed, and he comes with a kendo stick in hand to attack The Icon of Insanity! Battering him over the head and across the back, Rahn grabs Lee and gives him a Russian legsweep aided by the kendo stick, and it becomes apparent that Henry Lee has been busted open! Rahn wipes his fallen foe's blood on his hand and smears it across his face, sticking his tongue out and licking some of Lee's blood as Naess wonders why Rahn has set his sights on Henry Lee.

 

  

 

The School of Tradition, Eric Tyler and Vin Tanner, are out next to run down the crowd for being "ravenous, bloodthirsty morons." Tyler calls Freddie Datsun "the biggest moron among them," and ponders why Datsun craves the cheers of the crowd when they've watched him put his body through hell for so little reward. Datsun is nothing more than a redneck who could stand to learn from The School of Tradition, and Roy Stephens is even worse. How could anyone idolize a man like Freddie Datsun?

 

    

 

That's enough to bring out Datsun and Stephens, along with Miss Bliss, who has a microphone in her hand. She says her boys didn't come to talk, they came to fight!

 

FREDDIE DATSUN & ROY STEPHENS VERSUS THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

 

Datsun & Stephens storm the ring and gain the upperhand rather quickly, the babyfaces shining in the early moments of the match. The story of the match, however, is Tyler & Tanner isolating Roy Stephens and punishing him for most of the match. Despite their best efforts, the babyfaces fall here as Stephens is tapped out by the much more experienced and technically savvy Eric Tyler.

WINNERS: THE SCHOOL OF TRADITION

 

 

Following the match, Phil Vibert is out once again to a chorus of boos. He says he couldn't care less what these people think of him, because The Extreme Agency is running the show now. JD Morgan will be the Extreme Champion following Back In Black, and Officer Hardway will lay down the law for him-- but that doesn't seem like enough. He needs something more... maybe a little insurance. Before he continues, he'd like to invite Monty Walker out to the ring.

 

 

Mitch Naess refers to him as "The Coolest Guy in the Room" as Walker comes out to chorus of cheers from the fans; Walker came close to becoming Extreme Champion somewhat recently, but fell short of claiming the gold. Still, the DAVE fans are firmly behind him as he enters the ring with Vibert who says that Monty must feel good to get that reception from the crowd. He congratulates him on nearly becoming champion, and says that he needs people he can trust right now. Walker grins and shakes his head, telling Vibert he can shove it. "I thought you might say that," Vibert grins. "That's why I brought along an insurance policy..."

 

 

"That's Frankie Future!" Mitch Naess exclaims as the man in the suit nails Monty Walker with a metal briefcase. "First The Arizona Assassin and now Future? What is going on here tonight? Are we being invaded by XFW?"

 

FRANKIE FUTURE VERSUS MONTY WALKER

 

Vibert remains in the ring with a microphone for the entirety of the match, first demanding a referee and then demanding the bell ring to signal the beginning of a match. He raves on the microphone that he needs to surround himself with people he can trust, and Frankie Future is one of those men. When Future heard Vibert was taking over, he called him personally to jump ship. At some point, Walker turns the tables and Vibert hightails it out of the ring so the match proper can take place. Walker puts in a valiant effort, but he can't overcome the odds to pick up a win; Future takes the win with an impressive move Naess calls the Future Shock on commentary.

WINNER: FRANKIE FUTURE

 

After the ring is cleared once again, the lights go out and fans begin to stir-- lights out in the DAVE arena means one of two things: a big surprise, or the entrance of Vengeance. Both things are a sight to behold in DAVE, and the opening riff of Vengeance's music signals his arrival. The crowd goes nuts as the Avenging Angel of DAVE makes his way to the ring, cutting a brooding promo on Tyrannosaurus Pex and his "misguided vanity." He ends on his signature line, telling Pex, "you have been judged guilty, and vengeance shall be mine."

 

    

 

VENGEANCE VERSUS TYRANNOSAURUS PEX

 

This match was a wild brawl that went all around the gym, but the outcome was never really in doubt. Vengeance puts Pex away with his finisher to pick up the win, much to the crowd's delight.

WINNER: VENGEANCE

 

 

After Vengeance has left, some new music begins to play and an unfamiliar face makes his way out into the gym. After calling for a microphone, he lets the crowd know that they can call him The Hype and proceeds to cut an excellent heel promo. He says people need to believe The Hype, and lets it be known that he is here to become Extreme Champion; everyone in the tri-state is after the Extreme championship, so how could he pass up an open contract to put it around his waist? The greatest talent in the wrestling world today has arrived in DAVE, and it's time for us all to believe The Hype.

 

    

DAVE EXTREME TITLE MATCH

JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VERSUS THE HYPE

 

Johnny Martin has the match of the night with the newcomer, putting on a slobberknocker of a main event that sees The Hype getting himself over with a crowd who didn't know who he was before he entered the gym. The match manages to stay free of Extreme Agency shenanigans despite the happenings of the rest of the evening, and Martin picks up a clean victory while The Hype walks away with a new lease on life as a newcomer in DAVE.

WINNER, AND STILL EXTREME CHAMPION: JOHNNY MARTIN

 

 

SHOW RATING: 53

ATTENDANCE: 300 [SELLOUT]

Edited September 28, 2022 by falling_star

[falling_star]

VIBERT'S VOICE PODCAST

"JANUARY 1997, PT. THREE"

 

 

So, that Highway show was my first at the helm, and I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out-- we didn't fire the shots at SWF that everyone expected us to fire, we fired shots at XFW instead. I knew Henry Lee wanted to do XFW's King of the Deathmatch thing, but I didn't want him going to XFW to do it; so, I decided to bring the King of the Deathmatch to him. It was not easy, I'll tell you, getting Genghis Rahn to jump ship... Duncan Kendall and XFW had invested heavily in him, but I just made it clear to him what I was about to do and told him I wasn't prepared to show any mercy on my way to the top of the East Coast Wars. That was the genesis of the bloodiest feud in DAVE history, Henry Lee versus Genghis Rahn... The Icon of Insanity versus The Arizona Assassin. I mean, those two were just gold together... on the mic, in the ring, they knew how to give the fans what they wanted. For all the shit they've each gotten over the years about being being quote-unquote garbage wrestlers, those two knew drama. I mean, Christ, the Highway show was just Rahn's debut, but their first match? At Back In Black? God. Damn. I don't think I had seen the crowd so ready to riot since Vengeance had Miss Bliss on his chain. But, I'm getting ahead of myself...

 

Genghis wasn't the only debut on that show, we also had the insurance policy, Frankie Future, another XFW guy. Frankie wasn't into the deathmatch scene, but he knew that's the direction XFW was headed and he wasn't prepared to go that route. Getting him to come with us was much easier than Rahn, especially when I pitched him the insurance policy angle and the whole story I had for him. Frankie is a good guy, that's why he's still in the business today-- he's smart, he took care of his body, and he knows how to make a crowd hate him. Total opposite of the guy in real life, would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it more than him. But, I digress.

 

Frankie was there to be a new heater for Vengeance, at least as long as Sean was staying with us... I mean, we had gotten all we could out of Sean and Hardway and I didn't want to feed JD Morgan to someone who could leave us at any moment. Of course, the real money, the obvious money, was on Nemesis and Vengeance, but that was... well, that was a tricky situation. I mentioned before that we took risks on written contracts... we, scratch that, I made talent believe in us enough to sign on the dotted line but that doesn't mean I was the only smart guy in the room. John was a smart guy, Sean is a smart guy... I wasn't going to get what I wanted without giving something in return to either guy, so, Nemesis and Vengeance? Of course I wanted to run that program, but it wasn't as simple as putting it down on paper and sending them out to the ring. God, I wish it was that simple...

 

Todd also debuted for us at that show... The Hype... man, what could have been. That kid could have been the next Rip Chord in all the best ways, and I really wanted him to be that for us. But, as we say in this business, those demons got the best of him. I mean, the kid could talk, he could work... but everyone knew he was toxic, which made us the only outfit willing to touch him. He came in all full of piss & vinegar, but, man... what a sad story.

 

Anyway, that takes us to Back In Black. I'll be doing a watch along with Buddy Gaines over on the subscriber page this coming Monday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Back In Black 1997, you can watch with us on WrestleWorld. Use promo code "EXTERME" to get your first 30 days free and check out the DAVE library, and I might also recommend you watch Pittsburgh Steel Wrestling's upcoming show on there as well.

 

I'm Phil Vibert, this has been Vibert's Voice. We'll see you next time, thanks for listening.

[falling_star]

COPIED FROM AN ORIGINAL 1997 FLIER, COLLECTION OF ASH CAMPBELL

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME

PRESENTS

BACK IN BLACK 1997

LIVE FROM THE DANGER ZONE IN PITTSBURGH!

MONDAY, JANUARY WEEK TWO, 1997

FEATURING...

 

  

DAVE EXTREME TITLE MATCH

JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. JD MORGAN

 

    

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

 

 

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

 

 

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

 

 

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

 

 

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

 

 

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

 

THE HYPE ISSUES AN OPEN CHALLENGE

 

PREDICTION KEY

DAVE EXTREME: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. JD MORGAN

DAVE TAG TEAM: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

THE HYPE VS. ???????

[Scottie]

I will catch up on the first show soon, but my predictions as follows!

 

PREDICTION KEY

DAVE EXTREME: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. JD MORGAN

DAVE TAG TEAM: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

THE HYPE VS. ???????

 

 

Formatting looks great!

[monrapi3]

DAVE EXTREME: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. JD MORGAN

DAVE TAG TEAM: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

THE HYPE VS. ??????? (ELTON FUCKIN' RANDO)

[smw88]

DAVE EXTREME: JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. JD MORGAN

DAVE TAG TEAM: BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

THE HYPE VS. ??????

[falling_star]

PRESENTED IN AS COMPLETE A FORM AS POSSIBLE BY WRESTLEWORLD

 

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME

PRESENTS

BACK IN BLACK 1997

LIVE FROM THE DANGER ZONE IN PITTSBURGH!

MONDAY, JANUARY WEEK TWO, 1997

 

 

The WrestleWorld presentation of the show begins with a shot from the hard camera of fans going crazy in The Danger Zone, various signs supporting or putting down a number of Tri-State talents. Some examples include “DAVE > XFW,” “WELCOME NEMESIS,” and the ever-present fan in a baseball cap with his “USE MY SIGN” poster board– no one in The Danger Zone has ever obliged. An outdated graphic appears on the screen to identify the date of the show before another, equally outdated graphic fades onto the screen of the show’s logo.

 

“What’s going on?” is the first thing Mitch Naess can be heard saying on commentary, the lights in the arena going off as the crowd busts into raucous cheers. The lights stay down for a longer than usual amount of time, and with the arena still dark, some brand new music begins to play over the PA system. Slowly, a spotlight begins to shine just over the famous chain link entryway and the crowd loses their ever-loving minds as Nemesis steps out onto the stage.

 

 

“OH MY GOD!” Mitch Naess screams, the audio of the show getting fuzzy from all of the loud noise being picked up by the arena mics. The Speaker of Truths stands there in the spotlight for a moment, taking in the pop of the crowd before the house lights come back up and he begins to head to the ring while Naess raves about the arrival of one of the biggest stars in all of professional wrestling. The man known as Nemesis heads to the ring with a purpose, taking a microphone and pacing around the ring. His entrance song plays in full before he finally begins to speak

 

“Welcome to The Danger Zone,” Nemesis finally speaks, and the crowd pops all over again. “I’ll spare you the introductions, because I’m sure you all know who I am… they call me many things, but the one above all others is… The Speaker of Truths, and I am here to speak some truth.” The crowd is eating out of his hand as he speaks to them, cheers amping up and dying down as he conducts them like a symphony with his words.

 

“I’m going to start out with a little rapid-fire truth for you all… Richard Eisen is an asshole, the Supreme Wrestling Federation sucks, and, earlier this week, I told that asshole exactly where he could stick it!” Nemesis continues on that he has been hearing rumblings of a revolution on the east coast, and he had to come see it for himself. He asks the crowd if they like blood, and they cheer. He asks if there are any XFW fans in the house, and they boo. With a smirk, Nemesis says he heard that the east coast was a cliquey place– and he heard that DAVE was the place to be if you want to set the wrestling world on fire. He points to the fan with the “WELCOME NEMESIS” sign, and tells the crowd that he’s arrived, and he’s here to stay.

 

After a few more minutes of air his dirty laundry with the SWF, Nemesis says he’s come to DAVE for the same reason as anyone else: the DAVE Extreme Championship.

 

“Now, I hear there’s a main event planned for this evening, and–”

 

Before he can get much further, a familiar voice can be heard protesting.

 

“No, no, no, no, no!” Phil Vibert seethes as he marches out from the back with a microphone in hand. “I know where you’re going with this, and, no! The answer is no! Unequivocally, absolutely–”

 

“Will you shut the f**k up?” Nemesis fires back, and the crowd pops.

 

“You cannot show up here and just–”

 

“Actually, I’m not doing anything that’s not in my contract.”

 

“Contract?!” Vibert rages.

 

“You see, you and your cronies might have run the old Director of Extreme, Buddy Gaines, outta town, but he didn’t leave town without one last act of defiance.” Nemesis takes a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to Vibert as the lead agent of The Extreme Agency. “That’s my contract, guaranteeing me a spot, tonight, in the Extreme title match.”

 

“What?!” Vibert screams, throwing the paper down, red in the face as he screams at Nemesis. “You wanna play games? You wanna play games with me, big man?” Vibert nods confidently, a defiant look in his eyes. “We can play games. You got your shot, tonight. But you don’t get to jump the line… my man JD Morgan is already prepared for his ascent to the crown. So, you want a shot tonight? You got it…. three-way dance!” Vibert announces as the crowd pops again.

 

“WHAT?!” Naess cries out on commentary; Nemesis smirks and nods his head, Vibert storming off. “Did– did I just hear that right?! We’re going to have a three-way dance in the main event?!” Nemesis’ music comes on again, and he plays to the crowd as he exits the arena.

 

The crowd is buzzing after the opening segment, anticipating the next and breaking into boos as Chris Caulfield makes his entrance to The Danger Zone.

 

411 VS. CHRIS CAULFIELD

After Caulfield is in the ring, the crowd cheers for 411 to make his entrance to The Danger Zone. The ensuing match is something of a DAVE special as 411 batters and brutalizes Caulfield for nearly six minutes, the blue chip rookie never giving up even though he doesn't a single offensive move in on the bearded monster that is 411. A Chokeslam to end it is elementary, and 411 exits The Danger Zone victorious.

WINNER: 411

 

HENRY LEE VS. GENGHIS RAHN

Before the match, "The Icon of Insanity" Henry Lee enters The Danger Zone with a chair in hand, held high over his head as he draws in the cheers of the fans. He comes to the ring and cuts a promo on Genghis Rahn and XFW by association, calling their King of the Deathmatch tournament an amusement park ride compared to what he's about to do to The Arizona Assassin. Rahn doesn't let Lee speak for long without coming out with some cross words of his own, calling Lee a cartoon character rather than a hardcore hero. The match itself seems to begin mid-promo, with Lee attacking Rahn with the microphone to begin a brawl that quickly spills outside. What ensues is pure mayhem as the two fight all over The Danger Zone, Lee even finally uses the elated fans' "USE MY SIGN" poster board then rips it apart to reveal a stop sign sandwiched between posters as the crowd pops big. That's about where the good times end for Lee, however, as Rahn turns the tides and utilizes a kendo stick to batter Lee all over his back and head as they head back towards the ring. Plunder and broken debris all over, a Rahn to the Hills ends the first encounter between these two madmen.

WINNER: GENGHIS RAHN

The mayhem doesn't end there, however, as Rahn immediately starts putting the boots to Lee. 

"C'mon, the match is over!" Naess complains as Rahn pulls Lee up by his hair, but Lee fires back. The exhausted pair brawl back-and-forth for a moment, neither man having much left to give as they exchange labored punches. Lee stumbles back to collect himself on the ropes while Rahn doubles over in the corner-- where he also finds his kendo stick. Lee begins a charge towards Rahn, but The Arizona Assassin swings the kendo stick like a baseball bat and hits Henry Lee right across the eyes! The Icon of Insanity lets out an inhuman scream and falls down, hands covering his face as he kicks and writhes. Rahn lets him have it another couple of times across the back, but soon security and the medical team is out to check on Henry Lee.

"Oh, dear God!" Naess exclaims as we see Lee's bloody face for the first time, a crimson waterfall flowing into his eyes as The Icon screams that he can't see while Rahn looks on with a sick sort of satisfaction. He tries to rush Lee again, but security fends him off and orders him out of the ring while Lee gets a stretcher job out of The Danger Zone. The cameras focus on Mitch Naess at the announce desk, out of focus footage of Lee being tended to happening behind him as he tries to get his bearings and move on with his announce job, but he's clearly shaken up by what he's just seen happen. His voice is solemn as he talks about the feud between Freddie Datsun, Roy Stephens, and The School of Tradition; Eric Tyler and Vin Tanner have been taking the babyfaces of DAVE to task for their hardcore antics, but with Datsun and Stephens it is different. Neither man is especially hardcore in nature, they're both everyman types with a fighting spirit, but The School of Tradition has deemed both men unfit to remain in DAVE. Roy Stephens has been on the receiving end of most of the losses in this feud, and Naess doesn't see any reason for tonight to be any different.

 

 

VIN TANNER VS. ROY STEPHENS

 

Roy Stephens actually looks good in the beginning of the match, and Naess questions whether he will have to eat his words but, soon enough, Tanner is on the offensive and back to stretching and torturing the young superfan. In other encounters, Stephens has been almost quick to submit when locked in a submission, but here in this match he refuses to quit. The finish sees him take two vicious V For Victory suplexes from Vin Tanner before losing the pinfall.

WINNER: VIN TANNER

 

Following the match we hear some more from Mitch Naess, who promises an update on "The Icon of Insanity" Henry Lee before the end of the show, then turns his attention to The Darkness Warriors and their path of destruction through Danger And Violence Extreme. They have recently stated that their rampage has all been on account of their "master," but no one has seen or heard from this person aside from the destructive acolytes.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, there isn't a match scheduled at this time, but, I've been told, The Darkness Warriors have demanded some time, and... a sacrifice?... to honor their master."

 

  

 

The hooded acolytes enter The Danger Zone, Naess reminding the viewers of their despicable deeds in the past, such as putting Miss Bliss through a table and putting numerous competitors through flaming tables. They enter the ring and warn, once again, that their master is on his way to The Danger Zone before demanding a sacrifice. This actually brings out Tim Tantrum and Lucas Hale.

 

  

 

Mitch Naess reminds us that these two teams actually fought one another just a few days ago in New Jersey before Tantrum grabs a microphone. He's already ranting and raving, talking about how the Warriors might have beaten them in Jersey, but he and Hale are damn sure not going to stand by and let them sacrifice anyone. The odd couple team storm the ring, but the Warriors swarm on them before they can stand up; a violent beating ensues, Jay and Raul mauling Tim Tantrum and Lucas Hale. By the time they're through, Tantrum has been dumped through a table on the outside and Hale has taken Darkness Falls through a table on the inside of the ring.

 

"I guess you can call this a sacrifice," Naess says as the Warriors make hand signals over their fallen foes, eventually bringing their hands together like they're praying before the lights go out. When they come back on, the Warriors and their "sacrifices" are both gone and there's nothing left but the debris of broken tables. "Where-- where'd they go??" Naess questions as the camera returns to him in the announcing area, the cleaning crew doing their jobs in the out of focus background. Naess turns his attention to something else that happened in New Jersey: the DAVE debut of the man simply known as The Hype. The video cuts to a lesser quality feed of the Highway to The Danger Zone show from New Jersey where The Hype made his debut and see highlights of him taking Johnny Martin to the limit for the DAVE Extreme title.

 

 

When we're back in The Danger Zone, The Hype is making his entrance in the home arena for the first time... and the crowd boos him appropriately when he flips them off and grabs his crotch obscenely.

 

"That's uncalled for!" Naess objects. Hype cuts a masterful promo on The Danger Zone fans, calling DAVE beneath him and singling out a few of DAVE's regular fans in the audience to put them down. He says that anyone who doesn't believe The Hype can come to the ring and find out firsthand that The Hype is real.

 

"How about you, fat boy?" he goads a chunky ringside fan. "Where's the idiot in the baseball hat with his stupid sign? You wanna come get some?" He taunts a few more people before the music of DAVE and HGC star Monty Walker hits, and the fans pop for The Coolest Guy in the Room.

 

 

The Coolest Guy in the Room says the only thing he sees in the ring is an overhyped talent, and he's here to answer the call on behalf of The Danger Zone.

 

THE HYPE VS. MONTY WALKER

 

These two put on the best match of the night so far, and even though the fans seem to be on Walker's side, a section of the ravenous crowd chants "HGC" at him whenever he showboats. Mitch Naess says that The Danger Zone crowd don't take kindly to being big leagued, making a double-edged joke about Walker being contracted to HGC and Hype's whole act. Walker and The Hype is the first competitive wrestling-style match of the evening, and the crowd was definitely ready for it as evidenced by their reactions throughout. In the end, The Hype continues and he picks up a win over Monty Walker.

WINNER: THE HYPE

 

 

     

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

BLACK MURDER (C) VS. THE ANIMALZ

 

This is a smash mouth brawl from the word go, headbutts and fists flying from all four men as the opening minutes take place as more of a tornado tag match before referee Michael Bull gets control of things. A miscommunication between the tag team champions allows The Wolverine to pick up the win for his team, and the DAVE Tag Team titles. Big Cat Brandon and The Wolverine pose in the ring, Brandon with the title hanging out of his mouth, as Mikey and Black argue on the outside.

WINNERS, AND NEW DAVE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: THE ANIMALZ

 

Back to the announce area where Mitch Naess recaps the Freddie Datsun feud with Eric Tyler and The School of Tradition, pointing out that Datsun and his allies don't hold a single victory over the School. "Will that change tonight?" he asks as we go back to the ring for the entrance of Eric Tyler.

 

 

ERIC TYLER VS. FREDDIE DATSUN

 

Eric Tyler cuts a promo before Datsun makes his entrance, running down Freddie as someone who should be in the Danger Zone crowd with the rest of the losers instead of in the ring with real wrestlers like himself and Vin Tanner. He calls Miss Bliss an insulting, sexist name and says she'd also be right at home in the crowd or maybe "working" the lot. This finally brings out Freddie Datsun and Miss Bliss; Tyler asks if Datsun has something to say, but the flanneled everyman just charges in to start the bout .There's a little bit of everything in this match as Tyler shows off his wrestling skills in the ring and the pair later brawl around ringside. The finish sees Tyler finally get a little bit of comeuppance, especially for his earlier remarks, as Miss Bliss kicks him between the legs to set up Datsun's finisher, the Patriot Press.

WINNER: FREDDIE DATSUN

 

Mitch Naess can't contain his laughter at the finish of the match, joking that Tyler is going to need plenty of ice for him yam bag and saying that he might think twice before saying such things about Miss Bliss again. While he's talking about the earlier arrival of Nemesis, he is interrupted by the opening chords of Vengeance's grandiose Danger Zone entrance.

 

 

VENGEANCE VS. OFFICER HARDWAY

 

Vengeance is out first to cut one of his brooding, ominous promos that the crowd eats up. He warns them not to trust the so-called Speaker of Truths, for any man who has to call himself a truth-teller has evil in his heart. He isn't able to get much else out before he's blindsided by Officer Hardway with a nightstick. The bell rings to signal the beginning of the match, and Hardway goes to work with the nightstick for a moment, seeming to put Vegeance down until the big man no sells a blow and starts to fight back. The match is a pretty standard Vengeance affair, ending with his Final Judgement finisher.

WINNER: VENGEANCE

 

Vengeance begins to wrap his chain around Hardway's neck to drag him off, but, charging from the back...

 

 

"It's the insurance policy!" Naess exclaims, Frankie Future and his metal briefcase ramming into Vengeance to stop him from assaulting Officer Hardway. Future and his briefcase work Vengeance over until Hardway recovers enough to join in on the attack. Vengeance tries to fight back, but he's DDT'd onto the briefcase by Future, and the heels set Vengeance up for something the Avenging Angel used to do frequently when he was a heel: hanging him by the neck over the top rope on his chain. Naess calls for help, but no one shows as Future and Hardway loop the chain around Vengeance's neck and toss him over the top rope. Vengeance kicks and struggles, his face paint mostly flaked away, his usually cold eyes bulging as he hangs there for a moment. Future chokes Vengeance out with his leverage on the chain, and he finally lets him drop.

 

"He may have broken his neck! Vengeance could be dead!" Naess exclaims as Phil Vibert comes out onto the entryway, clapping for his hired guns who are making their exit. "This is a sick scene in The Danger Zone," Naess says in disgust as The Extreme Agency make their exit. A quick video promo plays, announcing the DAVE is headed to weekly television! Starting this Friday at 11pm, Danger Zone TV will air every week on Central Perk TV!

 

  

DAVE EXTREME TITLE MATCH

JOHNNY MARTIN (C) VS. NEMESIS VS. JD MORGAN

 

Mitch Naess explains the rules of three-way dance on commentary, noting that two men must be pinned or submitted and that the last man standing is the winner. The crowd is electric to start the match, cheers heavily split between Johnny Martin and Nemesis while vocally against JD Morgan. Phil Vibert is out at ringside, and he attempts to interfere early on on Morgan's behalf, but Nemesis puts a stop to it and sends Vibert packing. From there, the match centers on a story of Martin and Nemesis working over Morgan until he can turn the tides by sending Nemesis headfirst into a chair shot from Johnny Martin that had been meant for him. Nemesis rolls out of the ring to recover, and Martin & Morgan work a match for several minutes inside the ring. Morgan is eventually put away with a Twist on the Rocks, which is followed by the referee getting blindsided by Nemesis, and that's when all Hell breaks loose.

 

"What is... oh my God!" Mitch Naess exclaims, Phil Vibert returning and leading out the rest of The Extreme Agency: Officer Hardway, and his "Insurance Policy" Frankie Future. The duo rush the ring, and, collectively, the quartet of Nemesis, JD Morgan, Officer Hardway, and Frankie Future put the boots to JD Morgan. Boos reign down as the fans in The Danger Zone realize what is happening-- they've all been duped by The Speaker of Truths. While the newly minted members of The Extreme Agency dismantle Johnny Martin, Phil Vibert retrieves another referee and drags him out by the collar, ordering him to the ring to count a pinfall as Nemesis puts his boot on Martin's chest for the three-count and the win.

WINNER, AND NEW DAVE EXTREME CHAMPION: NEMESIS

 

"You wanna know the truth?" Nemesis asks, holding the championship belt in one hand and a microphone in the other. "The truth is that the Devil always gets his due... you all thought Phil Vibert was the Devil? No. I am the Devil himself! My name is Nemesis... and I am represented by my agent, Phil Vibert... The Extreme Agency... and WE OWN DAVE!"

 

"I'm gonna be sick," Mitch Naess laments as the copyright info comes up on the bottom of the screen before it fades to black with The Extreme Agency celebrating in the ring.

SHOW RATING: 67

ATTENDANCE: 979

Edited September 28, 2022 by falling_star

[619]

My first exposure to the CVerse came after DAVE was already gone, and has been almost exclusively in Australia, so I’m really enjoying getting to experience such a special period of CVerse lore for the first time.

 

I love the mood you’ve captured, both of the era and of a hardcore promotion and crowd, not to mention the experience of loading up an ECW live event on the WWE Network.

 

What a stacked show too. I suspected “Use My Sign” guy would get his wish at some point in the dynasty, I just didn’t expect it tonight. I loved the main event finish, both for the huge swerve and the fact it means everyone comes out of it either strong or with a renewed sense of purpose, and I thought the Vengeance foreshadowing earlier in the night before Nemesis’ turn was inspired.

[falling_star]

On 9/24/2022 at 5:59 PM, 619 said:

My first exposure to the CVerse came after DAVE was already gone, and has been almost exclusively in Australia, so I’m really enjoying getting to experience such a special period of CVerse lore for the first time.

 

I love the mood you’ve captured, both of the era and of a hardcore promotion and crowd, not to mention the experience of loading up an ECW live event on the WWE Network.

 

What a stacked show too. I suspected “Use My Sign” guy would get his wish at some point in the dynasty, I just didn’t expect it tonight. I loved the main event finish, both for the huge swerve and the fact it means everyone comes out of it either strong or with a renewed sense of purpose, and I thought the Vengeance foreshadowing earlier in the night before Nemesis’ turn was inspired.

 

Thanks for reading, and thanks for the kinds words! Old school ECW is some of my favorite pro wrestling of all time, and DAVE is one of my favorite CVerse promotions of all time. I'm hoping to put together something that continually hits the right notes, while also flirting with deathmatches as I sign some guys away from XFW (since they have the most over guys in the tri-state).

[falling_star]

VIBERT'S VOICE PODCAST

"JANUARY 1997, PT. FOUR"

 

 

First off, I want to thank all the subscribers who joined us for the Back In Black 1997 watch along... man, Buddy was tanked by the end of that show, wasn't he? Thanks, also, to Buddy Gaines, original DAVE owner, for watching along and drinking with us; it was a lot of fun, but let's not do it again too soon, eh?

 

So, we announced at Back In Black that we were going to start weekly TV from The Danger Zone and airing on Central Perk TV, which just happened to be the same network that Rapid Pro Wrestling ran their television on as well. Despite my best efforts against it, the network put us both on TV on Friday nights in a "Maximum Action" block, but, man, our shows couldn't have been more different. RPW was that fast-paced style that was just really starting to hit in America, especially on the east coast-- people had seen it out west where there lucha influence was more prevalent but it was relatively new to us here in the tri-state. I didn't necessarily have anything against RPW, or Preston, or Steve, or any of that crew, I just knew there was no fitting together DAVE and RPW. But, the network didn't listen.

 

John was adamant that we bring in better production for the shows, even paid for some of it out of his contract, just to really help bring us to the table. He didn't want people to flip past us at midnight, eleven PM, whatever time we were airing at, and automatically dismiss us as minor league. I'm thankful he did, too, not just because of how it helped at the time but because it made the HD conversions for WrestleWorld that much easier to convert and preserve the legacy. We also did a lot to improve our live experience at the time, and we had to start paying for the music we used since we were going to be airing on TV-- needless to say, DAVE was operating at about double the capacity it had before I took over. It was growing into this huge beast already, and I had only been in charge for two shows. Pay-per-view wasn't an option, yet, because we were seen as this rinky-dink promotion that didn't even have television in the PPV world-- not to mention GAMMA and mixed martial arts, which was still known more as no holds barred fighting at the time, were having a time trying to get consistent PPV coverage. We didn't stand a chance with the level of violence on our shows, and things were only going to get more violent with the booking plans.

 

The big news coming out of Back In Black, was, of course, Nemesis making his debut and aligning with The Extreme Agency-- as a character, I had been trying to install someone as the DAVE Extreme Champion for months, so to have Nemesis show up as the potential savior of it all only to turn on the crowd and make them eat shit? It was brilliant. I intentionally had advertised The Hype as making an open challenge at the show as a red herring for Nemesis' debut-- everyone coming into The Danger Zone that night knew, they knew, that Nemesis was going to step through that curtain and kick Hype's ass, but I turned it all on them. Nemesis opened the show to a hero's welcome, and we closed the show to a near-riot. 

 

But, that was the second near-riot of the show. Like I mentioned on the watch along, there's about 10 minutes of missing footage from the arena after Genghis Rahn blinded Henry Lee. The crowd was furious that this intruder from XFW came in and, not only beat their hero, but brutalized him? Blinded him? We never kicked fans out of the arena, but, man, it came close that night. They tried to rush the ring; Genghis Rahn had to be escorted out of the building straight away, he didn't even get to stay and see the main event. Henry Lee, to his credit, sold it like million bucks. Everyone thought he was blind, and he didn't even leave the house for something stupid like six weeks while we were building the angle. People thought they were never gonna see The Icon of Insanity again.

 

The assault on Vengeance went over exactly how I had hoped as well-- with him out of the picture for the main event, people were expecting a swerve, but they weren't necessarily expecting the swerve we gave them. But, taking out Vengeance gave Frankie Future the heat he needed to carry that program and freed up Officer Hardway to be a more generic enforcer type who could take the falls for The Extreme Agency and keep everyone else strong. The Hype's open challenge opponent thought to be Nemesis wasn't the only swerve that night, though, because there was another section of the audience who were pretty sure Nemesis would show up as The Darkness Warriors' master, and that didn't happen. I knew when I wanted to reveal that one, and I knew I had to space out some debuts-- but, man, where there some big surprises yet to come in January.

Edited September 28, 2022 by falling_star

[falling_star]

COPIED FROM AN ORIGINAL 1997 FLIER, COLLECTION OF PHIL VIBERT

DANGER AND VIOLENCE EXTREME

PRESENTS

DANGER ZONE TV

A TELEVISION TAPING AT THE DANGER ZONE

THURSDAY, JANUARY WEEK TWO, 1997

FEATURING...

 

THE EXTREME AGENCY (FRANKIE FUTURE & OFFICER HARDWAY)

VERSUS

JOHNNY MARTIN & MONTY WALKER

 

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

THE ANIMALZ (C)

VERSUS

BLACK MURDER

 

FREDDIE DATSUN

VERSUS

VIN TANNER

 

PREDICTION KEY

THE EXTREME AGENCY VS. JOHNNY MARTIN & MONTY WALKER

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLES: THE ANIMALZ (C) VS. BLACK MURDER

FREDDIE DATSUN VS. VIN TANNER

[monrapi3]

THE EXTREME AGENCY VS. JOHNNY MARTIN & MONTY WALKER

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLES: THE ANIMALZ (C) VS. BLACK MURDER

FREDDIE DATSUN VS. VIN TANNER

[smw88]

THE EXTREME AGENCY VS. JOHNNY MARTIN & MONTY WALKER

DAVE TAG TEAM TITLES: THE ANIMALZ (C) VS. BLACK MURDER

FREDDIE DATSUN VS. VIN TANNER