NYCW: Make It Here, Make It Anywhere

[HRTVAndrew]

It’s New Year’s Day 2020, and Larry Vessey has a problem.

Long one of the top independent promotions in the country, New York City Wrestling has hit a snag. Many of its one-time top performers have gone on to bigger and better things. This is to be expected to a degree, of course, but the promotion’s dearth of star power has not gone unnoticed by other members of the Confederation of the Territories.

The COTT’s annual meeting is a lively one. After some shared laughing at the expense of the departed Richard Eisen, though, things get ugly in a hurry.

“Larry, with all due respect, your product…it’s slow, and stale,” said Sam Keith, head of Mid Atlantic Wrestling. “I know you’ve lost some guys. We all have. But when are you going to realize times have changed?”

“With all due respect, Sam? Really?,” Larry asks, hunching himself over the table a bit. “I know the kids you’ve got. When was the last time any of them saw the inside of a weight room?”

“Guys! Guys!,” Coastal Zone Championship Wrestling boss Cliff Anderson piped up. “We can bicker, or we can figure things out as a unit.”

“Easy for you to say,” Keith replies. “You’re in the best position of all of us.”

In the midst of all of this, IPW’s Gil Thomas and OLLIE’s Phoenix I exchange glances, just trying to dodge the barrage of insults being thrown around the room.

“I’m not trying to tell you how to run your business,” Keith says before Vessey cuts him off.

“You’re ABSOLUTELY trying to tell me how to run my business, Sam.”

A pause.

“Okay. Fine. So I am,” Keith admits. “A rising tide lifts all boats. I want you to succeed. If you make stars, and I make stars, and Gil and Phoenix make stars…”

Vessey’s face remains unflinching.

“Changing what my promotion is, at its core, isn’t going to help anybody,” Vessey replies. “If I turn into Coastal Zone East, my fans are going to tune right out. I know my audience.”

“We’re not saying, ‘totally sell out what you’re doing,’” Anderson adds. “But we’ve seen your numbers. Your guys…a lot of them aren’t drawing.”

“So what ARE you saying then?”

A pause.

“Oh, for crying out loud, do I need to say EVERYTHING tough around here?,” Thomas suddenly exclaims. “Look, Larry. I like you. We all do. And we all respect you. But if you don’t evolve with the times, and you don’t put on a product that shows you respect what the modern wrestling fan wants, we’re going to have to seriously reconsider NYCW’s membership within our alliance.”

Larry can’t believe what he’s hearing.

“We put together, how do you say…a list of bookers,” Phoenix I adds, gingerly sliding a piece of paper down the table. “They’re all ready to help. We think you should pick one and call them.”

Larry examines the paper, and most of the names he sees are ones he wants no part of dealing with. Enraged at the ultimatum being given to him, he stuffs the paper into his pants pocket, stands up, and storms out of the board room. It’s a quiet day in Southern California, but the stillness gets punctured by a scream that can be heard several blocks away.

After coming to rest against a lamp post, Vessey pulls out the sheet of paper. Several of the names are non-starters. However, there’s one that jumps off the page, one that represents someone who can, at a minimum, prove to be an amicable partner (and maybe, just maybe, something more than that).

Vessey pulls out his phone and brings it to his ear. After a few moments, someone picks up.

“Yeah, it’s Larry Vessey. I imagine you were told I might be calling you.”

- - - - -

A few days later, NYCW talent are called to an impromptu, all-hands Zoom meeting. After the usual array of technical issues, Vessey hops on.

“Hey, everybody. I’m sorry for the short notice, but I didn’t want you to hear this from the dirt sheets. We’re making a few changes.”

Several wrestlers have their hearts in their throats.

“COTT management want us to offer a more ‘contemporary product.’ They threatened us with expulsion from the organization if we didn’t go along with their wishes. That doesn’t mean we’ll totally abandon what we’re known for doing, but it does mean we need to make some tweaks.

“The biggest one is near the top. I’ve hired a new booker to help me steer the ship. With that in mind, I’ll hand things over to a guy some of you may already know, someone whose business acumen I trust, someone who…well, of the possible names I was given, someone I could actually stand to talk to for more than two minutes at a time.

“Allow me to introduce…PHIL VIBERT.”

A few gasps and several eye-raises are seen and heard on the Zoom call. Phil Vibert, the former head of D.A.V.E., was coming here?

“Thanks, everyone,” Phil says, clearing his throat. “I’ll keep this pretty short. It took a special opportunity to get me back into an office position. This is it. I’m excited to evaluate the talent we’ve got on hand and map out a road map that will bring New York City Wrestling to a place we can all be proud of.

“Know this, though. We won’t settle for anything less than the best product we can put out there…for several reasons. I’ll see you all next week. Bring your working boots!”

Slowly, the wrestlers drop off the Zoom call until only Larry and Phil are left.

“Phil,” Larry said, “let me make this clear.”

A pause.

“The COTT doubted me. They threatened to cast me out. It’s true what they said about a rising tide lifting all boats.

“Give our boat guns. And be prepared to use them when the time comes. Understood?”

Phil nods. It’s clear there’s far more at play than just coming in and righting the ship. At some point, others will need to be sunk.

- - - - -

WRITER'S NOTE: I haven’t had the time to do a sustained TEW game in a while, let alone a diary for it. However, when I dove back into the forums, there was the ever-reliable TCP1 with a NYCW diary. I read it, got fired up, and am excited to give this a go.

My prior NYCW experience is limited. I haven’t played as NYCW since the 2016 game, and that one didn’t last long. I booked eight matches on the first card, six got me unlucky chemistry rolls, and I rage-quit. I’m…hoping this one goes better.

Here’s hoping this provides some high-quality entertainment (maybe even the INTENTIONAL kind!).

[TCP1]

I'll be reading this for sure. Good luck.

Brutus Milano for the WIN!

[knkmaster69]

I adore NYCW and I love seeing it get love in the Dynasty forum world! Can't wait for this will be following

[HRTVAndrew]

"NYCW Rush Hour," Phil Vibert thinks to himself. "It's a chance to start something new."

Not entirely, of course. NYCW has been around longer than most people in the locker room have been alive. However, with the news coming down that Larry Vessey's baby would have to grow up, and fast, the first show of 2020 represents a new beginning.

A quick scan of the locker room reveals plenty. A line of new talent forms to shake hands and introduce themselves to NYCW mainstays. Some of the veterans play cards while going over their matches. Meanwhile, Phil can't help but notice Larry working very closely with Richie Riggins on a promo. Given Phil's plans for the night, the new booker can't help but smirk.

There are, of course, a few changes that have been made. Ron South, Arnie Plummer, and Devastating Don were all deemed surplus to requirements upon Vibert's arrival. In addition, with Vibert sliding into the color commentary role alongside Rock Downpour, Ernie Turner has been moved to a managerial spot.

A quick look through the curtain shows a full house at the Weston Gymnasium. It's not the biggest house, but it's something.

"Alright, let's rock," Vibert says to himself moments before hard rock music hits and reverberates throughout the small arena.

- - - - -

NYCW Rush Hour
January 2020, Week Two
Location: Weston Gymnasium
Attendance: 300 (SELL-OUT)

FORMATTING NOTE: Faces are listed first, with the exception of title bouts (where champions receive top billing). Debuting workers are in all-caps on first reference.

PHIL VIBERT welcomes everyone to the new, improved NYCW. He says chapters will be closed tonight and runs down the card, which features a main-event matchup between NYCW Empire Champion Brutus Milano and #1 contender Tennessee William. SEGMENT RATING: 62

PHIL'S NOTES: Okay, good to see I can still cut a promo in front of a live audience.

MATCH #1: The Casey Brothers vs. THE PRODIGIES (LOGAN WOLFSBAINE and JAMES DIAZ)
In a decent match, The Prodigies defeated the Casey Brothers in 5:43 when Logan Wolfsbaine pinned Chuck Casey with a Belly To Belly Suplex. Logan Wolfsbaine shined in this match. MATCH RATING: 49

Why not start with a bang? Logan and James are family, so it made sense to team them up. Diaz could be a future star, and he fits the traditional NYCW mold, which may make him an easy sell down the line.

The DiMeo Family confronts Freedom Eagle and Hawkeye Calhoun backstage. Ernie Turner barges in, saying he's had enough of life behind a desk and has found ways to even the score. SEGMENT RATING: 31

Nothing revolutionary. The DiMeo Family is a solid undercard act we can find ways to use.

MATCH #2: Brooklyn's Finest, JOSH JACOBS, and ADE NELSON (w/Ernie Turner) vs. The DiMeo Family
In a decent match, Brooklyn's Finest and Jacobs & Nelson defeated the DiMeo Family in 7:54 when Freedom Eagle pinned Machine Gun Marino with a Freedom Slam. MATCH RATING: 38

Luca Sacramoni and Vito Pirelli jump Josh Jacobs and Ade Nelson after the match. Sal stomps them both and yells, "NOW YOU'S CAN'T LEAVE!!!" SEGMENT RATING: 27

I could hear Larry screaming when he saw Josh and Ade, but they're solid hands, we need more face tag teams, and putting Ernie with them gives him something to do while giving two bland, decent workers a mouthpiece. Add in the token cliche mafia catchphrase, and we've got solid programming, even if it reminds Larry of Sam Keith. 

MATCH #3: ACID II vs. JOJI
In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Acid II defeated JOJI in 10:30 by pinfall with an Acid Rain Bomb. MATCH RATING: 58

This was a test. The NYCW audience isn't used to guys flying around, and I told Acid II and JOJI to go crazy. The crowd ate this up, and Acid may well be a strong babyface for us down the line.

Richie Riggins and Cheerleader Nicki run down the crowd and the influx of new talent. Specifically, Riggins calls out the new blood for not looking like the star he already is, but before he can keep going, out walks ERNEST YOUNGMAN to a big pop. Youngman's retort is short: It doesn't matter if you look like a star if you can't walk and chew gum at the same time. Just like that, an impromptu match is made. SEGMENT RATING: 41

MATCH #4: Ernest Youngman vs. Richie Riggins (w/Cheerleader Nicki)
In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, Ernest Youngman defeated Richie Riggins in 9:34 by pinfall with The Hit. MATCH RATING: 68

Due respect to Riggins, who cut a strong heel promo (one Larry may as well have written himself...) and was good enough to be carried, but Youngman looked like a superstar here. He was a bit confused when we told him to play a face, but we did so knowing he wouldn't have to stray far from his PSW character to be respected by this audience. Fantastic debut.

MATCH #5 (NYCW Tri-State Regional Title): Masked Stranger (C) vs. Denny King
In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Masked Stranger defeated Denny King in 10:20 by submission with a Cobra Clutch. Masked Stranger makes defense number four of the NYCW Tri-State Regional Title. MATCH RATING: 54

Masked Stranger's celebration is interrupted by The New York Doll, who says that belt would look great wrapped around his waist. The two bicker back and forth, but security arrives before the confrontation can escalate any further. SEGMENT RATING: 30

Masked Stranger is a good hand and a perfect fit in this upper-midcard gatekeeper role. Eventually, he'll put guys over, but this wasn't the spot for that. The New York Doll makes a lot of sense in a similar capacity, too, so this should be a fun program.

MATCH #6: Riley McManus and the L.A. Stars vs. Andrew Harper and The Boys From The Yukon
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Riley McManus and the L.A. Stars defeated Andrew Harper and The Boys From The Yukon in 11:44 when Riley McManus pinned Whitehorse Whittaker with a Slingshot Suplex. MATCH RATING: 52

I wanted to blow off most of the feuds that started before I got here. However, McManus and Harper have some juice together, so there's no reason to rush that. Add in our two most prominent tag teams, and it makes for a fun semi-main event.

Tennessee William is backstage with a microphone. He says he respects Phil Vibert for keeping NYCW's biggest star at the top of the marquee, and that he plans to bring the Empire title back to Tennessee after beating Brutus Milano. What's more...he says he's not alone. SEGMENT RATING: 56

MATCH #7 (NYCW Empire Title): Brutus Milano (C) vs. Tennessee William
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Tennessee William defeated Brutus Milano in 9:48 by pinfall with a Devil's Crossroad. Tennessee William wins the NYCW Empire title. MATCH RATING: 50

Nothing about Brutus Milano hit me as champion-worthy. That included his performance in this match, as he and Tennessee William had poor chemistry. Simply put, William was too hot not to make a change here, and now we've got a champion that looks, acts, and wrestles the part.

Tennessee William begins the celebration in the ring. He taunts Brutus Milano, who comes forward to attack...but is instead jumped from behind by two men in black hooded sweatshirts. Milano is laid out, and the two ambushers reveal themselves as...NELSON CALLUM and ASH CAMPBELL!!!

William grabs a microphone and says, "what musician is ANYTHING without a backup band?" This description doesn't go over too well with Callum and Campbell, but they continue their assault until Ernest Youngman runs out to help even the odds. After a moment, he's joined by Acid II, and when the fight spills out onto the floor, Acid vaults to the top and hits a beautiful plancha to the floor. SEGMENT RATING: 54

SHOW RATING: 53.

- - - - -

The mood is strong backstage. The talent seems proud of a strong performance across the board, and back-slaps and hugs abound as Vibert pays them for their work.

Finally, the talent has dispersed, leaving only Vibert and Larry Vessey. Vibert looks pleased, but Vessey's stone-faced expression implies there's trouble.

"Well, what'd you think, boss?," Vibert asks, not quite sure of the response he'll get.

"We lost about $2,000," Vessey replies. "Is that coming out of your check?"

A pause.

"I'm kidding," Vessey says, his face unchanged from its default "grumpy" setting. "But don't go spending money like we've got millionaire investors. We don't."

"Understood," Vibert utters between sighs of relief.

"You did fine. Just keep a better eye on the money," adds Vessey, handing Phil his check as he goes back inside.

Vibert is a bit conflicted. He knows he can't be irresponsible, but he also knows NYCW needs to spend money in order to make money. Navigating that tight rope, while keeping Larry Vessey off his back, could prove challenging in the months ahead.

[DinoKea]

Nothing sums up a new NYCW save like Devasting Don getting fired. I definitely plan to be around to see where this goes.

[Theheel]

Looking forward to this as I’ve enjoyed different takes on the NYCW.  

[MisterRomanini]

Oh yeah, I'm following this.

[HRTVAndrew]

The early part of 2020 has been eventful, and most of the events haven't been good.

Over in Japan, the wrestling scene reeling from tsunamis and scandals got some comic relief. Burning Hammer of the Wrestling Gods tried to convince the public that rival World Level Wrestling is run by devil-worshippers. This, of course, failed miserably. Closer to home, the Supreme Wrestling Federation decreased to a medium-sized company, continuing the swoon that started when Richard Eisen got booted out.

Phil Vibert, however, is riding pretty high. Sponsorship deals got back the $2,000 or so New York City Wrestling lost with his first show, and like any good promoter, the money was burning a hole in his pocket. When news broke that Enygma of United States Pro Wrestling was about to become a free agent, Vibert dutifully made a call to inquire about his services. In turn, Enygma laughed until Vibert hung up the phone, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Ahead of NYCW Empire State, Vibert surveys the locker room. Logan Wolfsbaine has started dating PCW's Venus Angeletti, and Tennessee William is being loaned to Mid Atlantic Wrestling for a show later this month. All seems calm as showtime approaches...

- - - - -

NYCW Empire State
February 2020, Week Two
Location: Weston Gymnasium
Attendance: 300 (SELL-OUT)

MATCH #1: Jacobs & Nelson (w/Ernie Turner) vs. The Italian Americans
For what they are, the Italian Americans are just fine. They're lackeys and solid opening match fodder for the guys going up the card. Here, they do the job in 7:41, as Josh Jacobs picks up the pin for his team. MATCH RATING: 41

After the match, Sal DiMeo runs in, and the numbers game proves too much. In fact, Ernie Turner runs in in an attempt to stop the assault. However, the Italian Americans instead hit back-to-back powerbombs on the manager and leave him laying in the center of the ring. SEGMENT RATING: 31

PHIL'S NOTES: Unfortunately, with us losing $2,000 on the last show, a manager making $400 is just too much for us to bear right now. Ernie seemed to understand, and hopefully we can bring him back soon enough.

MATCH #2: Brooklyn's Finest vs. The Prodigies
Logan Wolfsbaine is already a known quantity, and James Diaz has "star" written all over him. Their continued strong push goes onward here, as Diaz pins Hawkeye Calhoun at 6:17 after the heels dominate most of the match. MATCH RATING: 46

Logan Wolfsbaine and James Diaz continue their assault after the bell, and security can barely restrain them so medical teams can attend to Freedom Eagle and Hawkeye Calhoun. SEGMENT RATING: 31

Freedom Eagle and Hawkeye Calhoun are solid guys to have, but they're not going to rise up much further. We can re-heat them up soon enough. Wolfsbaine and Diaz, however, may be the future of this company provided the bigger ones keep their hands to themselves.

MATCH #3: Geoff Borne vs. JOJI
One of the few guys on the pre-existing roster that could wrestle a fast-paced, high flying-centric match, Borne was all too eager to get in the ring with JOJI. The new acquisition, however, proved too tough to keep down. A month after falling to Acid II in a show-stealing match, JOJI picks up his first NYCW win at 10:02. MATCH RATING: 52

JOJI's an unknown quantity, but he's done nothing wrong to this point and is certainly one to watch as our roster gets younger and infused with some more high-flying talent.

Backstage, Tennessee William arrives with Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum ahead of tonight's main event. Tennessee apologizes for the "backup band" comment, knowing it's ruffled some feathers, but says he'll make it worth his while for his guys as long as Ernest Youngman, Acid II, and Brutus Milano are taken out. SEGMENT RATING: 58

It's nice having a champ that can talk!

MATCH #4: Animal Harker vs. Richie Riggins (w/Cheerleader Nicki)
Still reeling from his loss to shocking newcomer Ernest Youngman, Riggins falls victim to some early offense from NYCW vet Animal Harker. However, some underhanded tactics turn the tide, and Riggins ultimately wins by pinfall at 8:08. MATCH RATING: 52

Riggins can be carried, and Harker had his working boots on. This gives Riggins some momentum after last month's defeat, and the match wound up better than it had any right to be!

MATCH #5: Crockett Tubbs vs. The New York Doll
Two NYCW stalwarts took to the ring here, and predictably, the result was a solid midcard match between a pair of seasoned workers who knew what the crowd expected. The Doll, though, winds up emerging victorious by pinball at 13:24. MATCH RATING: 49

After the match, The New York Doll goes to the announcer's table to yell at Phil Vibert. He demands a match with Tri-State Champion The Masked Stranger, and Vibert says he'll take it under advisement. SEGMENT RATING: 45

An easy way to heat up the Doll with an OK match, and we set up a solid semi-main event next month.

MATCH #6: Riley McManus vs. Ray Snow
Ray Snow is built for this precise role. He can have a good match with anyone and make them look like a legitimate threat. McManus doesn't need much enhancement, and he more than holds up his end of the bargain before putting Snow away at 13:27 with a Slingshot Suplex. MATCH RATING: 55

Riley McManus grabs a microphone and says, "since we're throwing challenges out left and right, here's one: Andrew Harper, come face me next month, and we'll settle this once and for all!" SEGMENT RATING: 39

Riley's not much of a promo, but he's a heck of a worker.

MATCH #7: Ernest Youngman, Acid II, and Brutus Milano vs. Tennessee William, Nelson Callum, and Ash Campbell
Just how good are five of these six guys? Brutus Milano's limitations go almost completely unnoticed. In an energetic match that keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats, the faces ultimately prevail by unsatisfying means, as Tennessee William smashes Ernest Youngman with a guitar at 17:45 to draw a disqualification. MATCH RATING: 72

In a word: WHOA!!!!!

Ernest Youngman comes to his senses in the ring after the match, as Tennessee William addresses him from the top of the ramp. The champ says he'd love to get his hands on Youngman, but it'll have to wait. He's challenging for the COTT title next month. William says, though, that if Youngman can settle on a partner, he can face Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum. SEGMENT RATING: 55

SHOW RATING: 67

- - - - -

After briefly addressing the crowd following the show, Phil Vibert heads backstage. Larry Vessey stands guard outside the locker room.

"All okay?," Vibert asks.

"Better," Larry grunts. "Down a thousand."

"We'll cancel that out with sponsorship revenue and be fine," Vibert says, pleased with the financials. "What about the boys?"

"Brutus is annoyed..."

"Of course," Vibert mutters under his breath.

"He says Ade Nelson doesn't belong here and that we should release him."

"Brutus ought to..."

Instead of saying the words "keep his mouth shut," Vibert opts to do just that for a moment.

"Anything else?"

"SWF is really reeling. Just heard from a few folks Valiant's jumping ship to USPW."

That's a huge story. SWF losing one of its biggest stars, right after officially decreasing in size, could have massive ripple effects on the industry.

"Have they contacted any of our guys?"

"Not yet. But I imagine it's coming. Be careful. Let's not get too far behind their targets."

Larry pays Vibert his money, and Phil goes into the locker room.

[HRTVAndrew]

The major news on the U.S. scene in March of 2020 is what many called "the bidding war of the year." Nicky Champion's USPW contract came up, and it seemed like every major promotion wanted him (including Mexico's EILL and Europe's 21CW). Ultimately, Champion chose to re-sign with his native promotion, likely for a Brinks truck full of money.

It was much-needed good news for USPW, who lost another big name to a major injury. Trent Shaffer suffered a semi-severed spinal column. He'll be out at least a year, maybe longer, and he may not be the same if and when he returns.

Closer to home, New York City Wrestling is rolling. After a break-even January, the Phil Vibert-booked promotion turned a profit in February. This leads to the conversation had prior to the promotion's March show...

"WrestleWorld?!," exclaims Larry Vessey. "We've never shown any of our stuff outside the arena. That sounds expensive."

"Gotta spend money to make money," Vibert counters. "We're making money off of our shows, so we can afford to take a few risks."

Vessey is silent. Vibert draws closer, so none of the crew can hear him.

"Besides, if you want to crush the other territories, what better way to do that than showing OUR shows in THEIR areas?"

This seems to resonate. Vessey cracks a rare smile.

"Just don't go broke," he says, walking to the backstage area.

- - - - -

NYCW Beasts Of War
March 2020, Week Two
Location: Weston Gymnasium
Attendance: 300 (SELL-OUT)

The show begins with Phil Vibert on-screen. In a pair of rare, on-screen appearances, he's flanked by LARRY VESSEY and STEVE FLASH. The trio welcomes the audience to NYCW's first WrestleWorld broadcast and promise audiences a mix of the company's known rough, believable style with the action current fans crave. SEGMENT RATING: 46

MATCH #1 (NYCW Tag Team titles): The Boys From The Yukon vs. Jacobs & Nelson
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, The Boys From The Yukon defeated Jacobs & Nelson in 9:58 when Howlin' Mad Mort pinned Ade Nelson with a Tiiiiiiiiiimber. The Boys From The Yukon make defense number one of the NYCW Tag Team Titles. MATCH RATING: 53

PHIL'S NOTES: We wanted to see if Jacobs and Nelson were ready for this sort of spot, so we threw them into the deep end. We got a pretty fun opener, and our tag team division is coming together well.

MATCH #2: Brutus Milano vs. Logan Wolfsbaine
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Logan Wolfsbaine defeated Brutus Milano in 10:17 by pinfall with a Belly to Belly Suplex. MATCH RATING: 48

Logan Wolfsbaine has his hand raised, but he's not finished. He motions to the back, and out comes James Diaz. The Prodigies continue their assault on Brutus Milano, who's eventually helped to the back after security wards off the heels. SEGMENT RATING: 28

The fall of Brutus Milano begins...

MATCH #3: Acid II vs. OZZIE GOLDSTEIN
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Acid II defeated Ozzie Goldstein in 12:46 by pinfall with an Acid Rain Bomb. MATCH RATING: 55

We brought Ozzie in on a one-night deal to give Acid II someone to work with. This turned out to be a fun match with plenty of high spots, and one of our young guys gets a nice win.

Immediately after the match, Acid II gets jumped by Tennessee William, Ash Campbell, and Nelson Callum, who run in from the crowd. Campbell and Callum do much of the heavy lifting, while William looks into the camera and yells, "ERNEST YOUNGMAN, ARE YOU WATCHING???" SEGMENT RATING: 54

This heel faction is really, really good. Hope they all stick around for a while.

MATCH #4: Riley McManus vs. Andrew Harper
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Riley McManus defeated Andrew Harper in 13:15 by pinball with a Slingshot Suplex. MATCH RATING: 52

Our first WrestleWorld show provided a good environment to blow off one of the last remaining pre-2020 feuds. McManus has a bright future and is one of the guys we plan to build around moving forward.

Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum walk out for their tag match. Ernest Youngman is next, and he gives them credit. He'd asked Acid II to pull double duty, but that's obviously not happening now. However, Youngman smirks, "gee, if only there was someone out there JUST like him...". The lights go out, and one word appears on the big screen: ACID.

Out walks the original Acid, who's set to fill in for his protege. SEGMENT RATING: 55

Nothing like a fun debut on an initial broadcast, especially one that fits this well!

MATCH #5: Ernest Youngman and Acid vs. Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum
In an exceptional match, Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum defeated Ernest Youngman and Acid in 18:09 when Callum submitted Acid with a Honey Trap after blatantly cheating. MATCH RATING: 64

Ash and Nelson needed a win for some momentum. Putting them over an established guy, protecting our top babyface, and getting a really good match was the jackpot for us.

MATCH #6 (COTT World Heavyweight title): PABLO RODRIGUEZ (C) vs. Tennessee William
In an exceptional match, Pablo Rodriguez defeated Tennessee William in 18:18 by pinfall with a Sinner's Salvation following interference from Ernest Youngman. Pablo Rodriguez makes defense number seven of the COTT World Heavyweight title. MATCH RATING: 66

Rodriguez, unfortunately, has seen better days, but William showed he could hang on a big stage. Maybe down the road, we'll have enough cache to put the big belt on one of our guys, but for now, we've got bigger fish to fry.

Ernest Youngman cackles at getting some revenge. He grabs a microphone and reminds the fallen Tennessee William that King of New York is next month, and the winner gets a title shot. He says he plans to win that, then take the NYCW Empire title. SEGMENT RATING: 59

SHOW RATING: 63. This show increased NYCW's popularity in 18 regions. NYCW Beasts Of War got 22,739 viewers.

- - - - -

The show was a very good one, and the mood backstage reflects it. Phil Vibert thanks Pablo Rodriguez for coming in and goes to Larry Vessey expecting praise. Instead, though, the boss is aggravated.

"Ten. Thousand. Dollars."

Vessey looks like he's about to explode. Vibert is non-plussed.

"Spend money to make money, right?," Vibert responds.

"Bringing in Pablo wasn't cheap. Getting that crew in wasn't cheap. We'll get some money back from WrestleWorld on the broadcast revenue, but nowhere near enough to break even. How long is this deal for?"

"Six months," Vibert says. "Hopefully we'll be able to impress them and renew the deal later in the year."

"I wonder if that's best for business. Be careful."

[HRTVAndrew]

What is it with back injuries to major stars?

Wolf Hawkins, who has literally been carrying TCW on his back, suffered a badly herniated spinal disc at a recent show. Like Trent Shaffer, he'll be out for at least a year, and with TCW's ever-diminishing star power, that's a massive blow.

Closer to home, the signing of Acid is already paying dividends for New York City Wrestling. He's relocated from Canada to the Tri-State area, and he's resumed teaching Acid II more about in-ring psychology ahead of...

- - - - -

NYCW The King Of New York
April 2020, Week Two
Location: Generic Venue; New York, NY
Attendance: 364

Tennessee William, Ash Campbell, and Nelson Callum arrive at the arena. William reminds them their job tonight is to take out Ernest Youngman. Both Callum and Campbell, however, remind them they're not just in the battle royal for that reason, and that they won't hold back just because William is the champ. SEGMENT RATING: 65

MATCH #1: Geoff Borne and Jacobs & Nelson vs. The DiMeo Family
In a decent match, Geoff Borne and Jacobs & Nelson defeated The DiMeo Family (Luca Sacramoni, Vito Pirello, and Machine Gun Marino) in 6:43 when Ade Nelson pinned Machine Gun Marino with a Custom Ade. MATCH RATING: 41

Sal DiMeo accosts his Family members backstage and says the recent run of bad luck isn't acceptable. However, he's got just the solution. He's made Andrew Harper "an offer he can't refuse," and he's bought his spot in the King of New York battle royal. SEGMENT RATING: 26

PHIL'S NOTES: Sue me, I've got a soft spot for the DiMeo Family. They've got a ceiling, but they're fun and represent punching bags for mid-card faces that could be on the way up.

MATCH #2 (NYCW Tag Team titles): The Boys From The Yukon (C) vs. Acid & Acid II vs. The LA Stars
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, The Boys From The Yukon defeated Acid & Acid II and the LA Stars in 10:45 by blatantly cheating. The Boys From The Yukon make defense number two of the NYCW Tag Team titles. MATCH RATING: 55

Acid and Acid II start jawing at The Boys From The Yukon after the match. The heels start gloating as they think they're far enough away from the ring, but the two masked high-flyers come through the ropes with a tandem suicide dive and pound away on the arena floor. SEGMENT RATING: 44

The lumberjacks make decent champions, and Acid coming into play to team with his protege instantly gives them two viable challengers. Let's see how this works!

MATCH #3 (NYCW Tri-State Regional title): Masked Stranger (C) vs. The New York Doll
In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Masked Stranger drew with The New York Doll in 17:45 following a double pinfall. MATCH RATING: 54

No reason to blow this one off quite yet. We can get some really strong matches out of these guys while building up some possible challengers, so why not do it?

MATCH #4: King Of New York Battle Royal
Featuring: Animal Harker, Ash Campbell, Brutus Milano, Crockett Tubbs, Ernest Youngman, Logan Wolfsbaine, Nelson Callum, Richie Riggins, Riley McManus, and Sal DiMeo
Ernest Youngman won the battle royal in 19:36. The other members of the "final four" were Nelson Callum, Ash Campbell, and Brutus Milano, with Nelson Callum being the final elimination. Ernest Youngman wins the NYCW King Of New York. MATCH RATING: 71

There wasn't much suspense here, but it's never a bad thing to give people what they want.

The newly-crowned Ernest Youngman grabs the microphone and says he's cashing in his title shot next month. Tennessee William, he says, will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and nobody to turn to...because they'll fight for the title in a steel cage. SEGMENT RATING: 67

SHOW RATING: 68. This show increased our popularity in 18 regions. NYCW The King Of New York got 25,728 viewers.

- - - - -

...what a show. It marks the largest attendance so far this season, and Ernest Youngman's won one of the most prestigious crowns in independent wrestling en route to a major match next month. Surely, Larry Vessey can't be displeased, right?

"Six."

"Six what?," asks Phil Vibert, still riding a natural high.

"We lost six thousand dollars."

"I mean, that's better than $10,000, right?"

Vibert takes a step back out of swinging distance.

"Crowds are growing," Vibert points out. "We got out of the Weston Gymnasium, and we may get a bigger, more permanent home soon. This is going to pay off. Trust the process."

"Yeah, that worked real well for the Sixers, didn't it?," Vessey grunts, shaking his head. "Better hope that cage match packs 'em in."

"It will!," Vibert promises, making sure to back out of the office.

"...at least, I hope it will."

[HRTVAndrew]

WRITER'S NOTE: This just popped up and it's way too good not to use as a mini-writeup/interlude of sorts, so here we go.

May 2020: The COTT Conundrum

The Confederation of the Territories is a noble idea: Unite America's small, feisty companies into one conglomerate, with global titles, talent-sharing agreements, and promoters that work for a common good.

Sometimes it works. Other times, it's messy, and that brings us to New York City Wrestling's first big problem under recently-installed head booker Phil Vibert.

On a recent phone call, COTT bookers shared a common concern. Marvel Malloy and Storm Spillane, while exceptionally talented, likely weren't long for the independent scene. Their matches were clearly being studied by executives from bigger companies around the world.

It was decided they would lose the belts at a Mid Atlantic Wrestling event in April. Having won the lottery, Sam Keith decided to put the belts on two youngsters: Johnny Needham and Ralph Liotta.

Keith saw potential in the two, but the other promoters had their doubts. They were clearly unfinished products, and for that reason, Larry Vessey motioned to have the belts change hands once again at a NYCW show in May.

Vessey was gruff and standoffish, but his promotion did feature a tag team scene rapidly growing in talent. He had leverage, and fellow COTT owners reluctantly approved the idea.

NYCW's show is now upon us. Phil Vibert is mapping out the run sheet to hand to staff when his phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Phil? It's Ralph Liotta."

It was unusual for another company's worker to call his personal phone.

"How did you get this number?"

"Sam gave it to me. Phil, we've got a problem."

A pause.

"I just landed at JFK," Liotta says. "I'll have my bag and be at my hotel in an hour. But I landed to Johnny texting me. He's in Mexico."

"WHAT?!?!"

It's a miracle Vibert's phone doesn't get spiked through the table. It stays in his hand, but barely.

"Yeah. OLLIE got him on a loan, and he's down there to work that show."

"We have both of you on a loan. Why is it that you're here and he's not?"

"I don't know. He was supposed to fly in later tonight, but I guess he's doing the show down there, having talked to Sam."

"I'm going to ask you a very important question..."

Before Vibert can ask, Liotta cuts him off.

"Phil, I've got both belts in my bag."

Vibert breathes a sigh of relief.

"What do you want to do?," Ralph asks.

"It is far, far too soon to ask me that question," Vibert responds. "You have the belts, and unlike your boss, you had the decency to call me. I appreciate that. Get to your hotel, get some sleep, and we'll figure it out in the morning. I have a VERY unpleasant call to make."

"Thanks, Phil. See you tomorrow."

Ralph hangs up. Phil lets fly a string of obscenities that echo around the NYCW office building. It's fortunate for him that he's the only one in the building. After taking a series of deep breaths (and a swig from a bottle hidden in his desk drawer), Phil goes back to his phone and raises it to his ear.

"Hey Larry. There's something you need to know..."

TO BE CONTINUED...

[HRTVAndrew]

One of the busier months to date comes as temperatures in New York begin to rise. The wrestling world is abuzz over the Cornell brothers wrestling a clinic in the finals of the 2020 Cornell Cup, and Freddy Huggins has been pressed into service as the new TCW World Heavyweight Champion following what could be a career-threatening injury suffered by Wolf Hawkins.

Meanwhile, in Japan, news of a shocking breakup ripples through the New York City Wrestling locker room. NYCW alum Dean Waldorf has signed a deal with Burning Hammer, while Ring Generals partner Marv Statler is, for the moment, still on the PGHW roster. Seeing one without the other, most admit, doesn't seem right.

Closer to home, Nelson Callum requests a significant increase in pay ahead of the May show. He's given 75% of his ideal total, which seems like a fair compromise. With that crisis averted, we shift gears to...

- - - - -

NYCW Fire Fight
May 2020, Week 2
Location: Generic venue; New York, NY
Attendance: 385

MATCH #1: Acid & Acid II vs. Sal DiMeo and Andrew Harper
In about that had superb wrestling and good heat, Acid & Acid II defeated Sal DiMeo and Andrew Harper in 12:27 when Acid pinned Andrew Harper with an Acid Rain Bomb. MATCH RATING: 50

PHIL'S NOTES: Unfortunately, Acid broke his nose during this match, and Sal DiMeo's getting some backstage heat for it. Also, Acid II narrowly averted injury when Andrew Harper botched a move. Hopefully, we can move past all of this. Still, this was a fun opener.

Acid and Acid II confront Phil Vibert at the announce table. They demand a shot at the tag titles held by The Boys From The Yukon, and the match is set for next month. SEGMENT RATING: 47

MATCH #2: Josh Jacobs vs. Logan Wolfsbaine
In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Logan Wolfsbaine defeated Josh Jacobs in 17:45 by submission with a Boston Crab. MATCH RATING: 60

Nothing wrong with this at all. Wolfsbaine is a blue-chipper, Jacobs can have a good match with anybody, and this got plenty of time.

MATCH #3 (NYCW Tri-State Regional title): Masked Stranger (C) vs. Ray Snow
In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Masked Stranger defeated Ray Snow in 11:43 by submission with a Cobra Clutch. Masked Stranger makes defense number six of the NYCW Tri-State Regional title. MATCH RATING: 56

Surprise! These two turned out to have ridiculous chemistry with one another. Snow's seen better days and wasn't considered a threat, but they made the most of their time and the crowd ate it up.

The New York Doll runs in from the crowd and attacks Masked Stranger after the match. Security gets the champ out of the ring and back to safety, all while the Doll accosts him for ducking a worthy challenger. SEGMENT RATING: 37

MATCH #4: Riley McManus vs. The New York Doll
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Riley McManus defeated The New York Doll in 12:57 by pinfall with a roll up. MATCH RATING: 58

Sorry, Doll: We like you, but McManus needs the shine more. Still, we protected the Tri-State challenger reasonably well here, and the match was good enough that he'll likely come out of it better than he entered.

MATCH #5 (COTT World Tag Team titles): Ralph Liotta and Brutus Milano (C) vs. The Philly Blondes
In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, The Philly Blondes defeated Ralph Liotta and Brutus Milano in 9:51 when Ash Campbell pinned Brutus Milano with a Shooting Star Press. The Philly Blondes win the COTT World Tag Team titles. MATCH RATING: 65

Yep, our solution was to plug Brutus Milano in and let him take the fall. We couldn't well job the one champion who showed up and allowed us to have an out. Ash and Nelson have the potential to set the world on fire with these belts, provided, of course, they don't get snapped up!!!

Brutus Milano staggers to his feet, but he's quickly knocked down in a surprise attack! Logan Wolfsbaine and James Diaz jump him, with Logan getting a few suplexes in and Diaz hitting a power bomb before security breaks it up. SEGMENT RATING: 27

Let's see if Brutus can give these guys a rub, shall we?

A promo video recapping the feud between Tennessee William and Ernest Youngman airs as the crew hastily assembles the steel cage. SEGMENT RATING: 64

MATCH #6 (NYCW Empire title, cage): Tennessee William (C) vs. Ernest Youngman
In an exceptional match, Ernest Youngman defeated Tennessee William in 17:37 by pinfall with The Hit. Ernest Youngman wins the NYCW Empire title. MATCH RATING: 71

There was no wrong answer here. Tennessee William is a tremendous heel enjoying the run of his life, and this shouldn't be the last time he holds gold in NYCW. Youngman, though, is riding a tidal wave of momentum, and we had to give the fans what they want.

SHOW RATING: 68. This show increased NYCW's popularity in 18 regions. NYCW Fire Fight got 26,920 viewers.

- - - - -

The talent has gone home. Phil Vibert sits quietly in the empty arena. A set of heavy footsteps is behind him, and they belong to Larry Vessey.

"Is this where you tell me how much money we lost?," a shaken-up Vibert asks.

"Not tonight, kid," Vessey says, in a shockingly-gentle fashion, as he sits down next to his booker. "You did just fine."

"We had half the COTT tag champs, Larry. The first job of a booker is to give the audience what they expect to see."

Larry raises his hand, his eyes staring a hole through Vibert's skull.

"That was a scumbag move by Sam Keith," Vessey grumbles. "He wanted to throw us for a loop. And now, when it's time for Ash and Nelson to go down there, he's got a built-in main event because the Heartbreak Express didn't lose the titles. You got put in a lousy situation, and you did what you could."

Perhaps seeing there's no getting through to Vibert, Larry stands up.

"You're gonna get a text message from a new number," he says. "Don't be alarmed."

"What do you mean?"

"Just...don't freak out."

Vessey walks away, and on cue, Vibert's phone buzzes. He looks down and sees the following message:

"I've seen a lot in this business. What Sam did was LOW. You adjusted really well. Tear his heart out.

- A friend."

Vibert's mood goes from bummed-out to perplexed. Who's sending him messages? How did Vessey know what was coming? And what could be brewing beneath the surface that he doesn't know about?

Edited October 6, 2022 by HRTVAndrew

[HRTVAndrew]

It's been a very quiet month. Nationally, the big news comes from SWF, which has announced respected commentator Ana Garcia will be leaving the company. Locally, in New York City Wrestling, Cheerleader Nicki and Denny King have begun dating, and Sal DiMeo has been kept home from this month's show due to morale issues stemming from the Acid/Acid II match in May.

- - - - -

NYCW Summer Lightning
June 2020, Week Two
Location: Generic venue; New York, NY
Attendance: 422

Ernest Youngman kicks off the show with a big entrance, and welcomes people to the arena as the new NYCW Empire Champion. He says he's a fighting champion, and that tonight the floor's open for anyone who wants to step up.

On cue, the lights go out and driving rock music begins to play. A familiar face appears at the top of the ramp, and the name ART REED appears on the big screen! Reed makes his way down to the ring, says he's impressed by Youngman, and that he accepts the open challenge. SEGMENT RATING: 52

PHIL'S NOTES: We needed a fairly-big name that could come in for one big match, for reasons that will soon become clear. Art Reed ticked all of the boxes and still has remarkable skills for someone in his mid-40's, so this worked well.

MATCH #1: JOHNNY NEEDHAM vs. James Diaz
In an extremely short match, James Diaz defeated Johnny Needham in 3:44 by pinfall with an Asian Thumb Spike. MATCH RATING: 21

James Diaz continues the assault after the match, only stopping when Brutus Milano comes flying down to the ring to chase him off. Milano tends to Johnny Needham as Diaz walks to the back with a cocky smirk on his face. SEGMENT RATING: 36

Yep, this squash was the punishment for Needham bailing on the title defense. Nothing huge, but it does play into the Brutus Milano storyline a bit, so it works just fine.

MATCH #2: Masked Stranger and The LA Stars vs. The New York Doll, Richie Riggins and Denny King (w/Cheerleader Nicki)
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, The New York Doll, Richie Riggins and Denny King defeated Masked Stranger and The LA Stars in 11:50 when The New York Doll pinned LA Star #2 with a Punk-N-Nasty. MATCH RATING: 53

We haven't done a lot of six-man matches, but these teams made way too much sense. This turned out to be a strong second match, and the Doll gets back some of the momentum he lost last month.

MATCH #3: Animal Harker vs. Tennessee William
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Tennessee William defeated Animal Harker in 13:17 by pinfall with a Devil's Crossroad. MATCH RATING: 67

Tennessee William may have dropped the title, but he still delivers the goods from bell to bell. Add in that Harker can be carried, and these two wound up stealing the show.

Tennessee William grabs the microphone and says the road to regain his title is a long one. It starts next month, with a match against Riley McManus. SEGMENT RATING: 64

I love this guy very, very much.

MATCH #4 (NYCW Tag Team titles): The Boys From The Yukon (C) vs. Acid & Acid II
In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, Acid & Acid II defeated The Boys From The Yukon in 13:12 when Whitehorse Whittaker intentionally got disqualified while fighting Acid II. MATCH RATING: 55

No reason to blow this off quite yet. Let's have some fun with this for a little while.

MATCH #5 (COTT World Tag Team titles): The Philly Blondes (C) vs. Jacobs & Nelson
In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, The Philly Blondes defeated Jacobs & Nelson in 17:33 when Ash Campbell pinned Josh Jacobs with a Shooting Star Press. MATCH RATING: 66

This was the Blondes's first defense since winning these titles last month. As a peace offering, MAW's Jacobs and Nelson got the first title shot, and while they needed to be carried a bit, this was still a lot of fun. Campbell and Callum will be gigantic assets for as long as they're here.

MATCH #6 (NYCW Empire title): Ernest Youngman (C) vs. Art Reed
In an exceptional match, Ernest Youngman defeated Art Reed in 22:59 by pinfall with The Hit. Ernest Youngman makes defense number one of the NYCW Empire title. MATCH RATING: 69

After the match, Ernest Youngman offers his hand in a sign of respect. After a moment, Art Reed accepts it, and the two embrace in the ring. However, the wonderful moment is broken up by Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum, who attack the two in stereo with their COTT belts. The onslaught continues for several minutes, and it ends with Campbell and Callum taking turns holding Youngman's title high up in the air. SEGMENT RATING: 65

A fantastic main event, and new challengers arrive on the scene to end the show!

SHOW RATING: 67. This show increased NYCW's popularity in 18 regions. NYCW Summer Lightning got 29,258 viewers.

- - - - -

Needing someone to talk to after the show, Phil Vibert calls an old friend, and someone with whom he shares several stars.

"Mitch Naess speaking."

"You KNOW who this is, Mitch. Caller ID tells you."

"Yeah, I just enjoy winding you up."

Phil cackles. His protege has gotten Pittsburgh Steel Wrestling onto WrestleWorld, and both promotions prominently employ Ernest Youngman and Nelson Callum, among others.

"Loved the show tonight," Mitch says. "That Youngman kid...man, he's good. Haven't seen a guy like that in a long time."

"I just hope he stays around a while," Vibert responds. Art Reed's clearly seen better days, and Youngman carried him to one of his better matches in years. The NYCW head should be happy, but he's still a bit apprehensive.

"Listen...did you get my text earlier?"

"The text you kept to yourself for a month? Has whoever it is buzzed you back?"

"No. But why would Larry give him my number?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. Also...it's a no from me on joining the COTT."

"Why?," Vibert says, taken aback.

"You guys don't need a bunch of brawlers, and the ones you all can use are already there because you have them," Naess explains. "Besides, dealing with Larry and Sam all the time isn't exactly on my list of things I like doing."

Vibert can't argue too much. Mitch has a point.

"Let's just keep making our guys bigger stars," Naess says. "We do that, we'll both benefit, especially locally in our Tri-State area. Good enough?"

"Good enough. Talk to you later."

[HRTVAndrew]

There's plenty to report as we march into the dog days of summer. Overseas, 21CW star Adam Matravers has broken his leg, and doctors say he'll be out six months. In Japan, the nightmare is over, as Marv Statler has agreed to join Burning Hammer and reunite with Dean Waldorf (one without the other just doesn't make sense).

Closer to home, Mark Speed and TCW could not come to terms on a new contract. Just as he began talking to independent promotions, though, USPW came a'calling, and Speed got signed up. This came as unwelcome, but unsurprising, news to Phil Vibert, whose New York City Wrestling proceeds to one of the more well-known events on the calendar.

- - - - -

NYCW Gang Wars 2020
July 2020, Week Two
Location: Generic venue; Yonkers, NY
Attendance: 455

The show begins with the Philly Blondes in the ring, gloating about their recent defenses of the COTT Tag Team titles in OLLIE and CZCW and their attack of Ernest Youngman last month. Naturally, this brings out the champion, who says he has a surprise for Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum in tonight's main event. SEGMENT RATING: 66

PHIL'S NOTES: These are the three cornerstones of the promotion right now, and there's no reason not to milk them for all they're worth.

MATCH #1: Brutus Milano vs. James Diaz
In a decent match, James Diaz defeated Brutus Milano in 8:06 by pinfall with an Asian Thumb Spike. MATCH RATING: 42

Milano is tailor-made to put Diaz over. This turned out to be a decent opener, and a good little power match that makes the kid look like a monster.

MATCH #2: Brooklyn's Finest vs. Denny King and Richie Riggins (w/Cheerleader Nicki)
In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Denny King and Richie Riggins defeated Brooklyn's Finest in 10:13 when Richie Riggins pinned Freedom Eagle with a Body Bag. MATCH RATING: 56

King and Riggins look like a cool midcard tag team, especially with the real-life relationship with King and Cheerleader Nicki baked in. Freedom Eagle, meanwhile, introduced a brand-new move to pop the crowd.

MATCH #3 (NYCW Tag Team titles): The Boys From The Yukon (C) vs. The LA Stars
In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, The Boys From The Yukon defeated The LA Stars in 13:26 when Howlin' Mad Mort pinned LA Star #2 with a Tiiiiiiiiimber. The Boys From The Yukon make defense number four of the NYCW Tag Team titles. MATCH RATING: 55

The champs bash Acid and Acid II, saying they had their shot at the gold last month and couldn't capitalize, so why should they stay at the front of the line? SEGMENT RATING: 34

Good match, lousy promo. Gotta remember to keep the microphone away from the lumberjacks.

MATCH #4 (NYCW Tri-State Regional title): Masked Stranger (C) vs. Logan Wolfsbaine
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Masked Stranger defeated Logan Wolfsbaine in 13:28 by submission with a cobra clutch after botched interference by The New York Doll. Masked Stranger makes defense number seven of the NYCW Tri-State Regional title. MATCH RATING: 62

Good way to continue the Masked Stranger/New York Doll feud while giving Wolfsbaine, in his own right one heck of a prospect, some shine.

Masked Stranger's hand is raised, but the beatdown is on just a few seconds later. James Diaz runs out to join Logan Wolfsbaine and The New York Doll for a 3-on-1 assault, but Brutus Milano runs out for the save. SEGMENT RATING: 36

I smell a midcard match brewing for next month!

MATCH #5: Riley McManus (w/Fern Hathaway) vs. Tennessee William
In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, Riley McManus defeated Tennessee William in 13:16 by pinfall with a Slingshot Suplex. MATCH RATING: 67

Tennessee William attacks Riley McManus with his guitar after the match, much to the dismay of the crowd and Fern Hathaway alike. McManus is stretchered out as William taunts him all the way into the ambulance. SEGMENT RATING: 57

McManus is a heck of a performer, but his gimmick's gotten a bit stale. Let's see if William can carry the storyline while the good guy rehabs his injuries. I'm just guessing this won't be a problem!

Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum are introduced first ahead of the main event. Ernest Youngman follows and introduces his partner by saying, "come on out, stranger." Masked Stranger's music plays, but Youngman quickly cuts off the sound guy and says, "no, the OTHER Stranger!" On cue, new music is played, and out walks FCW champion HANDSOME STRANGER. SEGMENT RATING: 57

MATCH #6 (COTT World Tag Team titles): The Philly Blondes (C) vs. Ernest Youngman and Handsome Stranger
In an exceptional match, The Philly Blondes defeated Ernest Youngman and Handsome Stranger in 23:16 when Nelson Callum submitted Ernest Youngman with a Honey Trap after blatantly cheating. The Philly Blondes make defense number four of the COTT World Tag Team titles. MATCH RATING: 68

The Puerto Rican mainstay's getting up there in years, but the other three guys are so good, that didn't matter. Strong main event that only makes the crowd hate Campbell and Callum even more!

SHOW RATING: 66. This show increased our popularity in 18 regions. NYCW Gang Wars 2020 got 31,958 viewers.

- - - - -

After the show, Phil Vibert is summoned into Larry Vessey's office. The benevolence Vessey showed the previous month is gone, and he's back to an all-business state of mind.

"You lost more money again," Vessey says, not looking up from his sheet. "But you'll like what I'm about to tell you."

Finally, Vessey's weathered face looks across the table at his nervous booker.

"Remember the friend you made? The one who texted you?"

"The one whose identity you won't tell me?," Vibert counters. "Yes, I remember vividly."

"Don't be so snippy, kid. He just saved your rear end."

Vessey pulls out an envelope containing $50,000 in cold, hard cash, and Vibert is dumbfounded.

"What, we've got a benefactor now?"

"I don't know if it's 'we' or 'you,'" Vessey says, "but someone sure seems interested in bankrolling this little experiment. And if it's not my money being burned, I'm all for it."

Vessey stands up as Vibert continues to struggle with processing this.

"You waiting for anything in particular, Phil?"

"No...no, I'm just trying to piece this together."

"Don't. Overthinking never leads to anything good. Just keep doing your job."

[HRTVAndrew]

Lots of news to report from the Tri-State area. In happy news for New York City Wrestling, the company and WrestleWorld agreed to a nine-month deal that will see NYCW programs stream on the network through mid-2021. NYCW will receive the same 55% revenue split.

In other business news, Handsome Stranger was so impressed with referee Michael Bull that he offered Bull a contract to referee FCW's monthly shows. The locker room rejoiced, as the former cop getting more dates (and free trips to a fun place!) is cause for celebration.

In addition, NYCW rewarded two of its "pillars" with raises. Ernest Youngman and Ash Campbell saw their rates nearly triple, to $130/show and $110/show, ahead of...

- - - - -

NYCW Heat Of The Night
August 2020, Week Two
Location: Generic venue; Newark, NJ
Attendance: 552

Phil Vibert starts the show in the ring announcing a "unique punishment" for Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum's antics last month. They come out, and Vibert announces a surprise: A triple threat match for Pablo Rodriguez's COTT World Heavyweight title, where it's every man for himself. It comes with a twist: Ernest Youngman will be the ringside enforcer. SEGMENT RATING: 62

MATCH #1: HAPPY ELWOOD vs. Sal DiMeo
In a decent match, Sal DiMeo defeated Happy Elwood in 9:47 by pinfall with a Powerbomb. MATCH RATING: 39

PHIL'S NOTES: We needed a babyface to come in for one match and give Sal some shine. He's no pillar, but he's a very solid prospect that deserves a bit of a push and did his time after the debacle with the two Acid's earlier this year.

MATCH #2: Brutus Milano, Masked Stranger and Crockett Tubbs vs. The New York Doll and The Prodigies
In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Brutus Milano, Masked Stranger and Crockett Tubbs drew with The New York Doll and The Prodigies in 10:21 following a double DQ. MATCH RATING: 55

Shocker. Brutus Milano was the weak link in an otherwise fun match.

Tennessee William berates the crowd on his way to the ring. He says the beatdown on Riley McManus the previous week did NYCW a huge favor, and now they can focus on seeing the best wrestler and entertainer on the roster do his thing rather than "some grimy, disgusting Georgia Bulldog." SEGMENT RATING: 64

This dude is gold, GOLD, on the mic.

MATCH #3: Geoff Borne vs. Tennessee William
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Tennessee William defeated Geoff Borne in 12:38 by pinfall with a Devil's Crossroad. MATCH RATING: 64

He's gold in the ring, too. Borne isn't a bad worker, either, and if this gets William some momentum heading into the back half of the year, that's fantastic.

Backstage, Logan Wolfsbaine and James Diaz run into Sal DiMeo. They make Sal an offer to "take care of Brutus Milano." Diaz hands DiMeo a thick envelope, and DiMeo says he'll "run it by the family." SEGMENT RATING: 35

Cheap? Sure. A bit lowbrow? Absolutely. An easy way to keep the feud going and book a few fresh matchups? You betcha!

MATCH #4: Acid & Acid II vs. Richie Riggins and Denny King (w/Cheerleader Nicki)
In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Acid & Acid II defeated Richie Riggins and Denny King in 13:02 when Acid II pinned Denny King with an Acid Rain Bomb. MATCH RATING: 57

Back of the line, huh? Let's see if that holds over the next few months...

MATCH #5 (COTT World Heavyweight title): Pablo Rodriguez (C) vs. Ash Campbell vs. Nelson Callum
In an exceptional match, Pablo Rodriguez defeated Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum in 19:46 when Rodriguez pinned Callum with a Sinner's Salvation following interference from Ernest Youngman. MATCH RATING: 73

The Philly Blondes couldn't help themselves, and when Michael Bull got bumped, Youngman took matters into his own hands. The crowd ate all of this up, and it helped that the two young guns got a great match out of the aging Rodriguez.

The post-match antics quickly devolve into a four-way brawl. Eventually, though, Ernest Youngman and Pablo Rodriguez get the better of Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum and send them back up the ramp. The two champs pose with their respective belts in the ring...and their eyes linger on the other's strap for just a few uncomfortable seconds at a time. SEGMENT RATING: 68

SHOW RATING: 70. This show increased our popularity in 18 regions. NYCW Heat Of The Night got 32,761 viewers.

- - - - -

Backstage, Phil Vibert is pacing. It was a good show with a bang-up main event, but if the last eight months have taught him anything, it's to expect the unexpected from Larry Vessey.

Sure enough, Vessey comes to his booker and silently hands him two things: An envelope with his pay for the evening, and a hand-written message.

"You've got good guys," the message reads. "Some big names are free agents. Use my money to sign one. - A friend."

"LARRY!!!"

Vessey slowly turns around.

"What's with this Sicilian message nonsense?," Vibert says, clearly exasperated. "This 'friend' clearly knows where we're doing business. Why doesn't he just show up?"

Vessey...chuckles?

"Because it's more fun winding you up."

Phil Vibert has broken one of wrestling's cardinal rules: Never sell a rib.

"He's right, though. Let's get some new blood in here."

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

Enjoyed that. Great interaction at the end there. In case I’m missing it Vessey is the friend, right?