.------------------------------------------------------------------. | C O U N T D O W N T O | `------------------------------------------------------------------' ##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### ## ###### # # # # # # #### # # ##### # ## # # ###### ###### # # # ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #### # # # # # # # # #### ###### # # ## # # ## ## ####### ###### # # ## #### # # ###### # # # # # # ###### .------------------------------------------------------------------. | with Tim Dross + LIVE from the IIWF Coliseum | `------------------------------------------------------------------' [Tim Dross walks down one of the aisles amongst the seating in the IIWF Coliseum.] Welcome everybody to the IIWF Coliseum, where in less than twenty-four hours, the finest athletes in the world are going to step into the ring to do battle in the most spectacular event in wrestling histrory. My name's Tim Dross, and in today's special Countdown to Ring Wars, I'm going to be running down the card, bringing you background on each match, and making my predictions for the big night. Plus, we'll be hearing from the participants in the matches as they make their final preparations. But before we get to that, let's quickly discuss the events of Wednesday night's IIWF Midweek Mayhem card. IIWF Midweek Mayhem - 26 June 1996 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was another hot and heavy night in the Coliseum on Wednesday - and tensions were really beginning to fray as the IIWF superstars got their last workout before Ring Wars. - MAN OF STEEL defeated ROBSKI by disqualification. - THE RETURNERS defeated HIGH VELOCITY after the HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS intervened. - HAKIRO MATSUOKO defeated MOONDUST to retain the IIWF Intercontinental Championship. - RISING SUN REVOLUTION were victorious over STUNT TEAM USA - DAN KAUFFMAN pinned FLARE Plus we were scheduled to hear from the IIWF Champion, the Outlaw, but the Subway Psycho interjected himself into the proceedings, and what a brawl ensued! Both men can't wait to get their hands on each other tomorrow night - but we'll discuss that later. IIWF Ring Wars - 29 June 1996 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's get back to the card for tomorrow night's spectacular, and discuss each match in detail. And it really is thirteen matches of pure dynamite! ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ The Returners vs. Stunt Team USA _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ Both of these teams want to catapult themselves into title contention, and the only way to do that is with victories. Both teams have made a big impact on the fans and on the other competition since their debuts in the last few weeks - and I'm sure the fans aren't going to know who to cheer for. The Returners, "Royalty of the Street" Sabin Figaro and Locke Cole, accompanied by Cole's lovely wife, Celes, are very well respected in the wrestling world, and they've come to the IIWF in search of the most respected gold in any federation, anywhere... Figaro and Cole have been highly impressive since their debuts, destroying the Barnacle Brothers, and they've also defeated the hated High Velocity this past week. They didn't take kindly to Stunt Team USA's comments made earlier in the week. Let's hear from Sab and Locke now: [SCENE: The Returners, Sabin Figaro and Locke Cole, are watching the Stunt Team's flash on the newest thing in the wrestling world... The Pocket WRESTLE-VISION(TM), all wrestling flashes, all the time. They're in a diffrent alley.] ["[SCENE: Somewhere in a dark alley, trash is lying all over the place. Ron and Steve walk along the street]"] Locke: Try harder, maybe Compton, not Boulder. ["Ron: "Naa, can't see no royalty here..." Steve: "Neither do I... Sabin Figaro, ya pretend to be the Royalty Of The Street... Now, look, boy, that's a nice title, but on these street nowadays no royalty is of use... These streets are about brawling and battling..."] Sab: I know. I fight for the people of the street, the children of the night, and you, in the process of this flash, have insulted me very much. I am the Purest Brawler in this fed, or any fed. I am the Royalty of the Street, this is my kingdom. ["Ron: [punches against a litter box] "... and fighting and surviving... Ya know when we did those stunt jobs we learned how to overcome pain and injuries... This is what gives us quite an advantage in the rings... When ya give us ya best punch it's just like we jump down a roof or somethin'... Hey, that doesn't matter us!"] Locke: Stunt Men? Ha. Take a bullet, not a blank. I have taken 3 bullets, one in my shoulder, one in my leg and the last in my other leg. It hurts. You do not know pain. Beside, I am the Night-Flyer here, I don't care, I have HealthNet. ["Steve: "Yeah, during the years our maximum pain level raised towards infinity and ya know what: Strike Ron with a baseball bat, he wouldn't even feel it!"] Sab: Ready? Locke: Yep. [Sab takes out a piece of Barbed Wire, Locke a 2X4. They fight. Nothing on eather side. No blood, no screems, no pain.] ["Ron: "And neither would Steve... So, Returner-Boys, ya get us in the ring... we are not even close to those other jobbers you faced 'till now, we are real stuff... and with those great fans behind us..."] Sab: I've never heard of you. However, we are the NICW, IWC, and SSWF TT Champions. [Steve: "Hey, guys, we love you!" Ron: "...we will teach you a lesson in street-fighting..." Steve: "and in street-flying..." [he jumps through a window in the wall and disappears]"] Locke: Hahaha... not funny. I'm going to smash, bash and crash you two foolios, and then, I'm gonig to put you in a hurt locker! ["Ron: "Did you see that? He's so fast, Superman couldn't catch him... Well, folks, CUT!""] Sab: Watch. [Sabin produces a baseball. Sabin throws it. He runs... and gets it in mid air.] Sab: Let's Dancer. Locke: I'm Locke, and you're gonna drop! [Fade] Just one thing the Returners ought to remember - this isn't NICW, IWC or SSWF - this is the IIWF, the revolutionary force in wrestling entertainment, and they'd best not rest on past glories if they want to make it here. Ron Fire and Steve Forget, Stunt Team USA, have also made quite an impression since their arrival - not least on the Returners - they've become firm fan favourites with their high-flying, high-impact manoeuvres. However, whenever they step into the ring, they take risks that could cost them dearly... if they make any mistakes tomorrow night, you can bet that the Returners will take full advantage of them. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ Prince Of Darkness vs. Don Antonio _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ The Prince of Darkness sold his soul to the devil in order to become the most powerful wrestler in the world, so the legend goes. Don Antonio has power of a different kind - the power of his family. I'm loath to say anything too derogatory about Don Antonio since others who've made that mistake have disappeared shortly afterwards, but it's my duty to call things the way I see them, and I see them like this: Don Antonio's had a very rough ride in the IIWF since his debut, being injured at the hands of the Horsemen, and he's declared war on the elite four - is that going to detract from his focus in this match? I have to believe that the PoD is going to be more determined in this encounter, and I think we're going to see the Prince of Darkness defeat the Don. Speaking of the Don, let's hear what he has to say for himself: [SCENE: The Don stands in the IIWF Interview area.] DA: Prince of Darkness, I have seen your matches and feel you are a worthy opponent for the DON at Ring Wars. Unfortunately, you are merely next in the line of many to be beaten severely by me. I am a man who never gives up. I have no fear. This is merely a warning, when you go down, stay down because the DON demands respect. If you saw my last match you'd know not to be foolish enough to step in the ring at Ring Wars. Ciao! [Fade] ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ Tony Starks vs. Simon Lebec _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ We've not seen anything of Tony Starks since his injury at the hands of the Outlaw, other than a brief interview this past Wednesday night, but from what I hear, we're going to see a whole new Starks in the ring tomorrow - he's got new focus, new drive and new desire to get the victories to push himself up the rankings towards the IIWF title that he so deeply covets. Let's get comments from Starks: [SCENE: Tony Starks stnds in the interview area.] TS: "Showstopper" Simon Lebec, I have heard some fitting names before but yours takes the cake. Saturday night, the show will stop for you. You and many of the other stars here think that you will have an easy time with me. You are a hundred different kinds of wrong. I might be coming back from a string of defeats and a very serious injury but I would not be back unless I was 100% ready. Those defeats that I suffered, as hard as it was for me to first believe, helped me more than it it hurt. When I was undefeated, I had a false sense of invulnerability. That led me to be cocky, I was more than prone to mistakes. Those mistakes were mental and physical, they almost cost me my career. When I was broken, I laid there, I regained my humanity. I found who I was again. I have heard the talk that I have lost my killer instinct. [grinning] Well, think that if you want. The most dangerous man is one who has been wounded. My instinct is more deadly than it ever was, Lebec and everyone else who has any doubts, you will all find out real soon. [Fade] "Showstopper" Simon Lebec has also been conspicuous by his absence in recent weeks, putting his name to products, making second rate "straight to video" movies, and apparently not a whole lot else. Whether he's going to be in good enough shape to deal with a focussed Starks remains to be seen. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ United Nations vs. Alphabet Boys _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ The United Nations have really been on a really bad run of luck - they've failed to capture the IIWF Tag Team Championships, despite battling Steamroller three times (and beating them once), and in their last title assault, they were conspired against not only by the boot of Dave Albanese, Steamroller's manager, but also by the Alphabet Boys, who decided to interject themselves into the fray. Now the United Nations want to end their run of bad luck by teaching the Alphabet Boys a wrestling lesson - and let's face it, these guys can't know _that_ much about this great sport. However, the United Nations will be in trouble if they underestimate Abie and Zed too much - they may be unpredictable, and they may be unstable, but their unorthodox style has been very successful in recent weeks. Jacques K. Vorkian and Tora Tora Tora, on the other hand, are a tightly organised and cohesive team, each man's abilities complementing the other. I'm going to go out on a limb, folks, and predict that the United Nations are going to turn around their bad luck and defeat the Alphabet Boys. But those of you who are expecting a match full of technical prowess and superb athleticism should switch channels during this one - but those of you who want to see a knock-down, drag-out brawl should pull their chairs a little closer to the TV sets, and hold on to their hats - this one's going to be wild! ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ Casey "Whitebread" James & Man Of Steel vs. Robski & Fisto Flash _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ Casey "Whitebread" James has, correctly in my view, opined on numerous occasions that it's not going to be a case of he and the Man Of Steel defeating Robski and Fisto Flash, but more a case of them defeating themselves. These two undesirables have been at each others' throats since they arrived in the IIWF, and you have to wonder whether they're going to be able to co-operate even slightly in this match. They may surprise us all and unite efficiently in their common aim of defeating - or should that be destroying - the two American heroes, but I can't see it myself. We sent Larry Morton along to catch up with the two American heroes - first, we saw Casey outside his training facility: [SCENE: Casey James standing in the doorway of a gym. Man Of Steel can be seen working out in the background.] LM: Casey - can we get some comments? CJ: Hi, Larry. I'd let you in, but I'm really not comfortable with showing off like that... [Casey closes the door behind him, and sits down on a chair in the foyer.] CJ: I've been running through my mind what could happen this Saturday at Ring Wars, and the possiblities are endless. The Tag match that MOS and I are involved in will probably be one of the most chaotic matches the IIWF will ever see. We've got two of the dirtiest players on the same team, and they don't even like each other... I don't know what will happen. I have the feeling that the referee is going to have a hard time keeping control of this one, so don't be surprised to see four men in the ring at once through most of it. I don't like breaking the rules. In fact, I don't even like looking at the rules the wrong way. Without rules, there's chaos. But the thing is, when fighting against two guys who completely disregard the rules, it's hard to keep restricted by the regulations. I want to apologize in advance to all the people out there just in case something happens that is less than legal according to IIWF rules. I like to think of myself as the bringer of justice in the IIWF, and I have the highest respect for the guidlines that the IIWF officials have set for matches, but like I said, we're fighting against two men that will lie, cheat, and god knows what else... We may need to bend rules a little to walk out of this one in one piece. Especially considering the metal prosthesis Fisto Flash uses to injure opponents. MOS and I are ready as far as we can tell, but we don't even know what we're going to be up against. For all we know, we may not even get to fight these two. They may do the job themselves. Anyway, thanks for your time, Larry. We'll see you on Saturday night at Ring Wars! [Cut to inside the gym. Casey has now gone. Steel continues to spar with his training partner for a while longer before ending the session and sending the man to lockers. The camera crew come closer.] MOS: Good Evening. LM: Hi, Steel. A few comments possibly regarding your match and Mayhem and your upcoming bout at Ring Wars? MOS: Of course. At Midweek Mayhem this week Robski, I showed to the world that Americans can respect their country and not have big mouth "Losers" like you coming in and wreaking havoc. Robski, I pinned you, one two three in the center of the ring and now you must face the fact. My first victory here in the IIWF could not have been more sweet. It was, however, not a personal victory but a victory for the American Nation as a whole. LM: It was a great match and not even the appearance of Fisto Flash hampered your victory. MOS: That's right. Flash's appearance I believe hindered his upcoming tag team partner more than it did me. I knew that I had Casey on the outside to watch my back. Flash would never have gotten involved. Fisto Flash. We are just one day away from your match aggainst the American Heroes. You have chosen your side and now must pay the consequences. Siding with Robski could be the worst move of your career. When we defeat you tomorrow at Ring Wars we will score another victory for every American and show Robski yet again that America will come out victorious over the tyranny of so called patriotic hooligans. LM: Talking of your match at Ring Wars, how have you prepared for the match? MOS: It is like Casey has already said. Fisto Flash and Robski will not be beaten by superior wrestling skills of us, but of their hyper inflated egos. They must find a way to work together, and it is the view of many people that I talk with that they can not. LM: Looking ahead, Steel. What plans do you have after Ring Wars? MOS: Haley. If you survive the Strap Match this Saturday, I want you in the ring the following Saturday. You have cheated in two matches of the Outlaw's, one against Casey. Your time has come to meet Justice. You must now pay the penalty for your actions. Cheat if you must but remember that there is always a penalty for the actions that you participate in. I know the Outlaw is not that impressed with you either so I should watch your back. For afterall, if you can't even trust your friends who can you trust? LM: Thanks for your thoughts, Steel. MOS: Anytime. [Fade] Casey and the Man Of Steel are going to have to weather the storm, and wait for Fisto and Robski to lose their tempers. It shouldn't take long. After things become a little heated, they'll be able to use their cool-headed advantage to take out their opponents. The fans will be behind the American heroes all the way, and so am I. However, it seems that for some inexplicable reason, the English people really _are_ behind Robski. We sent a camera crew to film Robski as he was honoured to open the proceedings at the big football - sorry, soccer - game between England and Germany earlier in the week: [SCENE: Wembley Stadium, the ground is full, it is a hot balmy summer's night. This is the night all of England has been waiting for, it is the Semi-Final of Euro 96, England play the Germans and in approxiately two hours the nation will be euphoric or disconsolate. It is ten minutes to kick-off. A troupe of performing girls have just finished and are leaving the ground to rapturous applause. The tannoy announces:] Tannoy: And next, from the world of wrestling, a superstar in the IIWF, please welcome, accompanied by his agent, Mr Max Clifford, his girlfreind, Jasmine and his lifelong friend, Jimmy Garner, please give a warm welcome to ROBSKI! [They walk out onto the turf, Robski wearing an England top, draped in an England flag. He kneels on the turf, and kisses it; he then gets up and looks genuinely overawed, the vast majority of the crowd pop deliriously. To them this could have been a street sweeper and they would still have cheered. The four of them make their way out to the centre of the pitch, they stand there and take in the atmsophere, it is like NOTHING on earth. Robski grabs the microphone.] Robski: [With a lump in his throat] Hello Wembley! [All cheer] Robski: I can't hear you! [shouts] Hello Wembley! [All cheer, very very loudly] Robski: Woo, that was some reaction, are you having fun?! [All cheer] Robski: Are England going to win? [All cheer bar the thousand or so German fans] Robski: I am HONOURED to be here, and every time I go out to wrestle I KNOW you guys are behind me, cheering me on, and that makes ALL the difference. I LOVE ENGLAND, AND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. Anyway I am here to welcome both teams, so without any ado, here they are, the teams. [Both teams troop out to a delirious reaction, the crowd are popping furiously. They get to the area just in front of the royal box and line up, Robski goes over to Alan Shearer and hugs him, he goes to Paul Gascoigne and hugs him, Robski has tears in his eyes. the other three exchange "hello"s with the players] Robski: This is a very emotional moment for me, and one that means more to me than ALL the gold I have ever won, now please be upstanding for the German National Anthem. [the anthem plays to jeers, the Germans sing their hearts out] Now it is my honour to sing the English Natioanl anthem. [Robski sings the national anthem, as he does 70,000 people join in with him. It is a phenomenally emotional moment for him, tears run down his face, he is awestruck at the spectacle. As he finishes some players thank him and they run to their ends ready. Robski addresses the crowd.] Robski: Thank you to each and every one of you, I WILL DO MY BEST IN THE IIWF FOR YOU, AND I WILL WIN THE BELT AND COME HERE NEXT YEAR WITH IT! GOODBYE! [With that the four leave the pitch to a rousing send off. Fade] Eech. Well, he may be a great athlete, but Robski's no singer. And I guess we'll find out what kind of a team player he is tomorrow night! ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ Joe Latta vs. Brad "Bodybag" Kinder _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ Brad "Bodybag" Kinder may be the least vocal of the Horsemen, but that's only because he lets his ring performances do the talking. Nonetheless, he's broken his silence to give a warning to Joe Latta, his opponent this Saturday: [SCENE: Bodybag stands in the iron den, just finishing his workout] BK: This coming week at Ring Wars, I will be facing one of the up and coming stars of the IIWF, Mr. Joe Latta. Latta, I heard your comments in the IIWF report along with that witch Carla Daughtery. My suggestion to you, pal, is to keep your mouth shut and prepare for an immense beating at the hands of the Bodybag. You will learn that this is the territory of the Horsemen, the most elite fighting unit in all of wrestling, and I'll be using you as a stepping stone on to bigger things, namely the IIWF Intercontinental Championship. I'm not just with the Horsemen because I feel like it or just because I happen to have connections; I'm a Horseman because I am a WINNER. Just keep that in mind and remember that you'll have to face the worst nightmare of your life June 29. [Fade] He's single-minded in approach, and will never be caught looking past an opponent towards a higher goal - he regards every rung of the ladder as important as the belt of gold that awaits him at the top - and it's this attitude that stands him in good stead against the rookie, Joe Latta. Latta has been very impressive in his recent matches, but his deficiencies were demonstrated most effectively when he fought Deathbringer a couple of weeks ago. He had the big man contained, but when he got angry, he started making mistakes, and Deathbringer was able to put him away. After the match, his temper really got the better of him, and he learned the hard way that you can't counter ice-cold death with the fire of fury. If only Latta could learn to contain that fire, and channel it into a more focussed ring performance, he would have what it takes to go all the way to the top in the IIWF. Let's get comments from him: [SCENE: Joe Latta stands in a wrestling ring, an IIWF logo behind him on a brick wall. He has this to say:] "I'll make this short and sweet. Kinder, look at me as a stepping stone if you will. But Kinder, that would be your worst mistake. I'll have everyone talking about this rookie right here (points to his chest) after I defeat you in the ring. And Lau... well, I don't have much to say to you at all. Kinder, your day of reckoning has come. I wouldn't leave your fate to me." [Fade] ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ High Plains Drifters vs. High Velocity _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ There's so much bad blood between these two teams, it's a wonder they haven't all died from kidney failure. Even before their first match, the tag team battle royal at Coronation Clash, in which they were responsible for each others' elimination, they've been badmouthing each other. Since then, High Velocity cost the High Plains Drifters a win against Rising Sun Revolution, and followed up the attack with a challenge to a cage match. The Drifters accepted, but the cage match was marred by the interference of a well-meaning but misguided Altair, who locked the cage shut. Thanks to the assistance of Rising Sun Revolution (of all people), the Drifters were victorious, and the Senator was very upset with Altair, ordering High Velocity to viciously attack their stablemate and challenge him to a Loser Leaves IIWF Handicap match. Altair enlisted the help of "Outlaw" Josey Wales and the Drifters, but it wasn't enough to save him from High Velocity - although the Drifters made High Velocity pay after the bell. Even the Senator and Josey Wales went at it in this one, and thus a special manager match was signed. The Senator sent the Drifters a message when he used a fireball on Wales, costing him the match but causing a great deal of pain to Wales. It seems that wherever one of these teams is, the other one isn't far behind. And I hear that the Senator's boys have a little surprise planned for the Drifters tomorrow night. Although the Senator might well have the psychological advantage in this feud, I believe he's been underestimating the Drifters - they're not just the dumb cowboys that they appear to be. Inside the ring, they're dynamoes, and although they've not yet been given much of an opportunity to showcase their skills, they can mix it up in any fashion you care to mention, and, like any good tag team, they possess complementary skills. I'm going with the Drifters in this one, folks, to finally settle this feud once and for all. It's not going to be pretty. We sent Larry Morton out to Josey Wales' ranch to catch up with the "Outlaw" and his boys as they make their final preparations for tomorrow night: [SCENE: Larry Morton riding a horse, not very well, trying to keep up with Josey Wales, as Wales rides around his ranch] LM: Thank you for inviting me out here Mr. Wales. This is my first time on a horse... I'm a little frightened. JW: Yeah, I can tell. I want it that way. Always keep the upper hand, Larry, always. That's how I live my life. That's what I try to get across to Pale and Easy. By putting you on that horse, I am in control of this interview, not you. [Wales whips out his lasso and snares a calf that had darted infront of Larry's horse. With a flick of the wrist he releases the lasso and the calf walks away] LM: Whoa!...thanks. Quite impressive. So how about the match at Ring Wars against High Velocity? [Pale and Easy race past them on their horses shooting their six-shooters into the air] JW: My boys are a little high strung. I like to keep them that way. Time after time Pale and Easy have proven that they are better than High Velocity. As for the Senator, I think it was pretty obvious that I was in control of that match too. He talks a lot about that fireball. Well Mr. Senator, what would you think if I brought my guns into the ring? [Whips out his six-shooter and knocks off a beer bottle at 30 yards, from horseback, and then replaces the gun back in the holster, lightning quick.] LM: I don't think the Senator would want to mess with that! JW: Cheap tricks like that fireball are a coward's way out. I've killed men for less than what he did. But as long as I'm in the IIWF, I'm gonna leave my guns at the ranch. LM: So Pale and Easy are ready? JW: Without question. They look to me as a father figure, and when they saw me take that hit, it sparked something in them. They want to avenge me. I encourage that sort of rage to fester inside them. LM: So what about this so called Posse that you're leading? JW: Oh Larry, I can't give away my hand just yet, now can I? [To Larry's horse] "Ya!" [Larry's horse rears up and throws him off. Wales rides away as Pale and Easy begin to circle and taunt Larry, still firing their guns into the air] If Larry makes it off the ranch alive, he'll be with us at the Coliseum tomorrow night. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ LOSER LEAVES IIWF MATCH: Moondust vs. "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ All the world's a stage, and the IIWF doubly so. When the spotlight shines, there's only room in it for one - and both Moondust and Billy Shakespeare feel that the spotlight belongs to them. Tomorrow night, they'll both enter the spotlight, and battle for the right to stay there. The man who gets beaten in this match must leave the IIWF, and thus the spotlight, for good. Moondust announced himself as a Shakespeare fan when made his debut as the mystery participant in the world title tournament at Coronation Clash back in May, and ever since then, he's done everything he can to gain Billy's attention. Young Shakespeare has been on the wrong end of many of Moondust's amorous advances, although the bizarre one hasn't yet had any visible effect on Billy's focus. The real test will come tomorrow night as Shakespeare actually steps into the ring for the first - and last - time with the androgynous Moondust. And this will be no easy introduction, since there is literally everything at stake! We all know about the background in this one - but what about the wrestlers themselves? Moondust is a wily, cagey competitor. He employs stalling tactics to great effect, forcing his opponents into attacking out of frustration, making them more likely to make a mistake, and he is the king of the mind game. His amorous advances seem to put other wrestlers off their balance, and one lick from Moondust can certainly upset your rhythm! However, if somebody can remain unaffected by Moondust's machinations, then he's eminently beatable. He undoubtedly possesses some great moves in his arsenal, but he doesn't take punishment as well as he dishes it out. If he ends up on the receiving end of a Curtain Call from Billy, his IIWF career will come to an abrupt end. Billy, on the other hand, is a dynamic, exciting and committed wrestler whose offensive arsenal is matched by a quick mind, and a strong sense of ring savvy. His high-impact, high-flying attacks can very quickly turn the tide of the match, and the only factor I can see counting against him is if he becomes frustrated with Moondust's stalling tactics. I suspect we'll see it all in this match - with so much at stake, this is arguably more important than a title match. You can bet both Billy and Moondust will rise to the occasion - and I'm not going to make any predictions, folks. This one promises to be unbelievable. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ IIWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Steamroller vs. Rising Sun Revolution _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ The Demon and the Dragon are the only team to hold a clean victory over Steamroller, and now they've got the chance to repeat their win, and this time take home the IIWF Tag Team Championship for their troubles! Steamroller undoubtedly possess a great deal of raw wrestling ability, but it seems that they need to rely on the wiles of their manager Dave Albanese to actually pull out the victories. Since Albanese was unable to aid his men when they battled RSR on Mayhem last week, Brassow and Taylor have to be wondering whether they can hold off the challenge of the Demon and the Dragon. Ryudu and Hiroshi are a phenomenal team, that's for sure. They've attracted quite a following in the few short weeks since Coronation Clash, when they made their first appearance, and nobody can deny that they are the number one contenders for the titles. With their power, speed and high-flying style, Taylor and Brassow could find themselves rocked at the hands of the Revolution! In this match, the interference of Dave Albanese will probably be decisive. Should he exercise use of a foreign object with the usual efficiency and discretion, behind the referee's back, I can't see the Demon and the Dragon escaping the Steamrollerplex, but if RSR can keep their wits about them and stop Albanese from interfering, I think we'll see new IIWF Tag Team Champions crowned! ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ RUSSIAN CHAIN MATCH: Flare & Blackjack Haley vs. The Crippler & Venusian Death Cell _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ This has the potential to be one of the bloodiest matches we've yet seen in the IIWF. In a Russian Chain Match, opponents are chained together at the wrist - Flare will be chained to the Crippler, and Haley to the Cell - and the only way to win is to touch all four turnbuckles in succession without any interference. If an opponent breaks the sequence, then you're back to square one. Consider this: all four men will be in the ring at any one time. That's two lengths of chain, and four mean men. I don't even want to think about what we're going to see in this one, folks. Flare and the Crippler have been at each others' throats since Flare defeated the masked one a couple of weeks ago, gaining the leader of the Horsemen his first victory, and the Crippler his first loss. Things have escalated since then, and the Crippler is keen to teach Flare a lesson in this match. Jack - or should that be _Blackjack_ - Haley has had problems with the Venusian Death Cell since they first met in the opening round of the world title tournament at Coronation Clash. Since then, Haley discovered a really mean streak in his personality - seen when he decimated the Cell while he was locked in his cage - and joined the Horsemen. The Cell rebelled against his captors and joined Josey Wales' fledgling stable, the "Posse". However, although their circumstances have changed, their dislike for one another remains as strong as ever, and you can bet that they can't wait to get their hands on one another. We sent "Soundbite" Steve Roberts to get comments from the VDC, and he filed this report: [SCENE: The Venusian Death Cell is in his apartment. He is lying on his bed eating a raw fish. Steve Roberts knocks on his door. The VDC gets up and opens it. Roberts and the cameramen walk in:) SR: Afternoon, Cell! How are things? VDC: Roberts, you wanna know how things are? I'll tell you! You walk in here like we're best friends. That's not the case and you know it. I heard your commentary the other night. No-one, not even a sap like you, calls me an idiot or a goon and gets away with it. [Roberts looks worried] Roberts, I'm not planning on beating you up, don't worry about that, but I will get my revenge and how sweet it will be. SR: I'm sorry, Cell. But you just don't match up to the Horsemen. They're the best bunch of guys in the business. VDC: That may be true now, Roberts, but after Saturday night, they'll be lucky if they're still a bunch. I can't believe that the other two will want to keep carrying these two like they are at the moment. You think I mind being chained to anyone? Flare wanted this match, no match would have suited me more. I was locked up in a cage for years, chained to my bed, or the cell bars. Haley, I saw you lose to a VDC wannabe the other night. He's not half the man I am, and I'm going to prove that to you in the ring. Haley, you will be rammed into those turnbuckles harder than you could ever imagine. I know you probably don't feel much pain, as your brain doesn't know what it is, but it soon will do, believe me. SR: Well, I can't wait to see you try. Another man who you seem to have gotten into a war of words with is Tiger Claw. What's all that about? VDC: Roberts, I know you heard me challenge the Intercontinental champion for a match after Ring Wars. Well, it appears that Claw thinks I was addressing him. Claw, I'd be very surprised if you don't win the belt on Saturday, but what would shock me would be for you to successfully defend it against me. [The VDC plays the following video footage:] "It's funny that these people are so loud when they talk, but when it comes down to signing a match, they seem lacking. Venusian Death Cell comes to mind. He seems to think that Tiger Claw is afraid of him. Tiger Claw fears no man, VDC. You may have an intimidating front, but you bleed like anyone else bleeds." VDC: Brian Lau, the mouthpiece. You know, Lau, you remind me of this guy I used to know. He referred to himself as the Jailer. I think you know what happened to him. This is no front, Lau, the Jailer made me this way. Yes, I bleed, but it's in Claw's best interests not to bust me open. What he finds may not please him. As for whether Claw fears me or not, only two men know that for sure. One half of them have admitted it, the other one is keeping silent. Jailer thought he knew what I was thinking, he didn't have a clue. Actions do speak louder than words, Lau, so you should have some idea what I'll do to Claw in the ring. SR: Well, Cell - best of luck in your match on Saturday night. You'll need it. [The VDC just looks at him] Right, well, I'll be off. [Roberts leaves the apartment. Fade] I'd like to pick a winner in this one, but I don't honestly believe that, in a match with stipulations like these, there can be a winner. There will just be four beaten up and bloodied guys - it's just a case of who got beat up a little bit more. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ IIWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP CAGE MATCH: "Angel of the Sun" Hakiro Matsuoko vs. Tiger Claw _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ When you're talking about a real athletic contest, you've got to be talking about this match. Both of these individuals are like perpetual motion in the ring, Hakiro with his martial arts expertise, and Claw with his Thai boxing experience. And in this encounter, there will be a clean winner. Both men will be shut inside a steel cage, and the match can only end on a pinfall or submission - there's no place to run, and no place to hide. The enmity between these two began when Hakiro was responsible for Tiger Claw's elimination from the IIWF Intercontinental Championship battle royal on the very first IIWF Saturday Night - a match which Hakiro won to become the first IC champion here in the IIWF. Since then, Hakiro has been dogged by Claw, and many feel that he hasn't really lived up to his billing as champion, so preoccupied has he been with Claw's antics. However, there's no denying that Hakiro is a tremendous athlete, possessing skills that give him the edge in just about any type of match you could name: he has resilience, technical excellence, high-flying abilities, and plenty of heart! Of course, most of these attributes are matched in Tiger Claw, and that's what makes this such an intriguing encounter. However, the caveat in Claw's character is his temper - he very easily flies off the handle and can become sloppy in his fury. Having said that, against lesser opponents, Claw has retained his focus, even with the distraction of Hakiro at ringside doing commentary, but you have to wonder whether, in a match of this magnitude, that temper is going to flare up again and cost him victory. Let's get comments from the IIWF Intercontinental Champion, Hakiro Matsuoko: [SCENE: Hakiro stands in the interview area, radiating intensity. He holds the IC title around his waist, proudly displaying it.] HM: All my questions have been answered. Tiger Claw, I respect you: your ability, your heart. You are indeed a worthy opponent. Our match, Tiger, Claw will be decided by who has the most heart, the most determination, who wants to walk out of that cage the IIWF Intercontinental Champion. There is no doubt that we are equally matched. I could not ask for a more equal adversary and a tougher challenge. This is probably the biggest match that both of us had to date. All my training has been geared toward this moment, as I am confident, was yours too. My faith has been tested. All of the trials that I have been through: my doubts, the physical limits I have been taken to. They all serve a purpose. Life is suffering, enduring. My tests have served to make me a stronger man. I will come out victorious at Ring Wars. Tiger Claw, the hour of reckoning is upon us. There will be no more questions only answers will arise Saturday night. [Fade] And, of course, we couldn't leave this match without getting comments from Brian Lau, and the interminable Kenny Tanaka: [SCENE: A room in the Dojo, where Brian Lau and Kenny Tanaka sit facing each other] KT: Hello, everyone. This is Kenny Tanaka coming to you from the Dojo. I'm sitting here with Brian Lau. Brian, we're one day away from the IIWF Ring Wars. Tiger Claw played a role in Hakiro Matsuoko's last IC match with Moondust. Do you care to tell us how these two connect? BL: Of course, Kenny. It's very simple, really. Matsuoko was in trouble. He might have been beaten by Moondust. Tiger Claw wants his match on Saturday to be for the IC belt. He doesn't want Hakiro to lose it before then, so he stopped the match. In a way, Hakiro should really thank us for allowing him to hold the belt for three extra days. In fact, Casey James and Man of Steel saved your pathetic hide. Tiger Claw would have continued to show you why he's the odds-on favourite to beat you this Saturday if he weren't stopped by those two do gooders. Maybe after Ring Wars, we'll figure out a way to erase those two. But for now, we're focusing on this Saturday. KT: Where is Tiger Claw now? BL: The same place he's been for the past month: Training. He's bordering on obsessive. He wants this victory. I've never seen him so focused on anything before. Even when he was doing the circuit in Thailand, he didn't have the same determination. He was champion over there, and couldn't be beat. The only reason he isn't still champion is because... Well, let's just say because of "unfortunate" circumstances. I'm almost afraid to see what Tiger Claw is going to do to Hakiro... I know one thing he will do for sure, though, and that's defeat Matsuoko for that belt. KT: I don't doubt it for a second. Well, folks, that's all the time we have for today. We'll see you at Ring Wars. For Brian Lau, this is Kenny Tanaka saying so long, everybody! [Fade] Whatever happens, folks, this one is going to be pure action from beginning to end. I predict that Hakiro is going to retain his title in a tough battle. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ DEATHMATCH: Deathbringer vs. Dan "Flash" Kauffman _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ Six weeks of uncertainty will be resolved tomorrow night, when we will find out just who the better man really is. Can Dan Kauffman overturn Deathbringer for a second time? Can Deathbringer put away a man whom he has come to respect in the past weeks? These two are more alike than they realise, but in this match, each man will have to battle for his life. Such stipulations have never been seen in an IIWF match before, and this encounter could be the most extraordinary match you will see for some time. Before we talk about the match in detail, let's hear from Dan Kauffman as he prepares with Brandon Bennett: [SCENE: On a blacktop basketball court outside of Baltimore, Maryland, Dan Kauffman and Brandon Bennett sit on a bench waiting for their team's match to be announced. Dan decides to take the time to talk to a nearby IIWF camera.] It seems as if everybody is losing their focus as of late... First, Billy Shakespeare allows himself to get caught up with dike-boy Moonie, and loses his concentration. Now you, Flare, lose your focus by looking at an outside brawl. Flare, it only takes three seconds to lose a match... and while a lot of people will say that it was Crippler and VDC that gave me the win, I know that it was your lapse of focus that was your enemy. I told you to come focused... you had Crippler and VDC on tap in just four days, yet you were so preoccupied with them that you forgot all about your opponent. My win was not caused by the Crippler and the VDC... merely by your lack of focus. [To Brandon] At least I know Deathbringer won't make the same mistake. [The whistle blows, and Dan and Brandon go out on the court for their game. After a couple of minutes, Brandon has the ball on the strong side of the court, and Dan stands on the weak side. Then Dan quickly blasts towards the basket through an open lane, and Brandon lobs a perfect alley-oop to him. Dan softly lays the ball in the hoop and jogs back down the court before the ref blows the whistle for a timeout. Brandon comes over to Dan...] BRANDON: Nice play... I didn't even see that opening! DAN: Yeah, that was all just a matter of instinct... Hey wait a minute... That may be it. BRANDON: What? DAN: The Deathbringer said in his last interview that he knew of my physical and mental attributes, and told me that they would not win me the Deathmatch. Now I know I'm not suppoused to let him alter my game plan, but he's been right so far, so maybe it's instinct that will lead to sucess. BRANDON: Maybe it will be. But to tell you the truth, Dan... I don't think you OR the Deathbringer will know what will win the match until the moment that the match is won. Let the match happen... don't think TOO much... it can kill you... but then that's instinct, isn't it? DAN: Too many possibilities... Deathbringer, let's forget about the maybes and perhaps... what I _know_ is that we will enter a match that is basically a 2-of-3 falls match with other stipulations. I also know that we will both leave the arena... whether by foot, crutches or a strecther... better men. We're just one long day away from our showdown... and until then, may your soul prepare as well as mine. For in one day, both you _and_ I will go to hell and back. The journey started at Coronation Clash. And you're right, this will be the last time we face each other as opponents. Whatever happens, I want to see two things. I want to see NO interference whatsoever, which I pray that none happens against me OR you. And, again, no matter what happens, I want to be abole to look in your eyes, and for you to look in mine, and for us to understand each other beyond anyone else. The games are almost here... but in reality, they've already begun. It is time to see just whose destiny is in victory. [Fade] Let's remind ourselves how all this started: Dan Kauffman went up against Deathbringer in the second round of the Coronation Clash tournament, and pinned the big man while his feet were on the ropes. Neither man was happy with the inconclusive nature of the ending, and so Kauffman agreed to 'Bringer's challenge to a Texas Death Cage match the following week. Kauffman was put in the Burial by Deathbringer and would surely have been defeated, but for the intervention of one Joe Latta, one of Kauffman's friends, who scaled the cage and came to Dan's rescue. Deathbringer proclaimed war on both Latta and Kauffman, and when Latta made his first foray into the ring as a wrestler, he stated that he wanted Deathbringer. And he got him. Deathbringer and Latta battled last week on Midweek Mayhem, and Latta was able to hold his own until 'Bringer got him in position for the Burial - but didn't execute the move. Instead he just chokeslammed him for the pinfall victory. In an interview after the match, he expressed mercy for Latta, but that didn't sit well with Joe, who attacked Deathbringer - a grave mistake. If it hadn't been for Kauffman coming down to save the day, Latta would have had his career ended right there. Deathbringer went on to face the Prince of Darkness last Saturday, and apparently angered by his circumstances, really started to take it out on the PoD. Again it was Kauffman who came down to ringside to make the save, having been watching his future opponent from the top of the aisle, and the two of them faced off. I have never seen anybody look into the eyes of Deathbringer with such little trepidation since the days of Cadaver... but anyway, the focus in the eyes of both men was phenomenal... and what a match we're in for tomorrow night! The rules of the Deathmatch are as follows: scheduled for three falls, there are no disqualifications, no countouts, no time limits, and falls can count anywhere! Several referees will be onhand to keep things as under control as possible. After each fall, the match is stopped for one minute, in which time both wrestlers must reenter the ring. If there are any interferences in the match, the bout is paused immediately - the interjecter is locked inside a cage for the duration of the match, and the man who was attacked is allowed to execute a free manoeuvre on his opponent. If his opponent refuses, that counts as two falls against him. What crazy stipulations. Of course, these were put together by Deathbringer, and Kauffman, ever the one with something to prove both to himself and to his fans, accepted without so much as a waver in his voice. He's either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid - and I guess we're going to find out tomorrow night. This is the kind of match that can end your career for you - let's hope it doesn't come to that for either of these two. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ IIWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Outlaw vs. Subway Psycho _.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-._ What more is there to say about this match than what has already been said? The problems between the Outlaw and the Subway Psycho are older than the IIWF itself - the two of them used to co-exist in a relationship of mutual respect, keeping their distance, but now the IIWF World Championship has pulled their destinies together. The Outlaw, the figurehead of the Horsemen, and the only one of the elite four to yet capture any gold, is a rugged survivor. He's a big, powerful man, a loner, who doesn't need any assistance in attaining the heights of victory. Let's get comments from the champion now: [Fade in on a desert at dusk. Dark clouds are on the horizon and bolts of lightning occasionally dance from the clouds. The wind is howling, but a lone figure rides in on a horse and dismounts in front of the camera. It is the IIWF World Champion, the Outlaw. He speaks:] "Some would say it's foolish to get caught out in a storm, but I've always found a way to stay one step ahead of the lightning and thunder. It seems a bit of that same logic can be used in the IIWF these days. Wherever I ride these days -- on the range or in the IIWF Coliseum -- there seem to be dark clouds following. My friends in the local tribe would say there is a dark spirit chasing me. But I reckon the dark spirits around me in the IIWF are very human. "Casey James, you're upset over Blackjack Haley's interference in our match on Saturday and so am I. That's not how I wanted to settle our match. My concerns about Haley were not answered to my satisfaction last weekend and I think Flare has asked for trouble with that rookie. I don't care if I'm around to see him destroy the Horsemen from the inside. Like I said before, I've ridden alone for many years and I have my own agenda. The Horsemen are not a part of it. "But all of that will take care of itself in due time. [A flash of lightning hits precariously close behind the Outlaw] "My thoughts right now are on a little man who is about to walk into a storm of his own -- a storm from which he will not escape. Subway Psycho, you say you're a runaway train. Well everyone knows a train doesn't run if there's no track. I'm going to derail you at Ring Wars tomorrow, Psycho. When you look around and see nothing but lightning hitting you from every side and thunderclaps explode inside your head and shake your entire body, you too will realize that you have been followed by a dark spirit. [The Outlaw mounts his horse and looks directly at the camera] "I am your dark spirit, Psycho! [As he rides away, the wind picks up and begin to buffer the camera. A final bolt of lightning strikes nearby as the shot fades to black.] The Subway Psycho, the mysterious but beloved underground dweller, and undoubtedly the Outlaw's toughest test to date; a smaller man, but agile, fast and aerially the superior athlete. With the support of the fans behind him, the Psycho could go all the way in the Coliseum tomorrow night. Let's get his comments: [The camera flashes images of subway tunnels, tracks, alley-ways, sewers, catacombs. The voice of the Subway Psycho can be heard coming from everywhere, yet it's coming from nowhere:] "Listen to this, Outlaw. Listen well and keep what I am about to say with you. Your reign is over. My momentum is unstoppable, my power is undenyable, my victory is assured. Did you see what I did to Deathbringer and Haley? They were examples your fate. I am going to take extra pleasure in DE-RAILING YOU!" [Fade] What kind of a match are we going to see? Well, first of all, don't expect the Outlaw to wrestle a clean match. He knows what he's got to do: keep that title. And he'll do anything to keep it. However, the Psycho is similarly set on capturing the gold, and I have a feeling that he's going to be able to fight fire with fire. If the Horsemen come down to ringside - and six weeks ago this wouldn't have been an issue, since in those days, wherever the Outlaw went, the Horsemen weren't far behind, but relations seem a little strained recently - then the Psycho is essentially in a four on one situation, and even with an athlete as phenomenal as the Psycho, I wouldn't be able to bet on him in the face of such odds. On the other hand, if the two men are allowed to wrestle the match that the fans want to see - one on one, a test to see who the better man is - then it's a lot harder to call. I've seen both the Outlaw and the Psycho progress throughout their careers, both here in the IIWF and elsewhere, and I have to tell you that there's not a lot between them. When it comes down to it, it could be the man with Lady Luck riding on his shoulder that leaves the Coliseum with the most prized gold belt of them all. I, for one, can't wait. ~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~~-.__.-~ All of these matches are coming at you live tomorrow night from the IIWF Coliseum! Don't you dare miss one moment of the action! There's still time to order this exciting Pay-Per-View spectacular, so call your cable operator this very second! +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I * I * W * F =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | Send mail to univ0322@sable.ox.ac.uk with the subject lines: | | "send faq" for the FAQ + "send singles" or "send tag" for the | | rosters + "send handlers" for a list of handlers | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | IIWF Home: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~univ0322/iiwf/ | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Submit material for the Report to univ0322@sable.ox.ac.uk | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+