##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION =============================================== W + E + D + N + E + S + D + A + Y W + A + R R + O + O + M ----------------------------------------------- + 18 December 1996 + [The opening graphics fade through to a small, darkened studio setup. A curved desk, at which two figures are seated, is situated in front of a large window, which reveals the studio to be positioned high on the perimeter of the Tokyo Egg Dome. In the now-emptying arena, the ring and lighting rigging are still visible as technical crews work on dismantling them. Between the two figures is a large television screen, onto which the IIWF logo fades as the studio lights rise, revealing Tim Dross and Becky LaRue.] TD: Good evening, fans, and welcome to IIWF Wednesday War Room! We're coming to you live from the land of the rising sun, here in the huge Egg Dome, in Tokyo, Japan. I'm Tim Dross, and beside me as always is the lovely Becky LaRue. We're only three days away from Snow Brawl, Becky, and the seventy-thousand plus fans who crowded into the Egg Dome tonight were treated to some tremendous action as the IIWF superstars prepare for the challenges that the weekend will bring. BL: It's going to be mighty cold in Alaska, Timmy. I hope you have your thermal toupee ready. TD: It may be cold in Alaska, but there's been no lack of hot action here tonight. Over the course of the next hour, we'll be bringing you all the details on the events of this evening's event, as well as hearing from some of the IIWF superstars, and looking ahead to Snow Brawl. We will be bringing you an incredible face to face interview between IIWF World Heavyweight Champion Dan "Flash" Kauffman and the challenger who hopes to take his title this Saturday in Anchorage, the fearsome Deathbringer. BL: Watch little Danny cower in fear at the sight of his monstrous opponent, Timmy. TD: I don't think we'll be seeing that, Becky, but I do think the comments of these two athletes are going to surprise quite a few people. That's coming up later on tonight. Some way beneath us in the arena is our broadcast colleague, "Soundbite" Steve Roberts, who will bring us news of all the developments seen here tonight. [The IIWF logo fades from the television screen as Tim and Becky turn to face it. Steve Roberts appears on the screen, standing in front of the ring while the technicians work on it.] TD: Good to see you, Steve. SR: Shut it, Dross. I'm getting sick and tired of having to stand down here with this microphone while you and Becky get to sit in a comfortable studio every week. BL: Sorry, Stevie-baby, but you just don't have what it takes to get what you want around here. SR: Oh yeah, and what would that be? TD: I think it might be more correct to say, "What would _those_ be?", Steve... yowch! Becky! That's my foot! BL: Watch what you're saying, Timmy. I just have the... shall we say, assets which make my... talents unique, Steve. SR: I'm not going to take this lying down. I'm going to see Dictator Danny about this discrimination. BL: Oh, the President most certainly _does_ take it lying down, Steve. TD: Becky, please. Thanks, Steve, we'll come back to you later. Moving swiftly on... [Tim and Becky turn back to the cameras as the television screen shows Steve Roberts wandering out of shot before the IIWF logo fades back into view.] TD: Pain Inc., the deadly partnership of Morningstar and Hellraiser, along with manager Mr. Mic and bodyguard Hades, have returned to the IIWF in time for Snow Brawl. Hades in fact made an unannounced appearance in the Egg Dome tonight, and had comments for the surprised crowd: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier Tonight." The lights suddenly go out and a single spotlight shines in the aisle at the entrance to the locker room area. There stands Mr. Mic's assistant Hades. He is wearing an immaculate red suit and a jet black shirt, and has a smirk on his face as he approaches the ring. As he approaches the ring, fans are scrambling to get a glimpse and even reach out to the giant. He completely ignores the fans and steps into the ring and grabs a ring mic.] HADES: Hello IIWF! My name is Hades! [Huge heel pop] I am the executive assistant of the greatest manager in the world today, Mr. Mic. He has sent me here to tell all the Pain Inc. fans around the world that the Indonesian Assassins themselves will be returning to the ring for Snow Brawl. [Crowd goes crazy] Let's just cut through the small talk and get right down to business. First, on behalf of Mr.Mic and myself, we would like to thank President Spreadbury for including our friends the Armed Forces in the IIWF World Tag Team Championship Match at Snow Brawl. We feel it's the least the IIWF can do after ripping them off in the first place. Drifters, RSR, the Forces should make quick work of you four. Now, onto this tag team battle royal. Pain Inc., Mr. Mic and myself are looking forward to this. What better way to get a hold of a few certain "annoyances" Pain Inc. has had -- namely the Zodiac Connection and the Arabian Knights? Zodiacs! I would highly recommend jumping over the top rope and leaving as soon as the match starts so as to save yourselves from being crushed! [He pauses, starts to laugh and holds up a finger] You know something? This match will also start some new rivalries for Pain Inc. Namely G.W.R! You guys cost the Forces their tag-team shot... now it's time to pay the piper! You Army-brats couldn't defend a soccer net, and at Snow Brawl you won't be able to defend against Pain Inc.! Finally, to the RSR and the Drifters, just because you won't be wrestling us at the Brawl doesn't mean we won't see each other. [Hades grows an almost satanic like smile on his face and walks back to the locker room. Cut back to the studio.] TD: Well, that wasn't particularly cryptic, was it? The tag teams in the IIWF had better be on full alert this Saturday night in Alaska, not only because of the return of Pain Inc., but also the return of the Hangmen: [Cut to the familar logo of the Hangmen: the Red Noose against a black background. The camera zooms into the centre of the Noose, and we see the scaffold and a Hangman standing to one side.] TH: IIWF, the time is here. The Lethal Lottery is upon us. I have chosen this PPV as my starting point in the short climb to the top. The best that the world has to offer is going to be in this match. What better place to create the havoc and chaos that I am famous for? I see some new faces and some old ones. Well, let me tell you all that the force behind The Hangman has yet to be fully tapped. The Hangman is here to bring more terror and pain then the IIWF has ever encountered. I am sure you remember the video I showed you last week. Do you think that yanking a Fist of an arm is all I am capable of? If you do, I think you need to review some tapes of my World Tour. I put more men out of wrestling than any other has in recent memory. I plan to continue my ways and when you see what I am capable of doing.... well, let's just say you may want to think twice about even coming to the arena. IIWF, I will leave you with just a taste of the type of carnage that even the strong at heart will turn their heads from. [As the Hangman finishes talking, video footage rolls. The Hangman is in the ring with a large Mongolian wrestler. The Hangman slipps his Hangman's Noose around the wrestler's neck. The Hangman throws the wrestler over the top rope and leaves him to hang. As the eyes begin to bulge and crimson starts to seep out of the corner of the wrestler's mouth, the camera goes black. Cut back to the studio.] TD: The Hangman looks meaner than ever, people, and he'll be teaming up with Chris Quigley this Saturday night at Snow Brawl. Who knows what's going to happen in the Lethal Lottery? For now, let's get straight to the recap, folks, and run down all the action we've seen here tonight: [The television screen shows images of the combatants and their statistics:] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Players' Club: Barnacle Brothers: DYNAMITE & REYNA vs. BARNACLE #1 BARNACLE #2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5'11" 6' HEIGHT 6'2" 6'4" 235lbs 235lbs WEIGHT 275lbs 320lbs Endurance Intelligence ATTRIBUTES Squinting Smoking Aerial Technical Falling Chuckling Teamwork Teamwork Teamwork Teamwork ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: The resurgent Players' Club may have raised doubts as to the adherence of Dan Kauffman to their cause, but they looked superb in action in the Egg Dome tonight. Dynamite and Reyna completely outmatched the Barnacles in terms of speed and agility, and showed that they're certainly ready for this Saturday night's tag team Battle Royal. Dynamite stunned the crowd with a series of planchas, tope dives, and a fantastic shooting star press, and Reyna was equally impressive on the mat as Dynamite was in the air. The end came when Reyna, whose arsenal includes a phenomenal array of suplexes, caught Barnacle #1 in a tilt-a-whirl suplex, and Dynamite compounded the impact by flying from the top with a legdrop. They call that move the Heartbreaker, and there's no way anybody's getting up from it. BL: Sure, the Players' Club were good tonight, but they're both a couple of runtweights. They'll be at a serious disadvantage in the Battle Royal at Snow Brawl because they'll be in there with guys like Omar of the Arabian Knights, or the Dark Disciples, or Pain Inc. The Battle Royal will be a battle of the big men. TD: We'll see about that, Becky. I think the smaller competitors could well have the advantage in that match; as long as they can stay out of the way of the big men in the early going, the old adage applies -- the bigger they are, the harder they fall. In any case, the Players' Club's night didn't end with their victory. As they celebrated in the ring, they were attacked by Omar of the Arabian Knights, who stormed the ring and jumped the two light heavyweights from behind. Had it not been for the quick response of the security staff and the Jobber Justice Squad, who knows what kind of damage might have been done. As Omar was dragged away, he drew his thumb across his throat. Clearly the Arabian Knights have plans for the Players' Club in the Battle Royal on Saturday. [WINNERS: The Players' Club by pinfall in 5:23.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Armed Forces: The Rotundos: NAVCOM & DEFCON vs. ROTUNDO #1 & ROTUNDO #2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'4" 6'8" HEIGHT 6'4" 6'3" 281lbs 362lbs WEIGHT 530lbs 550lbs Aerial Strength ATTRIBUTES Obesity Obesity Technical Brawling Brawling Brawling Endurance Aerial Teamwork Teamwork ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: The Armed Forces can't wait to get into the ring to wrestle for the titles they controversially lost at Ring Wars II in October. Larry Morton went backstage before their match tonight to get comments from them and their manager, Aaron the Caddy: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier Tonight." NavCom and DefCon, the Armed Forces, are in the locker room with their manager, Aaron the Caddy, going over some pre-match strategy. They are joined by Larry Morton.] LM: Here I am with the Armed Forces who will soon be taking to the ring for a key match here, and certainly gentlemen, you'll be looking to gain some momentum to take into Snow Brawl... NC: Thanks, Larry. Yes, you hit it on the head, we certainly will be looking to polish off the Rotundos quickly and painlessly, so we can focus on the job at hand, and that's Snow Brawl... DC: I've got a little something to send out to the High Plains Drifters and the Rising Sun Revolution. Boys, the last time we were set to defend _our_ titles in a three-way dance, we did our jobs. We beat the teams we were supposed to -- and Pale, Easy, you two were part of that flogging. It took a _fourth_ team to jump us from behind to put us down and take our titles from us. LM: Snow Brawl just a few days away, gentlemen, how do you prepare for a match where perhaps your best weapon -- Aaron the Caddy -- will not be a part of your arsenal? [Aaron the Caddy grins reassuringly and jots a note down on his clipboard.] NC: We've been working hard back at the Civic in Omaha for four days now, training, studying, learning. Aaron will have us ready come Saturday night, that is rest assured. DC: Another thing, it's not like we don't know HOW to be these punks. I mean, come on, we've beaten the Drifters time and time again, over and over, and as for the Revolution, well... prepare to be stamped out. LM: Aaron, you seem a bit...smug this evening, what's going through the sinister skull? ATC: Guys, I've got an idea. You're on your own tonight. DC: What? ATC: I'm not going to ringside. You two are going, all by yourselves. NC: But, Aaron, come on buddy...why? ATC: In three nights you two are going to be in the ring with four other guys. Guys you hate. Guys you despise. Guys you must destroy. And when you're in that ring, you'll look around a time or two, and you'll see thousands of men in their fatigues cheering you on, you'll see a ref, you'll see Ryudu and Hiroshi and Pale and Easy, but you won't see me. You know the game plan, you know the strategy, you can beat those guys on your own, and that's just what you'll do. [The Armed Forces take a moment to think over what their manager and mentor has told them. They nod confidently and pat Aaron on the back.] LM: NavCom, DefCon, the Armed Forces, who will be headed to Snow Brawl to face the Drifters and the Revolution in their bid to become two time IIWF tag team champions. They will be, this time, without the services of their manager, and apparently their "magic feather", Aaron the Caddy. Right now, the former champs are headed to the ring to take on the Rotundos. This is Larry Morton, signing off. [The Armed Forces high five Aaron who returns it with a smile. The duo heads out the door and out of the camera shot. Cut back to the studio.] TD: NavCom and DefCon did indeed wrestle without Aaron the Caddy at ringside tonight in preparation for their participation in the World Tag Team Championship triangle match this Saturday Night, in which managers are banned from ringside. The Forces were nonetheless impressive against the Rotundos, finishing them off with their trademark ICMBM/AK47 combination. However, after the match, their celebrations were interrupted by enemies G.W.R.: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier Tonight." The Armed Forces stand with their arms raised, and kick the Rotundos out of the ring as they celebrate to the cacophony of military noises which is their entrance music. Suddenly, the music is cut, and the camera focuses in on the trio of General Kane, Spoiler and Loco in the stands, holding microphones. The Forces turn and point at their enemies.] GK: Hi guys. [Waves] You know, as representatives of the American military you lot really aren't all that good, are you? SP: I mean, look at them, they turn up on time for matches. Since when has the American army ever turned up on time? GK: Normally they're about two or three years late. Did you just forget to put your watches back? SP: [laughing] Then of course they actually managed to hit the opposition more than thier own side. GK: Tragic lapse of character that. SP: Mind you, I suppose they did get one thing right. They're egotistical loudmouthed bullies. GK: Yeah, they've got that part down pat. SP: Guys, we know the real reason you were lobbying for that title match at Snow Brawl was so you wouldn't have to face us at the battle Royal. Well, you can run but you can't hide. You've got a one way ticket on the expressway to hell. We're still coming for you. Get ready. [With that, G.W.R. head out of the nearest exit as the Forces beckon for them to bring it on.] TD: The Armed Forces had better watch their backs this Saturday night. Without Aaron the Caddy on the outside, they'll have to be even more wary of outside interference than usual. Nonetheless, they looked impressive enough in the ring tonight to seriously worry both the champions, the High Plains Drifters, and fellow challengers, Rising Sun Revolution. [WINNERS: The Armed Forces by pinfall in 4:15.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= RONNIE PARIS vs. EL SUPER GECKO =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6' HEIGHT 6'1" 210lbs WEIGHT 225lbs Technical, Mat, Intelligence ATTRIBUTES Mat, Technical, Aerial ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: Ronnie Paris is a no-nonsense kind of wrestler, and he certainly looked determined in the ring tonight, methodically working over El Super Gecko, who seems to have been fatigued by the rigorous travel schedule he's currently working to. BL: I can't believe the IIWF is using El Super Gecko to promote the league on television chat shows and commercials. TD: It seems the Gecko's slogan has really struck a chord in the hearts of a worldwide audience, Becky. However, his performance tonight struck a discord, and Paris was able to put him away with his Texas Twister, a stun gun on the top rope. He then simply rolled back into the ring and covered the lizard for the pinfall. We'll see more of Paris when he teams with the arrogant "Superstar" Stud Stetson this Saturday night in the Lethal Lottery. [WINNER: Ronnie Paris by pinfall in 7:38.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= VENUSIAN DEATH CELL vs. MAJESTIC MAURICE McARTHUR =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'5" HEIGHT 6'1" 332lbs WEIGHT 250lbs Strength, Cheating, Brawling ATTRIBUTES Mat, Brawling, Cheating ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: As I reported yesterday, rumours suggest that the Posse may be reforming in the near future. The fact that the Venusian Death Cell was accompanied to the ring by the IIWF World Tag Team Champions, the High Plains Drifters, his former allies, can only add fuel to the fire, although neither the Cell nor the Drifters admit to forming a strict alliance. Nonetheless, that didn't stop the Drifters distracting Triple M in this match, allowing the Cell to hit his trademark chokeslam in quick time for the pinfall victory. [WINNER: Venusian Death Cell by pinfall in 2:15.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Alphabet Boys: Domination: ABIE & ZED vs. MR. PSYCHO & MONSTER =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'7" 6'4" HEIGHT 6'2" 6'10" 300lbs 289lbs WEIGHT 262lbs 358lbs Strength Cheating ATTRIBUTES Endurance Strength Brawling Brawling Brawling Endurance Cheating Strength Teamwork Brawling ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: Chaos reigned in this one, as we have come to expect when the Alphabet Boys take to the ring. It appears that Abie and Zed are jealous of Domination's friendship with their new heroes, Rising Sun Revolution, and as such they put in a more focused and determined performance than we've seen from them for quite a while. BL: You call flailing wildly at the opposition, paying no attention whatsoever to the official, and not working together as a team a "focused and determined performance"? TD: Well, to be fair, Becky, Domination seemed surprised at the ferocity of the ABoys attacks, and it took them a little while to get into the swing of things. Ryudu and Hiroshi had come down to the ring with Domination to salute their home-town crowd, who gave them a quite incredible welcome, and their presence attracted the IIWF World Tag Team Champions, the High Plains Drifters, down to the ring. The Zodiac Connection came down to even things up, and the Armed Forces followed them out. In the end, the volatile situation outside the ring exploded inside it, and we had a foreshadowing of the kind of carnage we can expect to see in the tag team battle royal this Saturday night on the Free For All. BL: It sure was a free for all out there tonight. Just when the tag ranks seemed to be calming down a little, ol' Dictator Danny goes and signs a match which encourages gang mentality. TD: Well, there's no answer to that, Becky, but the referee ruled this one a no contest. [Match ruled a no contest due to outside interference at 13:52.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ONSLAUGHT vs. "SUPERSTAR" STUD STETSON =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'1" HEIGHT 6'7" 229lbs WEIGHT 285lbs Aerial, Technical, Endurance ATTRIBUTES Intelligence, Cheating, Brawling ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: It's clear that Onslaught is preoccupied with the dealings of Mr. Kobiashi with the Syndicate, and Stetson continues to have his problems with Marty Warnett, so neither man's mind was entirely on this match, which was watched from the aisle by Ronnie Paris. Paris was clearly scouting out his partner in the Lethal Lottery for Saturday, and wisely so, given that Stetson is one of the least trustworthy wrestlers in the IIWF today, not to mention one of the cruellest. Just take a look at this: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier This Week." A local hospital in Rome, Italy which is rather busy. The camera pans through the halls until stopping at "Superstar" Stud Stetson and Lace who are standing by the door of one of the hospital bedrooms. Stetson is wearing his usual street clothes of a leather jacket, ripped blue jeans and a T-Shirt which says "Watch Your Back, Here Comes a Superstar Attack." Lace is wearing a gorgeous blue mini skirt outfit which as usual is rather tight fitting.] SS: Marty, Marty, Marty. You hopeless little burn-out. Didn't I teach you not to try and mess with me? The more you fight your end, the more severe it will be. I thought that little "car incident" would teach you not to screw with me but it seems all those poundings I have given you has blurred your common sense. Marty, you go out and destroy my other car in hopes of gaining a psychological advantage. [shakes his head in disbelief] Warnett, I am the master of mind games. Destiny has made me an inevitable legacy which you can not stop. [glares at the camera] Noone can stop it. Now our showdown slowly approaches to this Sauturday. While others will strive to work as a team to win the Lethal Lottery, I already know that I am destined to win. So my objective is to kick your scrawny ass all over the arena to teach you not to mess with the top dog. I am the best there ever will be and I am not going to be embarrassed by some hopeless hero of the fans. Now let me give out some fair warning to the other participants in our match. American Patriot, since you are opposing me you already have no chance of advancing so just stay at home so you can fight another day. And little Ronnie Paris you have me on your team so you are guaranteed to save your ass whupping until the battle royal, so just wait in locker room and enjoy the slaughter. You see, this is between me and Warnett, and you punks will regret it if you show up at ringside this Saturday. Just giving you fair warning, kids. [looks at Lace] LA: I think it is time to to pay a little visit to an old friend. [She opens up the door beside them and enters. The camera changes to an inside view which shows Stetson and Lace standing by a bed-ridden patient who seems in serious shape.] SS: Remember this kid, Warnett? [points to the young adult male in the bed] This was the same individual that experienced a Fall From Grace the night I bumped you with the car. Look how fragile he looks, Marty. He had such a future but now it is all over due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Much like you, Marty, I come on the wrestling scene and there you are poking your ugly mug all over the league. Which forces me to have to eliminate you just like this unfortunate fellow. This kid was one of your greatest fans. He had a future in basketball but now with broken ribs and a punctured lung, there isn't much left for him. Which once again will be like yourself. Saturday night, as you are rolled out on the stretcher for one last time you will realize how such a hopeful career was put to an end. You will then be able to spend the rest of your time with this great fan of yours as you both contemplate what life would been like if you didn't mess with Stud Stetson. [He looks down on the injured fan.] Rest well, son, Stetson won't harm you... tonight. [Looks back at the camera] Now let the rest of the IIWF be warned that this terror will come upon you all, as I eliminate you all one by one before I reach my destined greatness. First will be Onslaught, whom I face this Wednesday, and will most probably be unable to make it to Lethal Lottery due to the damage I plan on inflicting. Remember, Onslaught, we have some unfinished business between us as our last match was interrupted by a wrestler who has now fled the IIWF in fear of my rage. [Lace comes up to Stetson] LA: Let's go honey, we still have to prepare for out big surprise this Saturday. SS: Of course, because this Saturday I will once and for all prove to everyone when it comes to Superstars, I put everyone to shame. [Stetson spits at the patient as they leave the room. Cut back to the studio.] TD: What a disgusting individual. Just after the start of his match with Onslaught, Stetson's valet, Lace, took delivery of a package from an intern who brought it down to ringside. She opened it, and to her great dismay found it contained a car license plate reading "STUD 1". BL: I can't believe Warnett trashed _another_ of Stetson's cars. Surely he's got to be wanted in countries all over the world for wanton vandalism by now! TD: Stetson clearly wasn't happy to learn of the fate of another of his cars, but he continued to work on Onslaught, and his tactics were by and large successful, keeping him down on the mat and working on his back area to prevent the high-flyer from taking to the air. However, Onslaught launched a late rally, and could have taken the victory had it not been for the arrival in the aisle of Casey James, pushing an empty wheelchair, and mouthing, "You're next" at the luchador. Onslaught was enraged, and took off up the aisle after Casey James, thus getting counted out. It's clear where Onslaught's weakness lies, Becky. BL: Mr. Kobiashi knows just how to push Onslaught's buttons, and Casey James is only too happy to help out. TD: Stud Stetson took the countout victory, but quickly headed back up the aisle with the license plate in his hand. He had a few words to say to Ronnie Paris, but continued back to the locker room without incident. [WINNER: "Superstar" Stud Stetson by countout at 6:14.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE SANDMAN vs. HARLEQUIN CHAOS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'7" HEIGHT 6'7" 275lbs WEIGHT 335lbs Strength, Intelligence ATTRIBUTES Strength, Technical, Technical Teamwork ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: This match was clearly a source of great interest for a number of figures in the IIWF. Mad Dog Watkins, one of Harlequin Chaos' opponents this Saturday night in the Lethal Lottery, was seen seated in the front row of the crowd, scouting out the huge teenager, and Creed's manager, the "CEO" Jack Montgomery, also made his presence felt, watching the match from the aisle, talking all the while on his cellular telephone. Exactly why he was there is something of a mystery, but I'm sure all will be revealed in time. The Harlequins were in no mood for distraction tonight, however -- Chaos wanted a piece of the Sandman in the worst way: [Chaos and Melody for the Harlequins are in the locker room before the match.] CHAOS: Ya know Mel, I met the real Sandman once. MELODY: Of course you did. CHAOS: It was about ten years ago. He and my dad were wrestling at the same arena. And he came up to me and said, "You're Puppet Master's son, aren't ya?" And I said, "Yes, sir." Then he told me he was taking his son Steve out for ice cream, and asked me if I would like some. MELODY: Then what happened? CHAOS: Well, I asked my dad, and he said it was okay. And Bruno bought me an ice cream cone. He was a good man. But this new Sandman, he's not. [Chaos closes his eyes and trembles] This pusilanimous fiend has dared to assault my elder sibling. Such an atrocity cannot go unpunished! And he dares to steal the name of the man who provided me with frozen sustenance. I swear, for my brother and for a double dipped ice cream come.... CHAOS SMASH SANDMAN! CHAOS SMASH SANDMAN! CHAOS SMASH SANDMAN!! [Chaos immediately puts on his mask and runs out the door towards the arena.] TD: What a high-powered match it was between these two athletes. Chaos continues to look a little inexperienced when in the ring without the steadying influence of his brother Tragedy, but with the presence of Melody on the outside, he managed to keep his cool for much of the match. However, the Sandman frustrated Chaos by keeping him down on the mat and working on his legs, thus eliminating Chaos' undoubted power advantage. Eventually, Chaos snapped, and went berzerk on the Sandman, scoring what some might consider an upset victory when he applied the Sanitybreaker on the Sandman. BL: What kind of a hold is that anyway?! TD: Well, the Sanitybreaker involves not only putting immense pressure on the temples, one of the most painful pressure points in the body, but also the discomfort of being lifted off the canvas by the head. Chaos shows his phenomenal power in executing this manoeuvre, and the Sandman almost lost consciousness within twenty seconds of being trapped in the hold. [WINNER: Harlequin Chaos by submission in 14:11.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CREED vs. AMERICAN PATRIOT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'4" HEIGHT 6'11" 275lbs WEIGHT 285lbs Toughness, Strength, ATTRIBUTES Intelligence, Technical, Mat Intelligence ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: Ronnie Paris once again came out into the aisle to watch this match, this time to scout one of his opponents in this Saturday's Lethal Lottery, the American Patriot. However, he can't fail to have been equally impressed with Creed, just as many Japanese observers have been: ["The CEO" Jack Montgomery is addressing a large gathering of Japanese businessmen in Tokyo. Behind the podium, a large sign reads, "Welcome the Great Creed - Future IIWF Champion." The audience is in rapt attention as Montgomery concludes his remarks...] CEO: One second. Last Saturday night, the mighty Creed had Chris Quigley's shoulders on the mat and was one second from victory. One second. In America, many of my associates have congratulated me. They say that we should be very happy that in Creed's second ever match in the IIWF, he came but one second from defeating one of the best-known wrestlers in the world today. One second. In America, I have received several phone calls saying that the count last Saturday night was too slow, that Creed beat Chris Quigley 1-2-3 and by all rights should receive his bye into the Battle Royal at Snow Brawl. One second. In America, my lawyers have suggested that I sue the IIWF for the injustice which has been perpetrated on the mighty Creed. One second. Well, we think a little differently at the Corporation. We have not gotten where we are by offering excuses for defeat. Creed was defeated - and defeat is unacceptable. Which is something that many of my American associates do not understand - but gentlemen, here in Japan, you understand. That is why your country is strong, economically and morally, while America has grown fat with its excuses. That is why it is so fitting, that tonight at the Egg Dome, it is the symbol of America, the American Patriot, who will so severely pay for the wrongs done to the mighty Creed. [To thunderous applause, the lights in the convocation hall go out, and a red spotlight illuminates the rear door. Creed enters in full wrestling gear, his gloved left hand aloft. Creed walks through the audience and stands amidst the businessmen, seemingly oblivious to their ovation. Montgomery is coming down to the floor now, leading a large man wearing a red, white and blue mask.] CEO: This is what's in store, Patriot. I hope your insurance premiums are paid up. [Creed grasps the large masked man by the throat with his left hand and buries him with a chokeslam into a row of chairs. The gathering lets out a collective gasp, and then resumes a raucus cheer for Creed. Cut back to the studio.] TD: This was a tremendously hard-fought match between two of the most exciting newcomers to the IIWF, with the advantage switching between the two men throughout. Creed possibly has the edge in terms of technical ability, but what the Patriot lacks in mat technique, he more than makes up for in his diverse range of power moves. The fans were impressed not only by the punishment each man dished out, but also their resilience. The Patriot looked like he was about to put his opponent away on a number of occasions, but the end came when he missed with his Patriot Missile flying forearm splash, was nailed from behind by Creed's gloved left fist, and rolled up for a quick pinfall. From what I could see, there was some suspicion that Creed may have used a loaded glove. BL: What are you talking about, Timmy? TD: Well, just as Creed was laying on the mat before he was picked up by the Patriot for the Patriot Missile, Montgomery appeared to hand an object to his man, and it looked to me like Creed slipped something into his glove before nailing the Patriot from behind. BL: Well, prove it, and I might just believe you. TD: It's unfortunate for the Patriot that he will now be going into Snow Brawl without the momentum he would have liked, and he will be teaming with Marty Warnett, who was quite seriously injured last week, and has yet to return to action. Things don't look good for the Patriot as far as advancing in the Lottery are concerned. [WINNER: Creed by pinfall in 20:14.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "QUICKSTRIKE" CHRIS QUIGLEY vs. "PAINBRINGER" BILLY SEXTON =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6'1" HEIGHT 6'2" 238lbs WEIGHT 245lbs Technical, Endurance, ATTRIBUTES Technical, Endurance, Intelligence Cheating ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: Everybody was expecting a tremendous match between these two giants of the mat wrestling game. The styles of these two men almost perfectly complement each other, and it was certainly tough picking a winner going into this one. BL: Except that there wasn't a match at all, was there, Timmy? TD: No, Becky, there wasn't. There was originally some doubt that Sexton would even show up here in Tokyo for his match tonight given that he disappeared last week after the mysterious car accident under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Chris Quigley, however, was focused on meeting his opponent in the ring: [Camera cuts to "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley, wearing blue jeans, a Toronto Maple Leaf grey sweatshirt, an official IIWF merchandised "Quickstrike" jean jacket, and shades hanging from his collar, with an equipment bag slung over his shoulder and an Evian water bottle in his hand. Quigley is entering the arena from the parking lot, and is intercepted by Larry Morton.] LM: Chris! Great to see you! Are you ready for Billy Sexton tonight? CQ: I'm always ready for anybody, Larry. Billy Sexton is one helluva wrestler. I respect him without a doubt for his technical wrestling, and the fact that he could probably go one or two hours in the ring on any given night. Probably the only man in the IIWF besides myself and Kauffman who could do that. But y'see, tonight Sexton is running into a man on a mission. If you hadn't noticed, Billy. I'm sporting what some may call a new "lease of life". I've been more relaxed outside the ring, and this may sound strange, but it's allowed me to be more focused. I hear people like Steve Roberts and Becky LaRue talk about how I would have been better off with that "killer attitude" I showed on my first night back. I still have that killer attitude, people. I have it in the ring, where it BELONGS. Things are better now... a LOT better. I don't go right to my locker room after wrestling a match, and watch the match on tape, beating myself up for making mistakes. That just doesn't help matters any. I've got my priorities straight. I've always known how to carry myself in the ring, but was never sure how to carry myself out of the ring. Make no mistake about it, I'm not the friendliest guy to talk to in the hallway. I still don't believe wrestling is a good place to be making friends. A hypothetical situation here... let's say myself and Dan Kauffman were inseparable pals. Where would that leave me while Dan is the World Champion? Exactly. In the cold. But I've got no problems beating Dan Kauffman into the mat and taking the title from him right now. I allow myself professional space, and anyone who doesn't will lose in the long run, I think. LM: You were never one to hold back on your opinions, Chris. [Quigley smiles and nods] LM: You've mentioned how you've looked in your comeback, and you are looking _much_ more focused, and, dare I say, better? CQ: You can say better if you want to, Larry, but what I'm doing out there is vintage Chris Quigley. That's the Chris Quigley that's done so much in "other federations", and it's the Chris Quigley who hasn't shown up here until now. Randy Acorn found out the hard way, as I sent him packing right out of the IIWF. He's the master of disguises and costumes? Let's see how he looks in a gas pumper's costume, because that's where he's probably at right now. Then I faced Creed, who is a really impressive rookie. He did great in there, and I have nothing but respect for the guy. He didn't back down, he took the fight to me, perhaps the only thing he did wrong was open his mouth about me without being able to back it up. But tonight? Tonight is different. Tonight is Billy Sexton. My biggest challenge since returning, and maybe one of my biggest challenges since entering the IIWF. I've got a list, and I'm checking it twice. It's a list of people in the IIWF that I want to BEAT UP. Sexton is there... Otto Verhoeven is there... Billy Shakespeare is there, not because I don't like the guy, just because he beat me before, and I really can't live with that, oh... and of course our esteemed World champion/nosebleed section seat warmer Dan Kauffman is there. Sexton will be checked off tonight, and one by one they'll fall, until I am where I said I'd be when I first entered the IIWF way back when. I'll be ON TOP! Billy Sexton, tonight you are going to find out why I am the best wrestler in the IIWF, you are going to find out why I am the next IIWF World champion, and you are ABSOLUTELY going to be STRUCK DOWN! [Quigley looks as if he's about to walk away, before looking up at the camera one more time...] CQ: In the words of Michael Buffer, "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" because you ain't seen NOTHIN' YET! [Quigley backs up, still staring into the camera, before suddenly turning and walking towards the locker room. Cut back to the studio.] TD: And the fans were cheated out of a fantastic match in prospect, Becky, thanks to the conniving tactics of Billy Sexton. Let's go to Steve for the details. [Tim and Becky turn to the television screen, on which appears the image of Steve Roberts standing in the arena.] SR: The conspiracy against Billy Sexton continues to build, Dross. Not only has the front office been taking payments to try and eliminate Sexton completely in car accidents, but they then fail to book him on the chartered flight to Tokyo... TD: [interrupting] That's not true, Steve. Sexton was booked on that flight. I saw the boarding passes myself. He just never showed up at the airport. SR: Don't interrupt me, Dross. Billy Sexton is really up against it here in the IIWF, and it was apparent in his match tonight. He came down to the ring and sat in his corner, waiting for Quigley to arrive. The referee signalled for the bell, but Sexton refused to fight, instead grabbing the house mic, and launching another attack -- justified, I might add -- on the IIWF's officials before boycotting the match. Let's go to that footage: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier Tonight." The referee tries to hold Chris Quigley back while Billy Sexton takes the microphone and waits for the crowd's jeers to die down.] BS: Would everyone SHUT UP, AND LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY?! Quigley, I ain't fighting you tonight, nor will I fight ya anytime soon. The IIWF is trying to kick me out. Shakespeare has paid off the President, the officals, the timekeepers and even the commentators. Baby, even last week Shakespeare tried to get me killed. Shakespeare, you're not a real man. You are nothing but a pathetic little weasel who's too afraid to lose your title. If you're any kind of a man, WHY DON'T YOU COME DOWN HERE AND MEET ME FACE TO FACE?! [Sexton waits in the ring while the crowd chants "Billy! Billy" Quigley is getting visibly more and more frustrated.] SR: [voice over] Of course, as we all know, Shakespeare is kicking back in Oregon somewhere trying to pluck up the courage to turn up on Saturday night to get his ass kicked by Sexton, so he never came to Tokyo. [Sexton waits a while longer, and then shouts over the chant of the crowd.] BS: Shakespeare, you little coward! Don't you understand? I control your life. You have tried time and time again to remove me from this league. Well, baby, I ain't going nowhere. Shakespeare your demise is coming. At Snow Brawl you will know why I am the Painbringer. You will soon taste the pain! [Sexton throws down the microphone, climbs out of the ring and heads up the aisle without looking back. Chris Quigley beats the turnbuckle pads in frustration before leaping over the top rope to the outside, and heading up, yelling at Sexton to return and fight him. Cut back to Steve Roberts.] SR: Quigley made a pretty good attempt at looking angry there, but inside, you just know he was incredibly relieved that he was spared getting seven shades of snot kicked out of him by the "Painbringer". TD: That's not true, Steve. Quigley was keen to face Sexton and prove himself against a really tough opponent tonight, but Sexton cheated him, and the fans, out of a great match. SR: It's the IIWF's officials who are cheating Sexton and the fans, Dross, and not anybody else. TD: Well, we'll have to agree to disagree on that point, Steve. We'll come back to you later on. [The IIWF logo fades back onto the television screen. Tim and Becky turn back to face the cameras once more.] TD: As a result of that little display, the referee awarded the match by default to Quigley, and although Larry Morton tried to get comments from both Sexton and the frustrated Quigley after the match, Sexton had already left the arena, and Quigley refused to give an interview. Hopefully we'll hear from both men in Friday's special "Road to Snow Brawl" preview. [WINNER: "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley by default.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "ENIGMA" TAKEZO MUSASHI vs. THE WHITE PHOENIX =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5'9" HEIGHT 6'2" 211lbs WEIGHT 220lbs Aerial, Technical, ATTRIBUTES Endurance, Intelligence, Intelligence Aerial ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TD: The Japanese fans just couldn't wait for this match, and nor could I. Two of the most spectacular high-flying martial artists the world of professional wrestling has ever seen, facing one another just days before arguably the biggest nights of their careers in the IIWF to date, in front of Musashi's hyped home crowd. However, the Phoenix wasn't concerned about home-town advantage before the match: [Cut to footage of the White Phoenix seated, facing away from the camera, on the floor of his locker room. There is a small incense burner beside him, and a thin tendril of smoke rises up from it.] WP: Takezo Musashi, those in power in the IIWF have finally seen it fit to pit we two, the most skilled fighters in the league, against each other. I want you to know that I bear you no ill will. We remain friends. But, you stand in the way of what is rightly mine, the title which Hakiro Matsuoko has taken from me on several occasions. And I will defeat you, because I am the better of us. This match is just the beginning, an omen of a greater event. Think of this match as the smoke. [His voice begins to sound more manic, and he is laughing slightly.] And where there is smoke, there will surely be fire. Beautiful fire. [He reaches one hand out, cups some of the incense smoke, and brings it up to his face.] Matsuoko, can you smell the smoke? Can you smell it floating... on the winds... of your fate? Takezo, I ask you, please do not interfere with my actions at Snow Brawl. I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I must. It's gone too far, much too far, and it ends this Saturday. [He falls silent for a few seconds, breathing the smoke in deeply. Suddenly he screams out, as if in pain.] Angel of the Sun, pay attention to omens. The Phoenix is watching. [Cut back to the studio.] BL: Whoa, all that fire has fried his brain. He's a few logs short of a roaring fire, Timmy. TD: Certainly the Phoenix has really turned up the intensity in recent weeks, and he's clearly not happy that the "Enigma" was put into contention for the Cruiserweight title this Saturday and not him. The White Phoenix was somewhat surprised to see his Lethal Lottery tag team partner, the "Epitome of Evil" Serge Annis, come down to ringside for this match, and to be honest, so was I. We have a camera backstage with Annis now, so let's get some comments from him. [Tim and Becky turn to the television screen, on which appears Serge Annis in his street clothing standing backstage in the Egg Dome.] TD: Serge, are you with us? SA: Yes, I'm here... BL: He meant in the head. TD: No I didn't. Serge, in just a few nights you will wrestle in the Lethal Lottery tag team match with White Phoenix against Casey "Blackheart" James and "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder. I'm puzzled by the way you came down to the ring tonight to watch Chow's back; can you work well with the White Phoenix given your different backgrounds? SA: Of course I can work with the White Phoenix. I have a great respect for the man. The man loves fire almost as much as I do... With the White Phoenix's style... and my style... we will mesh together and we will _BOTH_ go on to the battle royal... and I may even spare him a chokeslam in the battle royal...hehe... BL: Are you kidding? You can't be trusted! I'm sure that the White Phoenix has done his homework, Annis. SA: SERGE ANNIS'S WORD IS AS GOOD AS THE MAN I AM... BL: [under her breath] Big deal... SA: Shinja Chow... I assure you... I will watch your back. I will be a tag team partner.. and I will go on to win the Lethal Lottery.. TD: And what about your opponents? SA: Casey james and Brody Thunder, _IF_ you two can get along and put your differences aside... then you may be a threat... but I am the Epitome of Evil... if you want a brawl, I'll give you a brawl... if you want a match, I'll give you the match... but whether you want it or not... I... WE... will give you a loss. TD: What about your vendetta with Dan Kauffman? How will this effect your performance at Snow Brawl, because if your match with Stud Stetson was any indication... SA: [interrupting] DAN KAUFFMAN IS NUMBER ONE ON MY LIST! Not because he is the champion... not because he is the man... it is personal with Kauffman... personal... I realize you have a whole wack of other guys who want to kick your teeth in, Dan... and as much as I'd enjoy doing it first... I can wait... sooner or later, Kauffman, you will tangle with me once again... I'm going to be here for a very long time, Kauffman... when you are ready... whenever you are ready... I'll BE THERE! And my match with Stud Stetson... that was a side of me much unseen... Kauffman... don't play mind games with me... because I am the MASTER of mind games... hehehe... TD: All right, one final question, Mr. Annis. What do you want for Christmas? SA: Christmas?! Christmas?! A SEASON OF MERRIMENT AND CARROLING?! A SEASON OF LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO ALL MANKIND??!?! I THINK IT'S GARBAGE!! Bah Humbug to Christmas... because to all things happy... I am an infinite sadness... to all things dark... I am a prevailing light... To anything that is unknown.... I hold the answer.... humbug to Christmas... humbug to all.... [Annis storms out of shot. His image is replaced once more by the IIWF logo. Tim and Becky turn back to face the cameras.] BL: A right little scrooge there, Timmy. TD: Perhaps so, but certainly a devastating presence in the ring. He was undoubtedly a help to Chow tonight when things got out of hand in this match. We could have seen the Cruiserweight Championship triangle match right here tonight in the Egg Dome as Tiger Claw and Hakiro Matsuoko ran down to the ring to attack Musashi. The referee was quick to rule this one a no contest, but the brawl between the wrestlers around ringside wasn't easily ended. BL: There were runts bouncing all over the place. It was giving me a headache watching those guys fly around the ring for so long. TD: It was certainly a tremendous match, folks. For more than twenty minutes, the advantage switched back and forth between the two men, and as time went by, both the Enigma and the Phoenix threatened to finish things with their respective finishers. The Enigma dodged out of the corner at the last moment, avoiding the impact of the Phoenix Strike, and then climbed to the top rope to deliver the Starsault Press, but the Phoenix rolled out of the way, and the Enigma hit the mat with tremendous force. However, before the Phoenix had recovered sufficiently to cover the Enigma for the pin, Hakiro Matsuoko ran down to the ring and attacked him, prompting Serge Annis to come to the aid of his Lethal Lottery partner, and it then wasn't long before Tiger Claw joined the fray, and things got completely out of control. [Match ruled a no contest at 23:15.] TD: That Cruiserweight Championship match is going to be one of the most eagerly-anticipated encounters at Snow Brawl on Saturday Night, but perhaps the most long-awaited match is the huge IIWF World Championship battle between old enemies Dan Kauffman and Deathbringer. The history between these two individuals stretches back to the IIWF's very first event, Coronation Clash, back in May, through a series of inconclusive matches which led to the Deathmatch at Ring Wars at the end of June, and since then Deathbringer and Kauffman formed an uneasy alliance out of their mutual respect. However, when Deathbringer dropped the IIWF Championship to Otto Verhoeven, that respect was all but forgotten, and when Kauffman managed to capture the title from the Butcher in controversial fashion, Deathbringer made it perfectly clear that he was gunning not only for the title, but for Kauffman's soul too. The Champion is certainly under fire, not only from Deathbringer, but also from Serge Annis, Chris Quigley and Casey James, but tonight, he was totally focused on his encounter with the man from the dark side, as the two combatants faced off in the ring with a unique interview. BL: Gee, Timmy, do you have to talk so much?! TD: I had the privilege of conducting this face to face interview. Let's go to that footage now: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier Tonight." Tim Dross stands in the middle of the ring.] TD: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm really excited about the upcoming segment. It will be a face to face interview between two men who once were fierce opponents, then fought on the same side, and now will have to battle each other again... Please welcome... the dark destroyer... DEATHBRINGER! [Huge heel pop as the lights drop, bright flames appear on the monitor wall and "The Reaper" by Grave Digger kicks in. Just a few seconds later the lights return and Deathbringer, wearing his cowl and holding the scythe in his right hand, stands right beside Tim Dross. The camera closes in to Deathbringer's pitch black eyes as the crowd is still booing loudly. Tim Dross again raises the microphone.] TD: And now... The REIGNING IIWF World Heavyweight Champion... DAN "FLASH" KAUFFMAN! [There is a massive crowd pop as the lights dim and a spotlight picks out the silouette of Dan Kauffman walking once more from the back of the crowd through the fans to the ring! Flash bulbs pop like mad, and several young children mob Kauffman as he walks. Kauffman smiles with them on his walk, but as Kauffman approaches the ring area, the kids back away due to Deathbringer's presence. Kauffman starts the staredown with Bringer as he walks up to the dark destroyer. The two get chest to chest... Deathbringer towering a good 9 inches over Kauffman... and Dross struggles to come between the two as the fans hold their breath...] TD: Deathbringer, it has been rather quiet around you for the last few days, therefore I think it's just fair that you get the first few words! [Tim Dross wants to give the mic to Deathbringer, but he refuses. Tim Dross looks a bit astonished and turns around to Kauffman to give him the microphone as Deathbringer suddenly begins to speak. Though he has no microphone, his growling voice is heard across the whole arena.] DB: First of all, Dross: It is not necessary to allow me to speak first... It is more than enough that death himself always has the last word... [Huge heel pop] DB: However... As you give me this opportunity I would like to use it to make one thing perfectly clear: I have not come out here tonight to fight... And I hope this goes for all three of us... [The crowd looks a bit flustered after the first words of Bringer, but Kauffman, keeping his gaze on Deathbringer, gives a nod in acceptance, and the crowd settles back in to their normal routine. Deathbringer begins once more...] DB: Kauffman... You have met me the first time when it all started here in the IIWF at Coronation Clash... And _I_ know _you_ since you were born... Now I could foresee everything that happened in your life... that is part of my job... And I could especially foresee our past series of encounters... The tournament match... The Texas Death Cage Match... the Deathmatch... However... still back in June I took a look into the books of history and I found a passage reading that we would meet again at a later point... Though I thought this to be quite unlikely I knew that the books never lie... and it seems as if they did not... Tell me, Kauffman, what is it that gives you mortal the willpower to once again step into the ring against your worst nightmare? [Dross looks at Deathbringer another couple of seconds, then turns to Kauffman, who finally breaks his stare and pauses to think for a second before...] DK: Whatever has come between the paths of us mortals, as we are, we have this somewhat stubborn, yet somewhat human theory that you must conquer your fears, that you must find out what it is that causes your fear. Many of us would rather turn the other cheek and just accept their fears as natural... and indeed, many fears are natural. I can't accept any fear... I must know WHY it is that I fear a certain thing, a certain person, or a certain event, because in learning about my fears... of which death still is a fear, there is no denying that absolute fact... but in learning about that fear, I am able to learn more about myself as a person... as a mortal. That is the main goal of human existence... to improve, to become better. [Deathbringer raises his voice again] DB: So what is you fear then? Is it me... or is it Death himself? If it is Death himself, then why do want to step into the ring against me? Should you, at last, accept me as a messenger of Death, as the Grim Reaper himself? Or is it me whom you fear? Then just _why_ do you fear me? Maybe because you see the personification of Death within me? One way or another... you know that I am your worst nightmare... and you know that you cannot destroy those fearful thoughts of yours by trying to defeat me... You say that you want to learn more about your fears, you say that you want to learn more about yourself... As you will remember we met three times already... in the end it was always the Reaper who, under natural suppositions, would have come out of these encounters as the ruler... Did you learn nothing out of those confrontations? Did your mortal mind not recognize that you were walking in the wrong direction, that you reached a border, and not just any border, but the final one? You want to improve, you want to become better, but after all you just once again try to end your own existence... Is this what you would call the mortal will to learn? Or is it just a display of the mortal longing for extinction? [Kauffman actually finds some small bit of humor in what Bringer has just said, then makes his humor known...] DK: Yeah, us humans just long for the day we all die... [There's some uneasy laughter from the crowd, and Bringer seems to look at Kauffman like he made a fatal mistake in using humor as an escape... Kauffman notices that look...] DK: Yes, humor is a great means of combating fear, is it not? But truthfully, humans could never walk into their own extinction, that's beyond our capabilities... we don't walk willingly into death. Nor should you expect us to. In learning about ourselves, we as humans face endless, often painful challenges. While success doesn't always come in wins... and often, it never comes at all... learning can come from any action, any event. Do humans walk in the wrong direction? They walk in the direction to which they are led... a natural, human curiousity. Not all humans, mind you... but most. Did I learn anything for our previous confrontations? Sure I did. I'm a pretty fast healer for one. But I also learned that you, Deathbringer, are much more than just the personification of Death. As I've stated before, Death in itself cannot exist without a life to take away. It isn't human life you look to conquer, Deathbringer... for even you cannot walk your own path into extinction. I believe you yourself have more of a purpose than merely to conquer. What that purpose is, I have no idea. But I do know that you have much more of a purpose than solely ending my existence, or life's existence. We both travel our own roads, and they don't lead in wrong directions. There are no wrong directions in the road of life. That's one of the beautiful things about life... It's an endless world of possibility. [Dross raises the mic as if he wants to speak, but he is cut off by the voice of Deathbringer] DB: First of all, Kauffman, I found out during the last centuries that humor is a kind of defensive shield for mortals. Whenever they do not know what to do anymore, whenever they do not know how to overcome their fears, they hide behind their humor and by this try to show the world how valiant they are. But in the end they are not and, Kauffman, it is of no help for you to hide before the Reaper behind a wall of laughing faces... But I have to admit that you are right... Mortals do not tend to walk willingly into death. As a matter of fact they always give the fight of their lives when the trophy _is_ their life... Now this could be one of the reasons why I am what I am and why I exist at all... Then again I have to admit that you are right when you say that the extinction of life is not my main purpose. To be even more precise, the extinction of life has never been my purpose and it has never been my main mission objective. So what is my purpose then? What is it that created me and put me where I stand today? Why is it, that a creature like me is needed in this world of mortals at all? Questions, easy to ask, but impossible to answer... If light was the brightest light, wherefore then does it shadows cast? Am I just the natural counterpart to you mortals, or am I an evil breed, forged out of fire, wrath and hate? One day you will understand what I am and what my purpose is. It will be the day when you step onto my path, onto my path which you say is different from yours, Kauffman. It is not... And my path is not even a path at all. It is just the crossing of all you mortals' paths. At a certain time within your life you come across this intersection and at that time you will see what future has planned for you. Some paths continue here, some end... But even if there is a continuation of your way, one day it will take you right back to that crossing, to that place where you stand closer to Death's gate than anywhere else. Raise your head, Kauffman, the next crossing is right ahead... you can see it already, and you can feel it... I myself know what future lies ahead of you... And I could tell you right now. But as I understand that the unknown is the essence of your life I guess it is only fair to keep quiet about that. Is it indeed the unknown that makes life so beautiful to you? Someone once said there is beauty in death... there is not... [Deathbringer lowers his head for a few seconds, then looks up again] DB: At least not if you compare it to your so-called beauty of life... However, maybe you will find out sooner than expected about the beauty of death... Maybe even tonight... [Deathbringer makes a sudden step towards Kauffman, but Kauffman merely holds his ground, knowing full well that the Deathbringer will keep his promise... Deathbringer simply walks up nose to nose with Kauffman...] DB: Maybe at Snow Brawl... but then again maybe not for the next decades... [Deathbringer steps back again] DB: The key to that knowledge lies in the future... A knowledge that I have... A knowledge that might give me an advantage over you... [Deathbringer points out into the crowd] DB: Over all of you... [Strangely there is no heel pop, but an uneasy, almost scared, silence.] DB: It is an advantage that I am not proud of. But it is a natural one. And I accept it just like I accept myself, like I accept you, Kauffman, and like I accept _all_ you emotional mortals... You see, I am not your enemy, I am no menace, I am almost a kind of hope for you... And, _Dan_, I thought that you did understand this at our last encounter... Maybe I was wrong... [Deathbringer seems almost like he wants to walk away and leave the interview with those words, but Kauffman stops him with his own words...] DK: Maybe you were wrong... maybe we are all wrong. Maybe you can see what lies ahead of me. Maybe it is all a ploy. Maybe you are my true enemy. Maybe you are not. There are always "maybes" that exist, are there not? For nothing is for sure. That I do know, more than any other truth in the world I live in. Both sides of our little conversation revolve around "maybes". "Maybe" this very conversation is the essence of our feud... Two different, yet strikingly similar creatures with two different, yet strikingly similar opinions arguing over their beliefs, their knowledge and wisdom of the world. You claim that you see everyone's future, that you are an omniscient being. And so you say that you know mine. Whether you do or you don't, that is not the true question here. For a mortal to reach his true potential, he must be willing to accept whatever actions he makes and whatever things he learns about himself. There are things of which I am ashamed of having done, but at the same, I have worked to correct my flaws. I can never correct all my flaws... a perfect mortal can not exist. I wonder if you yourself, Deathbringer, can even correct all of your flaws? Can you, Deathbringer, ever be perfect? But even with that question, the only answer I have is another of the seemingly endless "maybes". Maybe I am wrong again. All I have to do is walk on and find out... If that walk leads me through you, then that's the way it was meant to be. I know one way or another I can accept the end result of our encounters.. I say encounters because as far as I know, there may be another even after this. Acceptance is the last stage of grief. I have grieved for too long about things not worth grieving over. I have started to accept my place. I do not know that you are not my enemy. I do not know if you are my enemy. What I do know is that I must face you. That's all I need to know. [Again there is a incredible silence in the hall before it is Deathbringer who once again begins to speak.] DB: Tell me, Kauffman, just what are we doing here tonight? Discussing? Arguing? Simply talking? Whatever it is, a wise man once said that talk is cheap... Maybe it is, maybe it is not... The fact is that there will be a time when the two of us will get another chance to talk... to talk forever, if you want to... Right now I think we should end this meeting... But I will not leave you without asking you a final three questions which I do not want you to answer to me, but to yourself... [Scenes of the Coronation Clash match-up between Kauffman and Deathbringer appear on the video wall at the head of the aisle. Kauffman is covering Deathbringer, whose foot is in the ropes, but the referee doesn't notice and makes the three count.] DB: Do you think that you can defeat me without cheating? [Scenes of the Texas Death Cage Match between Kauffman and Deathbringer appear on the monitor wall. Deathbringer has just covered Kauffman after applying the Burial as suddenly a figure leaps out the crowd, climbs up the cage and jumps down on Deathbringer.] DB: Do you think that you can defeat me without outside interference? [Scenes of the Deathmatch between Kauffman and Deathbringer appear on the monitor wall. Deathbringer has just landed a plancha dive on Kauffman, thus gaining the final fall and winning the match.] DB: Do you think that you can defeat me at all? [The scenes fade away and the monitor wall goes dark. Kauffman makes a motion as if to say something, but Deathbringer raises his hand and Kauffman remains silent] DB: I will leave you now... But I will be watching you closely... The next time we meet we will be standing in the squared circle as opponents... You can trust me, that I will not use any unfair tactics... I never did, I never will... And I hope the same goes for you, _Dan_, for this is _our_ battle, not Quigley's, not Verhoeven's, not the Subway Psycho's... just _our_ battle... However, if you should have some things planned for our encounter, then be warned that I _maybe_ could just summon up a little help for myself... [Deathbringer raises his scythe and the lights in the arena begin to flicker. After a few seconds he puts the scythe back onto the ground] DB: Now just keep asking yourself this vital question: Can you defeat me on your own? We will learn about this soon, but something that _I_ have learned right here tonight is that you, _maybe_, are not quite as mortal as I always thought... Farewell, Dan "Flash" Kauffman... [Deathbringer raises his arms and the lights drop. As they come up back again a few seconds later, he's gone. Kauffman stands alone for a few seconds before following with one last simple statement...] DK: But I am a mortal, Deathbringer. I am a mortal. The whole world will find out just how mortal I am at Snow Brawl, for better or worse. Actions are all that remain... May actions speak louder than our words... [Kauffman starts to walk off the set, cutting through the crowd one last time as he shakes the hands of several well-wishers. The feeling of bringer's presence is still palpaple as Dross sums it all up...] TD: Deathbringer versus Dan Kauffman... the second battle occurs in just three days. [Cut back to the studio. The image of Steve Roberts standing in the arena fades onto the television set.] BL: Sheesh, and I thought _you_ talked a lot, Timmy. SR: What a waste of time. The IIWF isn't about cheap pop-philosophy about the nature of existence. It's about kicking ass. TD: For once, Steve, I almost agree with you. After hearing Deathbringer and Kauffman expound their ideas about what their encounter means, I am actually left wondering whether that is even the issue. What really matters isn't whether Kauffman learns from his mistakes, or whether he continues down the road to becoming a fuller person, but whether he keeps that title or not. Chris Quigley is right: as long as Kauffman is so wrapped up in these issues, he'll never fight any opponent other than himself. Deathbringer has certainly succeeded in getting into Kauffman's head. When it comes down to the wire, this Saturday Night, will Kauffman be able to wrestle, or will his life flash before his eyes once more? SR: Deathbringer's going to bury Kauffman, plain and simple. BL: I'm with the guy with the furry microphone. SR: Shut it, Becky. TD: Please, you two. Well, folks, we're only three days away from Snow Brawl. We're out of time here tonight in the War Room, but myself, Larry and Becky will be back with you on Friday, live from Anchorage, Alaska, as we preview all the action coming your way on Saturday night in the IIWF's most spectacular pay-per-view event of all time! If you haven't already, call your local cable operator right now to ensure you don't miss a moment of the action! For now, though, this is Tim Dross, for Becky LaRue, Larry Morton and "Soundbite" Steve Roberts, saying: so long, everybody! [The lights in the studio drop as Becky and Steve resume their argument. Fade.] +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I * I * W * F =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | President: Daniel Spreadbury | Vice-President: Steve Owens | | univ0322@sable.ox.ac.uk | sowens@admin.presby.edu | | iiwf@sisko.demon.co.uk | IIWFadmin@aol.com | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- http://www.sisko.demon.co.uk -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+