##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION =============================================== "INSIDE THE IIWF" WITH TIM DROSS January 7, 1997 =============================================== [Fade in on veteran IIWF commentator Tim Dross seated at a desk, shuffling through some papers. The lights rise and the shot zooms in on Tim.] Hello again, fans! I'm your host Tim Dross, and what a night of action we have to talk about. Saturday's card was one of the most intense events I've had the privilege of being associated with in the IIWF, and it only seems to be building toward something bigger. In tonight's report we'll look at the _new_ IIWF World Tag Team Champions, examine the furore surrounding the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship and the injuries to "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley, speculate on a few other IIWF wrestlers, and hear from one of the most mysterious -- and devastating -- competitors in the IIWF, Deathbringer, in our "Up Close and Personal" interview. So let's jump right into it with a review of Saturday's results: DIRT DOG UNIQUE ALLAH def. THE AMERICAN PATRIOT THE DARK DISCIPLES def. THE HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS LUKE STEELE def. BRODY THUNDER TAKEZO MUSASHI def. RANDY ACORN HARLEQUIN TRAGEDY def. OTTO VERHOEVEN DOUBLE COUNTOUT: THE ARMED FORCES vs. G.W.R. NO CONTEST: DAN KAUFFMAN vs. CASEY JAMES NO CONTEST: DEATHBRINGER vs. SCOTT "THE WHINE" BLOOM NO CONTEST: MARTY WARNETT vs. STEVE KOWALSKI ************************************************************************** ---------------------- TIM DROSS BREAKS IT DOWN ------------------------ ************************************************************************** THE SYNDICATE HAS MADE THEM FISHERS OF TITLES... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Controversy and confusion reigned in the IIWF World Tag Team Championship match Saturday night, but it was The Dark Disciples who reigned following the match. The Syndicate claimed the tag belts for the first time -- no small feat considering that The Dark Disciples are the first true tag team to compete under the Syndicate's banner. Well, there was the short-lived Alphabet Boys fiasco with Rising Sun Revolution, but I don't count that. I was asked following Saturday's match what kind of champions I think Wulf and Kane will make. To answer that, I must look both at the mindset of Brian Lau and Don McQueen, as well as the maturation of The Disciples as a tag team. The Syndicate is in the business of holding titles and hurting their enemies -- essentially they're in the power business. The Disciples were hand-picked, first by McQueen and then by Lau, as the best in the business. But remember that Wulf and Kane were brought to the IIWF for one purpose only -- to eliminate the "Enigma" Takezo Musashi from wrestling. During that quest, The Disciples began to work better and better as a tag team while keeping their brutal edge. Once Musashi slipped from their grasps, both men were able to turn their attention to the tag ranks and their improved teamwork was even more obvious. If anything could hurt The Dark Disciples as champions, it is that they haven't been in the IIWF very long. They'll need to wrestle more matches to _prove_ that they deserve to hold the belts. One thing is certain: Don McQueen and Brian Lau will do everything they can to help them prove it. DYNAMITE AND REYNA EXPLODE! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Dark Disciples do hold the gold belts, but they may want to send The Players' Club a belated Christmas gift. Well, maybe not, because the shot that floored The High Plains Drifters' title reign was actually meant for The Dark Disciples. And in case you haven't noticed, The Players' Club and any members of the Syndicate are not getting along these days. Dynamite and Reyna, obviously still upset over the battle royal result at Snow Brawl, sought a little vengeance in the title match Saturday night. They not only failed to exact that revenge, but created another problem by costing The Drifters the belts. Pale and Easy Rider went on a rampage following the match. Our cameras didn't catch them destroying the locker room area at the IIWF Coliseum, nor would it serve any purpose to show that footage if they had. The bottom line is clear -- The Drifters hold Dynamite and Reyna personally responsible for the loss of their belts. But that's not news considering what happened later in the evening. THE QUEST FOR GOLD TURNS BLOODY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fans are still talking about what went down in the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship match Saturday night. Dan Kauffman came out seemingly ready to match Casey James blow for blow. It was honestly the most hardcore I have ever seen Kauffman wrestle. But when Quigley came to ringside, both Kauffman and James seemed thrown off. James was the first to accost Quigley, who accidentally missed James with a chair shot -- hitting Kauffman instead. For the second time that night, The Players' Club came to ringside and took out their frustrations on Quigley -- later to be joined by none other than Kauffman himself as they spike-powerbombed Quigley! Then it was the Syndicate's turn, as they took on TPC and Casey James even had the audacity to walk out of the IIWF Coliseum with the belt! Our Larry Morton caught up with Casey James and Brian Lau backstage and attempted to make some sense of it all: [SCENE: Larry Morton is seen walking towards the door of Casey James' dressing room. Suddenly, James, still dressed in his ring attire, bursts out of the door along with Brian Lau. James is still holding the IIWF world title belt. Larry jogs after them.] LM: Casey... Casey! Can we get a word with you? BL: Don't talk to _anyone,_ Casey. LM: Mr. James... Please, we just want a few words! CJ: Shut up, you worm! LM: Casey, you _can't_ just _take_ the title belt! You didn't win it! [Casey stops and turn around.] CJ: Who's going to stop me? You? I don't think so. Get away from me before you get hurt, little man. BL: Come on, Casey, the car's waiting. [Larry Morton stops following as the two men leave the building and step into a limo waiting just outside.] LM: I don't know what to say. He just _stole_ the IIWF world title! [Cut back to Tim Dross in the studio.] Likewise, Dan Kauffman and The Players' Club refused to speak with us following the match. Chris Quigley was taken away by emergency medical personnel and our Larry Morton was again on the scene: [SCENE: Larry Morton stands just behind the curtain, a few minutes after IIWF Saturday Night has ended. He has a concerned look on his face, as a few members of the IIWF medical crew burst through the curtain, wheeling along a stretcher on which Chris Quigley lays, his eyes wide open and an occasional groan coming from his mouth. The paramedics wheel Quigley into the IIWF Emergency Room and shut the door.] LM: Tonight we witnessed a horrific event, as "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley felt the wrath of The Player's Club, more specifically he felt the wrath of a lethal spike powerbomb to the floor. As you saw, Quigley was just rushed past us here, in what could be a state of parlysis. The man who just recently made a return from a self provoked exile, may have been forced out of wrestling tonight by Dan Kauffman, who has obviously let the pressure of being champion get to him. Is Chris Quigley to blame? He's been after Kauffman since day one of his World title reign, after all. But IIWF World Champion, Dan Kauffman should have expected no less from a competitor with the desire of Quigley. I'm going to attempt to get into the Emergency Room to see just what's going on. [Morton cautiously walks up to the door, and gives a small knock before opening it and walking through the entrance. The camera slowly follows and reveals the crew of paramedics trying to move the stretcher through a back emergency exit, into the doors of a waiting ambulance, but with the last bit of fight he has left, Quigley swipes at them, while displaying his slang vocabulary in the process. Quigley manages to get the last paramedic away from him, before snapping off his neck brace and sitting up, staring blankly at Morton for a second, and then falling back down, this time unconscious. The paramedics carry him out the door into the ambulance, as Morton rushes to one of the paramedics to get the story.] LM: Sir, can you give me an update on the condition of Chris Quigley? PARAMEDIC: All I can say at the moment is that Mr. Quigley has suffered some substantial damage to his neck. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but we could be talking anything from a bad whiplash to a fracture. LM: Could it be career threatening? PARAMEDIC: As you may or may not know, Mr. Quigley has suffered a few injuries in his wrestling career. He's had knee surgery, back surgery, he had a definite problem with concussions a while back, and now this very well may be the last straw. If this injury is indeed as serious as we suspect, I am recommending Mr. Quigley RETIRE from professional wrestling. He's taken quite a number of injuries as I mentioned, and his long term health will be in jeopardy if this sort of thing keeps up. LM: Thanks for speaking with us, sir. [The paramedic jumps into the back of the ambulance and slams the door shut as the sirens blare and the ambulance speeds off. A dumbfounded Morton stands in the dust.] LM: Is Chris Quigley's career over? Would Quigley even WANT to come back? He has The Player's Club, Deathbringer, Marty Warnett, Otto Verhoeven, and scores of others who seem to want him. I'll keep you updated as best I can, but all we can do is hope that this injury is not as serious as we fear. This is Larry Morton reporting for IIWF Saturday Night. [Cut back to Tim Dross in the studio] Now how do we make sense of all of this? As I see it, The Players' Club is stronger than ever with Dan Kauffman firmly entrenched as a member. And those three now seem prepared to do whatever it takes to win, including hurting opponents. As a group, they could pose a threat to Brian Lau's Syndicate, who continue to hold the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship belt -- albeit unofficially. The wild card in this whole scenario is Chris Quigley, who has made no secret of his desire for a match with Kauffman. Still, the last time Quigley was injured, he walked away from the IIWF on his own. This time, he was carried from the IIWF Coliseum on a stretcher and his health is in question. Should he even be able to return, Quigley would seem to be standing alone as he walks into the lion's den. We'll continue to keep you up to date on this story, fans. SPOTLIGHT ON THE "SCANDAL"... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone knows all too well the evidence "Painbringer" Billy Sexton has been receiving to indicate some sort of conspiracy against him. My sources indicate that it was none other than Steve Kowalski feeding doctored photos and videotapes to Sexton all along. Apparently, Kowalski's goal all along was to use Sexton's rage as a tool against Billy Shakespeare -- a plan that paid off at Snow Brawl. When word reached Sexton, you can imagine what his reaction was. He stormed to the ring Saturday night, attacked Kowalski and Marty Warnett, and then attempted to leave with the IIWF Intercontinental belt. However, he encountered Billy Shakespeare, who brawled with "Painbringer" before Kowalski finally made away with his belt. My broadcast colleague Steve Roberts suggested Saturday night that the only way to resolve this feud is by holding a triangle match with Shakespeare, Sexton, and Kowalski. I have to believe that Marty Warnett should be included in the mix as the runner-up in the Snow Brawl Lethal Lottery battle royal. The IIWF Championship Committee will hold the final answer to this one, and for once I'm glad I'm not in their shoes. AH, PARIS IN THE WINTER... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rookie Ronnie Paris pulled off a major upset last Wednesday when he defeated veteran Mad Dog Watkins in a match that lasted more than 30 minutes. Paris paid the price, taking quite a beating during the match and barely escaping several near-falls of his own. But when the 20-minute time limit had expired, both men were anxious to bring the battle to a final conclusion. That final conclusion may prove to be only the beginning for those two. Paris earned the pin with a crucifix. While he celebrated, Watkins was already planning his strategy for the rematch -- a rematch which Paris said he would gladly give Mad Dog. I spoke with Mad Dog Watkins over the weekend and he said he is anxious to prove that Watkins' win was a fluke. He proposed a unique "iron man" match to settle things. A 60-minute match would be held at an upcoming "War Room," but only falls in the final 30 minutes of the match would count. Talk about "gruelling!" Those two men were exhausted after a 30-minute match last week, so just imagine a match twice as long. Still, both wrestler have something to prove... to themselves and the other. For Paris, it's the chance to prove that he _is_ as good as his victory proved last week. For Watkins, it's a chance to prove that Paris was lucky last week and earned a fluke victory. Mad Dog Watkins has thrown down the gauntlet. Will Ronnie Paris accept the challenge? THAT WAS ONE PO'D CEO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Say what you will about Brian Lau and Don McQueen being cold and calculating managers, but I'll cast my vote with one "CEO" Jack Montgomery, the man who once fired his own brother. Montgomery shocked the fans in the IIWF Coliseum last Wednesday when he punished _himself_ for letting down The Corporation at Snow Brawl. He allowed none other than Creed to slap him across the face as a punishment, and sent that as a warning to anyone else who might cost The Corporation a match, a title, or even respect. Montgomery was clearly singling out The Sandman Wednesday night, and The Sandman had a few words of his own for Montgomery and Creed on Friday. Those two wrestlers even met in the aisle Saturday night in what could be merely the prelude to an all-out war when they meet in the ring tomorrow night.. I have to wonder, though, if Creed is The Corporation's lone holding right now, or if other wrestlers will be joining The Corporation. I suppose time will tell. THE ROAR OF THE THUNDER... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Syndicate may think they have their hands full with The Players' Club, but they'd better not look past one "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder. You'll recall that Thunder's feud with the Syndicate dates back to his first loss in the IIWF -- a loss precipitated by Casey James' taped hand and interference by other members of the Syndicate. James and Thunder put aside their differences long enough to team in the Lethal Lottery at Snow Brawl, but events of the past week prove that Thunder has not forgotten the little debt he must settle with Brian Lau's troops. The Syndicate attacked Thunder last Wednesday, and the "Lone Wolf" battled Tiger Claw twice outside the ring on Saturday. One of those occasions cost Thunder a countout against Luke Steele -- a decision for which Steele paid dearly. Now for an interesting thought. The Players' Club and Brody Thunder seem to share some common enemies right now. Would Thunder ever consider shedding his "Lone Wolf" label and assist Kauffman, Reyna, and Dynamite -- or would he even be welcomed? I don't know, but it's an interesting possibility. GRINNING LIKE A CHESHIRE... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No sooner had the lunatic Cheshire promised to make his new manager Dr. Hinterhalt a gift of the IIWF Cruiserweight Championship then he set about to make it a reality. Cheshire attacked current champ Takezo Musashi Saturday night and forced him to accept a title match. Some may have just asked for a contract to be signed. It only goes to show that this Cheshire is one not to be trusted or taken lightly. Even Otto Verhoeven apparently sees that. ************************************************************************** ----------------- UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: DEATHBRINGER ------------------ ************************************************************************** When you discuss the title contenders in the IIWF, one name must always be near the top of the list. He is a man, or should I say "creature," who has been in the IIWF since Coronation Clash. He has been the IIWF World Heavyweight champion. He once was loved by the fans, but has now lost their trust and is booed by them. He also currently has the best record here in the IIWF. I'm speaking, of course, about none other than Deathbringer. I contacted Deathbringer about sitting down for an "Up Close and Personal" interview, and to my surprise he consented. So sit back and watch this segment in which the Dark Destroyer, just two days removed from his ringside battle with Serge Annis, made some most interesting remarks. [Cut to the mortuary. Several torches light up the stone-built hall and reveal the dozens of caskets that are standing around the room. In the middle of the mortuary stands an old wooden table. Tim Dross sits at one end, Deathbringer at the other] TD: [looking uncomfortable] Well, Deathbringer, thank you for the kind invitation. It is a pleasure to be here once again. I realize we don't have much time so... DB: [interrupting] Time is endless here, Dross. Take all the time you need. TD: Umm, thanks. First of all how did you feel after Chris Quigley's interference at Snow Brawl? Some believe that this incident was the only thing that could have stopped you from winning the belt. DB: Well, Dross, I of course felt nothing. As you should know by now, I am not capable of feeling anything, be it emotions or pain. In fact, I knew about the upcoming interference by Quigley. I knew about it all the time and therefore it was not even, as you would call it, a surprise to me. Therefore, speculations on whether Quigley cost me the chance to regain the belt are irrelevant. The books of history clearly said that it was not the time for me to be crowned once again. TD: You often speak about these books of history. What are they? And, please excuse my doubt, but do they really exist? [Deathbringer raises his hand. Out of nowhere, he grabs for something and suddenly holds a book in his hand] DB: Of course they exist. Look, this is one of them. These books were written before the beginning of time. Everything that happens is written down on these pages. [Deathbringer slowly browses through the book for a few seconds, then puts it on the table] TD: So you're telling me that you know everything about the present, past and future of the IIWF? [Deathbringer slowly shakes his head] DB: No, you do not understand, Dross, and how could you? The present, past and future, as you called it, exist at the very same time. You mortals just only see one single moment of time. But right now, I can overlook years, decades, centuries. Maybe one could call me a traveller in time. But to answer your question, yes, I know everything about the IIWF and not just about the IIWF, but about everything that happens in this universe. TD: May I have a look in that book? I'm just curious about what's written down in it. [As Deathbringer makes no motion, Dross reaches over to the book. The moment he touches it, it crumbles to dust] TD: [shocked] Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to destroy it, I... DB: [interrupting] You destroyed nothing. You are not even capable of destroying anything that belongs to Death himself. That book is now back where it belongs. But feel free to continue with your questions. TD: Okay, now that you didn't get the belt at Snow Brawl, will you give it another try? What are your plans concerning the prestigious IIWF World Heavyweight Championship? DB: You know, Dross, the belt never was really important to me, although some so-called experts tell a different story. For me, titles never were important, and they never will be. If I aim for the gold, it is just to show the mortals yet once again what power is buried within me. In my opinion, this is not necessary right now. At the moment I have other things on my mind which are far more important than any belt could ever be. These things, however, have to do with what happened at Snow Brawl and I told you some about it last Friday already. TD: You're most certainly talking about the Quigley situation? Now what is your opinion of "Quickstrike?" He is a fine athlete, and while I do not condone his behavior at Snow Brawl, he's not one to be taken lightly. DB: First of all, let me remind you that I do not take anybody lightly. I know better than anyone that mortals tend to give me the fight of their lives if the trophy _is_ their life. It will be no different with Chris Quigley. Now I would like to answer the question of what I think of him. I think he is a, how would you call it, loudmouth. He tells everyone that Dan Kauffman kept the title just because of him. It was not because of Chris Quigley, that he kept the title, and Quigley knows it. He just wants to show all the world that he is an awesome athlete. And though he might be a capable athlete, he is not awesome. His deeds in the ring may impress the fans, maybe even some of the experts, but they certainly do not impress me. After all, Quigley is just another mortal, whose end is already sealed... TD: Quigley has stated publicly that he's not afraid of you... or Death itself. DB: [slowly shaking his head] No one is afraid of Death himself. I have told you this time and time again, but I think I must say it once again. All those mortals just hide behind a barrier of dishonest fearlessness. Some day it will break down and bury them. Tell me, Dross, are you afraid of dying, are you afraid of the dark side, are you afraid of the Reaper? TD: [searching for words] Well, I... what shall I say... DB: [interrupting once again] Maybe you'd better remain silent, Dross. Whatever you say, it is not the truth. Mortals tend to play a role in which they are invulnerable. But look at the history of mankind. No one could, in the end, withstand the power of Death himself, and Quigley will not make any difference. However, I am tired of saying again and again that those _valiant_ mortals are just betraying themselves. They shall do it, if they want to. It just makes them weaker... it just makes them easier prey for me. Now back to Quigley, somewhere down the line we will meet. There is no way around it. Quigley will come to the crossing, the final crossing, where I am waiting for him and where I will show him the path to the dark side. However, our encounter might not happen too soon, maybe in a few weeks, possibly even later. Do not forget that there are still other mortals on my mind. TD: I guess you're talking about Serge Annis. What was the Kauffman-Annis situation all about last Wednesday anyway? What was your business down in the aisle? DB: I just came as a kind of spectator. After all, I did not even touch Kauffman, but did you see how he dodged away? At least there is one mortal who really shows his fear. Now as far as Serge Annis is concerned. He has made two lethal mistakes. The one thing is that he burned me with his flames. Another thing I cannot forgive is his coming down to ringside at Snow Brawl. Maybe I have been too kind to the wrestlers in the IIWF, but that time is over. If someone tries to interfere in my match... I will make him pay. TD: Now that's not entirely fair, Annis did not interfere in that match. DB: That does not matter. He had no business down there at ringside. And he is going to pay for it. No mercy, no remorse, no regret. These three principles have always ruled my way of existence. It is time to bring these principles with me to this league. Furthermore I am no longer on a mission to eradicate all evil. I am on a crusade. TD: Serge Annis, however, had some harsh comments during _your_ last matchup, which turned out to be no match at all. Any comments about that? DB: Oh, you are talking about that little incident. Well, Annis, you say that you are not afraid of me, that you think I am just a mortal... This is exactly what I talked about earlier on, Dross. He hides in his own imagination. He _wants_ me to be mortal. Now what do I learn from his thoughts? I learn that he is possibly more afraid of me than anyone else here in the IIWF. [Deathbringer turns towards the camera which zooms in to his pitch-black eyes] DB: Annis, from now on I will be haunting you in your dreams. I do not know what demons are in your head right now, but they will look like toys compared to the horrors I have planned for you. Annis, prepare to meet your maker... [Deathbringer turns back to Dross] TD: Well, let's carry on. You just spoke of your crusade. Are there any possible allies along the way? You certainly will need help if your mission to eradicate all evil shall be successful. DB: No, the time of allies, stables and co-operations is over. For centuries I have always been on my own. Sure, sometimes people appear who pretend to walk at the side of Death himself. But in the end I put them to their final rest just like anybody else. No, there is only one person left whom I really trust. This person is the only one whom I would take as an ally... TD: And just who is that person? DB: Me. TD: I see... Another question comes to mind. If you want to punish anyone who in any way interferes in your matches or who stands in your path... then what about Casey James? He was at ringside at Snow Brawl as well. DB: And he will pay for it. TD: Ah... Alright, now let's talk about your future plans here in the IIWF -- that is, your plans after you have settled your differences with Chris Quigley. DB: As I said, there are two other wrestlers who will have to pay the ultimate price. But as soon as I am finished with them, I guess it is really time to get back to the very top. To finally rule supreme... TD: Now that implies that you are indeed going after the belt once more? DB: Though the belt is unimportant to me, that is always possible. In fact, I would not want to be the champion when I come after that belt. However, there are some newcomers to this league who do not give me the respect I deserve. Maybe they do not really know who I am... or maybe they just _do not fear me_. I guess I will start with some of them before I aim at the gold again. You know, I have more than enough time... unlike you mortals. TD: That leads me to another interesting question: What do you think about the newcomers who recently entered this league? I am talking about athletes like Brody Thunder, Ronnie Paris, Creed, and Cheshire. DB: What shall I say? They are just the kind of prey I am looking for. Some of them may be capable athletes, but they will all bow to the power of Death himself, just like all the other wrestlers in the IIWF have. TD: Hmmm... Well, this segment is called UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, and I now some personal questions which I'd like to ask you. DB: Feel free to do so. TD: Thank you again. First of all, why are you always wearing that mask of yours? This is, in fact, a question I've been wondering about since Coronation Clash and it seems as if other competitors are wondering the same thing. DB: Believe me, Dross, it is better for all of you that I wear this mask. I am sure that you could not endure the sight of my... well, let me just say _face_. But you should not care about that mask, after all, you will have to look into my ... face... when your time has come, so just be patient. TD: Rumor has it that you were involved in a severe accident during your childhood and that your head was almost crushed. These rumors also say that this is the reason why you do not feel any pain. But I guess you'll tell me that those are in fact nothing but rumors, right? [Deathbringer stares at Dross for a few seconds, then nods slowly] DB: Of course. If I were able to be surprised, I guess I would be surprised right now. It is always interesting how some mortals try to explain what can not be explained. A severe accident during my childhood sounds possible... and to you it would explain my inability to feel pain. But believe me, Dross, that is not true. Just look into my eyes and you will understand that it cannot be true. As a matter of fact, I had a very nice childhood and there were no severe injuries that I remember... TD: [interrupting]: Ha! You just told me that you had a childhood! I guess that proves... DB: Hold it, Dross. And watch your hair, it's about to fly away... [Dross puts a hand on his head, then gets a strange look on his face.] TD: That's not funny. My hair has nothing to do with this. Now how do you explain your remark? DB: That is fairly simple. I once was a mortal, just like you. To be more precise I lived in the region of today's Germany where I was born in the year of the Lord 1079. My family was poor and we had to work very hard to stay alive. Then one day as I was walking around our village I saw two thieves attacking a single man, dressed in an expensive robe. I pulled out my knife and managed to expel the attackers. The man, apparently a nobleman, thanked me for my help, climbed on his horse and rode off. I never told anybody about the incident. One day a messenger of the king arrived at our hut and gave me a letter saying that I should come to the king's castle. I consented and walked to the castle where I was welcomed by the king himself, who told me that it was his son whom I had saved from being murdered. He offered me the chance of becoming a knight at his court and I agreed. However it was the time of Crusades, and when my training was over I was immediately sent into the holy land. Battles went well for me and my comrades, until one day a small group of us was surrounded by enemy soldiers. We thought we were invincible, and though being outnumbered we attacked the enemy... [Deathbringer looks down for a few seconds, then raises his head again] DB: We were not invincible... and we were not invulnerable. One by one, each man was taken down. Blood was everywhere. Suddenly, a sword hit me right in the face and almost took half of my head off. I fell to the ground and was ready to die. But I did not. Around me my comrades were killed and the enemy finally went off, laughing. I could not move, and I could not die. I was begging to God to let me leave this cruel world when I suddenly heard a voice. It was not God... it was Death himself who was speaking to me. He ordered me to raise from the ground and I obliged. I was afraid. I thought that this was the end. But Death told me that he needed someone to help him. He wanted me to become his right hand, at least that was what I thought. And what should I do at that moment? I knelt down before Death and vowed to serve him. But he picked me up with ease and told me that I was not supposed to serve him, but to become the new Reaper. He raised his hands and lightning flashes struck the earth around us. I was suddenly wearing his cowl and Death was gone. Now this is my story, Dross. I never told it to anyone before, but I felt that it was about time. [Dross looks at Deathbringer for a very long time] TD: Erm... well, let's say that I believe what you just said. Then tell me something: You once said that you were walking among the dead and living for all eternity. But now you say that you were born in 1079. Something seems very strange to me. DB: There is nothing strange. Remember what I said earlier. For me, there is no difference in present, past and future. And right now I can oversee the whole history and the whole future of mankind. I am able to appear wherever and _whenever_ I want. However, I do not expect you to understand this... TD: Is it just me or are there certain parallels to the story of Adam Smith, the Highwayman? DB: There are no parallels at all. Adam Smith was a mortal who died, and has risen from the earth once again as a mortal. I do not see how you can compare him to Death himself. TD: [smiling slightly]: Well, Deathbringer, if you can't answer the following question, I don't suppose anyone can. Is the Highwayman's story purely fiction or did he indeed "rise from the earth" as you called it? DB: [raising his head as if looking for something] Yes, his story is true. And I have to say that it, after all, was my fault that this could happen. Well, even I am not flawless... TD: [having lost his smile] Then the crossroad legend is true? DB: [lowering his head again] Maybe it is, maybe it is not. Try to find out for yourself if you want to. TD: Oh, thank you. I guess I'm not _that_ curious. You know, this really might be the strangest interview I've ever done... and I think it is about time to end it. [The camera moves to Dross, who looks at his watch] That's odd. I think my watch is broken. It shows the same time as when I came here. DB: I told you that time is endless here, Dross. When will you start to believe my words? [As Dross looks up and the camera moves back to the left, Deathbringer is gone] TD: How does he do that? Just _how_ does he do that? [Dross stands up and leaves the mortuary, looking behind him several times. Fade. Cut back to Dross in the studio.] ************************************************************************** ---------------------- WEDNESDAY NIGHT PREVIEW ------------------------- ************************************************************************** There is plenty of action scheduled for the IIWF Coliseum tomorrow night, and Becky LaRue and I will have all the results and highlights from tomorrow's show in the "Wednesday War Room." We'll also have live reports from the Coliseum. Here are the scheduled matches: SINGLES MATCHES: * Mr. Damage vs. Bobby B. Goode * Nightwing vs. Jumpin' Jack * Otto "the Butcher" Verhoeven vs. Scott "the Whine" Bloom * Highwayman vs. Tiger Claw * Sandman vs. Creed * Mr. Damage vs. Harlequin Chaos * Casey James vs. "Superstar" Stud Stetson TAG TEAM MATCHES: * G.W.R. vs. Zodiac Connection * SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH: The Players' Club vs. Ned Norton, El Super Gecko & Maurice McArthur ************************************************************************** ---------------------- DROSS HANDICAPS THE FIELD ------------------------ ************************************************************************** *************************** WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION *************************** DAN KAUFFMAN RECORD: 16-5-2 WIN %: .762 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 He's apparently lost his patience with Chris Quigley and has sided with The Players' Club. Still, fans booed Kauffman for the first time I can remember. Is this Khaos coming back out in Kauffman? ************************** INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION ************************** STEVE KOWALSKI RECORD: 9-3-0 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Kept the belt against Marty Warnett, but he now has Billy Sexton on his tail. *********************** CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION *********************** TAKEZO MUSASHI RECORD: 17-5-0 WIN %: .773 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Attacked by the bizarre Cheshire Saturday night. Ready to meet the clown face-to-face. RANKINGS BY WINNING PERCENTAGE: 1. DEATHBRINGER RECORD: 20-3-2 WIN %: .870 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Of his many foes, Serge Annis appears to be the most pressing. What a match that will be! 2. BRODY THUNDER RECORD: 6-2-1 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 Clearly wants a piece of the Syndicate, who cost him a loss by countout on Saturday. 3. CHRIS QUIGLEY RECORD: 11-4-0 WIN %: .733 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Took a beating at the hands of The Players' Club on Saturday. His health and career are in jeopardy. THE WHITE PHOENIX RECORD: 11-4-0 WIN %: .733 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Attack on Hakiro Matsuoko and scuffle with Takezo Musashi at Snow Brawl was uncharacteristic. He'll have some explaining to do when he returns from the extended world tour. 5. LORD BYRON RECORD: 8-3-0 WIN %: .727 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Nearly ready to return to the IIWF wars after an extended European tour. 6. OTTO "THE BUTCHER" VERHOEVEN RECORD: 13-5-1 WIN %: .722 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 His feud with The Sandman must be resolved. The Subway Psycho still wants a piece of him. Will Cheshire be a worthy ally? 7. HARLEQUIN TRAGEDY RECORD: 5-2-1 WIN %: .714 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Still unbeaten in cage matches after win against Otto Verhoeven. 8. SUBWAY PSYCHO RECORD: 15-7-2 WIN %: .682 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Has not forgotten his unpaid debt with Otto Verhoeven. 9. BILLY SHAKESPEARE RECORD: 17-9-1 WIN %: .654 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Reminded everyone on Saturday that he is clearly still in the Intercontinental Championship picture. MARTY WARNETT RECORD: 17-9-0 WIN %: .654 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Disappointing ending against Steve Kowalski in his bid for the IIWF Intercontinental Championship, but he isn't giving up. 11. CASEY JAMES RECORD: 16-9-2 WIN %: .640 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Left the IIWF Coliseum with the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship belt Saturday night -- and doesn't appear ready to give it back. 12. "PAINBRINGER" BILLY SEXTON RECORD: 14-9-0 WIN %: .609 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Took out his frustration on both Steve Kowalski and Marty Warnett, then encountered an angry Billy Shakespeare. He's one of several competitors in the muddled IC title picture. 13. VENUSIAN DEATH CELL RECORD: 7-5-0 WIN %: .583 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Still recovering from an "alleged poisoning," but is expected to return to the ring at any time. 14. HAKIRO MATSUOKO RECORD: 15-11-1 WIN %: .577 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Already planning his revenge against The White Phoenix. He'd also like a match against Takezo Musashi and a chance to regain the IIWF Cruiserweight Championship. 15. STUD STETSON RECORD: 4-3-2 WIN %: .571 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 He has a pretty lady and a bogus belt. Which does he admire more? 16. TIGER CLAW RECORD: 19-15-2 WIN %: .559 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Seems to have turned his attention to Brody Thunder. 17. ONSLAUGHT RECORD: 6-5-0 WIN %: .545 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Troubled by his Snow Brawl experience with the Venusian Death Cell. THE SANDMAN RECORD: 12-10-0 WIN %: .545 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Paid the price for betraying Otto Verhoeven. 19. CREED RECORD: 2-2-1 WIN %: .500 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Cold and calculating individual made even more dangerous by the cunning genius of "The CEO" Jack Montgomery. 20. MR. DAMAGE RECORD: 10-11-0 WIN %: .476 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Scored a win over The Hangman to open 1997 with a bang. 21. "BADBOY" RANDY ACORN RECORD: 7-10-2 WIN %: .412 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-1-0 Appears poised to return to his championship form. 22. THE HANGMAN RECORD: 4-6-3 WIN %: .400 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 He doesn't believe in ghosts, but who -- or what -- can explain that apparition of The Senator?. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23. "REAL DEAL" LUKE STEELE RECORD: 2-0-0 WIN %: 1.000 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Won the IIWF contract, but now must prove himself against the fed's regular roster. 24. MAD DOG WATKINS RECORD: 3-1-0 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 Upset loss to rookie Ronnie Paris upset him. He's already asked for a rematch. CHESHIRE RECORD: 3-1-0 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Drew the attention of Dr. Hinterhalt -- and then Takezo Musashi on Saturday night. DIRT DOG UNIQUE ALLAH RECORD: 3-1-0 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Forget Takezo Musashi, this guy is the real enigma. Whether he is drunk or not, he knows how to fight. 27. HARLEQUIN CHAOS RECORD: 2-1-0 WIN %: .667 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Always unpredictable -- and that's what makes him dangerous. SERGE ANNIS RECORD: 2-1-1 WIN %: .667 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 His fixation on fire and IIWF World Champion Dan Kauffman are a deadly combination. 29. AMERICAN PATRIOT RECORD: 2-2-0 WIN %: .500 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 He's been quiet after a strong showing at Snow Brawl. RONNIE PARIS RECORD: 2-2-0 WIN %: .500 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Wants to prove to everyone -- especially himself -- that Wednesday's win over Mad Dog Watkins was no fluke. 31. HIGHWAYMAN RECORD: 0-0-0 WIN %: .000 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Newcomer awaiting his first match. NIGHTWING RECORD: 0-0-0 WIN %: .000 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Newcomer awaiting his first match. "SYCHOSYS" JOE PETROW RECORD: 0-0-0 WIN %: .000 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Newcomer awaiting his first match. ************************ WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS ************************ THE DARK DISCIPLES RECORD: 4-2-0 WIN %: .667 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Won the IIWF World Tag Team belts Saturday night. Must now prove they deserve those belts. 1. DOMINATION RECORD: 4-1-1 WIN %: .800 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Clearly the number one contenders for The Dark Disciples' belts. Will they get the shot they never did against Rising Sun Revolution or The High Plains Drifters? 2. RISING SUN REVOLUTION RECORD: 9-3-0 WIN %: .750 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Will be seeking to regain their belts when they return from the extended IIWF Tour. 3. THE ARMED FORCES RECORD: 16-7-2 WIN %: .696 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Settled nothing against G.W.R. Saturday night. Trouble may also be looming with Pain Inc. as their alliance crumbles. HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS RECORD: 16-8-1 WIN %: .696 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-1-0 Lost the belts due to The Players' Club interfering in the match. Dynamite and Reyna were gunning for The Disciples, but don't tell that to Pale and Easy. 4. THE ARABIAN KNIGHTS RECORD: 9-5-0 WIN %: .643 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Always a dangerous team. Will they step up against The Dark Disciples? 5. THE HANGMEN RECORD: 7-4-2 WIN %: .636 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-1 If they can remove themselves from this "Senator apparition" and remain focused on their competition, they may be able to climb the ranks. G.W.R. RECORD: 3-2-1 WIN %: .600 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Double countout against The Armed Forces settled nothing. 8. THE ALPHABET BOYS RECORD: 7-5-2 WIN %: .583 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 Their fascination with Rising Sun Revolution doesn't seem to be helping either team. PAIN INC. RECORD: 7-5-1 WIN %: .583 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-1 Their return to the IIWF has been less than stellar so far, but never rule out Mr. Mic and his men. Their alliance with The Armed Forces appears to be crumbling. 10. THE PLAYERS' CLUB RECORD: 4-4-0 WIN %: .500 RECORD IN JANUARY: 1-0-0 Must be ready for The High Plains Drifters, who felt the brunt of their attack aimed at The Dark Disciples. Also must watch out for the Syndicate, now that they have solidly backed Dan Kauffman. 11. THE ZODIAC CONNECTION RECORD: 6-8-0 WIN %: .429 RECORD IN JANUARY: 0-0-0 The stars have been silent lately, but they still want a shot at Pain Inc. ************************************************************************** ------------- COMING FRIDAY: COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY NIGHT ---------------- ************************************************************************** Fans, be sure to join Becky LaRue and me tomorrow night for the "Wednesday War Room," and then Becky and Larry Morton on Friday for "Countdown to Saturday Night." Until then, this is Tim Dross for the cast and crew of "Inside the IIWF" saying so long everybody! [The credits roll as the lighting on the broadcast desk drops and Dross resumes shuffling papers on the desk. 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+