[Fade up on footage IIWF Saturday Night: Dan Kauffman walks to the ring, IIWF Championship around his waist; James and Kauffman fighting in the middle of the ring; A close-up of Kauffman's head, a crimson mask from the blood pouring from his lacerated forehead; the lethal spinebuster by James on Kauffman; a slow motion replay of the three-count. Slow fades catch a gleeful Casey James standing over Dan Kauffman; Subway Psycho and Tiger Claw guarding Kauffman's brutally-beaten body. Finally, a shot of Kauffman, unconscious and unalert, lying in center ring, the gash in his forehead still moist with blood. Then there is complete blackness...] DK: And so it ended... [On the black screen appears a final sentence:] IIWF WORLD CHAMPION: Casey "Blackheart" James [The words fade into the black screen, and the black screen itself fades away, and the familiar images of Hell's Abyss occupy the screen. The workout equipment has been packed up, the heavy-bag down and only the hook from which it swung is the only evidence it was ever there. The free-weights have been boxed and carried away. Even the trophy case, once filled with prizes and memories, has been cleared, cleaned, and left alone. Only the wrestling ring still occupies the room... and in this wrestling ring stands Dan Kauffman, the gash on his forehead nearly three inches wide, the bruises and scars clearly evident. Kauffman looks away from the camera.] DK: There was a day when I actually felt I was the best wrestler in the world. There was a day when I loved wrestling, and wrestling helped me overcome the flaws and boredom of everyday life. There was a time when I could look ahead and see my future inside these three ring ropes. Now, it seems as if the ring has become my enemy. It seems the ring is the entity I look to escape from. That it is wrestling itself that has the flaws. The fun is gone. The love for wrestling evaporated a long time ago, way before I ever admitted the fact. I could have retired four months ago, and I'd have been perfectly happy. [Kauffman walks around the ring a little bit, choosing his words thoughtfully...] I'll be honest... After having gone through Saturday's massacre -- and let's be honest, I looked as if I didn't care any more against James -- I was ready to high-tail it out of the world of wrestling. I was ready to leave behind my entire life. I was ready to give all hope up... after all, to me, it's clear my best days are... were... behind me. That's why this room is as you see it now. The heavy bag is in the car. The free weights belong to my brother-in-law... that's right, I'm married. No one ever knew it. I never felt like telling the world about how my real life crumbled at my feet... as it has done time and time again. The trophies? Some are still around, some have been given to other places and people, and one belongs to a different man now. I was all set to walk out of the public eye forever... and I'd be glad to do that. [Kauffman continues his walk around the ring, shaking his head.] It's a very different Dan Kauffman that lives nowadays compared to the Dan Kauffman of the summer. Back then, it was wrestling that brought a smile to my face. It was wrestling for which I woke up every day early in the morning with no care at all. Things aren't the way they used to be. A body, a mind, a soul and a heart can only take so many beatings before they must change. I am only a shadow of the man I used to be... as far as the wrestling world is concerned. But a few people talked to me in the last few days. Told Dan Kauffman he was making a mistake. I told them that Dan Kauffman the wrestler was doing what was best for him. They told me that Dan Kauffman the _person_ would regret walking away later on. And I have to believe that they are right. A certain person told me that it is better to go out looking like a champion everyone knows rather than a defeated man whom everyone then doubts. He told me that I needed to prove myself to any last people who doubt who I am. He told me to continue on and to fight for just seven more weeks. To this certain person, I say: That's what I'm going to do. [Kauffman climbs out of the ring.] Billy Shakespeare... good luck. Casey James, congrats. Players' Club, go on without me. Dan Kauffamn is in the IIWF... alone... for the next seven weeks. And this time, the actions will show that... I'm. Not. Done. Yet. [Kauffman walks up the stairs and out of Hell's Abyss and the shot fades to black. Pause. One final word fades onto the screen:] RESPECT [The letters fade from the screen, and suddenly the opening graphics explode into shot:] ##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION =============================================== W + E + D + N + E + S + D + A + Y W + A + R R + O + O + M ----------------------------------------------- + 5 February 1997 + [Fade through to a darkened studio: two figures sit at opposite ends of a curved desk, behind which a large video wall, made up of a number of individual television screens, fades into life, each screen showing highlights from a different recent IIWF match. The studio lights rise, and the figures are revealed to be announcers Tim Dross and Becky LaRue. Dross looks up from his papers and speaks:] TD: Welcome to the War Room, fans, for another hour of IIWF action. I'm Tim Dross, and beside me as always is the lovely Becky LaRue. You heard at the top of the hour that Dan Kauffman isn't through with the IIWF just yet -- news which will come as a great relief not only to the powerbrokers in the front office, but also to fans all over the world. Dan Kauffman will still face "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley in the main event at Ring Wars III on March 22. BL: I wouldn't be too sure about that, Timmy. Quigley's arrogance may have cost him his shot at Kauffman -- he's going to put it on the line against "Sychosys" Joe Petrow this Saturday Night in a match which one only needs to score a one-count to be victorious! Quigley doesn't have a hope. TD: For once, Becky, I'm going to have to agree with you. Particularly after he was softened up by part-time IIWF announcer, full-time arrogant troublemaker Kurt Manning. Let's take a look at this footage: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier Tonight." Chris Quigley, who is wearing jeans, a "Soccer Is Life" t-shirt, and his shades, appears to be looking around for the assigned IIWF Interviewer, and gets a look of disdain on his face as "The Masterpiece" Kurt Manning approaches him, wearing an expensive looking black suit, with a microphone in his hand.] CQ: What the hell... I thought they fired you, Manning! KM: [laughs] You must be stupider than I thought, Q-Ball! The IIWF, although they hide it well, DOES have some intelligence and business saavy! The suits know as well as I do, that firing the RSPWF Commentator of the Year would be... IDIOTIC! Of course, sending me to interview an absolute [BLEEP] like you isn't exactly what I had in mind when I accepted their job offer. [Quigley grabs the microphone from Manning] CQ: First of all, I'd love to know when _you_ are going to stop hiding behind that microphone and step into the ring here in the IIWF! You're on my back everywhere else, I'm expecting it here too! And secondly, you're paid to ask me questions, not talk about yourself! Get on with it! [Quigley shoves the microphone back into Manning's hands...] KM: That was a nice little tantrum, Quigley! It's still not going to get you a title shot at Ring Wars III. Kauffman tried to be a fighting champion and lost it on his first defense! [laughs] That was pathetic! And Casey James really has your number, so you're pretty much screwed, aren't ya? [Quigley looks furious.] CQ: No, I'm _not_ screwed! As far as Dan Kauffman goes, he took a gamble and he lost! He lost the World Title, and screwed up his whole retirement plan! But that makes no difference to me! I still want Dan Kauffman at Ring Wars III, title or not! This goes much deeper than a leather strap! This goes into our instinct to fight to be the best! Kauffman is about to get knocked off the hill that he somehow got to the top of here in the IIWF before me! There's no doubt in my mind that I'm better, and I'm going to prove it at Ring Wars! And you want to talk about Casey James? He seems to hold a lot of stock in controversial victories, doesn't he?! Are you feeling a little insecure with me breathing down your back, James? I would if I were you. Kauffman was a challenge. You are _nothing_! KM: Hold it... hold it... if I can interupt you for a second, oh great one, what the hell about Joe Petrow?! He's gonna be fighting Kauffman at Ring Wars III after he pins you for a one count on Saturday Night! Then you'll be stuck teaming with Ned Norton to take on the Barnacle Brothers on the Free For All! CQ: The "Quickstrike Match" is a minor obstable, and that's all! Petrow wants to get in my face and talk trash to me? He pays the price! It's just a shame I have to pin him, because I really think he deserves the Quickstriker! But believe me, he'll feel the effects of _that_ move before the night is over! Listen, I want nothing more than to face Dan Kauffman at Ring Wars, Petrow! If you think for a second that you can take that from me... you are _gravely_ mistaken! KM: That's an interesting choice of words, CQ! You got death on your mind? You a little bit scared of Deathbringer? C'mon! We're old pals! Hell, we learned how to wrestle together in Phoenix! You can tell me! [Quigley grabs the microphone from Manning once more...] CQ: Deathbringer cost me against Marty Warnett! Deathbringer cost me against Lord Byron! Two matches I had WON, and Deathbringer took that away from me! But you listen, and you listen good, you damn corpse! You are gonna feel pain like you've never felt before... because I don't think you're showing me much respect, Deathbringer! That's the biggest mistake you'll ever make! When guys don't show me respect... it pisses me off, and it makes me want to go out and earn their respect, and you can REST assured... that's what I'm gonna do, dead man! And as for you and me being pals, Manning?! I wouldn't consider you a friend if you paid me! You're a coward, a cheat, and possibly the worst commentator I've ever heard! [Manning snatches back the microphone from Quigley...] KM: I've heard just about enough out of you, has-been! Why don't ya go lose another match on Saturday Night?! It's what you're best at! [With that, Manning turns and begins to walk away, and after a second, Quigley turns as well... and in a flash Manning races back into the camera's view, smacking Quigley in the back of the head with the microphone with a loud *THUD*!! Manning grabs Quigley and throws him into the brick wall in the background, and then flings him into a row of empty steel chairs, as chairs fold down on Quigley's arms and legs! Manning grabs a groggy Quigley by the hair and slaps him hard in the face with the other hand. He then grabs the microphone and yells in Quigley's face...] KM: NOBODY GETS IN MY FACE EITHER, QUIGLEY! YOU JUST REMEMBER THAT! [With that, Manning lets Quigley's head slam back down on the floor, as he remains entangled in the steel folding chairs. Manning throws the microphone down and walks over to where Quigley's shades fell off his face. Manning bends down and picks up the shades, sliding them on his own face, then he hauls his sportsjacket off and slings it over his shoulder as he walks away, while medics rush to help half hurt/half furious Quigley out of the mess of chairs. Cut back to the studio.] BL: Yay, go get him, Kurt! TD: Becky, please. Fans, after all the talk about wrestlers attacking non-wrestling personnel here in the IIWF recently, I find this attack highly ironic. Now we have non-wrestling personnel attacking wrestlers. I understand that the IIWF Disciplinary Committee will be meeting to discuss Manning's conduct later in the week, and I would not be at all surprised if they didn't turf him right out the front door of IIWF Towers. BL: There's no way the suits are going to dump Manning, Timmy. He's just too much fun. TD: "Fun" isn't a word I'd use to describe his actions, Becky. As one last aside before we talk about the action coming up on tonight's show, let's go to footage of an impromptu interview given by the "Outlaw" J.W. Hardin earlier tonight. The big man came down to the ring in between the dark match and the opening match of tonight's event in the Coliseum, and he had a few harsh words for Dan Kauffman: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier Tonight." Big heel pop as the "Outlaw" J.W. Hardin, standing in the centre of the ring, takes the microphone.] JWH: The king... is dead. Yeah, yeah, Dan Kauffman came out and decided to open old wounds Sat'rday night, but you'll note that all them old wounds were _his_. Three cattle busters at Coronation Clash -- they weren't for the Horsemen; they weren't for the fans; they weren't even for me. Them DDTs were strictly for "Flash" as a reminder that the meanest old hombre in the IIWF is the Outlaw. But Danny boy bounced back. He took another beatin' at the hands of the Outlaw before Ring Wars II, but then he bounced back again to win the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship. [big face pop] Well Kauffman, mebbe I shoulda kicked yer ass Saturday night when I had the chance. Mebbe it woulda put the fire back in yer belly. [big heel pop] Unfortunately, it seems "Flash" spent the better part of last week reminiscing about the old days rather than keeping his mind on business at hand. And I don't reckon I need to remind ever'one that me and Brody Thunder got a vested interest in the business at hand. Kauffman, yer out here talkin' bout retirement and beaches and little sissy drinks with umbrellas in 'em. I could see it in yer eyes at that moment that the fire's gone out, but I thought there was hope. Me and Thunder gave you the perfect opportunity Saturday night. We had the Dark Disciples in the aisle, but you and them two lap dogs of yours couldn't even beat one man. THREE-ON-ONE and you couldn't take care of Casey James. Well, I reckon that answered any questions I mighta had about the fire inside you, Kauffman. There ain't no use in stokin' them coals anymore. See, you can run off and sit by a pool somewhere until you gotta wear diapers and can't eat nothin' but puddin'. But you're also gonna have to live with the fact that you're goin' down in the record books as nothin' but a part-time champion. [big heel pop] Yeah, you needed the Psycho's help to win the belt, you let Deathbringer inside yer head, you let Casey James break your concentration, and you waited 'til yer little buddies came along to take on Chris Quigley. The Players' Club... it's time you boys realized that we ain't _playin'_ and we ain't a part of no _club_! Yer either part of the problem or part of the solution, but you boys ain't part of nothin' right now. Well, I reckon Thunder and me will just have to take care of the Syndicate by ourselves. With Claw outta the picture, it's down to three of them and we don't need to be lookin' out fer no jackals with yellow stripes down their backs. So boys, why don't you go tuck Kauffman into his bunk, give him some puddin', kiss him on the head and tell him ever'thing's gonna be okay. Because the king is dead... and there are some MEN with work to do around here. [Big heel pop as Hardin drops the microphone, pulls his hat down low, and walks back to the locker room. Cut back to the studio.] BL: Attaboy, J.W.! TD: I'm sure that those words will galvanise Dan Kauffman into action -- he'll be facing Billy Shakespeare this Saturday night inside a fifteen foot steel cage. We'll be talking a whole lot more about this Saturday Night's special "Rage in the Cage" event, but before that, we'll be taking a look at the events of tonight's show in the IIWF Coliseum. Larry Morton and "Soundbite" Steve Roberts will be bringing us reports from the Coliseum itself. Coming up in this hour: [The video wall behind the desk shows footage of selected events from the evening's action: New Domination, consisting of Monster, "Perfect" Dani Jarvier, and Mistress, make their way down the aisle.] TD: We'll find out how much of a danger New Domination really pose as they squared off against the Armed Forces. [Footage of a huge figure playing a guitar while walking the aisle in the dimmed lights of the Coliseum.] TD: We'll find out whether Requiem is unknowingly condemned to a bright future here in the IIWF. [Footage of Icehawk and Edmund Fitzgerald making their way to the ring.] TD: We'll also hear about the debut of another new tag team here in the IIWF, known as Cold Spell. [Footage of Creed and the Venusian Death Cell brawling in the aisle.] TD: When is a match not a match? When you put Creed and the Venusian Death Cell together and say "fight"! [The IIWF logo fades back onto the video wall.] TD: So without further ado, let's get into our recap of tonight's action, beginning with the debut of the mysterious Requiem: [The video wall displays still images of the wrestlers and their stats:] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Requiem vs. "Nifty" Ned Norton 306lbs, 6'10" 245lbs, 6'2" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Requiem took his chance to show us what he could do both inside and outside the squared circle tonight. This unique individual is not only a versatile and impressive athlete... BL: Snort. TD: ...but he is also an accomplished musician. BL: Snort! Give me a break, Timmy. You call that funeral dirge he plays on that black guitar of his the work of an accomplished musician? TD: The mournful melody with which Requiem accompanies his own entrance is called "The Music of the Unknowingly Damned", and it held the crowd in awe as this big man made his way to the ring. I saw some parallels with Creed in the way this man is so cold and emotionless in the ring -- and he never gave Ned Norton a chance to get into this match, wearing him down with power moves right from the start. One gets the feeling that Requiem had barely scratched the surface of his repertoire of moves, but in the space of the first volley of moves, he had hit a tilt-a-whirl suplex, a DDT and a slingshot suplex. BL: Oooh... a suplex. How impressive. TD: Well, you couldn't fail to be impressed by Requiem's devastating finishing manoeuvre, a powerbomb from the top rope known as the "Final Lament." A powerbomb is a deadly move in its own right, and even more so when performed by a man standing nearly seven feet tall. Couple that with the move being executed from the top rope, and you have one of the most decimating finishers ever seen in the IIWF. Anybody who hears the melody of the "Final Lament" will go down to defeat. BL: You don't think the suits signed this guy to release a record, do you? TD: No, Becky, I don't. [WINNER: Requiem by pinfall in 5:33.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= COLD SPELL vs. THE ROTUNDOS Icehawk & Edmund Fitzgerald Rotundo #1, Rotundo #2 comb. 500lbs comb. 790lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: A Finnish high-flying gymnast and a vengeful survivor named after a sunken ship -- a more unlikely partnership one would be hard-pushed to find... BL: Oh yeah? How about your head and natural hair? TD: [ignoring her] ...but Cold Spell are certainly effective in the ring. With their combination of Icehawk's aerial skills, agility and speed, and Fitz's raw power and stamina, Cold Spell beat the Rotundos from pillar to post. Icehawk eagerly started the match off and hit an early volley of aerial moves, including a frankensteiner from the top rope and a moonsault to the outside. The crowd were left gasping by his high-speed assault, and they were gasping for a different reason when Fitz got into the ring with the obese Rotundos. Fitz actually managed to whips one of the big men into the ropes and take his legs out from under him with a modified version of his patented Shipwreck Slam -- a truly impressive display of power. From there, Icehawk hit his top rope somersault legdrop, a move familiar to IIWF fans as the Subway Psycho's De-Railer, but dubbed by Icehawk the "Arctic Blast", for the pinfall victory. I see great things in the future of Cold Spell here in the IIWF. BL: What's that, Timmy? A weather forecast? Hehehe... snort. TD: Quite. [WINNER: Cold Spell by pinfall in 6:16.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cheshire vs. El Super Gecko 220lbs, 6' 225lbs, 6'1" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Cheshire was left high and dry by his partner and fellow countryman Otto "the Butcher" Verhoeven on Saturday Night -- with the result that he ended up on the losing end of Harlequin Tragedy's "Tragic Ending". Tonight, the bizarre athlete went to the ring with the purpose of proving that he doesn't always clown around, and although he toyed with the similarly-statured Gecko in the opening stages of the match, he soon let rip with his high-impact offence -- cartwheel kicks, jumping DDTs, a somersault dropkick -- and wore the Gecko down sufficiently to finish him with his Humorizer mandible claw. [WINNER: Cheshire by submission in 7:39.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= G.W.R. vs. BARNACLE BROTHERS Loco & Spoiler Barnacle #1 & Barnacle #2 comb. 545lbs comb. 550lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: G.W.R. were expecting an easy ride against the Barnacle Brothers tonight, and they got one. Loco and Spoiler soon had one of the Barnacles in the Terminus and scored the quick pinfall victory. However, they weren't expecting what happened next. Let's go to Larry Morton and Steve Roberts, who have the details: [Tim and Becky turn to face the video wall, on which appears the image of Larry Morton and Steve Roberts standing in the aisle of the now-empty IIWF Coliseum.] LM: Thanks, Tim. It was indeed a comprehensive victory for the Arabian Knights here tonight. However, while they were celebrating in the ring, they were attacked by Prince Abdul Akmar and Omar of the Arabian Knights, who jumped them from behind. With Omar keeping General Kane and the bodyguard on the outside at bay, Akbar nailed both Loco and Spoiler with brass knuckles to topple them from the ring. Let's go to some remarkable footage: [Cut to the Arabian Knights clotheslining both members of G.W.R. out of the ring. Suddenly, the lights in the arena dim, and the ring is filled with green smoke. The crowd gives a confused pop, and when the smoke clears, who should stand in the middle of the ring but -- the Grand Vizier!] GV: I bet you all thought that you had seen the last of me... Well, it just shows how wrong you can be! [Laughs] It is true I can no longer manage the Arabian Knights, but nowhere did it say that I couldn't manage the New Arabian Knights! That is right! I am the manager of the New Arabian Knights and I shall lead my Knights to the very top. What has happened here tonight is just a prelude to what is going to happen, so everyone out there beware, for the true Knights have returned and all who stand in our way shall be consumed by the shifting sands... [The Vizier's laughter cackles over the PA system as the ring once again fills with smoke. Loco and Spoiler storm the ring, but both the Knights and the Vizier have disappeared. Cut back to the live feed of Larry and Steve in the aisle.] SR: Since when did having the same two guys in a tag team justify terming the partnership "new"? LM: Well, I tried to get words with the Knights backstage after this strange incident, but they had disappeared from the arena just as quickly as they had appeared. I did, however, overhear General Kane muttering something about the Knights taking liberties, and that they'd pay for it. Hopefully, we'll be able to get to the bottom of the mysterious return of the Grand Vizier in time for Friday's report. For now, back to you in the studio. [Tim and Becky turn back to face the cameras as the IIWF logo fades back onto the video wall.] TD: One word of warning to the Arabian Knights -- when General Kane says something, it's only a matter of time before his prophecy comes true. [WINNER: G.W.R. by pinfall in 2:46.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Badboy" Randy Acorn vs. Majestic Maurice McArthur 227lbs, 6'3" 245lbs, 6'2" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: This match must have seemed like a foregone conclusion to every fan in the IIWF Coliseum. In one corner, we had the aggressive former IIWF Cruiserweight Champion, "Badboy" Randy Acorn, a man determined to prove himself among the best once more, and in the other corner, we had Majestic Maurice McArthur, a man whose only victory in the IIWF came when Spur walked out on him two weeks ago. But tonight was a night of surprises. Let's go over to Larry Morton for the details: [Tim and Becky turn to face the video wall once more. Larry Morton stands by the empty ring:] LM: In one of the more bizarre incidents in IIWF history, "Badboy" Randy Acorn had McArthur trapped in his Newark Knife Texas cloverleaf when who should run to the ring but "Sychosys" Joe Petrow. Petrow rolled straight under the bottom rope, and began kicking at McArthur's midsection, forcing the referee to disqualify Acorn. Petrow seemed satisfied as soon as the bell rang, and bolted straight back out of the ring as suddenly as he had arrived. Acorn was so shocked at first that he simply stood and watched Petrow as he darted back up the aisle, but when Sparkplug Lee announced the decision that McArthur had won the match on a disqualification, he exploded, attacking the referee and knocking him from the ring, before charging up the aisle after Petrow. Petrow, however, made a quick exit from the Coliseum, although Acorn apparently chased him as far as the parking lot, but arrived only in time to see Petrow speed away. But the upshot of all this is, folks, that Majestic Maurice McArthur has won his second ever match in the IIWF -- and at the expense of a very angry "Badboy" Randy Acorn. Back to you in the studio. [Tim and Becky turn back to face the cameras as the IIWF logo fades back onto the video wall.] TD: Becky, I have to believe that there's some method behind Joe Petrow's madness. BL: Why? The guy's a maniac. TD: I'm sure Petrow has something up his sleeve... but what that might be I guess we'll have to wait to find out. [WINNER: Majestic Maurice McArthur by disqualification in 4:21.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PROPHETS OF RAGE vs. THE HANGMEN Derek Rage & Shadoe Rage Hangman #1 & Hangman #2 comb. 573lbs comb. 715lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Both of these teams had words for one another concerning this big tag team match tonight. Let's hear first from the Prophets: [Cut to footage subtitled "Earlier This Week." Shadoe and Derek stand before their interview backdrop. Pizzazz stands between them, puffing on her cigarette.] Shadoe: Hangmen, it's like this. You're in the way. You're in the way of something big and something very important. Don't think that we're just going to let you get away with walking in here and challenging us. I'm just gonna whup your ass and call it even. See, the real game starts soon. The IIWF is supposed to be the best federation around. We'll put that to the test. Derek: It disappoints me that it's you two who have to suffer for our advancement. 'Cause you may be big and strong, but you're two dumb men. For all that you look like oxen, y'all know you can't beat us. I mean, admit it. Those masks don't fool us. We'll be able to track each and every one of you. See, we're going on a roll through the IIWF. We've set the goal as 5-0 in the first stanza of our quest for glory. And believe you me, you won't be that roadblock. Pizzazz: Hangmen, vous etes fous si vous pensez que vous pouvez defaire mes Prophets. Nous sommes ici pour un seul raison -- le championnat. Et ca c'est ce qui nous guides toujours. Shadoe: They can't hear that. All they'll hear is blood and guts! Yeah! Die in darkness, Hangmen, the first victims of the Age of the Rage! [Cut back to the studio.] BL: Age of the Rage? Yeah, right. TD: You may scoff, Becky, but the Hangmen take the challenge seriously: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week." The Hangmen leave the offices of Hangman Inc.] TH1: Well, it seems like The Prophets of Rage are trying to climb the ladder here in the IIWF. The climb up is a very hard one. Prophets, do you not realize that by climbing into the ring with us you may not be around the IIWF for long. TH2: Hey, we know how difficult the competition is here. Teams are always wanting the Hangmen in the ring to bolster their images and drawing power. If you think that for one second that we will not be thinking about this match you are both crazy. Prophets, maybe you had better ask yourselves: is it really the time to step up to the plate? TH1: When my partner and I get through with you, the times that were bad for you in the past, will feel good. The Hangman and The Judge did not entrust us with the Hangmen name just so we can get beat. TH2: That's right, we do the beating around here. Ask the ones in the Hospital around the world, Prophets. Then after you do that, ask yourselves... Is the price too high? Who is going to support our families? Did we pay our insurance? Think real hard, gentlemen, facing The Hangmen may be the end of the line. [The Hangmen walk to their car and head towards the gym for their regular training period. The camera swings and The Judge and The Hangman exit.] JRB: Hangman. I have never seen the level of intensity in The Hangmen that they now possess. When my father told me before he died that the world tour was bringing out the best and worst in them, I did not imagine. TH: The boys have been training hard, they have been working hard. Now some new group thinks they are ready to face The Hangmen. I would not want to be in the shoes of anyone who gets in their way. JRB: Dad will be proud. [TH and JRB climb into the back of The Hangman's black limo. As it drives off the camera catches a glimpse of The Gold Noose on the back of the trunk. Cut back the studio.] BL: What are those guys? Executioners or executives?! TD: There's nothing wrong with possessing business acumen, Becky. BL: The way the IIWF is run, you could be forgiven for not believing that. TD: In any case, this was a tremendous display of tag team wrestling -- sadly marred by the interference of the Players' Club, who the Prophets will be facing inside a steel cage this Saturday Night. However, the match went for more than fifteen minutes, and saw the big and powerful -- but, nonetheless, undersized -- Prophets try to match not only strength and technical prowess, courtesy of Derek, and also attempted to beat them at their own game... BL: Marketing cuddly hangmen? TD: [ignoring her] ...tag team continuity. The Prophets were able to lure one of the Hangmen into their half of the ring and kept him there, until the referee was distracted, and the Hangmen were able to perform one of their trademark illegal switches. After this, the Prophets wised up to the switch, and managed to draw blood on one of the Hangmen so that it was then possible to tell the two men apart. However, just as things began to get wild on the outside, with one of the Hangmen involved in a wild brawl with both Pizzazz and Derek, the Players' Club ran down to the ring and clobbered Shadoe, causing the referee to disqualify the Hangmen, who were not at all pleased by the decision. Dynamite and Reyna got in a few stiff chairshots on Shadoe before Derek and Pizzazz could make the save, and they backed up the aisle, pointing and making threatening gestures at the duo as they guarded over their stunned partner. There'll be hell to pay on Saturday night when the Players' Club and the Prophets clash inside a fifteen foot steel cage... BL: Hell toupee? What's your so-called hair got to do with it? TD: [sighs] Absolutely nothing, Becky. Nothing at all. [WINNER: The Prophets of Rage by disqualification in 17:23.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= DOMINATION vs. ARMED FORCES Mr. Psycho & Monster NavCom & DefCon comb. 620lbs comb. 643lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Mistress said last Saturday Night: "New Domination, New Danger", and tonight we were treated to two displays of just what that means. Let's go over to Steve Roberts in the locker room area of the IIWF Coliseum: [Tim and Becky turn once more towards the video wall, on which appears Steve Roberts, standing in a trashed locker room. He eyes his surroundings appreciatively:] SR: Hey, Dross, look at this place! Just a couple of hours ago, this was where Dumb-ination got into a brawl with Rising Damp Revulsion. It seems that our Japanese friends can't take a joke -- have a look at this footage: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier Tonight." Rising Sun Revolution, in street clothing, are seated in Domination's locker room. Ryudu gets up to pick up the souvenir programme for the evening's show, and steps in front of "Perfect" Dani Jarvier, who happens to get up at the same time. Ryudu jokingly jostles Jarvier out of the way, saying, "Hey, get out the way, you big oaf", a comment at which Jarvier takes great offence, and he muscles up to Ryudu, who tries to convince him that it was a joke. Jarvier, however, is having none of it, despite the efforts of Mistress and Monster to hold him back, and soon, an all-out brawl between the two teams is underway. Ryudu has his head rammed into a locker door by Jarvier, and Hiroshi immediately turns a bright shade of red, yells, and retaliates, picking up a nearby chair and blasting Jarvier over the head with it. The brawl continues, and the camera is forced to withdraw from the locker room. Cut back to Steve Roberts, who is apparently watching the footage himself on a monitor out of shot.] SR: Wow, that was great. Can we see that chair shot again? No? Damn, I have to get a new producer. Anyway, relations between Dumb-ination and RSR aren't exactly what one would call perfect, if you'll excuse the pun, and Domination were clearly not in a good mood when they finally made their way out to wrestle the Armed Farces later in the evening. The Farces, for their part, were distracted by the arrival at ringside of Mr. Mic, loud-mouthed manager of Pain Inc., who eventually played an instrumental part in the Farces' downfall. As NavCom was sent into the ropes by Jarvier, Mr. Mic tripped him, and Jarvier pounced with his PerfectClutch camel clutch. DefCon made the mistake of going after Mr. Mic, leaving his partner trapped in the clutch, and NavCom had no choice but to submit. Meanwhile, DefCon runs up the aisle after Mr. Mic and ends up getting splattered all over the entranceway by an ambush by Pain Inc. I wonder how effective the Farces will be when they're chained to Mr. Mic and Hades this weekend...? Back to you in the studio. [Tim and Becky turn back to face the cameras as the IIWF logo fades back onto the video wall.] TD: Well, a new attitude from Domination exhibited there, and probably the end of their long-term friendship with Rising Sun Revolution. BL: Domination want the gold, Timmy. They're getting their shot on Saturday Night, and they're determined to win those belts. You don't take friends with you on a quest like that -- it's eat or be eaten. A maxim which, by the looks of your waistline, you've been taking rather too seriously. TD: Gee, thanks, Becky. I understand that DefCon wasn't seriously injured in the attack by Pain Inc., but this adds a whole new dimension to the match between Pain Inc. and the Zodiac Connection this Saturday Night. [WINNER: Domination by submission in 17:44.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Real Deal" Luke Steele vs. American Patriot 275lbs, 6'4" 285lbs, 6'11" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Two fine, upstanding athletes clashed in this encounter. BL: Well, almost. The Patriot was still favouring one leg after it gave out on him against Mad Dog Watkins on Saturday Night. TD: Indeed. But in a testament to his intestinal fortitude, the Patriot agreed to wrestle tonight, wearing a heavy brace, and to his credit, Steele didn't try to take advantage of the Patriot's weakness in that area. Had he further damaged the Patriot's knee, the big man could have been laid out for weeks. In any case, let's get some pretaped comments from the "Real Deal" as he prepared for this match: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week." Luke Steele inside a small gym. He's in preparation for his match with the American Patriot, after watching tapes of the Patriot in action earlier in the day.] LS: Hey baby dolls, it's the Real Deal comin' at'cha! So, after winning by disqualification against Brody Thunder, I come out and get screwed out of a win by Mr. Damaged. At least this week I have a match with a respectable guy, Mr. American Patriot. Patriot baby, I've seen you in action and you're quite a wrestler. With all those screwjobs, you should be undefeated. Patriot, it'll be a pleasure to finally meet a guy in the ring who I don't have to worry about taking cheap shots. [Fade out on Steele as he starts to do one-armed pushups] TD: However, when it came to the event tonight, Steele went into his locker room and found that his wrestling pants had been shredded. In any case, such trivial detail wouldn't keep Steele from competing in the ring tonight... BL: Although if the guy had any sense, it would have done. TD: Well, to some degree, you may be right, because at the climax of an exciting and athletic contest, the referee was inadvertently knocked down by the Patriot as he was whipped across the ring by Steele. The Patriot himself toppled over the ropes to the outside, and while Steele tended to the referee to try and revive him, Mr. Damage bolted down the aisle. The Antipodean athlete grabbed a chair and waffled Steele over the head with it, leaving him laid out in the ring, and disappeared through the crowd. The Patriot eventually got back into the ring, and was mystified to find Steele laid out in the ring. The referee revived sufficiently to make the three count to the cover which the Patriot reluctantly made on Steele. After the match, the Patriot picked Steele up and carried him back to the locker room area, still unaware of what had happened. [WINNER: American Patriot by pinfall in 13:36.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Nightwing vs. The Sandman 235lbs, 6'3" 290lbs,6'7" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= BL: Hey hey, Timmy, it's your favourite person. TD: *ahem* The Sandman -- who attacked me on Monday evening and left me laid up in bed yesterday -- BL: ...to sleep it off! Hehehe... snort. TD: [ignoring her] ...was furious about the manner in which he lost his Terrordome Match against Creed a couple of weeks ago, and he was determined to redress the balance tonight -- something he achieved in style, with a truly impressive victory over the rookie Nightwing. He was able to concentrate on Nightwing's back and leg areas, thus preventing the young Cherokee from taking to the air, and eventually managed to applie the Nightmare chokeslam on the youngster to gain a hard-fought pinfall victory. Nightwing did have a considerable period of offense mid-way through the match, but the Sandman was able to weather the storm and slow the pace sufficiently to take the victory. As he gloated in the ring after the pin, he was suddenly swooped upon by Chiqoit the eagle, who forced the Sandman to bail out. Unperturbed, the Sandman headed back up the aisle, signalling that the Intercontinental Championship would soon be his. [WINNER: The Sandman by pinfall in 14:11.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Creed vs. Venusian Death Cell 275lbs, 6'4" 332lbs, 6'5" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Usually, these two men would be considered total opposites -- Creed, the powerful, focused technician, able to mix it up any way you care to mention, and the Venusian Death Cell, the bizarre, wild brawler, more at home in a cage than in the ring. However, the focus of Creed has been tested recently by his mysterious relationship with one Mad Dog Watkins. Take a look at this previously unseen footage, backstage last Saturday Night: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Last Saturday Night." IIWF cameras are in the Coliseum locker room area immediately following Creed's ringside appearance during Mad Dog Watkins' victory over the American Patriot. IIWF intern Steve Summer is standing outside the dressing room belonging to The Corporation.] SS: This is Steve Summer reporting live. Just inside this door are Creed and his manager, "The CEO" Jack Montgomery. I have just personally witnessed The CEO and Creed through the locker room area, seemingly calm in the presence of the other IIWF superstars. But now that they are behind closed doors... take a listen. [The sound of a drinking class being shattered against a mirror is heard as a precursor to the unusually raised voice of "The CEO" ] CEO: Dammit, Creed, what in the [BLEEP] are you thinking about out there. Dammit. DAMMIT! We have a plan...a schedule...don't you see how it's all working out? Creed...Creed...listen, we are right there, can't you see that? It is so close...everything is working out according to the plan. All you have to do is keep focus, dammit, Creed [the sound of a televison being thrown into the wall] DAMN! Creed - Ring Wars is less than two months away...just keep your eye on the ball, son. Ring Wars. Ring Wars. Everything you have worked for...everything that you've been through....man, we are so close. Just put Watkins aside, just let it sit until after Ring Wars...until we get what we want. We are so close, Creed. So close. Just let this go - just for a little while longer. You've gotta hang on, buddy. You know your mother would've... Creed... Creed!... [Creed, still dressed in his all-black street clothes, save for the blood red glove, storms out of the dressing room, causing Summer to give an involuntary "Yelp" and jump back to the opposite wall.] SS: Mr. Creed...Mr. Creed...can we have a couple of words? Can... we... [Creed disappears down the hallway while the CEO appears at the door] Mr. Montgomery, if we could just....what is going on with Mad Dog -- [The CEO slams the door on the face of Summer.] Well, there you have it. Possible dissention in the Corporate camp, and it's somehow connected to Mad Dog Watkins. For the IIWF, this is Steve Summer, reporting. [Cut back to the studio.] TD: Perhaps this apparent dissention explained why Creed was not 100% on guard going into this match, for as he made his way down to the ring, he was jumped by the VDC, who was lurking at the head of the aisle. The Cell hurled Creed into the guardrail, spat his green fluid on him, and then nailed him with a bottle of Kessler's Whiskey grabbed from his manager, the "Outlaw" Josey Wales. Wales then tried to persuade the Cell to go down to the ring to have the match, but the Cell merely spat some more fluid onto Creed and headed back into the locker rooms with Wales in pursuit. Nobody can control this wild monster, not even Josey Wales -- who claims to be the most dangerous man ever lived. BL: Oh, you'd be surprised, Timmy... TD: I'm not sure I want to know about that, Becky. In any case, when Creed got up, he looked mighty angry, and as he turned to go after the Cell into the locker room area, I think he made a pretty hot contender to Wales' claim. [Match ruled a NO CONTEST.] TD: Okay, folks, we're nearly out of time here for tonight, but before we leave you, let's take a quick look at the action coming your way this Saturday night as the IIWF superstars prepare to "Rage in the Cage". As well as a number of tremendous cage matches, we'll see a special no-disqualification tag team encounter pitting the Zodiac Connection against Pain Inc., whose manager, Mr. Mic, and his bodyguard, Hades, will be cuffed to the Armed Forces throughout the match. Let's hear from the Pain Inc. entourage now: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week": a large games room inside the English mansion of Mr.Mic. Mr.Mic and Hades are seen smoking cigars while Morningstar and Hellraiser play billiards. Mr.Mic takes a big puff on the stogie and calls Pain Inc. over. Pain Inc. come over and sit with the two.] Mr.Mic: Now, boys, you're sure about this match, right? Morningstar: Trust me, boss, the Zodiac Connection are gonna be slapping themselves after the match for opening their mouths. Hades: [turning to Mr.Mic] What about us, boss? Mr.Mic: Don't worry -- those two Army idiots have bitten off more than they can chew this time. I mean we help them out, show up for their matches, they get themselves DQ'd. Now they think they can help out the Zodiac boys by being strapped to Hades and myself. [He takes another big puff of the cigar and smiles] Remember, boys, we may not be able to "interfere" as you say... but then again you can't help the Zodiacs, either. Morningstar: Ha Ha Ha, I like the sound of that. The Zodiac Connection vs. Pain Inc, No-DQ and those two ingrates the Armed Forces strapped to two men -- one of whom is stronger than both, and the other of whom is smarter than both. I love it! Hades: What about some of these new teams entering the IIWF? The W & W Express, Night Patrol... Mr.Mic: I don't give a rat's ass about any Weak and Wimpy Express or the Night Patrol. They can all line up for Pain Inc. but they won't beat 'em. Furthermore, Prince Abdul, you scrawny sand poacher, I would seriously watch your mouth when speaking of Pain Inc. and myself. As I recall the reason you are no longer managed by the Vizier is DIRECTLY BECAUSE OF MYSELF! The 7-11 Knights have more than enough things to worry about right now but later we will meet again. Hades: What about the Players' Club? [Hellraiser's face contorts into a scowl and he starts to clench his fists. Morningstar looks at the big man. Hellraiser looks at Morningstar and calms down.] Morningstar: It seems that HR doesn't like the Players' Club! [He looks at Hellraiser] Don't worry, big man, I don't like 'em either. Hey, Players' Club, it seems you guys can't get gold no matter how hard you try. Danny and Michael, the poster children for couch potatoes stole those belts from the Disciples mostly because that's the only way they'll ever lay their hands on 'em! Hades: Don't forget Kauffman the _ex_-heavyweight champion! [Everyone laughs as Mr.Mic picks up the phone and talks for a brief while.] Mr.Mic: One more thing, Ring Wars III -- those new US tag titles look very attractive. [He looks at Pain Inc.] I want 'em, I want 'em real bad. Morningstar: You got it boss, no matter who gets in our way. [A butler walks in with a bottle of champagne and four glasses. He pours a glass for each man. They all hold their glasses high.] Hades: What is all this for? Mr.Mic: [standing up] Gentleman, raise your glasses. [Hades and Pain Inc get up and raise their glasses.] Mr.Mic: To the new IIWF Champion, Casey James! Hades & Pain Inc: TO CASEY! [They drink] Mr.Mic: It's about time Kauffman was relieved of his title. Now Danny boy, I hope you'll find yourself a tag-team partner and get ready for a little Pain Inc. before you retire. [laughs] [Cut back to the studio.] TD: Last Saturday Night, we didn't get to see the highly-anticipated encounter for the Intercontinental Championship between Marty Warnett and Steve "the Fury" Kowalski due to Marty's failure to appear, but this Saturday Night, Kowalski is determined that he will vent his furious anger all over Warnett and take his title: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week." The Amber Bug was never known for its ambiance, dirty with criminals skulking about. It is only known for one thing, its 'star' patron. The camera slowly zooms toward Steve "The Fury" Kowalski, who is carving some kind of name in the table. The New Jersey Nightmare downs a shot and looks up to the camera. He points down to the table, where wood shavings are scattered about. He moves the excess scrapings away with a slow push of his hand. The carved word only reads, "MARTY" Staring directly at the camera, Kowalski says only one word.] SK: Coward. [The screen fades to black, leaving the word "MARTY" and echoing "Coward" over and over. Cut back to the studio.] TD: Less is more, don't you think? I understand, however, that we have a live feed now to IIWF cub reporter, Steve Summer, who is waiting to get a few words with the Intercontinental Champion, Marty Warnett. Steve? [Cut to a live feed. Steve Summer stands outside Marty's apartment, holding a microphone.] SS: Are we on? [fiddles with earpiece] Yes, hi everybody, we've been in with Marty Warnett and are going to talk to him now, to find out, well, what's happening. [whispers] This could really make my career! [Steve and the camera crew walk up the drive, eventually reaching the door. The door is ajar, inside is total darkness.] SS: Marty? Are you in there? [pauses] Well, guys, there's no response, but I guess he's in there -- cover me, I'm going in. Hope he hasn't got a gun... [Summer, crew in tow, enters the house. Rubbish is strewn across the floor.] SS: What the? Folks, this isn't right, it looks like... [Summer is disturbed by a "Thud, thud" noise from an adjoining room] SS: I think we might have found him. [The crew enter the main living room, where Marty sits on the sofa, dressed just in jeans. His hair is unkempt, and his face covered in stubble. He sits there, throwing a tennis ball against the wall.] MW: Ha, you guys took your time. What kept you? SS: Marty, we, the fans, everybody wants to know -- why did you no-show on Saturday? MW: Fear, Steve, fear. SS: You mean, you were scared of Kowalski? [Marty smiles, and bursts out laughing, Summer seems bemused.] MW: Summer, what the hell do you know about fear? Being afraid is good, it concentrates the mind. I'm not scared of the "Fury", my fear is about myself. SS: What do you mean? MW: What, Steve, you want me to give you a big scoop? Gain you the Pulitzer prize? Maybe there are things I don't want to, can't talk about just yet. 'Til then... SS: Do you think you can keep the IC Title? MW: [chuckles] For as long as I want to. I mean, why the IIWF front office hasn't cut me any slack, I don't know... hey Marty, we want to help you with your problems, but we won't allow you to go to the 30 day limit. What I do want to say is that me, the way I am, caused Janois to be hospitalised. That's, that's just more guilt for me to deal with. Damn. Kowalski, you want a title match, fine. This Saturday, same cage, any stipulations you want. And for all the people out there who are trying to gain this title, right now, it's the only bit of sanity in my life, when I step in the ring, I'm not fighting for the belt, for money, power or prestige, I'm fighting or my sanity. That means you, Byron, Creed and anybody else. SS: Marty, what about the drugs? MW: You mean the anti-depressants? Don't be afraid to name them. You see, because of the Man of Steel incident, the IIWF overreact. You guys think my moods are because of anti-depressants? Ever considered it might be because of a lack of anti-depressants? What about 'roid freaks like Creed? Loaded elbow pads, Thunder? Casey James' lack of humour? Now Summer, I've got things on my mind. Leave me alone, I'll be there on Saturday. Tell Becks I'm missing her. SS: Marty, one last comment; Lady DeWinter, what's the deal? MW: Who? Oh, I hadn't noticed she'd been hanging around. Put it this way, why would she be interested in a loser like me? Now go away. [Cut back to the studio.] BL: I'll tell you why, Timmy -- because she's a loser, too. Take away Lord Byron and what do you have? An over-dressed tramp. TD: Er, that's the pot really rather calling the kettle... um... [Becky glares at Dross.] TD: Never mind. Folks, we're right out of time for this week. Thanks for joining us here in the War Room. There's more IIWF action coming up on Friday when Larry and Becky will Countdown to Saturday Night, and then on Saturday night itself, myself and Steve Roberts will call all the action as the IIWF superstars "Rage in the Cage" -- other great matches scheduled include Domination challenging the Dark Disciples for the IIWF World Tag Team Championships, Deathbringer battling the White Phoenix, and the card is headlined by former IIWF World Champion Dan Kauffman squaring off against former Intercontinental and Cruiserweight Champion, "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare. What a night it's going to be! Until then, this is Tim Dross, for Becky LaRue, Larry Morton and "Soundbite" Steve Roberts, saying: so long, everybody! [The lights in the studio drop, and Dross shuffles his papers. Becky shakes her head derisively. 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+