##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION =============================================== W + E + D + N + E + S + D + A + Y W + A + R R + O + O + M ----------------------------------------------- + 2 April 1997 + [Fade through to a darkened studio: a figure sits behind 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 figure is revealed to be veteran announcer Tim Dross, who looks up from his papers and speaks:] TD: Hello there, fans, and welcome once more to the War Room! I'm Tim Dross, and we're back after our two-week layoff with the very best in IIWF action and updates, including a recap of tonight's house show in the IIWF Coliseum, which saw the debuts of no less than three new IIWF superstars -- about whom more later. But first, let's talk about the IIWF Intercontinental Champion, Lord Byron. Hot off the heels of his hard-fought championship defense against Marty Warnett at Ring Wars III on March 22, one week later he was representing the IIWF in its first interfederational match. Lord Byron faced ESWP European Champion, the "Spartan" Troy Walters, at ESWP's premiere pay-per-view event, What The World Is Watching III, in a match in which both the ESWP European Championship _and_ the IIWF Intercontinental Championship was on the line. Perhaps predictably, Byron's cane was the deciding factor in the match -- after a very hard-fought encounter, Byron cracked Walters in the jaw with his cane for the victory and the title. I spoke with the IIWF's first ever double champion just three days removed from his great victory at his Louisiana residence. Let's go to that interview now: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week." The scene opens in the study of Lord Byron's Louisiana home. Tim Dross is sat opposite him, and both the IIWF Intercontinental Title and the ESWP European Title are neatly folded on the table in front of him. Byron's face is the picture of arrogance.] TD: Well, Byron, the last two weeks have been an incredible triumph for you. First you managed to retain the Intercontinental title at Ring Wars III, and then, only a week later, you appeared at the ESWP's What The World Is Watching III to win the European Title, and become our first interfederational champion. LB: [smirking] What a fortnight indeed. I am going from strength to strength at the moment, Mr. Dross, and it is a great honour to have represented the IIWF in its first interfederational match. [Byron sneers] Although I'm not too sure that Troy Walters would share the same sentiments... TD: I'm sure. In only a few days, this coming Monday in fact, you will be making the first defense of the ESWP title against their number four contender, the "Iceman" Dean Diamond. Add to that the upcoming challenge of IIWF superstars such as Brody Thunder and the Sandman, do you think that your schedule could be in danger of overloading? LB: Not at all. I am going to be defending both titles as the matches are signed, and I will be fully prepared to put one hundred percent into every single title defense. I will be ready for the Iceman's challenge on Monday night, just as I will be ready to defend the Intercontinental title in the IIWF as the challenges arise. TD: Let's talk for a second about the match at Ring Wars III. While my colleague, Steve Roberts, believes that you had set Warnett up the whole time, it appeared to me that the Lady DeWinter wasn't exactly as sure as he was at times. LB: Once again, the headlines will be DeWinter's influence, I'm sure. The fact of the matter is, Mr. Dross, that once again I have proved that I am the superior wrestler to Warnett, [Byron sneers] and that I've been playing him like a puppet on a string. TD: You're admitting that you had set Warnett up? LB: [sneers] Why don't you ask Milady yourself? She would undoubtedly give you the same answer; she is at my side, as she always has been. But that really is besides the point. What you are looking at, Mr. Dross, is the finest technical wrestler in the world today. That is why I'm the IIWF Intercontinental champion, and that is why I'm the ESWP European champion. And that is why I'm going to stay champion for a long, long time. TD: Thanks for your time, Mr. Byron, and good luck on Monday Night. [Cut back to the studio.] TD: There you have it, folks. Lord Byron is certainly on top of the wrestling world at the moment, but he would do well to remember that once you reach the top, the only direction you have to go is down. Another man who's striving to reach the top here in the IIWF is "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley, who so impressively defeated Dan Kauffman in his last match at Ring Wars III. That encounter is indelibly etched in the memories of every man, woman and child who witnessed it, live in the Toronto SkyDome or around the world on pay television, and history will record that it was Quigley who had his arm raised at the end of the match. Ten days on, how does Quigley feel as he prepares for another colossal match at the IIWF's next pay-per-view event, the recently announced Birthday Bash, where he will face whomever should be the IIWF Champion on that night? Larry Morton conducted a special in-ring interview with Quigley tonight in the IIWF Coliseum. Let's go to that footage: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier Tonight." Larry Morton steps into the ring between the top and middle ropes, and is handed a microphone by Sparkplug Lee, who exits the ring. Morton nods at Lee, and then starts to speak with a smile on his face.] LM: Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome my guest at this time. He is the man who sent Dan "Flash" Kauffman [pop!] out of the IIWF with the loser's share of the purse money. He is the man who will meet the IIWF Champion at Birthday Bash. He is the one... the only... "QUICKSTRIKE" CHRIS QUIGLEY! ["For Those About to Rock" starts up as most of the crowd erupts in a huge face pop. Obviously a few Dan Kauffman supporters aren't too thrilled with Quigley, as amid the "Quigley's #1!" and "Next IIWF World Champ!" signs, there are the "Lightning wouldn't strike twice, Flukestrike!" and "We Want Dan!" posters. Quigley emerges from behind the curtain wearing a black Ring Wars 3 t-shirt and a pair of ragged blue jean shorts. His hair is down in his eyes a little, as he didn't bother to style it much, it appears. Quigley slaps a few hands on his way to the ring, with an obvious limp. He pauses in front of one of the Kauffman supporters in what looks to be a heated exchange, before shaking his head and limping up the stairs into the ring. Fireworks go off as Quigley carefully mounts the second turnbuckle and raises his arms, as the crowd is still nearly deafening with support. The music dies down, and Quigley limps over to Morton, with his hands on his hips.] LM: Where do we begin, Chris? A little over one week ago, in front of 90,000 screaming Canadians, you defeated Dan "Flash" Kauffman, in what was his final match, after a grueling, bloody, knock-down, drag-out fight! [crowd pop!] Some say this could very well be the Match of 1997, already! Now that you've had some time to reflect on the match, do you have anything to say about it? [Quigley leans into the microphone to speak, but before he can talk the crowd starts applauding again, causing even Quigley to break the poker face and crack a small smile. He waits for a few seconds, then speaks...] CQ: Ring Wars 3 is history. Dan Kauffman has hung up the tights. And I feel sore all over! [Morton smiles as the crowd pops] This match has been building up and being hyped since Ring Wars 2, and all the anticipation, all the anxiety and excitement, I think, was worth it! I didn't expect any less from Dan, and I know he didn't expect any less from me! Despite what Steve "The Slimeball" Roberts might have said, that match was one for the ages, and we took a type of match that's usually a "resthold fest" and made it into something exciting. I can't say enough about Dan Kauffman's career, besides the fact that despite our differences, he's one of the best wrestlers in the world, and almost, and I say _almost_ as good as I am. [Quigley smiles again as the crowd gives a mixed pop.] LM: Apparently, neither one of you escaped unscathed. Dan is apparently sore from head to toe, including a broken nose. But you've got an awful limp there, it appears. [Quigley looks down and shakes his ankle] CQ: Yeah, when I tried to jump on Kauffman when he was against the ropes for the second time, he moved outta the way, and I landed wrong. I was lucky it didn't break, but as it turns out, it's only a slight sprain. I don't think it'll cost me any ring time, and I hope to get in plenty of match action before my World Championship match against Casey James in May. [crowd pops] LM: Well, now that you bring that up, who were you rooting for at Ring Wars 3 in that Subway Psycho/Casey James match? CQ: I don't know if I was _rooting_ for anyone. I've got my reasons for wanting to fight either one of them. I'm happy Casey James kept the title, because it gives me the chance to avenge the losses he's handed me over the last little while. They were all controversial, of course, but nonetheless, he likes to bring them up every chance he gets. Now, next month, with everyone in the world watching, Casey James is going to find out why I am the _undisputed_ best wrestler in the IIWF, and subsequently, the entire world! [crowd pop!] LM: And if Subway Psycho had won the title? CQ: First and foremost, it would have given me the chance to face a guy I know would give me a fair fight. None of this garbage with sneak attacks, or whatever. Not to mention the fact that I know a lot of fans consider Subway Psycho to be the "People's Champion" of the IIWF. Maybe when I came in here, I was the "wrestler from the other federations", but it's been about nine months since I started here, I can't tell you in words how great the IIWF is, and how much it means to me, and how much its World title means to me. Facing Subway Psycho is something I want to do, and I'll guarantee everyone one thing... when, and I do mean _when_, I kick Casey James' ass at Birthday Bash, the first man to get a title shot will be The Subway Psycho, and I don't care if he wants to do it on an IIWF Saturday Night, or a Wednesday War Room, or if he wants to brawl through the set of Countdown to Saturday Night. He'll get his shot. LM: Don't you think you're overlooking Casey James? [Quigley rolls his eyes] CQ: No, not at all. I'm preparing for James like you would not believe. Why else would you think I'm so confident I'm going to beat him? Hell, I know this may be a corny thing to do... but at Birthday Bash, I'm going to give a special dedication to the ass-kicking Casey James is going to recieve! That match will be dedicated to the man who had that World title _ripped off_ by Casey James! A gesture I hope buries the hatchet between us, and ends _all_ doubt over whether or not I respect him. Dan Kauffman. [crowd pops] LM: You're dedicated your match against James to Dan Kauffman? That is an incredible gesture, and with all due respect, maybe the first humble act I've ever seen you commit. [Quigley nods, while looking around] CQ: There's no big change in me, Morton. Let's make that perfectly clear. But when someone gives me a fight like Dan Kauffman did, they get my respect. It's not something I don't give out to anyone at all. Otto Verhoeven had to earn it! Deathbringer is still earning it! And Dan Kauffman beat me up and _made_ me respect him! [smiles] And now the time has come for the ball to bounce both ways. Casey James doesn't respect me. But he will. He'll respect me, and he'll _fear_ me! ["For Those About to Rock" starts up again, as the fans give Chris a huge ovation, while Quigley carefully exits the ring, and walks back down the aisle, hastily signing a few Quickstrike posters, before disappearing behind the curtain. Morton leaves the ring, and returns to the broadcast table. Cut back to the studio.] TD: And, of course, Quigley has a chance to win the IIWF World Heavyweight Championship ahead of Birthday Bash as he enters the huge "Go For The Gold" battle royal coming up live this Saturday Night as the two hottest hours of wrestling you'll find anywhere blasts off into the spring this weekend. We'll be talking more about the Gauntlet challenge later tonight, as well as all the other incredible action scheduled for this Saturday Night, but first... [Dross turns to face a different camera. The shot cuts to follow him.] ...let's talk about all the incredible action that went down in the IIWF Coliseum tonight. [Footage of earlier action rolls on the video wall behind the desk: newcomers Derek Mota, Duncan Macbeth and Ike Sampson are shown making their respective ring entrances, to varying degrees of crowd appreciation.] No less than three new IIWF athletes stepped into the spotlight for the very first time tonight -- I'll bring you the lowdown on who to watch out of this new blood. [Footage of Creed raising his gloved left fist as he stands basking in the glow of the crimson spotlights in the centre of the ring.] Rookie sensation Creed attempts to extend his unbeaten run to eight matches -- a record streak for a singles competitor here in the IIWF -- as he goes up against the man who attacked him brutally a month or so ago, the strange, cultic Cell. [Footage of Nightwing mercilessly beating on Bobby B. Goode.] What's eating the Native American, Nightwing? We'll attempt to get to the bottom of the matter. [Footage of Tony Starks making his way down to the ring with a white towel wrapped around his head, his eyes peeping out from under the cloth.] A homecoming for a much-missed athlete -- Tony Starks makes his first appearance at the IIWF Coliseum for six months. [Footage of the W & W Express brawling with G.W.R.] And tag team action as the W & W Express and G.W.R. slug it out. We'll tell you who came out on top. [The IIWF logo fades back onto the video wall.] TD: Okay, folks, without further ado, let's get to tonight's action: [Images of the wrestlers and their stats roll onto the video wall:] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Derek Mota vs. Majestic Maurice McArthur 224lbs, 5'10" 230lbs, 6'1" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Right off the bat, let's find out how one young athlete fared in his first IIWF outing. Derek Mota is a daredevil high-flyer with something of an attitude -- and one has to wonder whether that's something to do with his diminutive size. Even by cruiserweight standards, Mota isn't a big guy. He stands at only 5'10", and weighing at 224lbs, he's able to throw himself around in the squared circle with impunity. He was scheduled to go up against "Triple M" tonight, but first had a few words for another IIWF superstar. Let's take a look: [Cut to footage entitled "Earlier Tonight". A white light is shining down in a spotlight on a dark, empty room. A man stands in the light, wearing a black leather jacket and torn up jeans. His hair is long and black, hanging down in front of his eyes. The man looks up into the camera, a sharp angry look in his eyes.] DM: Tonight, the world is still recovering from Ring Wars III. And tonight, I change the rules of the IIWF. Majestic Maurice McArthur, you’re going to be the first in a long line of people who are going to realize the hard way just what Derek Mota is all about. I’m going to take the risks no one else is willing to take to win, and I’m going to fight every match like it’s my last. It’s time to shuffle the deck and bring in some new blood into the IIWF. That’s why Spreadbury gave me a call. He needs a wild card like me to throw into the picture. Hell, I’ll give the man what he wants. White Phoenix and Enigma, I watched your match at Ring Wars III. I have to say I was impressed, but you’ve never seen the likes of Derek Mota. Tonight, you get your first glimpse. You guys can trade the Cruiserweight Title as many times between you as you want. Just keep it nice and warm for me when I feel like I’m ready for it. I’ve been doing my scoutin’. And I don’t like what I see. I saw an old face here the past few weeks, a problem that hasn’t been completely taken care of in another promotion. Trust me to make sure that when I put my mind to it, things do get taken care of. He’ll know just what I mean. [As Derek Mota finishes his last words, the lights fade. All you can see are the outlines of his face, and even that starts fading into black.] Acorn, I’ll be seeing you around. [Cut back to the studio.] TD: And we'll find out a little later on just how soon Mota had in mind. Folks, I have to say that I'm impressed with Mota. The fans may not appreciate his attitude, but even his loudest dissenters were impressed with some of his manoeuvres -- such as a Frankensteiner to the outside, a ropeflip legdrop, and a corkscrew plancha. After a one-sided display, Mota finished McArthur off with his Main Attraction, in which he jumps onto top rope -- not the turnbuckle, but the rope -- facing outside of ring, does a quick turn so he's facing the inside of the ring and then a moonsault onto his downed opponent. Impressive stuff indeed. [WINNER: Derek Mota by pinfall in 6:37.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ike Sampson vs. Barnacle Brother Bluto 304lbs, 6'6" 275lbs, 6'3" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: We'll be showing you footage of Ike Sampson's contract signing press conference this Friday on "Countdown to Saturday Night", but tonight, Sampson did his talking in the squared circle against one half of the Barnacle Brothers. This man is unashamedly a power athlete, and he's uncomplicated in the ring, but that certainly doesn't appear to be to his detriment. Sampson was greeted by a pretty hot reaction for a newcomer, with the crowd quickly picking up on his trademark "We Like Ike!" chant, and the younger brother of "Thunderbolt" Jack Sampson quickly went to work on his sea-faring opponent. Sampson showcased a variety of his holds, including his bearhug -- and believe me, this 304lbs monster could squeeze the life out of just about anybody or anything -- his military press slam, and his second-rope shoulderblock, proving that he's not afraid to take to the air. In the end, he put Bluto away with a move made famous by Steve "the Fury" Kowalski -- his own version of the "Skullpump" double underhook piledriver, which Ike dubs the "Deep Freeze". The hold is effective enough with 275lbs of New Jersey Nightmare crashing down on top of you, but 304lbs of this black man is enough to put you through the mat and even out of the sport. [WINNER: Ike Sampson in 5:29.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Duncan Macbeth vs. "Nifty" Ned Norton 270lbs, 6'4" 245lbs, 6'2" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Adding to the legion of wrestlers from across the pond here in the IIWF is Duncan Macbeth, a brawny young Scot with an impressive list of titles to his name. The crowd gave Macbeth a favourable reaction, but that changed quickly as Macbeth removed his kilt before the match and threw it over Ned Norton's head, temporarily disorientating the "Nifty" one and allowing Macbeth to get in a few cheap shots before the bell. Clearly Macbeth takes no prisoners in the ring, and he dominated the match right from the outset, showing off some of his power moves, such as his spinebuster, his tilt-a-whirl suplex, and his bulldog headlock. He eventually put Norton away with his Claymore frankensteiner, impressively executed off the ropes. The fans gave Macbeth a mixed reaction, and one non-committal observer was former champion wrestler Mr. Friday, a huge burly athlete-turned-manager, who watched the match from the aisle. One assumes he was impressed with what he saw, although when my broadcast colleague Larry Morton approached Mr. Friday to ask him about his intentions, the manager simply turned and walked away. [WINNER: Duncan Macbeth by pinfall in 6:41.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Badboy" Randy Acorn vs. Jumpin' Jack 227lbs, 6'3" 230lbs, 6'1" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Perhaps turnabout is fair play, perhaps it's karma, but Randy Acorn, the IIWF's resident prankster, seems to have been the butt of a fair few pranks himself in recent months. Ever since Acorn declared war on the rulebreakers in the IIWF, it seems those self same transgressors have taken it upon themselves to make Acorn eat his words. The latest man to rile up the "Badboy" is none other than newcomer Derek Mota, in only his first night in an IIWF arena! When Acorn's name was announced, the "Badboy" was nowhere to be found, and instead, out came Derek Mota, for his second appearance of the night. Mota wrestled Jack in the same impressive fashion he had defeated Majestic Maurice McArthur earlier in the evening, and even secured the pinfall after another of his patented finishers, the Death Flip, a sort of modified hiptoss. Crazily, Mota scored his second IIWF victory less than an hour after his first. Moments later, however, who should come tearing out of the locker room area but Acorn himself, to a rousing crowd reception. Acorn and Mota immediately went at it, and brawled all the way back to the locker rooms. As it turned out, Mota had managed to lock Acorn in his locker room, preventing him from making it to the ring, and then went down to compete in his place. You can bet Acorn won't take kindly to that generous gesture. [WINNER: Derek Mota by pinfall in 3:11.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Nightwing vs. Bobby B. Goode 265lbs, 6'3" 230lbs, 6'1" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: Nightwing appears to be a lost soul in the days since Ring Wars III, at which his tribe, the famous Cherokee, disowned him, despite his great victory over Cheshire in the Tar and Feathers Match which won him back his spirit guide and friend, Chiquoit the eagle. These are dark days for the young Native American, who came down to the ring bedecked in full war paint, and he certainly took it to Goode even before the bell. In a most uncharacteristic display, Nightwing attacked his opponent before the bell, and continued to beat on him brutally with clubbing blows and high impact manoeuvres until he was forcibly removed by two officials. At some point in the preceding brawl, however, he managed to apply the Totem Drop for the pinfall victory. As Nightwing was dragged up the aisle, his eagle Chiquoit seemingly flying concerned circles over his friend's head, the Native American looked every bit the part of the man on the road to self destruction. I, for one, certainly hope that whatever demon burns within Nightwing is exorcised soon. [WINNER: Nightwing by pinfall in 7:47.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ARMED FORCES vs. THE ROTUNDOS NavCom & DefCon Rotundo #1 & Rotundo #2 comb. 643lbs comb. 900lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: There's something of a race on between the Armed Forces and the High Plains Drifters, two former World Tag Team Championship partnerships here in the IIWF, to be the first team to reach twenty victories. The Armed Forces took another step closer tonight as they comfortably defeated the Rotundos with their AK47/ICBM combination, taking their win tally to a tantalising 19. The Drifters watched the match from the aisle, but you can bet that they won't remain spectators for long -- Josey Wales has set his two men a task which they intend to complete, even if that's to the detriment of the two servicemen. [WINNERS: Armed Forces by pinfall in 5:29.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= W & W EXPRESS vs. G.W.R. Doug Wayne & Clark Watson Spoiler & Loco comb. 500lbs comb. 545lbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: One of the latest batch of new partnerships to find their way into the IIWF, the W & W Express have certainly exhibited a "never say die" attitude. They've been recharging their batteries with a whirlwind promotional tour across the continents in the days since Ring Wars III, but they've returned here to Oregon to get back into the thick of the action: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier This Week": the W and W Express arrive at Portland airport. They are mobbed by fans asking for autographs:] WAYNE: And what a vacation it's been so far. We've been all over Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now we're back home in the IIWF. WATSON: Things have slowed down a little in IIWF with the Easter holiday, but now it's time to get back to business. WAYNE: Time to continue right where we left off. Going straight to the top. While everyone else is still on vacation, the Express is heading to the gym. The only thing these clowns will be lifting is burgers and fries. WATSON: That's why people like us go straight to the top and clowns like them flutter at the bottom. WATSON: Whether it's the Drifters, G.W.R., or Night Patrol, we're ready. WAYNE: Win or lose, they are going to look in the mirror the next morning and know thay've just had the fight of their lives. They are going to know they fought the Express. [Cut back to the studio.] TD: Perhaps G.W.R. had indeed been pigging out on burgers and fries since their last match some three weeks ago, because they certainly seemed to be off their game tonight. Despite the fact that Loco is much larger than both Clark Watson and Doug Wayne, the Express weathered the storm of his power assault, and managed to control the athletic Spoiler. Even the formidable presence of General Kane and his mysterious masked bodyguard on the outside wasn't enough to turn the tide in the favour of the veteran team, and fans were treated to an exciting and athletic contest -- to begin with at least. Although both teams went into the match with apparently honourable intentions, for some unknown reason, the Express suddenly switched gears and began an all-out brawl with their opponents, and somewhere in the melee, Watson managed to pin Spoiler. General Kane was seething after the match, and you can bet he'll be wanting his men to get their hands on the Express again. [WINNERS: W & W Express by pinfall in 14:52.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Tony Starks vs. El Super Gecko 269lbs, 6'6" 220lbs, 6'1" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: The recovery of Staten Island native Tony Starks has been one of the most remarkable success stories in the IIWF's history. Sidelined with an apparently career-ending injury after a tragic and near-fatal plane crash last autumn, Starks has endured intensive rehabilitation, and was finally able to step back into the squared circle as a special entrant to the Wild Card match at Ring Wars III. Tonight, at his homecoming appearance in the IIWF Coliseum, it was business as usual for Starks, whose technique does not appear to have suffered in his convalescence. Starks took it to the Gecko with all manner of technical and submission manoeuvres throughout the encounter, and showed himself to be in great shape. The fans appreciated the display, but one Otto Verhoeven, who watched the match from the aisle, may not have appreciated it to the same degree. Starks and the Butcher will get it on this Saturday Night, and Tony was keen to show that despite his injuries, he's no pushover. Verhoeven, take note. In the end, the New Yorker put out the lizard with his Katha Jime submission hold, and made it perfectly clear that the special modified judo choke hold was applied for Verhoeven's benefit. That's going to be quite some match this Saturday Night. [WINNER: Tony Starks by submission in 7:49.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Cell vs. Creed 332lbs, 6'5" 276lbs, 6'4" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TD: The main event in tonight's house show pitted an IIWF veteran against the hottest of the new breed. Creed has amassed a winning streak unlike any other singles competitor in the IIWF, and beaten only by the ten match streak of former IIWF World Tag Team Champions, Rising Sun Revolution, last autumn. Creed was in no mood to have his record streak ended tonight, just three days away from his first IIWF title shot, as he goes up against the World Heavyweight Champion, Casey James. Let's hear from the red-gloved rookie now: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Earlier Tonight." Creed stands alone in a crevice of the wrestlers' locker room area minutes before his match with The Cell. He has the confident look of a young man for whom the world has just opened up.] CREED: I came to the IIWF in December -- and there was VDC sitting in the middle of the pack, takin' up space. Lots of space. Now it's April, I've done nothing but climb the ladder -- win match after match, beat man after man -- and where are you, Cell? Still in the middle of the pack. Still takin' up space. Only thing's changed about you is your name. So, I'll tell you what "Mr. C", last time I ran into you -- I got jumped from the back. This time... you bring Oak or Ralph or Potsie or whatever you call those chumps who carry your robe for you... ...and I'll make all you wish you had eaten some of that bad pudding like the rest of your cult boys out in SoCal. It's gonna be bad, C. It gonna be real bad. [Creed gives a nod and begins his walk to the ring. Cut back to the studio.] TD: And Creed showed tonight that the punishment he is capable of dishing out is indeed of a most severe kind. If there were any doubts in his own, or the Syndicate's, collective minds that Creed is a legitimate threat to Casey James' belt this weekend, this match should put them to rest. The Cell, complete with his entourage of cult leader Oak and the "cloakers", is possibly the strongest, most powerful athlete in the IIWF, but he proved to be a stationary target for the more agile Creed, who eschewed his usual counterwrestling style for an all-out attack of flying clotheslines, elbowsmashes and forearms, hitting his opponent from all angles. The style may not be pretty, but there's no doubting its effectiveness. The Cell seemed taken aback that Creed simply refused to go toe to toe with him, and Creed was able to hit a series of very high impact moves -- a spinning spinebuster, a whirling chokeslam, and a series of vicious left hand body blows, usually the prelude to Creed's flying powerbomb finisher. However, the rookie seemed to acknowledge that dragging his brutish opponent all the way to the top would be unwise, hit the Cell with a vicious shot to the solar plexus, doubling him over for a driving DDT as the big guy fell. Creed stood over his downed opponent after the inevitable three count, seemingly daring him to stand up. The fans certainly seemed to be impressed, and Creed's growing legion of supporters will undoubtedly be an asset when the rookie steps up against the Champion this Saturday Night. This guy is burning the brightest of the bright in the IIWF right now. Tonight marked Creed's tenth victory, and he has climbed from being 2-3 down and dead last in the rankings to reaching a title shot in just a little over two months. And this man has not yet been pinned here in the IIWF. If Casey James wasn't worried before tonight, he certainly will be now. [WINNER: Creed by pinfall in 15:27.] TD: Okay, folks, we're practically out of time here tonight. I just have time to show you some footage from a celebratory reception held at Mr. Mic's English mansion last week as Team Brutality revelled in the glory of their victories at Ring Wars III -- particularly the impressive display of Night Patrol in taking the United States Tag Team Championships right out of the waiting jaws of the hitherto undefeated Prophets of Rage. Let's take a look: [Cut to footage subtitled, "Last Week.": Mr.Mic's mansion in England. There is a large gathering of people on the back terrace. The two members of Pain Inc. are seen wearing their Ring Wars 3 t-shirts. Hades is wearing a green suit with a Zodiac Connection t-shirt with a red circle around it and and red slash through it. Pain Inc. and Hades are standing with Night Patrol who are proudly wearing their U.S. Tag Team title belts around their waists. Brenda Hawkings and Mr. Mic are seen sipping champagne with some of their guests. Mr. Mic walks up to a small podium and starts to speak:] MM: First of all, ladies and gentlemen, congratulations to the greatest tag team to ever hold a title here in the IIWF... The first ever United States Tag Team Champions, the Night Patrol! [The crowd erupts into cheers and applause!] MM: Now, some of you have had the gall to come up to me and ask about the Zodiac Connection! [He peers towards Hades] I think they have all been... *ahem*... escorted out, is that correct, Hades? [Hades nods towards Mr. Mic] Well, for the rest of you I will address the Zodiac Connection. Zodiacs, it's been a long time comin', you geeks! After what happened at Ring Wars 2 I've been dying to get revenge on your scrawny little hides... and I did!!! [Mr. Mic steps back from the podium and starts laughing.] MM: Did you really think that Hades would be a star-gazing' freak like you? C'mon, I actually didn't think it would work. I thought the Zodiacs were a little too smart for that -- not much, but a little. I guess I was wrong... they _are_ that stupid. Hey, Taurus, how's that throat? [Mr.Mic pulls a pack of Halls throat drops out of his pocket] Here ya go! [he throws them at the camera] Don't say I never do anything for ya. As for your comments about getting the Arm Pits and the Prophets of Loss teaming with you... go right ahead. You think Ring Wars 3 was bad, try us again and you'll feel pain like never before. Also, this "call" you've put in to your "friend"... yeah, Hades looks real scared now. Pain Inc.'s jobs right now are to get those World tag titles and most importantly make sure that the Night Patrol keeps theirs. Zodiacs, Armed Farces, step up and make sure you have a parachute for that long fall back down. [Cut back to the studio.] TD: This Saturday Night, Night Patrol will face the Harlequins in their first title defence, and, as I have already mentioned, other great matches scheduled include the other half of Team Brutality, Pain Inc., getting another shot at the IIWF World Tag Team Champions, the Dark Disciples, Tony Starks battling Otto Verhoeven, Creed challenging Casey James, the new Cruiserweight Champion, the White Phoenix, in action, and, of course, that incredible "Go For The Gold" twenty man over the top rope battle royal to determine who will run the Gauntlet here in the IIWF in the coming weeks. It's sure to be a hot night as the IIWF kicks off into the spring. Don't miss a moment of the action! Of course, between now and then, you'll have your weekly dose of IIWF Classics, with my tag team partner, "Soundbite" Steve Roberts, and another big Countdown to Saturday Night, with Larry Morton and Becky LaRue. Be sure to tune in to all of the great IIWF programming coming your way in the next few days! Until then, this is Tim Dross signing off from the War Room. So long, everybody! [The lights in the studio drop and the video wall fades to blackness as Dross resumes shuffling his papers. 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+