[Open with a montage of IIWF action accompanied by hard rock music. The final chord lingers as Brody Thunder backdrops The Pinecone Kid at a IIWF house show in Whatsitooya, Maine. Suddenly, the screen explodes into a mass of fire and smoke, through which emerges the IIWF's familiar logo:] ##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION ================================================= "COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY NIGHT" - May 2, 1997 ================================================= [Cut to the IIWF Studio. The remote camera zooms down the aisle as members of the studio audience scramble to get on camera. A man waves his homemade "Shoot Soundbite Shoot" poster. A woman points to her "Age of the Rage" t-shirt and signals that the Prophets are number one. The lovely Agnes McQueen, Don's mother, scowls at the camera and pulls her shawl up around her thick neck. And a man wearing a Marty Warnett t-shirt waves a poster which reads "Maurice McArthur, Jumpin' Jack and John Major... jobbers to the stars!" The camera zooms toward Larry Morton sitting alone at the broadcast desk.] LM: Hello again everyone and welcome once again to "Countdown to Saturday Night." I'm Larry Morton and I'm waiting to find out exactly where my broadcast colleague Becky LaRue is and what... [Larry is interrupted as two men dressed like Roman soldiers push a wheelchair onto the set. Becky LaRue sits in the chair, wearing a denim jacket and scowling at the crowd. The men stop her in front of the broadcast desk and point her toward the audience before stepping back.] LM: Becky, what the heck are... [Morton is silenced as one of the centurions glares at him. Becky looks slowly left and right at the studio audience, then raises a wireless microphone.] BL: You people make me sick! Every week, it's the same thing: you come out looking for blood, broken bones -- not to mention pithy comments -- without giving a thought to the damage they do to people! You thoroughly and utterly disgust me! [The audience begins booing and shouting at Becky.] I guess it's just a part of your society, isn't it? It's just the nature of this country. You're sick of hearing me come out here every week and tell you how good I am? Well now you know how the rest of the world feels about your country! [The boos grow louder as Morton finally walks around to the front of the desk. One of the centurions halts him, but Larry boldly slaps the man's armor... wincing at the pain in his hand.] LM: Becky, you stop this right now! That is no way to talk to our great fans here in America! [A look of confusion suddenly crosses Becky's face.] BL: Huh? I thought we were taping in Toronto this week. [pointing out at the audience] You mean you guys aren't Canadians? Oops, sorry 'bout that! [Crowd pop as Becky jumps out of the wheelchair and shoos the centurions to the back. She grins at Larry, who stands shaking his head.] LM: Well, I never cease to be amazed by your... BL: Hey guys! Wait a minute! [Becky removes her denim jacket and tosses it to one of the centurions. As she turns around, she is wearing a familiar "Payback's a bitch... and so is Quigley" t-shirt. Larry is shocked.] LM: Where did you get that? BL: At Soundbite's apartment. I went to tell him how much I love a shooter. I couldn't find my own shirt this morning and this one was on his floor, so I just threw it on. LM: On his floor? What were you... no, I don't want to know. But after the trouble the broadcast team got into Tuesday, you can't wear that on this show. BL: Whatever floats your boat. [Becky untucks the shirt and begins to remove it. Larry jumps in front of her.] LM: IN THE BACK! IN THE BACK! BL: Whatever. Jeez... [she walks off the set] LM: [mumbling] whatihavetoputupwitharoundhere... makesmesick. Fans, I've been asked for the second week in a row to issue an apology for something Steve Roberts said on "Inside the IIWF". Steve is entitled to his own opinions, but so is "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley. So I'd like to give "Quickstrike" time for a rebuttal, which he was kind enough to tape for us. Let's go to that footage now. [mumbling again] i'dratherworkwithanimalsandchildrenthananannoyingwoman: [A pitch black room is the only visible sight, as a few mournful notes from an acoustic guitar dance around, seemingly out of nowhere. A humming accompanies the guitar chords, as this blues song proves just as effective without words. The room is then radiated by a dismal blue light, and in the shadows Chris Quigley sits, masterfully picking a guitar, and humming to his heart's content, lost in his own world. Quigley tosses his head from side to side, eyes closed, as he continues to fill the room with his melody, until one of his eyes opens quickly and spots the camera, to which he reacts by letting his fingers bring the tune to a screeching halt. He stares at down at his guitar for a few moments, before leaning it against the wall behind him, and then cracking his knuckles.] CQ: You know, they never figured I'd be able to keep playing guitar after getting my hands stomped on all the time in the ring. But whatever it is, if I want to do it, I do it. [A normal light brightens the room as the scene becomes visible to the eyes. The area is a near empty locker room, with just a wooden chair and a small plastic table, with plain white whiles. A slightly battered acoustic guitar leans against the wall behind Quigley, who is wearing his ragged jean shorts and what looks to be the latest in the line of Quigley t-shirts, another black t-shirt with the Quickstrike logo on back, with the words, "Quickstrike Island" in white bold letters on front, surrounded by a barbed wire design. A black Nike hat is propped on his head backwards.] No man is an island. I've heard that saying, we've all heard that saying, hundreds of times. It's supposed to mean we're all connected, and in some way, we're all the same I suppose. I don't agree with the statement, nor do I agree with the idea. I am an island. Ever since I entered the IIWF, despite being called in to help Dan Kauffman, I've felt as though we were all wrestlers here, but I was an outsider of some sort. I was the guy who parked his Rolls Royce in among the Ford pick-up trucks. I guess it was true. In my first few months here, I reminded everyone daily of just who I was, and how I got to be who I was, and how I was going to stay that way. I talked about my past titles, past glories, past everything, but really paid no attention to what was going on around me. This was just another Federation to conquer. [Quigley closes his eyes and seems to stretch his neck a little.] The IIWF is something special. I learned that slowly, but surely. This Federation has more of a bond between wrestlers and other wrestlers, between suits and other suits, and between the fans and their heroes than any Federation I've ever seen or competed in. It was finally recognized as the greatest federation in the world after a voting process in which all of the legends of wrestling took part. That moment it finally struck me just how important the IIWF was, and just how lucky I was to be a part of it. I came to the realization of what I had to do. All my career, I've longed to be the best, and until now, I've always felt like I had pretty much proven that I was. But now I'm being eaten alive by the notion that the IIWF World Championship Title belt was not strapped around my waist, and never was. You're right, Casey James. My desire to be the best, and to beat you at Birthday Bash has absolutely consumed me. The question you've posed to me is: What will I do if I lose? That's the thing, "Blackheart". As long as there is a breath in my body, I will not go down. You're not going to be fighting Chris Quigley, the arrogant "punk" who doesn't think his opponent is worthy to be in the same ring as him. I know full well that, despite the controversial win, you have to be an excellent wrestler to have won the IIWF World Title in the first place. Hey, you did something that I haven't, and for now, you are the recognized best in the IIWF, at least on paper. You've got what I want, and just like everything else I've ever gotten in my life, I'm going to work my _ass_ off to get what I want. ["Quickstrike" stands up and paces around the room.] I know I'm not very well liked here. I never have been, and I never will be. As ironic as it may sound, when Dan Kauffman retired, my one and only ally disappeared. Why does it seem like everyone is gunning for me? Am I outspoken? I don't know about that. I _do_ know that I like to speak my mind, and if what I have to say doesn't sit too well with Daniel Spreadbury, Tim Dross, Steve Roberts, or even someone like a Marty Warnett, that's just really too bad. I guess I should address what Steve Roberts said about me on Inside the IIWF. For starters I'd have to say he's right. It _must_ be hard being clever 24 hours a day. I don't come up with witty little lines and catchy little phrases, I just speak from the heart. But Roberts is a different story. He tries to be hilarious. He tries to keep the broadcasts alive with his sarcasm, but like I said, it _must_ be hard, because by the time I hit the ring, he has nothing left but accusations of some blonde haired guy named Troy following me around. I mean, if that isn't the most pathetic excuse for an insult I have ever heard, I don't know what is. And then he tells me how I can't say that Otto Verhoeven is a ROTTEN, NO-GOOD FOR NOTHING NAZI... and get away with it. He says I can't have my opinion that J.W. Hardin left the IIWF because he felt he was no longer needed after _I_ arrived... and get away with it. Those are my opinions, Roberts, and just like yours, they're not popular opinions, but they're mine and I have a right to them. But I will tell you this, I've been the figure of controversy lately in the IIWF, and you've been having a real field day, and that's all fine, but what you said and did on Tuesday was going far beyond the line, and you should consider yourself lucky if I don't stop by the broadcast table on Saturday Night and tie your ankles around your neck! [Quigley pauses for a few seconds, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself.] Everyone has an opinion on why I "changed my look". I don't really give a damn whether I was being compared to BRET [BLEEP] HART or not. I never wanted to go that direction, but it was the direction that I was being pushed, and _that_ is a fact. _I_ didn't like myself, and it had nothing to do with the rest of you and whatever you had to say about who I was. That is the reason, and the only reason, why I got rid of the glitz and garbage from my ring attire. I didn't do it for you, I did it for me. I'm finally focused on what really matters, and that is achieving the greatness that I've been striving to achieve my entire career. The IIWF Championship is sitting on top of that mountain and I've got a grip on the top ledge. Casey James can step on my fingers all he wants, but I will _not_ fall. In the end, James' will go plunging from his lofty peak into obscurity, and I will be the King of the Mountain. [The light suddenly fades back to the dim blueish color it was in the beginning, as the sound of a chair scraping a floor is heard, followed by the strums of a guitar once again, each note bringing Quigley back his cool. Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio. Becky now wears a "J.W. Hardin: The Legend Never Dies" t-shirt.] LM: Chris Quigley apparently feels that the only person's respect he feels he needs is himself. BL: I'm surprised he can even stand himself. He thinks the Subway Psycho respects him after last weekend's match? Guess again, "Third Strike". The Stinker has some words for you later in the show. LM: Indeed. And it's unfortunate with those two men teaming up tomorrow night against Tiger Claw and Casey James. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. There was plenty of action going on in the "War Room" Wednesday night, so let's take a look at all the results: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IIWF WEDNESDAY WAR ROOM RESULTS April 30, 1997 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCOTT ROGERS def. BARNACLE BROTHER BLUTO TIGER CLAW def. MAURICE McARTHUR NIGHTWING def. EL SUPER GECKO OTTO VERHOEVEN def. JUMPIN' JACK IKE SAMPSON def. TONY STARKS W & W EXPRESS def. THE LAST RESORT CHRIS HERFORTH def. SERGE ANNIS MAD DOG WATKINS def. LUKE STEELE MR. DAMAGE def. DEREK MOTA NO CONTEST: JOE PETROW vs. BOBBY B. GOODE LM: It's evident that several hot feuds are threatening to boil over before we get to Birthday Bash next weekend. At the top of the list right now must be Steve Kowalski and Joe Petrow. "Sychosys" called out "The Fury" Wednesday night and the two men used a guitar, a t- shirt, and an umbrella as they attempted to injure each other. BL: Big deal. MacGyver could have fashioned a serious weapon out of belly button lint and a piece of chewing gum. LM: Well _anything_ will be fair game when those two hook up at the Bash, and you can bet the Sychopaths and Fury fans will play a key role in that matchup. Tony Starks felt the wrath of the European Alliance, apparently having pushed Otto Verhoeven too far. BL: I tried to warn him. Didn't I try to warn him, 'Lar? LM: Yes you did. Verhoeven and Lord Byron clearly wanted to incapacitate Starks, but Creed came to Tony's rescue. All four of those men will hook up tomorrow night in what should be a tremendous match. BL: And I was stunned that two guys who didn't go at it. There isn't an area code that's big enough for both Mad Dog Watkins and Brody Thunder, but they seemed to put aside their mutual contempt to settle an old score with Luke Steele. LM: That's right. Steele muzzled both Watkins and Thunder two weeks ago, but the Old Dog and the Big Cowboy exacted their revenge Wednesday night. What a war it will be when those two hook up next week. And what a war it should be at the IIWF Coliseum tomorrow night as we reach the one-week countdown to Birthday Bash. BL: It's the last live card before the Bash because "Wednesday War Room" will be pre-empted by the IIWF Hall of Fame ceremonies from right here in Portland. Is Spreadbury renting a suite at the Super 8 Motor Lodge? LM: Hardly! I understand we'll be broadcasting from the Portland MGM Grand Hotel... or some other fine establishment. It'll be first-class IIWF all the way! BL: If anyone survives tomorrow night, maybe we'll have a decent crowd. LM: And speaking of tomorrow night, it's time to take a look ahead at all the matches we'll be seeing: ************************************************************************** --------------------- IIWF SATURDAY NIGHT PREVIEW ---------------------- ************************************************************************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * CHRIS HERFORTH vs. "REAL DEAL" LUKE STEELE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Two athletes with something to prove will lock up tomorrow night. Herforth is still not happy about losing his Cheshire identity, but he's eager to make his own mark as Chris Herforth, and a win over Serge Annis Wednesday night was a good start. BL: Despite Serge's foot on the ropes. Tough break, Sergio! Hehe. LM: The only break Luke Steele got Wednesday night was his ego as Brody Thunder and Mad Dog Watkins gained revenge for the "muzzle incident" of a few weeks ago. BL: Pretty kinky stuff, Lukey! LM: Steele is ready to put that incident behind him, and nothing would do it like a victory over Herforth on "IIWF Saturday Night". BL: Let's go to the videotape! LM: Just for the record, Luke Steele refers to a "foreign" object in the following interview. We've been told by the front office to call them "international objects". BL: Yeah, like French toast. LM: French toast is _not_ a foreign object! BL: Ever eaten it cold? That stuff'll kill you. LM: Let's just hear from the "Real Deal": [SCENE: Fade in on Luke Steele, following the end of Wednesday War Room. He's packing up and getting ready to leave.] LS: Hey there Baby Dolls. Looks like ol' Luke took a few lumps tonight. Mad Dog, Brody, congratulations. You did exactly what people expected, costing me another win and hitting me with a foreign object. For this, two thumbs up. The Real Deal's back at .500 folks, and he's not too happy. Normally if I lose a match I can at least say I didn't wrestle my best match. This time however I did, and still wound up a loser. I can only hope my next opponent is a little more honorable. Chris Herforth, you're lucky that the referee didn't see Serge's foot on the ropes, but hey, a win is a win. Saturday night you and I will go one on one, and I intend to show the world that my wrestling display wasn't a fluke tonight, it's the new Luke Steele. See you later, Cat-Man. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: And Luke Steele will... BL: Cat-Man?! What the hell was that all about? LM: [shrugging his shoulders] I dunno. Anyway, Luke Steele will _have_ to wrestle a strong match if he hopes to top Herforth. Even with the beating Herforth absorbed Wednesday night, he'll be ready to wrestle tomorrow night. BL: As "Razor" Summer learned when he visited Herforth earlier today: [SCENE: Steve Summer enters Doctor Hinterhalt's high-tech gym. The Doctor is preparing a pair of bandages with a some kind of ointment. Chris Herforth is sitting on a stool in the background, squeezing a tennis ball with his right. His hand shakes with every grip, and he doesn't manage to squeeze the ball very hard.] SS: Hello fans, this is Steve Summer here in the impressive gym where Doctor Hinterhalt takes care of Chris Herforth's physical fitness. Hi, Doc. DH: [turns towards Summer] Guten Abend, Herr Summer. SS: The IIWF fans would like to know if Mister Herforth will be in good condition for the encounter with the "Real Deal" Luke Steele tomorrow night. He took quite a beating from the Epitome of Evil on Wednesday. DH: There is no doubt that he will be able to step into the ring to face Herr Steele. SS: But Annis nearly broke Herforth's hands. [pointing to the bandages] Are you sure that it won't have an negative effect on his performance? Will he be able to apply the Humorizer for example? DH: He will not have to. He has developed and trained a new devastating maneuver. The "Dread Gip"... verzeihung, the "Dread Drip"... nein, nein... SS: Dread _Grip_? DH: Ja, danke. I still have problems with the pronunciation of your language. The Dread... Grip is a submission hold that... CH: [approaches the two] You talk too much, Doctor. [to Steve] He's so proud, you know. The Dread Grip was his idea. DH: But _he_ [points to Herforth] was the one to choose the name. SS: So what _is_ that Dread Grip? CH: You'll see it soon enough, Steve. Once it's locked, it's as strong as steel, or maybe even stronger. SS: Okay, let's talk about Steele. What are your thoughts on him? CH: Well, I had to catch up with a lot of video-taped matches from him to learn something about his style, and I have to admit I was quite impressed by the way he treated those western heroes Thunder and Watkins. But I think he's a fair man, who can make a fair match, [he looks into the camera] unlike some other cowards who still need help from a third person to win against me. SS: I assume you are referring to the Highwayman and Nightwing. On Monday you challenged the undead man for a third time. Do you think he will accept? CH: I don't know. But when he doesn't, he'll prove that he and his fine friend are nothing more than hypocrites. Everyone can talk about honor and fairness, but living to it is a very hard task. SS: These words sound strange from the mouth of a man who is known to be an unpredictable madman with some sort of twisted humor. CH: Oh, you mistake me with Cheshire. No, no, Cheshire is no more. I know I cannot let my old self behind me that easily. I've made a lot of mistakes and I didn't waste a thought on their possible consequences and the pain I caused. But I've talked a lot with my father while he was here and he opened my eyes. I know it sounds dramatic, but it's the truth. SS: Uhuh. So what are your plans for the future? CH: Nothing special, really. I'll do what everyone does in the IIWF. I'll try to make my way to the top, and I'll take out whoever is unlucky enough to stand in my way. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * NIGHTWING vs. MARTY WARNETT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: While Steve Summer was playing up the "new vs. old" angle during Tuesday's "Inside the IIWF" many... BL: I was watching "Lassie". LM: I can't believe you would... BL: Sure enough, Timmy fell down a well. And Lassie was barking and the studly ranger guy says, "what is it girl?" So Lassie barked again and the humans understood her. LM: And your point would be? BL: Lassie is easier to understand than Duncan Macbeth. BWAHAHA... snort! LM: [shaking his head] As I was saying... BL: They understood the Lassie better than the laddie! Heeheeeeee... snort... snort! LM: Uh-huh, funny. Now then, as I was saying, while some were laughing at Steve's comments, others had to question if there isn't something to this "New Generation". The newcomers to the IIWF have certainly made their mark and are quickly becoming number one contenders. BL: While the IIWF veterans are getting fat and happy? LM: Maybe a bit content. But former Intercontinental Champion Marty Warnett will have a chance to prove his point when he returns to the ring tomorrow night against Nightwing in what should be a terrific scientific match. BL: Where has ol' Martin been lately? Off talking to trees or something? LM: Actually, he's been nursing an injury as we learned last night during a house show interview in Walla Walla, Washington. BL: Warnett was in Walla Walla? LM: Don't start that! Let's go to the tape: [SCENE: Tim Dross, stands in the middle of the ring, clutching a microphone. Shawn Michaels' WWF song, 'Boy Toy' kicks in. Marty Warnett walks out, ignoring the fans, wearing a brown suit. He leaps over the ropes, to a huge crowd pop. Marty now sports an over-elaborate earring.] MW: Well, all rightee... TD: Marty, we haven't seen you in a while. MW: Well, Dross too much of a good thing and all that. The simple thing is that, I've been to my doctor, and he agrees that I have a knee condition. TD: Career ending? [Crowd give a negative pop.] MW: Well, Dross, my doctor examined it, and he kinda said that if I didn't wrestle then I wouldn't have a good career... TD: So, your knee is okay, you're just resting it? MW: Yup. The facts are simple, the opponent I really wanted was unavailable for Birthday Bash, so I've had to wait then. TD: Who? MW: Heck, you guys want to know? [he points to crowd, crowd pop] Well, tough. Let's just say, come Birthday Bash, I'll unveil my brand new song. Requiem may play dirge, I love the older stuff. TD: Thank you, Marty. MW: Hang on Dross, I haven't finished. I'd just like to add that I'd lost my smile recently... TD: You mean the depression has come back? MW: No, I mean I put it down somewhere, came back, gone. I blame that Joe Petrow. By the way, Quigley, you may criticise me, but which one of us is batting one hundred percent versus James? Nightwing, I respect you for your heart, your ability, and more importantly, your belief. I don't believe in your sacred spirits, but I believe in your heart, and in your belief. Now, whilst I respect all that, I have gold to win. Lau, you neglected to send anyone to face me. Why is that? Forget Summers' view as to the New Generation, the Party Maniac is the true New Generation - who else has fought as often in such a short space? Or indeed, won so well? Here's looking at you, Big Kev [flips a finger to the camera]. TD: Uh, thanks, Marty. [Warnett leaves to a big pop. Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: It will be good to see Marty Warnett back in the ring. BL: Sounds to me like he just wants to jump directly to Birthday Bash. LM: I think it would be a mistake to overlook Nightwing, who has found new meaning in his life and career since joining forces with the Highwayman: [SCENE: Heavy rain cuts through the Portland night sky, but a solitary figure sits on the roof of a high-rise building overlooking downtown Portland. Lights in surrounding buildings flash on and off as Nightwing crouches on the building's ledge, watching the cars and people below. His long dark hair is soaked and hangs around his face as he speaks.] NW: I did not think it possible a few moons ago, but life goes on. If nothing else, events of the past month have taught me a new appreciation for opportunities... second chances, if you will. The spirits have given me a second chance, just as Adam Smith has been granted a second chance. Is it luck... or is it a curse? I have been told by Chiquoit that it depends on what we choose to make of the opportunity. Marty Warnett, you live life as if you seek no second chance. Yet the spirits tell me that you know of opportunities... and you know of second chances. When I look at what you have accomplished in the IIWF, I nod and know that I will face a valiant warrior on Saturday night. He is a man who is worthy of respect, for he has earned it. But Marty Warnett, our lives do not follow a similar path. We do battle in the ring like a great river cutting through the land. When we leave the ring, I continue to live the life of a warrior. You choose to abuse physical pleasures and have paid the price for it once already. From the great river flows many streams, Marty... many streams which eventually dry up. I am the stream which grows stronger and eventually joins the ocean to become an even greater force. I am part of the future, Marty Warnett. I have been granted a second chance. [With that, Nightwing turns his face back to the rainy evening, looking at nothing but seeing everything. Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * NIGHT PATROL vs. ZODIAC CONNECTION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: There is no team that is as hated by the Zodiac Connection as Pain Inc., and they'll be taking on Pain Inc.'s former stablemates Night Patrol tomorrow. BL: Yeah, but Night Patrol has lost their edge since splitting with Mr. Mic's troops. Sorry Brenda, but I'm here to speak the truth. LM: It's true that Night Patrol has changed -- I say for the better -- but Keene and Blazer must also feel like marked men since Pain Inc. has joined the Syndicate. BL: You almost have to wonder if both of these teams won't be keeping their eyes on the crowd as much as they will each other: [SCENE: The Zodiac Connection stand in the IIWF interview area.] GEMINI: We have witnessed something that seems rather appropriate, a couple of loser scumbags known as Pain, Inc. have decided to unite with the Dark Disciples. I guess they have decided that they have no other recourse but to cheat for each other! SCORPIO: But enough about that! This Saturday night features us wrestling Night Patrol! Fellas, we understand that you are not affiliated with Team Brutality and you have sought forgiveness for your past actions! Do not make any mistakes boys. If you truly want a clean match, we'll give it to you! If not, well you know as well as anybody that we can play that way as well! [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * FOR A SHOT AT THE IIWF UNITED STATES TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: COLD SPELL vs. THE HARLEQUINS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Tim Dross astutely compared the IIWF U.S. Tag Team titles to a hot potato earlier this week. It seems that no team can hold onto those belts for very long. BL: Two weeks seems to the be max so far. LM: Well _you_ had more than a little bit to do with the title change last week when you threw Tragedy's mask into the ring. What were you thinking? BL: Hey, I was just trying to give the Harlequins the little edge they needed to beat the Prophets of Rage. So my aim was off. I don't throw things for a living. LM: Except _tantrums_ when you don't get your way. BL: How's your foot healing, Larry? LM: Sorry. I'm sorry. The Harlequins would like nothing better than to recapture those belts, but Cold Spell also wants the gold. Whichever team wins this match tomorrow night will indeed earn a title shot at Birthday Bash. BL: Well, I'm finished with trying to help teams win. From now on, they can cheat on their own! LM: A noble gesture, I must say. There is added incentive for both teams because of what has happened between Comedy and Icehawk recently. BL: You know what they say... love hurts. LM: Icehawk seems to have snapped out of it just fine, as our busy Steve Summer learned when he visited Chicago: [SCENE: The exercise room at Cold Spell's training lodge. Steve Summer is sitting on a weight bench, while Icehawk is perched on a stationary bike. Icehawk is dressed normally for him, wearing jeans and a "Finnish Pride" t-shirt. He is still wearing the Chicago White Sox cap, but has it on backwards.] SS: First off, I want to thank you for giving me this interview! Everyone that follows the IIWF has been wondering what has been going through your mind in the last couple weeks, and it is an honor to be selected to be the one who gets the scoop. IH: Well, I figured I owed you this one after hitting you with the snowball. And after Becky aligned herself with the Harlequins, I didn't think she would be a very good choice. SS: No, she almost never is. I have to admit that I'm surprised by the way you're dressed. After last Saturday, I was expecting you to show up looking like Tragedy's twin. IH: [winces] Yeah, I was a little strange Saturday, wasn't I? Actually, I guess I've been more than a little strange ever since Comedy burned me. SS: That's an understatement. Most people don't try to give flowers to a woman who tried to burn their face off. But what happened between Saturday and now to snap you out of it? IH: It was pretty simple. Wednesday, I went shopping in Chicago, because I had decided that I was going to show up for Saturday's match dressed exactly like Tragedy. I bought all kinds of silly-looking stuff, then came up here to watch "War Room" with Fitz. When I got here, he was gone, and there was a package with my name on it sitting on the TV. Inside, there was a copy of his application to start wrestling as a singles wrestler in the NLWP, and a video tape. SS: Wait a second! Edmund Fitzgerald is leaving the IIWF? IH: No, but that was my first reaction, too. I didn't know where he was, so I popped in the video. It was a tape he had made from his collection. Most of it was, well, a Harlequins lowlights tape, I suppose. A lot of the nasty things they have done, especially Comedy and Tragedy. But the end is where he got me. He had a scene from last week where they were brutalizing someone, and the fans were screaming at them and throwing things. And then the tape jumped to the Olympics in Barcelona, and me getting my silver medal. I had almost forgotten how disappointed I was, because I knew I was better than the Russian who won, but I'll never forget how I felt when the fans started chanting my name. Watching that, I realized what Fitz was trying to tell me - I can't be like Comedy and Tragedy. I can't let the people down like they have. Heck, I didn't even know he had a tape of my medal ceremony... [Icehawk's voice cracks and trails off.] SS: How did this whole thing start, anyway? Suddenly there was a rumor that you two were an item, and then you got torched... IH: I did have a crush on Comedy - she reminded me of a Canadian gymnast that I used to date. And I guess someone overheard Fitz teasing me about it, and told Tim Dross. The next thing I know, she's trying to turn my face into a Greek delicacy. All we were missing was someone to yell "Opa!". SS: Do you know why? IH: I have no idea. I've never even spoken to her. I guess I probably will never know. SS: So what happens now? Will tomorrow's match be the end of Cold Spell? IH: No, it won't. Fitz is going to try to wrestle in the NLWP Battle Royale coming up in a few weeks, and he might do some singles wrestling there, but he's staying in the IIWF. Hopefully, we'll beat the Harlequins tomorrow, and go for our second-straight PPV win. SS: Anything else? IH: Yeah. I want to apologize to the fans for being such a nutcase over the past few weeks. And I want to warn Tragedy. Saturday, I want to beat you. But Fitz wants to kill you. He's convinced that you made Comedy do this, and he's planning to make you pay for it. SS: Well, good luck tomorrow. And welcome back. IH: Thanks, Steve. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * RONNIE PARIS vs. "ENIGMA" TAKEZO MUSASHI ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Ronnie Paris will be returning to the ring for the first time since defeating Billy Shakespeare nearly two weeks ago. Paris was injured in that match, as was his fiancee Maggie Collins. BL: I'm tellin' you... love hurts. LM: Ronnie was really beginning to hit his stride before that injury, and he hopes he hasn't lost anything when he steps into the ring with former IIWF Cruiserweight Champion Takezo Musashi. BL: I kinda like Mushmushi's new attitude. He's "no nonsense" in the ring. LM: That's _Musashi_... and more than a few people are _concerned_ about his new attitude. But that's a challenge awaiting Ronnie Paris, who feels he is up to the task: [SCENE: A large class room, which looks rather old with its dusty, dark chalkboards, rickety old wooden desks, and uniform drabness. Ronnie Paris is sitting in the far left corner of the room, with several text books peeking out from inside the desk - it's the type you can open from the top, and at this moment the top is ajar.] RP: My fiancee and I were both injured some two weeks ago... I didn't appreciate that. It set me off, and made me lose control. Control that I should always maintain, if for no other reason than that the fans deserve it. Sure, there are some who'd like to see me go after Billy Shakespeare like a madman with a plastic bag, but there are others to fill that bill. No, I'll do things the way I can best, by outthinking the thinker. I'm back in school for one reason, Shakespeare. You would have me and everyone else believe that you allowed me to beat you, that you gave me a win. To that I reply: "Lord, lord, how subject we old men are to this vice of lying." Or perhaps "You lie, up to the hearing of the gods." You see, like I've said many times, I always do my homework. It doesn't matter if that means reading a book, reviewing tape, preparing strategy... anything I have to do to get into your head, Shakespeare, I've already done it a million times. You can lie to the people about letting me win, but I know, and I think you know, that on that night I was better than you. For three fleeting seconds, I was better than you. You'll be hearing from me again, and those three seconds are going to return to you again and again. But enough about you, Shakespeare, I have other homework to do... [Paris reaches into a desk, and pulls out a large, hardcover book which, upon inspection after the camera zooms in, bears the title "Japan: A Study Into Its People and Its History." He lays the book on his armrest and turns once more to the camera.] I've studied the "Enigma" too, I've gotten into his head... this is a man I've faced before, and a man I can't claim to hold three seconds of fame over. But, this Saturday night I get my second chance, and it's a win I intend to have. "Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o' th' conscience to do no contriv'd murder." Takezo, I have no grudge with you, but be forewarned that in this trade of war we partake in, all men may be an enemy at some time. I wish you good luck, Takezo, for tomorrow we both will need it. Now, my homework is done for the day, so I suppose I'd better have a bit of fun. [Paris looks around quickly for a teacher in a gesture so absurd that we have to applaud the cameraman for not laughing. He then rushes up to the chalkboard, picks up a discarded piece of chalk, and draws a large heart on the board. He fills it in with the expected "RP Loves MC", and then quickly drops the chalk to admire his artwork. Suddenly, a matronly woman walks into the room with a stern look on her face. Paris points directly at the camera.] It was him. Honest! [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: That was a very jocular Ronnie Paris, much different from what we've seen from Musashi of late. BL: I've got one word for Mushmushi: steel chair. LM: It's _Musashi_... and that's two words! The "Enigma" seems to be struggling with some inner demon and we can only hope that he comes to his senses: [SCENE: A Japanese ceremonial chamber, illuminated in the dim glow of candlelight. The flames cast flickering shadows across the room, occasionally revealing the intricate murals and ancient weapons adorning the walls. The "Enigma" Takezo Musashi faces the camera.] TM: A shadow has been cast over the brow of the "Enigma". Opposing forces are at work within me, and my life has become one of turmoil and strife. A choice hangs in the balance; to follow the ancient paths I used to tread with blind eyes? Or to embrace the dark side within my nature? Once I lived by the principle of honour, but those values no longer hold any meaning for me. How could it be so, when I must fight amidst the chaos of the IIWF? How could it be so when my fellow warriors play by no rule except the one that says "win at all costs"? I no longer find the capacity within me to judge the violent deeds of others, but I find the capacity to commit violence myself. Indeed, I have discovered that I no longer merely question my old values, I have come to despise them. They represent weakness, an inability to take what you desire for yourself. Why should I hold myself back while others bask in the glory their violence brings them? In casting my old values aside I find a new strength, a new desire; a potential to become the best. Ronnie Paris, you are my next opponent; thus, my next enemy. In the past I may have honored you as a worthy opponent. I may have desired for you a bright future and given you words of encouragement. Now, I just see a weak man ripe for conquest. Forget the old "Enigma", the man who would have bowed to you before our match; it is possible that man no longer exists. Now there is a new man in his place; one far more confident of his skills, and one far more capable of winning glory in victory. I have beaten you before Ronnie Paris, and can do so again with ease. Beware all my future enemies, for a new "Enigma" has emerged from the ashes of the old, and a new star is in ascension. [Takezo draws back from the candlelight until his body is wreathed in shadows. Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * DEATHBRINGER vs. HIGHWAYMAN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Deathbringer wanted a "tuneup" match before his Birthday Bash showdown with Requiem, but the IIWF Booking Committee may have given him more than he wants in the Highwayman. BL: These guys met in the Dead Man Rising match at Ring Wars III, with Deathbringer getting the best of Highwayman. But a one-on-one match is a different type of match. LM: Deathbringer takes people to the dark side and Highwayman has returned from that domain. It should be quite a match: [SCENE: The mortuary. Despite the several burning torches along the stone-built walls, little can be seen of the hall itself. As always, several caskets are spread across the mortuary, while others are just lined up along the walls. One of the coffins has been opened and the letters, that have been fixed to it, read "R.W.II". Deathbringer stands beside it and looks into the casket, which seems to be filled with something... or someone. As the camera comes closer, the Dark Destroyer closes the casket and takes a few steps to one of the corners of the hall, where an old wooden table stands with a skull on top of it. The skull has been impaled by yet another torch. Deathbringer sits behind the table and his piercing red eyes look directly into the camera. He then begins to speaks in his low, growling voice.] DB: Saturday night... a day of changes, a day of beginnings and a day of endings. The beginning of one, can be the end of another. And events that change something, always change something else, too. [Pause] Highwayman, we have met before in the squared circle, and you proved yourself to be a valiant, honorable warrior. Before that encounter I had promised to send you back to the Dark Side, where you belong, but at that moment I already knew that I would not. [Deathbringer raises his right hand as fast as lightning and out of nowhere he holds a black book in his hands. It bears red letters on the cover. He carefully places the book on top of the table and opens it. Another motion of his hand seemingly causes the torch which impales the skull, to burn.] The books of history told me about the things that would happen. They always do. Right now they tell me what is going to happen tomorrow night, when the two of us meet a second time. Will I finally send you back to the Dark Side? Will I finally free you from being caught in the mortals' web of life? Will I finally end your existence? [Deathbringer closes the book, saying a single word at the same time] No.... [Deathbringer snips with his fingers, and the book crumbles to dust] When we met during the Dead Man Rising matchup, I learned about your bravery. I learned about your courage and I decided to let you stay where you are, as you, possibly more than most other mortals, deserve to make your own decisions. So if it is your decision to live your own, second life, then this is something that I will respect. In fact it is something that I _have to_ respect, for you right now have a mission to fulfill. But do not be afraid to ask me to take you home, when you think your time on this earth shall come to an end. [Deathbringer stands up and heads towards the old, wooden door, that leads to the graveyard, he opens it and is just about to leave, but suddenly stops and turns back to the camera] Oh, you expect me to say something about our upcoming second encounter? Well, I know that you bear honor within your soul. And you know that I do as well. So what can you expect of me? Cheating? No. Betrayal? No. Blindsiding you? No. Just expect me to fight the way you do. [Without further comment, Deathbringer leaves the mortuary and closes the door behind him. At the same time, all the torches in the hall stop burning and everything goes black. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * IIWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: THE WHITE PHOENIX vs. STEVE "THE FURY" KOWALSKI ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Ever since Steve Kowalski proved his weight to IIWF President Daniel Spreadbury, he's been almost obsessed with the IIWF Cruiserweight Championship. BL: I still don't think Kowalski is anywhere close to 240 pounds. Twinkies and Kessler's for breakfast ain't exactly the breakfast of champions. LM: Nevertheless, "The Fury" has been granted his title shot, and he's promised to win the belt and defend it against Joe Petrow at Birthday Bash. BL: Yeah, yeah. I know a few things about promises. LM: Still, you have to admit that Kowalski has made good on his threats since coming to the IIWF: [SCENE: INXS' "New Sensation" plays, as we see Shinja Chow holding up the Cruiserweight Championship belt. The fans are screaming wildly at the White Phoenix. Quietly he bows to the fans and exits the ring. The voice over begins.] VO: It wasn't too long ago Shinja Chow won the Cruiserweight championship. In front of a jam packed arena, he showed what one man's resiliency can do. Since then, the White Phoenix has been undefeated and no seems to stop that streak. Until now... ["Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult creeps in over the background music. Scenes from the horrible Gauntlet Challenge match are shown. A devastated Chow left pondering his beating. Steve "The Fury" Kowalski's image fades onto the screen.] VO: The one man the IIWF couldn't hold down. The one man tough enough to buck the system and prove that he is the #1 contender for every singles belt today. This man has been known as the New Jersey Nightmare and for good reason. Kowalski has trained for this match like no other. With his special diet and vitamins... [A scene of Kowalski sitting on a bar stool at the Amber Bug eating peanuts, pretzels and shooting whiskey.] SK: Gulp. This [BLEEP] is better than Slimfast! 239 1/2 pounds... Ha ha ha ha! VO: His intense preparation of his opponent is like no other. Going over the White Phoenix's previous matches with a watchful eye. [Kowalski is now, at the bar, watching an episode of 'Kung Fu' and comments on it.] SK: Damn if that David Carradine ain't a [BLEEP]y actor. VO: Showing respect towards Shinja Chow, The Fury never under estimates his opponent. [Kowalski telling Oscar Smiles what he thinks of White Phoenix.] SK: He sucks! He'll regret he ever ran into me! How this guy even got a shot at a championship match is bull[BLEEP]! I say it'll be over in five minutes. Ding - Ding - Ding! Five minutes, SKULLPUMP, new champ! [The screen goes black and the voice over can be heard fading out.] VO: Yes, Steve Kowalski is ready... ready for the gold. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * CREED LORD BYRON & TONY STARKS vs. & OTTO "THE BUTCHER" VERHOEVEN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: The first of our two main events for tomorrow night is not only a preview of Birthday Bash, but also a matchup of two intense rivalries. BL: No kidding. Starks and Verhoeven have been at each other's throats since Ring Wars III. They'll meet at Birthday Bash, but I understand there is still some concern about Starks' health for tomorrow's match. LM: Tony took quite a beating from the European Alliance Wednesday night. I have a feeling, though, that if Tony Starks is able to walk he'll be in that ring tomorrow. BL: But if he isn't healthy, he could cost his team the win. And don't forget Creed's win streak is still on the line. LM: Tony Starks will be ready: [SCENE: The IIWF Arena, dark, empty. Tony Starks stands in the center of the ring, dressed in baggy blue jeans and a baggy Nike t-shirt. The camera zooms in on his face as his cold intense eyes cut through the camera. The stare they give from under his white towel is nothing but serious. Starks speaks in a cold tone.] TS: Otto, you should have took that lawyer's advice. I almost feel bad about having to end your career May 10th, bad enough to where I sent that lawyer down to give you and Heidi some info on the best convalescent care facility in the world. You still got his card, you better use it. He can help you prepare that living will. It is such a hard decision when your loved one has to decide to pull the plug or not to. Maybe you should make that decision for her... you damn well need to. Or, maybe you just want me to make plans for you up at Fernandez Funeral Home in New York. We can do that too. Butcher, you keep on saying how dangerous our match is, well, I got a little challenge for you: make the first fall of our match a first blood match, it will make things more dangerous. What do you say, butcherman? You accept? I saw last week how you were in a bar watching soccer, drunk as a skunk with all your little compatriots yelling "Slaughterhouse." Come to the ring with me drunk and you will get smacked sober. All those fellow drunks of yours who were pumping up your massive head got one thing right: That cage on May 10th will be a slaughterhouse, and Otto you aren't going to walk away. You are going to lose blood by the gallon. Otto, I am trying to look out for you here, call that lawyer... before I make it so that you can't even dial a phone. [Starks just stares into the camera. Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: And Starks will be teaming with quite possibly the hottest property in the IIWF right now: Creed. BL: If you don't believe that. just ask the "CEO" Jack Montgomery. ask him. G'head... g'head: [SCENE: The IIWF cameras return to the aromatic garlic fields of Central California, where the eleven swaying canary island palms herald the return of the red gloved rookie Creed to the converted Air Force base known as the Corporate Compound... and to the welcoming embrace of "The CEO" Jack Montgomery. Montgomery's appearance differs from the last time IIWF cameras made a visit to his West Coast offices; his hair is dyed jet-black and slicked back in the style of a Pat Riley. His suit is now less Brooks Brothers than custom Versace - and a cellular phone is affixed to his ear. Creed... is Creed.] CEO: [on phone] No, no Curt, babe. Listen, screw both of them... no, screw them - they need you - remember that. I can book you in arenas from here to Venus - instant sell outs. Hey, what are you? Come on... what are you? That's right - listen - the kid's here - I will. Ciao, babe. CREED: Busy man, Jack. That who I think it was? CEO: Absolutely. Absolutely. I'll tell you what, champ - since you started riding the crimson wave of yours to, where are we now, a 14 match unbeaten streak? - I have been getting calls up the whazoo, buddy. And not just wrestlers - football players, baseball players - a couple of your buddies on the Giants gave me a call. CREED: First place, Jack. Helluva year. CEO: First place just like the big rookie on top of the IIWF singles' rankings - am I right or am I right? CREED: Havin' a good run. Got the tag match this week. Byron's a hard man - and that Butcher ain't gonna be in much mood to dance. CEO: Hey, it's all taken care of. Jack's on it, big man. The boys upstairs know who's got the stroke in the sport right now. Do you have any idea how many offers come in here daily for you to jump ship? I mean - it's unbelievable, babe. And we're not talking about some rinky-dink Feds either, big man. We are talking the creme de la creme... we are talking about the big show. Bright lights and big cities. And a pretty hefty year-end ranking in the top 200. CREED: Doin' pretty good where I'm at, Jack. IC shot at the Bash... fightin' every week... Portland the place to be right now. CEO: Of course, of course... all I'm saying...all I'm saying is that we have to keep our options open. There are a lot of belts out there, big man, a lot of gold to be won and a lot of money to be made. It wouldn't be like when we started out in the IIWF, when that son of a... CREED: [interrupting] Hey, no need to talk 'bout that. I 'member what he did. His time'll come. CEO: All I'm saying is that it would be different - you were an unknown. Fresh. No one gave a damn what happened to you. And now... now you're Creed, babe. The mighty rookie with the lethal left hand. Haven't you read the press clippings I've been sending? You've knocked down 14 in a row and I don't see the dead man with the best record in the IIWF anymore. All I see is you, big man. It is all about Creed. CREED: Look, Jack. I got film to watch, got a big match on Saturday and I don't know a damn thing 'bout Starks, 'cept for the back. And I know that Byron got something for me... the boy can go. CEO: Hey, you're the one who can go... all the way to the top, Champ. You destroyed Warnett, James, Watkins - you've virtually run the Psycho out of the business - you're an unstoppable force on your way to the World's Championship - and I don't want to hear anything different. [Creed smiles and shakes his head, slinging a red gym bag over his shoulder and turning to walk to the underground film room.] CREED: You the man, Jack. You the man. CEO: Naw, you the man, rook. You are always gonna be the man. Hey, what do you say I walk the aisle with you on May 10? [Creed is now out of view, only his voice heard.] CREED: Just leave the steel chairs at home, Jack. I looked damn silly tryin' to save your guitar stealin' ass. [The CEO bursts into laughter... then returns to the phone.] CEO: Rick, Rick, it's Jack Montgomery returning your call. How's the sexiest man alive enjoying Philadelphia? [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: Creed and Starks seem to make an unbeatable team. BL: Unless they're facing the European Alliance. And I'm not just saying good things about them to get a new BMW... although it would be a nice gesture. LM: Otto Verhoeven and Lord Byron _do_ bring an impressive mix of power and mat skills to the ring. If any two men in the IIWF can stand toe- to-toe with Creed and Starks, it would have to be them. They're certainly ready for this match as our.... BL: Let me guess... Dross took ANOTHER trip to my hometown at the company's expense. Big meals at Brennan's... breakfast at the Cafe du Monde... hot dancing at the Hairball Club. LM: Ummm... yeah. Roll the tape: [SCENE: The entrance hall of Lord Byron's New Orleans mansion, where Tim Dross is pacing the floor, occasionally glancing at his watch. The double doors at the top of the grand staircase open, and Nurse Heidi and the Lady DeWinter step out, both of them dressed in elegant evening gowns and chatting to each other. They pass Dross without comment. Finally, Byron appears in the doorway, alongside Otto Verhoeven. Both men are dressed in tuxedos, and Byron at least appears to be in good humour.] LB: Ah. Mr. Dross. I'm so sorry, I completely forgot you were supposed to be here. I'm afraid we're just on our way out, but we will have time for some quick comments... TD: Byron, first of all, Wednesday night, what were you thinki... LB: [cutting him off] Ah, yes. Our dear friend Mr. Starks. [Byron glances sidelong at Verhoeven] Nothing personal you understand, Mr. Starks, but any enemy of Herr Verhoeven is an enemy of mine. Besides, in choosing to ally yourself with my [Byron sneers] dear friend Creed, you made a foolish mistake. But you'll find that out on Saturday Night. No-one stands in the way of the European Alliance. OV: [smirking] That imbecile Starks tried to provoke me with his so-called "mind games", tried to make me furious, tried to drive me over the edge. Nun, Starks, you learned what the European Alliance considers to be suitable retaliation. TD: Speaking of Saturday night, Byron, you'll be in the ring with the man you are scheduled to face at Birthday Bash... LB: [smirking] Ah, yes. Creed. The man on an incredible streak, the number one contender to the coveted Intercontinental title. [Byron sneers] I hear my dear friend has been doing a little bit of research. Good for him. Because come Birthday Bash, Creed, you will need all the help you can get. TD: Strong words, Byron, coming from a man Creed holds an impressive victory over. [Byron shrugs, holding up his arms in a gesture of mock innocence] LB: That, Mr. Dross is the entire point I am trying to make! You see, I know, I have first hand experience of what this man can do. I took the volley of punches. I took the chokeslam. And I took the superbomb. I know what he can do, Dross, and I also know that there is no way in the world that I will allow him to do it again. Think about Creed, Mr. Dross. He's training, watching, preparing himself for what may well be the biggest night of his career so far. And he doesn't have the first hand experience of what I can do. He can imagine, he can hope, and he can delude himself into thinking he can take it, but the truth is this: He hasn't been hit by my patented backspin DDT. He's never felt my spinning enzuigiri crash full force into the back of his head. And he has never, never, felt his resistance slipping away in a hold with the intensity of the Aristoclutch before. And no amount of videotape can prepare him for that. [The Lady DeWinter walks over, putting her arms around Byron's waist] DeW: Creed simply hasn't seen a hundredth of what my Byron can bring to the ring when he desires to do so. He may think the title is all but his, but then again, so did Marty Warnett. And we all know what happened there. [DeWinter leans across Byron's shoulder, kissing him lightly on the cheek] LB: Indeed. Come Saturday Night, Creed may have the opportunity to learn something more about what he is dealing with here. And then again, maybe not. Anyway, I think I may my comrade here has some words to say on the subject as well. OV: Ja, indeed. You see, Dross, on Saturday the IIWF will have the opportunity to see the European Alliance in the ring together, wreaking vengeance on those who have insulted us. Creed, you dared to intrude on our business twice now, and that alone could was your undoing. You have great potential, skill and strength, I have to admit that, but I you lack my determination and my brutality. Believe me, you face the German Juggernaut in the ring, you will be in for a vicious awakening, "unstoppable one". [Nurse Heidi takes Verhoeven's hand and caresses it.] NH: Zat snot-nosed punk vill learn to respect and fear the European Alliance. Tell zem vat you vill do to Starks, liebling, tell zem. OV: We will punish him, it's that simple. We will hit him, hard and often, and when he is lying on the ground, broken and humiliated, screaming and holding his ruined knee, I will kneel down beside hit and tell him that I am not finished with him, not by a long shot and that this pain was nothing like the one he will have to endure in the German Death Match. TD: You sound very confident again after your shocking loss to... OV: Ja, ja, shut up. Macbeth has had his day in the spotlight, he defeated the Butcher. Do you think that doesn't bother me? But I will redeem myself by annihilating Starks and Creed. They will be lucky if they even make it to Birthday Bash. Byron and me are a finely-tuned wrestling machine, working precisely, like clockwork. You will see how the upstart Creed and the cripple Starks will fall prey to Germany's premium wrestler and to the best technical master wrestler in the world today. LB: That's right, my friend, they will learn a painful lesson. May I now ask you to leave my humble home, Mr. Dross, we still have to finish some preparations. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * CHRIS QUIGLEY CASEY JAMES & THE SUBWAY PSYCHO vs. & TIGER CLAW ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Our other main event pits two men who work together well against two men who just met in singles action last week. BL: The cards have never been stacked in the Syndicate's favor like they have in this match. Claw and James train together every day. Even facing their opponents for Birthday Bash, they have an advantage. LM: I'll have to agree with you. We heard earlier this week that Chris Quigley emerged from last weekend's match with respect for the Subway Psycho, but it apparently stops there. The Psycho is not happy about this match just one week before his singles match with Tiger Claw at Birthday Bash: [SCENE: A dark tunnel deep beneath the city. Steam clouds a dark figure in the distance. The figure approaches and pulls in close to the camera. So close that the face of the man, mostly hidden by long black hair takes up the entire screen. One eye can be seen through the hair, as it stares intensely into the camera.] SP: Congratulations to the IIWF Booking Committee. You've once again managed to put together an impressive main event match for Saturday... and once again at my expense! By putting me with Quigley you've totally shown your lack of understanding of what makes the Subway Psycho tick. You suits may have a need to sell tickets and get ratings... but I have no need for a partner! Quigley... don't put words in my mouth. I'm not happy about the way our match ended last week, but regardless of what you say, I didn't come away from that match with any more respect for you than before... and that's not saying much. My respect is not something that I prostitute out cheaply. Few men in this sport have it... and you are definitely not one of them. So Chris don't even bother to show up Saturday, I don't need you. I have enough animosity built up towards both James and Claw to get me through that match just fine. Casey and I have an unfinished matter between us... and as long as you hold onto that belt it will remain that way. Every time Tiger Claw comes near me he's playing Russian Roulette with his life. One of these times his luck will run out and that will be the end of the Tiger. Claw... I accept the terms of your match. If you want to bring your taped fists into that cage... DO IT! You'll need every advantage you can get. I need no such modifications... my bare-handed, relentless self is the only weapon I'll bring to that cage at the Bash. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: That attitude doesn't bode well for the Psycho-Quigley team tomorrow night. BL: Not that it would matter anyway. Like I've always said, never bet against the Syndicate in a big match. Quigley and the Psycho will be trying to single out their Birthday Bash opponents tomorrow night while Claw and James can work as a team to weaken both of _their_ opponents: [SCENE: Steve Roberts stands with Brian Lau in a courtyard at the Dojo. Casey James and Tiger Claw seem to be discussing something in the background.] SR: Hey, morons in TV-land, this is Soundbite coming to you from the Dojo. I have the pleasure of being the only American announcer to ever interview members of the Syndicate three times in a row. Brian, it is surely an honour. BL: Don't mention it, Steve. When it comes down to the IIWF broadcast team, I'd choose you over Dross, Morton, or Summers any day. SR: What about LaRue? BL: That would all depend, Steve. SR: On what? BL: Let's not say. Give me a moment to call over the men. [Brian calls over Claw and James, who immediately come closer to the camera.] BL: You'll have to forgive me, Steve. The rest of the Syndicate is working on individual projects. Thunder is all wrapped up in his battle with Watkins, Mr. Mic and Pain Inc. are in the process of moving some training equipment into the Dojo, and Don McQueen... well, I think he's a little angry at me. SR: About Saturday? BL: Yes. See, I erred. One of the few times, yes, but I erred nonetheless. I guess I should have discussed the idea with Don first, but I honestly thought that he would be happy about this. I mean, we have the tag titles in the Syndicate again, and there's one less team for the Disciples to worry about. Not to mention the fact that the workload of the Syndicate tag team division will be halved. Don, if you're listening, I just want you to know that I really meant the best for this merger, and that I had no intention of you playing "second fiddle." I was just hoping to expand the team. SR: The Syndicate is getting pretty big. Ever think of starting your own federation? BL: What, you mean a federation within the IIWF, taking all the titles and calling them something like the "Syndicate world title," and constantly having new members coming in, and shrouding them in mystery? You mean buying off a ref to make decisions in our favor? You mean like having President Spreadbury or some other influential official join our ranks? SR: Well, yeah... BL: What a silly idea... How did you come up with that? SR: Ummm, never mind. Okay, Casey, Claw, you showed some serious style on Saturday night. The run-in, the coin toss... You've got to be happy about that. TC: Marginally... I wish that we could have destroyed those two in the ring last Saturday. SR: But you'll get another chance! You guys are tagging together to take on Kick-Me and the Stinker tomorrow night! TC: We won't be doing any tagging, I assure you, Steve. SR: Huh? CJ: What Tiger Claw means is that there won't be any rules abided by in that match. The IIWF booking committee no doubt thought it would be great having the match because Claw might start off against Quigley, and the tension would be great. No way. We're going down there and we're going to beat them. Nobody will be on the apron unless they get put there. Claw wants Psycho pretty bad, and I can't say that I'm not looking forward to beating on Quigley. That means that you're probably going to see two separate fights tomorrow. SR: So you're pushing for a Tornado battle? TC: You don't understand, do you? This one isn't about rules. It's about two pairs of men that just don't like each other. The referee can disqualify the whole bunch of us, but it's not going to end it. My battle with the Psycho won't end until the Bangkok Death Pit match is over, and even then, there will still be aftershocks felt. SR: You want him pretty bad, huh? TC: Never have I held so much hatred for one man. SR: Ooookay... Umm, Casey... What did you think about the Quickstriker? You were in it... Pretty lame, huh? CJ: I wouldn't say that... It's a good move if you can get it on a guy, I'll admit that. I'm just disappointed with myself for letting Quigley get it on me. I made that mistake, and it will be corrected. See, Chris? I can admit my flaws, and only hope that I can correct them. There's a saying, Chris, and I really believe in it. That which cannot kill me can only make me stronger. I live by that, Chris, but I know that it can't work for you. Any time you mess up, it makes you weaker. You cry and you whine like a little girl. You talk about how you're getting screwed by everyone in the IIWF, and not about how you just made a mistake. You kill yourself about it. Don't try and tell me you don't, because every time you get beat, you get on television and you look like you haven't slept for days. That which doesn't kill _you,_ Chris, haunts you for the rest of your life. You'd be best to get prepared for weeks of all-nighters, because you're _not_ going to beat me at the Bash. Your overinflated ego is going to spring a leak. I say that you _can't_ put the Quickstriker on me if I'm ready for you. You'll have to knock me unconscious to get it on me, and even then, I won't quit. Why? Because I'd rather get around in a chair than to lie and tell the world that you're the better man. You might be a better technical wrestler, but you're _not_ the better man. I'm stronger than you, I'm bigger than you, and I'm a hell of a lot cooler than you. Oh, and _I'm_ the champ, not you. SR: What are your tactics for Quigley? CJ: Don't want to say... Let's just say that it's going to take Chris a while to wear me down enough to put the Quickstriker on me, but it's only going to take me two seconds to use the Blackheart punch. From there it's Black Death time, and there's nothing he can do about it. SR: Just promise me you'll kick him in the ass once for me, okay? CJ: Got it... SR: Well, the idiot behind the camera is telling me that's all the time we have, so until next time, this is Steve Roberts for the Syndicate saying "Love me or hate me, you're still a moron." [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ************************************************************************** --------------------------- IIWF TRASH TALK ---------------------------- ************************************************************************** LM: Everywhere you go, wrestling fans are talking about "IIWF Birthday Bash" and the great matches coming your way in just eight days. BL: What a shameless plug. LM: The Requiem-Deathbringer match is one of the most anticipated contests of that pay-per-view, as each man will wager his trademark. Deathbringer's scythe will be on the line against Requiem's guitar. BL: Somebody _needs_ to take that guitar from Requiem. The guy gives me a headache. LM: That will be his goal for Deathbringer at Birthday Bash: [SCENE: Darkness. The pitch black of an unopened grave. No detail can be made out, nothing discerned. The darkness is oppressing, bringing to mind an eternity of nothingness. Time passes, and then:] REQUIEM VO: Darkness. Within darkness many things can be hidden. Assassins practice their stealthy trade, thieves take that which is not rightfully theirs, and creatures lurk. Creatures that are best left unseen. Yes, darkness can hide many things, but there is one thing that darkness does not conceal. Can never conceal. [An intense flash of light blinds the cameras as ten thousand candles spontaneously ignite, to reveal Requiem standing alone in the Cathedral of Souls, his night black guitar by his side] REQUIEM: Deathbringer, you cling to this 'coin' analogy so tightly, yet we both know it is flawed. An analogy suitable for mortal comprehension may hold within it the kernel of truth, yet that truth is more complex, more subtle, than many would imagine. You are the Deathbringer, a man who walks in shadows as easily as most would walk under the bright sun of day. And I am Requiem, the Outcast. I am known by many names, to many people, and it is my task to vanquish the Darkness of the Soul. To eradicate it completely from the face of the Earth. It is an impossible task. Darkness can never be obliterated, for without darkness there can be no light. Without evil there can be no good, and without good there can be no evil. Equally so, without light there can be no shadow, and without night there can be no day. In all things there must be a balance. Yet that balance cannot be absolute. Light must be pre-eminent, and it is my task to see that it is. To do this, I intend to become The Master of Darkness, and to bend the darkness to my will. Deathbringer, you claim that you are the true Master Of Darkness, that everybody knows this to be true. Well, Deathbringer, I do not know this to be true. I, who have fought against darkness all my life, stake my claim to that title also. It is a title I must have, in order to ensure the survival of Light over Dark. It is a title I intend to take from you by force of arms at Birthday Bash. Deathbringer, you are the champion of darkness, and so it is you I must defeat. Defeat you I shall, Deathbringer. Count upon it. The bright light of day dissipates even the greatest darkness, and at my side I have that Light. It serves as my sword, my armour, and my shield. At Birthday Bash we shall see which is the sharper - a sword of light, or a blade of darkness. Tomorrow night you face the Highwayman, a good and honourable man that I am proud to call a friend and ally. Good luck to you tomorrow night, Adam Smith. I hope that you are victorious. To you, Deathbringer, I wish good health, for it would be less than honourable to defeat a man in ill health, even for so vital a task as the mastery of Darkness... [Requiem begins to play, "The Music Of The Unknowingly Damned" echoing throughout the great chamber as we FADE TO BLACK, leaving only a single sentence that burns with a cold white flame:] DARKNESS SHALL HAVE NO DOMINION [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: Derek Mota has certainly taken a liking to young Steve Summer, so we sent Steve to get Mota's thoughts on the upcoming Triangle match at Birthday Bash against Duncan Macbeth and Ike Sampson: [SCENE: Canada's Wonderland in Toronto, Ontario. Hundreds of rides and rollercoasters abound, and in the far corner of the camera shot, the big mountain makes its home. Steve Summer and a cameraman are walking through the entertainment park, where they eventually get into the long line for the Bat, a standup rollercoaster. Derek Mota eventually joins them in the line. He is wearing a pair of torn up jeans, with a Soundbite t-shirt.] SS: Wow, Derek, this is totally cool. You're the man, I'm telling you! Who else would bring me over here at the IIWF's expense? Smart guy, oh yeah! DM: It's opening night here, and I had to pull a few strings to get in, but I've always been a man of many resources, haven't I? Spring has come, and it's time to heat things up in the IIWF. Who better to do it than the Heatseeker himself? And I think it's workin'. Turns out now that I can't fight a match without someone comin' in ta interfere! That's fine with me, 'cause it just puts me in the spotlight some more! And I've always enjoyed the spotlight. [They eventually reach the front of the line and step into the bat. We see still still photos of the ride, with Steve Summer screaming in fear and Derek Mota laughing right beside him. Cut back to after the ride, where we see Derek Mota and Steve Summer emerging from the exit, with Summer looking a little green.] DM: You okay buddy? [Camera zooms in on Summer, who has just stuck his head in a garbage can and is making strange noises.] DM: Maybe I shoulda come here alone. Before I start, I got some comments about Mr. Damage. You're lucky, kid. I put my focus on you, you go down. It's that easy. But I got myself some bigger fish to fry, so you can keep your little streak for now and maybe I'll be the one to come down and pry it away from you in a few weeks if you still have it. Otto Verhoeven, the so-called Butcher, you warned me to stay away from your match last Saturday against Duncan Macbeth. Maybe I shoulda interfered, you sure could've used the help! They call you the juggernaut, but you didn't look like any more than an Audi out there! But hey, you want me to stay away? I'm gone. [Camera pans left to show Steve Summer emerging from the garbage can. He looks at Derek Mota with an apologetic look on his face, and then runs back to the garbage can!] Finally, I got me the big triangle match comin' up at Birthday Bash. The loonie Macbeth and the big oaf Sampson. We gonna mess it up big time that night, and we're finally gonna find out just who's the future of the IIWF. SS: New Generation kicks ass! [Steve Summer has finally rejoined Derek Mota in the camera shot and is looking a little better.] DM: Nice of you to join me, Stevie. Everybody's startin' to know Derek Mota, and you all know how I hate to spend a Saturday Night at home. I ain't scheduled to be in Portland on Saturday, but you can count on me being there. I got a few things to settle before next then, and who knows? Maybe we won't need the triangle match anymore if I get my way! SS: What are you talkin' about, Derek? Oh man, you really got me goin' here! I mean... uuurrrrgggghhhhhhhppppphhhhhh! [As the shot fades, Steve runs back to the garbage can. Derek Mota shakes his head. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] BL: Hehe... that Summer. What a little geek. LM: Now be nice, that's the New Generation. Hehe. Ike Sampson will take an impressive, albeit tainted win over Tony Starks into that Triangle match, but he's also focused on one particular match tomorrow night: [SCENE: Ike Sampson is standing in the locker room. He has a towel draped over his shoulder after a tough workout, and is wearing his sunglasses and a IIWF hat.] IS: Hey, Starks, sorry about the other night. I didn't realize those two goons had jumped you, and I went for the win. Instinct just kinda took over. I just want you to know it ain't nothing personal. So let me make it up to you. Tomorrow night, in that tag match you and Creed have with those bums, let me stand in your corner. I'll watch your back, and make sure things don't get out of hand again. Besides, they took some cheap shots at me Wednesday, too, and I'd just _love_ to get involved. An eye for an eye, Starks. Whaddya say? Mota, MacBeth, don't think I've forgotten about you two. Only one week away, my friends, from the biggest chance of our careers. Three men walk in, one man walks out a winner. An international audience to impress, title shots to earn, one man will rise above the rest. The Future Bowl. I'm ready for it. Are you?! [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: The wrestling world is still buzzing about what we saw in the IIWF ring last Saturday. BL: Sparkplug's pink tuxedo? LM: No, I mean Brian Lau inviting Pain Inc. into the Syndicate. Mr. Mic's men seem to bounce from alliance to alliance, but he's on top of the world after becoming part of the most elite group in all of wrestling: [SCENE: Mr.Mic at his mansion in England. Mr.Mic is seen working on his laptop at poolside. Hellraiser and Morningstar are seen running laps in the pool as Hades, with the tag titles over both shoulders, encourages the champs. Mr.Mic looks up from his laptop with a big smile.] MM: Tell me IIWF, can you hear that [He puts his ear up to the sky and pretends to listen]...no? That's the sound of the rest of the IIWF quivering in their boots because the Syndicate is taking over. [Hades comes walking over to Mr.Mic] HADES: [sarcastically] Oh but boss, some people don't believe that! MM: Oh yeah and let's take a look at those people. You've got Chris Quicksand. I call him Quicksand because his career is sinking faster than his ranking, next is the Subway Urinal, or whatever that peon's name is. You wanna see real talent, look no farther than the Syndicate. You've got the World Champ in Casey James, the true IC champion in Tiger Claw, the baddest man in the IIWF in Brody Thunder and the two greatest tag teams in the IIWF: The soon-to-be US tag team champions the Dark Disciples and us, the World tag team champions Pain Inc... Bottom line? We can't be stopped! HADES: [doing his best Tim Dross impression] But Mr.Mic, what about your relations with Don McQueen? MM: Oh that again. Mr.McQueen and I both know that business is business and that Pain Inc. is there to support the Dark Disciples and vice versa. I'm sure that Mr.McQueen was shocked at the membership of Pain Inc. and he's justified in being upset that he wasn't consulted. Mr.Lau and I have talked to Don and he is okay with the situation. HADES: Mr.Mic, what about Birthday Bash? MM: Oh yeah, Night Patrol, you backstabbing pieces of trash. Rest assured after Birthday Bash you will not leave that ring on your own two feet. My boys are comin' to the ring as the champs and they're leaving as the champs. The Syndicate likes to take care of one another. Try anything funny and you'll find out! [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] LM: Mr. Mic couldn't be happier about being a part of the Syndicate. BL: Yeah, but how does Don McQueen feel about it? The Dark Disciples threatened to annihilate the W & W Express Wednesday night. Something had them ticked off. LM: Don McQueen vehemently denies that he's unhappy about this new arrangement with Pain Inc.: [SCENE: Don McQueen paces the locker area with a look of both deep thought and impatience on his face. Kane and Wulf of the Dark Disciples stand to the back of him, both breathing hard and wearing expressions of barely controlled anger. A few flecks of foam dot Wulf's mouth. Suddenly Don notices the camera crew's presence and looks up.] DM: What the hell time do you call this? [taps his glittering Rolex impatiently.] You were supposed to be here five minutes ago, yer, sorry excuse for an interview team! Do you think a high rolling man like me has time to stand around and wait for peasants like you? Well do ya, punks? [Don stares at them incredulously.] Well, nonetheless you're here now and I have a few things I wanna get off my chest. First of all, I don't care what you all saw last Saturday night, the Syndicate is as solid as ever! Me and Brian just had a little disagreement, that's all. What, you think the two greatest managers in wrestling aren't allowed to disagree once in a while? I've got a quick temper, I'm prepared to admit that. Maybe I said a few hasty things that gave you the wrong impression. Hell, you should know me by now, I get worked up easily! But anyway, I'm looking forward to working with Mr Mic and Pain Inc. No, really I am. I just wish Brian had discussed it with me first, that's all! No wait... I wasn't supposed to say that, could you guys edit that out? Oh [BLEEP], now I've put my foot... Ah, what the hell, I'm outta' here. Kane, Wulf, I believe you had a few things you wanted to say. [Don walks off the set muttering to himself. Kane scowls and steps forward.] KANE: I'll freely tell everybody right now; me and Wulf are holding our anger on an extremely short tether. We came to this league to drink in mayhem and blood; we came to prepare you for the darkness that will soon cover all things. We did not come here to involve ourselves in the petty games of the wrestlers, the officials, or... the managers. Yeah that's right, I said the managers. At first it seemed like a good idea to have somebody around to handle all the paper pushing affairs, so we could get down to the real business of stomping skulls. For a while it worked, and through us darkness reigned supreme in the IIWF; we were the World champions and nothing... nobody could touch us. But now we're not so sure this is the way to run our affairs anymore. It seems we spend more time getting wrangled by the petty goals of the managers and officials than in spilling blood. Right now we stay where we are and stand by our brothers in the Syndicate, but if circumstances do not change soon... [Wulf steps right up to the camera until his face fills all the picture. He is breathing hard and flecks of foam and spittle hit the lens.] WULF: Kane told you that our anger is at the bursting point, and believe me, Kane understated the point. The question every wrestler, official and manager in the IIWF must ask themselves is this: "Do you really want to see the Dark Disciples out of control?" You thought what we did in the past was disgusting and despicable, but you have not guessed the depths our wickedness can aspire to. If you want to pacify us our every demand must be met with, for otherwise we will unleash chaos such as you could never withstand. W&W Express were the first to feel our anger and loathing firsthand. Why did we target them, you ask? No reason at all! [demented cackle]. An insane man does not look for reasons, he just follows his whims. We wanted to let off some steam, and those beach bum hippies happened to be the nearest targets. Soon all tag teams near and far will fall victim! In fact I'll tell every team slated for Saturday night right now: As from this moment, you are all on notice, and we will strike at any time. Oh, and don't lose any sleep worrying about who we have chosen as our victims; rest assured all of you will be our victims sooner or later! [demented cackle]. KANE: All you meek fools out there pay attention on Saturday Night, for the Dark Disciples are ready to take the evil one step further! [Wulf suddenly steps forward and headbutts the camera hard. The lens cracks... the picture crackles and fades. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] ************************************************************************** ---------------------------- IIWF NEW BLOOD ---------------------------- ************************************************************************** LM: Top talent continues to pour into the IIWF. We saw a young man by the name of Scott Rogers debut in a big way Wednesday night. BL: He beat up Bluto. Big deal. LM: He not only pinned Barnacle Brother Bluto, but he also won a lot of fans in the IIWF Coliseum. It looks like he has a bright future here. Let's take a closer look at this young lion: Scott Rogers ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Weight: 297lbs Height: 6'7" Origin: Hurricane, Utah Manager/Valet: None Appearance: Bleached black cropped hair, attractive facially, muscular physique. He wears dark blue trunks, and dark blue boots with red laces. His surname is on the seat of his trunks. Theme Music: His own music Orientation: Face Five Favorite Moves: 1. Gut wrench into a powerbomb 2. Airplane spin 3. Spinebuster 4. Crucifix powerbomb 5. Flying shoulderblock Finishing Move: Belly-to-back superplex Primary attributes: 1. Strength 2. Intelligence 3. Brawling Profile: Scott comes to the IIWF in an attempt to make a name for himself. He's been on the pro circuit for approximately three years, wrestling for a whole host of federations, but he obviously sees this as his big break. His attitude in the ring is hard but fair - always has been, always will be. His tremendous size and power have led him to believe he doesn't need to break the rules to win matches. He believes that the huge crowd support which follows him everywhere he goes is almost the same as wrestling with a tag partner - he genuinely believes they drive him on that much. Scott's background is relatively unknown: his size, not his natural ability helped him choose wrestling as a career. Before joining the IIWF, he has worked on increasing his repertoire and now has mastered a whole host of power moves and even submission holds which he sees as vital to cut it in the IIWF. He is a very handsome individual although he doesn't make a big deal of it. He likes wrestling alone, but he makes it very well known he likes the "faces" to club together against the "heels" to watch each others' backs from the all-so-common attacks before, during and after matches. He is not trying to stamp out rulebreaking altogether as he knows "heels" are vital for the sport to succeed - he just wants an equal balance. [Handler: Roger Fletton (b9560951@wlv.ac.uk)] LM: The tag team ranks also picked up another member this week, as a team by the name of Violence Unlimited has been signed. BL: Gee, do you think they have fuzzy little bunnies on their trunks? LM: I sincerely doubt it. Here is a closer look at Violence Unlimited, followed by an interview with this impressive team: Violence Unlimited ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Orientation: Neutral Theme Music: "Perfect Strangers" by Deep Purple Name: Mutilator Jaguar Height: 6'11" 6'5" Weight: 425lbs 303lbs Origin: Philadelphia, Pa. Hagerstown, Md. Five favorite moves: 1. Powerslam 1. Reverse DDT 2. Superplex 2. Brainbuster 3. Leaping DDT 3. STF 4. Slingshot Legdrop 4. Kick to the head 5. piledriver 5. Tombstone piledriver Finishing move: Face Eraser - inverted power bomb from the top rope. Jaguar Bite - power bomb followed immediately by Texas Cloverleaf Primary Attributes: 1. Strength 1. Strength 2. Technical 2. Technical 3. Intelligence 3. Teamwork Tag Team Finisher: Climactic Destruction - Mutilator lifts the opponent in a Face Eraser, and drops them onto the knees of a kneeling Jaguar. Jaguar then applies a Code Red-style Armbar for the submission. Appearance: Mutilator is a very large man, but only about 2% of his body is fat. The man is all muscle from top to bottom. He has very stocky, tree trunk, Vader-like legs. He wears a blue and black singlet, with black boots, and black kneepads. His head is completely shaved. He wears a white mask. There is a small scar on his neck from a fireball burn in his old wrestling days. Jaguar is just as, if not more muscular than, Mutilator, and is well defined. He has just above shoulder- length black hair, which hangs out in front of his brown eyes during interviews. He is the darker half of the team. Wears all black... black knee length wrestling tights and boots, black elbowpad on left arm, and a black shirt with a white "IIWF" on it. Profile: Mutilator comes from the city of Philadelphia, where he was involved in many gangs. His actual identity is very controversially unknown, as he does not want to remember his past, when he saw his own friend shot. He murdered the three who shot the friend. Mutilator went into seclusion immediately following this, at age 18. Three years later he went back into public where he was noticed, mostly for his amazing muscularity in relation to his size, and was put into an independent wrestling promotion. He wrestled singles there and was very successful. After a while, he met up with two men, one of them is now Mark Cutter, president of MLWO. The other was Shinjiro Kanemoto. Shinjiro and Mutilator were given their break by Cutter, who sent them to a private wrestling promotion named SCW along with a third man, Venom. Together they ran roughshod over this and other feds, as Mutilator won the SCW, MKWF, JWL, and AWO World Titles. He moved up to the bigger feds on his own, and at the age of 25 he "retired" on February 15, 1997. He has now decided to make his return, and will do it here in IIWF, with a new partner. He's a very intelligent man, with a lot of actual technical ability to go with obvious brawling. Jaguar's background is completely unknown and nobody can testify as to who he is. Some say he is Dan Kauffman in disguise, but it's obvious he is not. Jaguar was found in another independent circuit and paired together with Mutilator. They wrestled in an unknown fed to hone their skills and were champions within three months. [Handler: Mark Cutter (mcutter@miworld.net)] [SCENE: A deserted warehouse. The area is very dark and dingy. It looks to be some sort of old production plant. There are metal hooks hanging up in the rafters, and all the windows are covered over by black cloth and paper. It is hard to see very far. In the middle of the old place is the one standout point. An old, dusty wrestling ring is set up right in the center of this... building. The theme from "Halloween" starts to play in the background. The camera walks closer to this ring, where two large men are working out. As a voice over names each man, we see them close up working on two thinner sparring partners.] VO: The Mutilator... [Mutilator is a very large man, but only about 2% of his body is fat. The man is all muscle from top to bottom. He has very stocky, tree trunk, Vader-like legs. He wears a blue and black singlet, with black boots, and black kneepads. His head is completely shaved. He wears a white mask. There is a small scar on his neck from a fireball burn in his old wrestling days.] VO: Raised on the streets of Philadelphia, in the heart of South Philly. Gangs could not handle the man they call...The Mutilator. [Mutilator drops one of the two very thin sparring partners face first into the mat with an inverted Superbomb.] VO: Jaguar... [Jaguar is just as, if not more muscular than Mutilator, and is VERY well defined. He has just above shoulder length black hair, which hangs out in front of his brown eyes during interviews. He is the darker half of the team. Wears all black... black knee length wrestling tights and boots, black elbowpad on left arm, and a black shirt with a white "IIWF" on it.] VO: From Hagerstown, the home of some old IIWF... legend. People who don't know him could swear he could be Dan Kauffman. But, Dan Kauffman was not as powerful as he... as amazing as he. Jaguar... is unstoppable. [Jaguar applies a Texas Cloverleaf on his sparring "dummy"] [As the music continues, we see the two men working over the opponents brutally, not caring how badly they hurt them. These pictures are superimposed by pictures of very violent scenes, such as people running through the streets in chaos. Lots of murders.] VO: The IIWF may not be ready for the horrors they are about to witness. The violence they must be afraid of. Fear is the enemy. Your own fear shall kill you. Pain Inc....prepare yourselves. There is a new team on the horizon... and they will get you in the ring. [Scene shows the two men execute a few double team maneuvers as a man in New York is mugged] VO: There are but two things to fear in this world... [The screen goes black] VO: Fear... [Screen shows the two men posing for a picture on a hill, standing over a car wreckage.] VO: And Violence Unlimited. [Back to black] VO: The IIWF is not ready. [Fade. Cut back to Larry and Becky in the studio.] BL: I know _I'm_ not ready. I wonder if those guys could make Pain Inc. flood. LM: Hehe... Now Becky.. hehe... cut it out! Don't make a new tag team look bad. BL: It isn't like they need my help. ************************************************************************** ------------------------- IIWF SINGLES RANKINGS ------------------------- ************************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name F/H Fought W L D Win% Ranking (old) new ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Casey James H 38 22 14 2 61% (WC) WC Lord Byron H 22 17 5 0 77% (IC) IC The White Phoenix F 23 16 6 1 72% (CW) CW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Creed N 15 11 3 1 77% (1) 1 Deathbringer H 31 22 6 3 76% (2) 2 Steve Kowalski H 19 14 5 0 74% (3) 3 "Enigma" Takezo Musashi F 30 22 8 0 73% (4) 4 Requiem F 7 4 1 2 72% (5) 5 Mad Dog Watkins H 14 10 4 0 71% (9) 6 Subway Psycho F 33 22 9 2 70% (6) 7 Highwayman F 10 7 3 0 70% (7) 8 Billy Shakespeare F 38 25 12 1 67% (10) 9 Otto Verhoeven H 32 21 10 1 67% (12) 10 Chris Quigley F 27 17 8 2 67% (11) 11 "Sychosys" Joe Petrow N 13 8 4 1 65% (13) 12 Nightwing F 11 7 4 0 64% (17) 13 Brody Thunder H 21 13 8 0 62% (14) 14 Marty Warnett F 38 23 15 0 61% (15) 15 Mr. Damage H 31 19 12 0 61% (16) 16 Tony Starks F 5 3 2 0 60% (27) 17 Derek Mota H 6 3 2 1 58% (8) 18 Tiger Claw H 45 24 19 2 56% (20) 19 Dirt Dog Unique Allah N 18 9 7 2 56% (18) 20 Chris Herforth N 15 8 7 0 53% (23) 21 The Sandman F 32 16 16 0 50% (22) 22 Ronnie Paris F 14 7 7 0 50% (24) 23 Serge Annis N 13 6 6 1 50% (21) 24 "Real Deal" Luke Steele F 10 5 5 0 50% (19) 25 The Hangman H 17 6 7 4 47% (25) 26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Duncan Macbeth N 2 2 0 0 100% (26) 27 Ike Sampson F 3 2 1 0 67% (28) 28 Scott Rogers F 1 1 0 0 100% (-) 29 Danny Dynamite F - - - - - (-) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************************************************************************** ------------------------ IIWF TAG TEAM RANKINGS ------------------------- ************************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name of team F/H Fought W L D Win% Ranking (old) new ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pain Inc. H 22 13 8 1 61% (WT) WT Prophets of Rage H 9 8 1 0 89% (US) US ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Night Patrol H 8 6 2 0 75% (1=) 1= Cold Spell F 8 6 2 0 75% (1=) 1= Domination F 11 7 2 2 73% (3) 3 The Armed Forces H 30 19 10 1 65% (4) 4 Rising Sun Revolution F 17 11 6 0 65% (5) 5 High Plains Drifters H 32 19 12 1 61% (6) 6 The Harlequins N 10 6 4 0 60% (7) 7 W & W Express H 10 6 4 0 60% (8) 8 The Hangmen H 20 10 8 2 55% (9) 9 Dark Disciples H 16 8 7 1 53% (10) 10 The Zodiac Connection F 24 12 12 0 50% (11) 11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Last Resort F 4 3 1 0 75% (12) 12 Violence Unlimited N - - - - - (-) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************************************************************************** ---------------------- UPCOMING IIWF PROGRAMMING ----------------------- ************************************************************************** LM: Fans, we know you'll be with us tomorrow night for what promises to be a great card. Call the IIWF Hotline on Sunday for the latest news and rumors, and don't forget to tune in Monday for "IIWF Monday Musings." "Inside the IIWF" comes your way on Tuesday, but don't forget that there will be no "Wednesday War Room" next week as we bring you the special IIWF Hall of Fame ceremonies from right here in downtown Portland. It all leads up to the exciting "IIWF Birthday Bash" coming your way next Saturday! So for now, this is Larry Morton for Becky LaRue wishing you all a good night. [The remote camera zooms back up the aisle as Agnes McQueen spits on the camera lens. The other fans wave their signs and t-shirts at the blurred lens as the credits roll by too quickly to read. 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+