[SCENE: A gaggle of pesky wrestling reporters thrust microphones and microcassette recorders in the direction of ligature specialist Dr. Frank Andrews who has been called in on a consultation basis regarding the right knee injury suffered by the red gloved rookie Creed. Dr. Andrews is standing in front of a series of x-rays, all apparently of Creed's knee. The x-rays are clearly situated in a chronologically progressive sequence, with those which would show Creed's knee following his Birthday Bash match against Lord Byron intentionally obscured.] DA: ...yes, immediately following Mr. Creed's professional wrestling contest of May 10, a surgical procedure was performed by myself here at Portland General upon his right knee. Mr. Creed did suffer a tear of the medial collateral ligament of his right knee - and there was peripheral damage to his surrounding cartilage given the trauma under which his knee was subjected. Reporter 1: Dr. Andrews, was the surgery successful? What's the prognosis? DA: Success and failure are relative terms. I would deem the procedure to have been without complication, if that is responsive to your question. Reporter 1: I'm sorry, Doctor.. I'm not sure what that means. DA: Well, what it means is that there was a certain degree of trauma to Creed's right knee, following the professional wrestling contest known as "Birthday Bash" that was beyond the level of which I am accustomed to encountering. Mr. Creed's decision to wrestle the man named Lord Byron was contrary to my professional opinion - and there was collateral damage suffered beyond the original MCL tear of the previous week. Reporter 2: What you're saying is - Creed was hurt pretty badly. DA: I really am not at liberty to discuss Mr. Creed's condition beyond that of my prepared comments - I have been requested by Mr. Creed's representatives to not disclose any further details of his condition. Suffice it to say that, in my opinion, Creed is a remarkably fortunate man. Reporter 3: Are you aware that Creed is going to meet Otto "The Butcher" Verhoeven this Saturday Night? What about the rest of Creed's career? DA: I have been informed of Mr. Creed's plans - and I have no comment to make at this time. What I can say, in no uncertain terms, is that Mr. Creed's knee will not ever return to the state in which it existed prior to his encounters of recent weeks. I'm sorry, I am late for an appointment - that really is all the time which I have. Thank you and good-bye. [Dr. Andrews pulls down a couple of the x-rays and begins his walk from the office, many of the reporters shouting questions as he departs. - Andrews apparently decides to deliver an additional thought - and then turns to face the reporters once more.] DA: In my opinion... I will say this once. In my opinion... Creed will never be the same after meeting Lord Byron. Never. [Dr. Andrews exits the office to the scribbling sounds of pen against notepad as the shot fades. The scene errupts in a blaze of fire and a new screen emerges from the smoke as "Plowed" by Sponge begins to play. The screen frantically shows clips of a vast majority of the IIWF roster in action, including many highlights from the Birthday Bash PPV. With the line "In a world of human wreckage", the shot of President Spreadbury taking a chair shot from Brody Thunder is shown right before the screen errupts in an explosion once again and the familiar logo flashes up on the screen...] ##### ###### ### ########## ########## ########## #### ## ########## ########## ########## #### # #### ######## ##### ##### #### ## ##### #### #### #### #### ### #### #### #### #### ############# ######### #### #### ########### ######### #### #### #### #### #### ######### ######### ### #### #### ######### ######### ### ## #### ######## ######## ## # #### =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-= INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION ================================================= "COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY NIGHT" - May 23, 1997 ================================================= [As the chorus to "Plowed" repeats, the IIWF cameras pan the audience packed into the IIWF studio on this Friday night. Immediately caught by the camera is a beautiful busty blonde who holds up a sign which reads, "Shoot, Soundbite, shoot...literally! Call me 555-3457!" A few rows down from her are a couple of everyday joe's who sport complimentary Prophets of Rage and Dirt Dog Unique Allah t-shirts, which, when put together, spell out "Beware the Age of Rage!" A section of excitable young men near the front begin to grow excited as Larry Morton takes the stage and is seated behind the desk in his customary spot. Morton is dressed in a dapper black suit, of higher quality and tailoring than his usual attire, and sports a wide smile across his visage.] LM: Good evening everyone, and welcome to "Countdown to Saturday Night"! [The crowd responds with a flattering ovation, which causes the already excited Morton to turn a nice shade of crimson. As the crowd noise dies momentarily, the group of young men in the front begin to chant loudly: "Becky, Becky, Becky" and hold up various articles of clothing that are just tawdry enough to have come from Ms. LaRue's closet.] LM: Calm down my prebubescent friends. I've got what I consider good news for all of you here tonight... [Larry is interrupted by a chant of "She's Hardcore! She's Hardcore! She's Hardcore!" from the group of young men who are obviously in attendance more for a possible glimpse of flesh than for any wrestling related business.] LM: That she is, but not tonight. [Morton allows himself a broad smile] You see Becky LaRue will no longer serve as my cohost for the show... [With that announcement, the crowd in front goes beserk with disdain. Several comments are heard over the racket..."We've been screwed!", "No man, that's what we were hoping for tonight!" and "My queen!!!" are more audible than the others. As the noise dies down, Morton begins to speak once more...] LM: I am sorry to disappoint, but Becky will be the host on the new Wednesday show, so you can catch your weekly hormonal fix then. But from now on, "Countdown" will be the vehicle I always dreamed it would be -- a show where wrestling is talked about and analyzed logically and orderly. [A chant of "Boring" begins as the crowd in front grows even more restless, especially the two overgrown young men in the front who seem to be perplexed at "Dem big wurds" Larry used in the last sentence...] LM: But I shall not take this voyage alone. Joining me tonight and every night from here on will be a man I am proud to have as a co-host. He is the editor of perhaps the hottest wrestling weekly in the nation today, "The Wrestling Wrap Up." And the great IIWF fans located in or near Chicago and Milwaukee surely have caught his insightful weekly radio programs on some the local stations in recent months. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to my new co-host... JACKSON WITT! [The crowd applauds in a polite manner as Jackson Witt steps onto the stage and moves across to shake Larry's hand. Witt is a tall, somewhat lanky black gentleman who is neither handsome nor ugly. He is dressed impeccably in a tan suit.] LM: Welcome, Jackson... JW: Thank you Larry. Glad to be aboard. [The group in front groans in disbelief as it finally sets in that they will not get to see Becky tonight. One man is so disgusted he actually throws his official Becky Larue autographed panties on stage where they land on the shoulder of Witt.] JW: Tough crowd... LM: I apologize, Jackson. It seems that it's weekend furlough time at the Portland juvie hall, and Becky's entire fanclub decided to show up. [Morton smirks in quiet satisfaction in knowing that Becky is gone.] JW: No need to apologize. I'm used to this reaction, but usually only after I take my date to a Luther Vandross concert. LM: Well, let's begin tonight by addressing the segment we saw to start of the show tonight -- the evaluation of Creed's knee and the not-so positive diagnosis by Dr. Andrews. JW: That's got to be a big blow to both Creed and the CEO. Knowing that this was going to be my first show, I tried my hardest to get an interview with the big rookie or with Montgomery to see their reactions to the news, but to no avail. LM: We all know that Creed's knee was severely damaged at the hands of the European Alliance in recent weeks, but it seems that no one in Creed's camp wants to tip their hat and divulge just how serious the injury is. JW: Exactly. My sources report that Jack Montgomery is going out of his way to make sure that every bit of information concerning the injury and Creed's condition are kept under wrap. To be honest, we should consider ourselves lucky that we even got Dr. Andrews' press conference. All this secrecy makes me wonder if Creed will be ready for his match tommorrow with the "Teutonic Terror" Otto Verhoeven. LM: That big match just one of the many signed for what looks to be a great card on tap for tommorrow night in the Coliseum. But before we get into that, let's run down the results from Wednesday night's housecard. [Graphics fill the screen as the results of the show are posted...] ========================================================================== ---------------------- WEDNESDAY NIGHT REWIND ---------------------------- ========================================================================== -- "Danegerous" Danny Dynamite def. Casey C. (pinfall) -- Dirt Dog Unique Allah def. El Super Gecko (submission) -- Zodiac Connection def. The Barnacle Brothers (pinfall) -- Chris Herforth def. "Nifty" Ned Norton (pinfall) -- Derek Mota def. Scott "The Whine" Bloom (pinfall) -- Ronnie Paris def. Jumping Jack (submission) -- Violence Unlimited def. The Hangmen (pinfall) -- The Harlequins def. W&W Express (DQ) -- Dark Disciples def. The Rising Sun Revolution (pinfall) -- Mr. Damage def. Requiem (CO) ============================================================================ LM: What a night of action the Coliseum fans witnessed on Wednesday. JW: And a night that seemed to be dominated by the new "Alliance" of the Highwayman, Nightwing, and Requiem -- the group that shocked the entire IIWF with their actions at the Birthday Bash. The brutal attack of Deathbringer by these so-called "fan favorites" has been the talk of the locker room in recent weeks, and everybody is calling for answers to a few questions. LM: And questions that were answered in this special interview conducted by Tim Dross last Saturday night. An interview that kicks off our Saturday Night preview! ========================================================================== -------------------- IIWF SATURDAY NIGHT PREVIEW ------------------------- ========================================================================== [SCENE: The Cathedral of Souls, the shimmering light of a thousand candles casting deep shadows around the huge cavern, lending the scene a deeply sinister air. A hole in the ceiling of the cavern allows a gleaming beam of light to shine brightly upon four leather chairs, gathered around the plinth holding Requiem's night black guitar. The chairs are occupied by Requiem, Nightwing, The Highwayman and Tim Dross. A caption briefly appears: 'May 17th 1997'. The camera pulls in tightly upon Tim Dross.] TD: Good evening, I'm Tim Dross. At Birthday Bash the fans of the IIWF were witness to a heinous attack perpetrated upon Deathbringer by three men who, until that point, were considered three of the most popular athletes in the IIWF. I'm referring, of course, to the Alliance. Gentlemen, thank you for inviting me here. RQ: On behalf of us all, welcome to my Cathedral. Ask your questions, Tim Dross. TD: Um, okay. Let's begin at the beginning. I couldn't help notice that Gabrielle wasn't at your side at Birthday Bash. Rumour has it that she's somewhere in the Orient. Care to comment? RQ: It's very simple. Gabrielle betrayed me. She betrayed my family. At first, I had thought her betrayal was due to Deathbringer -- TD: [interrupting] Yes, you had suggested that this was some sort of "mind game" by Deathbringer, correct? RQ: What I had thought in the privacy of my own Cathedral I had hoped to keep private, Dross. I assume the persons responsible for breaching my privacy have been punished? TD: Uh-huh. Whatever you say. Getting back to Deathbringer, you seemed to blame him for the theft of his own scythe? RQ: I was convinced that my sister would never have done such a thing, Tim Dross. I could only think that she had somehow fallen under the influence of Deathbringer. That he had somehow engineered the entire thing as one of his "mindgames." We all know how inordinately fond of them Deathbringer is. TD: Well, it's true that Deathbringer does enjoy the psychological aspects of our great sport, but even so... forgive me for saying this, but the whole thing doesn't seem to make sense. RQ: No... in retrospect it seems nonsensical, but I was not thinking clearly, Tim Dross. I was consumed by outrage, by fury, by righteous anger over my sister's acts. I was convinced that Gabrielle would not do such a thing on her own, that somebody had put her up to it. The only person who would do that, I was convinced, was Deathbringer. I thought things that ordinarily I would never think. Could never think. All that week I stayed within my Cathedral. I could not drink. I could not eat. I did not sleep. My very soul was aflame with the need for vengeance against Deathbringer. TD: And that led to the attack at Birthday Bash? RQ: Indeed it did. And, if you are watching, Deathbringer - I can only say how terribly sorry I am. I know now that you had nothing to do with Gabrielle's actions. TD: What changed your mind? RQ: Gabrielle did. Two days after Birthday Bash, I received this postcard from Hong Kong. Read it, Tim Dross. Let the entire world know the depths of my sister's perfidy. TD: [reading] "Dear Brother, having a wonderful time in Hong Kong. Hope my actions let you finally see the light. Consider it an early birthday present. Honour only lets them stab you in the back when you walk away with your head held high. Better off without it. Your loving sister, Gabrielle P.S. I'll be back soon, be prepared for a surprise." I'm not quite sure what that means... RQ: Gabrielle staged the whole thing, Tim Dross. She did it all so that I would become angry with Deathbringer. She knew that I would find it inconceivable that she would do such a thing. She knew I would blame Deathbringer. She knew exactly what I would do. TD: How would she know that? Up until that point it seemed like you were as emotionless as Deathbringer. The only hint of anger we saw was when the CEO snatched your guitar, and when Gabrielle... um... assisted you in the match against Creed. And even that didn't prepare us for what we saw at Birthday Bash! RQ: To you and all the others in the IIWF I might seem calm, collected. In control. But Gabrielle and the others of my family know the truth. They know that I possess a temper. Within me, Tim Dross, burns the eternal flame of the Light. It is a thing of beauty, but also a thing of terror. I struggle every day to control that fury, to master it. That day, I was so enraged I made no attempt to control myself. You saw the results. TD: Uh-huh. Steve Summers spoke to me before doing this interview, and compared you to something called "The Incredible Hulk". He mumbled something about "Deathbringer, don't make me angry - you wouldn't like me when I'm angry" then burst out laughing. Do you know what he is talking about? RQ: No. From the sounds of things, young Mr. Summers has an overactive imagination. TD: No argument there. OK, we've talked about you and Deathbringer. It seems you wanted to go out there and hurt him badly for what he did to your sister. Or rather, what you thought he had done to your sister. RQ: Yes. To my shame, I thought of nothing but vengeance. I did not want to hurt Deathbringer. I wanted to eradicate him from existence, to eliminate him altogether. Fortunately, I was not successful that night. TD: Well, that about explains _your_ actions, although obviously it doesn't excuse them. But what about Nightwing and The Highwayman. How were they involved? Gentlemen? HM: Mr. Dross, when we arrived at Birthday, Bash we saw a Requiem we had never seen before. A Requiem we barely recognized. A Requiem who ranted and raved, practically frothing at the mouth. We tried to calm him down and get something legible out of him, but all he would say is "Deathbringer must pay" over and over. Well, obviously we wanted to help, after all we in the Alliance are all about looking after each other. TD: Presumably you considered psychiatric help? HM: Very droll, Mr. Dross. No, we did not consider psychiatric help. Perhaps we should have. When Requiem finally became coherent, he explained what had happened. What Deathbringer had done. Or, as now transpires, what he thought Deathbringer had done. TD: Didn't _you_ find the whole thing implausible? HM: I believe that Deathbringer is capable of anything, Dross. Anything. I've faced him on several occasions. I know what he is capable of. If there is anyone in the IIWF capable of twisting a loving sister to his own devious plans, it's Deathbringer. TD: Right. I'm with you so far, but that still doesn't explain what happened at Birthday -- HM: [interrupting] I'm coming to that, Dross. Please, have some patience. As I was saying, when Requiem explained what had occurred, Nightwing and I both swore vengeance against Deathbringer. As I said, we in the Alliance believe strongly in that old concept of 'All for one and one for all'. TD: Hmmph. Very commendable, I'm sure. RQ: Do not presume to mock us here in my Cathedral, Tim Dross. You may regret it. HM: When, after committing ourselves to Requiem's need for vengeance, Requiem outlined what he wanted done, we were horrified. Vengeance is one thing, but the complete destruction of a man is quite another. But we were honour bound. We had sworn an oath to assist Requiem in his vengeance, and now we were bound by those oaths. TD: And you didn't think there was anything particularly dishonourable about trying to wipe Deathbringer off the face of the Earth? NW: Of course we did, Tim Dross! But as my friend here said, we were honour bound. We were, as you might put it, "between a rock and a hard place". Whichever path we took would lead to dishonour. However, if we did not assist Requiem, that would lead to dishonour _and_ the end of the Alliance. We were not prepared to pay that price. Against my better judgement, and that of the Highwayman, we carried out Requiem's wishes. RQ: It saddens me greatly, Tim Dross. My own disgrace I deserve, but I regret bitterly my request that my friends help me, for it lead to their downfall too. TD: Uh-huh. So, against your better judgement you helped sneak attack Deathbringer, and did everything in your power to destroy him, right? But Nightwing, I have to say that you seemed to be enjoying it a bit less than the others that night. NW: It was a terrible thing, Tim Dross, a terrible thing. As first we fought against the creatures in the cage, a strange euphoria overcame me. It seemed to me that what we did was good, that it was right, that it was proper. We were here, helping Requiem overcome the forces of the dark that had corrupted his sister. All my reservations were swept away as the power of the moment overcame me, overcame us all. A kind of mist befell my eyes, and I was literally carried away by our deeds. TD: Strange. Very strange. That still doesn't explain your apparent change of heart, as you let the IIWF's very own JJS into the cage. NW: As I looked at those trying desperately to enter the ring, and I looked back at what my friends were doing to Deathbringer, my anger passed. The mists were burned away from my eyes. I believe the phoenix spirit was able, at long last, to guide me to the truth of our actions. I was horrified. Horrified of what we had done. Horrified of what _I_ had done. I could think only of trying to put right my deeds. The only way I could do that was to let the JJS into the cage. RQ: Once back in the locker rooms I saw on the monitors that Deathbringer still walked, and I was furious with Nightwing. Only a few moments more, I believed, and Deathbringer would have been history. I yelled. I cried out my rage. I struck him, struck him hard. But Nightwing only stood there, as he had stood before me once before. The Highwayman tried to stop me, but in my rage I threw him aside easily, and continued to strike Nightwing. But still he stood there, taking my blows. It was then, as I stared into his eyes, that I realized what I had done. A dreadful shame struck me, and sent me to my knees. My anger departed, and I saw what my foolishness had done to me. Had done to us all. All three of us were horrified at our deeds, but mine was by far the greater sin. I had been left without honour, and worse - so had my friends, whose only crime was to be the truest friends I ever had. TD: A sad story, I'm sure. But let's face facts here. You've certainly lost your popularity with the fans, as well as their respect. The "fan favourites" of the IIWF will no doubt look upon you all with a certain amount of distrust, and I hear there _may_ be stiff fines imposed upon you by the president of the IIWF for your actions. Where now for the Alliance? HM: We're going to redeem ourselves, Dross. We're going to make the fans of the IIWF proud of us once again. From now on, we are no longer the Alliance. TD: No? HM: No. From this time onward, we're GENESIS. In that match we were reborn by fire, tempered and finely wrought into the finest blade you're ever likely to see. That match showed the entire world that we are to be taken seriously. TD: I don't think there was ever any doubt that you deserved to be taken seriously. HM: Really? You know, since coming to the IIWF we've been in a kind of limbo, Dross. All three of us are outstanding athletes... TD: [interrupting] And modest, too. HM: But for some reason, we haven't been getting the matches. Look at Requiem, he's currently in the number one spot, after only eight matches! Further, he's still undefeated in singles competition. But virtually all of those matches he's had to challenge somebody for. Nightwing and I are in similar situations, Dross. Nobody wants anything to do with us. We're not taken seriously. A resurrected Highwayman, an exiled Native American and an Angel of Destruction. I won't even go into the rumour that someone in the IIWF front office doesn't think very much of our 'gimmicks', whatever they might be. TD: Yes, well you must admit that you have a bit of a stra- HM: [interrupting] I "must" admit nothing, Mr. Dross! You fellows out in the IIWF pay careful attention: You think an Angel of Destruction is strange? Look at what Requiem did to Deathbringer. Even before we got involved, Requiem had Deathbringer badly hurt, something that Steve Roberts didn't even believe possible. If Requiem isn't an 'Angel of Destruction' let us know who or what is! You think a resurrected Highwayman isn't real? Ask Deathbringer if those chair shots _really_ hurt. NW: Indeed. I may be an 'exiled Native American' to you, and you may think that some foolish 'gimmick' but I am _very_ real, as anyone getting into the ring with me will find. A totem drop is very real, as is the pain it causes. TD: All right, I get the point. But what has this got to do with making the fans proud of you? HM: Dross, for too long the so-called 'fan favourites' of the IIWF have basically let the battle come to them. No longer. From now on, Genesis is on the offensive. We're after gold, Tim Dross. Shiny, sparkly, championship gold. Gold that our fans can point to and say 'Genesis got the gold for us, because they promised they would'. TD: With people like Casey James, Lord Byron, Pain Inc and the Prophets of Rage holding the gold? That's some task you've set for yourselves. All I can say is, you guys had better know what you're up against. RQ: No, Tim Dross. There you are wrong. "Those guys" had better know what THEY are up against. My fury has been unlocked from the tethers of my honour, and now we all three must find a way to redeem ourselves. We have chosen to chase the gold, and heaven and hell combined will find themselves unable to stop us. NW: It is very simple, Tim Dross. To redeem ourselves we need to win gold. And so we shall, by any means necessary. The match at Birthday Bash, regrettable though it was, showed us all what we are capable of. As much as we might wish it never happened, the fact remains that it did. And it taught us something. It woke us up to our potential. TD: Okay, but say you are successful, that by some miracle you manage to somehow win all the gold in the IIWF. What then? RQ: I sense you are mocking us, Tim Dross. "By some miracle?" Genesis _will_ win all the gold in the IIWF. The sands in the hourglass are falling ever downward - it's just a matter of time. And then, when we have the gold - TD: [interrupting] Yes? RQ: Then you will come to realise exactly why Genesis is the future of the IIWF. TD: Uh-huh... Gentlemen, we're out of time. Any last words? HM: Just a few. Polish up those championship belts. Genesis wants them, and we're willing to do whatever it takes to get them. The Master Of Darkness match showed everyone what we are capable of. You're looking at the future of the IIWF, and to everyone in the IIWF I say this: You're either with us, or you're against us. And you _don't_ want to be against us! TD: Well, there you have it in their own words. It would appear that the Master Of Darkness match woke these men up to what they are capable of. I'm not certain if that's good news or bad for the rest of the IIWF. For the IIWF, I'm Tim Dross reporting from Requiem's 'Cathedral of Souls'. ========================================================================== [Fade back to the studios where Larry Morton is sitting, having nodded off during the video clip. An inexperienced Jackson Witt seems to panic a bit in the face of this predicament...] JW: Well, that was quite an interview conducted by, uh... Tim Dross. [All of a sudden, Larry Morton jumps out of his seat and winces in pain, but keeps from shouting out loud by biting his top lip.] LM: [under his breath] What's the big deal? Why'd you kick me? JW: Welcome back, Larry. LM: [shuddering in embarrassment] Quite the interview from the Alliance we had there. JW: Well, Lar, I'm sure you were paying enough attention to the clip to not only hear the young trio's claims upon the IIWF belts, but also their impending name change. The "Alliance" is dead -- reborn as "Genesis." [With those words, the group in the front wake up as well, having been lulled to sleep by the last interview and it's lack of grotuitous sex and violence. Immediately, there grows a murmur through the group and "How'd they know I had a subscription?" and "Did he use Becky and layout in that sentence as well?" happen to be picked up by the boom microphone.] LM: What an interesting choice for a moniker, I must add. Your comments, Jackson? JW: Well, I've never been a fan of this "New Generation" marketing tool employed in recent months here in the IIWF, but it has forced several alliances which have shifted the power base a little in the fed. We can only wait to see how much in the upcoming weeks. LM: Well, Nightwing gets his opportunity to be the first to secure gold for his stable as he is set to be one of the participants in the first of our two "Four Corners" matches to see who will move on to wrestle for the IIWF Cruiserweight championship. Let's take a listen to what the other three participants had to say regarding this big matchup to kick off tommorrow night's show. ======================================================================== IIWF CRUISERWEIGHT "FOUR CORNERS" MATCH Ronnie Paris vs. Chris Herforth vs. Derek Mota vs. Nightwing ======================================================================== [SCENE: The shot opens to show Ronnie Paris standing in front of the IIWF Coliseum. It's getting late in Portland, probably around midnight judging by the overall darkness and lack of traffic, human or otherwise. Paris looks more than a bit tired when he begins to speak.] RP: I really shouldn't be forsaking my rest like this, but the producers are always harping on "visual edge" and "film noire", or something like that, so they made me stand out here in the dark, while I'm suffering from jetlag, to give a little spiel. Well, I've never been one to mess with authority, so I guess I'd better think of my fans before me... [mock sigh] Ah, it's hell being a wrestler. Well, as you probably heard if you watched Inside the IIWF, I just got back from Geneva, Switzerland. Now, I have a four match winning streak going, so I guess that makes me a big enough star to tell you in a rambling way what I was doing there, but I'm tired so I'll try to keep things brief. Nothing's an incentive for speed like having a beautiful woman waiting at home. I had quite a bit of time off, so I went up to Switzerland to see my brothers wrestle in this new European promotion they've been telling me about. Big celebration down there, Danny and Dave managed to capture the Tag Team titles over there, and I've always wanted to visit Europe, so it was a good experience. I couldn't get used to those nutty electrical outlets, though. So I take a day in the hotel, over in Geneva, to catch up on IIWF news. I find out that Daniel Spreadbury took a shot to the head, which is bad news, that Steve Owens took over, which is interesting news, and that the Cruiserweight championship is vacant, which is good news. Someone finally stood up to that blasphemy to cruiserweight divisions everywhere... the title's not about gagging wrestlers, using tables, or any bull like that. It's not about lying your way out of weight limits. It's about people like me, and Derek Mota, or Musashi. Guys who don't screw around with deadmen and clowns or whatever, just guys that wrestle and wrestle well. I may not win this thing, in fact I'd say I'm a decided underdog, but that's always been the way I liked things. Just to finish up, I'd like to talk about this new "Alliance". Guys, I really don't care if you want to attack Deathbringer, he's more than capable of handling himself. What does bother me is the way the lot of you, especially Nightwing, just turned their backs on all the fans who, last time I checked, PAY OUR SALARIES! Nightwing, I always had a lot of respect for a man who could stand up for his heritage and beliefs like you could... don't make me lose anymore of that respect this Saturday. [Paris addresses the cameraman] You have any coffee? I feel like I'm gonna die out here... [Paris' voice trails off as we hear the freelance Dominican cameraman struggling to translate something about beans into English. Fade right into the next video clip.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [SCENE: The camera pans over the dark Coliseum, the long rows of empty seats, the cameras pointing to the floor, the caretaker shouting at the cleaners. Then the camera focuses on a single figure, sitting in the first row at the ring. He wears a black leather jacket, black jeans and a white T-shirt, his head is resting on his right hand. Chris Herforth watches the caretaker and his staff preparing the arena for tomorrow night's show. Without turning towards the camera, he starts speaking.] CH: You know, everytime I watch those people hurrying around to get the Coliseum ready for the big shows, the careful way they clean the floor, the ring, the cameras and so on, it reminds me of my days at the circus. The preparations that have to be done to make an unforgettable night for the people are immense. From the commentator who spices up the fights, the cameramen who constantly deliver the best shots from the best positions, to the people who pick up the trash from between the seat rows, they all work hard to keep the business up and running. Maybe they don't risk their health [he holds up his right hand, still wearing thin bandages around the wrist], but they surely deserve our respect. [He stands up, and walks over to the ring.] CH: Well, the ring is ready for tomorrow night's action. I'm looking forward to it. It will be the hardest match I ever had to compete in. Four athletes, three opponents, two of them respectable, the other one still a little strange to me. Nightwing, I just don't know what to make of you, or anyone of your little stable. When Highwayman and Requiem came into the ring on Wednesday and [for a moment his voice becomes deep and sarcastic] showed their disrespect towards me in such an impressive manner, [he slowly shakes his head] why haven't you been with them? And when they beat up Deathbringer? I have to admit this whole thing is quite intriguing. Have you turned your back towards them as your tribe turned it's back towards you? Did you realize that you just don't fit into "Undead Incorporated"? Whatever the reasons were, I still have a score to settle with you, Nightwing, so you'd better be well prepared for Saturday Night. [Fade directly to the third clip.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [SCENE: The IIWF conference room. About a dozen reporters from around the country are gathered, all carrying notepads and pocket recorders. Several of them are smoking and drinking coffee, looking impatient. Sparkplug Lee enters the room and steps up to the podium.] SL: Uh, thanks for coming out tonight, everybody. I guess... uh... well... Here he is, weighing in at 222lbs, from Toronto, Ontario, he is DEREK MOTA! [Mota enters the room, eyeing Sparkplug strangely. The reporters are obviously stunned at Sparkplug Lee's introduction. Mota is wearing dress pants and a sports coat. Mota steps up to the mic and prepares himself for the impending barrage of questions.] R#1: Hi Derek, Bill Stairs, Toronto Sun. We heard your interview on Monday. Are you declaring war with the "Old Generation" of the IIWF? DM: It's not a war, Bill, it's a revolution. It's about people standing up and taking what we deserve. We're tired of seeing people having things handed to them. And now we're making our stand. R#2: Vic Rushad, IIWF Markazine. You mentioned a few names as being old generation. Can you explain why you consider these people "Old Generation" and name any others that you would consider part of this group? DM: Sure. Who did I name again? [he mumbles under his breath "there's so many"] Oh yeah, Tiger Claw and Marty Warnett. It was a lot easier getting into the IIWF back then, I guess their standards were a lot lower. We got Tiger Claw, leechin' off the success of the Syndicate, but what has he done on his own lately? Get beaten up by the so called "people's champion" over and over. Tiger, face it, you're burned out. It's time ta leave buddy, too many guys like you and we'll be the next FWLI. You ain't got the hunger any more, kid. Someone's gonna hurt you some day. And that someone might be me. You want me ta talk about Warnett now, huh? The 80's reject from the glam rock scene? What, Poison or Warrant wouldn't take ya so you decided ta become a wrestler? I hear what you're all about. When you're not in the ring you're gettin' wasted with your groupie ho's. Well, Warnett, if you were spendin' your time training and studyin' your opponents you wouldn't be relegated ta playin' some loser song at the PPV. You woulda been in the ring like me. You just ain't got the hunger anymore, Warnett. What's it gonna take? R#3: The Alliance have often referred to themselves as New Generation. How do they fit into your plans? DM: Funny of you to ask that. I'm still not sure at this point. I gotta admit that they're tough guys, I've met Requiem in the ring before and he beat me, but I still wasn't sure that they had the hunger. Sure, they were new, and they were good, but were they really New Generation? I still can't answer that, but they showed me a lot at Birthday Bash with their new attitude. R#3: How does their showing up at your match on Wednesday affect this? DM: All I can say is this: if we're startin' a revolution then we have to work together. R#4: Will Batter, PWI. What are your plans for the four way match tomorrow night for the IIWF Cruiserweight Title? What do you think your chances are? DM: Tell ya what. In a couple weeks, Derek Mota's gonna have his first taste 'a gold in the IIWF, and it's gonna be the Cruiserweight Title that I'm takin. I'm sorry that Kowalski and Petrow fought one of the best matches of the year for nothin', but it happened for a reason, and that reason is me. I'm gonna win the four way match on Saturday, and then the next week I'm gonna win the title, don't matter who I go up against. I'm gonna take that strap and I'm gonna write my name on it and it's NEVER gonna come off my waist again! I worked damn hard to get to this point, and I ain't gonna let nothin' stop me! So you Old Gen guys and 'tweeners better take watch. See what the new benchmark is in the IIWF. [Derek Mota motions to himself, waving his arms in the air, and steps off the podium. The reporters keep yelling questions at him as he leaves the room, but they are being totally ignored. The camera follows Derek as he slams the door behind him, making the camera fade to black.] ====================================================================== [Fade back to the studio to a shot of Witt and Morton.] LM: Well, you can see a decisive mark in the sand being drawn by the likes of Derek Mota and this "New Generation". JW: For better or for worse, only time will tell. But I will attempt to address the situation a bit later on in the show. For now, I think Mota had better concern himself with the likes of Paris and Herforth who aren't exactly "Old Generation" themselves, and who may teach Mota a lesson in that four corners match. LM: Indeed. Well, another of the IIWF new breed will step into the ring with the man Derek Mota saw fit to call out moments ago - I'm talking about the "Party Animal" Marty Warnett. He and the impressive Scotsman Duncan Macbeth will face off one-on-one tommorrow night in a great singles matchup. Let's hear what Macbeth had to say when we caught up with him earlier in the week. ========================================================================== Duncan Macbeth versus "The Party Animal" Marty Warnett ========================================================================== [SCENE: The interior of the Hart's Head Tavern, in the small town of Glenfinnan, Scotland, where a torrential evening downpour has prompted a dozen or so of the locals to take refuge. The small, quaint pub is quite full, but we hear none of the conversations and sounds of merriment that are normally heard in such places. In fact, there seems to be an palpable air of uneasiness in the Hart's Head this evening. The IIWF cameraman pans across the interior of the pub, showing the rain-slickered patrons crowded around dimly-lit tables and booths, talking in low, hushed brogues and casting furtive glances towards the oaken bar. The camera follows their glances, and the source of their apprehension soon becomes apparent. Duncan Macbeth has come into the Hart's Head tonight, and he is the sole occupant of the bar area. The other patrons in the Hart's Head are making a point of staying as far away from him as possible, knowing well his reputation in Glenfinnan as a tempestuous hell-raiser, and even the bartender is nervously keeping himself busy at the far end of the bar, periodically looking back over his shoulder to where Macbeth is seated. Macbeth is dressed in dark brown oilskins and is sipping from a tumbler of Dalwhinnie, his attention focused on the television over the bar, where "Inside The IIWF" is wrapping up with the announcement of the Saturday Night lineup, including Macbeth's match with Marty Warnett. As the show's credits begin to roll, the cameraman decides to approach Macbeth for some comments. The pub's patrons collectively catch their breaths and cringe as the cameraman draws nearer, but when Macbeth notices the camera, he smiles warmly and beckons him closer. The patrons let their breath out in a collective sigh of relief.] DM: So, I'll bet yis all were thinkin' tha' I'd be hangin' me head an' frettin' o'er th' Birthday Bash, weren't yis? Think ag'in, lads! Tha' wee bollix Mota was righ' - th' match WAS a joke, 'specially now tha' Sampson's shootin' 'is mouth off about 'is "great victory", after I spent most o' th' match whippin' both 'im AN' Mota from pillar t' post! Ye got th' point, Sampson, but th' VICTORY was all mine! Bottom line, Wee Dog! Now, fer this Welshman. Warnett, I grant ye've got some moves, an' ye're sharper than th' average tomato. Even held tha' Intercontinental Title fer a wee bit. But tha' was then, an' this is now!!! Byron's th' man t' beat now, an' now tha' all th' foolishness is out o' th' way, I'm goin' t' be beatin' a path t' tha' tosser's front door!!! Unfortunately fer ye, Welshman, tha' means I'll also be clearin' th' path o' anything an' anyone who gets in th' way, includin' tired, burnt-out has-beens like yuirself! Do yuirself a favour, "Party Maniac" - dinnae party TOO hearty tonigh', 'cause there's nothin' worse than havin' someone poundin' yuir head in when ye're hung over! [With that, Macbeth raises his glass with a hearty cry of "Slainte!" and the patrons timidly raise their own glasses to Macbeth's toast. Fade.] LM: The challenge has been laid down for tommorrow night. Let's see if Warnett is up to the challenge. Tim Dross caught up with him last Wednesday. [SCENE: Cut to shot of Tim Dross outside IIWF Arena after Wednesday night's show. Fans stream out, a group of which see Dross and taunt him with chants of "Shoot, Shoot, Shoot."] TD: Folks, I was told that Marty Warnett would speak to us tonight, but he doesn't seem to have turn... [Dross gets cut off by a hand appearing over his mouth. Dross literally jumps, scared witless until Marty releases him.] MW: Gee, Timmy-babes, you really need to relax. Join the Dope World Order. It works for others ... how you hanging, Tim? TD: Well, Marty, mainly to the lef... no, no, no. So, what are your plans for the future? MW: Tim, Tim, Tim. Why plan when the future is bright? Not Orange, but bright. You were there at Birthday Bash, right? TD: Yes, and I most enjoyed your song. I remember in the old days when I was in a skiffle... MW: Gee, a real Elvis. Without the pelvis. So you know my plans for the future. [A group of teenage girls surround Dross and Marty, eager to get on camera.] TD: [rabbit ears appear behind Dross' head] What about all this New Generation stuff? MW: Hang on, now maybe I'm just a wee bit stupid, but these guys are stoo-pid. I've been wrestling for what, eight, nine months, and suddenly I'm over the hill? Mota wants to call me out? Let's just review the facts for Mr. Mota and anybody else. I held the IC belt. Gave it credibility back. Not Quigley, not Creed. Me. Lord Byron, who, to his credit is probably the best technical wrestler in the business, has never cleanly, I repeat, cleanly, pinned me. What has this New Generation done? Banded together and mouthed off. As everybody knows from the example of Star Trek, the Next Generation was an interesting diversion, but the real deal was the originals. Let's get back to reality, guys. TD: Facing Macbeth this weekend, of course. MW: Yeah, maybe I should consult Shakespeare. I guess he knows the ending, just like everybody around here. [The crowd starts cheering.] TD: And Quigley... MW: Well, you see Dross, like life imitates art, and other federations copy us, I see Quigley only giving interviews on cards, hey, we got ourselves a regular Mr. Saturday Night. Chris, you have talent. How many new moves have you developed? How many great one-liners have you come out with? Now, breaking rules, cheating, being a pain in the ass are things I guess I can deal with, but being boring? Geez... I'm off, Dross, see you later. [Cut back to studio.] ============================================================================ LM: You know, I'm going to have to agree here with Warnett. What has this New Generation done _inside_ the ring? JW: Well, Larry, they do seem better at issuing challenges and threats than actually stepping between the ropes, but who knows? Macbeth might just score a huge victory tommorrow in what really looks to be a great matchup of technically sound wrestlers. Should be a treat. LM: All right. The next scheduled match will feature another member of the "Genesis" group -- the reborn Englishman Adam Smith, better known as the Highwayman. We heard from him a bit earlier, so lets hear what his opponent "Real Deal" Luke Steele has to say. ============================================================================ The Highwayman versus "Real Deal" Luke Steele ============================================================================ [Fade up to Luke Steele, sitting on a park bench, with a Birthday Bash sweatshirt on. He's in Central Park, only a few blocks from his apartment, and a few fans have gathered to ask for autographs. He speaks while continuing to sign.] LS: Hello fellow IIWF'ers, IIWF fans, and everyone else. Luke Steele back in New York City again, the city that never sleeps. The IIWF celebrated in grand style with a killer pay per view, my only regret is that I wasn't on the card. Oh well, as a rookie I have to take matches when they come. And my next match is this Saturday against the Highwayman. Highwayman, I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever seen you wrestle. But nevertheless, I've learned the hard way not to underestimate your opponents, so I'm training for you the same way I would against that mob boss Casey James in a title match -- fast and furious. And Chris Herforth, in case I didn't say this earlier, you impressed me in our match a few weeks ago. If you ever need an ally, don't hesitate to call. Later Baby Dolls. [Fade out and back to the studio] =========================================================================== LM: The action just keeps coming tommorrow night as the High Plains Drifters will face off against their great rivals, the Armed Forces. And remember, this is not just a match -- it's to see which team will hold the distinction of becoming the first team in IIWf history to reach the twenty win plateau. JW: And what an honor that accomplishment will be. The winning team will have earned the right to declare themselves the greatest tag team the IIWF has ever known. And you can tell that both teams are taking this matchup very seriously as our crews failed to coerce an interview out of either for tonight's show. LM: But they did manage to secure a bizarre interview from Mr. Damage. Perhaps the hottest superstar in the IIWF today, it has been a while since Damage has graced our show with his words. Today, that all changes and does Damage have a few surprises in store for us all, especially his opponent tommorrow -- "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley. ========================================================================= Mr. Damage versus "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley ========================================================================= [SCENE: Mr. Damage in the IIWF Interview area] MD: Well I am back from my little hiatus and boy have I got news for you morons in TV land....I am still the best wrestler ever to step into the squared circle and now I have the most devious and evil manager ever to be involved in this sport. His name is the Silent Partner and he communicates with me with this wonder of modern electronics [holds up the mobile phone]. If his identity was known it would rock the world of wrestling to its very core. He books the matches and I kick the asses. I have new theme music for tonight as well, "Straight Hard and Long" from Australia's very own Beasts Of Bourbon! The Silent One has already done a great job -- he booked me a great match with Requiem. Requiem took me to my limits and for that I respect him. I base my whole career around respect my peers and my enemies. I don't admire other athlete's ability until they have met me in the ring one on one. But on Saturday I meet the most disrespectful athlete Chris Quigley. Chris Quigley you have had more title matches than I have had cheers from the crowd, I have been in this promotion for almost twelve months wrestled and beaten the best, I have not asked for a title match and I am not asking now. If you don't get a title match every few weeks you cry to the Front Office at IIWF Towers. I know the time when I ask for a title match will come soon, but only when I know, I am damn well ready for it. It was a while back at Ring Wars II when I had my first run in with Quickstrike Chris Quigley in which I pounded and pounded on him until he was concussed. That day was one of the greatest days of my Wrestling Career. Not because I was part of the winning side because I wasn't, not because it was in front the biggest crowd that I'd had ever wrestled in front of because I couldn't give two hoots about crowds or TV crews. It was because I drew first blood on Chris Quigley. After that I got a taste for blood and my career has steadily improved every match I have wrestled so much in fact that I am unbeaten this year. This year I have beaten World Champ Casey James not for a title but for respect. Something you failed to do just two weeks ago at Birthday Bash. I know I can beat you and beat you I will... to a pulp. Tommorrow night, Chris Quigley, we meet for the first time one on one, something I have dreamed of for a long time. [As the opening chord of "Straight Hard Long" starts, Mr. Damage walks out of camera shot.] =========================================================================== LM: What in the world is up with Mr. Damage and his "Silent Partner"? JW: Well, ever since viewing that clip early on in the week, I've had my sources trying to figure out who is the mystery man on the other end of the cell phone. But you know what? Nothing. Damage is saying nothing and neither is anyone else. ["I am!" rings out from the impatient group of young men in the front row, and is immediately followed by "This show sucks!" and "Where's Becky?". The outburst coincides with a barrage of Becky's clothing being thrown onto the set at Morton and Witt. The crowd immediately bursts into laughter as Morton is covered in silky lingerie and stockings.] LM: [removing a white satin slip from his head] HEY! JW: [holding up one of Larue's bras] Looks like I've got some big cu... er, shoes to fill around here. LM: [throwing the clothing back at the audience] Or maybe these pervs think that pink is your color of preference in lady's undergarments. JW: Me? I think this would be more your style. After all, you are _more_ endowed than am I. LM: [under his breath] They are not breasts, I told you! I prefer to call them he-hooters! JW: What was that Larry? LM: [disgruntled] Nothing. Where's Randy Acorn when you need him? JW: Let me help you out a little here by seguewaying to the next match scheduled for tommorrow night - Creed versus Otto "The Butcher" Verhoeven. We already discussed Creed's injury at the top of the show. What does Verhoeven think about it? Let's find out... ======================================================================== Creed versus Otto "The Butcher" Verhoeven ======================================================================== [SCENE: Otto "the Butcher" Verhoeven, wearing a black and blue track suit, is sitting in his luxuriously furnished apartment with Tim Dross. On the big TV set is a frozen shot clip of Creed executing the flying powerbomb on at Ringwars III. Verhoeven has a relaxed look on his face.] TD: Ahem, Herr Verhoeven, this Saturday night you will step into the ring with Creed, who is quickly becoming somewhat of an archnemesis to your ally Lord Byron. Do you think you'll be able to deal with this tough and intense opponent who seemed to be unstoppable in recent weeks until... OV: [with a jovial smile] ...until the European Alliance taught him a lesson in wrestling strategy and brutality. TD: You tried to end the career of this promising young athlete. OV: If we would really have tried to end his career Creed wouldn't be able to wrestle anymore. No, we hurt him, to show that no man, how unstoppable he may seem to be, can be defeated with cunning and determination. TD: Yourself included? OV: The past showed that even Germany's premium wrestler has suffered numerous setbacks in the past: Kauffman, Quigley, the Subway Psycho... they took me to my limits and beat me decisively. But with each loss, I learn, I improve, I train harder to overcome my weaknesses and exploit the vulnerabilities of my opponents. Lord Byron is a great teacher and my technical skills have vastly improved. The Meat Grinder is the most obvious result of our partnership but you would be surprised what I can pull out of my sleeve if I have too. TD: I am sure of that. But what about Creed? OV: Creed is one of the few Americans I actually respect. Don't look so surprised, Dross, he possesses qualities I regard as very important. First of all, he works very hard. The kid is training every time I see him and does not take success for granted like most of the other lazy, American pigs. TD: I... OV: But what I like most about Creed is that he is no whiner like some other wrestlers here in the IIWF. He is a silent man who concentrates on the job and respects it for what it's worth and he is by no means still the "rookie sensation" he is billed as. He has defeated many wrestlers of note and I have yet to see him making a rookie mistake. I definately won't underestimate him when we face off. This is a match I have been looking forward to for a very long time, a clash of powerhouses, if you want. Creed will be trying to start a new winning streak to get another shot, but he won't be able to overcome me. I am stronger and more determined to come out on top. This match will show that even a hot and gifted superstar like Creed has to admit defeat in the face of the Butcher. TD: Will Lord Byron be a factor in that match? OV: [getting angry] You do not seem to have grasped what the European Alliance is all about. We do not to depend on the interference of each other to win the matches, we are too good for that. Creed should forget about Lord Byron and the IC-title, and concentrate on the opponent at hand, me. Once again, the German Juggernaut shall claim another victim, and even a die-hard athlete like Creed will in the end not be able to survive the onslaught that I will unleash. TD: Thank you for your time, Herr Verhoeven. Back to you, Larry. ========================================================================== [Fade back to the studio where Larry and Jackson are discussing the quality of some of the "unmentionables" which remain on the desk.] LM: Hey, these are really nice! [listens to his headset and turns three shades of red] Yes! What nice comments offered to us by Otto Verheoven. JW: I believe that's the first time anyone has used the word "nice" and Verheoven's name in the same sentence. LM: Be that as it may, it seems that "The Butcher" is set on ending the career of the promising rookie tommorrow night at the Coliseum. JW: Wouldn't it be convenient for his "European Alliance" partner, Lord Byron. Creed presented perhaps the stiffest challenge to date to Byron's hold on the Intercontinental title. So what do you do if you're Byron? Bring in the muscle and savagery of "The Butcher" to end the threat. Smart move, albeit a bit cowardly. LM: Well Byron does have to face another huge potential threat to his belt tommorrow night in the former champion - perhaps the greatest IC champion of all time - Tiger Claw. But before that championship match, we have the first of our two scheduled title matches due up. And this match up is for all the gold - literally. JW: You're right. Both the World Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, Pain, Inc., and the United States Tag Team Champion, The Prohets of Rage, will be putting their belts up tommorrow night in a huge tag team unification matchup. The key here? Only one set of belts - the World belts - will exist after tommorrow night. LM: Let me get your thoughts Jackson on this decommisioning of the US tag belts. JW: Well, I think it's a wonderful decision on the part of the IIWF front office. When the second championship was created, the IIWF was full of great tag teams. But the battle over both sets of belts has resulted in the "survival of the fittest". The IIWF tag wars in the past few months have left quite a few tag teams as casualties and has weeded the men from the boys. The result is that there are not enough quality tag teams to warrant a second championship. I'm glad the IIWF addressed this situation before the US belts lost their prestige by having owners with little or no talent. LM: But you cannot describe the current United States tag champs in such a manner. The Prophets of Rage are one of the finest tag teams in the sport today. Let's hear their comments on tommorrow's matchup, along with their stablemate, Dirt Dog Unique Allah, and his comments on the second of our four corners matches in which he will be participant. =========================================================================== IIWF "ALL OR NOTHING" TAG TEAM UNIFICATION MATCH Pain, Inc. versus The Prophets of Rage (World Champs) (United States Champs) =========================================================================== [SCENE: Fade in: The scene is the Age of Rage's dressing room. Pizzazz lounges in the background, puffing away lightly on a cigarette. Shadoe and Derek discuss strategy while Unique Allah appears to be sitting naked at a table playing chess against himself. He mumbles. "Damn, I lost again!" Medusa stands in the forefront, smiling at the camera and tossing her dreadlocks.] MR: Well, the Age of the Rage is ready for its big night. The Syndicate isn't the only stable around. We're just as effective and just as hungry. And tonight we begin by taking the world title belts and winning a four corners match. [DDUA perks up at the mention of the four corners match.] DDUA: Hey, I'm gonna be meetin' my ol' buddy, Joe Petrow. Period. in this match. That's good. He's always been a great help to me in the past. I like this. I like this a lot. There's gonna be a lot of old time's sake double-teamin' here. Hey, I wonder if that bulldog table is gonna be there. Wouldn't that be neat? I think so.. yeah, I think it'd be great. MR: Unique, you have to beat three other men to win this match. There are no friends. DDUA: You sound just like Sartre. L'enfer c'est les autres. I don't know nuttin' bout that kinda philosophy. Near as I figger it a man gotta have friends or he's got nuttin' but enemies. And that ain't no good. SR: Yeah, he's right. A man must be judged by the calibre of his friends. But sometimes he must be judged by the calibre of his enemies! We're the greatest of the great. The baddest of the bad. Pain Inc., you may have had your chance at the World Titles, but now it's the Prophets' turn. We're the best there is. You know that. We're the best there ever will be. You must be shaking in your boots wondering why the demi-gods from heaven have been sent down to destroy you. DR: It's this simple. We're the winningest team in the IIWF. We're the best. We just don't lose, dammit. And we never will. But that's just fine. You know what I mean. That's just fine. Because let me tell you something, this game of human chess ends right now. We've got you in our sights and there's something we've got to take from you. This is all or nothing. Do we look like the type that is willing to accept nothing? Hell no, we're the type that wants it all. And we will have it all. It starts tonight. SR: The Rage of Angels is coming down on you. The Angel of Death! The Hammer of God! We're coming to kill you. MR: Oooh, I get to say this one... DDUA: Die in darkness, muhfuhs! The Age of the Rage is the baddest unit. We's gonna whup all yo asses in one night and that'll be that! Can't nobody take us lightly then! Can't nobody! We the baddest! Yeah, the baddest! [Fade out with Medusa insisting that DDUA start reading the scripts.] LM: What a matchup tommorrow night on Saturday Night! JW: I'm really looking forward to that matchup, alomst as much as the second championship match scheduled tommorrow. As mentioned earlier, Lord Byron will put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against the challenge of the deadly Tiger Claw. LM: We caught up with Lord Byron earlier in the week. Let's see what he had to say... ========================================================================= IIWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Lord Byron (c) versus Tiger Claw ========================================================================= [SCENE: The scene opens in the main hall of Lord Byron's Louisiana mansion. Tim Dross is stood there, waiting for Byron's arrival... the door at the end of the hall opens, and Byron walks out, dressed in riding leathers.] LB: Ah. Mr. Dross. Welcome once again to my [Byron sneers] not so humble abode. TD: Byron. It seems to me that you have a lot of people gunning for you at the moment. Creed of course had comments for you earlier this week, but on Saturday Night, you'll be facing one of the Syndic.. [Byron holds up his hand, cutting Tim Dross off, and walks across the hall to the main doors] LB: Let's talk about my good friend Creed first, shall we? There'll be plenty of time to discuss the Syndicate's... [Byron sneers] challenge later. TD: As you wish. Creed had a few choice words for you following your match at Birthday Bash... LB: I know, and I must say, I'm fairly unimpressed. You see Mr. Dross, at the Birthday Bash, Creed was lucky. TD: Lucky? LB: Lucky to have escaped. He was beaten Dross, finished. There was no way that the man, in his state, could have escaped from the confines of the Aristoclutch. Read my lips Dross, the man was finished. Out. Cold. In the center of the ring. Just more young pup whose career was ended by my patented Aristoclutch. [Byron opens the main door, and steps outside the mansion, and begins to walk around the outside wall. Dross quickly follows] LB: And as for Mad Dog Watkins, well Mr. Dross. I thought that an experienced professional such as he would know better than to cross the European Alliance. A potentially fatal mistake. But I will tell you this: Creed was right on one count. This isn't over Dross, not by a long shot. You can count on that. TD: Now Byron, on Saturday night, you will be facing Tiger Claw, one of the most respected and experienced IIWF athletes of all time, and a person many describe as the 'true' IC champion. LB: Wrong. TD: Pardon? LB: I said wrong. Look at me, Mr. Dross. A win loss record second to none. Eleven straight victories in singles competition. A double title holder. (Byron smirks) I am the current Intercontinental champion, Mr. Dross, and by merit, not by luck, as some would seem to make it. You are looking at the "true" Intercontinental champion right now. And Saturday Night will simply be another chance for me to prove it. TD: Nevertheless, you must see the Syndicate as a severe threat to your title reign. LB: Of course, despite their internal difficulties, Tiger Claw remains one of the most talented athletes in the federation, and a worthwhile opponent to test my skills. However, you have to wonder whether or not the problems within the Syndicate will effect his performance. Brian Lau is trying to do far too much at the moment. He is trying to juggle the demands of keeping the World Title and World Tag Team Titles with the Syndicate, while also keeping Brody Thunder and the Dark Disciples pacified, and giving Tiger Claw the recognition a fighter of his talent deserves. [Byron stops, a smirk slowly spreading across his face] And speaking of Brody Thunder, just what happened to him anyway? Hasn't Casey James been keeping the Lone Wolf on a short leash these past few weeks by promising him a shot at my I.C. title? [Byron shakes his head sadly] So much talent, and he's reduced to running interference. What do you think would happen if - and I intend to make sure this is a very slim possibility - if Tiger Claw actually won back the title? Thunder would have to either follow in the footsteps of Steve Kowalski, or find himself a tag team partner if he stood any chance of getting gold. Maybe he could team up with that pup Warnett. They could call themselves 'Team Gullible'. [Byron laughs at his joke and continues to walk down the path. Dross shakes his head slightly and follows him through a gate into the rear courtyard. A saddler brings a large pale grey mare out of the stables, and Byron takes the reins.] LB: Tiger Claw, I have fought martial artists several times in the past, but you.. you present an altogether different challenge. On Saturday Night, it will be one of the IIWF's legends squaring up against the finest technical wrestler in the world. And I don't intend to pass up this opportunity to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, just who is the 'true' Intercontinental Champion. I'll be waiting. [Byron swings himself up into the saddle, and with a dismissive wave at Tim Dross, wheels the horse and trots out of the courtyard. The scene fades back to the studio.] LM: Byron is as confident as ever, I see. JW: And that's part of his appeal. Despite his arrogance, I've found that many IIWF fans believe his confidence, combined with his skilled ring ability, make him one of the greatest IC champions of all time. LM: A distinction that Tiger Claw would surely argue against. Good ol' Soundbite Steve roberts caught up with Claw and the rest of the Syndicate recently and recorded this interview. [SCENE: Steve Roberts stands before the Syndicate, minus Pain Inc. and the Dark Disciples.] SR: Hey, guys... Sorry about the last interview, but you know how it is...Suspension and all that crap... BL: No problem at all! We got a Substitute Steve to do the interview, and it was, well, interesting. SR: Yeah, I saw that. You roughed up that little punk pretty good, Casey. CJ: Yeah... Friggin fine... Do you know how much they charged me for that? SR: I know... Those suits up in the towers are a bunch of bite-in-the-asses. CJ: Ahh, it was worth it just to see the look on his face, though... SR: Better believe it, big man... Anyway, down to business... Wait... Where are the tag teams? BL: Pain Inc. and Mr. Mic are doing some intense training for the unification title match, and the Dark Disciples... Well, they're probably in a very dark room filled with some very loud screams... SR: Okayyy... Well, then... Birthday Bash, guys. Not a bad night, huh? BL: It wasn't a complete success, but I do have to say that I am still pleased. Casey kept his title, Pain Inc. are still champions, and we have a new member. SR: Okay, let's go with that. Now I know you are one smart guy, Brian, but Danny Dynamite? Wasn't the Syndicate instrumental in that big attack against the Players Club? All respect where it's due, but Danny, you got beaten like a cheap hooker, and Brian, you've got to be worried about something we all know and love called payback. BL: I am confident that this merger will bring only more success and glory to our house, but why not hear it from the man himself? DDD: Hooker? Now granted, The Syndicate is shelling out plenty of cash for my services, But its ALL worth it! look at me, I am the GREATEST light heavyweight in the sport today! I've held more gold than Fort Knox! What we came to the IIWF for is simply that: GOLD! I got pushed around by the bookers and put on the back burner. Joe Petrow, that two bit clown comes in and can WALTZ his way to the top? Listen Petrow, it's not about the RSPCW, FWLI, or ANYTHING like that. It's man against man... Mike is gone, and I'm back to my "Dangerous" ways... The Syndicate is simply the best group in the IIWF... Together, with the minds and athletic takent we have, there is NOBODY that can stop us... NOBODY! BL: And talent is a rare commodity these days. The Syndicate only accepts winners in their ranks, that is a well known fact. While some might say that our strength lies in our numbers, you cannot deny that one on one, every man in this room is more than able to get the job done. Look at Tiger Claw, for example. Did you see the unbridled violence in that cage? Sure, he might have... [Claw gabs the mic from Steve.] TC: I lost. That's what it comes down to. A moment of weakness, a bit of misfortune, and I was unable to get to my feet to break the count. Am I upset? Yes. Am I going to let it affect my job? No. Everyone saw how the Psycho was torn to pieces in that cage, and how I dominated him from start to finish. Psycho, you thought this was over? I think not. Sure, the IIWF now refuses to book any more matches between us, but does that mean our conflict ends? It might mean that for you, but to me, a life enemy is just that. An enemy for _life._ We will meet again, be it in the locker room area, the street outside the Coliseum, or anywhere else you happen to frequent. I won't rest until you're finished. BL: Now, Claw, you are challenging the IC champion on Saturday. Don't forget to concentrate on him. TC: I haven't forgotten. Byron, I'll be the first to admit that you've bought yourself great wrestling talent. Growing up, I'm sure you were able to afford the best trainers in the field to learn how to wrestle a person down and win your matches. But in your training, was there ever the fear that you might lose something more than the match? Was there any fear that you would get hurt? I'm sure that even if you did get hurt, your money would have gotten you some great doctor to heal you. What am I getting at, Byron? It's simple. You have never had to face the possibility that your next match was your last. Your training was controlled... Tame. My training consisted of getting thrown into the ring with a man twice my age and size, knowing that he would kill me for the extra prize money. The survival instinct is much more developed in me, Byron. While you trained with masters that made sure that you were able to go on in your studies, I was trained by madmen who wanted to make sure that I was thrown into a river after I lost the match. I'm willing to bet that my will to live will bring that belt back to me, Byron. Bring your technical expertise to the ring on Saturday, and I'll bring my tenacity. That belt is mine, and I will stop at nothing in order to get it back. SR: And now to the big one! Casey, I just want to say one thing. You kicked that lowlife's ass from pillar to post! CJ: Of course I did. I said I would, didn't I? I'm surprised that knob hasn't sent me a letter bomb or something by now, because that's the only way he's going to triumph over a guy like me. It's simple. In this business, you got to respect the man, and know when you're out of your league. Of course, I'm the man, and I'm in my own league. Quigley is the little girl, and means about as much to me as the worms that come out of the ground when it rains. He went on for weeks, putting down great men like me, Hardin, and Verhoeven, and at the Bash, he payed for it. I bet he hasn't slept since then. SR: Speaking of lack of sleep, that was one hell of a victory party. CJ: Yeah, it was, wasn't it? Of course... [Turns to Thunder] You wouldn't know about that, would you? You didn't show up... Is there some kind of problem or something? BT: Guess ya could say I wasn't exactly... in a partying mood. CJ: Why's that, big man? Just because you didn't put away that two-bit loser Watkins... like I would've? BT: Yeah... like ya handled all the rest o' yer challengers? Hmph... [Casey pokes an accusing finger into Thunder's chest as Thunder watches in almost amazement.] CJ: Hey... exactly what _is_ your problem lately?! BT: I'll tell ya what my problem is, my friend... yer startin' ta pi... BL: Guys! Jeez, you're like a bunch of children! Listen to me! Enough of this macho crap! We've got a job to do, and I don't want your petty little bickering to get in the way of that! You guys are busy with the NLWP Longest Road event, and my plans will only work if the two of you get along. Now you know the plan, right guys? CJ: Yeah... [Gets in Thunder's face] _I_win._ BT: Oh ya _do_, do ya? Well mebbe we'll jus' se... BL: That's it... The two of you, I want to speak to you in my office. Go. [Thunder and Casey ignore Brian and continue their staredown.] BL: Claw, take them to the office, please. [Casey turns a bit at those words, breaking the stare. Thunder snickers a bit, and both men go to the office one by one. Claw follows them in.] BL: [Looking worn out] Steve, I really want to apologize for this. You know, when you put together a stable of champions, you have to expect that some egos are going to clash. I mean, all these men are the best at what they do, but there's only so many titles in the federation. It's only circumstance that brings the belts to some people. Casey got the shot, and Thunder didn't. I think that if Thunder got the shot first, the roles would be reversed, but the results would be the same. You just can't win sometimes. SR: So there _is_ a problem? BL: Did I say that? No, there is no problem. [Brian begins to mutter, and the words "titles," "tag teams," and "Disciples" are heard. Suddenly, he seems to remember he's on camera.] BL: Alright. Steve, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to bring this interview to an end. SR: Okay, that's cool... Folks, we're done. Go get stuffed. [Fade back to the studio.] ========================================================================== JW: As you can see, Steve, Larry has already achieved that last feat. LM: [looking down and rubbing his stomach] Hey! I thought I was through with the insults when Becky left! JW: Sorry, Larry. It was just too easy... LM: Just like Becky... [With mention of Becky's name, her "fanclub" comes to life and begins to stir noisely.] LM: It looks like trouble brewing once again in the ranks of the Syndicate. Animosity and then some between Pain Inc. and the Dark Disciples, and between "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder and IIWF World Champion Casey James. JW: But Brian Lau's seen it all before. He's the glue that holds that stable together, and I've got information that he's taking measures to make sure that the Syndicate's problems are nipped in the bud. LM: Only one match remains to preview for tommorrow night's incredible card. The second of our four corner matchups to decide who will challenge for the IIWF crusierweight championship. JW: We already heard from the Dirt Dog a few moments ago, so now let's hear from his opponents in this four-way dance. [Excited by the words four-way dance and with a fresh memory of the mention of Becky's name, the group of young men break into another chant of "She's hardcore! She's hardcore! She's hardcore!" -- failing to realize that Witt refers to a wrestling match, not one of Becky's hobbies.] ====================================================================== IIWF CRUISERWEIGHT FOUR CORNERS MATCHUP "Sychosys" Joe Petrow vs. "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare vs. "The Enigma" Takezo Musashi vs. Dirt Dog Unique Allah ====================================================================== [SCENE: Taped from one of the IIWF's numerous house shows. The "Enigma" Takezo Musashi is in the backstage area. Instead of his usual pre-match meditation ritual, Musashi paces around impatiently, his normally calm and focused face wearing an expression of defiance and irritation.] LM: We're backstage here at the packed Mid-South Coliseum, hoping to get a word with Takezo Musashi before this evening's card. Musashi has been refusing to speak on IIWF programming of late, and I hope that tonight we'll be able to find out just what is going on in the head of the "Enigma". [Takezo looks up and notices the camera crew's presence. His expression projects waves of hostility.] TM: Get the hell out of here Morton! Can't you news jackals leave me in peace for even a moment? Do you not see that I am in no mood to be trifled with? [Takezo breathes hard and stares at the camera crew with fiery eyes. As they reluctantly begin to leave, Takezo relaxes and softens his expression for a moment.] TM: [sighs] Well, perhaps there are a few things I should get off my chest. You may stay, but make it brief Morton. LM: [wiping his brow] Phew! Mr. Owens told me to get an interview or else! Now, how do you feel about being left off the big Birthday Bash card? TM: How do I feel? This is how I feel! Ripped off, overlooked, left-out; I tell you, I feel extremely defiant towards the powers that be in the IIWF! I am the greatest practitioner of the martial arts ever to set foot in this league! I am the longest reigning Cruiserweight champion in history! And then they have the nerve to leave me off one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year? _I_ should have been headlining the event, not that washed up, unskilled piece of slime Chris Quigley! I was not even considered for another shot at the Cruiserweight title; though how they fell for that bloated oaf Steve Kowalski's claim to the belt I shall never know. I... [Takezo suddenly notices that he has begun a rant, catches himself, and calms down with visible effort.] TM: I have no more to say on this matter. Next question. LM: Why were you absent from the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony? Shouldn't you have been there to congratulate your old nemisis, Hakiro Matsuoko? TM: I have nothing to say to Hakiro. His little tin trophy is worthless as long as he never beat _me_ in the ring. He can spit out kind words about me until the Sun consumes the Earth, but I know that he only did so in order to follow the polite conventions of the ceremony. Believe me, it still burns and itches him; it still consumes him deep inside, that he never did score an undisputed victory over me. Some in my homeland may be shocked by these words, they may feel my attitude dishonourable; but I do not care for their respect anymore. As well, there were personal matters preventing my standing by Hakiro's side, some... ah... [Takezo's face is stricken with grief for the briefest of moments, but he soon composes himself]. I do not wish to speak of such matters any longer. Next question. LM: Uh, sure Takezo... You've been slated to compete in a four-corners match on Saturday night, in which you will have the opportunity to go for a second reign as Cruiserweight champion. Give us your thoughts on this match-up. TM: That title is no longer of any importance to me. If it is my destiny to hold the Cruiserweight championship once again, then so be it; but I would defend it with little enthusiasm. I no longer seek glory and honours. I no longer thirst for competition. There is no longer any guiding light in my life, no longer any joy in battle, and no longer any hope of redemption. I seek one thing in the ring only, and that is destruction. But perhaps....perhaps I will find it sooner rather than later. In my next match, there may be one in whom I can find some of myself... [Takezo bows his head in thought.] That is all. Leave me now. LM: But, what do you mean there is... [Musashi suddenly interrupts Larry by flying into a rage. He leaps into a martial arts stance and begins yelling.] TM: I said THAT IS ALL! Leave this place now, before I do something you shall regret severely! [Larry Morton and the interview crew scramble to get out of the way as the camera fades into the second interview.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [The picture gives one the impression that this video was taken with a low quality personal video camera, as Joe Petrow is in what appears to be the parking lot of IIWF Headquarters. There's a lot of voices in the background, as the camera begins to "focus" on Sychosys, sitting on the hood of an anonymous BMW] JP: Yo, keep it down guys, we're rollin'! Here we are a few days later, I gave 'em my ultimatum, gimme me a World's Heavyweight Title match, or suffer the consequences. As a result, they sign a match pitting me against... hey! You can drive the damn car when I'm finished! Some of the Sychopaths will make you comfortable until I'm done. [Some yelps and squeals can heard, in between screams of "Get off my Beamer you freak!" and "OW!" as Petrow tries to carry on...] JP: Now, instead they sign a match pitting me against three second rate jobbers for a mere _chance_ at a third rate belt that's already mine to begin with!? I almost killed myself trying to have a decent match with one of them! And where's Quigley in this tournament? One day he's headlining a PPV with a heavyweight title shot, the next he ain't good enough to fight the cruiserweights? Or is he too good? Big superstar Quigley can't be lowered to this, but let's take the guy who's embarassed him in two matches and lump him in with all the other Wednesday Night Wonders! Well, we ain't asking for respect any more, we're taking it! [The yelps have stopped, but some scuffling noises can still be heard] JP: Alright guys, that's enough. The car don't seem that important right now, huh? Owens, you try and fine me, suspend me, bite me, whatever that little gerbil mind of yours can come up with. It ain't gonna work, cause you can't get to us anymore! From now on. I come with the boys, and I leave with the boys! I take what I want, and I leave what I want. I'll be there Saturday, but I ain't playing your little games, and I sure as hell ain't taking part in your little joke of a match. But if I want my belt back... if I want any other belt... if I want ALL the belts, I'm taking em! My way. [Awkward pause, as the interview is apparently supposed to end here. Sychosys speaks, ostensibly, to the Sychopath manning the camera] JP: Okay, that's a wrap. SP: I can't find the stop button! JP: Aw, jeez! Now I need another ending... [thinks for a second] IIWF, we didn't start the fire, we're just bringing the marshmallows! SP: Got it! [The video abruptly cuts off and the scene cuts back to Witt and Morton in the studio.] LM: What a bizarre individual that Joe Petrow is. JW: But sucessful as well - you've got to give him that. Did I tell you that the videotape of his interview was found in my office yesterday morning, attached to a brick and laying in a pile of broken glass? LM: That doesn't surprise me. We are running short of time this week, so let's get to Trash Talk... ============================================================================ TRASH TALK ============================================================================ [SCENE: The Camera opens to footage of the W and W Express in the locker room after their Wednesday match with the Harlequins. Doug Wayne is angrily pacing back and forth while Clark Watson is trying to cool down.) DW: Harlequins, you guys were one of the few teams we actually had respect for. All of that was lost tonight. I can't even describe it. Show the damn tape. [Footage of a badly beaten Tragedy throwing powder in his own eyes. The ref turns around and DQ's the Express.] CW: Tragedy, you commited one of the most cowardly acts I have ever seen. You were getting the beating of your life and you decided to pull that stunt. DW: You basically commited suicide to escape the punishment we were inflicting on you. What kind of coward throws powder in his own eyes? CW: It's interesting what happens to all these teams when there is no one to run outside interference for them. It proves once again. We are the real competitors and people like yourselves are just clowns. DW: We are sick of being screwed over by the officials, the suits, and all the other slime that run the IIWF. We have proved ourselves time and time again. No more of this Wednesday house card crap. We want some nationalexposure on Saturday Night. CW: The W and W Express is pound for pound the best tag team in the IIWF right now. We should be headlining the Saturday show. We are sick of being the forgotten team in the IIWF. DW: Maybe that new president will have more common sense than that other idiot. Maybe he'll give us a damn title shot. Pain Inc. or the Prophets it don't matter. They are just victims to us. CW: It's like I always say the cream will eventually rise to the top and the crumbs will fall by the wasteside. [The camera fades out and back to Morton and Witt] ============================================================================ LM: Stern words of warning for the rest of the IIWF tag teams from the W & W Express. JW: Everyone feels that it's time to stake their claim and mark their territory here in the IIWF, and Watson and Wayne are no different. LM: Well, that's about all the time we have tonight her on "Countdown to Saturday Night". I apologize to Jackson for running out of time, and promise everyone that next week we will debut Jackson's new segment "Witt's Witticisms" where his focus will be the generation gap that has been the focus of debate here in the IIWf in recent months. JW: It promises to be a good one. LM: Thank you Jackson for joining me here tonight on "Countdown" and welcome aboard. JW: Thanks. LM: And remember to tune into IIWF Saturday Night tommorrow for all the action we've previewed here tonight, and quite possibly a few surprises thrown in along the way. And the Hotline will be updated on Sunday for those of you 18 and up or who have your parents permission. Until next week, I'm Larry Morton, for Jackson Witt, saying good night. ["Monkey Wrench" by the Foo Fighters begins to crank up as the credits roll by. The camera catches a shot of Becky's fanclub chasing Larry Morton around the studio in anger and disappointment as the shot fades to black.] +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I * I * W * F -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ | President: Daniel Spreadbury | Vice-President: Jim Jividen | | univ0322@sable.ox.ac.uk | brokeback@webtv.net | | iiwf@sisko.demon.co.uk | | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= http://www.sisko.demon.co.uk -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+