[A floating camera shot makes its way around the Cap. Center in Landover, Maryland. Fade in to the inside of the Center, where the ring is being set up and the floor swept clean.] VO: Tomorrow Night, the Capitol Center in Landover, Maryland will be the site of the most talked-about title defense in the sport of wrestling today. [Fade to a black and white photo of the IIWF World Title belt.]    Tomorrow night, A feud that has been months in the making finally comes to the boiling point. [A vibrant colour photo of Casey James and Brody Thunder facing each other, teeth bared and fists raised.]    Tomorrow night, IIWF World Champion Casey James squares off against "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder in a no DQ lumberjack match. Tonight, get the information on all the matches, all the histories, and all the circumstances as we begin the... [A heavy guitar begins chugging away over a fast paced beat as "Trip to the Brain" by Suicidal Tendencies plays background for several quick clips of various stars of the IIWF performing their speciality moves... Creed with his left-handed chokeslam, Lord Byron's Northern Lights suplex from the top rope, Dirt Dog Unique Allah spitting booze into the face of some poor individual, Luke Steele performing the Real Steele Press... The drum beat gets faster, and the clips come more quickly of more IIWF stars yelling to the crowd, raising their arms, making belt motions, until finally, the IIWF logo explodes through the montage...]                  #####     ######   ###            ##########              ########## ########## ####       ##  ##########              ########## ########## ####  #   #### ########                #####      #####    #### ##  ##### ####                 ####       ####    #### ### ####  ####                 ####       ####    ############# #########                 ####       ####     ########### #########                 ####       ####     ####  ####   ####              #########  #########   ###   ####   ####              #########  #########   ###    ##    ####               ########   ########   ##      #    ####              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-=                INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION             =================================================               "COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY NIGHT" - June 20, 1997             ================================================= [A wide shot of the inside of the Cap. Center narrows down until it focuses on the forms of Larry Morton and Jackson Witt reclining in two plush chairs in a skybox. The shot changes to an interior shot of the skybox, and Witt and Morton turn to face the camera.] LM: Hello, fans, to another edition of Countdown to Saturday Night! What a show we have today. We're on the eve of the Saturday Night card being dubbed the "Syndicate Saturday Night." All the members of the Syndicate are going to be in action tomorrow, although not necessarily on the same side. JW: That's right, Larry. Don't forget, though, that there's a lot of other action tomorrow night as well. We also have a special meeting of the IIWF Special Concerns Committee downstairs in one of the conference rooms tonight, and we'll be televising a statement by Poutine Janois concerning a certain IIWF superstar. We'll get to that later in the show, however. First, we'd like to announce some changes in our show. We've been having quite a few technical difficulties lately, so many, in fact, our previous producer has left our team. This week, we would like to welcome Mat Findlay to the production staff. Larry, I understand you've met our new head honcho. LM: Yes, Jackson, I had the pleasure to be seated next to him on the tour bus these past few days, and I must say, he's an interesting fellow. One thing's for certain, he's thinking of some radical changes to our show here... JW: And what might that be, Larry? Give us the scoop... LM: Well... The broadcast team kind of... well, it came up in a sentence along with the word "change." JW: Change? To the broadcasting team? Ho, ho, Larry... Better prepare yourself to sitting home on Friday nights, huh? LM: Ummm... Sure, Jackson... Sure. Anyway, let's not talk about that. We've got a lot to cover tonight about the matches to take place tomorrow, but first, let's take a look at what went down Wednesday on the War Room. [The title graphics come up as Larry finishes, and the ending moments of each match is shown with the result superimposed on the bottom of the screen as the intro riff to Soundgarden's "Outshined" plays in the background] ************************************************************************ -------------------- WEDNESDAY WAR ROOM RECAP -------------------------- ************************************************************************ RESULTS FROM WEDNESDAY WAR ROOM -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 1997: -- "Majestic" Maurice McArthur def. Scott "the Whine" Bloom (via pinfall) -- Serge Annis def. Jumpin' Jack (via pinfall) -- Highwayman def. El Super Gecko (via DQ) -- Chris Quigley def. "Nifty" Ned Norton (via pinfall) -- Creed def. Barnacle Brother Bluto (via pinfall) -- "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder def. Casey C. (via pinfall) -- Violence Unlimited def. Zodiac Connection (via DQ) -- The Dark Disciples vs. The Hollywood Bloods (Double DQ) IIWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: -- Dirt Dog Unique Allah def. "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare (via pinfall) ======================================================================== JW: [aside to Larry] What do you mean your job is secure? LM: [aside to Jackson] Look, can we just talk about this later? [Notices   the camera is rolling] Oh, ahhh... Well, lots of action on Wednesday's card, that's for sure. Most notable is the animosity between all four participants in one of the tag matches tomorrow night. JW: [with a suspicious look on his face] Yes, Larry. I mean, just putting Quigley, Lebec, Shakespeare, and Warnett in the same building is sure to set off some fireworks, but in the same ring? It's sure to be a blast tomorrow night... But more on that match later. LM: Let's take a look at all the action that will take place tomorrow night here in the Capitol Center! ************************************************************************ --------------------- SATURDAY NIGHT PREVIEW --------------------------- ************************************************************************ [Pantera's "By Demons be Driven" begins it's aural assault as the match headers zoom upwards on the screen and fall into place with an "Oomf!" sound.] 1. IIWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LUMBERJACK MATCH:    Casey "Blackheart" James [c] vs. "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder 2. IIWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:    Lord Byron [c] vs. Joe Petrow 3. Tiger Claw vs. Derek Mota 4. Creed vs. Otto "the Butcher" Verhoeven 5. "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley & "Showstopper" Simon Lebec vs.    "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare & Marty Warnett 6. LOSER LEAVES SYNDICATE MATCH:    Dark Disciples vs. Pain Inc. 7. Deathbringer & Serge Annis vs. Requiem & Highwayman 8. Duncan Macbeth vs. Mr. Damage 9. "Dangerous" Danny Dynamite vs. Scott Rogers ======================================================================== [Jackson is once again bickering with Larry when the shot returns, every so often allowing his voice to raise, saying, "Well then _who?_"] LM: [Turning to the camera again] Okay, so... What a card this promises to be! A line-up like this could easily be put on a Pay Per View event, but this Saturday night, it'll be free on network television! JW: [Muttering] Damn brownie eatin', no soul havin', four-by-four headed, cheap suit wearin', no good... LM: Come on, he wouldn't say, okay? JW: Hmpf... LM: [sighs] Well, as I said, Saturday's card promises to be a real barn-burner as the Syndicate is out in full force. But it doesn't stop there! Several more hot feuds are going to see some climactic confrontations tomorrow, not the least of which is... JW: What, are they going to replace me with some Barbie doll look-alike? Or maybe even get that overrated, overpaid joke, Steve Roberts? LM: Come on, Jackson, he never said you'd get _fired,_ just that the team is going to change... JW: I knew it... Just look at the guy... I knew something was up... LM: Let's not start trouble, okay? Well, folks, let's take a look at this card match by match... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Dangerous" Danny Dynamite vs. Scott Rogers ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: The first representation of the Syndicate tomorrow night will have the highly acclaimed - although nearly silent - "Dangerous" Danny Dynamite facing a relative newcomer, Scott Rogers. This one should be interesting, since two different styles are represented. JW: Right, Larry. Dynamite prefers the high flying, high speed techniques utilized by many cruiserweights in wrestling today, while Rogers prefers the toe-to-toe power style. LM: Dynamite is no stranger to us, of course. He returned just prior to Birthday Bash and joined the Syndicate a short time afterwards. His disposition is fairly obvious. Scott Rogers, on the other hand, is a little harder to nail down. Tim Dross comes to us with the following interview... [SCENE: Scott Rogers stands before an IIWF backdrop with veteran broadcaster Mr. Tim Dross. Rogers wears a particularly tight red 'IIWF Crew' tee-shirt, which enhances his physique, and a gold chain around his neck. His hair is an odd mixture of black and gold. He has light stubble around his mouth in the shape of a goatee beard. He smiles as Dross starts the interview.] TD: With me at this time is the man in the middle of a very       controversial situation in the IIWF, Scott Rogers. SR: Hold on, Tim, before we go any further, I think the great fans out there oughtta know about our little, how shall I put it... conversation, just before we came on air. Care to tell 'em about it? TD: Of course. Now... what was it again...? Ah yes, I've had a chat with Scotty here and everything's sorted out. SR: And...? TD: Oh yes, and I apologise publicly about my words on the Hotline this week, which I hereby retract. Scott is a caring, kind individual and I don't believe for one second that his alignment, as I stated, needs questioning. SR: Hey, thanks Tim. Much appreciated! What you said about me really hurt right here you know. [Rogers points to his heart. Dross looks at him with a puzzled look on his face.] TD: Yes. Right. Anyway, onto other matters. Tomorrow night you meet "Dangerous" Danny Dynamite one-on-one in your first match on the Saturday show I believe, and first time in front of over fifteen thousand people. How are you feeling about that? SR: I'm looking forward to it, Tim. Throwing that turncoat Dynamite around the ring will certainly be an enjoyable experience! You're not right when you say it's my first time in front of such a big crowd but, first time on Saturday Night and boy am I gonna grab that proverbial bull by the horns! Dynamite won't know what hit him by the time I'm through. Dynamite? I'll shove a stick straight up his ass if he tries anything funny. There's no room for rulebreakers in this sport, Tim, trust me. TD: No... apparently not. [pause] So, you don't anticipate any problems with the Dangerous One then? You're really that confident? SR: If you don't believe in yourself, Tim, it's sure as hell no-one else will. Confidence never did anyone any harm. Well, no-one except my opponents that is, and Dynamite will, as sure as we're standing here today, go down for the 1-2-3. I'm the future, Tim, I already told you that. Nothing can stop me. Nothing. TD: And that includes Genesis, right? [Rogers seems to tense up at what Dross just said. His eyes become vacant and his lips start slightly twitching. He grabs Dross by the scruff of his neck.] SR: How many times, Dross? For Christ's sake, man, Genesis don't mean squat. How many times do I gotta drill this into ya? I'm the best there is. No questions asked. Just look how much Ronnie and Luke need me. With me, Genesis stay well clear, but without, they get beaten to pulps. I'm not saying they're not great athletes - they are, three-on-two ain't fair odds, but they're not me. [Rogers stops speaking and starts breathing slowly and deeply. He releases Dross.] SR: Sorry, Tim. I didn't mean it. TD: [brushing himself down and shrugging his shoulders] Right. You'll have to learn to control that temper of yours though. Harming an IIWF official is a serious offense as a certain Oak found out to his displeasure. SR: Hey, Tim! I said I was sorry! What more can I do?! Beg? Forgive me this time, yeah buddy? TD: Yeah, alright. I think we've just about covered everything for the moment actually. [Dross holds his ear.] TD: Ah, yes, have you patched things up with Ronnie and Luke? SR: Oh yeah, everything's just sweet, Tim, just sweet. TD: Glad to hear it. Thanks a lot, Scott. SR: Pleasure. [Fade.] LM: I don't know... There's still something I don't quite know about that guy. I don't know whether I can trust him or not. JW: Trust is an important thing, Larry. LM: Yes it is. JW: No, I mean trust is a _really_ important thing, Larry. LM: Yes, Jackson, I know. JW: Like, let's say we were in a situation where you were, say, sitting next to an important guy on the tour bus, and this guy... Let's say this guy basically had control over my job. I'd like to think I could trust you to say nice things, Larry. LM: Not this again, Jackson. JW: What? Hypothetical situation. I'm just trying to illustrate how important trust can be, and how people like Luke Steele and Ronnie Paris might feel after what happened last Saturday night. LM: Of course... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Duncan Macbeth vs. Mr. Damage ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Duncan Macbeth is battling his way to Lord Byron's door, and his next rung on the ladder is Mr. Damage. JW: Macbeth cast the first stone last week by switching Lord Byron's music with his own. Byron could very well have something to say to Macbeth in person, and he may very well choose Saturday Night to say it. LM: Don't forget the rivalry that seems to be starting up between Mr. Damage and Tony Starks. That could very well come into play during this match as well. JW: Damage doesn't seem too concerned about that, though. He appears to be quite focused on the Scotsman, Duncan Macbeth. Take a look... [SCENE: A foggy morning overlooking a Loch in Northern Scotland Mr. Damage stands on the banks of the loch skimming rocks along the surface of the water. The camera cuts to Mr. Damage.] MD: Ain't it supposed to be summer here? It is winter back home and I come here and its no better. Rains all the time and the skies are dark and grey. As I look toward Saturday night I can forecast the weather for one Duncan Macbeth. All I can see is dark and gloomy weather ahead for this Scotsman. There will be a storm late in the evening when I meet you in the ring, Macbeth.   I get to find out just what is under a Scotsman's kilt... er, um, skirt. Probably a chastity belt! Maybe I'll get to see if the Loch Ness monster really exists or if Sean Connery really is the best James Bond. That's something myself and the Silent Partner can't agree on he says Sean Connery and I say George Lazenby. So when I have Macbeth down and out I will ask his opinion. To be honest I have the utmost respect for the Scots, I like their culture, their stories and their wee bonnie redheaded lasses.   Duncan Macbeth you are a loser, when I have finished with you, you will be checking into the hospital for some bodywork.   But for now I must leave this freezing tar pit, do you think that with my vast financial holdings I have to be here? I could be basking in the sun in the South of France, this is just a hobby for me you hear? A hobby! [The camera fades as Damage skims another rock on the Loch.] LM: Sean Connery. Definitely Sean Connery. JW: What? LM: The best James Bond. Who do you think was the best James Bond? JW: Well, to be honest, Larry, I'm more of a Shaft fan myself... LM: Who? JW: Forget it, Larry. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Deathbringer & Serge Annis vs. Requiem & The Highwayman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: No, really... Who's this Shaft fellow? JW: [shakes head] This tag team match up promises to be quite explosive. When Requiem came to the IIWF, many thought he was just another version of the former IIWF champ, Deathbringer. Much talk of the new versus the old began to circulate, and now we have this... Genesis, who claim to be the new breed, the breath of fresh air in the IIWF, take on the Mighty Deathbringer and his enemy turned ally, Serge Annis. LM: Annis recently got a hold of the guitar of Requiem, and now proudly    sports it wherever he goes. Requiem isn't too happy about that, and proved it last Saturday when he really did a number on "The Epitome of Evil." Annis displayed incredible intestinal fortitude by not giving in to the big man's assault. Annis wouldn't let himself get beat, and Requiem wouldn't allow his offensive to end. The match was a draw. JW: The tension between the two teams in this match can be cut with a knife... but it isn't necessary to use one to make things snap. Steve Summers spoke with Genesis recently, and they had this to say: [SCENE: The Cathedral Of Souls. Deep underground, the only light an eerie yellowish light brought about by the flickering illumination of thousands upon thousands of white candles. In the centre of the great cavern Requiem, The Highwayman and Cold Spell spar in the centre of an unmarked wrestling ring. The Camera starts to zoom in when suddenly the head of Steve Summers pops up into the field of view] SS: Hey, is this thing on? This is so cool, I cannot believe I'm here!     Requiem's Cathedral of Souls ... wow! Hey, Mr. Morton, you cannot    believe what this place is like! It is totally excellent... uh, in a   creepy sort of way. [Steve grabs his earpiece and listens intently for a few seconds] SS: Okay, I'm getting to it. Sheesh! Folks, I've been invited here, by Requiem, for an exclusive interview. Hear that, Mr. Morton? I get the exclusive! I'm going to go over there and see what the     mysterious leader of Genesis wants to say. Let's go! [Steve Summers and the camera crew move over to the ring, where Requiem and The Highwayman intently spar with Cold Spell. Steve looks on, and after a few moments Fitz calls a break. The men in the ring grab towels and move to the side, where Steve corners Requiem and The Highwayman] SS: Guys, you look busy. HWM: We are, Steve. We've got to get ready for Serge Annis and our      old 'friend' Deathbringer. We've been training hard all week!      Cold Spell here are showing us a trick or two, right 'Hawk? HAWK: Yep! We'll have you two ready for the big time by Saturday! Just      don't get too excited about this - the tag belts are ours! SS: Cool. Let's talk for a moment with the leader of Genesis, Req- REQ: [interrupting] Stop. SS: Excuse me? REQ: You make the same mistake all the others in the IIWF have made,      Steve Summers. Genesis has _no_ leader, we are all one. SS: Uh... whatever. Now listen, you guys have been making a big name for     yourself, making some waves, which is cool, but you've been attacking people like The Subway Psycho, and my pal Ronnie Paris... REQ: What of it? Steve, we invited The Subway Psycho to join the most      exciting alliance in the world of professional wrestling today,      and not only did he turn us down, he was most insulting about it.      As for Ronnie Paris, he is not as clean cut as he is made out to      be. Remember, Nightwing and he have quite a history. FITZ: And don't forget the fact that Tim Dross has turned Violence      Unlimited into Boy Scouts. They're afraid to face us in a real      wrestling match, so they've used Dross as a puppet to turn the      fans against us, and to make ridiculous demands to get in the ring      with us. They're back-jumping cowards, and having a paid PR man      on the broadcast team doesn't change that. SS: What?! Aw c'mon, Fitz, you don't mean that ... REQ: Steve, with the exception of yourself, the broadcast staff of the      IIWF portray us in an overwhelmingly bad light. Tim Dross himself      referred to us as a "pack of dogs". That's the sort of biased comment you would hardly expect a professional broadcast journalist like Tim Dross to utter. From a man like "Soundbite" Steve Roberts certainly, but not Tim Dross. Where is his objectivity? His professionalism? SS: Well, you know the old guys they ... they don't know what to make of you, yeah? You've ... I don't know ... unnerved them or something. I'm sure Mr. Dross isn't trying to be y'know, unpleasant, but you have to admit that you've been doing a lot of things lately that the fans don't much like. HWM: Steve, just like any other group of wrestlers, or any wrestler, in      the IIWF, we too have our fans. It's for them that we're doing      this ... SS: Oh, right. The "Genesis Generation" - gotta admit, those guys look pretty cool all in black with the sunglasses and everything. REQ: The Genesis Generation are extremely loyal to us, Steve. They are      our backup, our strength, our support. We know we can rely upon them. They know they can rely upon us. SS: Yeah, okay, but why did this bunch choose to tag along with Genesis? What is it about you that appeals to them? REQ: They know we are the future of the IIWF. HWM: Unlike practically everyone else. Some people have a problem with... oh, what's the phrase? [Icehawk leans over and whispers in his ear.] HWM: Really? Oh, well. Yes, as I was saying ... Some people have a problem with... denial. REQ: Steve Summers, the agenda of Genesis is very simple: We are the      future of the IIWF, and we are going to annihilate everything and      everyone that gets in the way of our path to the top. Whoever does      not stand with us stands against us. HWM: Yes, and the next step on the path is Deathbringer & Serge Annis. REQ: Yes, Adam. Deathbringer and Serge Annis. On Saturday I annihilated      Annis without so much as bending one rule. Tim Dross may paint us      to be bloodthirsty rulebreakers, but the fact remains that I      defeated Serge Annis fair and sq- SS: [interrupting] Uh, Req-man, Serge Annis claims that you never beat him. REQ: Technically, I suppose not, thanks to Deathbringer. But how many      times could I have pinned him, had I not been intent on seeing a      just punishment meted out? How long could Annis have held out against the pain and suffering I inflicted upon him when I bent his already badly-damaged back across my shoulders? No, he was fortunate that his "friend" Deathbringer appeared, but this Saturday I will finish what I started with Serge Annis. HWM: Don't worry about Serge Annis, you just concentrate on Deathbringer. I'll handle Serge Annis! SS: Uh-huh. Guys, we're out of time but do you have any last words? REQ: I have said what needs be said. HWM: No, I'm fine, Steve. SS: Well, in that case... Req-meister, it's so cool when you say it, could you.. y'know? REQ: Req-meister? [sigh] Oh, very well. SS: Oh, this is so ... so damn cool! REQ: [in a deep, menacing, crypt-like tone] "From this day forth, until      the end of time, there shall be no mercy for the damned". SS: That is radical! ... One more time? HWM: We really do have to get back into the ring ... FITZ: Come on... you two aren't going to win this match by jabbering to      Steve. I've found something on these Deathbringer tapes ... [Cold Spell, The Highwayman and Requiem get back into the ring. Steve Summers follows, urging Requiem to "Say it again! Come on 'From this day forth ...' just once more, please?". Fade to black and thence to studio] LM: Good grief. Uh ... Steve Summers putting some ... hard questions ... to Genesis. JW: One question that won't be difficult to answer is, "Is the Deathbringer ready?" Let's hear it from the man himself... [SCENE: Outside the mortuary. Deathbringer is sitting on the steps leading up to the wooden door, which is the only entrance to the stone-built hall. His scythe is leaning against the wall] DB: [looking into the camera] Requiem, you say that you will make me pay, but the only thing that you accomplish is to make me laugh... And it will also be Serge Annis and me who will laugh last after we met in the squared circle this Saturday night. [Deathbringer slowly stands up and takes the scythe from the wall] DB: You might call me arrogant right now, and of course you will tell us that you are not impressed, but I do not care. Maybe you will be impressed after I bury you six feet underneath the ring, but even if you are not, I am quite sure that you will learn your lesson. You will learn that no one can stand up against Death and his allies, you will learn that no alliance can grow strong enough to get past the gates of Hades without losing their souls and you will learn what _darkness_ is really all about. [Deathbringer makes a few steps to the left, stops and turns towards the camera again] DB: No, Requiem, I will not say anymore... I see no reason in wasting my words of wisdom for a mortal fool like yourself... But there is one thing I would like to ask you for... Please bring all your wrath with you... You know, I am the little man inside your head... I am growing every day a new and your hate is all I need... [Without any further words Deathbringer walks out to the left. Fade.] LM: That man just frightens me... JW: He frightens a lot of people in the IIWF, Larry, but Genesis have proven time and time again that they are not one of them. I predict an out and out brawl in this match. There's a lot of bad blood between these two teams, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw something spectacular happen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LOSER LEAVES SYNDICATE MATCH: The Dark Disciples vs. Pain Inc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Here's another Syndicate match for tomorrow night. After weeks of the bickering, the run ins, the attacks, these two teams will face each other in the ring in a match in what should be the final conflict. JW: I'm not too sure about that. If there's one thing I know for a fact,   it's that rivalries in the Syndicate are never short, and feuds that   involve the Syndicate can last a long, long time. An example is the   Tiger Claw/Psycho feud. That one went on for a year. This tag team   rivalry is only one month old. LM: That's a good point, Jackson. However, the prize in this match is   membership in the Syndicate itself, not to mention that both of these teams are brutal and relentless. Both have been IIWF world tag team champs, and both are known for almost tearing their opponents apart. I don't think the question is "will the losers continue their feud," but "_Can_ the losers continue their feud?" Will the winners stop at ending Syndicate membership for the losers, or will they go on to end their careers? JW: It seems rather obvious where Pain Inc. plans on stopping. We caught up with Mr. Mic and his men in this interview... [SCENE Cut to the inner sanctum of Mr.Mic's English Mansion. Mr.Mic is pacing around his huge workout room where both members of Pain Inc. work out at a furious pace. Hades is spotting Hellraiser as he military presses 375 lbs again and again. Morningstar is doing leg presses by the hundreds. The camera zooms in on Hellraiser as he unleashes a demonic smile for the camera which turns quickly to a scowl..] HELLRAISER: BRING......ME......WULF!!! I....MAKE ......HIM....PAY!!!! [The camera quickly moves to Morningstar who is taking a breather with Mr.Mic. Mr.Mic turns to the camera.] MM: Hey, Dark soon-to-be-out-of-work Disciples hope you don't make us "scouting" you on Wednesday night!! After all with you and the Weak and Worthless Express in there the IIWF fans were dying to see a real tag team. McQueen, you have committed the ultimate managerial no-no, you've got your two second-raters in a match they can't possibly win. Pain Inc. beat the Disciples once, we beat 'em again for the titles, and we'll beat them again for the Syndicate membership. [He turns to Morningstar] Morningstar, I understand you have something to say? MORNINGSTAR: Yes Mr.Mic, I do. for months now Pain Inc. has brought added honor and prestige to the Syndicate. Pain Inc. has complemented an already impressive stable. Together, Casey James, Tiger Claw, Brody Thunder, Danny Dynamite, The Dark Disciples and ourselves ruled the IIWF... then people started to become greedy. Brody Thunder decided that stabbing people in the back to get what he wanted was of the utmost importance. Brody, you ingrate, I hope Casey James leaves just enough of you left so the Hell man and I can give you some simply pain! Finally, Dark Disciples, we put our hatred for you in the back of our minds because we wanted to make the Syndicate a better alliance, but no. You couldn't get past the fact that we ended your title reign. This match will end it once and for all. After Pain Inc. defeats you in the middle of that ring... there will be no question... Pain Inc. rules the Dark Disciples.[He flexes his fist at the camera] Pray for the light Dark Disciples... the boogeymen are coming. [Mr.Mic puts his hand on Morningstar's shoulder and lets out a huge grin as he looks at the camera; all the while Morningstar is still staring at the camera.] MM: Saturday will be a great night. The Syndicate will finally get rid of its dead weights, a.k.a Brody Thunder and the Dark Disciples. Those three and go start the W.I.W.F -- We're Idiots Wrestling Federation -- Disciples, you and McQueen will come to the ring, big, bad and tough but check your Syndicate memberships at the door 'cause your not leaving with them. Pain Inc. is the Syndicate's tag team. Remember that! [Fade to black] LM: Pain Inc. are confident that they will be the tag representatives of   the Syndicate when all is said and done. The Disciples, on the other   hand... JW: You want to talk about guys scaring you, Larry? These guys send a   shiver up and down my spine. Take a look... [SCENE: The Dark Disciples stand in their lair, a dingy flagstone cellar. In front of them stands an ancient furnace or blacksmiths forge. Flames jet and gout forth from deep within the furnace, through which Kane slowly turns a metal branding iron. The flames are the only illumination available in the room, casting an eerie red glow over the features of Kane and Wulf. The shot closes in on Kane's grave, scarred countenance, and the flames flicker and dance in front of his eyes as he speaks.] KANE: Morningstar, Hellraiser, the minions of Pain Inc; for how long now have you persisted in your meddlesome machinations? For how long have you had free reign throughout the IIWF, crossing our path, hindering our plans, escaping unscathed? Longer than any other tag team in the IIWF... For far too many ages now... Every other tag team that dared to challenge our might has fallen by the wayside: Domination, the Players Club, Rising Sun Revolution, the High Plains Drifters. All of those teams stood before us in their foolish pride and were destroyed. You, Pain Inc, are the only ones to have gone unpunished. You are the only ones who have transgressed and remained unmolested. Curious... for you are also the team to have tormented us the longest... You toppled us from our dark throne. You held us back from the World tag team championships. Why did we permit you to do so without wreaking vengeance? For politics, to maintain the status quo in the Syndicate; we became complacent. No longer! [The camera pans around to Wulf, who's bloodshot eyes seem to glow unnaturally red behind the flickering flames.] WULF: Chaos... Anarchy... Bloodshed... Darkness... These were the forces the Dark Disciples pledged allegiance to. That was the mantle we took upon ourselves when we first descended on this pit of meek fools known as the IIWF. When those forces thrived in us we were unstoppable. Somewhere, it all went wrong... We joined up with the Syndicate. Our first mistake. The Syndicate is an organisation, and chaos cannot exist side by side with order -- chaos takes hold when all order breaks down!  How can we prepare for the coming of the Dark One when we are forced to take orders and turn aside from our plans! We permitted our mortal enemies, Pain Inc, to stand by our sides. Our second mistake. None may be permitted to stand with the Dark Disciples. All must submit beneath our sway! All must kneel before us and despair! We are the future overlords of the IIWF; there can be no men standing with us on an equal footing. Each and every one of you is either our servant, or our enemy. [The camera pans around to Kane once again, who is now brandishing the red hot iron, the branding end of which is a glowing pentagram.] KANE: Now it is time for us to erase those mistakes. The next millenium is approaching, a second Dark Age is arising for which we must prepare the way. Pain Inc, you are the mistake that must be erased. You must be wiped off the face of the IIWF as if you had never existed. Annihilated. Finished. Unto infinity... [Kane turns towards Wulf with the branding iron. Wulf outstretches his arm. The camera focuses on the head of the branding iron plunging downwards. The screen goes black, but the hiss of steam and the sound of demented cackling still lingers...] LM: What a pair of lunatics! I'm sorry, but when you've got two guys   that are not adverse to inflicting pain on each other... JW: This match promises to be brutal, bloody, and just plain violent.   I expect this match to be the one that Tim Dross advises parental   discretion for. LW: The type of match Steve Roberts likes... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Quickstrike" Chris Quigley & "Showstopper" Simon Lebec vs. "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare & Marty Warnett ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: This unusual tag team match up has the potential to become chaotic.   I mean, here are four guys that just plain don't like each other. JW: That's right, Larry. On one team, you've got Chris Quigley and Simon   Lebec, two men that have constantly been at each other's throats since Lebec's return to the IIWF at the Birthday Bash. LM: But it's gone on longer than that. Lebec and Quigley engaged in a feud with each other just before Lebec left. He got a tainted win over Quigley, then skipped town, escaping any retribution. JW: On the other team, you've got Billy Shakespeare and Marty Warnett. I think these guys have the advantage, since they both respect each other. LM: Also, a common dislike for one Simon Lebec is apparent in this team.   Shakespeare had several heated matches against Lebec in the early IIWF days, and Warnett fought Lebec in a "Hair match" at the first Ring Wars. JW: Lebec lost that match, of course, and lost his hair in the aftermath. LM: Let's hear comments from both members of the team that I would have to say has the advantage in this one... First, let's hear from Billy Shakespeare... [Billy Shakespeare holds a long, wicked dagger before him. He speaks to it.] BS: "Et tu?"  Julius Caesar felt that his back was covered, to his distress, it was not.  There is only one man in the IIWF that I trust enough to turn my back on, and that is Marty Warnett.  But come this Saturday, he and I will join two others with the same laurel as ourselves, victory. "Quickstrike" Quigley, I have no quarrel with you.  Indeed, my respect runs deep.  But we meet again becasue it is so decreed.  The     fate of warriors is so oft decided by fools.  As you know, as Marty     Warnett knows, as I know too well:  There is no glory in watching     anothers hand raised in victory.  You struck me Saturday, now let's     play out the rest of this drama.     Lastly, Simon Lebec, somehow inserted into a battle of champions,     once again grabbing at something which continues to elude you but     which you desire so much:  adoration.   That shall not be coming from me, nor I imagine, from our companions in the ring.  So oft dreaming of being in the spotlight, so oft denied.  If it is the only thing I do, it will be to deny you again.  As said Henry IV "Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?"     "Come," cried Hamlet. Come Warnett, Quigley and Lebec,  "Come, give us a taste of your quality."  But... watch your back. [He flips the knife quickly, it sticking point down in the floor, swaying with its own momentum. The camera lingers a moment on it.  There is heard Billy's voice off camera:] BS: The IIWF chooses only the best to perform... but only one man was born to do it:  "Spotlight" Billy Shakespeare [Fade] LM: Now let's hear from his team mate, Marty Warnett... [SCENE: Cut to a scene of a deserted beach.  Marty Warnett strides into view, wearing baggy shorts and plimsolls.  He walks up cockily to the camera.] MW: Well, well, it seems the IIWF has finally made the bout the world   wants to see ... Warnett and Quigley in the same ring.  We've met   before, but each time, had other agendas.  Now?  It's just pure hate, baby. [Marty bends down, cupping some sand in his hands as he crouches down.] Chris, the sands of time are running low for you.  You've had your opportunities and blown them all in the IIWF.  It's time for you to put up, or shut up.  Yelp, yelp, you lost.  Boo hoo.  That's been the story of every single damned interview you've _ever_ given in this federation. [Marty lets the sand gently trickle out through his fingers, as behind, the waves roll in.] See, Chris?  This beach is deserted, as you'd expect it to be at five in the morning.  Why am I here?  The reason, Chris, well have you ever tried running in sand?  It provides almost perfect resistance.  You wanna underestimate me, feel free.  All I can say is this; your Quickstrike can be broken.  Your Quickstrike will be broken, and your ego will be more shot to pieces that a rapper's car in East LA ... You criticised me for allegedly not being ambitious, for not persuing either the World or Intercontinental title after my loss to Byron, well, what can I say?  I never lost cleanly to a man who happens to be a far better technical wrestler than you'll ever be. And yes, Quigley, I could beat James in a snap -- I already have a one hundred percent record against him.  Yet, Chris, if I'd petitioned for title shots, you'd have whinged and whined more than a puppy in an abbatoir. As for you, Simon LeBec.  I'm kinda confused, I mean, you played with fire, you got burnt, and yet you still insist on playing with matches. Why is Quigley hiding behind you?  What's the arrangement between the two of you? [Marty looks down, then back up at the camera.] MW: Shakespeare, I'm sorry for Wednesday night.  The reason I came down to ringside was because of Quigley's presence.  There was no way he was there just to congratulate you on winning the title, why do you think he Superkicked you?  Now, I know you've had problems, and the crowd don't know how to react to you these days, but you've always given me support and help backstage, which is much appreciated ... Billy, you've always been a stand-up guy in my view, and for all the talk of the quality of the tag team ranks, this Saturday I have the honour of being in the true dream team.  Later, pals. [Cut back to studio.] LM: Who do you pick in this one, Jackson? JW: I don't think we're going to see a winner in this one. Take a look... On one team you've got Lebec, right? His partner is Quigley, who hates Lebec. On the other team, you've got Shakespeare, who hates Lebec, and Marty Warnett, who hates Lebec. See a trend here? LM: I see your point. But if you _had_ to pick a winner? JW: Hmmm... Shakespeare and Warnett. For the simple fact that they do have respect for each other, they trust each other, and there's really no animosity between them like on the opposing team. LM: Good call. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Creed vs. Otto "The Butcher" Verhoeven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: This match promises to be very interesting as Verhoeven from the   European Alliance takes on Creed of the... JW: Of the what? LM: Ummm... Of the team comprised of Mad Dog Watkins, Ike Sampson, and   Creed. JW: Of course. LM: [smiling weakly] Creed took some time out to speak to a very special   audience... [SCENE:  IIWF cameras are on the campus of Georgetown University, in the jam-packed Covenant House on the East Campus at a meeting of the Black Students Association.  Georgetown Head Basketball Coach John Thompson has presided over an awards ceremony that has featured speeches by notable Georgetown alumni Clarence Page, a reporter for the Washington Post...and NBA stars Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo.  Three representatives of the IIWF, as the Coronation Clash Crusade Tour has reached Washington D.C, are in attendance as well.  Mad Dog Watkins and Ike Sampson have already addressed the gathering, to a tremendous reception from the students; and are now seated together in the shadowy corner of the room...Watkins clearly imparting some piece of knowledge to the young Sampson as each man stares intently at the current speaker on the floor... Creed.] CREED: You know... I like seeing y'all together, right.  Proud, educated black men and women... not afraid to stand side by side 'cause they 'fraid someone gonna think they up to something. Never had that so much.  Always been pretty much alone... and the only guy ever 'round was a white man.  He good, right... but I've grown to see the truth... see that it my people who understand me. Like the Dog... and the young pup, Ike.  I'm learnin' not just 'bout the in the ring game... but 'bout life.  How you gotta take what you want... how you can't just wait for the man to come and give you what's yours, how you gotta stand up for yourself and for your friends and for your people. [The students burst into spontaneous applause, many of them nodding their heads and saying "tell it...that's right, brother...tell it."] So, that what I'm tryin' to do.  And this Saturday Night at the Cap Center gonna be a good example.  We been beaten on pretty good by those Europeans... they always seem to be a little faster to the gun... a little quicker to throw down on us. Well, we see what happens this week.  Me and the Dog and Ike -- we gonna walk into the Cap Center and we gonna take what we want... we gonna take all we want and we ain't gonna stop until we have gotten what we deserve... And that's Pay-back. Pay-Back for all of us... ain't that right, Dog?  [Creed looks back at MDW and Ike, Watkins nodding along and mouthing the word, "pay-back..pay-back."] And we ain't ever gonna stop... ain't that right my brothers and sisters? Ain't no one in this room gonna stop 'till we get it... 'till we get our due... 'till we get our Pay-Back!! [Creed thrusts his red left glove into the air as the collegians descend with backslaps... each man and woman in the room chanting the word "Pay-Back"... as the shot fades...] JW: [to Larry] Special how? LM: Well, they were very attentative, you know... They really liked Creed. JW: Sure... LM: Otto Verhoeven's valet, Heidi, seems to think that Creed's desire for payback is a long way from being satisfied. Time Dross caught up with her in this interview... [SCENE: The Lincoln Memorial. Dozens of tourists stop at the imposing statue, take photos or just stare at one of the most famous presidents of the USA. In the shadows of a distant pillar stands Nurse Heidi, looking at the gathered crowd with a contemptuous look on her face.She wears a rather plain, brown skirt, a white blouse and black leather jacket. Tim Dross is with her. He seems to be uncertain how to start the interview.] TD: So, ahem, Misses, uh... NH: Fraulein Heidi, Herr Dross. You may address me viz Fraulein Heidi. TD: Okay, Fraulein Heidi, first of all, why do you do this interview? Where is your fiance, Otto Verhoeven? NH: Otto has been training like a fanatic ever since he was told that he gets to face Creed again. He has alvays practised very much, more than any of the so-called American athletes ve have met so far, but zese last veeks he has really vorked like a madman whenever he got the opportunity. TD: Yes, I heard about that. While many other competitors here in the IIWF use the Coronation Clash Crusade Tour to take a break from their usual schedule Herr Verhoeven has even rented a small gym in Mexico during our stop there, hasn't he? NH: Ja, das ist richtig. The match tomorrow is very important for him. Creed has impressed everybody since his debut last year and he has taken names ever since. TD: That sounds like you respect him very much. Now, under a veteran like Mad Dog Watkins he might unleash his full potential. NH: Nein, I don't think so. TD: What? But you said yourself...? NH: Oh ja, he vill alvays be a strong force in this federation. But his dominant days are over, fell victim to the European Alliance. You heard vat mein liebling Otto said not so long ago. Creed is like a ceramic figure. He once was firm, strong, perhaps even the perfect vrestler of the next century he claimed to be, but the ceramic figure vas broken. Even though he has made his comeback, even though he vas "glued togezer" again, he vill never be the unstoppable Creed again. Never. TD: Quite an interesting analogy.... NH: Nozing but ze truz, Herr Dross. And Creed knows it. Zat is the reason why he asked Vatkins to protect him, zat is ze reason why he chose not to fight the German Juggernaut all zose weeks ago. TD: He was hurt pretty badly back then. I do not think that a man like Creed knows fear. NH: [with a sinister smile] He has learned it, Herr Dross. Believe me, ve have vays of making zem fear us. But zere is yet anozer zing zat vill be ze young fools downfall: His obsession viz Lord Byron. TD: I see. NH: Lord Byron vill utterly destroy "ze pup" if zat confrontation should happen again. In the meantime, Creed overlooks every ozer danger. I doubt zat he is vell prepared for Otto. The Butcher makes his vay back to ze top and, one veek avay from the beginning of ze Turnier, how do you say it in English, ach, ze tournament... one veek avay from it ze Butcher vill show zat he is capable of dealing viz each and everyone the IIWF can zrow at him. You better believe _zat_. TD: I certainly do. Well, it was a pleasure talking to you for a change. Oh, one final question: What do you think about the Brody Thunder - Casey James lumberjack match? NH: Zis is a joke, eh? Casey James and ze Syndicate vill crush ze dirty cowboy vith ease. Even Otto vill be zere to take care of any idiot zat who dares to show up to topple the just champion. It vill be ze endgame for Brody-boy, and ve all know zat. [Fade to black.] LM: Well, we'll have to wait until tomorrow night before we see if Heidi's analogy holds true. I'm afraid that I have to agree with her that Creed will probably never be the same wrecking machine we saw when he started. JW: Knee injuries are a tricky thing, Larry, and the smallest tear or   twist can affect an athelete's career. Little things like the change   in weather can cause physical pain to those who have had an injury like Creed sustained at the hands of the Alliance. I have a feeling that Creed will pull through. The youngster has tons of drive, and I can see him getting back to 100% as long as he wants it. LM: I have to agree with you there, Jackson. Creed definitely wants to be the standard by which all future wrestlers are judged, and if there's anyone who can spring back from a career-threatening injury, it's him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tiger Claw vs. Derek Mota ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JW: This match has all the potential of a loaded gun, Larry. Neither of   these guys likes each other a whole lot, and I could see this one getting out of hand. LM: I agree, Jackson. Just the fact that this match involves Tiger Claw   is a good indication that it can get out of hand. I've thought about   what happened a few weeks ago on the War Room, with Claw breaking the nose of Jumpin' Jack... Yes, it was a clown, and he probably deserved to get hit like that, but this is wrestling, not some no-holds-barred street fight. JW: Apparently, that will be touched upon by Poutine Janois later on tonight. I'm told that Tiger Claw is in attendance at that meeting, so I'm curious to see what will be said. Regardless, there's the subject of New vs. Old coming up in this match again. Claw is the IIWF veteran, here since the beginning, and Mota is the relative newcomer. Claw's got to remember the "fossil award." LM: This one may not be as much a New vs. Old fight as you think, Jackson.  Derek Mota had this to say... [SCENE: The interview opens on a generic city street.  In the far corner, several kids are playing road hockey on the street.  An old man is hosing down his driveway nearby.  There is life everywhere as commuters are pulling in their driveways, looking ragged.  The camera pans to the sidewalk where Derek Mota is standing.  He is wearing a pair of shorts, a shirt tied around his waist, and a t-shirt that says "I just visited Juarez and all I got was the runs".] DM: You know what?  I was wrong.  When I came into the IIWF in April, I said I was gonna change things.  There was a revolution coming, the New Generation of wrestlers was set to take over the league.  You see, we were hungry, we wanted what was denied us for all our lives, and we were finally set to take it from the old fogies.  [Derek bows his head and looks around at the sidewalk.] And that's where I screwed up.  I said the New Generation was hungry.  I was wrong.  They just sat back and whined about how they were being held back. Ain't no one holdin' ya back, kiddies.  Just your loser attitudes!  What was supposed to be the next batch of superstars just ended up being the Wednesday Whiners!  Well there ain't no New Generation!  There ain't no Old Generation! There's just those who work and those who are happy with where they are, not movin' forward anymore.  Hell, I'm tired of carryin' ya slackers on the "New Gen" bandwagon, I'm gettin' the hell off!  From now on, I'm goin' after these guys that are givin' the IIWF a bad name, guys that aren't pulling their weight, and my first target is ... Tiger Claw! [Mota flashes his arrogant grin to the camera and continues.] Yeah, you thought I was gonna forget about you, didn't you Claw?  Whether you're 20 or 50, or whether you've been in the league for a week or a year, you're still the same lazy piece of crap that I've been trashing the past month.  You still deserve the award I gave you, and that's why any "surprise" you got in store for me just won't be enough.  Bring on your Syndicate, bring on your surprise.  Casey James couldn't beat me last week, what makes you think you have a chance? I'm gonna tear down everything you knew about the IIWF, and you know what I'm gonna replace it with? Something new.  But something better.  Tomorrow night you'll find out just why they call me the Heatseeker.  [The interview ends as Derek Mota helps an old lady cross the street, carrying her groceries.] LM: Tiger Claw is a three time IC champ, but you have to agree with Mota... What has Claw done to move forward? Unfortunately, not a whole lot these past few months. JW: I think it's a matter of Claw sticking to his one style so rigidly. It worked for him on the streets, sure, but in the IIWF, it's a different story. Put on top of that the fact that the stable he belongs to has been going through some rough times as of late, and it seems that his matches are suffering for it. I know Claw is the cornerstone of the Syndicate -- or at least _was_ -- but he's got to go out on his own. LM: We'll hopefully hear from Tiger Claw and Brian Lau later on after the statement from Poutine Janois... When I say hopefully, of course, I mean "hopefully not." JW: Not a fan of the Syndicate, huh, Larry? LM: Can't say that I am, Jackson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IIWF INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: Lord Byron vs. "Sychosis" Joe Petrow ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: Petrow made the challenge on the Final Cut last week, and now he's got his shot. He faces Lord Byron tomorrow night. JW: Petrow has really made a name for himself in the IIWF. Some of his matches are sure to be showcased on IIWF Classics one of these days. LM: Sure... If Steve Roberts ever gets around to hosting the show again... Anyway, folks, the Intercontinental championship is confident that this defense will be just as successful as all the ones before. Tim Dross comes to us with this interview... [The scene opens in the study of Lord Byron's Louisiana mansion, earlier this week.  Byron sits at his desk, the brightly polished IC title lying folded in front of him, casually flicking an antique coin across his knuckles. The Lady DeWinter sits in pensive silence on a couch on the opposite side of the room.  As Tim Dross walks into the room, Byron flicks the coin up off the back of his hand an catches it, before breaking into his trademark sneer.] BYRON: Ah, the life of champion, eh Mr. Dross?  This is where you find the true challenges, at the peak of the profession, with all the hopeful outsiders snapping at your heels like fevered rats after a scrap of meat.  It's tough at the top, Mr. Dross, but it's enlightening. DROSS: It's alright for you to be so relaxed, you don't have to travel five hundred miles every week interview hunting. BYRON: Indeed.  They don't pay you enough for what you do, my friend, I'm sure.  But lets cut the plesantries short, shall we? [Byron sneers] You are here on business, after all. DROSS: Very well.  While we're on the subject of business, Byron, you've got some to take care of on Saturday night, when you face a very dangerous man... BYRON: "Sychosys" Joe Petrow. DeW: I don't like you facing that man, Byron.  You've seen what he's capable of. BYRON: I know. DeW: He's unpredictable, not a professional at all.  The man's insane, B.  You can't know what he will do when he gets in the ring. BYRON: I know. DROSS: Milady has a point, Byron.  How can you adequately prepare for a man who's as... unhinged as Petrow? BYRON: With care.  You see, Mr. Dross, I've watched Petrow for some time now with interest, and more than a little humour.  You see, here is a man who tries to insult me with [Byron taps the IC belt with a sneer] "secondary" title comments, before proving exactly how much it's worth by challenging me for it.  Look at me, Dross:  I'm the man everybody in the IIWF wants to beat. Macbeth, Creed, Watkins, Petrow, everybody.  I'm the man with the greatest run of form; the man with the best win loss record, and of course, the man with the gold. Everybody wants to be the one to end the winning streak, Mr. Dross, so why shouldn't Petrow be the same? DROSS: Petrow may simply be interested in the title to prove a point.  You've heard his comments, Byron, I'm sure.  He won't be happy until he gets exactly what he wants, and I'm sure you're just a part of it. DeW:  Whatever that may mean. [Byron raises an eyebrow, then laughs.] BYRON: You may be right, Mr. Dross, but if that's the case, then he really is spreading himself far too thin. "The Enigma" is on his tail.  The Prophets are on his tail.  He's trying to work himself and poor Maurice into the tag team scene, while gunning for all the glory he possibly can?  Somehow, Mr. Dross, I don't think so.  You see, if he really wants to stand any chance of removing this piece of gold from my waist - something which better men have tried to do, and failed - then he is going to need one thing. Focus.  Pure and simple.  Anything else, any thoughts of the future, any other plans or worries, and he'll throw it all away.  He needs to be concentrating on myself, and myself alone, because one small slip, one minor distraction, one single moment of nonchalence, and I'll be there to [Byron sneers] viciously wrench the kiwi from his grasp yet again.  It's really that simple.  Now tell me, Mr. Dross, does that sound to you like our good friend Mr. Petrow? DROSS: Well, you can never tell exactly what he has in mind, but... no. BYRON: And why not?  Because he simply doesn't work like that.  The man is so completely obssessed with having it all, that he cannot keep his focus primed one one single thing.  He's spreading himself far too thin, Mr. Dross, and that's where he's going to fall short once again.  And believe me, Saturday night, he _will_ fall.  Count on it. [Dross nods at Byron's arrogant words, although DeWinter still looks uncomfortable with the idea.] DROSS: And how about you, Byron?  How focused are you? BYRON: I'm sorry? DROSS: You have Macbeth chasing you, as well as Creed and Waktins... how thin are you spreading yourself? BYRON: [snorting in disdain] What did I say when you first came in, Mr. Dross?  I _welcome_ their challenges! [Byron sneers] Such as they are, at any rate.  Look at them.  A young [Byron spits the word out] Celt, still finding his ground in the big league and trying to build up a reputation for himself by hanging off my success, a young rookie whose pride I hurt as well as his knee, and and old veteran who last week passed up his chance at me anyway?   It's enlightening. [Byron sneers] Let them come, and one by one I'll knock them down, Mr. Dross.  One by one, I'll be focused, prepared and ready to show them exactly why I am the greatest technical wrestler on the face of the earth, why I have a current record of twelve straight victories in singles competition, and why I am already the longest serving IC champion.  And when they all fall back into the dust, they'll realise the mistakes they've made, mistakes that I knew they would all along. [Byron sits back with a smirk, the arrogance practically flowing from him.] And come this Saturday, Petrow, you'll be the next in line.  You will have my undivided attention.  And whether you're prepared for me or not, I _know_ I'm prepared for you.  Ciao. [Byron waves Dross away, and DeWinter rises to lead him out.  The scene fades out.] LM: Byron sounds _very_ confident, Jackson. JW: And well he should. He's a great athelete. Answering the question   on whether Joe Petrow is ready or not, however, is Joe Petrow   himself... [Sychosys stands by a wall in some anonymous location, once again the subject of a Sychopath's camcorder's attention.  Lots of whooping and hollering noises are heard in the background, typical of the neverending party that is life for the Sychopaths, but Petrow stands with his hands on his hips, looking irratated.  Finally he speaks.] JP: SHUT...THE HELL...UP! [The dagger of silence slashes through the off-camera crowd, and seconds later only the sound of Petrow's voice is heard.] JP: Okay.  Lord Byron, this is it.  The games, the act, the attitude,     they're all on hold, because I wanna talk to you.  And I want you to     listen.     First off all, thank you for the shot.  Yeah, I'm thanking you.  No     matter what I say or think, the champion deserves the respect.  And     like you said, you *are* the champion in this league.  The other     champs hide behind their belts, but you keep winning, week after     week.  You are the hottest wrestler in this league, champ or not.     But Lord Byron, a history lesson, if you will.  Since I came into     this league, I've proved a lot of assumptions to be false.  They     thought the Dirt Dog was the craziest around.  I out crazied him.     They thought Dan Kaufman was the greatest wrestler around.  I out     wrestled him.  They thought Steve Kowalski was the greatest brawler     around.  I out brawled him.  They even thought the Prophets of Rage     were unbeatable.  Team Sychosys beat them. JP: One of the last lingering assumptions I haven't destroyed yet is that Lord Byron is the smartest wrestler around.  And given what you've accomplished and how you've accomplished it, that may be the hardest one to dispute.  But you're talking to a man who didn't like the real world, and created his own.  A world even better than the real thing, a world where the impossible is probable, and the paradox is truth. You're talking to a man with the ability to make his own reality. His own truth.  Garry Kasparov was a man who couldn't lose the game of chess, until they built a machine just to beat him.  Lord Byron, I'm building a plan just to beat you in the game of wrestling.     You wallow in your confidence.  You've earned that right.  But as the man in the rafters once said, I will turn your face to alabaster, when you find your servant is your master.  Oh, special message to the ref. I ain't gonna do anything wrong, and I don't care what Byron does. If you disqualify either of us for ANY reason, I am gonna kick your ass and exterminate your family tree by the roots.     Creed, you ignorant slut.  Byron doesn't have to focus on you.  He     has to focus on the crazy, the wrestler, the brawler, and the master. Because all of them will be there, and their voices WILL be heard! [Fade.] JW: Petrow wants that belt in a bad way. I think, though, that we're going to see either Creed, Watkins, or Sampson make an appearance in that match. Byron has just done too much to these guys to get off scott free. LM: If they do, they'll have Joe Petrow to deal with, that's for sure. Petrow is right. He has broken many myths in the IIWF by just out-doing many of the atheletes here in what they specialize. Will Petrow be able to out-think one of the smartest wrestlers in the sport? Time will tell. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IIWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE NO DQ LUMBERJACK MATCH: Casey "Blackheart" James vs. "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LM: It all comes down to this one match. A no disqualification lumberjack match. The rules are simple. Anything goes in the ring, so James can't pull his specialty "DQ loss, title defended" routine. There are going to be a whole gang of IIWF stars surrounding the ring to throw either Thunder or James back in to the ring should they exit -- forced or otherwise -- from the ring. In short, there will be no count out. The title will be defended, and the result will be a pinfall or a submission. [Clips come up in a little box in the corner of the screen, showing the events that the broadcasters are talking about.] JW: This match has been building up for some time now. After two successive feuds with Casey James and Tiger Claw, respectively, Thunder joined forces with the Syndicate, believing that the group would bring him to higher accolades in the IIWF, and hoping that the managerial duties of Brian Lau would help him catch hold of IIWF gold. LM: Thunder found, however, that Brian was focused on his main man at the time, IIWF champion Casey James. Thunder was forced to play "backup" for James, making the save numerous times when James was in trouble of losing the belt. When the subject of titles came up in the stable, the tension was obvious. James seemed to duck the big cowboy, trying to satisfy him with promises of Intercontinental title shots. JW: However, it all came to a grinding halt when who should get the next   Syndicate IC title shot but former three-time IC champ, Tiger Claw.   Thunder chose this moment to throw down the gauntlet and challenge the champ. The match was to take place one week later. Before the match, we now know that the entire Syndicate broke into Thunder's locker room and laid a beating on him, then made their way to the ring. As James arrogantly gloated, Thunder stumbled out of the back stage area, and the match was on. LM: Unfortunately for Thunder, the same Syndicate tactics that we've seen time and time again were in play, and the Syndicate took the DQ loss in order to keep the title. In order to even things out, Thunder requested a big lumberjack match here in Landover, Maryland. James refused, saying he'd settle for no less than a no DQ lumberjack match. We will see that tomorrow night. What a match that will be! JW: It's going to be exciting, that's for sure. Both men stand to lose a lot in this one. The title is up for grabs, yes, but both of these men are as tough as they come. Make no mistake, James may rest in the safety of numbers with his friends, but he's shown time and time again that he can hurt you with ease. Thunder, of course, is also a really tough man. Just one look at him and you can tell that you don't want to get on his bad side. This whole match is one bad side, though, and I think someone's going to get hurt. LM: Well, Jackson, these are the things that the IIWF fans know. What they may not know is that Casey James recently lost the NLWP world title to Thunder this past Monday. Could Thunder repeat the events that went down there tomorrow night? Thunder is confident that he can... [The camera opens with a shot of a busy airport terminal. People coming and going. A voice off camera is heard] VOICE: Hey... there he is! C'mon! [The camera jostles and then  shakes  as  the  cameraman  is obviously running to their target. A few seconds pass and the camera stops just outside of an arrival terminal.] VOICE: Okay here he comes. Ready? [The camera nods in agreement  as  it  focuses on the arrival corridor's entrance. Then  Brody thunder emerges from the hallway. He's dressed in his usual jeans, denim shirt and black hat. He is carrying a gymbag and a suticase. And he  is  not  alone. At his side is a lovely young woman with brunette hair, dressed in a denim knee-length dress. She's holding the hand of a toddler who is obviously  her daughter. Thunder looks  up and down the terminal area and points to  something in the distance.The young woman nods and take the toddler with her as Thunder stands at the info kiosk conversing  with  an attendant. The camera  gets  closer  as Thunder turns toward them and begins to walk away,not  noticing them.] VOICE: Mr Thunder! Mr Thunder! [Thunder pauses and looks. His face  contorts in an  expression of utter disgust.] VOICE: Mr Thunder...any comments on your title match tomorrow night? [Thunder, obviously annoyed by the intrusion, starts walking. The camera follows.] VOICE: Mr Thunder...any comments? {Thunder continues walking,obviously ignoring the question.] VOICE: Mr Thunder...does your wife worry that this could be        your last match due to the dangerous nature of it? [Thunder stops  dead  in  his  track and spins around. A look of intense anger now covers his face.] BT: Lemme tell ya somethin', ya leetch. Ya leave the lady an' kid alone. I know I can't stop ya from followin' me but I can "persuade" ya ta see things my way... if ya get my drift. VOICE: All we want is your comments on the match...that's all. BT: Well here they are, ace. Tomorrow night James an' I are gonna go  ta fist city an' we ain't leavin' 'til one o' us is carried out. It's jus' that simple. I don't care what I gotta do... whatever it takes... chairs, chains, whatever... but I ain't leavin' 'til I'm standin' over his  dead carcass in the middle o' that ring. I ain't comin' fer no wrestlin' match...         I'm comin' fer a war.     A war he can't possibly win unless I'm flatlined an' horizontal.     So ya tell 'im he better be in the shape o' his life. Ya tell     'im he better be ready ta bleed. An' ya tell 'im ta bring that     gold strap o' his.... [Thunder looks off camera at the voice.]     ...an' I'll bring his asskickin'. Got it?! Now get outta my     face...! [Thunder storms past the camera almost  knocking it over in the process. The camera watches as Thunder walks down  the  terminal and rejoins the woman and tiny girl.] VOICE: Man... am I glad we get those freepasses for working the show!        _That_ is  gonna be one hell of a match! Hey....do  ya  think        he'll win? [The camera seems to "shrug" as it cuts to static. Fade to black.] LM: James, of course, has other ideas... [SCENE: James sits in the living room of a middle class home. He's got the IIWF title draped over his shoulder and an arrogant smirk on his face.] CJ: Well, Thunder, as you're so fond of saying, the clock's ticking, and   time is running out. Tomorrow night, we're going to finally get it on. The two of us in the ring, no rules holding us back, and the rest of the IIWF outside of the ring making sure nobody leaves until one of us puts the other out. It's all about this belt right here. A lot of people are saying that tomorrow will be my last night as champ, but I think otherwise. Thunder, I know how you work. I've had you at my side, and I've watched you beat people before. I've had you beat me before as well. I know your strengths, and I know your weaknesses. I know what to look out for, and what to target. Sure, you know how I tick a well, but you've got to ask yourself... Are you sure you know what I'm about? I can change my pace at a moment's notice, so you'd better be ready for anything and everything. [There's voices heard off camera. One is male, the other female.] CJ: Hold on a sec... Mom? Dad? Come here... [A middle aged couple enter the shot, a bit intimidated by the cameras and lights.] CJ: Thunder, these are my parents. See, I figured that since we're so close to my home that I'd stop in for a visit. I've reached the point where I can help them live a comfortable retirement with the money I make from being champ. Do you think I want to end that? Hell no. The simple fact is, I've held onto this belt longer than anyone else... Ever. Don't think for a moment that I want to cut that short. Mr. J: Just kick his ass, son... [Mrs. J swats Mr. J on the arm at the mention of the word "ass."] Mrs. J: Stop that... Casey, just remember... If you get the chance to beat that Thunder fellow, just beat him, and don't stop to think about it. CJ: [snickers] I never do, Ma... Don't worry. It's all about being the    better man, and that better man is me. It doesn't matter if the whole world is outside that ring. I want to beat Thunder once and for all so the speculation ends. Sure he helped me out sometimes, but he can _not_ beat me.   One more thing, Brody. I've heard that you're bringing your wife and kid to the Cap Center tomorrow. Big mistake. I think it's in bad taste to make your little ladies watch what I'm going to do to you. At the end of the night, it's going to be stretcher city for you, Thunder. Mrs. J: Nothing wrong with a woman in a man's life, Casey. CJ: Don't worry, Ma... After tomorrow night, I know of one woman that's   going to be looking for a new man once her old one gets crippled. [Mrs. J rolls her eyes, but Mr. J grins.] Mr. J: Atta boy, Casey... You go in there and whip his redneck ass! Ha! CJ: Thunder, tomorrow night, the game ends for you, and you can start   thinking about that crappy job working in a factory with two bum legs and a crippled heart. I'll give you Joe Latta's number... Maybe you guys can start a therapy group or something. Mrs J: Oh, that poor Joe... Mr. J: Ah, can it, Ethel... Boy was weak... Not like my boy here! CJ: [Looks at his watch] Just about 24 hours, cowboy. Better be ready. [Fade] LM: Jeez... Now I know where he gets it from. Who do you pick for this   one, Jackson? JW: I can't really say. the only thing I know about this one is that   there's going to be some serious combat going on, and when the smoke   clears, we'll have our champ. Until that point, I guess we'll just have to be content to be along for the ride. I do think, however, that the lumberjacks on the outside are going to play a big part. LM: We'll see tomorrow night, folks. Be sure to tune in for Saturday Night LIVE from the Cap Center in Landover Maryland! We'll be right back with that live meeting of the special Concerns Committee, but first, a word from our sponsors... [SCENE: A kid stands in front of a black background, wearing a baseball hat turned backwards, baggy shorts, and a "Shoot-Soundbite-Shoot!" T-Shirt. He's got his arms crossd, and looks confrontationally into the camera.] KID: The IIWF? I can take 'em... [Shot of several IIWF stars lunging forward, growling, then back to the kid.] Lord Byron? Piece of cake... [Shot of Byron turning his head, then back to the kid.] Creed? Don't make me laugh... [Shot of Creed looking his menacing self, then back to the kid.] Casey James? He's a puss... [Shot of James grabbing towards the camera, yelling "Why, you little...!"] I'm the IIWF champ, no doubt about it. [The screen explodes into a chaos of colours and images, finally coming to rest on two kids sitting in front of a video game system, controlling digitized IIWF wrestlers on the screen. Hard music plays in the background to mirror the excitement the kids show.] VO: [In a gruff, speedy voice] That's right, folks... Even if you're a   90 pound wimp and have no hope in the world of becoming an IIWF star, you can compete with the big names at home with IIWF: Ring Wars on Super Turbo Sega PX Magic Ultra 64 Master Station! Choose from up to 60 different characters to fight in over 20 arenas around the world! [The screen flashes to several character combinations in several different locations.] VO: Choose from present IIWF stars like Lord Byron, Creed, Requiem,   Deathbringer, even the Epitome of Evil, Serge Annis! [Shot shows a digitized Annis blowing flame around the ring.] VO: Discover shocking new techniques! [The flame catches on to the White Phoenix, Shinja Chow, who begins running around the ring.] VO: Go for the gold!! [Shot of Casey James and Brody Thunder battling it out in a dungeon with cartoon-esque spurs and black hearts.] VO: Even play as the many past members of the IIWF like Robski! [Screen shows Robski wiping his rear with the American flag.] VO: Fisto Flash! [Fisto raises his metal hand into the air.] VO: Try fighting as The American, Butch Williams! [Shot of a kid yelling, "Every time I get him into a match, he disappears!"] VO: Wrestle your opponent into a compromising position with the mysterious hidden character, Lincoln Blitz! [Lincoln Blitz executes a quick "go behind" on his opponent.] VO: But that's not all! Puzzle out secret match ending codes! [Shot of the VDC character biting the head off of Tim Dross, and licking his lips.] VO: It's so real, you'll think you're actually there! [Two big muscled arms pop out of the game console and slap the two kids, who look quite shocked.] VO: In stores now! You are stupid if you don't buy this now! [There is an explosion, and the music stops. As the screen clears, a shot of the game box is all that's left with a small caption underneath, "Game does not actually slap players." Fade.] *********************************************************** ------- MEETING OF THE SPECIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE --------- ----------------------- *LIVE!* --------------------------- *********************************************************** JW: Well, it appears that Poutine Janois is just about ready to make   his statement. As you said earlier, Larry, Tiger Claw and Brian Lau   are both in attendance of this special meeting. LM: I'm assuming that this statement has something to do with them, so   so let's get down there and find out. [SCENE: The members of the Special Concerns Committee are seated at a long table with Poutine Janois at one end, and Brian Lau along with Tiger Claw at the other. There is murmuring from all around the room, and some flash bulbs go off as reporters take pictures. Janois raises his hand, and the room gradually goes silent.] PJ: Ladies and Gentlemen, tank you for your time to come 'ere on such short notice. I will try to make dis as short as possi-BULL so we can all 'ave da remain-DER of our Friday night to do wit what we will, you know. I 'ave called you all 'ere tonight to make a statement based on a match dat took place on da War Room on Wenss-DAY between da Tiger Claw and da 'appy clown, Jumpin' Jack. In dis match, Tiger Claw broke da face of da 'appy clown wit one of 'is speshal-TEE shin kicks. Jumpin' Jack required surger-EE on da nose and cheekbone of da face, and al-dough he taught dat 'e would be fine wit da protective gear, 'e will need to take time off in order to re-coo-perate. [Brian and Tiger Claw smile, as if this were a congratulatory comment.] PJ: It was dis match dat lead me to my decision dat I shall make 'ere tonight. We 'ere on da IIWF Speshal Concerns Commit-TEE strive to make it possible for our at-leets to compete in such a manner dat dey don't have to fear serious injur-EE like dat sustained by da 'appy clown, Jumpin' Jack. Dis is why I 'ave passed this regulation dat Tiger Claw, from dis point for-WARD is to wear da regulation footwear and regulation shin pads on da feet and legs of his person. [Many flash bulbs go off to catch Lau and Claw's reaction, which is one of complete shock.] PJ: While it is true dat da strength and 'ardness of da shins and 'eels of Tiger Claw are natural attri-BOOTS of a Muay Thai fighter, dis is wrestling. Derefore, dees speshal pads must be worn to prevent da furder injury to more of da stars. Tank you. [Brian Lau jumps out of his seat, outraged.] BL: This is ludicrous! How can you even think for one moment that you could get away with this? PJ: It's not a mat-TER of getting away wit it, Monseiur Lau. Da committee 'as voted on it already, and dis is a regulation dat will be enforced, or Claw will face da suspen-SHUN. [Lau looks flustered.] BL: You all voted this in!? How can you possibly think that this is a good idea? This is like asking the atheletes to stop keeping in shape because they are too strong! Or asking the cruiserweights to wear lead belts to weigh them down! This is predjudicial! You can't do this! PJ: We 'ave, and we can. Tank you, Monseiur Lau. [Cut back to Larry and Jackson.] LM: [aside to Jackson] I don't know... I'm in the dark here too... [Noticing the camera] Oh! We're back! Well, quite a bombshell from Poutine Janois. JW: Ummm, Yeah... That ruling was, well, unexpected. What do you think the ramifications of this will be, Larry? LM: [Looks around] Ummm, well, I'm sure we'll see that new regulation in effect when we're in action tomorrow, and I'm sure that it will be, well, enforced. What do you think? JW: Well, I think that it's a good thing for the IIWF, I mean, we can't   have that stuff going on... Ummm, oh, hell... I'm sorry, but I just   can't understand the guy. Can someone fill me in? [It appears that someone tells Larry and Jackson something through their ear pieces over the next few moments.] LM: Oh! Tiger Claw has to wear padding on his feet and legs! Okay. JW: I'm assuming based on the injury to Jumpin' Jack. Okay... This all   makes sense now. I wonder how this will affect the match between Claw and Mota tomorrow night. LM: Well, it'll be a bit safer for the competitors, that's for sure! JW: Quite true Larry. Well, it's that time again on Countdown for my   personal take on the IIWF. It's time for... ************************************************************************ --------------------------- WITT'S WITICISMS --------------------------- ************************************************************************ JW: With tomorrow's card being labelled the "Syndicate Saturday Night,"   it's only fitting that I touch upon this elite group of the IIWF in this week's segment. Now I can't say that I agree with the tactics of the Syndicate. To be honest, they can be downright deplorable at times. Double teaming, triple teaming, taking a DQ loss in order to keep titles, the list goes on. Nevertheless, they have dominated the IIWF for just over a year now, but are they ripe for a fall?   This journalist believes so. With all of the infighting amongst members, it's difficult for the group to function as a unit. Last Saturday, many thought that the stable had overcome their differences to work for the greater good, but that quickly disolved into a free for all. Pain Inc. wants the Disciples, and vice versa. Tiger Claw gets so wrapped up in his upcoming opponents that he seems to get blinded to the big picture. In fact, it was Tiger Claw who caused the DQ loss Casey James walked away with last week against Derek Mota. Danny Dynamite seems to be more interested in what the ladies think than the match at hand, and the kingpin, Casey James seems to spend more time playing mind games with his opponents lately than he does actually preparing for a physical confrontation.   So what makes the Syndicate work, even with all these setbacks? The brains behind the outfit, Brian Lau. Lau Knows almost every trick in the book. If you put the number of times Lau has been swindled against the number of times he's done the swindling, you'll find a serious imbalance. Lau just knows what to do at exactly the right time. Rumors of bribery, hiring thugs, gang tactics, and subtle double crosses are all second nature to Lau, and he uses these "gifts" to get exactly what he wants. One can understand why many athletes in the IIWF fear the Syndicate, but one can also understand why many in the IIWF hate the Syndicate. While we may repeatedly say that the Genesis motto is "you're either with us or against us," it's nothing new. Lau has stated several times that you are either Syndicate, or you are in the Syndicate's way.   Even with the underhanded tactics, there are a pocket of fans who actually cheer for these guys. Take a look at any Casey James match, and you'll find that little group near the front row going crazy for the Blackheart. Personally, I find this rather sickening... [Larry Morton's hand enters the close up shot, tapping Witt on the shoulder.] LM: Ummm, Jackson, there's something I need to tell you... JW: Not now, Larry. I'm on a roll. With all of the dastardly things that   James has done, how can these people like what they see? LM: Ummm, Jackson, I _really_ should tell you something... JW: Larry, leave me alone. Let me put it straight, folks. James is a sick, twisted, dare I say evil man, winning the Snapshot award for best "heel."  I can safely say that anyone who would consider calling themselves a Casey James fan is the worst kind of... [Larry grabs Jackson's arm, and moves closer, speaking through clenched teeth.] LM: The... Producer... Is... A... James... Fan! [Witt's jaw drops, and seems to forget what he was about to say. He looks off camera and smiles weakly.] JW: Ummm... Oh! Hey, great... Well, like I was saying... Anyone who would call themselves a Casey James fan is... Well, a swell guy... I mean... James is champ, right? Yes, that's right... So... Power to the IIWF! LM: Smooth, Jack. JW: [Whispering to Larry] Why the hell didn't you tell me, you little... [The harsh sounds of "Thunderkiss '65" by White Zombie drown Jackson out as more graphics rise up on the screen...] ************************************************************************ ------------------------- IIWF TRASH TALK ------------------------------ ************************************************************************ [The shot returns to Jackson with his head in his hands, with Larry beside him, shrugging his shoulders and looking around.] LM: Well, ummm... As usual, the stars of the IIWF have plenty to say. We   spoke before of the team of Creed, Ike Sampson, and Mad Dog Watkins   possibly appearing for the IIWF IC title match. Here is a segment   with one of those men, Ike Sampson... [SCENE:  The Sampson home in Minneapolis.  Ike is sitting in his favorite recliner, with a remote control in his hand.  Apparently, he is fast forwarding through a VCR tape, looking intently for something.] IKE: I know it's around here somewhere... let's see... [The camera moves over Ike's shoulder to reveal what is on the tape.  He is scanning through some old wrestling footage... We can recognize many of the great names from wrestling's past... "The Cleveland Scorpion" Alex Ortega, in a bloody title match with Bruno the Sandman... The Jersey Hitman... Khan the Destroyer...] IKE: Bingo.  There it is... [The tape slows to regular viewing speed.  We see in the ring the tag-team of the Texas Rangers, with the World Tag-Team Titles around their waist. Across the way from them... Legendary "Buttercup" Ray Jones, and his youthful partner, none other than a _very_ young looking Maurice "Mad Dog" Watkins.  The bell sounds and the matchup gets underway.  Buttercup locks up in a test of strength with Gideon Walker, and Ike hits the pause button.  The camera slowly spins to Ike's face, with a childlike glow to it.] IKE: I knew that was around here somewhere.  The very match Mad Dog was      talking about, the one where he got his chance... the one where he made the most of it. [Ike turns off the TV.] IKE: Saturday night.  Creed's in action.  Don't worry, I'll be there.      Watching his back.  Mad Dog'll be there, too.  Byron, you wanna get involved... it's your career.  Waste it if you want.  The Butcher's going down... hard.          And what about last week?!      Am I grateful for the match last week with Byron, the one where      Mad Dog gave me my chance?!?  Hell, yeah. I've thanked Mad Dog.      But you folks got it all wrong.  He ain't _given_ me nothing.  I      earned that match.  I've earned everything I've ever had.  It ain't like it is up there in Byron's Ivory Tower.  This is the real world. I _earned_ that opportunity.  Mad Dog knows what he's doing. We're on the same page.  I let this one slip by, but it ain't gonna happen again.  Next time... I'm takin' that gold home with me.           Life with that Silver Spoon must be nice, Byron.  Enjoy it. 'Cause your life with the gold is almost over.  I had my taste of gold, and damn if it didn't taste good.  I can't wait to have some more. The Big Dog.  The next Intercontinental Champ. And that's the truth... [Ike turns the TV back on, and hits the play button.  He is watching the title match intently as the camera fades to black.] LM: [aside] Jackson... Jackson... [To the camera] Oh, ummm... Well, Ike   definitely seems to have what some may call "gold fever" here in the   IIWF. [Larry looks to Witt, expecting him to say something - some witty seguay into the next flash, but Witt just looks at the floor shaking his head.] LM: Ummm... Nightwing... He's, well, you know... That thing with fire lately, and the White Phoenix stuff... It's kind of weird, I think. He came to us with these comments... [SCENE: A close up of flames flickering in the darkness.  As the camera zooms out, a roaring campfire can be seen and Nightwing, bare-chested with his long hair tied back, sits cross-legged behind it.  He stares into the fire and does not acknowledge the camera directly.] NW: Darkness once covered the land as Nok held his grasp on the land.  He held the earth tightly and did not allow light to reach it.  The other spirits asked Nok to share the earth with them, but he refused.  No others shall even see it," he told them.  However, on the second night of the fourth day, the great spirits spoke to a warrior named Chebucto and told him to challenge Nok.     "How can a simple man challenge a spirit?", he asked.      There was no answer.     Chebucto prepared for war.  He relied on the colors of the spirits of light as he painted his face and left his home to seek out Nok.  Along the way, another voice spoke to Chebucto and told him to leave his weapons behind.  Reluctantly, he did so.     When Chebucto found Nok, he attempted to reason with the powerful     spirit of darkness.  Nok laughed at the mortal, even though he admired the young man's courage.  Nok permitted one small beam of light to penetrate the darkness and it started a blazing bonfire in front of Chebucto.     "There is your reward, mortal," Nok said.  "Now leave me."     But Chebucto did not leave.  He challenged Nok to a battle, but only     if Nok faced him in human size.  Again Nok laughed, knowing that a     human could never defeat a spirit.  He agreed to the battle and began to shrink, but as soon as he faced Chebucto, the warrior grabbed Nok and held him tightly.  Chebucto charged into the bonfire, which roared with such intensity that light began to cover the earth.  It is said that Nok's cries could be heard throughout the universe as the flames engulfed them and the earth was exposed to light for the first time.  Chebucto won that battle, but the war rages on.  Each day, Chebucto     and Nok continue their battle as light and darkness cover the land,     what is now known as day and night.  [For the first time, Nightwing looks at the camera.]     It is not unlike the battle taking place in the IIWF, but which side     longs for the darkness? [Nightwing places his hand in the flames in front of him.]     The fire knows the truth.      Toko nu chilaca, Chebucto! [Fade.] LM: I can't help but think that the passing on of the Phoenix Spirit from Shinja Chow to Nightwing was a little more than a ceremony. In the past few weeks, we've seen Nightwing unknowingly slip into the mannerisms of Chow. If you notice, he seems reluctant to take part in the gang-style tactics of Genesis. I believe that the White Phoenix spirit could very well be the cause. JW: Yeah... Phoenix spirit... LM: Thanks, Jackson. Speaking of mannerisms, Tony Starks seems to be in the process of changing his... [Scene: An undisclosed location in New York, the room is dimly lit with a large oak table in the center. At the head of the table is a tv/vcr setup and seated on opposite sides of the table are Tony Starks and his friend from the past weeks. Starks friend speaks:] Man: Ayo, Starks, I wanna holla at you some more, we gotta get your      mind right for the tournament, you know what I'm sayin? (Starks      nods) Good job on that Takezo cat last week, you had that kid      beat, know what I'm sayin'? Don't sweat that Damage dude, he      aint got no gold, do he? TS: Na, but he can't... Man: Ayo, he ain't got no gold right? So forget him...look here,      like I been tellin' you, all that vendetta non sense aint got      no place in your game, aiight? TS: I agree. Man: Word, when you got that focus, you are nearly unstoppable.      Remember all that stuff way back, in the Golden Gloves? And      what about when you was doin' that street fightin'? You were      after one thing: cash money and the way you got that was by      makin' it so that man you was facin' couldn't get up. Even when      you first got in this wrestlin' game in upstate, you had focus      and you was layin' waste to brothas. Same damn thing happened      when the IIWF came up and you got to the finals last year... TS: But I ain't win... Man: Look here, you and Hardin took turns beatin' the hell outta that      Kauffman cat, right? When you rolled that kid up, Hardin came in      and switched ya'll up. He was one step ahead of you, he knew if      he got rid of you, Kauffman would be a push over. Next thing I      knew you and him was warrin' and you was yellin' like a madman      backstage. You was consumed with destroyin' that man and when      you had your big match, that hatred is what beat you. See, you      lost that focus, you lost your shot and you nearly got put      out... [The man turns on the vcr and plays footage of last years finals. Starks beating on Kauffman, Starks rolling him up, Outlaw switching them up, Starks pinned, Outlaw and Starks exchanging punches, Outlaw DDT's and pins Kauffman, post match comments from Starks, infuriated yelling for Outlaw. Now footage of the Outlaw/Starks match, the valet hitting Starks knee with a chair, Starks in the figure four and submitting and Starks getting carried out on a stretcher.] TS: I remember that... Man: And you damn well need to. That is your damn undoin' losin your      focus. That is why I told you to forget about them Euro cats and      the Black Power crew. The only reason you came back was for the      title, that is all you talked about in the hospital. And them      fueds aint gettin you that shot, you gotta do your thing. TS: Word. Man: Your game is cold ass, street fightin methodical style, you know      what I'm sayin'? Look what you did against Casey James weeks      back, you had your eyes on that prize and you had that man beat.      That is what you are capable of, and more than that...what you      gonna do? TS: Word, we rededicated this career a few weeks ago and that is     bond. I am gonna get that title shot and lay waste to anyone     who gets in my way...I aint come back to be some damn lackey     to some black power crew or war with some cats who aint got     nothin I want... Man: What do you want? TS: Ayo, I want that title and I want the whole damn world. If I     gotta lay everyone out then that is what'll be done. I am goin     to bring all kinds of pain, blues and agony up in that ring,     like I know I can do. That shot is mine, I only got a few damn     weeks till the Centre and New York and I aint gonna stop till I     get to the top and even then I aint stoppin' (the man smiles)     I am gonna get mine yo, for real. The whole damn world better     get on notice, open up them third eyes cause it's on... Man: [the man smiles again] Word, then let's do this... [Fade] LM: I get the distinct feeling that if Tony Starks puts his mind to it, he can grab a title from any one of the champions in the IIWF. JW: Except the tag champs... LM: Well, that goes without saying. He'd need a partner. JW: And the Cruiserweight title... LM: Well, no... He's too big. Although we've seen that little regulation   dodged in the past, haven't we? Speaking of which, as I'm sure the fans know, the IIWF has been involved in a legal battle lately disputing the claims made by Steve "The Fury" Kowalski. We have a news clip of some coverage of that trial. From what I've been told, it's rather interesting. [Generic TV news music plays as the screen comes into focus. In front of the Newark Municipal court house, an attractive Asian woman stands with microphone in hand. On cue the camera man points to her and she begans speaking.] SL: Good evening, this is Susan Li for WWOR Channel 9. The court case     nicknamed 'Fury Forces Fear', IIWF vs. Steve Kowalski, has been under way for six hours already. Kowalski warned three times that he would be under contempt of court, all this during the opening statement no less. All those on the stand had to deal with some very pressing questions. Luckily the 'donations' of WWOR, to that of the city of Newark, have allowed us to show some footage of the court room battle. [The screen fades to the courtroom, where Larry the janitor is seated on the stand. Larry is an African-American man with dingy, blue overalls and a mop by his side. The prosicuter is bombarding him with questions.] PR: Is it not true, Larry, that you have been previously employed     by the NCWF? LJ: Uh...ya..Yes. Back ina fall o' '95. PR: And you were fired from that job, were you not! LJ: Yes! But, it wasn't ain't my fault. I was cleanin' up a mess o' a mess by the aisle an' gots caught in da match dat's was goin' on. PR: So, you admit to intereferring in company business! LJ: There was cokes and popcorns's everywheres that had jus' got     to be cleaned an' they called me to do it! I didn't want to     be in the match! [Breaking down and crying] [A voice over of Susan Li as Larry is taken down from the stand.] SL: It was latered learned that Larry was employed by UWC and a     similar incident happened there. The honesty of the witness is     seriously being questioned. Here Steve Owens, iterim President     of the IIWF, took the stand and was grilled. [Owens sits, uncomfortably on the stand. A victim to Kathleen Fields prying questions.] KF: So, Mr. Owens, do you feel that the way to promote the IIWF is     through violence? It is a natural want of the American public, don't     you think? SO: I don't promote violence in the IIWF. I feel it should be a contest     of ability and determination. KF: Does your boss feel the same way? SO: My boss? KF: Come, come, Mr. Owens. Did you forget that you're not the top banana in the IIWF. You report to Dan Spreadbury... the _real_ president. SO: [Sourly.] No, I did _not_ forget who is in charge. But, as you know,     while President Spreadbury is out of commission, I am the president. KF: Are you trying to tell me that "while the cat's away, the mice will     play"? SO: What? No. I meant nothing like that. It was... KF: Do you deny that you had a meeting with Steve Kowalski? SO: I, uh... Plead the fifth on that one. KF: Okay. Is it not true that you currently are in the process of purchasing a large amount of IIWF stock? And that the security that was supposed to be at the Brody Thunder/ Mad Dog Watkins empty arena match was cancelled by your orders? _And_ you had already had Mr. Kowalski schedualed for the Intercontinental matchup at Snow Brawl two weeks before... even though Billy Sexton was billed as the contender to the title? SO: I... I... [The IIWF defense attorney stands up and yells.] DA: She is badgering the witness! I object! Judge: Sustained. Miss Fields Your barrage of questions are all over the  place, could you please clarify to the court what you are saying? KF: I would be happy to. Mr. Owens here has been buying up IIWF stock,     ever since the promotion was voted #1 by the RSPWF awards came out.     Thus putting himself in more control of the company financially.     Knowing Spreadbury's distaste of Kowalski's antics, he would lead my     client to suspension. Having my client attack an official and get     paid off with a championship match, would start the process of     President Spreadbury's decline. The stockholder's would see Spreadbury lose control of the fed, more so when Kowalski was given a surprise championship bid at Snow Brawl. By shoving Sexton out of the fed and leading my client with a title shot, he was raising the ratings and ruining Spreadbury's reputation at the same time. It was he who called off the security at the Thunder/Watkins match, hoping things would get out of control. And they did, the president was hospitalized and he took over. Now firmly in a position of power, he wanted to get rid of the evidence. He suspended my client. It was Steve Owens who gave my client the go ahead into the cruiserweight division. [The Jury is totally shocked by the accusations of Kathleen Fields. the Judge bangs his gavel down to calm everyone.] SO: That's... that's preposterous! I never... KF: Weren't you the one who assigned Portine Janous to check on Kowalski's weight? That would make you responsible. Also, it would put Janois in a position of revenge later. Did you really think my client could fake every weigh in, without upper management help? [Fade back to Susan Li.] SL: We would show you the footage of Steve Kowalski on the stand, but     there wasn't enough time to 'bleep' out all the foul language. The     tide seems to be going against the IIWF in this one. Until next time, I'm Susan Li. [Fade] LM: Hmmm... Things aren't looking very good for interim president Steve Owens. We'll have more on this situation in later weeks. Let's take this moment to take a look at some new talent coming to the IIWF... ************************************************************************ ------------------------------ IIWF NEW BLOOD -------------------------- ************************************************************************ LM: First off we take a look at a fairly heroic fellow coming to the IIWF to compete in singles competition. His name is Kevin "The Cavalier" Christiansen... [Scene opens to a wide, hilly field, with the walls of a crumbling castle seen in the background.  Sitting on a boulder is a muscular man wearing armor on his chest and arms, with his blonde ponytail resting limply over his left shoulder.  Leaning against the rock is a shield emblazoned with a sword piercing a crescent moon.] KC: Hail, and well-met, one and all.  I am Kevin Christiansen, known   to mine friends as "The Cavalier."  With a bit of luck, I shall be   joining the ranks of the IIWF in the weeks to come, an honor that I   truly look forward to achieving. [Christiansen looks up at the camera, his face very serious.] It has come to mine attention that there are those in the IIWF that show little or no respect to the abilities of thy comrades in this sport. Those who strike thy foes from behind, attack with no provocation to do so... I hold thee in the greatest contempt possible.  Thy actions brand thee as little more than highwaymen, brutes of the worst order whose callousness is surpassed solely by thy lack of honor.  Thou must be dealt with, with a strong and sure hand, so that those to whom honor is still a virtue might be free of thy tyranny. [Christiansen raises a gauntleted fist into view of the camera.] KC: This is that strong and sure hand.  Let those who wouldst attack   from hiding take notice... for thou art mine targets.  Let those who   would stand with me rally together, and stand firm. Those that stand   against me shall know no mercy, no pity, nothing save for the fury of mine Broadsword.  Thou hast been warned. [Christiansen stands up and picks up his shield, strapping it to his arm as he speaks.] KC: I bid thee farewell, for the time.  Until our paths cross once   more. [Christiansen bows to the camera, then turns and strides off over the hill. Fade.] LM: It's wonderful to see a man that's more interested in doing the right thing than he is in putting someone through a table... JW: You could have told me before the show, Larry... You _knew_ what I   was going to be talking about! LM: Jackson, please... Let's take a look at the man's stats... Kevin "The Cavalier" Christiansen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Height: 6'2" Weight: 265lbs. Origin: London, England Appearance: Christiansen's a pretty solidly built guy in terms of             physique (for sake of comparison, look at Scott Steiner).             He has blond hair that reaches to his shoulders and is             usually held back in a ponytail by a silver ring, and grey             eyes.  In the ring, he wears white wrestling pants and white             boots, the image of a longsword running the length of his             right leg.  When walking to the ring, he wears a suit of             breast plate armor (kind of looks like what the Road             Warriors used to wear, except without the spikes, and made             of metal) and carries a shield with his family crest on it             (a longsword in front of a cresent moon).  He has a sword as             well, but rarely carries it to the ring (wouldn't want an             opponent getting his hands on it during a match); it's             nothing special, like a family gift... just a sword he might             have picked up at a Renaissance Faire at one point to finish             his "look".) Theme Music: "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff Orientation: Face Five Favorite Moves: 1.  Clothesline from the second rope                      2.  Powerslam                      3.  Side Suplex                      4.  Knee Drop                      5.  Shoulder Breaker Finishing Move: "The Broadsword" Spinebuster, after which Christiansen                 holds onto the legs and rolls forward into a bridge and                 a pinning position. Primary Attributes: 1. Strength                     2. Intelligence                     3. Endurance Profile: Christiansen is a major face, having fallen in love with the          tales of chivalry of the Middle Ages.  He now fancies himself a          knight of sorts (he's not delusional... he knows he's a          wrestler, and isn't out tilting at windmills -- it's part of          the show), even adopting some of the speech of the time (he          uses a lot of "thee"s and "thou"s when he talks).  He has no          tolerance for cheaters, and will never stoop to that himself...          it's unbecoming of a knight to do such things.  He will not use          any illegal weapons during a match, although should he run-in          to aid a fellow wrestler who is getting thrashed (after their          match, or if someone else interferes), he has no qualms about          bringing his shield to bear on them. [Handler: Robert C. Rossel (rossel@aludra.usc.edu)] LM: Next up, we have a tag team hailing from just around the corner from   where we are now, Baltimore, Maryland. They are called Liscenced For   Devastation. Let's take a look. [The camera opens to the newest IIWF tag team, Licensed for Devastation, Reggie Starr and Jonathan Chaos, walking along Charles Street in South Baltimore, Maryland.  The scene is a basic ghetto, with the usual gutters, graffiti, and other hostile images.  Starr is a well-built man, approximately 6'7".  He has dirty blonde hair, which is curly and puffed out.  It runs to his shoulders.  He also has a mustache of the same color...he wears a blue t-shirt with shreads and holes in it, along with a pair of shorts that droop past his knees.  Chaos is a humongous man. He looks to be about 6'10" and is a black man with a shaved head.  He is not wearing a shirt, however he wears jeans and a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.  You can see the well-crafted body of Jonathan Chaos and the work that it took to acheive it.] STARR: Hey, Jon, the IIWF wants us man!  They want us!!! CHAOS: I know, Reggie.  Frankly, the IIWF just doesn't impress me. STARR: What?!  How _can't_ it impress you?!  Did you take a look at some of the teams there?!  The Harlequins!  Violence Unlimited!  The High Plain Drifters!  Pain Inc! CHAOS: Yes, yes, I'm aware of the people there, Reggie.  I've done my homework too.  it's just that, well, you and me, we can't be beaten.  If you've seen, everywhere we go, be it the streets, or be it a wrestling ring, we always seem to dominate some poor misguided chumps.  I don't see how it'll be any different in the IIWF. STARR: Man, Jon, you need to lighten up!  I realize that we're the best and all, but you've gotta get a little, ya know, looser!  Talk like you mean it, don't be all professional about it.  You sound like you got a chicken stuck up your ass! [Reggie is jumping up and down as they continue walking.] CHAOS: Damnit Reggie, you know I'll open up when I damned well please. And that might have to be in the IIWF, on a sucka' that didn't know what he was getting into! STARR: That's it Jon!  That's it, open up!  Show your true colors!  Be a man damnit! [Starr looks to the ground and sees a cane...he picks it up.] STARR: [to himself] Hey, I can use this. CHAOS: Put that down, Reggie.  You don't know which whino, druggie, or dealer was playing with that. STARR: Does it matter man?  We've been together for, well, damn, it's been twenty years Jon.  If it wasn't for you, I'd be out on the street somewhere, looking for some heroin or something. CHAOS: Yeah, and I'd probably be the one givin' it to ya.  But it's cool now, 'cause we're together... and we're makin' the money on our _own_.  Bro, we are rolling in it.  And it's all because of this damned IIWF contract.  I kinda see why you wanna go there now... STARR: _To kick some ass_!!! CHAOS: No, that's not it.  To make money.  Well, kicking ass isn't bad either, but I want the money, bro.  We've been playing around in those other places for far too long.  It's time for a _real_ federation, a household name.  Granted, it's gonna be easy, since we _are_ the best, but at least we can give some wannabe's the opportunity to say that they got punked by the LFD. STARR: Damn straight, brotha! [Reggie Starr takes the cane and whacks it against an on-coming fire hydrant, breaking the cane in two.  They stop, and continue walking.] STARR: So, IIWF, it looks like Licensed for Devastation just received a new contract!  Prophets of Rage, Violence Unlimited, you can chalk up your downfalls to the front office suits that sent a contract to the LFD! CHAOS: It's a shame too, 'cause it looked like the teams in there were having a lot of fun beating the ever-loving [BLEEP] out of each other. It's too bad that the measuring stick just got a lot bigger.  It's too bad that Licensed for Devastation are gonna reek havoc on the IIWF.  Too damn bad, isn't it, Reggie? STARR: It's a cryin' shame, Jon!  I mean, just look at us!  You've got the body of an Adonis, I've got the mind of a psychopath, we can't be stopped, and the poor souls in the IIWF are gonna be the people on the tracks when this AmTrack comes through. CHAOS: Choo-choo. STARR: Damn straight, Jon!  Choo-choo!  The LFD Train is making its next stop in the IIWF, all that ain't aboard are gonna get crushed! CHAOS: I'm getting sick of this camera, ain't you, Reggie? STARR: I love the camera, it helps build up my psychosis every time I look into it. [Reggie stares into the camera and his eyes glaze over.] STARR: HAHAHAHA!  IIWF, your makers have arrived!!!  Two guys that were destined to be bums on the streets of South Baltimore that found each other, we're your makers.  Two guys that were supposed to be stuck on these back alleys playing with things that our mother's told us not to play with.  Two guys that _should_ have been checked into some kind of ward _YEARS AGO_!  IIWF!  It's us!  Reggie Starr!  Jonathan Chaos! Licensed for Devastation!!! CHAOS: The IIWF gave us our license.  It reads..._DEVASTATION_.  If we break that, it'd be Breach of Contract, and we damn well know to stay away from the Breach of Contract! STARR: Harlequins, W & W Express, after we put _you_ in the Breach of Contract, it'll be 1..2...3..._BANG_!  Lights out!  And we'll be walking away, with a fulfilled license. CHAOS: A license is something that you have to earn... STARR: But devastation is somethin' that you got comin' to ya!  IIWF, you've _earned_ this beatin' that you've got comin'! CHAOS: Damn right, the rate you're payin' us... hell... we'll sleep with your old wives for that kinda money! [Reggie punches Jonathan in the mouth, and Chaos holds his jaw.] STARR: Don't give 'em any ideas, lose'! CHAOS: [Still holding his jaw] Don't hit me ever again. STARR: Easy big man...easy.  Now you're all tight 'n stiff again! CHAOS: I'm as loose as ever, Reggie.  Let's go get a drink, that sounds good... I could go for a Bud Ice. STARR: Now you're talking my language! [Chaos pulls a cigarette from his pant pocket and lights it.  He takes a puff, and stops walking.  Reggie stops also.  They turn left, towards a bar.] CHAOS: Let's go. STARR:I'm game.  You wanna go shot fo' shot? CHAOS: You know damn well that I can outlast ya! STARR: Oh really?!  It's on... [Their voices trail off as they enter the bar...fade to black.] LM: Those guys sound a little too confident coming in, but who knows, maybe they deserve it. I'll say this, though: They're in for a rude awakening if they think the IIWF tag ranks are a walk in the park. Let's look at those stats... LICENSED FOR DEVASTATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Orientation: Face Origin: Baltimore, Maryland Theme music: "Down" 311 Wrestler:        Reggie Starr               Jonathan Chaos Height:          6'7"                       6'9" Weight:          230lbs                     300lbs Favourite Moves: 1. Swan dive               1. Axekick                  2. Top-rope legdrop        2. Powerbomb                  3. Gutbuster               3. Piledriver                  4. Lariat                  4. Spinebuster                  5. Shooting Starr Press    5. Powerslam Finishing Move:  Falling Starr: Asai        Baltimore Blaster:                  moonsault                  Vertical brainbuster Primary Attributes: 1. Toughness            1. Strength                     2. Aerial               2. Technical                     3. Teamwork             3. Teamwork Tag Team Finisher: Breach of Contract: Jonathan Chaos powerbombs the guy                    and on the way down, Reggie Starr comes off the top                    with a leg drop to the neck, increasing the                    acceleration on the way down. Appearance: Reggie Starr is a vagabond.  He has ruffled blonde hair, and             a goatee.  He usually wears "grunge" outfits and is a             psychotic arrogant man. Chaos is a black man with a shaved             head.  Unlike his partner, he keeps his attitude in check,             but he is just as arrogant as Starr.  As they say, "he's as             cool as a cucumber." Profile: Reggie Starr is a hardcore superstar who knows his way around a          ring.  He is one of those guys that you see and you say, "Damn,          he's got potential".  He has a great physique and he is          well-trained for combat.          Chaos grew up on the streets of Baltimore, as did Starr.  They          were sort of each others' crutches, as without each other, they          would've fallen circumstance to the way of the streets.  Chaos          is a chilled guy, but he can be a menacing force with his          sculpted body. [Handler: Ameet Nagpal (buttrbean@warwick.net)] LM: Next up is another tag team that contains a familiar face... [SCENE: A black void. The shadows hide whatever figure(s) might be visible. Then, footsteps. Softly, getting closer. Two figures. Their faces cannot be made out. Only the rough silluettes of two men, around six foot five or six each. They are both wearing tee shirts and jeans, if the image is correct, and muscle definitions are hazy. Suddenly, one of them speaks.] MAN ONE: Six months later. They turned me down. Made me wait. The next prodigal hero of the IIWF, turned back at the door after merely a match for a contract, in front of the world. Heartbreak. Bitterness. I ran to the other 'big leagues', the places you all wouldn't be caught dead in. The places where it takes a big mouth _and_ a body to back them up to truly suceed. I suceeded. I retired. [smiles] I returned. Now, I got a call from him. [points at the other figure] My best friend. My partner. Folks... it's time to step out of the shadows and back into the spotlight. IIWF, look closely. What you are about to see may shock, or surprise you. [chuckles] Good. Ladies and gentleman, fans and wrestlers... [The two figures step forward as the lights suddenly come on. Both are standing in front of a blue backdrop with cloud pictures. Smiling, the first man runs a hand through his blond hair, his blue eyes twinkling. One look, and the face is ever so familiar. Staring out at us with a big ol' grin is none other than J.P. Steele himself. Beside him is a man who is just _slightly_ bigger, Jimmy Hawk. The two share a laugh before Steele goes on.] STEELE: I'm back. November 23rd, Saturday Night. Remember that? Tim Dross spoke the words that rocked my world forever. 'That man could be the Dan Kauffman of the future' he said, in not so many words. Dan, he became an icon in my eyes. I even got advice from the man himself. But, when I failed to win that contract match vs Luke ... my world changed. I was bitter inside and fled to the 'loop' leagues. I was home. Two feds, eleven wins, two losses, two draws -- and two matches where I _almost_ won a title. A draw with a guy who held a title and is now dead, a guy who went on to win the World title in that fed. Pretty good accomplishments. Then, I retired to spend time with Annie. [shakes head] Didn't last long before the ring called me home. I was back in the "loop" places, but not really. Just an older fed returning, one that had some big names in it. I'm running for their world title, but that means diddly to you all, right? [smiles] HAWK: Hey, Jer, don't hog all the interview time. [smiles] Jimmy Hawk, for all ya' who never heard of me. Man, it's been a while since me and J.P. ran roughshod over the leagues. But, hey, it's time for the Nightriders to ride again, eh, buddy? [smiles] STEELE: Yeah, Jimmy. We're back and better than ever. Now, some may think I still have bad feelings to the IIWF. [shakes head] All is forgiven. I couldn't get in when I wanted to, but I think it's better. Now is a much better time for me. This will be my summer of fun, I think. Nah, I _know_. Nobody can stop us this time, you know why? 'Cause we're ready to rock this joint. We're gonna' wait in line and work our way up -- but before we're through with this place, we'll be wearin' those tag straps, garunteed. Well, not garunteed. Don't wanna' make a promise I can't deliver on _for sure_. Just a good gut feeling that it _will_ happen. HAWK: This place has got some of the best teams around, for sure. But, now, they've got the next great team, too. J.P. and I have been teamin' for ages, even though he prefers singles, so don't think we won't gel. [smiles] We will. STEELE: Right you are. Now, I hate to cut an interview segment short, but I _do_ need to get in some training, and have a few words with my lovely wife. [smiles] Hey, Jimmy, wanna' join us for dinner? HAWK: Sure, bud. Well, we'll be seein' ya' around, IIWF. [smirks] Real soon. [Fade out.] LM: J.P Steele did impress the IIWF fans in that match against Luke Steele at Snow Brawl, and it was a small margin by which he lost. Now he's back in tag action, and I'm sure we're about to see some action from Mr. Hawk and Mr. Steele... THE NIGHTRIDERS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Orientation: Face Manager/Valet: Annie Steele Origin: River Valley, MI; Dallas,TX Theme music: "Daydream Believer" The Monkees Wrestler:   "Jackhammer" J.P. Steele        Jimmy Hawk Height:     6'5"                            6'6" Weight:     258lbs                          275lbs Favourite Moves: 1. Powerslam               1. Handspring elbow into the                  2. Superplex                  corner                  3. Spin wheel kick         2. Running kneelift                  4. Brainbuster             3. Flying clothsline from                                                the top rope                  5. Powerbomb               4. Flying cross body block                                             5. Standing dropkick Finishing Move: River Valley Rider: single  Hawk Eye Drop:                 underhook DDT               inverted powerbomb,                                             slingshots the guy chest                                             first and releases, then                                             nails an inverted DDT and he                                             slings back. Primary Attributes: 1. Teamwork             1. Intelligence                     2. Intelligence         2. Technical                     3. Technical            3. Teamwork Tag Team Finisher: Duelin' Wipeout: Steele hits a River Valley Rider and                                     rolls away, as Jimmy nails a top                                     rope flying elbowdrop to the downed                                     opponent. Appearance: Steele is tall, with blond hair parted down middle, and blue             eyes. Day old stubble, something of a baby face. Hawk is             well-built, decently muscular, brown hair to his eyebrows             (matted and fluffy), five o'clock shadow. Profile: Steele's tale starts in November, when he first saw the IIWF          world. A man with only five months under his belt, he was awed          by its glitz and glamour, espicially IIWF World Champion Dan          Kauffman. Steele would later set a goal to follow in his idol's          footsteps, and indeed he has. Steele even recieved some advice          from Dan. Finally, Steele got the chance to make it to the IIWF          with a Contract Match at Snow Brawl. Unfortunately, he came up          short and packed his bags. By luck, he came across the          so-called "loop" leagues and fell at home at once in DPW and          later EWA, running up a total 11-2-2 record in five months.          Finally, he retired, planning on spending the summer w/ his new          wife, Annie. However, it didn't turn out that way. One month          later, he's on the comeback trail in former "loop" mainstay          WEW, which has returned from hiatus. Steele is well on his way          to aquiring his dream of winning a World title in a major fed.          However, when the call came in from his best bud, Jimmy Hawk,          there wasn't a hesitation. He was coming back to the place          where he first saw the superstars he wanted to be like.          Hawk met J.P. at college at Michigan State ten years ago, and          the two have been best friends ever since. Led a good, regular          life, and a good, clean one too. Always worked better as a          member of a team -- he and J.P. broke into wrestling as          teammates in ICE last July. Though they had a split as J.P.          turned heel, it was revealed to be a ploy for the two to gain          insight on the devilish KKK stable. Reuinited once more, with a          chance of finally making it big. People have said, although          never to their faces, that Jimmy is probably the better of the          two, yet Steele has struck it big, while Jimmy has been in          relative seclusion. [Handler: Zach Hyatt (NOWZachH97@aol.com)] LM: Our last addition is another tag team that, well, seems to show   traits not common to most teams in the IIWF... [A man stands in a locker room.  He is a powerful wrestler, wearing blck trunks, a grey fedora hat, and a pair of sunglasses.  Behind him is a marker board with the words WALL OF CONQUESTS written in green marker. The man removes his sunglasses, smiles, and begins:] Paul: Hi.  My name's Paul Wong, and I'm one half of the Machines, a team   that's coming to the IIWF.  We've had a lot of success in other   leagues, and are looking forward to competing with the other teams   here.  Simon O'Neal, my partner, is somewhere around here... [Just then, a woman's yell of indignation comes through.  Paul sighs and rolls his eyes.  A smaller man, decked out in the same outfit with an addition black glove on his left hand chuckles and enters the picture.} Simon: UPS delivery girl. Paul: What did you do this time? Simon: I was nice! [Paul's expression indicates that he doesn't believe him] Simon: Really!  I even gave her a good tip.  Then I suggested how she   could get a VERY good tip, and she muttered something about harassment before leaving... hey, what's the camera... oh yeah, the IIWF.  Decent league, but someone should buy those referees some guide dogs and white canes. Paul: Simon, keep quiet.  Just once I'd like to enter a league without   you ticking off half the people in the place. Simon: [smirking] Well, I keep trying to get ALL of them, but you won't let me speak my mind... [The two keep arguing back and forth.  Finally, the cameraman gives up, and the picture fades] LM: I hear that these guys argue all the time, but in the ring, they're   one cohesive unit. I guess we'll see, folks. Let's take a look at the stats... THE MACHINES ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Orientation: Neutral Origin: Parts unknown Theme music: "Welcome to the Machine" Pink Floyd Wrestler:   Paul Wong                   Simon O'Neal Height:     6'2"                        5'10.5" Weight:     276lbs                      227lbs Favourite Moves: 1. Powerbomb           1. Spinning Neckbreaker                  2. Powerslam           2. Piledriver                  3. Gorilla Press       3. DDT                  4. Spinebuster Slam    4. Chokehold                  5. Backbreaker         5. Vertical Suplex Finishing Move: Powerslam               Spinning Neckbreaker Primary Attributes: 1. Strength         1. Intelligence                       2. Endurance        2. Cheating                     3. Teamwork         3. Teamwork Tag Team Finisher: Being Machined: Paul lifts up the opponent in a                                    powerbomb position, and holds him.                                    While upside-down, Simon leaps up and                                    scissors the opponent's arms. Paul                                    drops the opponent and Simon onto the                                    mat on the back of the opponent's                                    neck, in a crucifix pinning position. Appearance: Paul Wong is Asian-American, very stocky, with black hair             and brown eyes. Black trunks to knees, wears a black jacket             with "The Machines" emblazoned on the back. Also wears a             grey fedora and black sunglasses.             Simon O'Neal is skinny (runner's build), curly brown hair.             Black trunks to knees, wears a black jacket with "The             Machines" emblazoned on the back.  Also wears a grey fedora             and black sunglasses. Wears a black glove on his left hand. Profile: Yin and Yang, Black and White, Oscar and Felix: sometimes the          best teams are made up of completely opposite people.  Paul          Wong is friendly, well-liked by the fans and well-respected by          his fellow wrestlers, and has always shown himself to try and          do the right thing.          Simon O'Neal is not.  He's arrogant, obnoxious, and a man who          is always breaking the rules, even when he doesn't need to.          Just about every wrestler and fan claims that his black glove          is loaded.  It's not, but everyone (referees, fans and          wrestlers) are so concerned about it that no one checks all the          other foreign objects he hides.          The Machines don't have interviews; they have arguments.  Half          the time they get into shouting matches that would easily split          up most teams. They still stay together, because somehow,          depsite their differences, they do trust each other.  Paul is a          tremendous power wrestler who still can't understand why people          will break the rules.  Simon understands (usually because he's          done it much worse), but he needs Paul to helps him out of the          fires he's caused (from opponents, referees, Simon's three          ex-wives, etc.). [Handler: Michael Sonby (michael.sonby@bailey.com)] LM: And there we have it... Jackson, you're kind of quiet... JW: Thanks for pointing that out, Larry, you back stabbing... LM: So, let's take a glance at the rankings as we go into Syndicate Saturday Night! ************************************************************************ ------------------------- IIWF SINGLES RANKINGS ------------------------ ************************************************************************ Singles Rankings - 18/6/97 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name                    F/H   Fought  W   L   D    Win%   Ranking                                                           (old) new ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Casey James             H     42      23  17  2    57%    (WC)  WC Lord Byron              H     26      21  5   0    81%    (IC)  IC Dirt Dog Unique Allah   N     22      13  7   2    64%    (CW)  CW ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Creed                   N     18      13  4   1    75%    (1)   1 Deathbringer            H     35      24  8   3    73%    (2)   2 Highwayman              F     14      10  4   0    72%    (5)   3 "Enigma" Takezo Musashi F     33      23  10  0    70%    (3)   4 Otto Verhoeven          H     36      24  10  2    69%    (4)   5 Requiem                 F     11      6   2   3    68%    (6)   6 Chris Quigley           F     32      20  9   3    67%    (10)  7 Mad Dog Watkins         H     18      11  5   2    67%    (7)   8 Nightwing               F     15      10  5   0    67%    (8)   9 Brody Thunder           H     25      16  8   1    66%    (11)  10 Billy Shakespeare       F     42      26  14  2    64%    (9)   11 "Sychosys" Joe Petrow   N     18      10  5   3    64%    (12)  12 Ike Sampson             F     8       5   3   0    63%    (13=) 13 Duncan Macbeth          N     8       5   3   0    63%    (13=) 14 Marty Warnett           F     42      25  16  1    61%    (15)  15 Mr. Damage              H     34      20  14  0    59%    (16)  16 Ronnie Paris            F     20      11  9   0    55%    (17)  17 Derek Mota              H     13      6   5   2    54%    (18)  18 Serge Annis             N     17      8   7   2    53%    (21)  19 "Real Deal" Luke Steele F     15      8   7   0    53%    (19)  20 Tiger Claw              H     51      25  24  2    51%    (20)  21 Tony Starks             F     9       4   5   0    44%    (22)  22 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Simon Lebec             H     2       2   0   0   100%    (23)  23 Scott Rogers            F     3       2   1   0    67%    (24)  24 Danny Dynamite          H     3       2   1   0    67%    (25)  25 Kevin Christiansen      F     -       -   -   -     -     (-)   - ------------------------- suspended / injured -------------------------- Steve "Fury" Kowalski   H     21      15  6   0    71%    (-)   - Subway Psycho           F     37      24  10  3    69%    (-)   - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************************************************************************ ------------------------ IIWF TAG TEAM RANKINGS ------------------------ ************************************************************************ Tag Team Rankings - 18/6/97 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name of team                F/H   Fought  W   L   D   Win%   Ranking                                                              (old) new ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prophets of Rage            H     14      11  2   1    82%   (WT)  WT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Last Resort             F     6       5   1   0    83%   (1)   1 Cold Spell                  F     13      9   4   0    69%   (2)   2 Violence Unlimited          N     5       3   2   0    67%   (8)   3 The Harlequins              N     14      8   5   1    61%   (3)   4 Pain Inc.                   H     26      15  10  1    60%   (4)   5 Dark Disciples              H     20      10  8   2    55%   (5)   6 Hollywood Bloods            H     14      7   6   1    54%   (6)   7 The Zodiac Connection       F     29      14  15  0    48%   (7)   8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Team Sychosys               N     3       2   1   0    67%   (9)   9 The Machines                N     -       -   -   -     -    (-)   - The Nightriders             F     -       -   -   -     -    (-)   - Licensed for Devastation    N     -       -   -   -     -    (-)   - ------------------------------- on leave ------------------------------- High Plains Drifters        H     36      20  15  1    57%   (5)   - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ LM: [aside] Jackson, I didn't know... I mean, I didn't think... [Larry notices the camera on him again.] LM: Well, folks, that's all for this week. Tomorrow should be a spectacular card with that big main event for the IIWF World Heavyweight title. Next week, we'll be coming to you from Cleveland, Ohio... JW: Minus one Jackson Witt, right Larry? I mean, that's the plan, right? LM: I don't know what you're talking about, Jackson. Anyway, folks, we'll see you next week with all the news as we head into the Coronation Clash tournament! Have a good weekend! ["Trip to the Brain" starts up again as the shot widens out, showing Larry pleading to Jackson Witt to forgive him, but Jackson having none of it.] +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+