[Dramatic music plays as scenes from the title match at Syndicate Saturday Night are shown. To sharp, high pitched notes are hit as the scene cuts to Thunder pinning James with the help of Petrow. Another two sharp notes are hit as the scene cuts to James pinning Thunder, also with Petrow's help. The music lowers in volume as a shot of Interim President, Steve Owens comes up on the screen...] SO: The IIWF Heavyweight Championship belt is... as of this moment...     VACANT! [The mixed pop of the crowd is heard as a split shot of James and Thunder - James heading out of the building with a look of distaste, Thunder looking shocked in the ring. Tim Dross' voice can be heard in a sample taken from Saturday Night...] TD: The game has changed! [Suddenly, the music breaks into "The More Things Change..." by Machine Head as still shots of every participant in the Coronation Clash Tournament flash by.] VO: The prize is no longer a shot at the title, but the title itself.     The IIWF comes full circle at the Coronation Clash, one of the most     exciting tournaments to ever grace a wrestling ring. It all starts     tomorrow on Saturday Night with the first round matches. Tonight,     get the low down on... [The music hits a fast break as a montage of IIWF stars are shown hitting their specialty maneuvers... Billy Shakespeare hitting his Curtain Call... Simon Lebec executing the Blackball... Verhoeven Slaughterslamming El Super Gecko... Casey James executing the Black Death on Brody Thunder... Finally, the IIWF logo explodes onto the screen...]                  #####     ######   ###            ##########              ########## ########## ####       ##  ##########              ########## ########## ####  #   #### ########                #####      #####    #### ##  ##### ####                 ####       ####    #### ### ####  ####                 ####       ####    ############# #########                 ####       ####     ########### #########                 ####       ####     ####  ####   ####              #########  #########   ###   ####   ####              #########  #########   ###    ##    ####               ########   ########   ##      #    ####              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ## =-=-=-=                INTERNATIONAL INTERNET WRESTLING FEDERATION             =================================================               "COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY NIGHT" - June 27, 1997             ================================================= [A floating camera shot shows the huge structure of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fade to the inside of the building, and several of the exhibits including certain articles of Mick Jagger's clothing, a sequined jumpsuit once belonging to Elvis, a red leather ensemble accompanied by matching thigh high boots worn by a mannequin resembling Rick James... The camera pans across a few more until the shot fades into a scene of Larry Morton and Jackson Witt sitting in what appears to be a radio broadcasting studio. Larry is all smiles, while Witt looks a little agitated.] LM: Welcome, fans, to another edition of Countdown to Saturday Night!     This week, we're coming to you from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame     in Cleveland Ohio. We're broadcasting the show from the radio     broadcasting studio on the fifth floor here, where we'll be seen on     television, heard on radio, and broadcasted over the internet! What     an exciting feeling! JW: Probably the most people you've ever reached out to, huh, Larry? LM: You bet! We've got a great show for our fans this week. We'll be     taking a look at what's happened in the past week, and we'll also     take a look at the card tomorrow night as we begin the first round     matches for the Coronation Clash tournament! Also, as a special     treat, we have a brand new segment for you this week. JW: Wonderful. And it's taking the place of my segment. LM: Well, Jackson, that's what happens when you imply that the producer     is a degenerate... JW: No, that's what happens when a colleague sets you up... LM: I thought we... Let's get to that later... Folks, let's take a look at what transpired on the War Room... [Rick James' "Superfreak" plays as clips of the conclusions of Wednesday's matches are played with the results superimposed over them.] ======================================================================== ---------------------WEDNESDAY-WAR-ROOM-RECAP--------------------------- ======================================================================== Wednesday War Room - June 25, 1997 1. Kevin "the Cavalier" Christiansen def. "Nifty" Ned Norton    (via pinfall) 2. "Cowboy" Ken Curtis def. Casey C. (via pinfall) 3. Black Flagg vs. Scott "the Whine" Bloom (no contest) 4. Firestarter def. Barnacle Brother Bluto (via submission) 5. Kid Ego def. El Super Gecko (via pinfall) 6. The Nightriders def. The Rotundos (via pinfall) 7. The Harlequins def. The Zodiac Connection (by DQ) 8. Dark Disciples def. The Last Resort    [will face winners of Hollywood Bloods vs. Pain Inc. (scheduled for    Wednesday 2 July) at Coronation Clash on July 12] ======================================================================== LM: We saw a lot of new faces at the War Room... JW: Yes, we did. Members of the ESWP and the NLWP who are participating     in the 1997 Coronation Clash got warmed up with some of the     preliminary stars here in the IIWF. We also saw some new members of     the IIWF make their debuts. Kevin Christiansen and The Nightriders     made impressive debuts in their matches. LM: We also saw the Zodiac Connection get suspended by acting president,     Steve Owens. It looked to me like they didn't care all that much... JW: The Zodiacs claiming that they've been handed a raw deal in the     IIWF. To be honest, Larry, a lot of wrestling talent seems to be     making this claim lately. As far as I am concerned, I think these     athletes should look at themselves before pointing the finger at     the administration here. LM: Well, the trend of athletes demanding more from their employing     companies is nothing new. It's happened in baseball, football,     hockey... And now it's happening here. Anyway, moving on, we also     saw the Disciples score a win over the Last Resort in the main     event. They'll go on to meet the winner of the Pain Inc./Hollywood     Bloods match. JW: It doesn't take a genius to figure out the possibilities in this     one. If Pain Inc. wins, we may see a rematch of the Loser Leaves     Syndicate match, which was absolutely vicious. If the Bloods win,     we'll see yet another rematch, since there is some definite heat     between the Bloods and the Disciples. LM: Either way, it's got the Disciples in it, so you know it's going to     be brutal. We'll see who the Disciples will face this coming     Wednesday. For now, though, let's take a look at tomorrow's card,     which will showcase some of the first round matches for the big 1997     Coronation Clash tournament! ["Steamroller" by Elvis Presley plays as the lineup for Saturday Night comes up on the screen.] ======================================================================== ----------------------SATURDAY-NIGHT-PREVIEW---------------------------- ======================================================================== IIWF Saturday Night - June 28, 1997 1. Creed vs. Ike Sampson 2. Duncan Macbeth vs. "Cowboy" Ken Curtis 3. Derek Mota vs. Firestarter 4. "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder vs. Kid Ego 5. Cold Spell vs. Violence Unlimited 6. "Showstopper" Simon Lebec vs. Mad Dog Watkins 7. Deathbringer vs. Black Flagg 8. Marty Warnett vs. "Real Deal" Luke Steele 9. Lord Byron vs. Ronnie Paris ======================================================================== LM: Saturday Night will come to you from the Gund Arena here in     Cleveland, Ohio. There are quite a few interesting matchups on this     card, and I'm curious to see how it will all work out. There's a lot     of friends that will be meeting in the ring, and a lot of enemies. JW: To these guys, it doesn't matter. We're talking about the big prize     here, folks. The IIWF World Heavyweight Title. The one thing that     can distinguish you as the best in the world. LM: As we all know at this point, Casey James was, uh, stripped of the     title on Saturday by Steve Owens. Of course, that means that nobody     ever beat James for the title... JW: [under his breath] Brown-noser... LM: I'm sorry, Jackson? JW: Nothing... LM: Okay, then. Let's look at this one match by match. --------------------- Creed vs. Ike Sampson --------------------- LM: What a situation! Here we have the two younger men that Mad Dog     Watkins has taken under his wing as of late. The relationship     between them is a little enigmatic, but you've got to think that     there's something between them that will make this match a tough     one. JW: I don't know, Larry. Sure, they might view each other as friends,     but I have a feeling it's more like a business relationship. Yes,     they train together under Mad Dog Watkins, but with the     personalities of these two athletes, I can see them going at it at     100%. This is the World Title, and I don't think wither man wants to     just hand it over to someone else. LM: You could be right, Jackson. Based on the interview we have coming     up, Ike Sampson is convinced that he's going to look at Creed as if     he were just another opponent across that ring... [SCENE:  Ike Sampson is standing in the middle of Ric Flair's Gold's Gym in Charlotte, NC.  All around him are people engaged in workouts.  Ike is wearing a T-shirt that reads simply BELIEVE.  He is sweating profusely, and holding a jumprope, evidently working on his agility.] IS: So this is it.  Just a few short days away from Cleveland, and     another _golden_ opportunity for the Big Dog.  32 men, 31 matches,     one champion.  One survivor.  And I'm banking on that survivor     being me.  Young guys like me don't get many shots like this at the     world title... I don't plan on wasting it.     Creed... you've been almost like a brother to me since I got     here to the IIWF.  You and Mad Dog have been very instrumental in my     success.  But all that goes out the window Saturday night...     brother or no brother, that don't mean we can't get it on.  Me and     Jack used to go at it hard back in the day... when it was all     over, we still loved each other... but when it was going on... look     out.     Blood may be thicker than water... but gold's thicker'n anything....     Creed, you're my boy... today. Saturday night... you're just the     first rung on the ladder to the top.     And that's the truth... LM: Ike knows where he stands in this match, and he may very well look     focused. Take one look at Creed, though, and the word "focused"     takes on a whole new meaning... [SCENE:  Gund Arena.  Cleveland, Ohio.  A full 24 hours prior to his opening Coronation Clash Crusade Tournament matchup against newly found friend Ike Sampson, the red gloved rookie Creed stands on the arena floor in the very spot where the IIWF ring will soon be raised. Creed's black "Anyone...Anywhere...Anytime" t-shirt is drenched with perspiration as the young superstar soundlessly shadow wrestles an opponent who is perhaps less imaginary than is he not apparent to anyone but Creed. Creed dodges...ducks...feints and dives, snapping his invisible opponent (and therefore, himself) hard to the concrete floor with his new cross-faced bridging back suplex, modestly monikered the "Creedplex". The red gloved rookie stands, spitting out his black mouthguard and then staring at the camera with the emotional intensity of a man on the verge of no less than a holy quest.] CREED: I like Ike Sampson. You know, I never had too many boys, right. Mostly just relied on me. So, it been good with me and Ike and the Dog.  Spent a little time with Ike, learnin' 'bout his family... understandin' that sometime even when you not alone - you alone. And the Dog right when he says that brothers got to stick together, 'specially 'round here when there ain't many folks you can trust not to stab you in the back. I like Ike Sampson.  He big, strong, work hard and maybe gonna be a champ one day.  He ever need somethin' - I know me and the Dog be there for him. But this Saturday Night... when Ike Sampson stand in front of me like a man... when he get in that ring and stare me straight in the face... I gonna shake his hand... [Zoom in on the cold, unforgiving face of Creed.] And then I am gonna rip his head from his shoulders. It ain't nothin personal 'bout Ike.  It about me. It's all about me. See, I ain't never wanted no unbeaten streak... never wanted no stroke either - no matter what no one says.  I here for one reason and one reason only -- I am here to rip and shred and tear my way through every damn man in the IIWF to take what belong to me...to take what every damn man in the IIWF know belong to me... The Heavyweight Championship Belt. It starts this Saturday Night... Ike Sampson in my way - and Ike Sampson gonna get beat.  And on July 12th - at Coronation Clash - four other men are gonna stand in my way, and four other men are gonna get beat.  Beat down.  Beat down as hard as they ever been beat down until they know what everybody know... that I am the _best_ wrestler in the world today, and that IIWF Championship Belt belongs around my waist -- and ain't no one gonna be able to tell nobody different. You get it now?  You get where I comin' from now? This is all about me.  It is my time... it is my turn... it is my tournament... And it is my belt. You want Creed?  You gonna get Creed. [Fade.] LM: What do you think we can expect in this match, Jackson. JW: Two guys who respect each other, who even like each other, but are     complete professionals. That professionalism is going to bring us     all a very exciting match tomorrow night. -------------------------------------- Duncan Macbeth vs. "Cowboy" Ken Curtis -------------------------------------- LM: IIWF's own Highlander takes on the NLWP's "Cowboy" Ken Curtis. I     think Macbeth has his work cut out for him, because from my     experience, these cowboy types are as tough as nails. Take a look at     Ken Curtis... [A strobe light pulses against a black screen while a heavy bassline pounds the ears. With every flash, we can see a shadowy figure cut in black against the light. The figure stands 6'2 and muscular, dressed heel to head in black, with cowboy boots, leather chaps, a leather vest over a bare chest, leather gloves, and a black, rumpled cowboy hat pulled down over his eyes. A filter tipped cigarillo juts from his white, clenched teeth. In his right hand is a coiled, black leather bull-whip. A voice-over begins...] VO: He rode into the NLWP a man on a mission. [Cut to slow-motion footage of "Cowboy" Ken Curtis, with his attractive blond manager, Sweet Thang, speaking in front of an NLWP banner, though we cannot hear what he is saying. Cut back to the strobe-lit figure, as the camera pans in...] VO: He made enemies... [Cut to slow-motion footage of a bloody Curtis bulldogging the masked Soul Survivor in a steel cage, then cut back to the figure, and the camera is a little closer...] VO: ... friends... [Cut to slow-motion footage of Curtis and Nicholas Doom cleaning house on Soul Survivor and D.O.A. of the NLWP, then back to the figure, and the camera is closer still...] VO: ... and enemies of friends. [Cut to slow-motion footage of Curtis slamming a chair into Nicholas Doom's back, then back to the figure, the camera is on his face...] VO: Now, he's coming to the IIWF with one thing on his mind... [Suddenly, the strobe light ceases, the screen is illuminated with light, and "Cowboy" Ken Curtis raises his head, pulls the cigarillo from his mouth, and addresses the camera] CKC: I'm comin' for that belt, boys! [ZZ Top's "Just Got Paid" plays under Curtis as he speaks] CKC: Duncan Macbeth! The "Lone Wolf" had a lot to say about you, sweetheart, and ain't none of it good! Big, bad, Scotsman, huh? Got     the temper of a wild boar hog, do ya? Guess what! I don't give a dog damn! Son, I've turned over rocks on my ranch in Dripping Springs and seen thangs scarier'n' you! [Curtis lets the whip uncoil and cracks it a couple of times. The crack of the whip sounds like gunfire] CKC: So when you and I step into that ring this Saturday night, you     better bring all ya got, big man, 'cause this fight ain't for the     pride of the homeland, this fight is for ten pounds o' gold. And     gold, well... [Curtis shoves the cigarillo back onto his mouth, produces a gold-plated Zippo lighter, flicks it open and strikes it, causing a red-orange flame to appear. He lights the tip of the cigarillo, draws on it heavily, and smiles as he allows the blue-grey smoke to escape his mouth and waft up around his face...] CKC: ... gold's what it's all about, ain't it? [Curtis laughs through clenched teeth as the camera fades to black] LM: Something about a guy with a bullwhip that scares me, Jackson... JW: Larry, you're lucky I'm not Becky LaRue, because I'd be all over you     for that comment. LM: What? Oh... Ewww... Well, we were unable to get comments from Duncan     Macbeth going into this match, but word has it he's worked out a     considerable game plan for this match. I mentioned the toughness of     these cowboy types earlier on, but don't get me wrong... Duncan     Macbeth is one tough customer as well. Any thought for this one,     Jackson? JW: One thing you have to consider here is that Curtis is not from     around here. That could work to his advantage or disadvantage. It's     advantageous because he hasn't really made too many enemies here,     but it's disadvantageous because he hasn't had the chance to make     too many friends either. To be more specific, Macbeth has raised the     ire of Lord Byron. That may come into play. The only relationship     that Curtis has made with the IIWF stars is an apparent friendship     with fellow cattle rustler Brody Thunder, and a possible grudge     against former champ Casey James. It's really hard to pick a winner     in this one. -------------------------- Derek Mota vs. Firestarter -------------------------- LM: In a way, at least three federations are represented in this one.     Mota performs in the NLWP as well as the IIWF, and Firestarter is     from the ESWP. We had these comments from Firestarter... [SCENE: And old, abandoned church. The Firestarter stands in the center of it with two men and two women, who appear to be none other than fellow Death Enterprises members The Fallen Angel, Sengir and The Dark Sovereigns.] FS: Ladies and gentlemen, first of all let us thank my tag team partner The Fallen Angel for providing us with our surroundings. [The Angel nods.] FS: And now it's time to get to business. We are dominating the ESWP's     European Region, The Sovereigns are on the way to becoming the     World Women's Tag Team Champions, and Sengir is slowly climbing     closer and closer to the World's Junior Heavyweight Title, but     tonight, we are here to discuss something else, the IIWF. FA: Them again. JW: Does this really concern us? FS: My dear Jezra, for the past four months we have heard nothing but     IIWF this and IIWF that. I think it's about time we put these bloody     wankers in their place once and for all! FA: You've already defeated Lord Byron, their so-called, "greatest     wrestler." FS: True, but these [BLEEP]s haven't had the opportunity to see Death     Enterprises up close and personal! And believe me, after I torch     five of the IIWF's so called best, I'll be the IIWF World     Champion, then no one will be able to stop me from claiming the     ESWP belt as well! Sengir: What about Black Flagg? FS: That [BLEEP]ing [BLEEP]! He's nothing compared to me! That bloody     piece of [BLEEP] can't come close to what I do! Besides, I don't     think he'll make it past the first round. FA: You've got a plan? FS: I always do! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA! [Fade] LM: Quite a few two dollar words in that one. I had the chance to talk     to Derek Mota in Toronto, Canada to get his thoughts on this     match... [The interview opens with Larry Morton, who is in an elevator, going up to Derek Mota's apartment in downtown Toronto.  The heat is blistering, especially for Canada, and sweat is dripping down Morton's forehead.] LM: Geez, this isn't anything like Juarez, but it's still damn hot here!     I'm on  my way to speak to Derek Mota about his recent win against     Tiger Claw, his   change  in attitude, and the upcoming Coronation     Clash Crusade Tour!  Hey, I   knew I could get that in here!  Oh,     and here we are! [The elevator door opens, leaving Morton free to enter the hallway, where Derek Mota's apartment is only about ten feet away.  Morton knocks on the door, and hears a shuffling sound as someone approaches.  Mota finally opens the door.] DM: So they sent you again, huh?  What is it, you like my place here? LM: I'm just doing my job, Derek. DM: Yeah, siddown. [Morton takes a quick look at Derek's apartment before sitting down on a brand new wing chair.  Actually, a few things look new since Morton's last trip here a few months ago.] LM: Obviously, the first thing that has to be said is about the     tournament which begins tomorrow.  You're set to face one of the     four "outsiders", namely Firestarter in the opening round.  Do you     have any comments? DM: Don't I always?  Yeah, Firestarter's obviously at a loss for words.     He's gotta cover up the fact that he ain't got nothin' ta say by     gettin' edited outta the whole interview.  Watch this. [Derek picks up the remote control next to him and presses play.  A picture of Firestarter appears on the screen before them.] F:  Well, here's the big [BLEEP]ing reality check boys and girls! You     are looking at the next IIWF World's Heavyweight [BLEEP]ing     Champion! I'm going to haul the best this [BLEEP] poor excuse for a     league has to offer onto the strongest shoulders in wrestling ... [Mota hits pause and the video flickers to a halt.] DM: Yeah, that's enough.  It's obvious the guy's coverin' up the fact     that he's a freakin' idiot by swearin' up a storm.  But I'm not     underestimating you, Fireboy, you're a big man here.  But I've     fought big men before, and won. I beat Casey James two weeks ago,     I've fought Requiem and gave him the match of his life, and Drew     Barrymore, you ain't Requiem.  This is the big leagues, kid.  You're     gonna have ta get in the ring and prove yourself, just like I did.     I'm not one ta hide behind my words.  I step into the ring and give     it everythin' I've got.  Sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose, but     I always take my opponents to their limits.  Let's see how you     handle that. LM: My other question is about your recent change in attitude.  How and     why is this happening? DM: Well, Larry, it all started when Ike Sampson won the "Rookie Bowl",     as he called it.  It was pretty obvious to everybody that he didn't     deserve it, that it shoulda gone to the crazy Scot Macbeth, but he's     walkin' around talkin' about how he's the future of the IIWF, and     how he's New Gen.  Then he goes on ta get trashed by Byron and just     about everybody else in the league.  What kinda name do you think     that gave me, being the leader of the New Generation? LM: I don't think that anybody ... DM: Shaddup and listen ta what I'm sayin', Morton!  This is my place     here, you follow my rules.  Anyways, it's not just Sampson.  Then we     had Scott Rogers doin' the same.  And the whole thing turned itself     around.  It wasn't just the New Generation anymore.  It was     everybody who had been in the league for months already!  That     wasn't what the New Generation was about!  It was about an attitude.     It was a bunch of people that were tired of gettin' shafted,     and were taking their turn doin' the shaftin'!  But hey, New     Generation is dead. It lost any credibility when all of those     Wednesday Whiners came in. LM: What about Genesis?  You were wearing their shirt on the way to the     ring last week, do they want you in, and are you finally going to     make a decision? DM: Derek Mota never rushes a decision.  If they really want me in,     they're gonna have ta wait.  But don't be fooled inta thinkin' that.     They're tricky  boys.  That's why things are takin' so long.  We'll     figure somethin' out. LM: Finally, you had a big win against Tiger Claw last week.  Any comments? DM: Not just a big win against Tiger Claw, it's followin' a win against     another Syndicate member Casey James. I'm showin' my total     domination over that little play group, and it ain't gonna change     anytime soon. What, is Danny Dynamite gonna come after me? Come at     me, Danny, come at me. If you Syndicate bums want some more of me,     you know where I am. Right in the ring, every Saturday night. I'll     be waitin'. LM: Okay, thanks for your time, Derek, good luck at your match tomorrow     night. [The interview ends as Mota just keeps staring at the big screen TV where pictures of the Syndicate are playing.  A picture of Brody Thunder flashes on the screen and Derek just makes a noise of frustration, and then keeps on watching TV.] LM: Derek is definitely "in the zone," as they say. JW: Well, think about it. Mota has just come off a win over Tiger Claw,     a three time IC champ. Sure, Claw has been off his game, but it's an     impressive name to have in the scrap book, if you know what I mean.     I'm picking Mota to at least get to the Elite Eight. ------------------------------------- "Lone Wolf" Brody Thunder vs. Kid Ego ------------------------------------- LM: This one's going to be interesting. The man who many thought was to     be the next IIWF World Heavyweight Champion against a man that was     the NLWP World Heavyweight Champion. James beat Ego - although     somewhat underhandedly - and many feel that Thunder beat James. This     is something touched upon by Kid Ego of the NLWP... [Camera opens in some sort of small auditorium.  Kid Ego is sitting at a fully set dining table that is on the stage of the auditorium.  He is wearing a finely tailored Armani suit.  Two beautiful blondes are sitting on either side of him.  The girl on the right is the one we know as Shauna. There are fans, many of them of the female persuasion, standing excitedly and staring at Kid Ego.  Most of the woman have also brought their Kid Ego inflatable dolls with Armani suit, along with them Ego stands and the fans start applauding and cheering.) KE: Thank you ladies and some gents.  I see that my NLWP fans have     followed me here to the IIWF.  And I can see some new fans, possibly     the IIWF. [A small group of women start cheering as Ego points to his new IIWF following.  He then sits back down and clinks on his glass.  Molly the redhead comes running out from behind the stage with a bottle of Champagne. She pours a glass for Ego and his two companions.] KE: Keep up the good work Molly and someday you’ll be sitting at this     table. Now get the appetizers and start passing them around to our     kind guests here. Molly: Yes, Mr. Ego. KE: Good girl. Now I have all invited you here to talk about my upcoming match here in the IIWF as well as my rise to the title.  As you all know, my first match is against Brody Thunder. [Boos can be heard from the crowd.] KE: I feel the same way ladies. The IIWF knows that I’m the greatest wrestler that they have ever put their eyes on, so they’re going to pit me against their so called best. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. I’ve seen Brody Thunder wrestle from his little stint in the NLWP and I’m not very impressed.  The only reason why he has the NLWP title right now is because he had to hit Casey James with a loaded elbow pad. Girl in crowd:  YOU SHOULD STILL BE THE CHAMPION KID. KE: That’s very kind of you sweetheart.  We all know that Thunder cheated to beat James and that James cheated to beat moi.  Which, I guess, means that if James couldn’t defeat me cleanly, then Thunder doesn’t have a chance in hell of beating me.  Because we all know that I’m the greatest wrestler ever and no one can defeat me. [The women start cheering madly as Ego stands up and bows to his fans. He then claps his hands together and Molly comes running out. He shakes his head in disgust and points at her.] KE: Did you see what time it is Molly?  You’re FIVE minutes late with my dinner.  Very disappointing Molly, very disappointing. Molly: Sorry Mr. Ego. [Molly runs off as Ego sits back down with a sarcastic smirk on his face.] KE: If you’re the best the IIWF can give me Thunder, then they better give me the title right away instead of humiliating the whole federation. [Molly comes running out with Ego’s dinner plate and sets it down in front of him.  He then points to his empty glass and she bolts off again.] KE: I’m such an important figure that the NLWP begged me to fight on Monday’s card so that the ratings wouldn’t go down. I fight Saturday and now I got to fight Monday as well. It never ends when you're the best. Well, my match Monday is just some jobber match anyway against some guy called Dante Powell I believe.  Doesn’t have much importance for me. Well, now I have to eat dinner, ladies, so the show is over. [Camera fades as you can hear Ego shouting at Molly about his dinner being cold.] LM: Well, the guy's name definitely isn't one of those joke names... JW: A what? LM: A joke name... Like calling a bald guy "Curly," or a big guy "Tiny." JW: Oh, I see... You're clever, Larry. LM: Why, thanks, Jackson. JW: No, Larry... That's your joke name... Clever. [Larry looks taken aback.] JW: Let's get some comments from Brody Thunder, shall we? [The black and white video opens with a  shot  of  a  shadowy figure standing in a darkened wrestling ring. Cut to a black screen. The face of Brody Thunder emerges from the  blackness. His eyes are glaring at the camera as beads of sweat cover his head. Thunder just stares  into the camera not moving as a voiceover of Brody Thunder can be heard.] BT: [voiceover] First ya stuck yer nose in my match... [A grainy black and white clip of Thunder hitting IIWF President Dan Spreadbury over the head with a chair. The clip is played in slow-motion.] BT: [voiceover] ...then ya took my money... [Another grainy clip of a Brody Thunder interview in which he says "..well I'll pay yer flamin' fine...". Cut back to Thunder's stoic facial shot.] BT: [voiceover] ...an ya took my livelihood... [Cut to another clip from the same interview with Thunder saying "..an' I'll sit out yer damn suspension...". Cut back to the facial shot.] BT:[voiceover] ...an then ya took my shot at yer precious world title. [Cut to Thunder pinning James. Quick cut to Steve Owens declaring the title vacant. Cut back to facial.] BT: [voiceover] Ya thought ya might git rid o' Brody Thunder if ya tried long an' hard enough... [Cut to a clip of Thunder's Monday Musing interview where he trashes the IIWF interview set. Then back to the facial shot once again but this time he speaks.] BT: ...but all ya did, Danny-boy, is make my road to that gold belt jus' a little bit longer an' a whole lot more painful fer four o' yer so-called "superstars". When yer flunky Owens said that the belt was held up... I knew the IIWF had found a way ta save that belt from bein' where it rightfully belongs. So now there's a tournament. The winner gets the strap. The winner has to go through four men. Well ta that I say... [Thunder flashes an evil smile.]     ...line 'em up an' get the hell outta the way.     See it's like this... "Dan"... I'm goin' ta Boston an' there ain't a     man that's gonna stop me. I'm takin' out four wrestlers on the way ta _my_ strap an' I'm startin' with that punk Kid Ego. [The grin is replaced by a steely-eyed stare.]     Ego...     I don't know ya, amigo. I don't wanna know ya. I jus' wanna beat ya.     Nuthin' personal but yer in the way o'my destiny an' as a result o'     that fact yer first ta fall under the Thunderbolt.     I've heard yer good. I've heard yer some kinda fancy pants flyboy.     Well, son, ya better bring an extra set o' wings ta that ring Saturday night 'cuz I'm gonna ground yer ass good an' hard. The next     flyin' yer gonna do is strapped to a stretcher. So Kid... check yer "ego" at the door my friend an' bring whatever else ya got in that high-flyin' bag o'tricks. Ya may not know me now but the man who'll     be standin' across that ring from ya _should_ be very recognizable.     He's the "uncrowned" world champion. He's the next IIWF world champion.     Name's Brody Thunder.     Like I said... ya may not know me now... but come Saturday night, "Kid", I promise ya this... [Thunder slaps his elbowpad in mock clothesline fashion.]     ...ya won't fergit me. [Thunder's face slips back into the shadows. Fade to black.] LM: [looking at Witt] Bad attitude, Mister... JW: [Ignoring Morton] Well, folks, I've got to say that Thunder is the     favourite in this one. He came pretty close to having that belt     already, and I think he's got the drive to go all the way... --------------------------------- Cold Spell vs. Violence Unlimited --------------------------------- LM: Clever... Hmpf... [Seems to get a signal from off camera] Huh? Oh,     yeah... Well, in this next match, we take a break from the     tournament and have the highly anticipated match between Cold Spell     and Violence Unlimited. The animosity between these two is     incredible. JW: And the winners of this match could very well meet the tag team     champions the following week. That's got to be some serious     motivation. Steve Summer caught up with Icehawk recently at a     fairly... interesting location... [SCENE: The killer whale show at Sea World outside of Cleveland. Icehawk and Steve Summer are watching the show, and eating snowcones.] SS: You and I do interviews in some of the strangest spots. Last     time, we were at a hockey game. Now we are watching Shamu and his     son. IH: What? [peers closely at the pool] That's Shamu and his son? SS: Of course it is! What did you think? IH: I thought those huge, blubbery things were Jaguar and Mutilator!     I was trying to impress Fitz by actually doing some scouting for     our match Saturday. [Steve rolls his eyes and sighs before continuing the interview] SS: There's been a lot of talk lately that you are unhappy with Cold     Spell being a part of Genesis. Is that true, or is it just     another rumor started by the oldtimers? IH: Well, I don't think that's exactly right. I don't think that the     fans understand why we are a part of Genesis. And that's Tim     Dross' fault! SS: How do you figure? IH: Well, he is going out of his way to make us look like bad guys,     and we aren't! We came into the IIWF and played by the rules, and     what did it get us? We beat the World Tag champs at Ring Wars, but     they cheated to keep the belts. Did we ever get a rematch? Of course     not.     At Birthday Bash, we had the Prophets of Rage beat ... but Violence     Unlimited interfered and cost us the US Tag belts. Did we ever     get a rematch? Nope.     Violence Unlimited has come out and beaten the crap out of us     four or five times. Comedy tried to turn my face into a marshmallow     roast. But when we take steps to fight back, we are suddenly the     villains? How can Tim Dross encourage the fans to cheer for those     jerks, and encourage them to boo me??? I've never broken any     rules, and I love the fans! It isn't fair! SS: I know it isn't. I don't know what Tim's problem with Genesis is,     but he's certainly been nasty to you guys. On another subject,     the IIWF is buzzing about the fact that Highwayman has to wrestle     Nightwing in the first round of the championship tournament. What     do you think about it? IH: I think it will be a lot of fun, and I think it is going to     surprise a lot of people. Highway's a good wrestler and all, but     Nightwing is going to beat him. [Steve looks surprised, and starts to say something, but before he can, both whales leap out of the water, and crash down with a tremendous splash. Both Steve and Icehawk are drenched, as the camera fades out.] LM: Icehawk seems not to be concentrating on VU perhaps as much as he     should. Violence Unlimited, however, are looking right at Cold     Spell... [Cut to a black screen.] VOICE:   It's ... about ... time. [SCENE: Fade in to a darkened arena.  The camera pans around the arena, which is in total darkness save for a few security lights.  It is a very beautiful arena, one of the best sports facilities in the world today. The camera does a full 360, and then turns to the ring, that is also just barely lit, by a single light above.  The camera closes in on that light, and standing in the light are Violence Unlimited, Mutilator and Jaguar. Mutilator is wearing his trademark mask, a pair of blue jean shorts, and a white t-shirt with the MLWO Logo on it.  He is pacing around the ring. Jaguar is wearing a black PCW tank top, black jean shorts, a pair of sandals, and is standing straight and still as Mut paces.] M:  Cold Spell, you have been an unwanted roadblock on our route to the     tag team titles since just before Birthday Bash.  We picked you out     of a crowd, and MADE YOU what you are today by giving you a DQ win.     We were generous.  Ever since then, people are saying the Cold Spell     is on the tear of a lifetime, when in actuality they merely were     attacked by the right two people.  Edmund Fitzgerald, whatever his     partner's name is, both of you no name losers shall fall to Violence     Unlimited this Saturday. J:  The only true reason for entry into this match is the tag team title     shot on the line.  The tough, brash rookies take on the number three     contenders to the belts...and destroy them.  We all saw on Inside     the IIWF that Mr. Spreadbury is setting us up for the fall somehow,     when he listed us at 3-2.  We're 4-1, and at this moment that makes     us the #2 contenders to the belts. M:  Fear is something you shall not be bothered by, Cold Spell.  On     Saturday when your backs are busted, do not worry.  That only means     that the countless fights that have occurred between us with no     definite winner really did have a winner...us. J:  The tag team champions shall be next for us.  All we must do is     defeat the members of Genesis.  After all, we are a proper example     of teamwork and youth.  And we also do NOT think you are prepared. M:  You're being set up for the big fall, it's time for Violence     Unlimited to shine...and show the world that the epitome of tag team     comes from the newest, and the best...Violence Unlimited. J:  Do not live in fear of that which you cannot control.  Soon, this     kick you have about youth ruling the IIWF will fade away, and the     only thing anyone will see is the winner of the Coronation Clash Tag     Tournament, the winner of the match, and most importantly... M:  The next tag team champions.  Prepare yourselves, we're here. J:  Have a great day...sweet dreams...when thou wakest up, the dreams     shall never occur again. [Fade] LM: The tag titles are definitely on the minds of both teams here... JW: Well, they'd better remember that they have a match to win before     they even get a shot at the titles... --------------------------------------------- "Showstopper" Simon Lebec vs. Mad Dog Watkins --------------------------------------------- LM: Back to the tournament. This match features the veteran, Mad Dog     Watkins, against the... flamboyant... Simon Lebec. JW: You want to talk about ego? Lebec has more than enough to spare.     When asked by an IIWF inteview crew for a moment of his time, Lebec     started negotiating how much they'd have to pay him! Needless to     say, we _won't_ be hearing from Lebec today. LM: But we'll be hearing from Watkins. We got this special look at a     special reunion with the Mad Dog. [SCENE:  The camera opens up with a shot of the lake, and then pulls back to reveal the pyramid of the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. Clearly, we are in Cleveland and so are the few thousand tourists who scurry in and around the Hall of Fame and the Science Museum that resides next door. Amidst the sea of humanity is Mad Dog Watkins, whose massive figure the camera manages to pick out from the mob as he exits the glass doors which afront the museum.  He is dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt, and looks a little chilly as the wind whips in off the lake this morning bringing with it both fog and cold air.  He looks about at all the people, pulls his Chicago Cubs cap down around his eyes, and sets off down the road.] MDW:  [mutters] Hello, Cleveland... [Watkins sinks his hands deep in his pockets and walks down the winding road which runs in front of the Hall of Fame...all the way down the remnants of the old Cleveland Stadium.  The Stadium sits in a pile of rubbish and rubble, and the fog which comes in off the lake gives it a creepy appearance.  The tourists who have made their way down here take a brief look at nostalgia and then quickly head back up the street, perhaps to head a few blocks over to the Jake -- Jacobs Field...the new home of the Indians.  Watkins pauses at the security fence around what is left of the historic stadium, staring at the ghosts which still haunt the field. Lost in thought and memory, Watkins is caught unaware by the massive black hand that lands gently on his shoulder and brings him back to reality.  Instincts take over and Watkins spins....to stare right into the face of his mentor and former partner...."Buttercup" Ray Jones. Watkins holds his ground momentarily as the tension grows, but then both men let their guard down and embrace - a reunion long overdue.] BRJ:  What's up, old dog? MDW:  [shaking Jones' hand]  Not much, Ray, not much... BRJ:  I was beginning to think you wouldn't show. MDW:  Well, I had to stop by the Hall...the blues exhibit was calling my       name. BRJ:  Still the same old dog I know and love...and love to hate. MDW:  No hard feelings, right?  I mean, I did what I had to do. [Jones smiles, remembering the night back in 1987 when Watkins turned his back on Jones following a tag team title loss to the Shadow Cabinet duo of a young Jerod Hodge and Roman Banks.  Jones shakes the memory from his mind and replies...] BRJ:  What do you think?  You kicked my old carcass around the ring for       what seemed like hours. MDW:  You deserved it.  We never should have lost to those chumps. BRJ:  Exactly.  That's why I don't hold a grudge.  In fact, that's the       best thing that could have happened to you.  Turning on me showed       me you had the balls to stand on your own.  You didn't need this       old soldier to rely on, and you definitely didn't need to be       carrying me.  You were your own man and you proved it. MDW:  Well, I seem to remember that after we got through with each       other, you went on to beat Ortega for the belt once more.  Looks       like I knocked some sense back into you. BRJ:  Yeah...you taught the teacher a lesson. MDW:  So why'd you want me to meet you down here, especially after all       this time? BRJ:  Well, I've been watching the IIWF scene since you arrived.  Seen       your battles with Thunder and Creed...and now I see you've taken       Creed and Jack's little brother, Ike under your wing. MDW:  [interrupting] But I ain't babying them...I'm not the babysitter       type. BRJ:  Never thought you were.  The whole sitation...well, it just       brought back some memories.  And I saw you got paired against       Lebec in the tournament, and, well...I just wanted to wish you       luck. [Watkins drops his head and smiles then speaks...] MDW:  Thanks...thanks a lot. BRJ:  Come on, let's walk.  You remember back in 1984 when the       Supercards held the "Paintasia" event here at the Stadium? MDW:  Sure...why?  Wait a minute...that's the night you won the battle       royal and won the title shot against Ortega. BRJ:  And I blew it. MDW:  Sure, but how are you supposed to beat the Cleveland Scorpion in       Cleveland? [Both men break out in laughter as the walk around the construction site that once was Cleveland Stadium.  When the moment passes, Jones stops and points at Watkins.] BRJ:  Yeah, but it was that night that Ortega convinced me to make you       my partner.  The way you cleaned house in the battle royal, he       thought for a while that it was going to be you standing across       from him in the title match later that night.  I stopped and       thought about what he said...and he was right.  You were a       superstar in the making. That belt was destined to go around your       waist, but you left the fed before you got it... MDW:  My family called...besides, tag gold was good enough for me. BRJ:  Was it?  Was it really? [Watkins turns his head in avoidance of the question, looking out across the fog covered lake.  But Jones doesn't need a reply to know the answer to that question...] BRJ:  That's what I thought.  [pointing at the old stadium]  You could       have been champion that night in 1983 if you got passed me.       Ortega feared you.  He knew you had his number.  And the last time       I won the belt in 1990...that was your title shot.  But you didn't       show...why? MDW:  I had to be in Detroit...you know the story...let's not go there. BRJ:  Fine.  But I think you see my point.  Quit avoiding your destiny,       Mad Dog.  This tournament might be your last shot to wear the       World gold.  And I'm not going to let you blow it.  Your wife gave       me her ticket to the show tommorrow, and I'm going to be there to       watch you blow past that punk Lebec and take your first step to       the belt. MDW:  You know the belt chase has never been my scene... BRJ:  That's only because you made it so...and you know more than anyone       that it's partially a lie.  This tournament is yours for the       taking. Be a man.  Go get what you want. MDW:  I...I dunno.  Besdies I'm late...I was suppossed to meet Ike for       lunch.  I gotta go. [Watkins begins walking up the street back towards the city, trying to walk fast enough to leave Jones' words behind.  Jones watches him go, but not before getting in the last word...] BRJ:  You can't run from it, MD...I'll be there tommorrow to watch you       win.  See you then...champ.... [Fade.] LM: Jones is right. Watkins was _made_ for a title belt. JW: He's got the skills to do it. I have a feeling that Mad Dog could     take it right to the final match in the tournament at the PPV. ---------------------------- Deathbringer vs. Black Flagg ---------------------------- LM: Black Death takes on Black Flagg. Or will this match even take     place? After Black Flagg's no-show on Wednesday, and his subsequent     silence, one has to wonder if he'll even bother making it to the     tournament. JW: Even if he does, he's going to have a tough time with the former     champ, Deathbringer. The big man has worn the gold before, and you     can bet that he wants to again. We got these comments from the     Reaper... [SCENE: Outside the mortuary. Deathbringer is standing between some graves. Although the moonlight shines brightly, one cannot see the boundaries of the graveyard. Deathbringer's looks directly into the camera, as he begins to speak with his low, growling voice] DB: So you want me to retire, Genesis? Well, I can understand that my retirement would solve quite some of your problems... But do not worry, oh mighty alliance, I will not step back... and this allows you to _finally_ show me all your power... [Deathbringer laughs in his diabolic way for a few seconds, before continuing] DB: Let me tell you something, Genesis... When you think that I was a mighty power in the past... then you might be right... I was a mighty power in the eyes of a mortal, in _your_ eyes, but I never was a mighty power compared to what I am capable of... Now I do not think that you want to wake the savage beast within me, but if you want to find out what I am all about, then you are on the best way to do it. However, right now I do not care about you... There are far more important things on my mind, and I am really interested in whether you will manage to stay out of my way this time... [Deathbringer walks towards the camera and passes it on the left side. The camera turns around, until Deathbringer is seen heading towards the mortuary. Right in front of the entrance to this large hall he comes to a halt and turns around] DB: Coronation Clash... About one year ago I participated in that great event together with some of the greatest athletes of that time. And although I did not make it past the second round because of a false referee decision, I today can say, even if it should sound a bit strange to you, that it indeed was an honor for me to be a part of that Pay-Per-View. _This_ year I will participate again in the tournament at the end of which the winner becomes the new IIWF world heavyweight champion. But as I look at the competition, I do not see too many great athletes anymore... Especially the fourth bracket contains names of wrestlers who should not even be allowed to call themselves athletes... But this is of no importance, and I could not care less about just _who_ will be my opponents during the tournament. Fact is that it is about time to once again regain the belt and this way the control over the whole IIWF... This is what I owe to the fans and this is what I want to give to the fans... [Deathbringer lowers his head for a few seconds, then looks back into the camera] DB: But this is a gigantic task... and I know that it will take a lot of steps to successfully complete it. My first step will be you, Black Flagg... We do not know each other personally yet, but I studied some tapes of your wrestling matches, so be sure that I will come prepared. I do not know what you have heard about me, but whatever it was... it most certainly did not even come close to the truth... [Pause] Tell me whether you remember your lonely nights, when you were just a child... Tell me whether you remember the mysterious sounds which reached your ears when walking through the dark... Tell me whether you remember your fear when thinking about death and dying... Of course you do... And you will as well remember the presence of the creature that created all those feelings, all those fears, all those frightening scenarios... Yes, Black Flagg... You will remember me, just like any mortal remembers me deep in his heart... And when you look into my eyes, after I buried you six feet underneath the ring, you will understand what I am all about... and then... I will take you home... Black Flagg, prepare to meet your maker... [Fade] LM: Chilling. I'd put my money on the Deathbringer, that's for sure. ----------------------------------------- Marty Warnett vs. "Real Deal" Luke Steele ----------------------------------------- LM: Former IC champ Marty Warnett takes on hometown favourite Luke     Steele in this first round match-up. Let's hear comments from     Steele. [The scene opens as Luke Steele stands outside of the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.  Steele prepares for his match with Marty Warnett tomorrow evening, but can't help but feel in awe of his hometown's new arena. He draws in a breath, then turns and faces the camera to speak.] LS: Local boy makes good.  Hello to all the fans in Cleveland, Luke's     come home!  Tonight I face my toughest challenge to date in the     Party Maniac, Marty Warnett.  Marty, I have a great deal of respect     for you.  After all, who expected you to have an Intercontinental     title reign?  Before the match I will shake your hand, and then     we'll go at each other with all our strengths and abilities.     I'm confident that I have what it takes to get to the next round,     but just in case I don't then my friends are in this tournament too.     Scott Rogers, you face Requiem and both Ronnie and I are rooting for     you to take him out.  And Ronnie Paris, you've drawn Lord Byron     tonight.  Consider me there as backup, in case mi'lady decides to     get involved.  Don't worry about GENESIS, I'll keep them busy so all     you have to worry about is Lord Byron.     The Real Deal has come home, and he's going to make the people of     Cleveland proud of him.  One last thing I have to say, a big thank     you to the IIWF for coming to Cleveland. [Fade out.] LM: Lots of respect from Luke Steele... JW: Respect that I'm sure is mutual when you talk about Marty Warnett.     Tim Dross got these comments from the Party Maniac. [SCENE : A deserted locker-room, after Wednesday night's action.  Marty Warnett sits alone, reading notes made earlier in the evening.  He notices Tim Dross enter the room.] TD: Marty, I thought everybody had gone home. MW: Nah, thought I'd hang around for a bit.  The prospect of going to     the hotel and enduring another drunken repetition of "Wannabe" by     Becky was too much after the events of this week. TD: Marty, your hair ... MW: Yeah, should've expected Lebec to be so unimaginative.  It ain't a complete disaster, it's not half cut after all.  I guess shave part of the other side, balance it out, shouldn't look too bad. TD: Obviously coming up to this major tournament, it has to be a big     problem. MW: How do you work that one out?  Hey, look Dross, at least I'll be     more aero-dynamic ... TD: [laughing] So, what are your thoughts on this tournament? MW: Well, Tim, the brackets have been good to my humble self [laughs].     I'm in the group of death, or more likely, the group of the Goth.     It seems I've been placed slap bang in the middle between Genesis,     and more 'New Generation' wrestlers.  I somehow doubt there'll be a     clean bout in this group - it's a matter of me and Byron getting     down to business whilst not overlooking anybody else. TD: Plenty of business, of course, between yourself and Byron. MW: Yeah, Lord Byrite seems to have done well for himself lately, huh?  He got past Creed, now he's added some muscle behind him. This tournament isn't about Byron or the Intercontinental Title, it's about the World title, so the intensity will be turned up, well, a good couple of notches." TD: A possible second round opponent; Genesis frontman, Requiem. MW: Yeah, and it's fair enough to say that anybody who interferes in     one of my bouts, attacking me tends to get my attention.  Right now,     Dross, I could sit here and give a speech blowing him out of the     water faster than a torpedo and a U-boat, but my focus is on this     tournament. TD: Any comments on the rest of the brackets? MW: Well, I'm not going to start this sentence with "Yeah" [chuckles].     It seems a lot of tough athletes will be exiting in the first round.     I mean, there's Petrow-Shakespeare.  Incidentally, Billy, you proved     to me, and to everybody what a stand-up guy you really are; it was     an honour and verily, a privilege to team and kick ass with you.     Creed - Sampson, James against Claw, the bout of the round, will no     doubt herald the end of the Syndicate.  Who will Lau support?  And,     for that matter, where is l'il Danny?   Watkins-LeBec,     Butcher-Quigley.  Notice, Dross, again, the draw has been rigged. TD: What? That's a serious allegation to make, Marty. MW: So?  Have you noticed the only way I'd face Quigley would be in the     final? TD: Really, ordinarily there would be some truth in that, but I personally saw LaRue draw the balls from the sack ... MW: Haven't we all?  From my half of the draw, it seems Kid Ego wants     to be a star, failing to realize he's about as got half the talent     of the self proclaimed future Hall of Famer, Simian LeBec. Death-dude will always be tough, Serge Annis seriously needs to stop     smoking.  Thunder, Starks and Damage are all tough dudes. TD: And this Saturday night, Luke Steele. MW: Yes, indeedy.  Certainly talks a good fight, but his performances     haven't been up to scratch - he hasn't lived up to his talent.  If     he isn't motivated, then that's his problem, but come this Saturday,     he'll be up for it.  Then again, so will I.     One last thing, Dross ... you know Steele keeps using the phrase     Baby dolls? Does that mean he'll lose a valet to a fat sweat for a     time, eventually sell out to a comedy federation where his joke     status diminishes his past glories and eventually retire as a     bible-basher?  Nah, that's too unbelievable.  it's been good, Dross. [Marty slowly walks out of the locker room, turning off the light behind him. Cut back to the studio.] LM: Hard to pick a winner in this one... JW: I like the chances of Luke Steele. He's got a big win coming, I can     feel it. --------------------------- Lord Byron vs. Ronnie Paris --------------------------- LM: Paris against the voted best technical wrestler in the world. You     have to admit that Paris' chances look slim. JW: Don't count the rookie out. He's got a few tricks up his sleeve.     Let's just hope he wrestles this match better than he follows     directions... [SCENE: A pay phone booth just outside of a small, dingy looking gas station. Ronnie Paris is standing just outside the booth, coolly checking all his pockets for a quarter. When he finds none, he shrugs and turns back towards the road, where a grey Pathfinder waits with the license plate "Paris-1". Paris stops just in front of his ride, and turns to face the camera, squinting in the glare of the midday sun.] RP: I'm not sure why you guys insisted on coming with me... I just wanted to meet an old friend of mine who lives in Akron. If only I could _find_ Akron, that is. [Under his breath] Last time I buy a map from Ned Norton.     Anyway, as long as you're here, I'm here, and we don't know where "here" is, let's talk about the Coronation Clash tournament. Round One, this Saturday at the Gund Arena, I have to face Lord Byron. Now, I won't lie to you, and I don't believe in false bravado... I'm in tough. Real tough. There's no doubt in my mind that Byron's the best wrestler in the IIWF today, and I'd pick him as the favourite to win this whole thing. If you believe in karma, I must have been somebody nasty in a past life. [Paris turns as he hears a car passing by. He yells loudly for the driver of the Beemer to stop and pull over. The guy complies, and rolls down his window.] RP: Which way to Akron, buddy? Guy: Oh, you're lost too? I've been trying to find Akron for eight hours... you think they'd put up a road sign or _something_, man. RP: Yeah, well, best of luck. I think I'll stick it out here. Guy: Suit yourself, man. [With that, the man drives off slightly erratically down the road and out of sight. Paris shakes his head in disbelief, and turns back to the camera.] RP: Where was I? Oh yeah... I'm in for a challenge. Well, guess what?     That's what I like. I wouldn't be in the IIWF if I didn't enjoy     facing the best of the best, and the same goes for the other 31     wrestlers in this tournament. We all want to compete with the best,     and that's why were here. Well, not _here_ as in whatever the hell     this town's called, but here as in the IIWF. Lord Byron outmatches     me in pretty much everything I do well, but that can be turned into     an advantage, mark my words. Actually, mark these words... "Fools say they learn by experience. I prefer to profit by other people's experience."     That's Otto Von Bismarck, a man who knew a little bit about     strategy. You see, I know I don't have the experience or the     technical expertise that Lord Byron has, but I think I'm pretty damn     close. Even if I lose this match, which I admit is the most likely     possibility, I come out a winner just by drawing on the experience     of Byron, finding out what works and what doesn't. Hey, if I have to     wrestle the IIWF's best mat technician anyway, I might as well learn     some moves and countermoves while I'm at it. My only worry at this     point is Nightwing... he might try and foul up my match. Anyone else     in Genesis, I'd expect to attack me, and I'd take it in stride and     stay within my gameplan. But Nightwing never struck me as the kind     of guy that played on the shady side. I'll say this right now as a     public service announcement; Nightwing, an attack by you would catch     me off guard. It'd work. Because I still think your more honorable     than that. I've laid all my cards on the table, Nightwing. I'm     calling your bluff. You have to start showing what you've got. And I     have got to find the name of this town! [Fade out from Ronnie searching for locals anywhere along the street.] LM: Paris makes a good point. Even losing to Byron teaches you volumes     about the science of wrestling. JW: Paris' humility is admirable. Byron might be able to learn a thing     or two about that. Check out this interview... [The scene opens in the study of Lord Byron's Louisiana mansion.  Byron is sat behind the desk with the gleaming IC title folded neatly n front of him.  The Lady DeWinter reclines on a couch nearby.  Byron looks up, leans back into the chair and steeples his fingers, and begins to speak...] LB: Coronation Clash, round one.  Lord Byron verus Ronnie Paris.  A thirty-two man single elimination tournament, with the greatest prize of all for the winner, the IIWF World Heavyweight Title.  Paris? [Byron snorts in disdain] To put it simply, my young friend, you're doomed. [Byron turns away from the camera, and the Lady DeWinter begins to speak...] DeW: You see, this is an opportunity that should have come a long time ago.  My Byron has proved time and time again his ability, his skill, and his determination to win are unrivalled in this federation.  He has won his last thirteen singles matches, and is the most in form athlete in the entire federation.  Is it any wonder he is the odds-on favourite?  He has backed down from no one, Paris, refused no challenge, and tomorrow night, he faces a challenge of his own.  A challenge which he _will_ win.  Paris, you're just another victim in my Lord's blazing trail of glory. [Byron turns back to the camera, eyes gleaming.] LB: Paris. [Byron sneers] Look at me.  What you are facing, my young friend, is a man who is destined for the very top.  A man who will not be deterred, or driven from his path.  This is my chance, Paris, my opportunity to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what many people already suspect, and I tell you this:  You will not get in my way.  Saturday night, Paris, you, like many others before you, will find yourself trapped in the lethal grip of the Aristoclutch, from which there is no escape.  And you will be broken, Paris, make no doubt about that. [The Lady DeWinter stands up, slowly walking across to Byron's desk, before half sitting down on it next to him. She brushes her hair back, and continues] DeW: But don't feel so bad about it Paris, take comfort from the fact you will still be a part of a historical achievement.  A small part, but a part nonetheless.  For when my Byron defeats you, and goes on to the final stages of the tournament, at the end of the night, he will be raising not just one title above his head, but two. LB: This is the big time Paris, this is the gilt-edged opportunity.  And I, for one, do not intend to miss it. You can count on that, my young friend.  Ciao. [DeWinter moves behind Byron, slowly stating to massage his shoulders, and the scene fades out.] LM: An arrogant individual, that's for sure. Well, folks, that's the     first half of the first round matches for the Clash tournament. Up     next, we have a special segment. I'd like to take this time to     introduce... Oh, yeah, funny, guys... What? Really? Okay... Ummm,     Barnacle Brother Bluto, folks... ["Albatross" by Corrosion of Conformity plays as the graphics for the segment come up on the screen...] ======================================================================== ------------------------THE-WAY-OY-SEES-IT------------------------------ ======================================================================== [Bluto enters the shot, receiving dirty looks from Witt and a smile of amusement from Morton. He's got his ring attire on, and wears a shaggy, crumby beard on his face.] BB: Arrr, Mateys, and welcome to me first installment of "The Way Oy Sees It!" Taday's segment deals wit da tarnament startin' tamarrah... [Bluto looks around with pride.] BB: Now, The way oy sees it, ya got tha whole IIWF in this here tourney,     fightin' for tha belt. Quite a show, quite a show. It takes me back     when we used ta figger out who's be captain of a new sloop. See,     we'd all get on tha ship, and have bag tied over our 'eads, and we'd     bumble around and hit each udder until there was only one man left     standin'. We all wanted it, and only one man 'd get it. I remember     one year... The captain... Bristly Pete was 'is name. Ahh, Bristly     Pete. There was a man who pissed vinegar. The man could make ya spit     in yer boot and eat it, he was so tough. But kind... He was a kind     man.     See, I knew what I was made fer, and that's swabbin' tha deck. I'm     happy doin' it, and that's what I do, I does. I remember one night,     swabbin' away, when Crabby Nick came by. Crabby Nick... There was a     card. If ya gave 'im a nickel 'e'd pull 'is lower lip over 'is nose     and make farty noises, and when 'e ate, 'e'd spill food all over     'imself. Nice guy, Crabby Nick. So 'e comes along, and 'e says,     "Arrr, Bluto... Can ya spare me a nickel?" I says, I says, "Sure,     Nick, but yer gotta do the lippy thing." 'e says "Me lippy thing?"     And I says, "Yes, Nick the lippy thing." So I swears ta God that 'e     pulls 'is lip clear over 'is left brow and got spittle right in 'is     eye. 'is good eye, mind ya... [Bluto babbles on as the shot pans out, and suddenly, an IIWF graphic comes up on the screen with the words "Technical difficulties, please stand by." The sounds of someone wrestling with Bluto to get him off the set can be heard. After a few moments, the shot goes back to Morton and Witt. Morton can hardly contain his laughter, while Witt is fuming.] JW: Replace my informative segment with a drunken sailor, huh? I see...     I see how it goes! LM: Hehe... Ummm, well... haha... Okay, well, let's... get... to the...     Trash Talk... ======================================================================== --------------------------IIWF-TRASH-TALK------------------------------- ======================================================================== JW: I know what's going on... Don't think I don't know what's going     on... LM: [Quickly changing the subject] Now it's time to hear from some of     the IIWF stars that are not scheduled for action on Saturday Night.     First, though, we'd like to touch upon what's happening with the     Syndicate. JW: [Grudgingly] Last Saturday was not a good night for the Syndicate.     Danny Dynamite lost his match against Scott Rogers, the stable lost     one tag team, then fired the other, Tiger Claw lost his match     against Derek Mota partially due to the regulation forced on him by     Poutine Janois, and Casey James got stripped of the title. Brian Lau     can't be happy about that. LM: It appears that the athletes of the Syndicate are not happy either,     since we're yet to hear from Dynamite, and Claw chose not to show up     in his position as lumberjack for the main event. Casey James, after     the title match, walked out of the ring, up the aisle, and out of     the building without so much as a word. Actually, I should rephrase     that. Let's cut to the interview I, well, _tried_ to conduct with     the former champion... [SCENE: The camera follows Casey James through the halls backstage at the Cap. Center. He's still dressed in his wrestling attire, having just come from the ring, as Larry Morton runs up with microphone in hand.] LM: Casey... Casey... Can I get some words from you about the decision     made by Steve Owens tonight? CJ: Bugger off, worm. LM: I... What? [Casey continues to walk, ignoring Morton, until he gets to the parking lot door. He kicks it open, allowing it to slam open against the outside wall. He continues walking through the parking lot to a rental car, opens the door, and climbs in. The engine starts, and the car drives away. Fade.] LM: Not a very happy man, as you can tell. JW: Rumor has it that the administration here in the IIWF has been     unable to contact the members of the Syndicate. In fact, there is     talk behind the scenes that the last words from Brian Lau before     leaving the Cap. Center were, "Goodbye, I doubt we'll be back." LM: This leads to a fairly sticky situation. James and Claw are still     under contract with the IIWF, and unless they comply with the     obligations laid out in those contracts, they will be unable to     perform anywhere until the contract has expired, which would happen     in about a year and a half. JW: While I'm sure there are some fans and some wrestlers who would be     happy to see these two athletes disappear, there are many who     support the actions of the Syndicate. I'll have to admit, though,     that it doesn't look too good, especially with the administration     deciding that Claw and James are to face each other in the first     round of the Clash tournament scheduled to take place next week. LM: We'll keep the fans informed of the situation as it develops. JW: Speaking of Syndicate workings, we caught this press conference with     Mr. Mic and Pain Inc. that took place just yesterday... [SCENE: Cut to the IIWF interview area. There is a podium set up with lots of microphones set up. A large white banner sits behind the stage with the IIWF logo on it. The reporters and cameraman go into a frenzy when from the back Mr.Mic flanked on either side by Pain Inc. approach the podium. Mr.Mic is wearing an midnight black Armani suit and dark Oakley sunglasses. He displays a scowl to the sea of media. Pain Inc. are wearing their karate gis and their chainmail masks, they stand perfectly still at Mr.Mic's side. All three walk to the podium but stop and step back. Hades then emerges from the back and walks to the podium.] H: Mr.Mic will answer questions now. Keep them brief and to the    point. [The reporters each throw their hands up as Mr.Mic approaches the podium. Mr.Mic glances over at Hades who had moved off stage to the right of the podium. Hades nods at Mr.Mic and points to a reporter] Reporter #1: Mr.Mic, Brad Maxwell ESPN, how do you feel about being     losing your Syndicate membership? MM: Lemme guess BRAD!!! First day on the job? I don't like it, I     don't like it one bit. We are the premiere tag team in the IIWF and     those two has-beens the Dark Disciples ruined it. The run-ins, the     interference. Last night did not go according to plan, exactly. I     ask you since when is putting your opponent through a table legal??     The ref clearly saw Morningstar being put through the table by those     two steroid experiments and he did nothing. Case Closed. Reporter #2: Mr.Mic, Tim Jackson NBC. What is your view on the actions     of Casey James and Tiger Claw? MM: Obviously, Casey and TC saw what Pain Inc. saw all along. The     Disciples were out for one thing and that's themselves. They didn't     care about the Syndicate, they cared about what the Syndicate could     do for them. Casey and TC had had enough and let the Dark Dipsticks     know it last night. Having said that though, all their talk about     Casey and TC being the only real tag team in the Syndicate? Don't     speak on something you know nothing about, Casey!!! Pain Inc. are     tag-team wrestling in the IIWF. If you want to be the tag-team     champions, that road goes through Pain Inc. [Hades points to another reporter] Reporter #3: Mr.Mic, Mark Taylor PWI. What's next for Pain Inc.? MM: It seems that on July 2 Pain Inc. will wrestle the Hollywood     Bloods. The winner to face the Last Resort\Dark Dipsticks on July 12     at Coronation Clash. To the Hollywood Bloods all I can say is that     you've been caught in the wrong place at the right time. There is     nothing Pain Inc. wants to do more than to get their hands on the     Dark Disciples. If it means beating the Hollywood Bloods into pate     then so be it. If and when the Disciples and Pain Inc. lock up at     the Clash, I've got a challenge for Don "Couldn't manage a fit"     McQueen. [A voice from the crowd is heard]: What challenge? MM: Hades, throw that guy out for not following the rules. [Hades makes his way to the back of the room and literally throws a reporter out of the area.] MM: Thank you. The challenge is known by me and my entourage and     will remain that way until July 12. One more thing, after July 12     the Prophets of Rage better get ready because they have something     that belongs to Pain Inc. and we're gonna take them back!!!! [Mr.Mic steps back from the podium and motions for Hellraiser and Morningstar to follow. The three of them walk to the back as Hades walks to the IIWF banner and rips it down revealing a huge PAIN INC. wall flag which reads "PAIN INC. -- WE'RE HERE TO MAKE YOU SUFFER!" Cut back to the studio.] LM: I'm interested to find out what exactly this challenge is... JW: I'm sure we'll find out. In the mean time, we've got some comments     from some of the other participants in the tournament who will be in     action next week. First up, Takezo Musashi... [SCENE: A wide open field, greenery into the distance, in the midst of which stands the "Enigma" Takezo Musashi. He is dressed in plain white karate style pants, with a single japanese rune in red on the side of one leg. In his hands is a Katana, a gleaming, razor-edged sword of superior craftsmanship. He cuts a sweeping path through space with the blade as if facing an imaginary foe, tracing intricate patterns through the air and around his body at lightning speed. Finally, Takezo brings the katana level in a prayer position, before resting the point on the ground.] TM: Chaos... with just one match the IIWF was completely drowned beneath its tide. Just one moment of crisis was all it took, just one defining incident to ignite the powder keg. The IIWF had become a divided continent; opposing factions eyeing each other across the borders with suspicion and envy; each with a different goal in mind; each with a conflicting interest. It was the result of fear. The pack mentality was born of the fear each individual felt for his own safety in the cut-throat world of the IIWF. When such an environment develops a mounting tension begins to thrive. It threatens to burst forth at any moment; it burdens us with a sense of impending doom. When Casey James and Brody Thunder fought to a controversial finish last Saturday night, it became that very moment... Steve Owens made the announcement: the great golden strap is up for grabs! The very goal each one of us has been fighting for all our lives! We may have taken different paths to reach that end, but all of us were striving for that World championship belt all along. Now the factions are disintegrating: where before you saw your allies - now you see potential rivals and mistrust fills your glance. No longer can you be sure that the man standing at your side won't slip into the shadows and stab you in the back. You look at that man, your loyal friend, and you question his motives. Your questioning makes you fearful, and your fear makes you strike! It is survival of the fittest - it is the law of the jungle. Let us reminisce now, my fellow warriors - it was a long descent for us all was it not? It was a long slide from the glorious and honourable IIWF of old into the pack of savage, fearful and treacherous dogs we have become today, was it not? But now as we stand amidst this anarchy, as I myself foresaw; I must ask you all this - is this breeding ground of violence and anarchy not full of grandeur? Is it not the very manifestation of the desire that dwells in all of our hearts? Before us lies a battle field - it is the Coronation Clash! Before us lies an army ripe for the conquering! Here is the forum for us to vent all of our discontent; all of our anger; all of our raging ruthlessness! Before us lies a legion of enemies that - with all our valour - we might hope to cleave a passage through, filled with the flames of fury and vengeance - and win ourselves such glory and honours as before we have only dreamed of! My soul is gladdened, for my bitter rage will finally be slaked... or find peace as it perishes. Now, Kevin Christiansen; you shall be the first foe I meet on the battlefield. When I first saw you enter the IIWF I was filled with a curious sensation: one part melancholy, one part loathing. For, "Cavalier," you remind me of myself upon my debut. I was full of such "lofty" notions of honour and fairplay, they provided for me my purpose in life - just as they do for you yourself. I was dedicated to the cause of the righteous and the just. I held those values to my very heart - how could I have been so naive? How hollow those values seem to me now! How fruitless and shallow of meaning those ideals become when you have lived them as long as I! It is of no consequence. Sooner or later you fill find that out for yourself, Kevin Christiansen. Sooner or later you will learn that all of your values of honour and justice amount to nothing but a choking dust! It will be a hard and paralyzing fact for you to face, "Cavalier," when you realize that your sense of honour will get you nowhere. It is only the strong, the ruthless and the violent that succeed in the IIWF! See how your honour matches against my anger and despite on Saturday night, Kevin Christiansen, and see how it fails.... "Cavalier," your star will fall before it has even had the chance to ascend, for the time of the "Enigma's" final triumph is approaching. [Takezo traces a figure eight through the air with his katana, and brings it to rest in the prayer position once again as the camera fades.] LM: Next up we have Starks once again taking time out to speak with his     "homie." JW: Give it up, Morton... You're white. Really white... [Scene: Manhattan, New York, near midnight. Tony Starks and his long time friend Raheem Coles, the man who has been giving Starks advice these past weeks, stand amongst the bright lights and mass of humanity in Times Sqaure. Starks and Coles come upon some other of their friends from Staten and they begin to speak:] RC: Ayo, Starks, this is it, home sweet home, I was kinda surprised     to hear that you was back in town I thought the double-I had a     show in Cleveland or somethin'? TS: Yeah, but, yo, I been lettin' all that you been sayin' these past     weeks marinate in my head and I decided to stay out of Cleveland     and come home a week early and prepare. The Centre aint but like     a few blocks away from here and, yo, you know I am goin' to     represent Staten like no other, I am bringin' all kinds of pain     and horror to Mr. Damage. Ayo, Coles, good lookin' out on that     save last Saturday night. RC: Aiight, but, look here, I am just doin' this here like it has     we have been doin' forever. You know what I'm sayin'? We all     people and look out for our own'. You just gotta keep what I     been tellin' you in mind when you up in the tournament. You     keep focused, like 20/20 vision, and ain't nobody gonna stop     you baby, for real. TS: [Starks nods] Word. A few weeks ago I thought I was just fightin'     for a shot at the title now, I am fightin for the whole damn     thing. I got my eye on the prize, know what I'm sayin'? By the     end of this tournament, ev'body gonna know who the hell Tony     Starks is, know what I'm sayin'? RC: Word, know that's what I wanna hear, what about them cats from     them other feds? TS: Ayo, I wanna tell these cats somethin', I don't give a damn who     you beat, what titles you held, nothin'. I don't even care if you     beat me before, I am still gonna lace your ass with pain and     horror, for real. You don't need an IIWF contract to get your     ass kicked, for real. That goes for all these cats who are up     in this tournament. RC: So, Starks, what _are_ you gonna do? TS: Ayo, Coles, I am gonna get mine, this is my time, know what I'm     sayin'? I ain't gonna stop until I get to the damn top of the     world, and even that won't be enough. RC: What's your goal? TS: For real? World Domination, for real. Straight up. You got me     focused, you know what I'm sayin'? You got me reminded on who     the hell I am, where I came from, what my game is. Just straight     up ice cold methodical style, that is who I am, no vendettas,     no vengeance, just lookin' at the prize, like always. That is the     way it gotta be, ever since I been a little wild-ass seed runnin     wild in Staten, I keep my eyes open, third eye included, and just     look at the world in 360 degrees. And all my eyes focused on     the IIWF World Title, ain't nothin gonna stop me. [Coles cracks     an evil grin and nods his head in agreement.] RC: That's what I'm sayin', now let's do this... [Their friends all agree and they exchange hands slaps and they all just walk off into the New York night. Fade.] LM: [aside] What do you mean, _really_ white? Oh, hi, folks... Next we     have Scott Rogers, a man who I just can pin down... [SCENE: Scott Rogers stands before an 'IIWF Coronation Clash' logo wearing, as ever, his 'IIWF Crew' black tee-shirt with the cross and chain around his neck. He looks distinctly pleased; he has a grin on his heavily stubbled face.] SR: So, Requiem, the draw has been made. One of the few for the     crowd to get into. Good against evil. The classic encounter. One of     us'll have his adoring fans on his side. One of us won't. One of     us'll make it to the pay-per-view. One of us won't. [Rogers' grin widens and he begins to nod his head.] SR: We both got a week off - that's the theory anyhow. Knowing ya     how I do, I figure our paths will cross tomorrow night but. Both     Luke and Ronnie in action. Both men whose matches you, and     consequently I, have had to involve yourselves in. One time I let     you get the advantage over the two of 'em. That won't happen again.     Trust me. [Rogers squints his eyes as he speaks.] SR: Luke, I didn't think I'd have to keep apologizing to _you_. Ike?     Sure. But you? I thought ya knew me better. Ya know ya can trust     me. On Saturday you watched my back against Dynamite. You weren't     required, but ya did it just the same. I'm honored to be able to     call ya a true friend. [Rogers smiles.] SR: If ya need me against Marty to watch for interference, I'll be     there. Ron, same goes for you. You'll have your hands full enough     with Byron to watch out for Requiem and those bozo buddies of his.     I'll handle it. You two are goin' through. Don't worry about _that_. [Rogers knowingly nods his head once again.] SR: Ya see, people are beginnin' to take notice. I told 'em when I     came here I was gonna take over, and take over I will. Genesis wish     they had what I got. They don't. And they're dyin'. They _know_ they     don't hold a candle to me. Every time they try summin' and I'm     around, they run... like a fox hunted by the pack. Problem is, I'm     the pack and they're the fox! [Rogers begins to laugh then stops - dead, almost unnervingly.] SR: Luke, Ronnie. Even Serge and the Deathbringer. Listen to me.     Genesis are crumblin'. They're weak at the knees. One more punch and     they're out. I'm the man to separate them and if ya care to help,     you're welcome. [Rogers pauses - gathering his thoughts.] SR: They thought this pay-per-view was their chance of glory. All     three of 'em are in the same damned group! Two of 'em are wrestlin'     each other in the first round, so one of 'em's sure to go there. And     the other's wrestlin' the almighty me! [Rogers stops dead. He looks somewhat startled. He speaks violently, under his breath.] SR: Hold on. This draw's a [BLEEP]in' fix. We get all Genesis in one     group... _and_ me, Luke and Ronnie. [BLEEP]in' 'ell. [Rogers pauses again and then continues talking to the camera.] SR: Heh. I love it. This is gonna work out just perfect. [Fade out.] LM: What does _that_ mean? JW: The way oy sees it? What the hell is that? LM: [sighs] Let's look at the tag teams in the IIWF... First, one of the newer teams in the federation, The Nightriders... [The camera opens to a diner in River Valley, Michigan. The place is bustling with the morning breakfast crowd. The diner appears clean and sanitary, and from the looks of the people's faces, the food is good, too. The camera pans around in circles through out the dinner, as if in search for someone. You can here the camera man in a frustrated sigh. From behind, a voice speaks.] VOICE: You're behind schedule, camera man. [mumbles] Nine months behind, as a matter of fact. Behind ya', Einstein. [The camera view pivots. We are now staring into a two person booth. On one side we see the one who had spoken, J.P. Steele. Opposite of him is his partner, Jimmy Hawk. Steele is wearing a solid red tee shirt and blue jeans. His blond hair is ear legnth and neatly parted and combed down the middle. Jimmy, on the other hand, has a more light brown colour, and his hair is less, oh, shall we say, neat. He also has on a pair of blue jeans. Jimmy smiles goofily to the camera while Steele looks businesslike.] Steele and Hawk are on opposite sides eating breakfast, or _were_ eating, at least. Two plates remain with scraps of bacon, eggs, a piece of toast, and a waffle each. Steele is still picking at his scrambled eggs with a fork, while Jimmy is periodically nibbling on the final piece of toast, trying to polish if off without making a pig of himself. J.P. turns his attention to the camera and begins.] JS: Nine months. [shrugs] Doesn't seem that long, does it? To me, it does, though. October nineteen ninety six, I dragged my rear end up to IIWF headquarters and asked to be admitted into the federation. They put me on hold. November twenty third, I came out and did a little introduction from the crowd, which got some good feedback.     Finally, the marketing geniuses in the IIWF came up with a great idea -- match me and Luke Steele up in a contract match. Winner gets a contact, loser keeps waiting. I tought I had that match won, I truly did. [small smile] Guess not, or I wouldn't first me doing this sort of interivew _now_, eh?     I waited some more. Finally, I was done waiting. After _nine_     months, with a partner, I was finally in the IIWF. [pause] Ya'     know, I expected something a bit more exciting. Just another     big time fed, now. Ya' see, after my contract match, I spent     some time in the 'loop' leagues. Still do to this day, but not     nearly as much. Too much politics. You see, that's one thing     I give IIWF credit -- it's an organized federation, not a madhouse.     Wish some of those other places I'd been to could say the     same. But, hey, that's where I improved and became a damn     good wrestler, so I got to pay debts to what made me what I     am. [pause] Myself? My own natural talent? [smiles, laughs]     Anyway . . .     See, those _other_ organazations, they're all talk -- literally.     More of the attention seems to be on the wrestler's mouths,     not their actions in the ring. And, you learn quick how to     yak. That part came natural to me, though. [smiles] I mean,     over there, say you're all out of things to say, right? Well,     then you gotta' do something, like, "Hey, Joe. See these     scrambled eggs? Well, they're a lot like our match this     Sunday..." and all sorts of neat stuff like that. JH: [mockingly] See these eggs, J.P.? It's a lot like your brain. Fried... JS: [smiles] Jimmy, did I say you could talk yet? You _know_ I'm the mouth of the team. Just sit there and look cool, Hawk. JH: Like this, Steele? [Jimmy strikes a James Bond like pose, relaxing in the seat. Steele stiffles a laugh.] JS: Now, where was I? Oh, yeah, In the IIWF, finally. [smiles] There's a lot of teams going around claiming to be the best, or to be an amazing team. Jimmy and I... we don't claim that. We don't need to confirm to others what we already know. [chuckles] Violence Unlimted, now there's a team for ya'. Are they big? JH: Sure are. JS: Are they bad? JH: Definitely. [smiles] JS: Are they _better_? [shakes head] Hell no. See, if I remember correctly, you two were paired together in a small promotion. You don't know each other as well as Jimmy and I do. We were college roommates, both on the wrestling team. We were partners a year ago, and we still are today. Yeah, I'll admit, I prefer singles, but, hey, Jimmy's the best partner anyone could want -- JH: Aw, gee, thanks, J.P. I knew I was okay, but -- JS: Would you shut up, Jimmy? Sheesh. Ya' think you were part of a team or something, the way you cut in all the time and tried to talk. [pause] Oh, shoot, you _are_ part of the team. The Nightriders, newest to IIWF. Dang it. Okay, Jimmy, the camera's all yours. JH: Oh, gee, thanks! Well, where should I start? Oh, yeah. It was a little hospital in Dallas twenty eight years ago when Darlene Hawk and James Hawk -- JS: Dude, we don't need the life story. Cut to it, will ya'? JH: But I learned my speaking skills from you. And that's what you always did. [sees glare] Okay, anyway... see, J.P. are ready to do well. Yep, that we are. I see another new team here, Licensed for Devastation. They're odd. Yep, yep, odd. Weirdos. One card short of a full deck. A pinetree short of an acre, a -- JS: Jimmy, that's enough out of you. Now, I guess we've said enough. Tag teams, um... like, look out or something, okay? The Nightriders are here, finally. Nine friggin' months it took. Hear that, Jimmy? Nine months. JH: Bottom line is this, we're ready for glory. Bring it on, teams of the IIWF. We don't back down from a thing. If you're lookin' for a fight, than we're right here. Come and beat us -- if you can. JS: No easy task, folks. Not at all. [smiles] [Steele and Hawk go back to conversation as the camera pans back. Fade to black.] LM: Another new team that we'll hear from are called the Machines... [The Machines are in their workout area.  Simon O'Neal is stretching out, while Paul Wong is sitting on the bench, reading some notes.} PW: Well, we got a chance to scout the IIWF on Wednesday.  Or maybe I     should say, I got a chance to scout them, while Sign-Boy over there     was content making bad puns. SO: Well, of course they were bad.  I had some great ones prepared, but     the Boy Scout tore them up, and I had to come up with some     last-second replacements. PW: Those ones?  We would have been tossed out and probably arrested if     you had brought them.  They were obscene! SO: Yeah, right.  Just because they offend your overdeveloped sense of     morals... PW: Let's move on.  We should be debuting soon, and with everyone     concerned about the Coronation Clash and the World Title, we'll get     a chance to get our feet wet without any extra pressure.  I want to     get a few wins under our belts, and not be one of those people who     shoot off their mouth without a track record in that league.     [Glances over to his partner] SO: Me?  Hey, someone has get attention for our team.  If it were up to     you, we'd be compeltely invisible, and we'd be hidden behind     inferior teams like the Last Resort, License for Devastation, and     the Zodiac Connection. PW: Attention is one thing.  You tick off most of the people who meet     you.  We're still not allowed in a few arenas thanks to that     incident at the concession stand. SO: Oh, sure -- blame me.  Like the arena manager didn't know... [At this point, the cameraman gives up, and the scene fades off] LM: Going into what promises to be a brutal afair next week, here are th     Hollywood Bloods. [The Camera opens to a dark gym.  The equipment is rusted and very old. Eye of the Tiger plays on a small radio in the backround.  Doug Wayne is doing curls while Clark Watson is doing benchpress.] WAYNE:  49, ahh 50 [drops the weights]  You know while Pain Inc. is     worrying about problems with their little group, we are preparing     to bust their heads.  It ain't gonna be a wrestling match, it's     gonna be a street fight. When it's all done you two losers can watch     us whip up on the winner of The Last Resort/Dark Disciples match at     Coronation Clash from your hospital beds. WATSON:  9, and 10 [puts the weights back on the bar]  Pain Inc. you     call us a second rate team ! If we are second rate, then you guys     must be a fourth or fifth rate team because you don't even belong in     the same ring as us. We are going to expose you for the frauds that     you are.  You don't have your little group backing you up anymore.     You guys might actaully have to accomplish something on your own. WAYNE: After we easily defeat Scrub Inc., we will finally get on an IIWF     PPV and the fans we finally have a real reason to spend $49.95 on     wrestling. Sure the end of the tournament should be good, but the     real reason to see the Clash is to see the Hollywood Bloods. Kids     will steal from their parents. Parents from their kids. All just to     see the toughest tag team in wrestling. WATSON:  That's a beautiful fact. [The Bloods beging to laugh and the camera fades out] LM: The final tag team comments tonight come from the Last Resort... [The Last Resort sit in the locker room after there defeat at the hands of the Dark Disciples on Wednesday night Mr Friday is pacing up and down the room. ] MF: I can't believe it. I take you away for a couple of weeks to help     get you ready, help you become a more cohesive team and this is how     you repay me -- not only me, but that little boy and all the fans here it the IIWF. MA: We did try, it's just that they got the better of us -- they kept     cheating and using lots of illegal double team manoeuvres, I     couldn't get into the ring. MF: Yeah and what did you do when you were in the ring? You let El     Diablo get knocked out of the ring and then you get pinned. It was     then only due to his quick thinking that the Dark Disciples didn’t     stomp a mud hole into you after the match. You have been a real     disappointment to me, N... Avenger. Sometimes it makes be wonder whether I picked the wrong brother... You gonna have to buck your ideas up real soon otherwise I’ll be looking for a new partner for El Diablo, you just think about it. [Mr Friday leaves the locker room slamming the door behind him, El Diablo puts his arm around the dejected Avenger ] ED: Is not so bad, he doesn’t really mean it. MA: Yeah, how would you know... ED: Well is just that Mr Friday is a winner, always has been, he has     put his faith in you and he is rarely wrong. I know that one day you     will be regarded as one of the wrestling greats is just that at the     moment you are still inexperienced and too often you try to run     before you can walk. Just stick to the basics and do those moves you     know you can do. MA: [cheering up] Yeah, I know that there is a champion in me somewhere and I’ll try to keep to the basics and not doing any high flying moves. ED: Is not what I said, I didn’t say don’t do any high flying moves,     all I said is you should do the moves you know you can do. I can’t     afford to have you continually making mistakes I’m not as young as I     used to be I can’t take the punishment anymore. [El Diablo awkwardly gets to his feet, he holds his back.] ED: I have an idea how we can get back into Mr Friday’s good books and     so the fans of the IIWF that we are a tag team to be reckoned with. MA: Yeah! How? ED: I would like to challenge the current tag team champions the Prophets of Rage to a match, I am not bothered if the tag team titles are on the line or not it makes no difference to me, I just want to use this match to show the fans of the IIWF that we are a tag team to be reckoned with. MA: This is a match that you can’t refuse to take, Prophets, or everyone     will be laughing at you as the team that ran away from the Last     Resort. ED: Is not quite what I meant... [The Masked Avenger excitedly talks about what the pair of them are going to do to the Prophets of Rage, El Diablo can be seen shaking his head as the picture fades away.] LM: Back to singles wrestlers, we have comments from "Quickstrike" Chris     Quigley... [SCENE: A large room with a hard concrete floor, a thin, faded, blue wrestling mat lies on the floor in the middle of the room.  On the white walls are numerous awards and pictures from various wrestling organizations and wrestlers.  Autographs are also plentiful as you see such well wishings as, "Thanks for everything! -- Dan Kauffman" or a particularly heartbreaking, "You're the best, Dad. -- Kurt".  It becomes evident that the room which is shown is not just any room, it's the basement of the senior Steve Manning's Phoenix home.  "The Living Hell". Dreams are made and broken in the ring, but wrestlers are made and broken right here on this thin blue mat.  Sitting on a small wooden stool on the blood-stained floor is Tim Dross.  Sitting on a stool next to him, a sweat soaked Chris Quigley. Quigley is clad in nothing more than a pair of black Reebok shorts, and a black pair of indoor soccer sneakers.  He looks truly exhausted.] TD: Chris, since you signed with the IIWF almost a year ago now, you've     had one goal in mind, and that was to reach the pinnacle of your     sport, by capturing the IIWF World Championship.  However, to the     surprise of many, and delight of a few, you've yet to obtain this     goal.  Technically speaking, you've had to chances to win the belt.     The first time, you were about to step into the ring against,     ironically, Otto "The Butcher" Verhoeven. This was during a period     in which you were under tremendous physical stress, and the IIWF     Special Concerns Committee deemed you unfit to compete that night.     As everyone knows, Dan Kauffman became your replacement, and went on     to win the belt that night.  Then, fresh off a victory in one of the     single greatest matches in IIWF history over Dan Kauffman, you     became the #1 contender and faced Casey James at Birthday Bash. Many     observers will say to this day you were well on your way to     defeating James and finally winning the World Championship, but it     was not to be.  Brody Thunder spelled the end of your dream this     time, with a Cattlebuster DDT.  The period shortly before that     match, and shortly after that match is one which I'm sure you'd like     to forget, in which your attitude changed tremendously.  It was     Steve Manning, your mentor, who helped you re-capture your status as     a leader, a pure wrestler. Unfortunatly, because of the recent     setbacks, you were well away from the #1 contender position, and you     looked to be ready to set yourself into a long feud with Marty     Warnett, Simon Lebec, and Billy Shakespeare. However, the IIWF World     Title was declared vacant, and things changed drastically.  You were     given a "second chance" so to speak.  The shot you weren't supposed     to get for another long time, is all of a sudden staring you in the     face, and all you need to do is grab it.  Your thoughts? CQ: [takes a deep breath]  Is there really much to say?  Despite the     personal differences I have with some of the wrestlers in this     Federation, and there seem to be a lot of them, everyone knows the     IIWF World Championship Title means more to me now than life itself.     You might be thinking, "Yeah, I've heard that before."  You've never     heard that from _me_ before.  After Brody Thunder Cattle Buster     DDTed me, I was conscious.  I was awake.  I was aware that the     referee was counting my shoulders to the mat. Was I capable of     kicking out?  I don't know.  The fact that I didn't give a damn     anymore.  As soon as I saw Brody Thunder begin to interfere, I     automatically thought to myself, "I'm going to lose."  When he DDTed     me, I gave in.  I'm not saying for a second that I let Casey James     beat me. No way in hell.  He won the match, and I won't take that     away from him. The fact is, throughout my career, I've had something     inside me that almost automatically triggered my shoulders off the     mat.  I'm not sure what it is, and I've cursed on it a few times,     I'll tell you that much.  Whatever it was, it wasn't there when I     faced Casey James.  It's there now.  I can feel it.  The special     significance of this first round match to me is, a lot of people are     questioning my opinion of being ripped off when Dan Kauffman won the     belt.  They've questioned whether I would've beaten Otto Verhoeven     in a title situation.  I've beaten him before, but not in a do or     die situation such as this.  If I beat Otto Verhoeven this time, not     only will the people know that "Yes, he would have beaten Otto     Verhoeven back then."  But _I'll_ know for sure that I would've     beaten him.  I'm not overlooking Verhoeven for even a split second.     Nobody in the world knows how capable he is better than I do.  The     flip side of that is, maybe nobody in the world knows just how good     I am better than he does. TD: I see.  I've got to ask you though, are you at all worried that the     feud which you were involved in, might play a factor in this match?     Marty Warnett and Simon Lebec, and to a lesser extent, Billy     Shakespeare, are not your greatest fans, and could come to ringside. CQ: [shakes his head]  I've already played this match over in my head,     and for the life of me, I can't see anyone, even in a sport like     professional wrestling, being low enough to interfer in a match like     this.  But I'm not going to be naive.  First of all, Billy     Shakespeare won't interfere in any of my matches.  As far as we're     concerned, the fight stays in the ring, there's nothing personal     there, although I would like to add that I don't need his sympathy.     I'm dealing with the goings on here a lot better than I used to.     I've had a string of bad luck, but you can't stop talent, and that's     what it really comes down to.  Talent.  Marty Warnett and Simon     Lebec.  They're in a neck and neck race for the title of scum of the     earth.  Warnett angers me even more than Lebec.  With Lebec, you     know what you're getting into.  He's not gonna run, he's not gonna     sneak around, he's gonna _fight_ you.  With Warnett, God only knows     where the hell he's lurking and what he's thinking. Cheapshots are     his game, and it's the only game he'll ever beat me at.  If either     of them think for a second I'll allow them to cost me this match,     they'd better think again. TD: Let's focus right in on the tournament itself.  Any comments on any     of the other competitors, especially your July 5th opponent, Otto     Verhoeven? CQ: First of all, there are some big time names in here.  To say I'm a     favorite to win might not be entirely wrong, but the same could be     said for about a dozen guys in here.  You've got Casey James, Brody     Thunder, Joe Petrow, Otto Verhoeven, and Deathbringer to name a few.     I know it's impossible to do so in this tournament, but I'd like to     face all five of those guys at one point or another.  I've got some     unfinished business with each of them.  While others may see my     first round match against Otto Verhoeven as bad luck, I'm kind of     glad it turned out that way.  There's not many guys I'd rather fight     more.  He's big, he's strong, but when it comes down to wrestling,     and this _is_ wrestling, he can't hold his own.  He's gotta stay off     the mat, I've gotta stay out of his reach.  It should be     interesting, to say the least. TD: Any message for Otto Verhoeven? CQ: "Butcher"!  This is a first round match that could have very well     been the final had things been arranged differently.  One of us has     been thrown to the lions.  I'll let you figure out which of us that     is. [That said, Quigley and Dross shake hands, and Dross mouths the words, "Good luck." as the scene fades to black.] LM: Wow. Quigley definitely has a mission. We'll see how that pans out     in one week. Up next, we have an update on the proceedings involving     Steve Owens and the New Jersey Nightmare, Steve Kowalski. The     following is news footage from WWOR... Let's roll that... [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. Steve "The Fury" Kowalski stands in front of a poduim, with reporters looking on. On cue the camera man points to her and she begans speaking.] SL: Good evening, this is Susan Li for WWOR Channel 9. It seems there     has been a settlement between the IIWF and Steve Kowalski. The     results still hasn't been revealed but Mr. Kowlaksi is making a     public apology to Poutine Janois. Many are assuming that the IIWF     has gotten the better of the case, while others picture this as just     a portion of a deal between the two sides. Mr. Kowalski is prepared     to speak. SK: [Mockingly] I, Steve Kowalski, hereby apologize to Poutine Janiois     for numerous violations and physical violence. [Shakes his head] I     can't believe I'm readin' this. My lack of self control and bad     temper have put the IIWF in very comprimising positions in the     past. For this [pauses for a second, then spits] I am sorry. I will     no longer harrass IIWF management, nor damage any property again.     As a new man, I am turning over a new leaf. Please accept my     apology. [There is a barrage of questions from the reporters, but Kowalksi tosses the speech to the massses, gives them the finger and leaves the podium. The camera swings back to Susan Li.] SL: No information in that Kowalski will be returning. Just a simple     apology. Rumours are rampant that there was only a cash settlement     and reinstatement was denied. At this time it seems, Kowalski will     stay in the ESWP until further notice. For WWOR, I'm Susan Li. [Fade] LM: I have a feeling tha this one isn't over yet. We'll keep you     updated... Well, fans, that just about wraps it up for us here at     Countdown to Saturday Night. We had a good time as always... JW: Speak for yourself... LM: And hope that you'll join us next week when we come to you from New     Jersey! Until then, this is Larry Morton for Jackson Witt saying so     long, and may all your fish be... I don't know... Gilled. [The camera pulls back as Jacskon flashes a cold stare at Morton, who seems to be rather impressed with his performance...] +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+