rockyoursox

I like the way this has started. I especially dug the snarky news comments before the first show - you have a good sense of humor. The characters that you've created are interesting, and I'm intrigued to see some of them develop once you figure out who's gonna be stick around, and who's on their way out the door. Overall, definitely a good start. Can't wait to see some more interaction between Knight and the booker - it reminds me of Golden Boy Wrestling, which is nothing but a good thing.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

OK. With the help of a half-pack of cigarettes, a twelve pack of Miller High Life, and a dizzying night’s sleep, I had gotten past the George Sand debacle. And thankfully BEFORE I got drunk, I sat down and rebooked the entire RCW main event scene on the fly. Derek had called that night, but in my inebriated state, there wasn’t a chance in hell that I was going to pick up and deal with more of his peppy “look at me I have ideas!” attitude. In his defense, I hadn’t invited Jack into the planning either – this was 100% pure Grade-A Bruce Hawkins work. And I was sure it was going to work out. It wasn’t the original plan, but I liked my chances of Plan B being a massive success.

However, while I was in a creative mood, I decided to take a look at the rest of RCW and look at some of the smaller problems we were having. There were a couple of areas that needed some fixing, so I decided to take care of it ASAP before the show today. Some I could – some I couldn’t.

First, our commentary situation. Joe Wheeler had been handling the ringside introductions, and he and Dave Tripps had worked as our announce team. However, they would dub things over after the taping was done and before we sent it along to MTV2. That setup was just awkward, and was adding a ton of work to an already-hectic production setup. Furthermore, while I liked Dave’s work on commentary, Joe left a lot to be desired as anything more than a ring announcer. He didn’t have much knowledge of wrestling, and it showed – everything was either a ‘slam’ or a ‘crushing blow’ or an ‘amazing maneuver’ to Joe. Time for a new plan. Joe would stay on as a ring announcer, but he’d leave the booth. Meanwhile, Dave Tripps would become our play by play man, and we would bring in a new color man to pair with him. Furthermore, Tripps and his new partner would be sitting at ringside live, so we would be recording our commentary as the show went on.

In hiring the guy to replace Joe in the booth, I needed to make sure it was someone that could handle solo commentary duties when Dave got into the ring, either for Trippin’ or one of his rare matches (or for any other investigative reporting he would do). He also needed to have a little bit of an edge to him, since Dave was a fairly vanilla and likeable guy. After some hastily-arranged tryouts with people that Sound Guy knew through the business, we settled on a guy named Doc Daniels to sit alongside Dave as the color man. It wasn’t a strict play by play/color dichotomy, but the two would more or less play those roles. Doc, as usual, would take a more heelish role in the commentary, admiring people who would go ‘above, beyond, and through the line of duty’, in his own words – in essence, cheaters. Seemed like a good fit for commentary. And the best part of the whole announcing shakeup – we now had an official announce table at ringside. Time for everyone small enough to be put through such a table to look out.

With commentary settled, I wanted to expand the roster a little bit. With the TV show increasing to 2 hours per night, I wasn’t sure I could always book it with just 25 or 26 guys on the roster. I made a list of some of the guys who I thought could be a good fit, but the top of my list was another full-time face tag team. With the Kohls having turned, and with the future of guys like Finity and Knight a bit up in the air, I wanted to make sure I had a second option for the tag team titles. I looked through the lists of talent that I had made contact with before in one way or another, sifting through all the regular-ish tag teams out there. Eventually, I found something I thought could work as an option. A regular contact of mine highly recommended a worker named Chi Chi Cruz, who had been working in a tag team called The Latino Connection with a guy named Rapid Fire Maldonado. I went to see them in action, and Cruz was impressive – but, after doing a little research, his profile was much, much bigger than his partner’s. It was enough of a problem that I really didn’t have any interest in Maldonado as an option for RCW – but I did have interest in both Cruz and the gimmick of a Latino tag team.

I met with Cruz face-to-face and let him know the deal. He was a little hesitant at first, but agreed to confer with his partner and figure out exactly what to do. After a couple of days, Cruz got back to me – Maldonado had agreed to let Cruz keep the name “The Latino Connection” for use in RCW, and had agreed to step aside. Cruz even had the name of a potential replacement lined up – a worker named Averno, who had a more national profile, and was roughly on Cruz’s level in both skill and reputation. And just like that, RCW had its newest tag team.

Chi Chi Cruz (49 Over, Show Stealer) – one half of the newly-formed Latino Connection, they would debut as faces in RCW’s burgeoning tag team division. Cruz was highly recommended by RCW scouts, and could have a bright future in the company.

Averno (48 Over, Luchadore) – the other half of RCW’s newest tag team, Averno would be the first masked member of RCW’s roster, and the first true luchadore brought into the fold.

These weren’t the only two guys who I had been in contact with…but that’s another story. Now, time to get those last details ready for 2Night, which is just five hours away now.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

Me: FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUCK!

CRASH!

As the object formerly known as a desk lamp shattered against a wall, I knew the other shoe had finally dropped. Of course it had dropped. Things had gone way, way too well lately, right? And when things go well, that can never last, because karma’s a goddamn bitch that wants to fuck you over. And karma had clearly handed me a gigantic, gigantic bitchslap.

Things HAD been going well, too. Victory Strikes Again had been a real success – we were finally getting into the flow of the ‘build to a big show’ model, and I think Victory Strikes Again had reflected that. We even had a professional reviewer in the house to recap the show for his website, and although the ratings weren’t our highest, and the star ratings were a little punitive in my eyes, the show had really moved the stories along.

And then there was the news that Dave Tripps announced during his Trippin’ segment. It was true – MTV2 was thrilled with the audience that 2Night had quickly developed, and that it was managing to hold its numbers each week. With the success of the show, I had felt confident enough to go to MTV2 and ask them for an improvement in our time slot, and more specifically, a longer time slot. I was just hoping for one of the two, but MTV really came through for us. We got a prime time slot on our normal Tuesday, and had our show bumped up to two hours. One problem with the TV show format was the lack of segments, and with the need to build to a big show each month, I had to let character development for some of our less-key performers fall by the wayside. Hopefully the additional time would let us develop more characters – if we didn’t, RCW could be in some long term trouble.

And hell, things had even been going well with me. Whatever I did with RCW was a giant success – our ratings improved, our timeslot went up, our attendance went up, our public profile was increasing. I was basically untouchable right now, and every other promotion wanted a piece of me. I got my third job offer from another promotion, this time from SHIMMER. Amazingly, a female-centric promotion, even one that was uncharacteristically being run around The Sandman, wasn’t whetting my appetite, and I sent out yet another ‘thanks, but no thanks’ letter. Having asked around, SHIMMER’s books weren’t in great shape anyways – I wasn’t betting on them surviving into 2008.

So, yeah, things had been going great. And now – now we were fucked. I had come in to help set the ring back up for the TV taping tomorrow and to do all the stupid little things that nobody besides me ever seemed to recognize needed doing. I had some help from Earl, Sound Guy, and Derek, who I hadn’t invited, but had showed up anyways. I supposed I should get every ounce of labor out of his salary, so I dealt with his conversation and just worked. I had finally sat down, covered in sweat, to look over some contract info when the phone at my desk rang with perhaps the worst news I had received during my run in RCW.

George Sand had left.

I couldn’t believe it – but Sand, who hadn’t been interested in an exclusive written contract, had signed a full-time deal with the International Wrestling Cartel. And unlike Full Impact Pro, SHIMMER, CMLL, ECCW, and the other promotions in financial trouble, IWC didn’t look to be struggling with money. They had somehow signed Brock Lesnar, had brought in Sid Vicious, and were doing just fine. George Sand was gone, and gone for good, it seemed. And with Sand gone, the most complex angle in RCW history had seemingly come to a crashing end.

And furthermore, I had been thinking of letting Sand challenge for the title this month. He was a face, and he was over. With Fantastic tied up in his challenge, and with Sand gone, there was a bit of a gap for upper-level challengers. This was gonna require a heck of a fix – and sadly, one man thought he knew the answer.

Derek: Hey, boss, I just heard about George. That’s horrible news.

Me: How the hell did you already hear about this?

Derek: Oh, Sound Guy got a text from Nick Collyer – he had already heard.

Me: Well, this is just fucking horrendous.

Derek: I don’t know – if he was gonna leave, at least it happened right after a big show. It won’t be too hard to explain things away now, and…

Me: No, Derek, what would have been convenient was if he left when his goddamn storyline was over! Now we’ve got a huge gap at the top of the card, an unfinished storyline, and a lot of loose ends to tie together!

Derek: Well, actually, I had an idea or two for how to do that. You see, with George gone now, it seems like Ian’s succeeded in his plot, and…

Me: Derek, I’ve got it under control. I’m going to sit down tonight and figure out how we’re going to do it. OK?

Derek: Oh, I know you’ve got it, but you know, two heads are better than one and all that…

Me: Then I’ll call Jack, OK? For now, why don’t you focus on typing up that show preview I asked you to put together and get it up on the website ASAP so we can have some promotion for tomorrow night’s show.

Derek: …OK, boss. I’ll get that done for you, no problem. Maybe I’ll drop you an e-mail tonight thought, see how it’s going. I’ll see you later, Mr. Hawkins.

I just sighed as Derek walked away. But I didn’t have time to dwell on that annoying attitude of his. It was time to save RCW. And I had to make some phone calls.

======================================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW 2NIGHT

OCTOBER 30, 2007

THE CHAMPION SPEAKS!

Despite having not one, but TWO, challengers to his title, John Wellington snuck out of Victory Strikes Again with his World Title still around his waist. Now that he has successfully fended off this set of challengers, who is next in line for a title shot? And will John Wellington’s self-proclaimed prediction of his impending hiring by either the WWE or TNA come true? Tune in to 2Night and find out!

TAG TEAM TURBULENCE!

At Victory Strikes Again, the Kohl Brothers finally beat the Irish Drinking Team – but to do so, they turned to the dirty tactics they railed against for so long! How will Ian Knoxx and Chris Stylez react to this moral hypocrisy on the part of Keith and Kent Kohl? And what will the victors have to say in their defense?

KID FANTASTIC’S JOURNEY BEGINS!

At Victory Strikes Again, John Wellington finally softened – just a little bit – in his stance against Kid Fantastic’s request for a rematch for the RCW World Title. Wellington promised Fantastic a shot at the belt – if Fantastic could win a match every week through next month’s Category 5 event! Tonight, Kid Fantastic will be in singles action – who will be the first challenger that Fantastic must overcome in his quest to finally get the title rematch he deserves?

ANOTHER MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!

Dave Tripps, the host of Trippin’, broke the news at Victory Strikes Again that RCW 2Night had been promoted to a prime-time slot on MTV2. However, one breaking news story doesn’t seem to be enough for RCW’s roving reporter and talk show host extraordinare. Dave Tripps has promised another exclusive announcement, and will open the show with it – will this announcement reverberate throughout RCW as well, or is Tripps simply blowing smoke?

AND MORE!

Expect fallout from everything at Victory Strikes Again – how will Fred Laney react to having been embarrassed by backstage staffer Jack Hawkins and referee Mike Hunter? Will Red Hot Russ have something to say after his tainted victory over Danny Dallas? Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura came up short in their effort against the energetic Travis Finity and the newcomer, good Samaritan Jason W. Knight – but as RCW fans know, Team Flash won’t take their loss lying down. All this and much more will be awaiting you as RCW 2Night moves to 9 PM EST on MTV, and debuts its two-hour format! Make sure to tune in as a new era in RCW history begins!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

RCW 2NIGHT

RCW VICTORY STRIKES AGAIN

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2007

BERGENFIELD HALL, BERGENFIELD, NJ

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Team Flash (Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura) vs. Travis Finity and Jason W. Knight

In front of a surprisingly good crowd here at Bergenfield Hall, numbering 409 people, the show gets underway with tag team goodness. Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura, flanked by Tizziana, make their way out first, getting a loud, long, and negative reaction from the raucous crowd. I guess the MTV2 exposure was doing a lot of good for us – basically everyone in the crowd knew exactly what was going on, and who was doing it. When Kid Fantastic pitched in and helped us put up the crowd barrier an hour before showtime, he was even getting pestered by a couple of kids for autographs. I gotta say, I was really liking the publicity we had going now. Even with the increased publicity, there was almost no reaction for the newest RCW star, Jason W. Knight, who came out looking pumped up for his in-ring debut in Renaissance Championship Wrestling. He stands just outside the entrance and waits for Travis Finity to make his way out – but isn’t prepared for Travis to come flying out and sprint right by him on the way to the ring! Knight takes a second to identify the blur as Travis, then goes sprinting down the aisle and slides into the ring behind Finity. The two don’t waste any time, immediately taking it to Flash and Takemura as referee Frank Stool calls for the ring bell, getting the proceedings underway.

Stool takes a few moments to get things sorted out, but finally forces Knight and Flash to their respective corners, leaving Travis Finity and Katsushi Takemura in the middle of the ring to start things out. Travis Finity outmaneuvers Takemura early on as the Silent Assassin tries to pin down the energetic Finity. Takemura takes a chance and tries to hit Finity with a running shoulder block, but misses by a solid two feet. Finity doesn’t let the opportunity pass him by, hopping off the second rope before somersaulting forward into Takemura with a body block, taking Takemura to the mat. Finity is instantly back on his feet, and grabs the rising Takemura before whipping him into the ropes. Takemura reverses the whip, but Finity bounces off the ropes, leaps over Takemura going low for a takedown, bounces off the opposite ropes, then charges forward and leaps into the air before taking Takemura down to the mat with a running headscissors takedown! The crowd pops big as Takemura takes his time getting up this time, only to be met by Mr. Energy once again. Finity once again whips Takemura off the ropes, then catches him with a drop toehold, sending Takemura to the mat on all fours. Finity takes a couple steps backwards, bounces off the ropes, then charges forward and drills Takemura with a thundering dropkick to the side of the head!

Finity charges to the opposite corner and knocks an unsuspecting Adam Flash to the floor on the outside, then turns his attention back to Takemura. Takemura, still reeling, just goes along for the ride as Finity backs Katsushi into the corner, then begins laying into Takemura with chops. The crowd fills in with the mandatory “WHOO!” chant after each chop, even when Takemura blocks a chop, throws Finity into the corner, and starts a series of chops of his own. After a few chops, Takemura capitalizes on Finity’s mistake of getting too close by locking in a sleeper from behind. Having learned from his several matches with Finity before, Takemura refuses to let go, clamping down squarely on the speedy Finity. Travis struggles to free himself while Takemura backs into his own corner, where Flash tags himself in. Flash lands a few blows to Finity’s midsection, then takes control as Takemura leaves the ring. Finity is clearly losing steam, and Flash capitalizes, taking his time. He bats Finity around for a few minutes, alternating basic strikes with restholds to keep Travis grounded. However, Flash makes a critical mistake as he whips Finity off the ropes. He grabs the rebounding Finity, looking for a spinebuster, but Finity slips free of Flash’s grasp while planting a dropkick squarely in the chest, pushing Flash to the canvas! The crowd, dormant during Team Flash’s run, explodes as Finity uses one last burst of adrenaline and leaps to his corner, tagging in Jason W. Knight!

Knight quickly clears house, taking both Flash and Takemura down to the mat repeatedly with forearm shots. However, Takemura manages to stun Knight with a thumb to the eye, letting Flash regain the balance of power with a bridging German suplex from behind on the unsuspsecting Knight, which he holds for the cover: 1…………………..2…………….and Knight kicks out, much to Flash’s annoyance! Flash is in full-on kill mode now, and he pulls Knight up, setting him up for the Flashdance. Flash connects with his punches, then dances to the crowd’s annoyance – but Knight turns the boos to cheers with a lariat of his own, flooring Flash before the move’s completion! Flash manages to tag in Takemura before Knight can capitalize, but Takemura runs into the same problems. Takemura grabs Knight, looking for an uranage suplex, but Knight manages to elbow his way out of the move, staying alive. Flash comes charging into the ring, looking to hit Knight from behind – but a flying Travis Finity cuts him off with an awe-inspiring springboard dropkick from his own corner, which levels Flash! In the confusion, Knight grabs the stunned Takemura and pulls him down, hitting a downward spiral! As announcer Joe Wheeler informs us that Knight refers to the move as the Knightfall, Frank Stool drops into position and makes the count: 1……………………..2……………………..3! Jason Knight and Travis Finity have pulled off the upset, and beaten two of the best wrestlers in RCW today, and in Jason Knight’s first match, no less!

WINNERS: Jason W. Knight and Travis Finity

RATING: 66

CROWD: 55

MATCH: 77

NOTES: Adam Flash lost overness from this match. Katsushi Takemura lost overness from this match. Travis Finity gained overness from this match. Jason W. Knight gained overness from this match.

STAR: **

========================================================

Danny Dallas vs. Red Hot Russ

The action continues early as the first singles match of the night gets underway, with Danny Dallas taking on Red Hot Russ. Russ, of course, manages to find something complaint-worthy as he enters the ring, mentioning in an overly loud and annoyed voice to referee Frank Stool that the ring steps seem to be loosened, and that he nearly fell because they shifted. Stool just shrugs off the comment and calls for the bell, much to Russ’ annoyance. However, he quickly forgets about the ring steps as Danny Dallas comes flying at Russ, getting the match underway. Early on, Dallas more or less controls the flow of the match, which is almost pure brawling. After holding his own in the opening minutes of the match, Russ soon slumps under the superior strength and size of Dallas. Russ goes on the defensive, rolling to the outside to try and escape Dallas, but Danny quickly slips to the outside as well, going face to face with Russ. Russ slides back into the ring, but Danny is right on his tail, giving Russ nowhere to run as he backs into a corner. Russ hops backwards onto the middle turnbuckle, looking for a springboard attack, but Danny kicks Russ’ leg out from under him, sitting Russ down on the top turnbuckle. Dallas climbs up onto the middle turnbuckle himself, hooks Russ, then pulls him off the top with a superplex! Dallas climbs over Russ and makes the cover: 1………………………2………………NO! Russ kicks out, and Dallas pounds the mat in frustration briefly.

Dallas quickly gets back on track, however, pulling Russ up to his feet and throwing him into the corner. Russ doesn’t react much as Dallas lays into him with a few knife-edge chops, then back up, positioning himself for the stinger splash. He sprints forwards and connects, jamming Russ into the turnbuckes! Russ slowly falls forward out of the corner, landing face-first on the mat, before Dallas rolls him over and covers: 1………………………..2………………..NO! Russ still manages to kick out again! Dallas pulls Russ up, only to scoop slam him back to the mat. Dallas lays a few kicks into his midsection, forcing Russ to ball up in the fetal position. A sharp toe kick square into Russ’ exposed back sends a shrill scream rushing out of Russ’ mouth, and Dallas pulls the often-pathetic RCW star up to his feet again. Dallas doubles Russ over, then lifts him up before powerbombing him to the mat with a surprising display of power! Instead of going for the cover, Dallas heads to the middle rope, looking for an aerial attack. He prepares to leap – then pauses, choosing to head for the top rope instead! The crowd roars its approval as Dallas scales the extra 18 inches, then leaps off – but misses the big body splash, as Russ rolls out of the way! Before Dallas has finished crashing to the mat, Russ scoots over and rolls up Dallas, grabbing a handful of tights in the process, while Frank Stool makes the count: 1………………………………..2…………………………3! Somehow, Russ has pinned Danny Dallas in a shocking upset! As Russ slides out of the ring and celebrates by himself on the way up the aisle, a quickly-revived Dallas just looks on, still in shock that the match he dominated from start to finish didn’t go his way.

WINNER: Red Hot Russ

RATING: 55

CROWD: 51

MATCH: 59

NOTES: Danny Dallas lost overness from this match. Red Hot Russ gained overness from this match.

STAR: 1/4*

========================================================

The Hunter Becomes The Hunted?

We cut backstage, where Jack Hawkins is going through a batch of paperwork at a table. As he scribbles notes in the margins, he notices Danny Dallas walking back through the curtain, and he hurriedly looks down at his watch.

Jack: Oh crap – I gotta make sure Ian and Sean are ready.

Jack hops out of his chair and jogs over to the locker room, where he knocks once on the door. Not getting a response, he swings the door open gingerly and peeks his head inside. Seeing nobody, Jack takes a few steps into the locker room, looking around for any signs of either of the next match’s competitors.

Jack: Hello? Ian, Sean? Are either of you here? It’s time for your match!

As Jack ducks his head into the bathroom door, once again coming up empty, the door to the locker room swings open with a loud ‘BANG!’ Jack jumps in the air just a little and turns around…where his shoulders slump, seeing Fred Laney standing there with referee Mike Hunter, who hasn’t finished getting into his ring clothes for the night.

Jack: What do you want? Mike, what’s happening?

Mike tries to answer, but a brutal glance from Laney shuts his mouth. With the referee silenced, Fred Laney turns his full attention to Jack.

Laney: Hey kid, I told you that I was gonna get my damn match tonight. I wasn’t quite sure how, but I was thinking about last time you and me got together, I had to count my own pinfall. This time, I got a real live referee here with me, so now I’m gonna be on record as winning a match here at Victory Strikes Again, you got it?

Jack: But…but there’s no contract, and I’m not even a wrestler! And I didn’t do anything!

Laney: Exactly – you didn’t get me a damn match like I wanted! And since all our wrestlers are apparently too damn busy to fight me, I’ll just have to settle for you! Now Hunter, get this ‘match’ underway!

Mike Hunter looks confused for a minute, then raps his hand against the metal lockers, doing his best to mimic a ring bell. As Hunter looks at Jack with an apologetic look, Fred Laney squares up on Jack, setting up for the showdown. Jack looks around frantically for any sort of weapon he can use in his defense – when his eyes fall on a bag half-open on the ground, with John Wellington’s RCW World Title belt sticking out of it. As Jack stares at it, Laney charges towards him, looking for a spear. In one smooth move, Jack yanks the title belt out and swings it blindly forward, aiming for what he hopes is Fred Laney’s skull! A sickening ‘CRACK!’ fills the room as the title belt hits its target dead-on, and Fred Laney goes crashing to the locker room floor like a sack of potatoes.

Jack just looks at the seemingly-unconscious Fred Laney with total shock as the title belt falls out of his hand. Jack finally looks over at Mike Hunter, who has a similar expression on his face. The two make eye contact, and after a moment, Mike Hunter gestures towards the downed Laney. Jack starts to give him a look of total disbelief, but reconsiders and slides down over Fred Laney, hooking his leg. Mike Hunter drops to the floor and makes the count while a half-panicked Jack stares intently at Laney’s closed eyes, expecting them to open at any moment: 1…………………………2…………………….3! As soon as Hunter’s hand hits the floor for a third time, Jack shoots to his feet, possibly setting a world land-speed record in the process. He and Mike share a small smile with each other, then the two high-tail it out of there, leaving the motionless Fred Laney on the floor.

RATING: 51

NOTES: Fred Laney lost overness from this angle. Jack Hawkins gained overness from this angle.

========================================================

Doubting George...

We quickly cut to another backstage area where George Sand is walking along, with a purposeful stride. He turns a corner – and comes face to face with Ian Gomes, sitting on top of an anvil case relaxing.

Gomes: Hullo, George. Getting ready for your match tonight?

Sand: Yeah…and you? Isn’t your match up next?

Gomes: Yes…yes it is. I probably should be stretching myself out and all, but I’ve just been sitting here, thinking about that despicable ingrate Sean. You saw what happened last week, I’m sure.

Sand: Yeah, I heard about it. Tough breaks, Ian.

Gomes: It’s just so horrible to have somebody you think is trustworthy, and who supports you, suddenly turn out to be quite different from what you expected…oh, but of course you know all about that, mate.

Sand: Yeah…yeah, you could say that.

With George Sand somewhat lost in thought, Ian hops off the case he’s sitting on and approaches George with an understanding smile on his face.

Gomes: You and I, we’ve gone through quite the ordeal. Well, you’ve had it much worse than I have – I’ve been rather lucky enough to not have my fair lady stuck in the middle of things. And at least Sean Weldon hasn’t been doing everything possible to make me look like a sneaky, jealous bloke like Nick has with you, right?

Sand: What do you mean?

Gomes: Well, him and your Francoise – they’ve spent an awful lot of time together, and they’re both putting a lot of pressure on you. The whole ‘if you don’t forgive him, you’re the villain’ sort, you know? And it worked – he even got Francoise onto his side. I’ve always said that many things can be stolen from me, but the man who filches from me my good name robs of that which does not enrich him, but makes me quite poor indeed.

Sand: I don’t think that Nick’s trying to do that…and Francoise would never do anything like that. She’s the only person I really trust – and why would she try to ruin my name anyways?

Gomes: An excellent question, George, an excellent question indeed.

George looks up at this, and Ian Gomes stares back with a sinister sparkle in his eye. After looking Ian over for a moment, George follows with a carefully measured response.

Sand: Ian, are you implying something? Because if you are, you had better be very, very careful with where you’re going.

Gomes: Oh no, heavens no. But be careful of jealousy, George – it is the green-eyed monster which mocks what it feeds upon. Be careful of many things, most of which that is worth the most to you – whatever that might be.

Sand: OK Ian – I’ve gotta get going.

Gomes: Before you go, George – I hope you consider that what I spoke comes solely from my admiration. I mean no offense.

Sand: None taken, Ian – but I think your match is just about up.

Gomes: Heavens, I think you’re right! And here I am, still blabbering away! Good luck tonight, George – and keep your eye out.

With that, Ian goes running off towards the entrance while George takes Ian’s old seat on the anvil case, losing himself in thought while the hustle and bustle of Victory Strikes Again walks by.

RATING: 65

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Ian Gomes vs. Sean Weldon

The match begins with an ultra-long staredown between the two, which has to last for a solid 30 seconds as Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon pace around each other. Finally, the two men lock up, with Sean Weldon quickly overpowering Gomes and shoving him backwards head-over-heels to the mat. Gomes quickly bounces up and resumes the staredown with Weldon, who seems content to let his physical intimidation do all the talking early. After another overly long staredown, they lock up once again, and we get the same result, with Gomes flat on his back. Gomes takes a moment getting up this time, but Weldon just looks on. Gomes doesn’t take quite as long this time before going in for a third lockup – and before Weldon can overpower him again, Gomes throws a few quick headbutts straight into the skull of Sean Weldon! Weldon stumbles backwards, and Gomes charges forward and hits Weldon with a twisting neckbreaker, taking the bigger man down to the mat! Gomes quickly lays a series of boots into Weldon, trying to keep him down, but Weldon powers himself up and takes the fight to Gomes, laying into him with a series of punches, which he caps with a spectacular lariat that floors Gomes.

With Gomes momentarily incapacitated, Weldon goes on the attack. He backs Gomes into the corner and lays into him with a series of lariats across Gomes’ chest and neck, then raises his boot and begins to choke Gomes. Gomes finally struggles free, but doesn’t get much of a respite as Weldon gets him up in a gorilla press before dropping him face-first to the canvas. Weldon covers: 1……………………2……and Gomes kicks out! Gomes slides out of the ring, and Weldon lets him escape, taking a moment to catch his own breath. However, Weldon gets impatient quickly and comes out after his ‘former’ partner – but Gomes turns the tables, felling Weldon with a drop toehold into the ring steps! With the big man now woozy, Gomes rolls him into the ring and immediately goes for the cover: 1………………….2………….NO! Weldon still has enough energy in him to kick out, keeping the match going. Gomes tries to whip Weldon into the ropes, but Weldon reverses it, then lifts Gomes up for a spinebuster, but Gomes reverses it into a tornado DDT, spiking Weldon’s head into the mat! Gomes covers again: 1…………………….2………………..NO! Gomes almost had the win there! Gomes gets up to his feet, looking rather emotionless, and signals for the Teardrop, looking to end the match. He tries to hoist Weldon into the air, but the larger man stays stuck on the ground before fighting his way free. Weldon pounds away at Gomes, then tries to lift him up for the Wake Up Call – but Gomes fights out of it as well!

The two men stare each other down once again, with the crowd actually responding a little bit this time. Weldon shoves Gomes, who bounces backwards off the ropes, then hits another lariat that floors Gomes. Weldon shakes out his right arm, sore from all the lariats in the match, then scoops Gomes off the mat. He picks Gomes up for a suplex, but Gomes slips out and lands behind Weldon! Weldon whirls around, but Gomes leans in with another headbutt, stunning Weldon! With Weldon dazed, Gomes leans in and goes for the Teardrop again – and this time he manages to lift Sean into the air and dump him to the mat! Gomes crawls over and covers: 1…………………………2……………………….3! Ian Gomes has pinned Sean Weldon! Gomes stumbles up to his feet and stares down at Weldon. As Sean Weldon pushes himself up onto his side, trying to get to his feet, he looks up and makes eye contact with Ian. The two keep their eyes locked on the other for several moments before Ian Gomes stretches out his hand to Weldon, still on the canvas. Weldon studies the gesture for a moment – then accepts it, allowing Gomes to help him up. The two of them say something softly to the other, which the camera can’t pick up, and then the two exchange a hearty handshake. A few bleeding hearts in the crowd cheer this, but this is met with significantly more booing as the two dislikeable characters seemed to have reunited.

WINNER: Ian Gomes

RATING: 53

CROWD: 42

MATCH: 64

STAR: 1/2*

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Kohl Brothers vs. Irish Drinking Team

The Kohl Brothers are the first two out to the ring, getting a generally tepid response from the crowd. However, the Irish Drinking Team, complete with bottles of Harp, gets a stirring response from the New Jersey crowd, despite the overwhelming Italian nature of the crowd. I think half these guys are extras on the Sopranos. Still, Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx get a solid round of applause as they slide into the ring – but before they can even put their beers down, Keith and Kent Kohl go on the attack, plowing into Stylez and Knoxx! Referee Mike Hunter, now on duty for the rest of the night, calls for the bell to get the match started while trying to sort out the four men. Stylez and Knoxx quickly get into the spirit of the match and go on the attack themselves, with an all-out brawl spreading throughout the ring. Finally Mike Hunter manages to corner Stylez and Keith Kohl, leaving the larger Kohl, Kent, in the ring with Ian Knoxx.

Kent goes after Ian Knoxx and has quick success, winning a war of punches. Kent whips Knoxx off the ropes and nails him on the comeback with a shoulder block, then drops an elbow across Ian’s chest. He goes to cover, but Ian Knoxx slips out and quickly hops to his feet. Kent is up too and lunges at Ian, who backs away. As Kent stumbles forward, Ian Knoxx grabs his head and DDT’s him to the canvas, getting a nice pop from the crowd. Ian picks up Kent and puts him back into a front facelock before dragging him into the IDT corner and tagging in Chris Stylez. Stylez springboards over the top and drops an elbow across Kent’s exposed bent-over back, then grabs both legs from behind, pulling his legs out from under him. Kent Kohl crashes to the mat face-first, and Stylez rolls him over for the pin attempt: 1………………2………NO! Kent kicks out, and Style gets to his feet – only to be rolled over by Keith Kohl, who has stormed the ring! Ian Knoxx yells at Mike Hunter, who has his hands full with Keith, to get him out of the ring. As Stylez gets to his feet, he gives Keith an odd look, remembering the Kohl Brothers’ reverence for clean tag-team wrestling.

However, Stylez pays for ignoring the recovered Kent Kohl, who hits Stylez with a low blow from behind while Mike Hunter shoves Keith Kohl back into his corner. The cries from Ian Knoxx in the corner fall on deaf ears, as Hunter tells Knoxx to stop causing trouble. With Stylez down, Kent tags in his brother Keith, getting the fresher man into the match Kent scoops up Stylez and holds him up while his brother crashes into Chris’ legs from behind, taking them out with a vicious chop block. The crowd is booing a little bit now as Kent exits the ring, leaving Keith to kick away at Stylez’ right knee, which seemed to take the brunt of the chop block. While not normally a technical wrestler, Keith zeroes in on the knee. He slams it repeatedly into the canvas, drawing a recurring howl from Stylez. He even slaps on a single-leg Boston crab, keeping Chris Stylez planted firmly in the middle of the ring. Stylez tries to drag himself towards his own corner, but Keith keeps him firmly planted. Mike Hunter asks him repeatedly if he wants to tap, but Stylez ignores him.

After a minute, Keith Kohl drags Stylez, still in the crab, to his own corner, where he tags his brother back into the match. Kent steps onto the second rope, then leaps off, crushing Chris Stylez with a big splash! Kent covers Stylez: 1…………………….2……………….NO! Stylez’ hand shoots into the air, and the match continues. Kent, quickly up to his feet, sprints across the ring and knocks Ian Knoxx off the apron, then quickly suplexes Chris Stylez, putting him right back down on the mat. Kent picks back up on the injured knee, grabbing the leg and pulling it out from Stylez’ body at an awkward angle. The low-skill submission hold doesn’t last too long, as Stylez manages to shake his way out of it, but his right leg seems to be in even worse shape. Kent Kohl grabs Stylez off the mat and carries him over to the ropes – then drops him on the ropes, with the crook of his knee hanging him from the ropes! Stylez cries out in pain as his entire weight hangs awkwardly from his knee while Kent Kohl stands there, enjoying the pain on Stylez’ face. Ian Knoxx tries to charge into the ring and free his partner, but Mike Hunter stops him – giving Keith a chance for a few unnoticed shots on the prone Stylez.

Finally Kent grabs Stylez off the ropes, but simply picks him back up before hooking him in a similar position in the Kohl corner. Keith fires a few forearms into the injured knee from the ring apron, drawing a censure from Mike Hunter, but Kent’s kicks to the same knee are perfectly legal. Kent backs up, looking to charge Chris Stylez, still trapped in the Tree of Woe. Kent charges forward – but as he dives forward, Chris Stylez does a sit-up, leaving Kent Kohl to crash head-first into the turnbuckle and ringpost! Kent drops to the canvas and rolls out of the ring, loopy from the blow – but Keith Kohl reaches out and tags his prone brother in one smooth motion! He smugly whirls around to take care of Stylez – but Stylez is waiting for him! Still in his situp position, he reaches out and grabs Keith’s head before freeing himself and dropping out of the Tree of Woe, guillotining Keith in the process!

With both Kohls down, Stylez crawls across the ring, heading towards his partner, Ian Knoxx. He makes excruciatingly slow progress towards the goal. He gets closer, with the crowd going nuts – then finally reaches out and makes the tag! Ian Knoxx comes charging in – then comes to a halt as Mike Hunter is on the outside, arguing with Keith Kohl, who has pulled out a chair and is trying to get into the ring! The two argue as Ian Knoxx just watches – until Kent Kohl, who has snuck around the edge of the ring, slides into the ring and creams Knoxx with a chair of his own! Knoxx staggers, then falls after a second brutally stiff chair shot from Kent Kohl. Knoxx falls to the mat, and Kent pushes him out of the ring. On cue, Keith stops his protest and returns to the ring. Chris Stylez, having collapsed in his own corner, finally seems to get wind of what just occurred and tries to stop it, but before he can protest to Mike Hunter that he made the tag, Keith Kohl is on top of him. A spinning roundhouse kick leaves Stylez on his back, only to eat a Northern Lights suplex upon being stood up. Finally, Keith calls for Kent to slide into the ring, setting him up for the Kohl Shot. Kent grabs Stylez and powerbombs him to the mat, and Keith puts the capper on it with a senton bomb off the top rope, completing the Kohl Shot! Keith makes the cover as Ian Knoxx, on the outside, gets to his feet and sees the pinfall: 1………………………………………….2………………………………………3! Knoxx is just a second too late as the Kohl Brothers steal a victory! Keith and Kent Kohl quickly slide to the outside and begin to celebrate like they won the World Series, taunting Stylez and Knoxx from the outside while Ian checks on Chris and his injured knee.

WINNERS: The Kohl Brothers

RATING: 68

CROWD: 51

MATCH: 86

NOTES: Keith Kohl debuted his new gimmick (Cheater), it got a positive response. Kent Kohl debuted his new gimmick (Cheater), it got a positive response.

STAR: **3/4

========================================================

George Sand vs. Nick Collyer

Special Guest Referee: Francoise

George Sand’s music hits first, but instead we get Francoise, dressed in a nicely-fashioned referee shirt making her way down to the ring. Nick Collyer’s entrance serves as a buffer between a second playing of Sand’s entrance music, this time bringing out the man himself, George Sand. Sand slides into the ring and goes to talk to Francoise, but she pushes him away, instead choosing to take her duties seriously and go over the rules with Nick and George. George looks briefly hurt, but adjusts to her role, listening intently. Francoise orders Collyer and Sand to shake hands, and the two shake after a moment’s hesitancy, exchanging an odd look of apprehension in the process. With that, Francoise looks over and calls for the bell, getting the rematch underway.

Sand and Collyer quickly lock up, with the two trying to trap each other. Nick grabs Sand’s wrist, trying to tie him up, but George quickly slips behind Nick, grabs him in a rear waistlock, and shoves him face-first into the ground. Sand tries to lock on a camel clutch, but Collyer rolls out from underneath Sand. Collyer does a backwards somersault into a standing position, then charges at Sand, who deflects Nick with a hiptoss, sending the youngster crashing to the ground. Collyer hops right back up and charges again, and Sand counters the same way, but Collyer flips through the somersault and lands on his feet before arm-dragging George Sand to the mat. Collyer drops an elbow across Sand’s chest, then charges off the ropes before driving a second elbow across Sand’s chest. Sand rolls over onto his side and pushes himself up, but Collyer charges from behind and grabs him in a rear waistlock, looking for a German suplex. Sand grabs the ropes, blocking the move, then elbows his way out. He grabs Collyer and whips him into the ropes, then catches him with a picture-perfect leg lariat on the way back. Sand quickly drops to the mat and covers Collyer, and Francoise drops into position before making a somewhat-tenative first count of the match: 1……………………2…and Nick Collyer easily kicks out at two.

Sand gives Francoise a deliberately obtuse look after the count, then goes back on the attack, finally seeming to have gained the upper hand. Sand slugs away with a few well-placed right hands, then whips Collyer off the ropes, catching him with a knee to the stomach on the way back. With Collyer down, Sand heads for the top rope, looking to get high-risk early on – but the move backfires, as Collyer gets to his feet quickly and catches Sand on his upward climb. Nick kicks out Sand’s leg in an impressive display of flexibility, crotching Sand on the top turnbuckle. Francoise winces a little at that, and Nick turns and mutters an embarrassed “Sorry” to the special guest ref before climbing the turnbuckles. Nick grabs George, looking for a superplex, but George hooks his leg around the ringpost, blocking it. After a tussle, George Sand gets the upper hand and shoves Collyer off the ropes to the mat below. Nick gets up quickly with his back to Sand, but before he can right himself completely, George Sand leaps off the second rope, nailing an unsuspecting Collyer with a picture-perfect flipping jawbreaker! The crowd pops for the move as George makes the cover again: 1……………………………..2…………………NO! Nick Collyer gets the shoulder up! George Sand keeps the pressure on, immediately shoving Nick back to the canvas and covering again: 1…………………………2…………….and again Nick Collyer kicks out, expending even more energy in the process.

George pulls Collyer up once again, then out of nowhere tries to scoop him up for the Sands of Time, looking to finish the match! Collyer quickly figures out what Sand has in mind and squirms out as Sand lifts him, managing to wriggle free from the devastating maneuver. Collyer grabs Sand by the neck and delivers a nice reverse neckbreaker to Sand, getting momentum behind him for the first time in a while. Collyer debates heading up top for the shooting star, but decides against it. Instead, he just lays a few boots into Sand – but George grabs Collyer’s leg and twists, toppling Collyer straight to the mat! Sand mounts Collyer and lays into him with a series of punches. He gets up and tosses Collyer into the corner, then lands a running lariat before lifting Nick Collyer up onto the top turnbuckle. He climbs up and grabs him for a fallaway slam – then leaps off with a moonsault, crushing Collyer into the canvas! Francoise, recognizing the move, is immediately in position to make the cover as Sand hooks the leg: 1……………………………..2………………………NO!

George Sand can’t believe it, but Francoise’s hand is stopped six inches above the canvas, and Nick Collyer’s left shoulder is off the mat. Sand slams his hand against the canvas, perhaps completing the three count in his mind, then decides to end the match right then and there, calling for the Sands of Time. Collyer gets pulled to his feet, but for a second time manages to wiggle free of Sand’s attempt to hit the Sands! With his plan foiled again, Sand angrily charges at Collyer – who catches him with a drop toehold, then jumps up in the air before crashing down across Sand’s raised neck with a legdrop, flattening Sand to the mat! Sand is slow to get up, and by the time he gets back to his feet, Nick Collyer is on the top rope, and comes flying off with a picture-perfect missile dropkick, sending Sand tumbling across the ring into the far corner. Collyer looks over – and sees Sand lying diagonally in the corner, set up perfectly for the Shooting Star! The crowd pops a bit as they notice this as well, and Collyer quickly heads for the corner. Francoise looks on with a little bit of concern as Nick climbs and perches at the top, looking to end the match and get a measure of revenge for himself. He pauses, then leaps off, flying through the air – AND CONNECTS WITH THE SHOOTING STAR! The crowd is buzzing as Francoise obediently drops into position and starts to make the count: 1……………………………………..2………………………….George Sand gets his foot on the rope………………………but Francoise doesn’t notice!............3!

The bell rings, and Nick Collyer gets to his feet, a look of pure disbelief on his face, unable to comprehend his victory. Francoise comes over, looks Nick in the eye, and gives him a firm handshake, which Nick counters with a big hug….which is the very first sight that George Sand sees upon looking up! As Nick climbs the turnbuckles to celebrate his win, George gets to his feet, and Francoise comes over to check in on him. George doesn’t say anything as he gets up, and Francoise calls for Nick to come over so the three can have a big reunion hug, or something along those lines. Nick comes bounding over, looking at George with renewed appreciation, and puts his hand in, with Francoise putting hers on top of Nick’s. The two look at George, waiting for him to join in – but he just whirls around angrily and leaves the ring, leaving a confused and hurt Francoise and Nick Collyer in the ring to wonder what happened.

WINNER: Nick Collyer

RATING: 62

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 72

NOTES: George Sand lost overness from this match.

STAR: *1/4

========================================================

Trippin' With: Kid Fantastic

Before the main event gets underway, the Trippin’ set gets rolled out and set up in the ring, getting set for the self-titled “Hottest Show In Wrestling Today.” As the news music hits and Dave Tripps makes his way down to the ring, he gets a big ovation from the crowd. He slides in behind his desk and gets things underway immediately.

Tripps: Hello all, and welcome to Trippin’ With Dave Tripps, hosted by me, Dave Tripps! Well folks, welcome to RCW Victory Strikes Again, where tonight’s eagerly-anticipated main event is just minutes away! We have a very special guest joining us tonight, but before we do, I have a very special breaking news story to report! This is breaking news, and Trippin’ has an exclusive on this story – not even those bastards at Wrestling Observer heard about this one first! Starting on Tuesday night, RCW 2Night on MTV2 will be moving to a prime-time slot and expanding to a two-hour format each and every Tuesday night!

The crowd gives a big ovation for this news, which is music to my ears.

Tripps: And RCW has recently reached an agreement to extend our contract with MTV2 for six months, meaning that everyone out there will be able to enjoy all the hard-hitting, exciting, pulse-pounding Renaissance Championship Wrestling action that they’ve come to know and love well into 2008!

The crowd pops once again, with a nice “R-C-W! R-C-W!” chant kicking up in the crowd. Dave, acting as RCW’s representative, accepts the applause, then turns it back to interview mode.

Tripps: Of course, breaking exclusive news stories is only half of what Trippin’ is about – we also let you, the viewer, get to better know our charismatic and lovable superstars! And tonight, Trippin’ is proud to welcome back a fan favorite and friend of the show. He is a former RCW World Champion, and has fans across the country – I give you Kid Fantastic!

Kid Fantastic gets a huge pop on his way out, with a strong “KID FAN-TAS-TIC!” chant echoing through the arena. Fantastic slides into the ring and shakes hands with Dave Tripps before taking a seat at the table, looking around a little nervously as he sits.

Fantastic: Thanks for having me on the show, Dave. I am a little nervous, though – last time you had me on as a guest, you had Kurt Lauderdale show up and he beat the crap out of me. Nothing like that this time, right?

Tripps: Of course not, Kid! In the early days of Trippin’, there were occasionally a lack of professionalism, but these days, nothing like that.

Fantastic: Good, good.

Tripps: Now, Kid, you asked to be on the show because you had something you wanted to say to the crowd. What is it that…

But before Tripps can hand the floor over to Kid Fantastic, familiar music hits over the speaker system, signaling the entrance of Kid Fantastic’s arch-nemesis and the current RCW World Champion – John Wellington. The champ is greeted with boos, and lets the crowd know exactly how he feels about them too as he makes his way down to the ring and slides in underneath the ropes. John Wellington raises his microphone, looking with contempt at the two men at the desk, who have risen to meet the intruder.

Wellington: Now, I’m sure that hearing about Kid Sucktastic’s revelation that he’s having a sex-change operation, it’s time for the main event to get underway here.

Tripps: Excuse me, Mr. Wellington, but if you’d just look at the event schedule, you’d clearly see that Trippin’ was given this time slot, and…

Wellington: Hey, Katie Couric, shut the fuck up, huh!? I wasn’t talking to you! Why don't you leave?

Tripps: Um...OK then. What a long, strange tri...

Wellington: GO!

Tripps doesn't even finish his catchphrase, scurrying off, which gives Wellington a nice sick smile before turning his attention back to Kid Fantastic.

Wellington: Now, like I was saying, Kid Sucktastic, you’ve got nothing to say out here, and I’ve got my match where I will ONCE AGAIN defend my title – so why don’t you go backstage, get the Kleenex box, a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, and get ready for a good long cry when I retain my belt?

Kid Fantastic just stares a hole through Wellington, whose aggressive front doesn’t waver for a moment. Finally, Fantastic raises his microphone, ready to reply.

Fantastic: Well, John, you really felt it was necessary to come out here and interrupt my interview to start your match a couple minutes early, huh?

Wellington: You see, Suckboy, after my incredible performance, this match should be the final nail in the coffin for my RCW career. After I win this match again that nutjob Twiggy and that overgrown freak Matt Morgan, the WWE or TNA is gonna come a-knockin’! Of course, you’ll be delighted – it’ll give you a chance to get your title back, since you won’t have to beat the one guy who really deserves it!

Fantastic: What a shock – talking big about ‘your big contract with WWE.’ You’ve been saying that shit for months now, John, and guess what? YOU’RE STILL HERE!

Wellington takes a step back, clearly hit hard by the blow, but Fantastic isn’t done.

Fantastic: And you know what’s really sad? That you don’t WANT to be here, John! You represent this company, which has worked itself up from nothing into a nationally televised company, in just a year and a half! You did the same thing, John – you were nothing before you got here! RCW made you what you are, John, and you can’t wait to abandon this place! You run it down every chance you get, you call it second-rate – well John, you are this place. And if it’s second-rate, then so are you!

The crowd explodes for this speech, and Fantastic lets the crowd cheer itself out while Wellington sits back silently. However, Wellington finally seems to have had enough, and fires back.

Wellington: First of all, you never, ever, EVER compare me to this place again! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? And SECONDLY, if you’re so convinced I’m second-rate, Kid ‘Fantastic’, then answer me this – how come I beat your ass and took your title when we fought, huh? I walked out a winner, and you walked out a loser!

Fantastic: And you didn’t give me my damn rematch! You’re a champion – act like one and give me the rematch that you know I deserve!

Wellington: You don’t deserve anything! You’re not in my league and you know it, Fantastic! And besides, I didn’t get anything handed to me – I had to jump through hoops nonstop to get what I wanted!

Fantastic: Oh, here we go with the ‘woe is me’ speech again! More whining from a man who knows that if you had to fight me, and fight me clean, you wouldn’t have a chance!

Wellington: You can say whatever you want, but I had to earn my title shot! I was undefeated in singles matches when I got my title – so you know what? If you want a title shot, you’re gonna do the same damn thing. You get yourself scheduled in a singles match for every episode of 2Night between now and Category 5, and win all of them, and then win a match OF MY CHOOSING at Category 5, and you can have your damn title shot whether I’ve still got the belt, I’ve lost the belt, or I’ve gotten that well-deserved big payday in Stamford! You’ll have ‘earned it’, I suppose.

The crowd half-boos and half-cheers this, and Fantastic’s facial expression perfectly represents that equal divide between happiness and annoyance.

Fantastic: Now you’re not gonna go back on your word here, are you John? This is a legitimate deal?

Wellington: It’s a deal – I’d swear it on this title, but it’s not worth the gold-painted aluminum it’s made out of.

Fantastic: I’ve had enough of your shit, Wellington. If you’re lucky enough to squeak out of this match with the title, it’ll make it all the sweeter to take it from you. And if Twiggy or Matt Morgan gets the pleasure of kicking the shit out of you and taking your title, then all the better – you’ll get put in your place either way!

Wellington: This has been a great chat, Sucktastic, but some of us have World Title matches now.

Fantastic: Oh, by all means, proceed, John. And good luck – you’re gonna need it very, very badly.

RATING: 61

========================================================

RCW WORLD TITLE MATCH

John Wellington© vs. Matt Morgan vs. Twiggy

With the champion already out in the ring, Matt Morgan is the next one out, making his way down to the ring at a very slow, methodical pace. Morgan steps over the top rope and takes a look at John Wellington’s RCW World Title belt wrapped around his waist, his eyes filled with longing. Wellington undoes the title belt and hands it to the referee as Twiggy’s music kicks up – and a spotlight comes up on a far corner of the arena, where Twiggy is standing on a rafter, dressed in an orange version of Robin’s costume, complete with his orange afro wig and Senor Naranja in hand. The crowd pops as Twiggy unattaches a rope from the side of the building, then swings into the center of the ring, landing perfectly on two knees! The crowd explodes – but John Wellington and Matt Morgan simultaneously deliver incredibly powerful kicks to Twiggy’s chest, leveling the tiny weirdo! With that, the bell rings, and the main event is underway.

Wellington and Morgan immediately turn their attention to each other, slugging away. Morgan gains the upper hand and throws Wellington into the corner, but before he can charge, a revived Twiggy runs at him with a dropkick, knocking him off-balance, but staying on his feet. Morgan staggers back, then comes back at Twiggy with a barrage of fists. Twiggy sinks to a knee from the force of the onslaught, but Wellington catches Morgan from behind and tries to lock a sleeper on the bigger man. Morgan spins to fight Wellington, but Twiggy takes advantage of the giant’s inattention. Twiggy hops onto the second rope, then springboards off and bulldogs Morgan, while simultaneously taking Wellington down with a leg lariat! With both men down, Twiggy goes for the cover on Morgan, with senior referee Mike Hunter making the count: 1…………………and Morgan picks Twiggy up, pressing him up off the ground! Not releasing Twiggy, Morgan gets to his feet, with Twiggy still in the gorilla press position. Morgan walks over to the ropes and guillotines Twiggy off the ropes, with the Bizarre One falling backwards to the canvas. John Wellington quickly rolls over and tries for the cheap cover: 1……………………..2..and Morgan grabs Wellington by the leg, pulling the champion off of Twiggy!

Morgan grabs Wellington’s leg and smashes his kneecap into the ground, then pulls him up off the canvas. Morgan grabs him and front slams him back to the mat, then smashes Wellington’s head into the canvas face-first. Morgan repeats the maneuver again, then a third time, trying his hardest to scramble the champion’s brains. He goes to do it a fourth time, but Twiggy jumps onto Morgan’s back, latching on a rear choke. Morgan stands up with Twiggy’s weight on his back, then pulls him forward off his back, sending Twiggy crashing across the downed John Wellington. However, Twiggy stays on top, and Mike Hunter makes the cover: 1……………………………..2…………..and John Wellington kicks out just as Morgan, realizing what happened, delivers a hard boot into the side of Twiggy. Morgan grabs both men off the ground and slams their heads together, further antagonizing the champion, then grabs both in suplex position, looking to suplex both of them at the same time! Morgan strains under their weight, but lifts – and pulls it off, sending both Twiggy and John Wellington overhead before they crash to the ground! A small “HOLY SHIT!” chant comes up from the crowd at the sight of Matt Morgan’s incredible strength, but Morgan takes no time to acknowledge it. Instead, he grabs Wellington by the waist and tosses him through the ropes, leaving him alone in the ring with the dazed Twiggy.

Twiggy, however, is fresher than Wellington, and manages to evade the giant’s grasping hands. Morgan keeps coming for Twiggy, but the Bizarre One dodges around the ring, staying just one step ahead of Morgan. Unfortunately, Twiggy backs himself into a corner, giving him nowhere to go – until he goes sliding through the giant’s legs to escape! As Morgan bends over, Twiggy grabs him and school boys him, giving Mike Hunter another chance to count: 1………………………………2………..NO! Morgan kicks free of the quick pinfall attempt, and immediately gets to his feet, still extremely annoyed by this. Meanwhile, John Wellington is up on the outside and gets onto the ring apron, but stands there, content to watch Morgan go to work on Twiggy. Morgan grabs Twiggy and whips him into the ropes – where he collides with Wellington, who goes tumbling right back to the floor below on the outside while Twiggy crumples in a heap. Morgan goes over to Twiggy and lifts him up in a gorilla press position again – then launches him over the top rope onto the half-standing Wellington, which sends both of Morgan’s competitors crashing into the crowd barricade with a resounding “THUD!”

Morgan climbs out of the ring and to the outside, where he grabs Twiggy from the human pile of carnage and tosses him into the ring steps, which go clattering across the floor from the impact. However, John Wellington is up now, and goes crashing into Morgan from behind, sending him head-first into the steel ringpost! Morgan is busted open, bleeding from the forehead, and incredibly woozy after the blow, giving Wellington a chance to grab Morgan from behind and hit a Russian leg sweep on the floor! Wellington is the only man on his feet at the moment and slides into the ring while demanding that Mike Hunter begin counting, looking for a countout win. As the crowd looks at both men, waiting for them to stir, Hunter begins the count. As he reaches a booming “FIVE!”, Twiggy and Morgan both start to get their feet, and Twiggy is the first to make his way back into the ring at the count of “SEVEN!” Wellington immediately goes on the attack, trying to throw Twiggy right back out of the ring, but Twiggy reverses the Irish whip, sending Wellington running into the ropes. Wellington bounces back, where Twiggy catches him with a Samoan drop! He goes for the cover: 1……………………………2………………and Matt Morgan breaks up the count! Morgan is again in a position of power, with Twiggy and Wellington both in a bit of a daze. Morgan grabs Twiggy and tosses him into the corner, then lifts him up onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex. As Morgan readies himself, he suddenly feels something below him – it’s John Wellington, who has gotten between Morgan and the ropes! Morgan bellows out and tries to fight Wellington off, letting go of Twiggy in the process, but Wellington lifts up and runs two steps forward before planting the giant with a huge powerbomb that shakes the ring! Almost immediately Wellington is up, and he looks behind him – only to have Twiggy catch him with a flying cross body off the top rope! Twiggy rolls through, looking for the pin – but Wellington rolls through it himself, cradling Twiggy’s legs and screaming for the count, which Mike Hunter quickly provides: 1……………………………………2………………………………3?

NO! Twiggy manages to break free JUST in the nick of time, and Mike Hunter screams out that Twiggy has broken free, much to the chagrin of John Wellington. Wellington pushes himself up with some effort and grabs Twiggy by the arm, twisting it into an uncomfortable position. He pulls Twiggy in for a lariat, flooring the orange-loving fool, then pulls him up for a second lariat. With Twiggy down and out on the mat, Wellington goes for the cover: 1………………………..2…………..and Twiggy kicks out! Wellington pulls Twiggy to his feet and goes for a punch, but Twiggy blocks it and lashes out with a kick – which Wellington catches in stride! Wellington just laughs at Twiggy and starts to lecture him – until Twiggy swings around with a spectacular enziguri that connects with the side of Wellington’s head, dropping the champion into a ball! Before Twiggy can follow up, Matt Morgan plows into him from behind, recovered from the powerbomb earlier. Morgan grabs Twiggy and calls for the Mount Morgan Drop, looking to end the match once and for all! Matt Morgan grabs Twiggy and lifts him up into the air, suplex-style, setting him up for the Drop. As Morgan pauses just a moment for effect, Twiggy swings his arms wildly, and his elbow connects with Matt Morgan’s temple. Morgan staggers a little and his grip loosens, and Twiggy takes advantage. As he begins to fall backwards the way he came up, he grabs Morgan’s head in a front facelock and torques his body, planting Morgan with an absolutely monstrous DDT!

The crowd explodes as Morgan crashes into the mat, but Twiggy chooses not to cover! Instead, he heads for the top rope, signaling for the Orange Crush! Twiggy makes it to the top and readies himself, adjusting that trademark orange afro wig – when John Wellington, on his feet, makes a desperation charge across the ring and leaps into the air, headbutting Twiggy squarely in the groin! Twiggy doubles over and falls backwards, landing awkwardly on the crowd barrier and lying there motionless. Wellington is about to follow Twiggy to the outside when he notices Morgan still lying motionless on the ground. Wellington pauses for a moment, then heads to the top rope himself. He gets to the top and pretends to adjust his hair, mocking Twiggy, then leaps off – connecting with the Orange Crush himself! The crowd is stunned as a clearly-woozy John Wellington crawls forward and drapes his arm over Morgan, and Mike Hunter drops into position to make the count: 1……………………………………2………………………………..3! The crowd erupts in boos as Wellington staggers to his feet in triumph, demanding his title belt from Mike Hunter. Wellington grabs the belt and wraps it around his shoulder before rolling out of the ring, leaving the now-defeated Matt Morgan woozy in the ring and a still-unconscious Twiggy on the outside. Once again, John Wellington keeps his title.

WINNER and STILL RCW WORLD CHAMPION: John Wellington

RATING: 61

CROWD: 54

MATCH: 68

NOTES: The RCW World title has gained in image.

STAR: *

OVERALL: 59

OCTOBER 23, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

With 2Night finished taping for the night, Sound Guy was busy doing some final editing work before sending the finished product along to the MTV broadcast center. I was going through a lot of paperwork – we still needed to finalize the payments for the building we had booked in Jersey for Sunday’s show, the first time we’d ever be running outside of the bingo hall. I also needed to take care of paychecks, which were to be handed out at the show on Sunday, and I needed to make sure Earl got the 14 comp tickets he had asked for – you gotta look after the dedicated fans, after all. After scrawling a near-illegible “Bruce Hawkins” across the 48th document, I sighed and let the pen drop to the table with a nice, heavy thud. I always loved good pens – a rare luxury that I always afforded myself.

The arena was basically empty – all the wrestlers had taken off a while back, along with most of the staffers. Sound Guy, Jack, and Earl were basically the only other guys hanging around, so I was looking forward to getting out of dodge myself and heading over to Hank’s for a nice relaxing night. I spotted Jack coming towards me with a sheath of papers in hand.

Jack: Hey dad – Derek left these for you. Said you’d be interested.

Me: Hmmm…what the heck is this stuff?

I flipped the packet open and skimmed through the first page. I didn’t pick up too many of the details, but it looked like a laundry list of ideas for characters and feuds that he had sketched out. I didn’t bother reading much further before flipping the packet closed and tossing it on the table.

Jack: What is all that stuff anyway?

Me: It’s just Derek trying a little too hard, son. I told him there’d be a time and a place for that later on – for now, he should be putting together the official card for Victory Strikes Again. Was that in there, do you know?

Jack: Umm….yeah, I think it was at the end of everything.

I pulled the last piece of paper from underneath the pile and looked it over. Derek had done a great job on that much, at least – good to see he can follow some orders, if not all of them.

Me: Yeah, this should work out well. I’ll drop this with the printers on the way back to my place. You want a ride back over to Fordham?

Jack: Nah, don’t bother – it’s only 20 minutes on the subway. It’s probably a longer drive one-way, let alone round trip.

Me: Nah, don’t worry about it, Jack. I’d be happy to give you a ride. Hop in the car.

======

As we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, I looked over to Jack, slouched in a ball in the passenger seat.

Me: So Jack, how do you think we’re set up for the show Sunday? I mean, I thought the sell might have been a little hard tonight, but I think the show should be pretty good and all.

Jack: Yeah – I think we’ve got a pretty solid set of matches. I mean, I think there’s a lot of interest in the triple threat, and I like the way everything with Sand and that whole angle is developing. But dad, there’s on thing I don’t like…

Me: Oh? What is it, Jack?

Jack: Dad, I know I’ve said this before, but I still don’t think my stuff with Fred is such a good idea, you know? I mean, I’m not a wrestler – I just work for you backstage and stuff. And I’m on-screen with Fred a lot, and…I dunno, dad, it just seems like there’s gotta be something better that we could be doing with those segments than me.

Me: Jack, I know you’re worried about that, but you shouldn’t be. I mean, you’ve held your own with Fred out there – and as far as I can tell from backstage, the fans seem to really dig you out there.

Jack: Dad, are you sure about that? I mean, I don’t think they really care about me. And I thought I was just gonna appear in the background, that sort of thing, and now I’m a recurring character, and I keep getting involved with Fred Laney, and you know that Kid Fantastic doesn’t have a match – I mean, why not put him out there in my spot instead of sticking him in an interview spot?

I really didn’t understand where this was coming from. I was getting Jack on-screen, and people were digging it. Who didn’t love a good underdog story, right? That was enough of that!

Me: Jack, c’mon! This stuff is coming across great on TV, and I think the show Sunday will really be a great way to continue all this momentum you guys have. Besides, Fantastic needs interview time to keep developing his character. Now yeah, I know I originally said that you were just gonna be a backstage character who didn’t really do anything on camera and all, but that was before we got you out there. Every time you show up, it seems like good things happen And Fred’s been careful with you, right? I mean, he hasn’t hurt you by mistake out there when you’ve had to do an assault angle or anything?

Jack: No, no! Fred’s been great.

Me: Well Jack, all I can say is that I think that it’s too late to back down on the stuff for Sunday, that’s for sure. And I think that on Sunday, you’ll get into it and you’ll see exactly how good an idea it is.

Jack: Yeah, I guess.

Me: Anyways, we’re here…I’ll see you Sunday afternoon at my place, and we can ride over the building together, OK?

Jack: Sure…it’s gonna be weird not doing this from Earl’s place like usual.

Me: Never be afraid of a little change, Jack – change is the reason that I’m doing this instead of working at Fidelity. Hey, here’s a few copies of the flyer for Sunday – why don’t you put them around your dorm?

Jack: Um….yeah, sure. See you Sunday, Dad.

=================================================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW VICTORY STRIKES AGAIN

MAIN EVENT

RCW WORLD TITLE MATCH

JOHN WELLINGTON © vs. MATT MORGAN vs. TWIGGY

John Wellington, the always-arrogant RCW World Champion, predicted that he’d be long gone from RCW before this match rolled around, but to nobody’s surprise but his own, none of the big names have come calling for him. However, instead of only fighting Twiggy, the winner of last month’s 10 man main event Battle Royal at Carnaval, he must also do battle with the undefeated monster of RCW, Matt Morgan! Wellington has failed to gain the upper hand in several attempts this month – will Morgan’s win streak bring him all the way to the RCW World Title? Will Twiggy’s bizarre antics somehow allow him to prevail? Or will John Wellington retain his title and tighten his claim as the greatest star RCW has to offer?

GEORGE SAND vs. NICK COLLYER

SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: FRANCOISE

Last month, George Sand pinned Nick Collyer at Carnaval, looking for revenge after Collyer inadvertently cost George Sand two huge matches against Adam Flash and John Wellington. However, Sand has come to his senses, with the help of his girlfriend/manager Francoise, and has offered to forgive Collyer – after one more match. In order to keep his temper in hand, Sand has asked that the one person he truly trusts and will listen to, Francoise, will referee the match herself. On Sunday, George Sand and Nick Collyer look to bury the hatchet once and for all.

IRISH DRINKING TEAM vs. KOHL BROTHERS

The Irish Drinking Team have quickly made a name for themselves in Renaissance Championship Wrestling with two victories over the Kohl Brothers, the self-proclaimed greatest tag team in wrestling. The Kohl Brothers, who pride themselves on their clean approach and teamwork, are still in disbelief at the pair of losses, and claim that the IDT have been cheating during these matches. The two pairs will do battle one final time at Victory Strikes Again, with the Kohl Brothers claiming to have cracked the Drinking Team’s secret. Will the third time be the charm for the Kohl Brothers?

DANNY DALLAS vs. RED HOT RUSS

Red Hot Russ has done nothing but annoy everyone he comes into contact with since his debut in Renaissance Championship Wrestling some weeks ago. After his prompt elimination from the Carnaval main event on the wrong side of a 10-on-1 beating, Danny Dallas pointed out Russ as an example of the kind of man who couldn’t succeed in the world of pro wrestling. Russ took offense to this and challenged Dallas, another RCW newcomer quickly becoming a crowd favorite, to a match. Will Russ prove that he can, in fact, succeed in RCW, or will Danny Dallas have something new to ‘holla’ about?

TEAM FLASH vs. TRAVIS FINITY & JASON W. KNIGHT

Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura have made names for themselves in RCW with gaudy win-loss records, but the two have also proven an ability to ignore the rules whenever it suits them. No RCW superstar is better aware of this than speedster Travis Finity, who spent undue time on the business end of 2-on-1 beatings from the duo. However, two weeks ago on 2Night, just-signed roster member Jason W. Knight felt compelled to intervene, evening Finity’s odds against Team Flash. Now that Travis Finity has backup, will Flash and Takemura prove to be quite as intimidating, or will the new duo teach them that 2+2 = pain?

IAN GOMES vs. SEAN WELDON

These two men, referred to as the “Goldon Boys,” have been lurking in the background in RCW in recent months, with George Sand their ultimate target. However, in recent weeks, the two men have been at each other’s throats, with each man costing the other a match in singles competition. After the latest such incident, where Ian Gomes accused Sean Weldon of hitting him, and Weldon accused Gomes of costing him a match against Simon Sanders, a challenge was thrown down for Victory Strikes Again. Has the union of these two villains broken apart, or is this just another step in their maniacal game?

TRIPPIN’ WITH: KID FANTASTIC

The former champion may not have a match at Victory Strikes Again, but Kid Fantastic still figures prominently in the RCW universe. Still incensed at losing his title to Wellington and being denied a rematch, Fantastic surely has words for current champion John Wellington. When he sits down one-on-one with Dave Tripps, will Kid Fantastic betray his next move?

AND MORE!

Like Kid Fantastic, Fred Laney was left off the card for Victory Strikes Again. However, unlike Fantastic, Laney has promised to make his presence known at Victory Strikes Again in a very physical sense. Backstage staff member Jack Hawkins has taken several beatings from Laney before, and received another threat last week on 2Night – will Laney be after his favorite prey once again?

Tickets are only $20 as RCW hits the road for the first time in its history! Victory Strikes Again will take place LIVE in Bergenfield, NJ, at Bergenfield Hall. Tickets are going fast, so come and see all your favorite RCW superstars from MTV2’s “RCW 2Night” live and in person!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2007

BERGENFIELD HALL

BERGENFIELD, NJ

RCW PRESENTS: VICTORY STRIKES AGAIN!

RCW 2NIGHT

OCTOBER 23, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

=====================================================

Sean Weldon vs. Simon Sanders

We kick off the show with Sean Weldon, flanked by Ian Gomes, already in the ring. As the two of them talk in surprisingly forced, almost angry tones, Simon Sanders makes his way out to the ring, slapping hands with anyone and everyone in his path. After doing a couple laps around the ringside area, Sanders finally slides into the ring, where Sean Weldon, irritated at the long wait, quickly lays into the RCW jobber. Weldon quickly takes firm control of the match as he drops Sanders throat-first against the ropes, crushing Sanders’ vocal cords and throat. Having cut off the air supply, Weldon goes to town dissecting Sanders, with Ian Gomes yelling on advice rather loudly from ringside. After a few minutes of this, Weldon snaps and abandons Sanders’ downed body, choosing instead to argue with Gomes. Gomes hops up onto the apron, putting him on roughly equal footing with the larger Weldon as the shouting match escalates. Weldon raises his hand, threatening to strike Gomes – but Simon Sanders takes this opportunity to crash into Weldon from behind, knocking Gomes off the ring apron all the way to the ring barrier on the floor below! Weldon charges forward, trying to get his momentum back, and manages to knock Sanders flat on his butt with a spectacular clothesline. He scoops Sanders off the mat and lifts him up in the air for a powerbomb – but Sanders reverses it into a picture-perfect victory roll! Sanders holds on with all his might as Weldon struggles to free himself: 1……………………..2……………………..3! Simon Sanders has pulled off a massive upset and defeated Sean Weldon with a clean 1-2-3!

Sanders, looking even happier than normal, jumps out of the ring and into the crowd, looking to celebrate his victory with the fans. While the crowd does their best to avoid contact with the sweaty and semi-psychotic wrestler (of course, the Polero clan proves the exception to the rule, inviting him over to party with them), Sean Weldon gets to his feet, only to be confronted by Ian Gomes. Gomes and Weldon resume their shouting match, with Gomes pointing to the outside, accusing Weldon of the attack. Weldon tries to protest his innocence, but Gomes won’t hear any of it, just choosing to continue screaming in Weldon’s face. The cheap microphones we’re still stuck using (thanks, MTV!) mainly pick up a lot of noise, but one line thankfully comes through crystal-clear:

Gomes: I’ll see you on Sunday, mate!

With the match made, Gomes goes storming out of the ring, leaving behind a confused and annoyed Sean Weldon to ponder what just happened (or at least do a convincing job that he was doing exactly that).

RATING: 56

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 65

NOTES: Simon Sanders gained overness from this match.

=====================================================

A Debut & Challenge

With the ring finally vacated after the Goldon Boys blowup, the crowd applauds as Travis Finity’s music hits, bringing the oft-assaulted speedster out. He hightails it down to the ring and slides in, grabbing the microphone from Joe Wheeler in one smooth pass. As an astonished Joe tries to figure out where his microphone disappeared to, a fidgety Finity addresses the crowd in his rambling, mile-a-minute style.

Finity: OK, so the last few weeks, I’ve had the crap kicked out of me by Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura, and I don’t know why they want to fight me so much, and what their problem is with me, but they have one, and because of that problem, I keep getting hurt when all of them attack me and I’m outnumbered and I just don’t have a chance!!!! Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura are real jerks and they just kept attacking me, even though I never cheated, and I never even beat them, but they have a real problem with me, and it’s not cool at all!

The crowd tries to digest this, but Finity doesn’t even notice their confusion as he goes on.

Finity: But I wanted to keep going against them, because I wanted to prove that I was good enough, and so I kept fighting them, but they kept cheating and I kept getting really hurt and having to get a lot of ice after the matches to help. But last week, when I was out here, and they were attacking me again, then something happened, because this guy ran out, and I wasn’t really sure what was happening, but he ran out here, and he attacked them, and not me, and instead of me getting beat up, I got saved, and I didn’t need nearly as much ice last week, and it was all thanks to the new guy, and I want to introduce him to you bring out Jason W. Knight come on come on!

After what seemed to be an agonizing 2 second delay for Finity, new music hits over the PA system, and the man responsible for saving Travis Finity last week appears in front of the Polero Hall crowd. The man, apparently Jason W. Knight, slides into the ring and shakes Travis Finity’s hand before taking the microphone from the fast-talking flyer.

Knight: Thank you for the kind introduction, Travis. Like he said, my name is Jason W. Knight, and I am the newest superstar to join Renaissance Championship Wrestling. I had just finished signing my contract last week during the show’s taping, and I was preparing to join the audience and watch the rest of the show when I saw poor Travis here being assaulted by those two men for what seemed like no actual reason.

Finity: No reason, no reason at all, they just attack me again and again and again and again and again and again and…

Knight: I know, Travis, I know. And when I saw that injustice being done in the ring, it didn’t matter to me how long I had been an RCW employee – I just had to help! So I ran down here and I gave those two jerks the best shots that I had!

This gets a good pop from the crowd, and a smiling Knight gives Finity a pat on the shoulder before continuing.

Knight: So now that I know the full story between Mr. Finity here and Mr. Flash and Mr. Takemura, I’m glad I got involved. Nobody deserves to be attacked like that – this is a sport of honor, and doing nothing but assaulting a helpless man when you have the advantage is a black eye to our great business! But now, Mr. Flash, I have a note for you: you don’t have the numbers anymore!

Finity: Tell him the best part! Tell the crowd! Let them know about it! It’s so cool! So cool!

Knight: What I think Travis is referring to would be the meeting the two of us had with RCW management before the show today. You see, once I knew the full story, I made sure to have a little talk with the bigwigs, and I had one request: instead of another two on one beating, we would have ourselves a tag team match at Victory Strikes Again! Me and Travis Finity against you two!

This gets a big pop from the bloodthirsty crowd, and Travis Finity might be applauding louder than anybody else in attendance.

Knight: So get ready for a real fight, an honorable fight, Mr. Flash. And you too, Mr. Takemura. Now that you have to fight a real fight, we’ll see what you’re really made of.

Finity: And there’s no way you can keep up with me now, because you can’t catch me! SPEED SPEED SPEED!

RATING: 59

NOTES: Jason W. Knight gained overness from this segment. Jason W. Knight debuted his new gimmick, it got a positive response.

=====================================================

Plans For Sunday

We cut backstage, where Fred Laney is staring at a piece of paper and absolutely fuming – the only way he could look angrier would be to have cartoon-y smoke coming out of his ears.

Laney: First my teammates hang me out to dry and that orange freak pins me, and now I’m not even on the card for Sunday! I mean, that do-gooder loser just debuted and he’s on the show! That annoying Russ jackass is on the card! I mean, that orange twit’s in the goddamn main event! And here I am stuck doing nothing! This is bull! There’s no way I’m not gonna be on that damn card!

Laney looks around the backstage area, then spies his favorite whipping boy: Jack. As Jack talks with a couple of other backstage workers, including our new writer Derek and the omnipresent Sound Guy, Laney comes storming over. Jack seems him coming from a ways away and quickly puts himself behind the other two as Laney pulls to a halt just in front of them.

Laney: Hey, twerp, why the hell don’t I have a match on Sunday!?

Jack: Mr. Laney, I don’t know! I’m just a staff member - I don’t decide who wrestles who!

Laney: That’s crap and you know it! If you can’t make matches, then you can make someone else make the matches!

Jack: No I can’t! This is just a part-time job for me! I’m just making money for college!

Laney: Guess what, twerp? That Fantastic fudge packer, he said the same thing, but he had the balls to fight! You’re just a pansy who’s trying to screw with me! Now get over here so I can kick your pansy ass!

As Laney lunges forward, Derek and Sound Guy step up, bumping into Laney. As they form a wall, a few other staff members come wandering into the picture, along with Kid Fantastic and Danny Dallas, who stare down Laney. Surrounded by nearly a dozen people at this point, Laney weighs his odds, then backs down. As he walks away, never taking his eyes off Jack once, he has some parting words.

Laney: Guess what, kid? I’m getting that match at Victory Strikes Again one way or another! And you know EXACTLY what way that’s gonna be!

RATING: 62

NOTES: Jack Hawkins gained overness from this segment.

=====================================================

Kohl Brothers vs. Charly Manson & Red Hot Russ

After their recent losses to the Irish Drinking Team, the Kohl Brothers demanded a match against any duo willing to face them to try and get back on the winning track. With Charly Manson and Red Hot Russ answering the call, the Kohl Brothers seem positive about their chances. However, they focus in on their task with laser-precision, taking advantage of Russ whining to the referee about the springiness of the ropes with a beautiful backdrop/neckbreaker combo. With Russ thankfully silenced and incapacitated, Charly Manson can do little but watch as the Kohl Brothers give a clinic on tag-team wrestling. Keith Kohl works over Russ’ arms and legs with a series of armbars and strikes, slowly but surely weakening his elbows and knees before tagging Kent in. Kent’s role is limited today, consisting mainly of a quick power move or two to keep Russ reeling before tagging his brother back in. Manson tries to interfere on his partner’s behalf once or twice, but the Kohl Brothers are ready for this. Manson tries different ways to get involved, but even a quick springboard attempt is blocked when Kent Kohl, the outside man, jumps into the ring and spears Manson in midair, taking the gothic warrior straight to the ground! With Manson down and out, Kent scoops Russ up and delivers a stiff powerbomb while Keith climbs up top, completing the Kohl Shot with a picture-perfect senton! Keith covers Russ while Kent looks on, delighted with the result: 1…………………….2………………………3! Instead of celebrating the win, Kent calls for a microphone, which he receives.

Kent: Look, this was a statement here tonight!

Keith: The Irish Drinking Team, they might think that they’re the premiere team in RCW…

Kent: …but they’re not! We are!

Keith: Did you see that? Manson never even tagged in!

Kent: We dominated!

Keith: And guess what, Drinking Team? We’ve got you guys figured out!

Kent: We cracked you!

Keith: Yeah, easy solution!

Kent: And we’re gonna prove to you once and for all that we’re the best tag team that RCW has to offer!

Keith: You know it, brother! And where else to do it but Victory Strikes Again?

Kent: This Sunday!

Keith: You guys are in for it! Because when we see double…

Kent: …YOU see trouble!

RATING: 55

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 64

=====================================================

The Lieutenant Calls Out The General

Once all four men have left the ringside area, Nick Collyer comes walking down without his normal entrance music playing. Collyer still gets an ovation from the crowd, but Nick ignores it, sliding into the ring and taking the microphone from Joe Wheeler.

Collyer: Last week, I told you that I wanted to talk to George Sand here in the middle of this ring. Well, it’s been a week. George, can you and Francoise please come out here so we can just talk this out?

Nick lowers the microphone and waits. It only takes a few moments for Sand’s entrance music to kick up – but instead of George Sand, all we get is Francoise making her way down the aisle without her boyfriend. She slips into the ring with her own microphone, ready to reply to the confused-looking Nick Collyer.

Francoise: Nick, I wanted to come out here and let you know that George isn’t here.

Collyer: What? Where is he?

Francoise: I…I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in three weeks, Nick. He said he needed a little time to think about things, but we were supposed to meet up at last week’s show. But then I got an e-mail telling me not to come, and he hasn’t answered since then.

Collyer: Look…I need to talk to him. I didn’t do anything wrong here, and I’m tired of him being angry with me over it! You talked to him, right?

Francoise: You know I did, Nick…but I don’t know what he’s been doing since we did. He said that he’d talk with you, but that was the last I heard of it.

Collyer: Well look, I…

However, Nick Collyer doesn’t get to finish that thought as George Sand’s music plays for a second time – and this time, the man himself emerges from behind the curtain, microphone in hand! He doesn’t head down to the ring, instead choosing to set up shop in the aisle.

Sand: Francoise, I’m sorry I wasn’t in touch – I’ve been away for a while. But I’ve done some thinking, and I’m ready to say what I’ve come to.

Francoise: Oh George, that’s great, I’m so…

Sand: Please, Francoise, let me just get it all out, then the two of us can talk, OK? Now Nick...Nick, I thought about what Francoise said. And on some level, she’s right. You probably didn’t mean to screw things up like you did, and you’re not a truly bad person…I don’t think you’re a bad person.

Nick looks relived at this, but his face quickly drops as Sand continues.

Sand: However, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you. I’m still mad at you, Nick…but I think I know how we can fix that. I want one more match with you, Nick. I need one more chance to let the aggression out, and just leave it there forever.

Collyer: But George, I don’t want to fight you! I never wanted to fight you!

Sand: Look, Nick, this is different. This is us leaving our differences behind. And I know that you don’t want to fight me – but I also know that there’s some part of you, even if it’s just a little part, that wants to smack me around because of the way I’ve dealt with you the last couple months. I know I’m right.

Nick has no response to this, and George continues with a look of satisfaction on his face.

Sand: What it comes down to is that something still feels a little…wrong. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but I want to leave it in the ring. So Nick, me and you, one on one, at Victory Strikes Again – with just one little condition.

Collyer: …what is it?

Sand: No, no, you’ll be OK with this one. You see, like I said, there’s something still sticking at me, and I can’t figure it out – but I want to make sure that I don’t hurt you out there, or make a mistake that I can’t take back. So I want the one person out there that I know I’ll listen to. Francoise…I want you to referee our match.

Francoise: What?

Nick: What?

The crowd seems just as lost as the two in the ring, but George Sand isn’t done.

Sand: Look, Francoise, I’ve done a lot of thinking these past few weeks. And one of our biggest problems has been me not trusting you – and that was just ludicrous. I want you to know exactly how much I trust you being here in wrestling – and I want Nick to see that the most important person in my life is going to call this right down the middle and give me no special treatment. That’s about as clear a way as I can think of to show exactly how I feel.

Francoise: Well….are you sure, George?

Sand: I’m as sure as sure can be, Frannie.

Francoise takes a moment to look over at Nick Collyer, who has a very noncommittal expression on his face, then turns back to George.

Francoise: Well….OK, I’ll do it. And once this match is over, you two are OK, right?

Sand: That’s it. I don’t know if we’re gonna be best friends, but no more of this.

Collyer: Well…then I guess I’ll see you on Sunday, George. But you better bring your A game – I’m gonna show you everything I got!

Sand: You better, Nick. Now c’mon Francoise, let’s get out of here.

Francoise leaves the ring and bounces down the aisle towards George, and the two exit together, leaving Nick there alone in the ring, ready for his chance at redemption.

RATING: 62

=====================================================

Matt Morgan vs. Danny Dallas

Tonight’s main event gets under way with Danny Dallas looking to chalk up his biggest win in RCW yet – literally, as he takes on the undefeated giant of RCW, Matt Morgan. Morgan makes his way down to the ring, but doesn’t wait for any of the pleasantries as he steps into the ring and takes the fight right to Dallas. Dallas manages to hold his own against the pure power of Morgan for a couple of minutes, even managing to take a quick advantage by ducking Morgan’s big boot attempt. Dallas backs Morgan into the corner with a barrage of fists, then charges forward and goes for a stinger splash – but Morgan catches Dallas mid-smash and wraps him tight in a bearhug! Dallas struggles to get loose, but Morgan bears down and works on crushing Dallas’ ribs. Dallas finally slumps, having given in to the hold, but before referee Mike Hunter can check on Dallas, Morgan throws him to the canvas, then covers him with one foot and demands a count! After taking a second to scoff at Morgan’s arrogance, Hunter makes the count: 1………………………….2………………………..NO! Dallas just manages to kick out, in no small part thanks to Morgan’s arrogant cover!

Morgan shrugs off the kickout and quickly picks Dallas up before throwing him into the corner. Morgan follows him into the corner and begins to choke him with his boot – just as John Wellington, armed with a certain bright-orange steel chair, slides into the ring behind Morgan! Morgan doesn’t react, not seeing Wellington creeping up on him with Senor Naranja while Mike Hunter screams at the RCW champion – maybe Morgan should get his hearing checked. Wellington ignores the screams and swings forward – but Morgan, with his back still turned, dodges the chair shot, which crushes Danny Dallas square in the forehead! Dallas drops to the floor as Wellington looks down at his crumpled carcass in shock, refusing to believe that he missed. As he looks back up, Morgan nearly decapitates the champion with a thundering lariat, dropping Wellington in his tracks. With both men down, Morgan hits the deck and covers Dallas, demanding that Hunter make the count. Hunter looks around, then drops to his knees and counts the pinfall: 1…………………………2……………………………3!

Morgan doesn’t have long to celebrate, as John Wellington, having shaken off the cobwebs, is back on his feet and ready for a battle. The two men stare the other down, with Wellington being the first to break the staredown with a right to the jaw of Morgan! Morgan retaliates in kind, and the two men break into an all-out brawl as the crowd goes nuts for the Victory Strikes Again sneak-preview they’re getting! Morgan has the early advantage, but John Wellington manages to outslug the giant, putting Morgan on the defensive! Wellington bounces off the ropes behind him and charges forward, but Morgan catches him mid-sprint with the big boot, leveling Wellington straight to the canvas! Morgan picks him up and signals for the Mount Morgan Drop – when out of nowhere, both Matt Morgan and John Wellington are drenched by a deluge from the ceiling! Morgan drops Wellington to the mat as he checks himself out – and sees a bright orange pool forming at his feet! Morgan jerks his head upwards, Wellington tilts his head towards the roof, and the entire crowd follows suit – to find the spotlight locked on Twiggy crouched in the rafters above the ring! Twiggy is appropriately dressed almost exactly like Gangrel, of bloodbath fame, and has a giant bucket in his hands with a Tropicana label on its side. The crowd explodes as Twiggy takes a bow from the rafters, and Morgan takes every chance to curse the Bizarre One from the ground below. The champion takes the chance to disappear to the outside, escaping from the pounding at the hands of Morgan with his title belt in hand. As Morgan looks on, Twiggy takes a carton of orange juice out and bites into it with a pair of fangs he slipped into his mouth, puncturing the cardboard and watching small trickles of juice fall to the ring below. As the crowd cheers this on, Twiggy puffs out his chest:

Twiggy: L’ORANGE, C’EST MOI!

With that, Twiggy goes back to drinking orange juice, Morgan goes back to cursing, and Wellington goes back to retreating as the final RCW 2Night before Victory Strikes Again goes off the air.

RATING: 60

CROWD: 54

MATCH: 66

OVERALL: 59

========================================

The official card for Victory Strikes Again will be up in a day or two, along with a backstage update, for anyone who wants to do predictions

RCW 2NIGHT

OCTOBER 16, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

==================================================================

Nick Collyer vs. Simon Sanders

RCW 2Night kicks off in front of 206 fans, the exact attendance from last week, with Nick Collyer’s first RCW appearance since his match with George Sand at Carnaval. Nick keeps his focus straight ahead while walking down to the, not letting his eyes make contact with the crowd. The same can’t be said for his opponent, Simon Sanders, who goes through his normal routine of hamming it up for the crowd. As Simon scours the front row for more children to say hello to, Frank Stool orders him into the ring to get the match going. However, once Simon is in the ring, his energy level seems to drop off the charts. His attacks are sluggish and weak-looking, and Nick Collyer doesn’t have much problem shrugging them off. With his opponent looking like a shell of his normal self, Nick quickly seizes control of the match. Nick goes through with his fairly generic, straightforward offense, setting him up for his magnificent shooting star press finisher. With Sanders laid out on the mat, gassed after a German suplex, Collyer climbs the ropes, pauses for a moment – and nails a perfect shooting star! He covers Sanders: 1…………………………..2…………………….3!

With the match over, Frank Stool reaches over and raises Nick Collyer’s hand in victory. Nick acknowledges it for a moment, then yanks his hand down and calls for a microphone, which he receives.

Collyer: Look, I’m not a big talker, but I just want to say something. George, if you’re listening, I hope you talked to Francoise. She and I talked, and I really hope you listened to her. I don’t want to fight with you, George. I don’t want us to be mad at each other – I mean, I still like you! I like Francoise too – you’re both good people! So hopefully you listen to her and you want to talk. I know you have a big match tonight, so next week on 2Night, I’ll be here waiting for you. See you then, George.

WINNER: Nick Collyer

RATING: 50

CROWD: 44

MATCH: 57

NOTES: Simon Sanders didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

==================================================================

Trippin' with: Red Hot Russ!

After a moment’s delay to set up the Trippin’ set, we have the arrival of Dave Tripps. Tripps gets a solid pop from the crowd as he sets up behind the desk, and gives the OK signal to his ‘producer’ (the on-camera debut of our newest writer, Derek) before starting the show.

Tripps: Hello everyone, and welcome back to the hottest show in all of wrestling today – Trippin’ with Dave Tripps! I’m your host, Dave Tripps, and your guide to the ins and outs of all the late-breaking news in Renaissance Championship Wrestling! We, as always film in front of a live studio audience – hello, audience!

The audience, for some reason, politely applauds back, doing their back canned applause impersonation (with the exception of Earl’s cousin’s drunken hollers).

Tripps: Tonight on Trippin’, we have one of the newer faces here in Renaissance Championship Wrestling. This man has had quite an impact during his time here, and has managed to…well, impact…numerous RCW superstars! Please give a big Trippin’ welcome to RCW superstar Red Hot Russ!

Russ gets a smattering of the requested applause, a small round of boos, and a nice helping of silence as he makes his way down to the ring. He takes a seat across from Dave, continually fidgeting in his chair.

Russ: Um, Dave, by any chance do you have an ergonomically proper chair I could use? My chiropractor is a real stickler about my back, and I don’t need to get on Dr. Steve’s bad side, you know? And this chair’s way too hard, and angular – you know?

Tripps: Well…um…I suppose you could try out my chair, if you’d like…

Russ: Perfect, perfect! That should do nicely!

With that, Dave reluctantly exits his chair and switches sides with Russ, who quickly settles into Dave’s chair. Dave, now on the other side of his set, looks extremely uncomfortable as he adjusts his cards and tries to get things restarted.

Tripps: Well, um, Russ, now that we’re settled, I’d like to know a little something about…

Russ: Dave, is it possible to maybe turn the lights down? There’s one light in particular, you know, it’s right in my eyes, and I’m having a hard time seeing, and so I was wondering…

Tripps: Sorry, Russ, I don’t control the lights.

Russ: Well, do you know who does? I mean, I honestly don’t know how you stand it back here. It’s gotta be so irritating here…and honestly, I don’t know if this chair is any better, actually. It’s softer, but the angle is still wrong, and I’m sinking down in it – there’s no lumbar support, you know?

Tripps: Um, Russ, if we could get back to the interview…

Russ: You know, I knew I would regret leaving my back brace at home, but I still did it anyways. Man, sometimes I’m just so stupid! You tell yourself to do something, and it’s totally going to help, and then….

Tripps: RUSS!

This finally gets his attention and shuts Russ up, giving the crowd a chance to interject with a “SHUT THE FUCK UP!” chant. As I add that to the list of things to edit before sending the tape to the satellite feed, a clearly irritated Tripps takes back control.

Tripps: Look, Mr. Russ, you requested this time, so how about we dispense with the pleasantries, and the chair talk, and you just talk about whatever it was you wanted to discuss, OK?

Russ: Well, I suppose that will work. You see, Dave, I don’t know if you’re aware of one man here in RCW – his name is Daniel Dallas. Well, last week, Mr. Dallas was speaking to the crowd, who seem to enjoy him for some unknown reason, and he said this:

We cut to the video clip of Danny Dallas on the microphone during last week’s 2Night:

Dallas: But that’s what it takes. Hard work is what separates guys like John Wellington and Kid Fantastic from guys like that Russ fella – just getting’ thrown out of a battle royal in the blink of an eye for managin’ to rub everyone the wrong way. Or from someone like that fella Fred Laney we just saw beatin’ up some backstage kid. Gotta keep your eye on the damn prize.

OCTOBER 12, 2007

RCW HEADQUARTERS

It was 5:30 on Friday afternoon, and I was getting annoyed. There’s nothing worse than being past quitting time on a Friday and still being stuck working. I mean, quitting time was more of an abstract idea at this point, but it was all too real in my mind. I cursed Jack Sabbath for the 12th time, then flipped through the paperwork in front of me again. The resumes in front of me were sloppy, and one guy had been stupid enough to write his resume in the esteemed Comic Sans font. Nothing says professional quite like the font of choice for amateur party planners.

The resumes were necessary because of the sudden departure of RCW original Jack Sabbath, who I had hired as a writer. There had been two writers originally – Jack was one of then, and a guy named Peter Lothario was the other. Peter had been brought on board by demand of Jack, saying that the two always worked together as a team. Unfortunately, the wondrous team of Jack and Peter lasted a whole three months before Peter shipped off for California, looking for a chance at the big bucks available for people who wrote a mediocre action thriller screenplay and had no contacts in Hollywood. If Jack was devastated, I sure as hell didn’t notice. Jack kept getting all the stuff I needed done, and the wheels on the RCW Express kept turning.

The truth of the matter was, I didn’t need too much help from Jack. When RCW first opened its doors, I was terrified about how I was going to produce enough material to fill an entire show each month. I hadn’t done any creative writing since sophomore year in college, when I had transferred into a fiction writing class in pursuit of Laura Kislow and the most spectacular set of tits this side of the Mississippi. Three months, two flat-out rejections, and one C-minus later, my creative writing career was over. That was why I brought Jack and Peter on: they were my insurance policy, my muses if I couldn’t get the material put together or sounding right. But after the first couple of months, I wasn’t worried anymore. I was coming up with great ideas for all the characters, I was writing the dialogue for everyone, and everything was just clicking together. Between my time working on different characters and promos, and some input from Jack, RCW had the creative end handled just fine. Peter moved on, but I kept Jack on staff for some general writing and copy work. He did have better grammar than me, and his promotional material didn’t insult the federation constantly like Sophie’s did. He had done a great job, but when I got back from Tuesday’s taping, I found a letter of resignation from Jack in my inbox. Apparently his full-time job was transferring him to Columbus, Ohio, so his RCW career was over. And with Jack gone, I needed to find someone to replace him, and quick – with RCW still new to the television schedule, we were still working out the kinks in getting promotional material to MTV2 and other advertising outlets. We needed that extra time, so I needed somebody hired by the weekend.

As I pulled the next resume out of the pile, there was a knock at the door – must be the resume’s owner. I pulled open the door, revealing a cheerful (and chubby) man, maybe 24 or 25 years old. He was wearing the ultimate “I don’t care what other people think of my appearance” uniform – glasses, an ill-shaven goatee, a half-buttoned flannel shirt over a t-shirt of some kind, and jeans with boots. Well, he certainly LOOKED the part of a wrestling fan.

Me: Hi – you must be Derek Marlow, right?

Derek: Yes sir, that’s me. Thank you so much for the interview, Mr. Hawkins.

Me: Well, it’s my pleasure, I suppose. Why don’t you come on in?

I swung the door open, inviting him into the apartment. The place was its usual mess, with papers and pizza boxes strewn everywhere. After I had changed apartments six weeks back, I hadn’t bothered to call the maid service and update them with my new address, so the place stayed dirty. Derek didn’t seem bothered by the mess, which was unsurprising, given his manner of dress. As he took a seat, he pulled out a notebook and flipped it open to a particular page, which was covered in (as far as I can tell) completely illegible writing.

Me: What do you have there, Derek?

Derek: Well, Mr. Hawkins, this is basically my idea book. As you probably guessed, I watch a lot of wrestling, you know? And when I’m watching, the thing I’m always thinking about is what’s going on behind the scene, how the segment or match or whatever it may be was booked. That’s the thing about wrestling that always interested me, which is why I’m applying for this job, I guess. So whenever I see something a few times, or see something new that I like or don’t like, or when I have a new idea, I write it down here in my notebook.

Me: Well, I do like your dedication, Derek. It’s clear that you enjoy wrestling. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that knowledge doesn’t work in a vacuum – you have to be able to apply it, Derek. What makes you so sure you can apply this?

Derek: Well sir, I can’t entirely answer that – as you can see from the resume, I’ve never actually worked as a booker or a writer. But I have been part of several small-time wrestling companies in smaller roles, like working in tickets, or doing some advertising work. It’s given me the chance to see what wrestlers are really like, you know? I think that having had so much experience relating to wrestlers will make it a lot easier for me to work with them on different projects, you know?

Me: Well Derek, that is a good quality – but sometimes, they don’t work WITH you, they work FOR you. Is discipline going to be a problem with you?

Derek: I don’t see any reason to think so, sir. I’ve heard that there were only a couple of problems in the locker room here in RCW, and that you dealt with them very efficiently and properly, sir.

Derek thought he had fully answered the question, but my curiosity had been piqued.

Me: Exactly what problems would those be, Derek?

The follow-up caught Derek off-guard a little bit, and he took a slightly deeper swallow than usual before answering the question in a stilting, pausing style far removed from his normal mile-a-minute speech.

Derek: Well sir, um, a friend of mine works for CHIKARA, sir, and they have a guy who used to wrestle for you – Sweatsuit Steve was what you called him. Apparently he isn’t a very big fan of you, although I had to say that he seemed quite bitter about the whole thing – almost overly so.

Me: Well...Steve overstayed his welcome here in RCW when he decided it was a good idea to continually question my booking and to start shirking his duties. He was suspended twice for his bad behavior before he quit, and I don’t think he would have lasted very long before his third strike was up, if you understand my drift.

Derek: Oh, of course, sir. I’ve never actually met him, but my friend didn’t seem to like Steve very much either.

Me: That’s – that’s good, I suppose. Anyways, enough with the negative talk, right Derek?

I gave my most disingenuous smile, since Steve Unferth was still on my mind. Derek caught on quickly and gave me a nice nervous smile as he flipped his notebook to another page.

Derek: Sir, I was wondering if you could tell me what my duties would be if I was hired here?

Me: Well Derek, I’m not going to lie – it’s not glamorous work. Here in RCW, I do almost all of the creative work. Things seem to have gone well so far, so I’m keeping most of the idea stuff with me, although I do listen to input from my son Jack, who’s on staff, the rest of the employees, and the wrestlers. Your main job at the beginning would be to do more nuts and bolts work – perhaps work with a wrestler on how to word a promo and how to properly time it, or putting out a flyer each week to advertise the upcoming show. Catchphrases, slogans, stuff for merchandise, things like that.

Derek: And would I have a chance to move up the ladder a bit, perhaps get involved on the creative side?

I thought about that one for a moment – the real answer was ‘Not likely.’ I liked the way that Renaissance Championship Wrestling was booked. It was my baby, and I was taking care of it perfectly. But I liked Derek for the most part, and I wasn’t a big fan of definites and ultimatums – at least not until people were working for me.

Me: That’s certainly a possibility, Derek. You’re welcome to meet with me about some writing ideas at the shows and the like, but for now, I’d like for you to focus on getting Jack’s old items and tasks in order.

Derek: Well…when will you be able to let me know if I got the job or not? It’s just that, you know, I’ve got a couple other things I wanted to apply for, and…

Me: Derek, I don’t think there’s any need to make those calls. I have one question for you: can you start now? And I mean NOW?

===================================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW 2NIGHT!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007

SIX MAN MAIN EVENT!

In the biggest main event in 2Night’s history, get ready to see six of your favorite RCW superstars do battle in the first-ever RCW six-man tag team match! John Wellington recently found out that he would not only be defending his title against Twiggy, but also RCW’s resident monster, the undefeated Matt Morgan! Tonight, Wellington and Morgan will join forces, along with Fred Laney, to form an incredible gauntlet. All three men in this match have a history with the other #1 contender to the RCW World Title – the fan favorite Twiggy! Twiggy will join with former RCW champion Kid Fantastic and RCW veteran George Sand to even the sides! Twiggy, George Sand, and Kid Fantastic vs. John Wellington, Fred Laney, and Matt Morgan – which side will survive?

NICK COLLYER vs. SIMON SANDERS!

Nick Collyer hasn’t been seen since last month’s RCW Carnaval, when he was forced to compete against his one-time friend George Sand! After losing the match, Collyer has spent the last two weeks at home. However, he’ll be at the Earl Polero Arena on Tuesday for singles action against RCW mainstay Simon Sanders! Will Collyer reverse his losing ways? Will Nick have something to say about this saga? And will George Sand be paying attention?

TRIPPIN’ RETURNS!

Dave Tripps also returns to the MTV2 airwaves this week with a brand-new episode of the hottest wrestling news show on television, Trippin’ with Dave Tripps! This week, Dave will host RCW newcomer Red Hot Russ, who has already managed to ring up quite the list of enemies in his short RCW career! What will Russ have to say for his actions and for his critics? Tune in and find out!

AND MORE!

The last two weeks, Travis Finity has been on the business end of a beatdown from Adam Flash and his compatriots “The Silent Assassin” Katsushi Takemura and the ‘lovely’ Tizziana! Will Finity incur the wrath of Team Flash once again? Finity, Flash, Takemura, Ian Gomes, Sean Weldon, and many more are expected to be present on Tuesday night! Don’t miss out when Renaissance Championship Wrestling comes at you Tuesday night at 10 only on MTV2 – we’ll see you 2Night!

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007

RCW 2NIGHT!

RCW 2NIGHT

OCTOBER 9, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

=======================================================

Travis Finity vs. Katsushi Takemura

After last week’s match, which featured Finity on the business end of a 2-on-1 beatdown, Finity demanded a rematch, so we kick off the show with the previous week’s main event – Finity vs. Takemura. Finity hits the ring first, and grimaces slightly when Adam Flash and Tizziana appear alongside Takemura as they emerge from behind the curtain. However, as Team Flash approaches the ring, talking strategy, Finity takes the upper hand with a spectacular suicide dive that takes all three opponents in his path down to the floor. Finity uses his amazing early aggressiveness to his advantage, throwing Adam Flash headfirst over the ring barrier and into the crowd. Tizziana complains, but keeps her distance from Finity, who rolls Takemura into the ring and goes to town on the Silent Assassin. Takemura manages only token offense, failing to slow down the furious onslaught coming his way. Finity once again has the firm upper hand, and once again hits his patented moonsault dropkick/standing shooting star combo, but instead of going up top for the Finiter, this time he covers out of the SSP, sending referee Mike Hunter to the mat to make the count: 1……………………………2…………………………

NO! At the last second, a recovered Adam Flash and Tizziana each grab one of Mike Hunter’s legs and yank him out of the ring, stopping the count! Finity swears loudly and gets to his feet, challenging Flash to get into the ring. Flash talks trash from the outside and feigns getting in, then puts a big smile on while Takemura, back on his feet, nails a vicious forearm to the back of Finity’s skull, dropping the high flyer to the mat. On cue, Flash and Takemura slide into the ring and commence the 3-on-1 assault, laying the boots into him like there’s no tomorrow. Eventually Flash and Takemura back off, letting Tizziana throw slap after slap into Finity’s face, screaming in her horrendous Staten Island accent all the way. Finally Tizziana seems to have had enough and lets Finity’s face fall to the mat, beaten and slightly bloodied. Meanwhile, Team Flash happily accepts their boos from the crowd and heads to the back, while a recovered Mike Hunter officially DQ’s Takemura and goes to check on the injured Finity for the second show in a row.

WINNER: Travis Finity (via DQ)

RATING: 67

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 81

NOTES: Travis Finity gained overness from this match.

======================================================

Employee Relations

We cut backstage, where Fred Laney is sitting in front of his locker while he laces up his boots. As Laney loosens his shoulders, getting ready for competition later that evening, the door behind him opens and Jack comes walking in nervously, his eyes locked on Fred. Man, that’s good acting.

Jack: Um…Mr. Laney…

Fred turns around and sees Jack standing there, and his eyes tighten as a snarl appears in the lower right corner of his mouth.

Laney: What do you want, you little brat? Didn’t like the whooping I gave you last month enough?

Jack: Um……no, Mr. Laney, that was enough. I just had a message for you, sir, from the backstage crew.

Jack hands the note to Laney, then quickly ducks backwards as Laney opens the folded note and scans it quickly. His face snarls even more fiercely, and Jack takes another nervous step backwards towards the exit as Laney’s head snaps upwards.

Laney: What the hell is this? What do you mean I don’t have a match tonight? I’m fighting Sanders tonight, right?

Jack: Um…apparently Mr. Sanders won’t be able to make it here, sir. I guess they don’t have anyone else here that you can fight.

Laney: Oh, this is absolutely friggin’ ridiculous! You remember what happened last time I wanted a match, right kid?

Jack’s eyes get even more skittish and he paces backwards one more time. However, Fred Laney’s eyes are firmly locked on Jack’s now, and he takes a few steps forward as Jack moves back, narrowing the distance. With the intimidating Laney in his way, Jack looks up and stutters out an answer.

Jack: Um…I…yes, I do, but….but….this isn’t my job, you know, and…

Laney takes a slightly softer tone as he talks, but this seems to only frighten Jack more as Laney’s voice takes on a sinister edge.

Laney: You know what my favorite saying is, kid? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. And since you just did the same thing…

Fred finishes the sentence by stepping up and drilling Jack in the face with a Wonderpunch, nearly taking Jack out of his shoes! Jack crumples in a ball on the floor, looking like he had been shot, while Laney steps forward and stands over him. He looks down for a moment, then drops to his knees and covers Jack with a pin. With his free hand, he slaps the ground: 1…………2…………3! He grins slightly as he gets up and looks at Jack, still motionless on the ground.

Laney: Told you I’d get my damn match.

Fred spits, nailing Jack square in the chest, then heads out the door and into the backstage area, where a few RCW personnel had gathered together, talking.

Laney: Hey, halfwits, look sharp and check out the jackass in there. I think he’s having his period.

The crew looks into the room, then medic Jeff springs into action as he sees Jack down and out on the floor. The group gathers around Jack as Fred Laney walks toward the parking lot, whistling the tune to “Prince Ali” as he goes.

RATING: 63

NOTES: Jack Hawkins gained overness from this segment. Fred Laney gained overness from this segment.

============================================================

Danny Dallas Takes The Mic

After watching Jack’s destruction at the hands of Fred Laney, the crowd pops as the backstage cameras cut to Danny Dallas, standing in front of our new RCW-branded backdrop. It turned out that Francoise had been taking art classes since she was 5, and she still aspired to be a professional. Until then, she was willing to put in time with RCW, but this was a nice way for her to combine the two talents she had. As Dallas steps in front of the prettiest backdrop the wrestling world had ever seen, he begins his speech in the expected way.

Dallas: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!

Crowd: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLA!

Getting the expected response from the crowd, Dallas now begins the content portion of his diatribe.

Dallas: Now fer all of you folks who were wondering, ol’ Danny is sorry that he didn’t bring home that title shot at Carnaval. Gave it my best shot an’ all, but it wasn’t enough that night. Still, that Twiggy guy, he’s a good wrestler and a good man. I’ll be rootin’ for him against those two animals.

A tiny “WE WANT OR-ANGE!” chant starts up, and Danny gives a passing smile before relaunching.

Dallas: But Danny Dallas knows that he can keep on workin’ hard and get things done. You see, if you’re willin’ to work hard and come up big when it counts, well, that’s how you get to be on top of this place. Just look at the fellas that have been champ here. Kid Fantastic – sure, hard worker. Chance Beckett? Yeah, great wrestler. Even John Wellington, the guy’s a bit of a jerk, but he works hard, don’t he?

The crowd boos this statement, and Dallas smiles and nods, seeing things the way that the audience sees them.

Dallas: Alright, fine. I gotcha. But that’s what it takes. Hard work is what separates guys like John Wellington and Kid Fantastic from guys like that Russ fella – just getting’ thrown out of a battle royal in the blink of an eye for managin’ to rub everyone the wrong way. Or from someone like that fella Fred Laney we just saw beatin’ up some backstage kid. Gotta keep your eye on the damn prize.

Danny paces a little as the crowd buzzes, waiting to hear the end of the promo.

Dallas: So I’m gonna be one of them strong ones, one who’s gonna make it all the way to the top. It might be hard, y’know, but Danny Dallas ain’t ever run away with his tail between his legs before. I’m gonna be champ of this place someday, and unlike Mr. John Wellington, I’ll make sure to give that title the respect it deserves! Now can I get a HOLLLLLLLLLLA!?!

Crowd: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!!

RATING: 66

NOTES: Danny Dallas gained overness from this segment.

===================================================

Irish Drinking Team vs. Kohl Brothers

The night’s second rematch gets started as the Kohl Brothers, still stinging from their loss at Carnaval, hit the ring to take on the Irish Drinking Team. Stylez and Knoxx make their way down to the ring to a decent-sized pop for the still-new RCW stars. They slide into the ring and give Keith and Kent Kohl a weird semi-staredown, then get ready to start the match. The match opens in similar fashion to their encounter at Carnaval, with the IDT blowing their early advantage when Chris Stylez misses an elbow drop off the top rope. The Kohl Brothers quickly take the advantage, frequently tagging in and out and hitting Stylez with move after move. Kent nails a brutal spinebuster off an Irish whip, but only manages to get 2 before Stylez once again manages to kick out. After another few minutes of Ian Knoxx being stuck out of the action, Chris Stylez manages to reverse a powerbomb attempt from Kent into a headscissors takedown. With Kent down, Stylez manages to make it to the corner and tag Ian Knoxx in, who comes in like a man possessed. Keith Kohl, now tagged in, tries to go low and take out Knoxx’s knees, but Knoxx shows off a little agility and hops over Keith, then obliterates him with a fierce clothesline. As Stylez hold Kent Kohl off with a dragon sleeper, Knoxx lifts Keith into the air before nailing the Hard Knoxx Driver. He covers: 1……………………….2………………………..3! The Irish Drinking Team has emerged victorious once again over the Kohl Brothers! Keith and Kent are fuming as the IDT heads out of the ring and cracks open a pair of beers (Harp this time) on their way up the aisle.

WINNER: Irish Drinking Team

RATING: 66

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 86

===============================================

A Champion's Request

We cut backstage, where Matt Morgan is relaxing in the locker room with a drink in his hand and a smile on his face. As the door to the locker room swings open, the smile quickly drains from Morgan’s face as he tracks the entry of the RCW World Champion, John Wellington. Wellington wears his best attempt at a friendly demeanor and approaches the suspicious Morgan.

Wellington: Hey, Matt, how you…

John stops as Morgan looks down at the too-small gap between the two men. Wellington looks at the gap himself, then swallows deeply and takes a big step backwards. Morgan nods once and takes a deep inhalation while Wellington, already shaken, tries again.

Wellington: Um…yeah, Matt, how you doing today?

Morgan: No complaints, I guess. Just drinking my protein shake – gotta stay in good shape for the title match, right?

Wellington: Oh….yeah, of course, Matt. So…you’re still looking forward to that match, huh?

Morgan: Damn right I am. Just counting the minutes until I get to snap Twiggy’s pathetic little neck in half.

Wellington: Yeah – that Twiggy, he’s a real jackass.

Morgan: Son of a bitch dumped orange soda on me, keeps interfering with my matches – I’m gonna make that son of a bitch and his stupid orange chair pay

Wellington: So I guess Twiggy’s what you’re really looking forward to at Victory Strikes Again, huh? Well, y’know, if you wanted, I could try and talk to the booking guys, see if they’d let Twiggy fight twice, or whether they’d let me fight him some other time, or….

Matt Morgan ends Wellington’s ramblings with a sharply raised hand. As the champ, whose left hand tightly clutches the title belt wrapped around his shoulder, backs down, Morgan takes the last long draw of his shake before dropping the cup and turning his attention back to Wellington.

Morgan: John, let me make this clear. I want Twiggy. I want him bad. I’ve wanted him basically since I got here. You got that much absolutely right there, compadre. But I want something else back – my damn respect. You got that? Those assclowns in the WWE made me into some stuttering freak! I coulda been the next Undertaker, or Kane, or Batista, but no! I was the sideshow! And now I’m here, John, and I’m damn sure going to get my respect back! And the quickest way to respect is the way you figured out, Johnny – that nice little piece of gold around your arm. Sure, it ain’t the WWE belt, but it’s still my way back to the top. And so John, you might see now why I’m looking forward to this match so much. I get my respect back, and I get to kick two people’s asses on the way to earning it! Got it?

Wellington: Well….um….

Morgan: Get out of here. The next I see you, it better be in a ring.

With that, Morgan turns away and starts rooting through his gym bag, looking for something or other. Wellington, as usual, decides that discretion is the better part of valor and departs before Morgan emerges from his bag with a Powerbar. He looks up, sees Wellington gone, and gives a small smile before tearing into the bar, devouring half of it in one solid bite.

RATING: 64

NOTES: Matt Morgan gained overness from this segment.

==================================================

Ian Gomes vs. Kid Fantastic

The main event for the evening pits Ian Gomes against Kid Fantastic, wrestling for the first time since his near-win in the Battle Royal at Carnaval. Gomes is out first, and Sean Weldon comes down to the ring with him. Gomes gets a small round of boos from the crowd, but ignores them as he talks things over with Weldon. The crowd then erupts into cheers as Kid Fantastic emerges from behind the curtain. Gomes and Weldon look at each other, sharing their contempt for Fantastic as the crowd favorite makes his way down to the ring. He takes the time to celebrate a little, but activity behind him gets his attention. As Fantastic whirls around on the defensive, Ian Gomes plows into him, knocking Fantastic to the mat. Mike Hunter calls for the bell, and the match gets underway.

The match begins with Gomes in control, keeping Fantastic on the canvas with a series of sharp, efficient strikes to the ribcage and torso. Finally Fantastic drops his arms to protect his chest, and Gomes immediately changes tactics, going after the head of Fantastic. Gomes scoops up the Kid and delivers a pair of stiff headbutts before pulling Fantastic down into a facebuster on Ian’s knee. Gomes covers: 1……………………..2………………..and Fantastic kicks out at two. Fantastic struggles to stand up, but Gomes pulls him up roughly before going for a second facebuster. Fantastic goes crashing into Gomes’ knee, which busts open his nose. As Fantastic bleeds onto the canvas, Gomes laughs quickly while acknowledging the delight on Sean Weldon’s face on the outside. Gomes hops onto the second turnbuckle and leaps off, looking to land a kneedrop on Fantastic’s skull – but misses! Fantastic rolls out of the way, which reinvigorates the crowd as Gomes checks on his left knee, in obvious pain.

Fantastic fights up to his feet and heads after Gomes, who has gotten up as well. Fantastic lays into Gomes with a series of right fists. Gomes backs into the corner and absorbs the punishment before his leg buckles and he falls to the ground. Fantastic backs up, then charges forward and nails a baseball slide dropkick right into Gomes’ downed body in the corner. The crowd is going nuts as Fantastic celebrates briefly in the middle of the ring. Fantastic scoops Gomes off the ground, but Ian Gomes lashes out with a lightning quick thumb to the eye, regaining control of the match. As Mike Hunter tries to check on Fantastic, he doesn’t notice Sean Weldon reach under the ring, looking around for something. Gomes and Weldon lock eyes, then Gomes whips Fantastic across the ring, straight towards Weldon. As Sean Weldon extends a steel chair, his loot from under the ring, Fantastic reverses the Irish whip…..sending Ian Gomes crashing straight into a steel chair shot from the unsuspecting Sean Weldon! Gomes cries out and stumbles forward, and Fantastic takes advantage, hitting a Northern Lights suplex in stride! As Weldon looks at the chair in his hands with a horrified look, Fantastic scuttles to the top rope and leaps off – NAILING the Putdown on Gomes! Fantastic covers: 1…………………………………2……………………………..3!

As the bell rings, declaring Kid Fantastic the winner, Sean Weldon snaps back to reality. He looks in the ring, where Fantastic pushes himself up wearily, then leaps into action. Sean slides under the bottom rope and grabs Kid Fantastic. He whirls the Kid around, grabs him by the throat, and deposits him on the canvas with a side chokeslam! With Fantastic down on the mat, Weldon scurries over and checks on Ian Gomes. Gomes shakes his head to clear out the cobwebs, then barks at Weldon to get back over to Kid Fantastic. Weldon and Gomes, now back on his feet, head towards Fantastic, but Fantastic lashes out with a sweep kick from the canvas, knocking Gomes and Weldon into each other. The two grab onto each other and retain their balance, but Fantastic takes advantage of the opportunity and rolls out of the ring to the outside. As Gomes and Weldon decide to let Fantastic go, the former champion walks slowly up the entranceway, never once letting his eyes leaving the Goldon Boys with a suspicious look on his face.

RATING: 74

CROWD: 57

MATCH: 92

NOTES: Kid Fantastic lost overness from this match.

OVERALL: 67

RCW 2NIGHT

OCTOBER 2, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

==========================

Red Hot Russ vs. Adam Flash

The show kicks off with Red Hot Russ and Adam Flash, two men who had partnered together at Carnaval just two days prior, doing battle. Flash had been quite vocal in his dislike of Russ (welcome to the club, Adam) during and after the match, and had demanded a shot at Russ as soon as humanly possible. As Flash waits for Russ to arrive, he continues bitching to Tizziana at ringside, who responds in an even MORE annoying manner than Flash. Russ finally makes his way down to the ring, but stops at the apron, staring at Tizziana.

Russ: You know, I really like what you did to clean yourself up today! Getting rid of that unibrow really takes attention away from the whole eye area, and that’s a good thing for you, so you look a lot better today!

Tizziana nearly has an aneurysm as she screams at a surprised Russ, who was unprepared for either the vitriolic reaction or Adam Flash’s baseball slide dropkick that takes him down. Flash wastes no time, grabbing Russ and sliding him into the ring.. A reeling Red Hot Russ spends most of the match in the same manner, backpedaling or falling down at the hands of Flash’s fists of fury. After working Russ over for the majority of the match, and surviving a brief counterattack from Russ that included an extremely long hammerlock that only served to further infuriate him, Flash decides to head up top and finish the match. As Flash climbs to the top, looking for the Last Call, Russ begins to stagger to his feet, much to the chagrin of Adam Flash. Flash leaps off the top rope and knocks Russ back down to the mat with a double axe handle, then quickly climbs back up top and leaps off, nailing the Last Call! He slides over and covers: 1………………….2…………………….3! Adam Flash rolls off and quickly exits the ring, glad to be done with Russ as Tizziana continues to curse in the fallen Russ’ direction from halfway up the aisleway.

WINNER: Adam Flash

OVERALL: 46

CROWD: 33

MATCH: 60

======================================

Couples Therapy

While I contemplated whether Flash/Russ counts as a heel/heel match due to Russ’ incredibly dislikeable personality, the camera cuts backstage to where Francoise sits alone in the locker room, filing her nails in solitude. As she continues to do her nails, George Sand walks in behind her, which draws her attention.

Francoise: Hey you.

George: Hi Frannie. How goes the nails?

Francoise: Trouble as always – I keep chipping them when I’m down at the ring.

George: Um…Francoise….I was wondering something.

Francoise: Oh? And what is that?

George: Well….at Carnaval, were you talking to Nick Collyer before our match?

Francoise: What? Oh, yes, of course. Yes, Nick and I were talking. He’s really languishing right now George – he can’t deal with your displeasure.

George: Hmmph.

Francoise: George, listen to me. This is silly. If I have any grace or power to move you, talk to Nick and end this. He’s really an innocent victim of this whole war between you and Adam Flash, and this needs to stop now.

George: …OK. Fine. I’ll talk to Nick when I have a chance.

Francoise: How about in a few minutes? I know Nick was hanging out in the other locker room just a moment ago.

George: Not now, sweetheart. Some other time.

Francoise: Shall it be shortly?

George: The sooner for you, sweetheart.

Francoise: Shall it be at supper? We could all go out to eat together!

George: No, not tonight.

Francoise: We could eat tomorrow then…

George: Not then either, Francoise.

Francoise: George Sand! I wonder in my soul if there’s a single situation where you would ask me for something, and I would stand there muttering. Nick Collyer had your back, George, whenever anyone would attack you. Even if I would get bent out of shape about you being in wrestling, Nick would defend you. And now you repay him with this!

George: No more! Let him come when he will. I won’t deny you.

Francoise:: Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor here, George! This is no different than me asking you to bundle up on a cold day, or to eat healthy – this is GOOD for you, George!

George: Like I said, I won’t deny you anything, Frannie. I’ll do it, but I need one thing – can I just have some time to myself for a day or two? I don’t have a match, so you don’t need to be here tonight. I’ll give you a call in a day or two, OK?

Francoise: OK, George. You can have a little alone time. I’ll see you soon.

With that, Francoise gives George a kiss on the cheek and exits the locker room. She leaves George behind, staring down at his feet and looking particularly cross.

RATING: 65

NOTES: Francoise gained overness from this segment.

======================================

Chris Stylez vs. Charly Manson

We head back to the ring, where one-half of the Irish Drinking Team, Chris Stylez, is set to take on Charly Manson in singles action. Ian Knoxx is nowhere to be seen, apparently having other commitments for the night, so Stylez makes his way out to the ring alone. The match is a competitive one, with the two men bringing out the best in each other. Neither man is able to hit their big moves – Manson is too quick for Stylez to pin down, but Stylez manages to reverse everything but the quickest moves that Manson has in his arsenal. Eventually Manson takes the upper hand and takes the fight to Stylez for a couple minutes, leaving Stylez down on the mat. Manson bounces off the middle rope and lands a twisting springboard leg drop, then heads up top, looking to hit Death’s Embrace and end the match. However, Stylez regains his composure and runs over to the corner, crotching Manson on the top turnbuckle. With Manson sitting on the top turnbuckle, facing the crowd and in obvious pain, Stylez takes advantage, grabbing Manson and delivering the Celtic Cross! Manson skids across the ring, and Stylez slides over and makes the cover: 1………………………2……………………….3!

WINNER: Chris Stylez

RATING: 69

CROWD: 50

MATCH: 88

======================================

A Challenge Of The Tag Kind

As Stylez prepares to leave the ring, the voices of Keith and Kent Kohl, who have set themselves up just outside the backstage curtain, catch his attention.

Kent: Hey Stylez, listen up!

Keith: We’re talking to you, buddy boy!

Stylez releases his hold on the ropes and walks to the center of the ring, giving the Kohl Brothers a look of equal parts amusement, dismissal, and contempt. However, he just stands there, compliantly letting the Kohls say their piece.

Keith: You know Stylez, for someone who thinks he’s a tag team wrestler, you sure do a lot of singles wrestling! What’s the matter?

Kent: Your partner couldn’t stand to be around you or something?

Keith: I wouldn’t blame him – I wouldn’t want to partner up with such an annoying jerk too!

Stylez is clearly getting annoyed in the ring by the petty, juvenile insults that don’t seem to be going anywhere. Without the benefit of a microphone, he yells down the entranceway at Keith and Kent, with the words, “….your point?” getting picked up by the microphone.

Kent: You know what our point is, Chris?

Keith: Our point is simple!

Kent: You claimed to beat us cleanly at Carnaval!

Keith: And you almost pulled off that lie, didn’t you?

Kent: Heck, we almost believed it ourselves!

The crowd, along with Chris Stylez, is completely lost with the accusation from the Kohl Brothers, so the team obliges and continues their explanation for the faulty logic-impaired.

Kent: But we remembered that we NEVER lose in tag matches!

Keith: Not unless the other team is nothing but filthy cheaters!

Kent: And since we lost to you two….

Keith: …you guys cheated!

Kent: We don’t know how…

Keith: …or when!…

Kent: …but we know you did! And we’re not gonna put up with that crap!

Keith: Yeah!

Stylez looks at the two of them incredulously, then moves to exit the ring, dismissing the crackpot theory. However, Keith and Kent aren’t ready to let this drop and redouble their verbal accosting of one-half of the Irish Drinking Team.

Kent: Stylez! Don’t you go anywhere!

Keith: You see, we still think you guys have potential as a tag team!

Kent: You do, you really do! So this is the deal: if you promise not to cheat this time, we’ll fight you again next week here on 2Night!

Keith: And after we beat you guys, and you show the proper respect to tag team wrestling, we’ll gladly bury the hatchet and impart some of our wisdom to you!

Kent: So Chris, here’s your chance to make things right! You and Ian versus the two of us next week!

Keith: Are you game?

Chris looks at the two of them for a minute, then finally nods and points at them, giving the answer the Kohls were looking for. The crowd pops for the announcement of next week’s match, and everyone seems satisfied for the moment.

Kent: Good choice, Chris.

Keith: We’ll see you next week!

Kent: And don’t take the beating personally. It’s just that when we see double….

Keith: …YOU see trouble!

RATING: 45

======================================

Travis Finity vs. Katsushi Takemura

Takemura, dressed once again in his full ninja outfit, is the first man down to the ring, swinging his sheathed sword around in a ‘fearsome’ display. Travis Finity, fired up from a combination of his usual overexuberance and a desire to avenge his tag team loss at Carnaval, comes charging down the ramp and immediately lays into Takemura. The sword clatters across the canvas and to the outside as the two men go at it, with Finity keeping the advantage over Takemura. Katsushi tries the strategy proven effective against Finity in the past by trying to lock in submissions and rest holds, but Travis quickly powers through them, taking the fight to Takemura. Finity takes a big advantage over Takemura, nailing a beautiful moonsault dropkick off an Irish whip, then immediately jumps to his feet and nails a picture-perfect standing shooting star. Instead of covering Takemura, Finity heads to the top rope, calling for the Finiter. As he waits for Takemura to get to his feet, Finity perches on the top rope – then goes crumpling forward to the mat as Adam Flash cracks Takemura’s sword across his back! Referee Mike Hunter has no choice but to call for the bell, giving Travis Finity the DQ win. However, Finity would probably trade the win for an end to the 2-on-1 beating at the hands of Flash and Takemura, who lay into the downed and defenseless Finity. As Tizziana screams at them from the outside, urging the destruction onwards, Takemura scoops Finity off the mat and plants him with a brainbuster in the center of the ring, then watches as Adam Flash comes flying off the top rope and nails the Last Call! The two men celebrate over Finity’s fallen body while Mike Hunter continues to yell at them, trying to force them out of the ring.

WINNER: Travis Finity (by DQ)

RATING: 67

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 81

======================================

A Main-Event Showdown

With the ‘main event’ match ended, Team Flash heads towards the back while Frank Stool and Mike Hunter help Travis Finity to the back. As Finity disappears behind the curtain, the familiar music of the RCW champion, John Wellington, kicks up, and the crowd bursts into boos as Wellington makes his way out into the Earl Polero Bingo Hall. Wellington saunters down to the ring, taking his sweet time to get there as he revels in the boos from the crowd. He slides into the ring and takes a microphone from Sound Guy at ringside, ready to state his piece.

Wellington: Well, all you hooligans and drug dealers can rejoice – it’s the beginning of another month, and I’m still here in RCW. I wouldn’t get used to it, though. My agent has assured me that I should have a brand new contract, and a ticket out of this dump, ready by the beginning of next month. It’s easier for them to wait financially, you know?

The crowd, of course, does not know, and continues their booing of Wellington, who resumes his speech.

Wellington: Your opinion is noted and dismissed. However, it appears that I have business to take care of while I’m still here. Last Sunday at Carnaval, I made 10 RCW superstars go through what I had to go through to get a title shot – jump through hoops and fight people who have no business being in the main event! And like my odyssey towards the title proved, when you throw that much crap at a wall, people who have no business being in title matches will end up getting those opportunities.

The crowd emphasizes their boos here, supporting Twiggy’s win at Carnaval.

Wellington: So I’m sorry, ‘Kid Fantastic’, but you don’t get that precious title shot you wanted so bad. You came up short, just like you always do! And now you can’t go around claiming that I haven’t given you a chance to EARN a title shot – you had it, and you failed! Now, I’d like to introduce you to the man who successfully defeated Kid Fantastic, and who flukishly eliminated me as well – I give to you the #1 competitor, and a man who stands 0-1 against me in title matches – I give you Twiggy!

The crowd roars as Twiggy’s appropriately odd entrance music kicks in, summoning the Orange One to ringside. Twiggy, accompanied by Senor Naranja, pops out from behind the curtain. Disturbingly, both Twiggy and the good Senor are wearing matching outfits – nothing but an orange loincloth. Wellington just shrugs it off as Twiggy runs backwards down to the ring, hops up onto the ring apron, and limbos in under the middle rope. As the crowd pops for Twiggy’s flexible nature and mad limbo skills, Wellington stares at the #1 contender to his title, a bemused look on his face.

Wellington: Well, Twiggy…if that’s your real name…congratulations on becoming #1 contender to this waste of stainless steel and gold spray paint.

Twiggy: I don’t need that belt. I already have one!

Wellington takes a quick look at Twiggy’s waist, still covered solely by a loincloth, then shrugs it off.

Wellington: I’m sure you do, kid. Still, you’re going to have a chance to win this belt from me – then you’d have TWO belts! And it’s more a chance in the literal sense of the word than you actually having a real possibility of beating me, but still, TWO BELTS, Twiggy! Wouldn’t that be….um, special?

Wellington’s hesitance comes from Twiggy’s now-heated conversation with Senor Naranja, who is apparently in the throes of a deep argument with Twiggy.

Twiggy: NO! I tell you for the last time, orange cannot be a construct of man! Donnellan makes it clear within his works on human nature that experiential learning, the truest form of knowledge, proves that such constants like color are a truth, not a construct!

Twiggy stares intently at Senor Naranja, seemingly listening in apt attention to the good Senor’s response before his face twists into an ugly snarl.

Twiggy: No, YOU’RE the poophead!

Wellington: Twiggy, Twiggy, calm down! Save the intensity for RCW Victory Strikes Again, when I plan on continuing my run of dominance and retaining my RCW Title!

Wellington seemed like he had more to say, but suddenly music hits over the speaker system, signaling the arrival of RCW giant and Twiggy-hater Matt Morgan! Wellington, Twiggy, and Senor Naranja all whirl around and gawk at Morgan, who sidles down to the ring and steps over the top rope with ease. The intimidation of Morgan’s size is not lost on Wellington, who demurely steps aside, letting Morgan have center stage. The giant stares at Twiggy and Senor Naranja, then raises a microphone of his own and begins to speak.

Morgan: You know, I beat the hell out of you last night, and then look – here you are, #1 contender somehow, and acting even goofier than when I saw you before! What the hell gives, kid?

Twiggy doesn’t directly respond to the question, choosing instead the tactic of a staring contest with Senor Naranja. As Twiggy tries to intimidate the orange folding chair with his fiercely-raised eyebrows, Morgan gives up and turns to Wellington.

Morgan: Well John, I was gonna ask him, but I think I’ll go through the guy with three brain cells instead of one here. I’ve got two things to say here. You see, watching Twiggy just shrug that beating off last night, then somehow win the battle royal – you see, I didn’t get the job done last night. This isn’t over. So I’m gonna finish the job. I want a match with Twiggy at Victory Strikes Again!

The crowd pops for Morgan’s request, but Wellington doesn’t share the enthusiasm that Morgan and the crowd have.

Wellington: Well Matt, I’d like to help you out, but I’ve already got a match scheduled with him at Victory Strikes Again, you know? And since I am the champion of this dump, I’ve got first call on that sort of thing, you know? I’m sure you can fight him some other time, though, so if you want….

Wellington starts to turn away from Matt Morgan, but a giant hand clamps down on Wellington’s shoulder. John Wellington turns back towards Morgan, with a look of half-anger, half-terror on his face.

Wellington: I suppose you weren’t finished?

Morgan: Damn right I wasn’t! You see, John, like I said, I had two things to talk about! And that second thing….well, it involves you, John .You remember how you got your spot in that battle royal last night, right? With my spot, correct?

Wellington just nods, and Morgan continues.

Morgan: Well John, in exchange for that, you granted me one favor for use whenever I wanted it – and I’m not gonna waste any time, John. I’m cashing in that favor right now!

Wellington: Well Matt, that’s OK, but in the end, the World Title needs to be defended at Victory Strikes Again, so I think that when it comes down to it, I’ll be fighting Twiggy at the end of the month. Nothing personal, you know?

Morgan: You’re right there, John – you WILL be fighting Twiggy at Victory Strikes Again. And so will I. Because that favor of mine – which can be ANYTHING, as you may or may not recall, since you made that deal in such a hurry – is that you’re adding me to that title match!

Wellington: WHAT?

The crowd explodes into cheers, but Wellington quickly backpedals, looking for a way out.

Wellington: Matt, wouldn’t you prefer to fight him one on one? Besides, you have to earn title shots around here, and…

Morgan: What John, I don’t deserve a title shot? I’m undefeated here in RCW! I beat that joke of a #1 contender cleanly 1-2-3 a few months ago! You might remember it – you defended your title against him immediately after that match! Do you remember that, John?

Wellington nods, and Morgan continues.

Morgan: Well, I’m undefeated, I’m deserving, and now I can beat a lesson into Twiggy’s head AND walk out champion at the same time! Sounds like a pretty good scenario for me, doesn’t it?

Wellington is about to respond when Twiggy interjects, finally having ended the staring contest with Senor Naranja.

Twiggy: Whatever! I can beat you, and I can beat you – the only one I can’t beat is Senor Naranja! And Matthew, since you liked our tests so much, you and Johnny can study together!

Wellington: No!

Morgan: Tough luck, John! You have no say in this one – you made your bed, now lie in it. I’ll see both of you at Victory Strikes Again. And keep that ‘waste of steel and paint’ good and clean for me, Wellington. That’s gonna look real good around this waist in 26 days!

With that, Morgan’s music hits and he heads back up the aisle, a look of subtle victory on his face. Wellington just looks on in shock, in disbelief that his path to victory just got a LOT harder. Meanwhile, Twiggy has vanished, disappearing through the crowd with Senor Naranja in pursuit of god knows what. As 2Night goes off the air, the camera focuses on Wellington’s right hand gripping his title belt just a little bit tighter than before.

RATING: 58

==========================================

OVERALL: 58

OCTOBER 1, 2007

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY DINING HALL

Today was a busy day for me and RCW – with only 48 hours between Carnaval and the next taping of RCW 2Night, there was a lot of stuff to get through, logistics to conquer. While Sophie was busy gathering her figures on how well the night had gone, I had decided to head over to Fordham and grab lunch with Jack. It was great to be back on a college campus – a totally refreshing experience for me. Just making my way to Jack’s dorm, which took me ten minutes, was a great time. I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen so many gorgeous girls either. Of course, there was that part of my conscience telling me that Jack was probably friends with these people –they were my son’s age, I mean! – but when you’ve got a pair of double-D high beams coming around the corner, they blind you to just about everything else.

The dining hall was definitely something I had romanticized in my head, though. That food was pure garbage, and I could tell from the moment that I saw the menu for potatoes and chicken – and then couldn’t figure out which one was which. Tasting them wasn’t a big help either. But the din of 1500 people eating at the same time was really something else. Fortunately, Jack and I were able to find a part of the cafeteria that was a little more subdued. There were actually people my age sitting around there, so I assumed we had wandered over into the professor’s territory. Regardless, we found a free table and sat down to enjoy our ‘delicious’ chicken/potatoes/mystery extravaganza, and to talk some RCW.

Jack: Hey dad, how’d you think the show went yesterday?

Me: You tell me what you thought first. I want to hear your opinion, instead of having you just twist yours to make me happy.

Jack: Well – yeah, sure OK. I thought it was pretty cool overall, but it wasn’t perfect. It’s too bad we couldn’t have a title match at the show, you know? First big show like that and all, and we couldn’t defend the title. At least we gave Wellington and the title a big role and all, but it would have been nice to defend the belt.

Me: I see.

Personally, I had really liked the way that we had built things up. Back in the day, the WWF title wasn’t defended all the time. It just made the defenses that did happen even more important. And we had given away tons of World Title matches recently – Wellington was fighting more than any other champion we had. But I kept my coy smile on my face as Jack continued.

Jack: It’s kinda hard to build a full big show with the amount of TV time we get to build it, but this one went OK.

Me: Just OK?

Jack: Yeah – I mean, like I said about the title, I wish we could have gotten the title on the show.

Me: OK, I getcha. Now Jack, I did have a question for you.

Jack: Sure – what’s up, Dad?

Me: Well, you’ve been appearing on the show a bit lately, and I think the crowd’s really reacting well to you.

Jack: Um – I dunno about that one, dad. I haven’t even been on that many shows.

Me: Still, when Fred Laney beat the hell out of you the other week, the fans were really into it. They were getting behind you!

Jack: I think that was more Fred than me, Dad.

Me: Still, I have an idea. I want to spend a week working it out, but I want you and Fred Laney to work together a little more. I think there’s a real charisma there between the two of you, so we should have you interact a lot.

Jack: Dad…

Me: I haven’t written it yet, so we’ll look at it next week and see how it goes, OK? But for now, I wanna hear what you thought about last month. What did you think of the PPV, or the lead-up to it? It was a different thing for us, having to build to a big show instead of booking month to month.

Jack: Yeah, it was different…but I think it went really well.

Me: Really? You think so?

Jack: Yeah. I mean, we had four matches where there was some sort of history, which isn’t bad. There was one thing I really disliked about the show, though.

Me: Oh? Well Jack, what was it?

Jack: Well – Twiggy being the #1 contender? I mean, I love the guy. He took a small little role, one with some potential but no real substance, and he made himself one of the faces of the company. But he’s not really a World Title contender. Fred Laney beat him in their feud before, and he hasn’t really beaten Matt either. Do you think people are gonna buy him as a contender?

Me: Well Jack, you’re right about one thing – Twiggy’s one of our most popular wrestlers. The people love the guy. I don’t quite see it, but he’s making people get into him, which is the most important thing.

Jack: Yeah…

Me: And there weren’t a ton of other options – and besides, like you know, we’re gonna really focus the angle right off the bat on Tuesday to get the people into it.

Jack: I know, and I like that a lot. But it just seems like Twiggy could get hurt by this, like he’s getting moved up the card too soon, getting used in ways that he’s not ready for yet. And when Wellington beats him down, it’ll just hinder him even more.

Me: Who said that Twiggy was going to lose?

Jack: Well…wait, you might give him the title?

Me: I don’t know, Jack – I haven’t decided yet. Why wouldn’t I give it to him if there was a good idea that makes sense?

Jack: But Dad, I mean, you know I like Twiggy, but….

Me: Jack, don’t worry about it too much. I’m not gonna say much here, but just watch the next show and tell me if you think I’m going down the right track, OK?

Jack: Yeah dad, OK. I’ll see what you’ve got in the works.

Me: Thataboy. Now let’s go get seconds on that chicken parm, OK?

Jack: I thought you said this stuff was awful?

Me: It was…but it’s growing on me. Besides, gotta take advantage of the all-you-can-eat thing, right?

Jack: You know, most parents take their kids out to eat when they visit them at school.

Me: Well, most parents aren't me, Jack.

Jack: You don't have to tell me that, Boss.

With that, the two of us got up and headed for the line. Bring on that chicken parm! Bring on 2Night! Things are finally slipping into gear...

======================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW 2NIGHT

POST-CARNAVAL BLOWOUT!

In the wake of Carnaval, RCW has been turned on its head! A new #1 contender to John Wellington’s RCW World Title exists in the form of the eccentric Twiggy! Both Twiggy and John Wellington will be at 2Night to address their upcoming title match – how will John Wellington react to having to face RCW’s most popular sideshow in a main event match?

KATSUSHI TAKEMURA vs. TRAVIS FINITY

Travis Finity and his partner lost to the team of Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura in a Battle Royal qualifying match to kick off Carnaval. Here, Finity has a chance at revenge as he takes on half of Team Flash. Will the Silent Assassin prove to be too much for the quickest man in RCW, or will Finity’s high-intensity brand of offense earn him another quick victory?

THE KOHL BROTHERS SPEAK!

The Kohl Brothers ended their strike in order to face the Irish Drinking Team at Carnaval, a team they thought would give them the good clean match they had been looking for since their arrival in RCW! And the Irish Drinking Team did just that, beating the Kohl Brothers in a perfectly clean match! How will the Kohl Brothers, who claimed to be invincible on a level playing field, react to this black mark on their reputation? Keith and Kent will be in the ring tonight to answer all the questions!

AND MORE!

One half of the Irish Drinking Team, Chris Stylez, will take on Charly Manson in a singles match, while former tag team partners do battle as Adam Flash and Red Hot Russ, victorious last night at Carnaval, will square off. George Sand, victorious over Nick Collyer, will also be in attendance – will he have company in the form of Nick Collyer or Ian Gomes? All this and much more will be broadcast LIVE on RCW 2Night!

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2007

RCW 2NIGHT

RCW CARNAVAL

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

=====================================================

Adam Flash and Red Hot Russ vs. Travis Finity and JT Stahr

The first match of the night for the crowd of 418 is a bit of a thrown-together tag team affair. With Katsushi Takemura already having qualified for the Battle Royale main event, Adam Flash was forced together with RCW rookie Red Hot Russ to take on the athletic duo of Travis Finity and JT Stahr. At the beginning of the match, fireworks quickly erupt – between teammates Adam Flash and Red Hot Russ! Flash and Russ argue over who should begin the match, with Flash ultimately shoving Russ into the turnbuckles in the corner and striding out to face JT Stahr. Russ complains bitterly to referee Frank Stool, but the referee pays him no attention as the match gets underway. Flash tries to bully Stahr around, but the RCW newcomer quickly shows off his impressive athleticism, leaping over Flash on the fly, then nailing a running corkscrew elbow to Flash’s head. Flash gets to his feet, but walks right into a waiting spinebuster from Stahr! Stahr goes for the cover as Stool drops into position: 1………………………..2……………..and Flash kicks out before the three count! As Flash gets up, he bitches in the direction of Russ for not breaking the pin. Russ, in response, holds the tag team rope in the air and points at it, which doesn’t gain a lot of favor with Flash. However, Stahr comes charging at Flash from behind and nails him, knocking him out of the ring through the ropes! Russ gives a smug smile, but quickly ends up on the floor himself as Travis Finity charges over and knocks him off the apron. The two teammates start to get to their feet on the outside, neither one looking very happy, but before they can begin complaining again, Travis Finity and JT Stahr sprint across the ring and go flying over the top rope, taking out Flash and Russ with matching leaps as a few flashbulbs go off across the arena!

Finity is the first one to his feet, and he grabs Flash, rolls him into the ring, and makes the cover. Frank Stool drops into position, but before he can begin the count, an outraged Russ is in the ring with him, screaming about Finity not being the legal man. Stool just stands there and listens as Russ argues – then eats a dropkick from Finity, who heard enough from him! Stahr is up and makes his way over to the corner and promptly tags Finity into the match. Finity looks Russ back to his corner, then goes after Adam Flash. Finity’s trademark aggressiveness is on display, but a simple drop toe hold from Flash manages to halt Finity’s momentum. Flash hits a quick atomic drop, then reaches over and tags Red Hot Russ on the shoulder, bringing him into the match. As Flash sets Finity up for a double-team suplex, Russ just looks at him, then begins to lecture Flash on the textbook tag-in maneuver. Flash just shakes his head angrily and heads out of the ring, leaving Russ alone with Finity. Finity’s still energized, and Russ struggles to contain Travis. However, Finity breaks loose and hits a beautiful running legscissors, taking Russ to the mat, before tagging Stahr back in. Stahr works Russ over, and nails his second spinebuster of the match, laying Russ out flat! He covers: 1…………………………..2…………………………..and Russ kicks out! Stahr pulls Russ up to his feet, who wastes what little air he has left in his lungs bitching at referee Frank Stool for taking too long to stop counting the pin. Stahr whips Russ into the ropes, but doesn’t see Adam Flash reach out and tap Russ on the back to tag himself in. Stahr sends Russ tumbling to the mat with a sidekick, but turns straight into Adam Flash! Flash delivers the Flashdance, then heads to the top rope. He perches briefly on the top turnbuckle, then leaps off and nails the Last Call legdrop! He hooks the leg and covers, while Frank Stool drops into position and Travis Finity charges into the ring: 1…………………………………….2……………………………and Finity trips over Russ’ downed body!..................................3! Adam Flash and Red Hot Russ qualify for the main event Battle Royale!

WINNERS: Adam Flash and Red Hot Russ

RATING: 56

CROWD: 48

MATCH: 64

=====================================================

Twiggy vs. Matt Morgan

With the first qualifying match out of the way, we move onto a match that has more than a simple title opportunity on the line. Twiggy is the first one out, and he and Senor Naranja both receive a big ovation from the crowd as they make their way to the ring. Referee Frank Stool gives the good Senor an odd look, but Twiggy props him up at ringside facing the ring to give his manager a good look at the proceedings. Stool studies the situation a moment more, then shrugs it off as Matt Morgan’s entrance music kicks up, signaling the entry of RCW’s resident giant. Morgan gives Senor Naranja the same half-confused, half-furious look that he normally gives him while Joe Wheeler on commentary puts over the ‘quizzes’ that Twiggy and El Senor have subjected Morgan to over the past couple weeks. Morgan clearly remembers them, as he wastes absolutely no time going after Twiggy, quickly knocking the orange wig-wearing oddball to the outside through the ropes seconds after the bell rings. Morgan steps over the top rope, then shows off his athleticism by coming off the top rope with a double axehandle, laying Twiggy out on the outside. Morgan hoists Twiggy to his feet, then throws him into the ring steps, sending the stairs clattering along the floor. Morgan’s not done – he picks Twiggy up again, walks halfway around the ring to the other set of ring steps, and throws Twiggy into them as well with the same result.

On the inside, Frank Stool keeps yelling at Morgan to get Twiggy into the ring and get the match started, but Morgan doesn’t pay attention to the referee’s futile orders. Instead, the giant grabs Twiggy and rams him headfirst into the crowd barrier, sending the metal rails sliding backwards. The front row leans forward and grabs at the wrestlers as Morgan lays a series of hard boots into Twiggy, working him over. He backs up and charges at Twiggy, but his kick misses as Twiggy rolls out of the way! Morgan howls in pain as his leg connects with the steel fencing, and then cries out again as Twiggy hops to his feet and jumps down right across Morgan’s shin. A fed-up Frank Stool begins a ten count inside the ring, and seems relieved as Twiggy hops up onto the apron….before leaping off the ring apron and crashing down on Morgan with a big splash! However, Twiggy catches a piece of the railing in the process, and both men are slow to get to their feet. Frank Stool reaches “SIX!” in his count as both men stagger up, and Matt Morgan quickly takes advantage by clotheslining Twiggy over the crowd barrier. Twiggy rolls into the second row, laid out again. Morgan looks back to the ring, where Frank Stool is all but begging Morgan to get back into the ring. Morgan takes a step back towards the ring, but before he can get any further, he sees Senor Naranja, still facing the ring, directly in front of him on the other side of the crowd barrier. Morgan stares at Senor Naranja, then grabs Twiggy’s manager/confidante/best friend and brings him into the crowd – where Twiggy has disappeared! Morgan scans the crowd, looking for the orange wig, when Twiggy crashes into him from behind! The two men finally face off and start brawling, with Twiggy doing a decent job of holding his own as Morgan trails after him. Stool reaches “TEN!” on his count and calls for the bell, throwing the match out, as Twiggy and Morgan brawl off through the crowd and disappear into the back, with nothing but some echoing sounds left to entertain the crowd. As Joe Wheeler announces the result as a double countout, he also states that the status of Twiggy and Morgan regarding the Battle Royale would be announced once a decision had been reached backstage.

WINNER: No contest (double countout)

RATING: 56

CROWD: 52

MATCH: 61

=====================================================

Goldon Are The Best-Laid Plans

While the crowd buzzes over the no-contest finish in the Twiggy/Matt Morgan showdown, we move backstage to Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon are standing around, watching the RCW crew separate Twiggy and Matt Morgan from their brawl. Weldon keeps looking on with a hint of longing in his voice, but Gomes just chuckles softly and turns away from the fight. After a moment, Weldon follows suit and faces Ian with a concerned look on his face.

Weldon: Man, this is crap. Morgan gets a second chance to make it into that battle royale tonight, and we don’t even get one! It’s ridiculous!

Gomes: Sean, let such worries float towards the heavens, lest they weigh you down.

Weldon: I still think it’s crap! It’s a big show, and we can’t even get on it! I mean…

Gomes: Sean, such a show matters not to our goal. A spot was opened for us, and it was rejected by me.

Weldon: WHY? Why’d your turn down a shot to become World Champion? Just think how miserable you could make George Sand with that belt around YOUR waist!!

Gomes: That lies outside our bounds, Sean.

Weldon: OK, this is getting ridiculous. So far, your ‘big plan’ has led to me getting in a fight, me losing a World Title shot, and spending a good chunk of my cash on god knows what, and last I checked, Francoise’s still draped around George Sand’s arm! Right now, I am THIS close to walking out of here and heading right back to Venice Beach!

Gomes: How poor are they that have not patience…

Weldon: Again with the patience.

Gomes: Sean, what wound did ever heal but by degrees? You know that we work by wit, and not by witchcraft – and wit depends on dilatory time.

Weldon: OK, fine. So let’s say your plan is still working, and that you’re not just screwing with me…what’s the next step in the plan?

Gomes: As you know, Nick Collyer and Francoise have been pushed together by my hands of twisted fate. I do know that Nicholas was unable to audience his saviorette last week – therefore, one must believe they shall meet tonight, and readily before Collyer and Sand do battle. So retire, go where you are billeted. And when you encroach upon their meeting, lying in wait, return in haste and enlighten those who desire knowledge.

Weldon: …that’s you, right?

Gomes: *sigh*…..yes, Sean, me. Now off!

Sean gives a businesslike nod and heads off in the direction of Nick Collyer’s locker room to set up shop. Ian watches as Sean wanders away, then turns and rubs his hands together, putting on his best devious look.

Gomes: How odd are fate’s revolving desires…who is to say I play the villain when my advice is free, generous, and open? ‘Tis honest, open to examination, and it is indeed the course to win Sand’s favor once again! It is true that Francoise’s fruitful personality shall open in bloom to Collyer. How am I then a villain to counsel Collyer to this parallel course, directly to his good? For, one must see, devils will further the blackest sins with the guise of heavenly shows – the proper path leading one straight to the mouth of hell. For while this honest fool plies Francoise to repair his poor fortune, and she for him pleads strongly to the Boor, George Sand, I shall pour this pestilence into his ear – that that she repeals his body for her newfound lust, proven only by her desire to do right by Collyer! And with this, she shall undo her credit with Sand, and turn her virtue into pitch, black as night. And out of her own goodness shall be made the net to enmesh them all.

RATING: 65

NOTES: Ian Gomes gained overness from this segment. Sean Weldon gained overness from this segment.

=====================================================

Danny Dallas vs. Fred Laney

Fred Laney, still smarting from his loss to Kid Fantastic on the final 2Night before Carnaval, comes out extremely aggressive against Danny Dallas, who quickly gets overwhelmed by Laney’s offense. Laney clubs away at Dallas, driving him into the corner and continuing the deluge of punches. Finally Dallas manages to escape the corner, but Laney runs up and clotheslines him from behind, knocking Dallas down to the mat. Dallas tries to get up, but Laney lays boot after boot into him. Dallas finally rolls out of the ring, looking to catch a breather. Laney stays aggressive and slides outside himself, going right at Dallas, but Danny fights back and trades punches with Laney. He grabs Laney and tries to whip him into the ringpost, but Laney reverses the whip, sending Dallas crashing into the steel post shoulder-first. Danny tries to judge the damage to his shoulder as he writhes in pain on the ground, but Fred Laney stays on the attack, grabbing Dallas and throwing him into the ring. Laney goes for an immediate cover, and Mike Hunter makes the count: 1………………………………..2…………………and Dallas kicks out! However, Dallas is clearly grimacing after throwing his right shoulder up to break the count, feeling the effects of his collision with the steel ringpost.

This fact isn’t lost on Fred Laney either, who immediately locks onto the shoulder with incredible focus and precision. Laney puts the boots to the shoulder, but slows down his pace, taking his time now that he smells blood in the water. Laney gets down on the mat and pulls back on the shoulder in a modified armbar, showing off the most technical maneuver he’s shown in his RCW tenure. Dallas struggles towards the ropes and finally lays his foot across the bottom rope. Laney doesn’t immediately break the hold, triggering a lecture from Mike Hunter. Hunter begins the five count, and Laney waits until the last second to break the hold. Laney takes the opportunity to gloat to the crowd, flexing his rippling muscles as the crowd boos him heavily. Laney just shrugs it off and goes back to Dallas. He sits Dallas up and delivers a few stiff kicks across Dallas’ exposed back as the crowd winces. Laney picks Dallas up and immediately snapmares him to the mat before laying another kick across his back. With Dallas leaning forward in pain, Laney bounces off the ropes and nails a running knee to Dallas’ face! Danny falls to the mat and grabs his face as Laney tries to capitalize, going for the pinfall: 1…………………………………2…………………………NO! Danny Dallas kicks out, and as he starts to fight to his feet, blood drips out of his nose to the ground, the after-effects of Laney’s running knee!

With Laney continuing to dominate the match, his cockiness just continues to grow. Laney throws some weak kicks at the downed Dallas, asserting his dominance over the match. He lets Danny stumble to his feet as he backs up, then charges forward with a clothesline attempt. Dallas manages to dodge the clothesline, however, getting a big pop from the crowd. Laney turns around, and eats a discus clothesline from Danny Dallas that puts him back-first on the mat! However, Dallas falls to the mat as well and screams in pain, having used his bad arm to lay out Laney! Both men struggle up, with Dallas really favoring his arm. However, he still comes out swinging at Laney as the two men trade punches. Finally, Dallas gets a clean block on one of Laney’s punches, then sends him reeling backwards with a right jab! However, his arms is really hurting him! Dallas has trouble following up, and Laney manages to get his momentum back – but Dallas responds with a huge headbutt straight to the chest of Laney, Zidane-style! Laney goes shooting backwards into the corner, the wind knocked out of him by the move! With Laney stuck in the corner, Dallas backs up before charging forward and nailing a big splash in the corner, with his right arm tucked into his side to prevent any further injury! Laney crumples to the mat, and Dallas covers him as the crowd excitedly counts along: 1………………………………….2…………………………………………NO! Laney’s still got some life in him, kicking out strongly to keep the match going!

Dallas gets to his feet slowly and picks Laney up, giving the crowd a “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” – but Laney just lashes out and nails a Wonderpunch straight to the jaw of Danny Dallas out of absolutely nowhere, knocking the fan favorite senseless! Laney falls to the mat and makes the cover: 1……………………………………………….2……………………………………………….NO! Laney can’t believe it, but Dallas manages to kick out at the very last moment and keep the match going! Laney grabs Dallas off the canvas and hoists him into the air, balancing Dallas during a vertical suplex! He leaves Danny dangling in midair, then drops him down – but Dallas grabs Laney’s head on the way down, nailing a spectacular neckbreaker on Laney! The crowd is going nuts, urging Dallas on with “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” chants of their own as Dallas gets to his feet. He grabs Laney off the mat and goes for the Double D Driver, but Laney blocks it, keeping his feet firmly on the ground! Laney hits a clothesline, then backs up and sets himself up for a spear attempt. As soon as Dallas gets to one knee, Laney charges forward, but Dallas manages to slip to the side and trip Laney up with an excellent drop toehold! Laney pushes himself up – and walks right into Dallas’s waiting arms, where he goes for the Double D Driver once again! This time, he gets Laney up into the air, and sends him crashing into the canvas! The crowd counts along with Mike Hunter as Dallas hooks Laney’s leg as best he can with his bad wing and holds on with all he’s got: 1…………………………………………………..2……………………………………………….3! Danny Dallas picks up a pinfall victory, and earns himself a spot in the main event! As Fred Laney gets to his feet, he sees Danny Dallas walking victoriously up the ramp and immediately flips out in the middle of the ring. He screams at Mike Hunter, who just slides out of the ring and ignores Laney in the process. This doesn’t sit well with Laney, who throws what basically amounts to a tantrum in the middle of the ring, screaming at the top of his lungs as he thrashes around.

WINNER: Danny Dallas

RATING: 54

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 56

NOTES: Fred Laney didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

=====================================================

Kohl Brothers vs. Irish Drinking Team

The Kohl Brothers come out to a small pop as they make their return to the RCW ring to take on the Irish Drinking Team, who make their way out next to a slightly larger pop than the Kohls got. Keith and Kent clearly take note of this as they talk angrily to each other, going over last-second strategy. Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx slide into the ring and stare down the Kohls before heading to their corner and going over their last-second strategy. Ian Knoxx starts out for the Drinking Team against Keith Kohl, the quicker of the two brothers. Knoxx and Keith circle around each other, then lock up. After a few moments, Keith gets the advantage and grabs Knoxx in a headlock. Knoxx fights back, pushing Keith Kohl forwards into the ropes, then bouncing out and rolling backwards. As he sits out, Keith charges forward and goes for a sitting dropkick, but Knoxx slides underneath it, letting Knoxx hit nothing but air. With Keith on the ground, Knoxx charges towards him, but Keith leaps off the canvas and takes him down with a hurracanrana, which gets a big cheer from the crowd! Knoxx stands up as Keith Kohl charges forwards, but Knoxx presses him WAY up into the air, then dropkicks him in the stomach as he falls! Keith wipes hard on the mat, and Knoxx goes for the cover: 1………………………………..2………and Keith kicks out easily at the two count!

The fans are buzzing a little bit with the high-flying action to get things going, and Ian Knoxx keeps things going by bouncing off the second rope, then twisting around in midair and nailing a legdrop straight across Keith Kohl’s throat! Instead of covering, he reaches over to his corner and tags in Chris Stylez, who immediately leaps up onto the top turnbuckle and comes flying off with an elbow drop straight across Keith Kohl’s chest! He covers, but only gets two as Kent Kohl steps into the ring and breaks the count. Ian Knoxx starts across the ring towards him, but referee Frank Stool forces him back into the corner. Stylez tries to lock on a dragon sleeper from behind, but Keith is able to squirm out of it, taking Stylez down with an armdrag in the process. Keith grabs Stylez as he gets to his feet and nails a snap suplex, planting Stylez into the canvas. Keith grabs Stylez, puts him in a facelock, and brings him over to his corner, where Kent tags in for the first time in the match. Kent delivers a strong knee to double Stylez over, then grabs him and powerbombs Stylez into the mat! Stylez looks completely decimated as Kent climbs onto the second turnbuckle and leaps off for a big splash! Kent crashes down on top of Stylez, and Stool makes the count: 1…………………………………….2…………………….NO! Stylez kicks out!

Kent quickly tags his brother Keith back in, who springboards over the top rope and nails a rolling elbow to Stylez’s side. He covers, and Stool counts again: 1……………………………………2………………………and Stylez kicks out again! Keith seems slightly annoyed, but stays on the offensive. He grabs Stylez off the mat and whips him into the ropes, then knocks him hard to the mat with a shoulder tackle. With Stylez laid out on the mat, Keith looks to the crowd for encouragement, but gets met with a mixture of apathy and some light booing from the crowd. Keith immediately whirls to face Kent in his corner, who looks just as perplexed by the hostility from the crowd. Keith thinks for a moment, then tags his brother in. Kent climbs into the ring, then grabs his brother, setting him up for a powerbomb! The crowd is confused for a moment, but as Kent gets Keith up into the air, Keith falls backwards and nails a moonsault, crushing Stylez! The brothers look pleased with themselves after the high-impact move, but the crowd is unimpressed as Kent drops down and covers Stylez for the third time: 1……………………………………..2………………………………………and Stylez throws his shoulder up at the last second, keeping the match alive! Ian Knoxx cheers him on from the ring apron as Kent looks extremely annoyed at the crowd’s support for the Irish Drinking Team.

Kent yanks Chris Stylez roughly to his feet and tries to go for a powerbomb, but as he takes Stylez up, Chris seems to snap into it. As Kent hoists him up, Stylez starts punching away at Kent’s exposed face. Kent freezes for a moment, and Stylez takes advantage by wrapping his arm around Kent Kohl’s neck and dropping him to the canvas with a tornado DDT! The crowd cheers big for the reversal as both men drop to the mat, desperately needing to make the tag first. The crowd cheers for the hot tag as Stylez and Kent both crawl to their corners – and make the tags at nearly the same instant! Keith Kohl ducks under the top rope and charges into the ring, but Ian Knoxx leaps onto the top turnbuckle and meets Keith with a spectacular missile dropkick! Kent, back on his feet, charges at Knoxx, but Ian nails a spinning elbow, then clotheslines Kent over the top rope to the outside! Keith tries to take advantage of his distraction, but Ian Knoxx blocks Keith’s punch and pulls him straight into a DDT! With Keith laid out, Knoxx calls out for his finisher, the Hard Knoxx Driver, but Keith manages to block it, keeping his feet on the ground. Off-balance, Knoxx falls backwards, dragging Keith with him into the Irish Drinking Team’s corner, where Chris Stylez tags himself in! Keith struggles and manages to drop Knoxx over his back, and seems satisfied until Chris Stylez nails him from behind! Stylez quickly grabs Keith Kohl and doubles him over before lifting him up into his version of the Crucifix Powerbomb, which he calls the Celtic Cross! He holds him for just a moment, then spikes him into the mat with the Cross! He makes the cover as Ian Knoxx charges off the ropes and nails a baseball slide dropkick through the ropes, knocking the recovering Kent Kohl flat onto his back! Frank Stool makes the count: 1………………………………………………………….2………………………………………………………3! The Irish Drinking Team have beaten the Kohl Brothers, and in perfectly clean fashion! As the Irish Drinking Team rolls out of the ring and celebrates on the entranceway, Keith and Kent Kohl just stare at each other, unable to believe the events that just occurred.

WINNERS: Irish Drinking Team

RATING: 64

CROWD: 46

MATCH: 83

=====================================================

A Secret Meeting

With the crowd still buzzing from the excellent tag team match, we cut backstage where Nick Collyer is standing alone outside a random door, looking rather conspicuous as he shifts his eyes back and forth quickly. Collyer scans around the backstage area, but nearly jumps out of his boots as a hand clamps down on his shoulder. Nick whirls around and raises his fists, but relaxes as he sees Francoise standing there with a warm smile on her face.

Francoise: Hey Nick – relax.

Collyer: Yeah…sorry about that. I’m just a little nervous….I mean, if George knew that I was running around trying to talk to you behind his back, he’d probably kill me.

Francoise: I’m sure he’d be OK with it, Nick. He’s not my keeper, you know

Collyer: Yeah, you’re probably right. Still…

Francoise: Jeez Nick, don’t worry. Now before you get any more nervous, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about? It’s gotta be important, since you’re so afraid of the big bad George.

Collyer:Well…well, I mean, you know that I’m a good guy, right? You know that it wasn’t my idea to try and hurt George! George was the best thing that ever happened to me here in RCW! He gave me a big chance, he taught me a lot, and he…well, both of you…you were great friends to me. And sure, I made a couple mistakes, but I wasn’t trying to hurt Nick when I started that fight with Sean Weldon, or when I accidentally him with that chair! You know that, right?

Francoise: Don’t worry, Nick – I believe you.

Collyer: Thank you….so much.

Francoise: George just gets really hard-headed sometimes, since he’s so competitive. He took this really personally, even for him, but I’m sure that he’ll calm down soon and see that he made a big mistake.

Collyer: Are you sure?

Francoise: He always seems to come to his senses sooner or later. You just let things run their course, and I’m sure everything will work out just fine.

Collyer: Yeah…you see, that’s the thing I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve let things run their course, you know, and they’ve gone really badly! I tried to apologize to George, and to let him chill out, but he yelled at me and challenged me to this stupid match against him, which I really don’t want to fight…

Francoise: I don’t want to see it either, Nick. But what’s your point?

Collyer: Well, I mean, letting him stew didn’t help him to calm down, so I thought that maybe if he wouldn’t listen to me….well, maybe he’d listen to you, you know?

Francoise: So you want to see if I can help to calm him down and get him to see that this is all a big misunderstanding?

Collyer: Yeah, exactly! So…do you think you can help me? I mean, I can’t think of any other way to fix things.

Francoise: Well Nick, I’ll see what I can do. George can really get sucked into one idea, but I’ll try and keep things in perspective for him.

Collyer: Thank you so much, Francoise. Really.

Francoise smiles, then strikes a mock-serious pose:

Francoise: Be assured, good Collyer, I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.

Collyer: Well, whatever ends up happening to me, I’ll always be in your debt. I mean….

However, Nick trails off as behind Francoise, we see George Sand walking in their direction, with Ian Gomes at his side. Nick quickly freezes up, and Francoise turns around to scope out the situation for herself. George and Ian are locked in conversation, and Sand doesn’t notice his girlfriend and opponent chatting it up down the hallway.

Collyer: Um, I gotta go, OK?

Francoise: Why? Stick around and listen to what I have to say about you!

Collyer: No thanks – I’ll see you later.

Francoise: Fine, trust your discretion.

Nick goes running off, and just as he disappears around the corner, George Sand looks up and sees the fleeting figure disappearing as his girlfriend looks off after him. He looks puzzled, then turns to Ian, who has a look of blissful ignorance on his face.

George: Did that look like Nick Collyer to you who was talking to Francoise?

Ian: Collyer? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would steal away so guilty-like seeing you coming.

George: …I would have sworn it was him. But whatever…Francoise, you ready? It’s match time!

Francoise: OK, sweetie. Let’s go get another win, OK?

With that, the two of them walk off towards the ring, leaving Ian Gomes standing there by himself…until Sean Weldon comes slinking out of the shadows, walking over to Ian Gomes. The two men exchange devious smiles, leaving it at that as George Sand and Francoise disappear around a corner.

RATING: 64

=====================================================

George Sand vs. Nick Collyer

With eight men qualified for the main event battle royale (and with the spot up for grabs in the Twiggy/Morgan bout still undecided), the final spot in the battle royale is on the line. Nick Collyer is the first one out and gets a mostly positive reaction from the crowd, which he seems quite grateful for. As he waits in the ring, George Sand’s music kicks up and the RCW favorite makes his way out into the Earl Polero Bingo Hall. He gets much the same reaction as Nick Collyer does – lots of cheers mixed with a few audible boos. However, Sand doesn’t seem to pay attention to the crowd’s reaction, instead focusing on Nick Collyer in the middle of the ring. Nick strides back and forth nervously as George, with a reluctant Francoise at his side, walks down the ramp. Francoise tries to tell something to George, but he simply ignores her, instead sliding into the ring and going straight at a shocked Nick Collyer!

The bell rings as the two men brawl, with Sand holding the advantage of attacking first. Sand grabs Collyer and whips him into the ropes, then nails a flipping leg lariat on the rebounding Collyer, knocking him flat on his back. Nick is up in a hurry, but Sand snapmares him to the mat, then bounces off the nearest ropes and sends a dropkick straight into Collyer’s face! George stays on the offensive, grabbing Nick’s leg and trying to turn him into a single-leg crab, but Collyer fights out of it before sweeping George’s leg out from under him! George springs up to his feet, but Nick throws both his hands up, trying to reason with George. Sand listens for a moment, then lunges forward, sending Nick Collyer skittering away. Sand doesn’t let up though, going after him again and locking up with Nick. Nick quickly gets swamped by George, who delivers a knee to the gut before throwing Nick overhead with a wristlock belly to belly, showing off his impressive strength!

Sand is still getting the same mixed reaction from the crowd as he hops up onto the second turnbuckle as Nick gets to his feet. Sand comes flying off the ropes with another leg lariat, but Nick Collyer is ready for him, grabbing him in midair and planting him to the mat with a ring-shaking powerbomb! The crowd pops for the move as Collyer makes the cover: 1…………………………….2………………….and George Sand kicks out, to the relief of Francoise at ringside. Sand pushes himself off the mat, but Nick Collyer seems to have flipped his competitive switch on. He quickly grabs Sand in a front facelock and throws a series of punches into his side before hitting a quick snap suplex on Sand. With Sand down, Collyer mounts his former partner and throws a series of punches, which gets a warning from referee Mike Hunter. Nick finally gets to his feet and draws his breath for a second while Sand struggles on the mat, wiped from Nick’s sudden burst of offense.

After a moment, Collyer lifts George off the canvas and slips a hammerlock on, twisting Sand’s arm behind his back. Sand struggles for a moment, then charges forwards at full speed before sliding under the ropes, sending Nick Collyer crashing into the bottom two ropes! As Nick leans against the ropes, George hits an uppercut from the arena floor on the outside, sending Nick sliding down to the canvas. Sand hops onto the ring apron, then hits a tope over the top rope to the inside, crashing down across Nick Collyer. Sand quickly covers: 1…………………………………………2…………..and Nick kicks out just after the 2 count to keep the match underway. Sand grabs Collyer off the mat and locks in a full nelson, looking for his dragon suplex. Collyer thrashes around and finally escapes the hold, then grabs Sand’s head from behind and bulldogs him to the mat! Collyer covers: 1………………………………………..2…………………………….and George Sand throws his arm up, getting the shoulder off the mat! Collyer gets to his feet and waits for George Sand to get up, lining up for a big sidekick attempt. He lunges forward with the kick – and George Sand catches it! Sand holds it for a moment, smiling at Nick Collyer, who smiles back, then plants his other foot across George Sand’s temple with a picture-perfect enziguri! Collyer covers: 1…………………………………….2…………………………………………….NO! George Sand kicks out once again!

With Sand down on the mat, Nick Collyer quickly runs over to the top rope and climbs, looking to nail a big impact move – possibly his shooting star press finsher – before George Sand can recover. Unfortunately, Sand recovers too quickly for Nick and charges the corner, crotching Nick on the top rope! Nick moans in pain, and Francoise looks concerned at ringside as George looks at his handiwork. He looks down at Francoise on the outside with an odd look for a moment, then climbs up onto the ropes, looking to capitalize on his reversal. Sand sets himself on the second rope, then the top rope as he grabs ahold of Nick through the legs, wrapping his other arm around the back of Nick’s head. After setting himself properly, George Sand leaps off backwards before crashing down on top of Nick Collyer with his picture-perfect fallaway moonsault press! He hooks Nick’s leg as Mike Hunter slides into position and makes the count: 1…………………………………………….2……………………………………….NO! Somehow, Collyer kicks out of the move! Sand looks distressed for a moment, then gets to his feet and signals for the Sands of Time, looking to end the match once and for all. A dazed Collyer takes his time getting to his feet, still woozy from the fallaway moonsault. Collyer gets up and walks right into George Sand, who scoops him up and spikes him with the Sands of Time in one easy motion! Nick Collyer isn’t moving on the canvas as Mike Hunter makes the count once again: 1………………………………………………2……………………………………………..3!! George Sand has gotten his revenge with a pinfall victory over Nick Collyer, and a spot in the main event!

Sand doesn’t celebrate long, pulling away from Mike Hunter raising his hand and sliding out of the ring. Francoise is there waiting for him, but her smile isn’t nearly as big as George’s, as she looks concerned for the motionless Nick Collyer on the canvas. George gives her another confused look, then gives her a tug up the ramp.Francoise snaps out of her spell and follows along, leaving a barely-conscious Nick Collyer lying in the ring, facing the lights and seeing stars.

WINNER: George Sand

RATING: 62

CROWD: 54

MATCH: 71

=====================================================

Trippin' With: John Wellington

With the final qualifying match completed, our cheap video screen displays a hastily-constructed Powerpoint slide with the names of the men competing in the main-event battle royale:

- Katsushi Takemura

- Matt Morgan

- Kid Fantastic

- Adam Flash

- Red Hot Russ

- ??? (Twiggy/Matt Morgan)

- Danny Dallas

- Chris Stylez

- Ian Knoxx

- George Sand

As the fans buzz over the upcoming main event, the Trippin’ set is hastily constructed in the ring, and Dave Tripps makes his way down to the ring with his faux-news music blaring. He gets a solid pop from the crowd as he slides into the ring and takes his seat at the Trippin’ news desk with papers in hand and a very focused look on his face.

Tripps: I’d like to welcome our studio audience to yet another edition of the hottest show in wrestling today – Trippin’ With Dave Tripps, featuring me, Dave Tripps! Tonight’s show is certain to be an extremely interesting, and possibly explosive, segment, as we play host to the talented king of self-promotion, RCW champion John Wellington!

This gets a big boo from the crowd, who clearly aren’t interested in seeing their champion make his way out there.

Tripps: However, before we begin, Trippin’ is proud to bring to you an exclusive Trippin’ news break! Here at the Trip, we have our finger on the pulse of Renaissance Championship Wrestling news, and tonight is certainly no exception! Now, those of you in attendance remember the Twiggy vs. Matt Morgan match this evening that ended in a double count-out, which left us without a winner, and a participant for tonight’s main event battle royale! This left RCW management in a difficult position: who would receive the tenth and final spot in tonight’s battle royale? Would it go to Twiggy, or would Matt Morgan win his stipulation of choosing any member of the RCW roster to take the final spot?

The crowd gets a big “WE WANT TWIG-GY!” chant going, which Dave Tripps seems somewhat startled by. He allows the chant to continue for a while, then decides to seize control of his broadcast back.

Tripps: Well, the studio audience will certainly be pleased to hear the answer that was reached by management figures just minutes ago! With no clear-cut winner or loser in the matchup, and in order to protect themselves from potential litigation by a superstar upset over being denied a title opportunity, it has been decided that BOTH men will be awarded their stipulation from the match, expanding the battle royale to ELEVEN men! Matt Morgan will still choose a member of the RCW roster to compete in his second spot, and Twiggy will be granted entry into the match as well!

This gets a largely positive reaction from the crowd, which brings a smile to Dave Tripps’ face as the Powerpoint graphic gets updated:

- Katsushi Takemura

- Matt Morgan

- Kid Fantastic

- Adam Flash

- Red Hot Russ

- Twiggy

- ??? (Matt Morgan’s chosen entry)

- Danny Dallas

- Chris Stylez

- Ian Knoxx

- George Sand

Tripps: And now, with our breaking news story covered, it’s time for our guest this evening. Our guest is one of the most successful men in Renaissance Championship Wrestling history with an overwhelming win-loss record and high-profile wins over George Sand, Kid Fantastic, and former WWF legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts, among others! He is the current reigning RCW World Champion, and will take on the winner of tonight’s main-event battle royale next month at RCW’s November event, Victory Strikes Again! Please give a warm Trippin’ welcome to RCW champion, Mr. John Wellington!

The crowd, of course, boos the holy hell out of Wellington as he makes his way out from behind the curtains and steps into the aisle. He revels in the boos while toying with his title belt, wrapped tightly around his shoulder. He makes his way down to the ring and slides in, then shakes hands with Dave Tripps and slides into his seat at the Trippin’ desk.

Tripps: Mr. Wellington, it’s a pleasure to have you back here on the Trip once again! Thank you for joining us.

Wellington: Well, I figured that it’d be good practice for me, you know? Pretty soon, when the final language in my contract gets worked out, I’ll be a big star for the WWE, so I should get all the practice I can with interviews. I mean, I have perfect charisma already, and I tested through the roof with the Miramax people, but you don’t get to be the champion without practicing, you know?

Tripps: Right, of course. Well, Mr. Wellington, going off what you said, you still seem very confident about your impending departure from Renaissance Championship Wrestling, despite earlier claims that you were on your way out the door that have yet to materialize.

Wellington: Dave, you don’t understand how this business works, OK? Sure, for the rank and file, they just grab some formulaic contract and hand it over, but I’m no rank and file wrestler! They’ve got to work out merchandising deals, corporate jet usage, that sort of thing. My agent says once they’ve got the language all worked out for me, they’ll get in contact and we’ll be in business. Makes for shorter negotiations and all, you know?

Tripps: So you haven’t been formally negotiating with them, then?

Wellington: I might as well be in there with them every day, Dave. I mean, I’ve done nothing but win, and now I’m doing it on national TV! I mean, it’s hard to tell whether I’ll be a mere superstar a legend when all is said and done, since the competition here is so lousy, but they’ve seen me beat everyone in my path with style! It’d be pretty hard for them to miss out on the hottest talent in the wrestling business today!

Tripps: I see. Well, until you can ‘get your contract’ from the WWE, you’re still representing Renaissance Championship Wrestling as its World Champion. In the main event, which is coming up next, 11 men will compete to see who will receive the first shot at your RCW World Title! These men represent the best and brightest of RCW, as they all had to qualify for the match with a victory. Is there anyone you’re hoping to see win this match that you feel you’d particularly like to square off against, or anyone you’re hoping you can dodge?

Wellington: There are so many things wrong with that statement that I don’t even know where to begin, Dave, but let me try. First of all – if you’d been listening, you’d know that I’m a lock to be gone before Victory Strikes Again rolls around. I figure RCW will be lucky if I’m still here on Tuesday for 2Night! Secondly – everyone in this tournament is still clearly below me on the ladder. I’m the champion, and none of them are worthy of getting anywhere near this belt. And third – can you imagine me, John Wellington, being unwilling or afraid of facing anybody in this dump? This is RCW – Really Crappy Wrestlers! No one here can challenge me!

Tripps: Well, there is the issue of Kid Fantastic.

Wellington: What issue? I whooped his ass, took his title, and put him back in his damn place!

Tripps: Well, you did beat him for the title, this is true. However, he was never given his customary rematch for the title that he lost, and you’ve certainly done your best to avoid giving him another shot at that title.

Wellington: Look, Sucktastic’s a lousy wrestler who has no right being near this title. Me taking the title off his waist was the best thing that ever happened to RCW! And now Fantastic has to earn another title shot by jumping through all the damn hoops that I was forced to jump through on my unnecessarily long road to the title! Now Fantastic knows what it’s like to have to deal with the red tape, and the people telling you that you’re not worthy! The difference is, I proved that I was truly better than everyone else here! Fantastic hasn’t done that, and he’s never GOING to do that!

Tripps: Well, Mr. Wellington, I know myself and the people watching are always up for listening to your perspective on things. We’re just about out of time, but I do have one last question for you. The final spot in the battle royale tonight will go to a mystery man of Matt Morgan’s choosing… do you have a prediction for who that man will be?

Wellington: [smiles] Dave, I don’t think it matters who it’s going to be. No matter who struts out from behind that curtain, only one fact will end up truly mattering: I am the only one worthy of being the RCW champion.

Tripps: OK – Mr. Wellington, thank you very much for your time.

Wellington: I’ll see you later, Dave.

Tripps: As for us, that’s all the time we have for tonight. What a long, strange trip it’s been folks. And the reason that you’re all here, an eleven-man battle royale for the RCW title’s #1 contendership, is NOW!

RATING: 65

NOTES: Dave Tripps gained overness from this segment.

=====================================================

RCW WORLD TITLE #1 CONTENDERSHIP

10-Man Battle Royale

And now, the main event. The introductions are handled quickly, with one man coming out right after the other. Takemura and Flash come out together as the first two men, both getting huge boos to start things out. The third man out is Matt Morgan, who gets a very similar reaction. The fourth entrant, Danny Dallas, gets a combination of cheers and “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!”s ringing out from the crowd. The Irish Drinking Team of Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx are competitors five and six, and they get a small pop on their way to the ring. The seventh competitor is Red Hot Russ, who gets a small but vocal group of boos from the crowd, who already have a problem with the annoying star. The eighth man out is George Sand, who gets the loudest pop of the night, despite the continual presence of a few boos from people upset over the Collyer storyline. The ninth competitor is Twiggy, who gets an extremely loud reaction, particularly from a small contingent wearing matching orange wigs to mimic their hero. As Twiggy slides into the ring, leaving Senor Naranja on the outside with Frank Stool, the tenth man, Kid Fantastic, steps out and gets blown away by cheers from the crowd. Fantastic slides into the ring, and the ten men stare each other down, with the tension laying thick and heavy. The fans, however, crane their necks towards the entrance, awaiting the arrival of the 11th and final competitor, who was hand-chosen by Matt Morgan. A few seconds of silence pass by, then music hits…

…and the crowd erupts into boos as JOHN WELLINGTON, the current reigning RCW World Champion, comes striding through the curtain! Frank Stool and Mike Hunter, the two officials, have no idea what to make of it as Wellington walks down to the ring, and the ten other competitors seem equally surprised by the move! Wellington leaves his title belt with Frank Stool, who lays the belt on top of Senor Narnaja, and slides into the ring with a microphone in his hand. The group already in the ring makes a little opening for Wellington as they stare between him and Matt Morgan, who has a blank expression on his face.

Wellington: Like I just said on that moronic talk show, there would be only one clear thing at the end of tonight: That I was the only man worthy of holding the RCW World Title! And when I win this battle royale, and become the #1 contender to my own title, I’ll have made it all too clear – absolutely nobody can compete with me! I am the alpha and the omega here in Renaissance Championship Wrestling, and tonight’s win is gonna get me an even bigger contract with the WWE! And all I had to do in exchange for it was promise Mr. Morgan here one small favor to be called in down the line – better claim it quick, Matt, since I’m not gonna be here too much longer! Now, as you…

However, Wellington doesn’t get to continue as the entire RCW roster, Matt Morgan included, launches itself at Wellington, absolutely whaling away on the overwhelmed champion! Wellington drops to one knee and tries to fight his way out, but blow upon blow upon blow rains down on his back and shoulders. Suddenly, the one figure not participating in the beatdown grabs John Wellington’s fallen microphone and chimes in.

Red Hot Russ: WAIT! WAIT WAIT WAIT! This isn’t fair! John Wellington is the RCW champion, and this is highly improper conduct to begin a match of this magnitude! The ring bell hasn’t even rung yet! Now I suggest that you all disperse to various sides of the ring and…

With that, the bell rings, officially starting the match! Everyone feasting on Wellington’s downed carcass looks up, then charges forward and nails Russ with the same offense! The crowd goes nuts as Russ gets promptly dismantled, then unceremoniously hoisted over the top rope to the floor outside, becoming the first elimination of the match!

ELIMINATION #1: Red Hot Russ, by entire RCW roster (:17)

With the match quickly down to the original ten-man limit, chaos breaks loose in the ring. Wellington, still down on the mat, gets attacked by an irate Kid Fantastic! Matt Morgan and Twiggy square off in the ring, while George Sand, Danny Dallas, and Katsushi Takemura end up in a three-way brawl in a corner, with neither able to get an edge. This leaves Adam Flash without his partner for backup, and at the mercy of the Irish Drinking Team, who work together perfectly. Eventually, Takemura breaks free from Sand and Dallas, evening the odds against the Drinking Team. No one gets much offense going early, due to the crowded ring making it impossible to move about freely. Matt Morgan has the strongest opening, pounding on Twiggy for the second time that night. He lifts Twiggy over his head and goes to throw him out, but Twiggy wraps himself around the top rope and refuses to budge! As he struggles, George Sand and Danny Dallas make a temporary alliance and stop fighting, instead charging forward at Matt Morgan from behind! The two men crash into him, but Morgan manages to balance himself before heading over the top! Twiggy sneaks away as Morgan bashes their heads together, then grabs Danny Dallas and throws him over the top rope, eliminating the up and coming RCW favorite!

ELIMINATION #2: Danny Dallas, by Matt Morgan (2:32)

Morgan goes after George Sand, but Sand manages to fight back, locking the two into battle. As they brawl, Twiggy sneaks off into the corner and rests up, feeling the effects of the brawl. However, John Wellington, finally recovered from his beating and having escaped Kid Fantastic, goes after Twiggy, trying to push him over the top. The tag team war carries on in the corner, with the Irish Drinking Team getting the advantage over Flash and Takemura. Stylez grabs his partner, Ian Knoxx, and whips him hard towards Katsushi Takemura – who ducks out of the way, sending Ian Knoxx tumbling over the top rope and to the outside, eliminating him!

ELIMINATION #3: Ian Knoxx, by Katsushi Takemura (4:57)

With his partner eliminated, Stylez quickly caves in to the assault from Flash and Takemura and takes a beating. While Twiggy and Fantastic start to get an advantage on John Wellington, and George Sand nails a DDT on Matt Morgan, Flash starts to nail the Flashdance on the woozy Chris Stylez! He nails the final chop, then steps back as Katsushi Takemura comes shooting in for a superkick – but Stylez falls to the ground, dodging the kick that nails Adam Flash flush in the jaw! Flash staggers backwards and leans precariously against the ropes, but seems to recover his balance when Twiggy comes charging against the ropes! Flash goes tumbling backwards and hits the ground, eliminating him!

ELIMINATION #4: Adam Flash, by Katsushi Takemura and Twiggy (6:12)

Twiggy continues to dart along, trying to clothesline Kid Fantastic and John Wellington out of the match, but Matt Morgan sticks his arm out and turns his nemesis inside out! Meanwhile, Adam Flash screams at Katsushi Takemura from the outside, irate over his elimination. Takemura manages to avoid a sneak attack from Chris Stylez, and the two continue to brawl. Twiggy gets to his feet and goes after George Sand, both men not wanting any more of Matt Morgan. Morgan looks around for someone to grab, with the closest being Kid Fantastic, who is still laying into John Wellington ferociously. Morgan grabs Fantastic and starts trying to push him over the top rope, and Fantastic resists, when John Wellington charges into them from behind! Fantastic manages to keep his grip on the rope, but Matt Morgan goes tumbling over the top much to the shock of the crowd!

ELIMINATION #5: Matt Morgan, by John Wellington (8:48)

Matt Morgan looks furious on the outside, but John Wellington just shrugs and turns his attention to Kid Fantastic. Fantastic fights back, and the two brawl into the corner, where they have company in Katsushi Takemura and Chris Stylez. The four get into an impressive clusterfuck, with Chris Stylez eventually emerging from the corner in the best shape. He backs up, then charges forward towards the corner with a big splash attempt in the corner, but Katsushi Takemura grabs him and throws him overhead, sending Stylez flying over the steel ringpost all the way to the outside, where he crashes hard against the ring barrier, eliminating him from the match.

ELIMINATION #6: Chris Stylez, by Katsushi Takemura (11:15)

With Stylez eliminated, five men remain in the match: Katsushi Takemura, John Wellington, George Sand, Kid Fantastic, and Twiggy. Katsushi Takemura shows some rare excitement, busting out some particularly impressive ninja pantomime in the middle of the ring. However, he clearly isn’t a very good ninja, as he never sees the bright orange wig coming toward him, like Jaws’ fin sticking out of the water. Twiggy comes charging forward and dropkicks Takemura squarely in the back, sending him tumbling over the top rope. Takemura tries to skin the cat back in, but John Wellington has no interest in that, following up with a second dropkick that officially eliminates Takemura.

ELIMINATION #7: Katsushi Takemura, by John Wellington (11:56)

With the match down to four men, the competitors pause for a moment, looking around the ring at each other: John Wellington, the hated champion, against perhaps the three biggest fan favorites in Renaissance Championship Wrestling: George Sand, Kid Fantastic, and Twiggy. The three fan favorites back Wellington into a corner, but unexpectedly, Twiggy turns and flies at George Sand, going after him instead! The crowd still pops for the fight between their favorites, while Kid Fantastic lets loose on John Wellington. George Sand quickly gains the upper hand on Twiggy, nailing a leg lariat off an irish whip, then grabbing him off the mat and hitting a chicken wing jawbreaker on the Bizarre One. Sand gets to his feet and signals for the Sands of Time. He scoops Twiggy off the mat and lifts him into the air, but Twiggy slips out and shoves George Sand into the ropes! Sand catches himself inside the ring on the ropes while Twiggy falls to the ground from the impact of the move. Suddenly, two men come charging across the ring – Kid Fantastic and John Wellington, holding hands, deliver a spectacular lariat across the back of George Sand! Between their combined might, George Sand goes tumbling over the top rope, crashing to the ground in front of the stunned crowd.

ELIMINATION #8: George Sand by Kid Fantastic and John Wellington (14:46)

To dispel any notions of a permanent partnership, Kid Fantastic and John Wellington immediately turn on each other, racing into a brawling contest, with John Wellington coming out on top. With Twiggy still out on the mat, Fantastic gets pressed into the ropes by Wellington. Fantastic fires back, but Wellington nails Fantastic with an impressive kick, knocking Kid Fantastic over the top rope – but Fantastic holds on and crashes down on the apron, just barely in the match! Wellington tries to kick away at Fantastic to eliminate him, but Fantastic reaches up and starts to pull Wellington over the top rope, like Chris Benoit did years ago at the Royal Rumble! Wellington fights for his life, but gets pulled over the top rope – and lands on the apron as well! The two men are on the ring apron, half-standing, brawling with each other as the crowd goes nuts! Suddenly, Twiggy, back on his feet, comes charging forward and slides at them with a baseball slide dropkick aimed straight at their ankles – which misses! Twiggy slides right between the two men and out of the ring! The crowd pops for a moment, but the refs make it clear that Twiggy is still in the match, having not gone over the top rope.

Fantastic grabs Wellington and tries to guillotine him on the ropes, but Wellington won’t buckle under Fantastic’s weight. Meanwhile, Twiggy consults with Senor Naranja, who apparently gives Twiggy the advice that he’s waiting to hear. With that, Twiggy climbs up onto the apron himself – but instead of joining the fray, he heads to the corner and climbs to the top turnbuckle, which brings the crowd to their feet. Wellington and Fantastic continue to fight, with both men putting a death grip on the ropes with one hand, refusing to let go, while they try and pull the other one off the apron with their free arm. As they fight, they notice the crowd’s cheers and turn to the corner – just in time to see Twiggy come flying off the top with a cross-body block! He catches both men cleanly, and all three men go crashing off the ring apron to the floor below! Both Frank Stool and Mike Hunter, in position to make the call, come rushing over to check on the three men. After making sure all are OK, both men reach down and grab the arm of the man who touched the ground last...

TWIGGY!

ELIMINATION #9: Kid Fantastic, eliminated by Twiggy (18:03)

ELIMINATION #10: John Wellington, eliminated by Twiggy (18:03)

Twiggy’s cross-body block kept him on top of both Kid Fantastic and John Wellington, who took the brunt of the impact and the eliminations! As Twiggy is announced as the winner, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd, Twiggy grabs Senor Naranja and lays a big kiss across his drawn-on lips, leaving a big pucker mark on the metal. Meanwhile, Kid Fantastic and John Wellington unentangle themselves, still stunned by the outcome, as Twiggy celebrates with Senor Naranja and the crowd as RCW Carnaval comes to a raucous end!

WINNER and NEW #1 CONTENDER: Twiggy

RATING: 59

CROWD: 55

MATCH: 63

OVERALL: 60

I've seen every episode of both versions, and I'd lean slightly toward the American version. I agree with the other people in here - the Dwight vs. Gareth comparison is really, really tough. Both characters are great, but they're clearly taking different directions with the role. Personally, I'd love to see another character on the American version that tries to capture the parts of Gareth's character that got left out in the transition.

And the US version needs to do the trivia night episode. My favorite from the British series.

RCW 2NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

==============================================================

A New Challenger Is Set

As the final RCW 2Night before Carnaval kicks off, the crowd of 188 RCW fans roars as the show kicks off. However, the audience does a quick about-face as John Wellington’s music hits, signaling the arrival of the RCW World Champion. The champion steps out into the building and gets hit by the boos (as well as a mostly-empty soda cup), but Wellington simply stares at the RCW Title wrapped around his shoulder as he makes his way down to the ring. As Wellington slides in, he takes a microphone from Joe Wheeler and begins to address the crowd.

Wellington: Two weeks ago on 2Night, people thought they were going to see an upset for the ages – they thought that I, John Wellington, might somehow lose my RCW World Title to George Sand! Even after I introduced my secret weapon, Nick Collyer, the fans still thought that George Sand could pull it off. And, in fact, RCW did witness of the great upsets in history. While they did not get to see George Sand walk off into the sunset, they were lucky enough to see their champion, John Wellington, walk back through the doors to the Earl Polero Bingo Hellhole once more!

The crowd gives Wellington a piece of their mind, but that only fuels the fire.

Wellington: I know, I know – you’re just as upset as I am that I wasn’t offered a contract by the big guys! I can only assume that they’re ironing out the details and such – what sort of signing bonus I’ll get, my use of corporate jets, and other such things. But, because of that legalese that needs to get sorted out, I am still here in Renaissance Championship Wrestling.

A “Get the fuck out!” chant starts up in the crowd, and Wellington shrugs off the boos, still looking pretty pleased with himself.

Wellington: However, even if I am stuck here, I still get to wear this strap of gold around my waist as a testament to how much fucking better I am than each and every one of you! And trust me, until the second that I get signed away, I will make sure that every single person that sees me in this building, or on television, knows exactly that: I am better than George Sand, Kid Fantastic, the rest of the RCW roster, and better than all of you!

The boos only continue at this point, but John seems to have another idea for the topic of conversation.

Wellington: Now, when I showed up here tonight, I was told that since I was still champion, I needed to have a new contender for my RCW World Title. Now, I think that the way things went last time worked out quite well. Last time, four men got a chance to vie for my championship. Four men – with only one getting a title shot. That was how things were run when I was climbing the road to greatness. Instead of being given the shot that my record clearly stated that I deserved, I was forced into meaningless qualifying matches, forced to fight in triple threats – made to jump through hoops! And far be it from me to discontinue such a prestigious Renaissance Championship Wrestling tradition as this! Therefore, at RCW Carnaval, there will be a match to determine a #1 contender to the RCW World Title held by me, John Wellington! And that match will be…a ten-man battle royale!

The crowd gives a variety of reactions to this. Some pop for the match announcement, some boo Wellington, some just buzz about the news, and others remain silent. Wellington doesn’t wait long, however, immediately continuing on.

Wellington: Now, how will the ten RCW superstars to compete in this match be decided? Quite simply – they all have to win their way in! That way, in order to get a shot at this title, they’ll need to win a qualifying match, then survive a ten man battle royale! Only then can someone be considered worthy of a match with me! Now, I presented my stipulations to the RCW committee members, and they signed off on my plan. So here on 2Night, we will begin the qualifying process for the PPV battle royale. Three men will qualify tonight, and seven more will qualify at Carnaval. And when someone qualifies for that match against me, I hope they gain a much, much deeper appreciation for the incredible stamina that becoming a champion truly requires.

And……………..scene.

RATING: 62

==============================================================

Katsushi Takemura vs. JT Stahr

With John Wellington’s announcement still ringing in the air, the first of the three qualifying matches of the night gets underway as Katsushi Takemura returns to the ring to take on the newest addition to the roster, JT Stahr. The crowd is just sitting on their hands for this one, not showing any particular doubt in Takemura to earn his way into the battle royale. Takemura lives up to their faith early, absolutely demolishing Stahr with an impressive series of chops, followed up by a vertical suplex, which Takemura smoothly follows with a Fujiwara armbar. Stahr gets a rope break and manages to even up the bout with an impressive rally, which he caps off with a spectacular spinebuster that nearly gets the three count on Takemura. After getting his bell rung, Takemura picks up the intensity, nailing a running shoulder breaker on Stahr before reapplying the Fujiwara armbar on the weakened shoulder. Stahr, clearly in a lot of pain, continues to fight his way to the ropes, while Takemura does his best to keep the athletic Stahr centered in the ring. However, Stahr manages to lunge out and grab the ropes, getting the first decent-sized pop of the match from the crowd. It doesn’t last long, however – with Stahr drained from his efforts to reach the ropes, Takemura just gets up, knees Stahr in the midsection, then delivers a stiff brainbuster squarely in the middle of the ring! He makes the cover: 1…………………….2…………………………..3! Katsushi Takemura is the first of ten men to qualify for the main event battle royale at RCW Carnaval!

WINNER: Katsushi Takemura

RATING: 55

CROWD: 29

MATCH: 81

==============================================================

A Somewhat Triumphant Return!

As Takemura and Stahr clear the ring, music hits over the speakers belonging to the striking Kohl Brothers! A few scattered crowd members react to the music, and most of the crowd joins them as Keith and Kent Kohl appear from behind the curtain. Both are still carrying signs reading “WE’RE ON STRIKE” that they had been displaying in front of the bingo hall doors at each of the TV tapings – it had gotten some odd looks from the entering fans who didn’t immediately recognize them, but the crowd was figuring it out here. The Kohls prop their signs up on the apron and slide into the ring, each grabbing a microphone from Sound Guy at ringside.

Kent: As all of you know, the Kohl Brothers, the one true tag team in Renaissance Championship Wrestling, have been on strike for the past month in response to the ridiculous conditions we’ve been forced to work under!

Keith: Nobody here in RCW respects tag team wrestling the way that we do!

Kent: Having to fight idiots like Flash and Takemura…

Keith: …Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon…

Kent: …and all the other morons that don’t have the decency to give tag-team wrestling its due here in RCW!

Keith: We had had enough! So last month, we walked out of this building, picked up our signs, and decided we were going to teach RCW a lesson!

Kent: And after being subjected to our protests, and hearing the murmurings coming from the crowd in support of our cause, it’s obvious that RCW was worried about our influence!

Keith: And we planned on continuing our protest, but then something changed – RCW brought in a new tag team.

Kent: The ‘Irish Drinking Team!’

Keith: Chris Stylez, Ian Knoxx – these two men who seem to have the same dedication to tag team wrestling that we do!

Kent: And this was enough to give us some hope for RCW – maybe, just maybe, this place would become the haven for the renaissance of tag team wrestling that we had been promised when we signed here!

Keith:So my brother and I, we put down our signs and came out here to give the Irish Drinking Team a message!

Kent: Stylez, Knox – you versus us, two on two, at Carnaval!

Keith: Step into the ring with the best RCW has to offer, and prove to us that you’ve got what it takes to be a true tag team!

Kent: We’ll both be there waiting for you, Drinking Team. But you better come prepared – just because we like your style doesn’t mean that we like you! And as always, when we see double…

Keith: …YOU see trouble!

RATING: 48

==============================================================

Matt Morgan vs. Dave Tripps

In our second match, and second battle royale qualifier, of the evening, Matt Morgan squares off against the first man he faced in his RCW career, Dave Tripps. The veteran newsman doesn’t have much more success than he did the first time around, however, with Matt Morgan absolutely dominating the early going. After a barrage of punches, Morgan hits a tremendous spinning sitout powerbomb that shakes the ring and gets a big “OOOOOOH!” from the crowd. Morgan quickly leans over and makes the cover: 1………………………2…………………and Dave Tripps kicks out, keeping the match going! Morgan keeps on the offensive, but as he lifts Dave Tripps up for the Mount Morgan Drop, he freezes – as he spies Senor Naranja propped up against the turnbuckle, staring at him in the middle of the ring! Morgan quickly jerks his head around, looking for Twiggy, giving Tripps a chance to fight back. He takes advantage of Morgan’s distraction and escapes the giant’s grasp before planting him with a double-arm DDT! Tripps makes the cover: 1……………………2……………………..NO! Referee Frank Stool points out that Morgan’s shoulder got up, and the match continues. Tripps tries to follow up with the Newsbreak, but Morgan just sticks an arm out and throws Dave Tripps down to the mat. He grabs Tripps and sets him up for the Mount Morgan Drop while turning to the corner to face Senor Naranja – who has disappeared from the corner! Morgan’s eyes go wide for just a moment, but he focuses long enough to lift the dazed Dave Tripps up into the air before nailing the Mount Morgan Drop: 1……………………..2……………………………….3! As Morgan gets to his feet, the crowd starts to stand, looking off to the side. Morgan twirls around and gets a face full of orange afro as Twiggy springboards in off the top rope and nails Morgan with a flying roundhouse kick, taking the giant down! Morgan spills out of the ring and seethes on the outside as Twiggy, with Senor Naranja in tow, celebrate in the middle of the ring.

WINNER: Matt Morgan

RATING: 60

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 67

==============================================================

Nick Collyer Backstage...

Backstage, we find Nick Collyer sitting alone in a chair in a smaller locker room, with a pair of cups knocked on their sides by his feet. As Nick slumps back against the locker, looking despairing, a knock rings out through the locker room. Nick barely tilts his head forward, but his face tightens as Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon come walking into the locker room. Ian and Sean take a seat on a bench across from Nick as Collyer leans forward in the chair, staring at the two men very intently.

Nick: Look – I don’t want to talk to either of you.

Ian: I…I can understand that, Nick. And we won’t be very long, I promise.

Nick: What do you guys want anyways? You hoping I’m gonna fight you again? Is that it? Huh?

Ian: Calm down, Ian. Sean and I don’t have any reason to have a problem with you – you see, that’s quite the large part of the reason that we’re here. We know you’re quite upset with all that’s happened in the past weeks, and we didn’t want you thinking you had any more enemies.

Sean: Yeah…I didn’t have any kind of problem with you, man. Sure, you started a fight with me, but no biggie. Things happen when alcohol gets involved, you know?

Nick: But I didn’t start that fight…I don’t think I did, at least. To be perfectly honest, I don’t remember how the fight broke out.

Ian: Nick, in the end, it’s not very important, is it?

Nick: Well…

Ian: But Nick, I understand how you feel right now. You’ve never tried to do anything wrong. Your only crime was having a little too much to drink – and if I played any role in that, I am profusely sorry. For whatever reason, George was too rash to see that. You could have tried to hurt him two weeks ago in that world title match – that was the reason that John Wellington tried that dirty, underhanded tactic, was it not? But you would not stoop to that level, would you? You called that match perfectly cleanly, just the way that George Sand would have wanted you to. And regrettably, there was an incident as you tried to uphold the rules. But George didn’t see that either, did he mate? Instead, he forces you to fight him, your mentor, your friend!

Nick: …yeah. But George is an emotional guy. That’s why he’s so good. I tried to ask him for my place back, but he just called me a drunkard. Drunkenness just gave in to wrath…what a mistake.

Ian: Fortunately, you have not received any sort of bodily wound.

Nick: But my reputation, Ian! My reputation! I was an up and comer here in RCW, and now I’m this drunken, untrustworthy wretch!

Ian: Ah, Nick – reputation is an idle and false imposition, obtained without merit and lost without deserving. You have lost no reputation at all unless you repute yourself such a loser.

Nick: But with everyone thinking that of me, it doesn’t matter what I think! I’m just that idiot who screwed his friend!

Ian: Now Nicholas, there are many men who believe this, but there is one who surely does not feel this way – the gentle comfort of the female betrays her true feelings.

Nick: Wait…what?

Ian: Nick, your general’s lady is now the general. Francoise has the key to his heart. Confess yourself freely to her, importune her help to put you in your place again.

Nick: Would…would that actually work?

Ian: I am sure that Sean and I are in agreement – she is of so free, kind, apt a disposition she holds it a vice to her goodness not to do more than is requested of her!

Nick: Well, I guess she seemed kinda sympathetic. You advise me well, Ian. I really appreciate you looking out for me like this.

Ian: In the sincerity of love and kindness, Nick.

Nick: I’m gonna go try and find Francoise before she takes off for the night – I’ll see you at Carnaval, Ian.

Ian: Best of luck to you, Collyer.

With that, Nick slowly gets to his feet and walks out of the room, looking a little shaky. Ian turns with a grin on his face to confer with Sean, but Weldon has concerned himself with the empty cups on the ground. Weldon lifts the Solo cup to his nose and takes a deep smell before turning to Ian.

Sean: Gin. And lots of it.

Ian: Even better.

RATING: 69

NOTES: Ian Gomes gained overness from this segment. Nick Collyer gained overness from this segment.

===============================================================

Fred Laney vs. Kid Fantastic

In the main event, tonight’s final qualifier for the Carnaval battle royale gets underway between Kid Fantastic and Fred Laney. Laney takes his time after sliding into the ring, showing off his burgeoning muscles for the crowd. Kid Fantastic, while having nowhere near the muscle mass that Laney does, still takes it right at Laney, unloading right after right after right into the face of Fred Laney. Fantastic manages to back Laney into the corner, then levels him with a hard lariat against the turnbuckles. Laney drops into a sitting position, and Kid Fantastic backs up before charging forward and nailing a sweet baseball slide dropkick into Laney’s face, knocking his head back hard into the turnbuckle! Kid Fantastic goes for the cover, but Laney quickly grabs the rope while throwing Fantastic off him. Fantastic tries to keep his advantage going and sets Laney up for a double underhook powerbomb, but Laney back-bodydrops Fantastic before laying the boots to the fallen former champion. Laney absolutely hammers Fantastic, with Fantastic barely able to stop the volley of punches. After dropping Fantastic back to the mat with a vicious double sledge to the back of the neck, Laney scoops the Kid up and nails a rough gutwrench suplex, sending Fantastic skidding across the ring. Laney slides in and makes the cover: 1…………………………….2………………………NO! Kid Fantastic kicks out, and the match continues.

Fred Laney stays aggressive, continuing to hammer away at Fantastic. However, Fantastic blocks a big Laney lariat, then ducks underneath an attempted lariat. Fantastic uses his speed to stay just out of Laney’s reach, then nails the larger man with a spectacular spinning wheel kick, knocking Laney down! Fantastic covers: 1……………………………….2………………………….NO! Laney EXPLODES off the mat, absolutely furious, and goes right back at Fantastic. Fantastic gets caught off guard by the barrage and falls victim to a Wonderpunch from Fred Laney, who immediately goes for the cover: 1……………………….2………………………………….3NO! Kid Fantastic gets the shoulder up at absolutely the last second, and the match continues! An irritated Laney screams at senior referee Mike Hunter, then heads to the corner and sets up for the spear! Fantastic starts to get up, then drops back to the canvas and rolls away from Laney’s attempted spear, dodging the big man’s finisher! Laney gets his balance back and whirls towards Fantastic, but eats another spinning wheel kick! With Laney down on the mat, Fantastic quickly leaps to the top rope and wastes no time, heading off with the Putdown – and nailing it! He hooks the leg and covers as the crowd counts along: 1………………………………………2……………………………………3!!! Kid Fantastic picks up the win and qualifies for the ten-man battle royale! As Fantastic rolls out of the ring and celebrates in the aisle, Fred Laney gets up and immediately goes beserk, nailing Mike Hunter with a Wonderpunch! Hunter tries to get up, but only gets a spear for his efforts as Fred Laney continues to freak out as Kid Fantastic celebrates being one step closer to regaining his RCW World Title.

WINNER: Kid Fantastic

RATING: 62

CROWD: 52

MATCH: 73

OVERALL: 59

======================================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW CARNAVAL

TRIPPIN’ WITH: JOHN WELLINGTON

While the champion might not be in action at RCW Carnaval, his presence will surely be felt in a one-on-one interview with RCW’s own Dave Tripps! What will the hard-hitting journalist have to ask the RCW World Champion? And does John Wellington have any preferences for how the night’s events will unfold?

DANNY DALLAS vs. FRED LANEY

Fred Laney failed to qualify in his first attempt to enter the 30-man battle royale when he lost to Kid Fantastic in the main event of RCW 2Night last Tuesday! However, Laney will earn a second shot as he takes on one of RCW’s newest fan favorites, Danny Dallas! Can Laney come through on his second try, or will Dallas have a shot at RCW’s ultimate prize?

ADAM FLASH & RED HOT RUSS vs. TRAVIS FINITY & JT STAHR

With Adam Flash’s normal partner, Katsushi Takemura, already qualified for the battle royale, Flash will team up with new RCW superstar Red Hot Russ to take on the athletic and exciting duo of JT Stahr and Travis Finity! Two spots are on the line for the battle royale – which team will seize them?

MATT MORGAN vs. TWIGGY

Matt Morgan has cut a swath of destruction throughout Renaissance Championship Wrestling since his arrival, but one man has failed to be impressed by his exploits: Twiggy. Together with Senor Naranja, Twiggy’s brightly colored inanimate friend, the Bizarre One has tried to ‘quiz’ Matt Morgan on what it means to have fun! However, Matt Morgan has only one thing on his mind: making Twiggy hurt! Additionally, with Matt Morgan having already qualified for the battle royale, if he can win this match, he can choose any member of the RCW roster to fill his extra slot! Will Morgan double his pleasure, or will Twiggy teach him the true meaning of fun?

IRISH DRINKING TEAM vs. KOHL BROTHERS

The Kohl Brothers consider themselves the pinnacle of pure tag teams in RCW, and have made their views very clear. However, after rampant cheating, the Kohls went on strike in an attempt to clean up the division. However, the arrival of the new Irish Drinking Team, consisting of Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx, has made the Kohls sit up and pay attention. The two teams will square off in a battle of ‘proper’ tag teams – will the Kohl Brothers win on an even playing field, or will the new guys brawl their way to victory?

GEORGE SAND vs. NICK COLLYER

This match has quite a deal of history behind it. George Sand and Nick Collyer banded together in the face of an onslaught from Adam Flash and Katsushi Takemura, and the two men emerged as a dominant force in RCW. However, a dispute arose when Nick Collyer accidentally cost George Sand his showdown against Adam Flash! Furthermore, Collyer’s straightforward refereeing backfired when he accidentally nailed George Sand with a steel chair, allowing John Wellington to retain his RCW title! With neither man aware of Ian Gomes’ machinations, George Sand demanded a match against his reluctant former protégé! Here, two former friends compete, with only one getting a chance to compete for the RCW World Title shot!

MAIN EVENT

10 MAN BATTLE ROYALE FOR THE RCW WORLD TITLE #1 CONTENDERSHIP

Three men have already qualified: Katsushi Takemura, Matt Morgan, and Kid Fantastic. Seven more will have their chance to qualify earlier in the night! And in the main event, all ten men will enter the ring, with the winner being the last man standing in the ring! Eliminations will be over the top rules throughout - which man will outlast nine other competitors and earn a shot at John Wellington’s RCW World Title?

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

RCW CARNAVAL

I really like the way this diary has started out. This is a spectacular example of how important a backstory can be to the diary overall, since it really does influence what you do in the ring. I do worry that getting Eddie's blessing so early while taking 'liberties' could hurt that interaction, though - I'm looking forward to the time when Eddie brings the hammer down about something and watching how the booking is forced to change in that regard. I really do hope that the strong connection between story and wrestling can be kept up, though - without that, this diary would really lose its strongest part.

It's hard to judge the wrestling part so early, since there's only so much you can do with four shows when you're taking over a new fed. However, I think you've established a pretty good core group of guys. Flair, Punk, Modest, Lesnar, Smith, Jericho, Danielson, and Liger seem like your top-level guys here, and you also have a solid group of guys set to work directly below them. The one thing that surprises me, though, is the lack of gimmicks. Being a fan from the old school to a degree, it seemed that Eddie would be more into some gimmicked wrestlers, which is something that FWE really doesn't have right now. The roster's set up pretty well right now, but I would like to see some future additions to the roster given something to help them stand out a little bit.

Overall, a great start to this diary, and it's one I look forward to every time it's update. Hopefully you'll be sticking with it - it's a story with a lot of great built-in plot points, and I really hope you can reach them all.

- I had brought back Sam Artino to the RCW fold last week after Steve’s departure from the company, hoping that he could help pick up the slack on the jobber scale. Of course, after watching the match, I remembered why I didn’t want him around. He did a lousy job of selling, and more importantly, he did a lousy impression of Bruno Sammartino. I wasn’t going to watch my childhood idol disgraced by a lousy two-bit hack of a wrestler – so with that, Sam Artino was released by Renaissance Championship Wrestling. Of course, we needed someone to replace him. After a couple hours of searching, I found our man:

JT Stahr (39 Over) – Stahr was able to work all styles fairly well, so he’d be great enhancement talent to have on the roster. He seemed content with his place in the RCW world too, so I didn’t have to worry about him getting all uppity on me like Steve did. JT Stahr and I came to an agreement quickly, so I figured there was no time like the present – he’d be making his debut on this week’s episode of 2Night.

========================================================

RCW 2NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 18, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

Twiggy vs. JT Stahr

As RCW 2Night kicks off, the crowd of 178 rabid RCW fans gives a big ovation for Twiggy, being accompanied by Senor Naranja to the ring. His opponent is the newly-debuting JT Stahr, who comes down to absolutely no reaction from the crowd. Stahr and Twiggy go at it, with Stahr showing some of his impressive athleticism, and nearly getting a three count on Twiggy with an impressive-looking spinebuster. Twiggy manages to fight back, however, with the wise counsel of Senor Naranja at ringside. After ‘listening’ to the bright-orange chair, Twiggy manages to reverse an attempt by Stahr at the Chocolate Thunder, his version of the Test Drive, by pushing him off into the ropes, then catching him on the rebound and planting him with a Samoan drop! With Stahr down on the mat, Twiggy heads to the top, getting a big pop from the crowd at the Earl Polero Bingo Hall. He sets up, puffs out his orange afro wig, then leaps off before nailing the Orange Crush on Stahr! Twiggy rolls over and covers: 1…………………2………………..3!

WINNER: Twiggy

RATING: 53

CROWD: 44

MATCH: 63

========================================================

Fred Laney vs. Ian Knoxx

The fans barely get a moment’s respite as Twiggy and Stahr leave the ring area before the next matchup gets underway. New worker Ian Knoxx, one-half of the Irish Drinking Team, comes out first and gets a small pop when he downs his Guinness in one impressive chug in the middle of the ring. Fred Laney, however, gets a solid round of boos from the crowd, who remember his attack on Jack from last week. The two men square off, and Fred Laney’s power is too much for Knoxx to handle, with Laney quickly seizing the advantage. After hitting a powerful double-handed sledge across Knoxx’s back, Laney grabs him and tosses him with a gutwrench suplex and covers: 1………………..2…………….kickout! Laney stays relentless, charging hard at Knoxx, who fights him off, staying at arm’s length. However, Laney manages to land a knee to the gut, then DECKS Ian Knoxx with a Wonderpunch, laying Knoxx out on the canvas. Laney charges into the corner and sets up for the spear, eagerly awaiting Knoxx’s vertical state as Ian pushes himself to his feet. As Ian gets his balance, Laney charges forward – and misses the spear past a dodging Ian Knoxx! Laney, out of control, charges straight into the turnbuckle, ringing his bell as Knoxx quickly slips in from behind and rolls Fred Laney up: 1………………..2……………..3! Ian Knoxx pulls off a tremendous upset out of nowhere!

However, Fred Laney seems less than pleased about this, popping straight to his feet and immediately laying into the exhausted Ian Knoxx with a series of stomps. As he breathes heavily, Laney scoops Knoxx up off the mat and sets him up for another spear! Laney charges forward – but gets cut off by Chris Stylez, who comes flying in over the top rope to nail Fred Laney with a dropkick just a foot away from Ian Knoxx! Laney tumbles to the mat and slides to the outside while Chris Stylez checks on his partner while glaring at Laney, who decides that he’s had enough frustration for one night.

WINNER: Ian Knoxx

RATING: 55

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 63

NOTES: Fred Laney lost overness from this match. Ian Knoxx gained overness from this match. Fred Laney didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

========================================================

Class Is In Session!

We cut backstage to the locker room, where Matt Morgan comes stepping out of the shower with just a towel wrapped around his waist. He walks across the empty locker room to his locker, where he suddenly stops. He looks around for his second, and the camera pans over to show his locker containing nothing but an empty hanger with a piece of paper attached to it.

Morgan: Oh, that motherfucker…

As I thank god for post-production editing, Morgan rips the note off the hanger and reads, with the camera getting an excellent shot of the writing in bright orange highlighter.

“Time for your first quiz! Choose Door #1, Door #2, or Door #3!”

A few brief news and notes from around the business:

- I got the second flattering comment in my wrestling career the other day – a job offer from Border City Wrestling, currently sitting as the #7 promotion in North America. Despite high Cult status, and a war chest nearly twice the size of mine at $17.5 million (that, more importantly, was NOT my own money), I had to turn it down. RCW was my baby, and I gave BCW the same answer that I gave to Les Thatcher and HWA – I wasn’t for sale

- Unfortunately, my roster was. The recently-opened Championship Contest Wrestling, which was neck and neck with me in public image, made a big signing to an open contract – Adam Flash, one of my most important workers. Flash said he had no intention of leaving his RCW commitments, but it’s never good to see one of your biggest stars working for your two biggest competitors – which was exactly what Flash was doing with NWA: Old School Rulez and CCW.

- MTV2 was extremely happy with the rating we had put up – we had basically maxed out our time slot, so everyone was delighted. I had thought about asking for a prime time slot, but six slots a week was probably the right way to go for now. I didn’t want to jump in over our heads too early, and we didn’t have enough talent signed up to written deals quite yet. Maybe in a few months, we’d be ready. Until then, though, we’ll stick with maxing our time slot and becoming the darlings of MTV2. They did ask us to improve our production values, though - it would cost us a decent chunk of cash, but it was worth it if it kept us on TV.

===============================================

RCW 2NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 11, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

Matt Morgan vs. Danny Dallas

Main eventing one day, and curtain jerking the next. Last month’s main-event winner, Danny Dallas, got a pair of dubious challenges: being the first man out after a 9/11 memorial video to open the show, and going against the as-yet unstoppable RCW monster, Matt Morgan. However, Dallas has some early success against the giant, hammering away again and again before dodging away, staying just out of reach. However, Morgan finally manages to block Dallas’ attempt at a discus clothesline in mid-“HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” before drilling Danny into the canvas with a big boot straight to the face. Morgan steps on Dallas’ chest, crushing the wind out of his chest, before picking him up into a hangman choke, further cutting off his air supply. Dallas manages to fight his way out with some well-placed elbows before springing off the ropes and taking Morgan down with a shoulder tackle. Dallas lets loose with a “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” and tries to lift Morgan for the Double D Driver (which, ironically, would be the 3D), but Morgan’s simply too heavy for Dallas to lift. As Dallas releases Morgan, Morgan goes right onto the offensive, getting control over the match. After nailing a spinning sitout powerbomb, Morgan gets Dallas up – and delivers the Mount Morgan Drop! 1……………………2………………….3!! As Morgan gets to his feet, he doesn’t seem quite happy with the devastation he’s already wrought, and starts stomping away at Dallas. Morgan scoops him up for a second Mount Morgan Drop, but the crowd bursts into cheers as Twiggy, with a orange spray-painted steel chair in hand, comes sprinting down the ramp and hits the ring! He swings at Morgan and drills the giant squarely in the head, dropping him to the outside of the ring.

WINNER: Matt Morgan

RATING: 59

CROWD: 53

MATCH: 66

===============================================

Class Is In Session!

As the crowd cheers for Twiggy, the Bizarre One calls for a microphone from ringside, which Sound Guy begrudgingly provides. Twiggy takes the microphone into the ring and poofs his orange afro wig, which still sits atop his tiny head, then begins his speech.

Twiggy: Matt Morgan – more like FAT Morgan!

The crowd takes a moment, then pops for this statement, much to the delight of Twiggy. I think that third graders would have found that joke degrading to their intelligence, which made it perfect for the Polero-heavy audience. After a Eugene-esque moment of clapping his hands together, Twiggy continues.

Twiggy: Matt Morgan doesn’t, like, understand what fun is! If he beats up Danny Dallas, what will Debbie do? He’d stop Danny from having fun! And everyone should get to have fun! Everyone except people who like ballpoint pens – they don’t deserve fun at all! And they know why! And Matt Morgan, I bet you like ballpoint pens more than any other KIND of pen!

Even our Twiggy-loving crowd can’t wrap their heads around this one and just shrugs it off, waiting for more incoherent ramblings.

Twiggy: Matt Morgan, I accept your offer to tutor you in the art of having fun! I will be your professor, and Senor Naranja will be your assistant professor!

With that, Twiggy raises the orange chair into the air – which has a big, goofy face with a giant bushy mustache drawn onto the seat. The crowd gives a huge pop for Senor Naranja, and Twiggy does a quick dance around the ring with him before setting him in the corner, with the face staring straight at Twiggy in the center of the ring.

Twiggy: Matthew Morganstein, Senor Naranja and I will be watching you very closely to see if you have understood how to have fun here in the RCofW! This will be very difficult – sometimes you will be tested, and sometimes tested will you be, and sometimes tested art thou! Tests can be hard, but our tests will be fun! And your most important test will be at Carnaval! You and me will test each other – but first, you have to pass Senor Naranja’s pop quizzes! Good luck, nagroM!

The crowd has absolutely no idea what the whole pop quiz and test thing was about, but they did figure out that Twiggy wanted to fight Matt Morgan at Carnaval, and that Twiggy clearly had more in mind for Matt Morgan (something to do with those pop quizzes), so Twiggy gets a huge ovation as he heads to the back with Senor Naranja in tow.

RATING: 59

NOTES: Twiggy gained overness from this segment.

===============================================

I Say **** Authority!

We cut backstage, where Jack is standing around with a clipboard, doing his best to look busy. Of course, I knew he didn’t have to try very hard – he had his notes from statistics on that clipboard and had been studying furiously whenever he could get a chance. TV was definitely wreaking some havoc on his schedule, but he was really good at planning out his time and working around it. As Jack pored over his ‘notes’, some off-camera noise gets louder and louder until Fred Laney, covered in a sweat and looking more muscular than ever, comes barging into the camera shot, his eyes locked squarely on Jack.

Laney: Hey, clipboard, answer me a question: Why the hell don’t I have a match here tonight?

Jack: Um…I’m not sure, Mr. Laney. I don’t really schedule that sort of….

Laney: Listen to me, you punk! I’m here, I’m in my gear, and I want a match here TONIGHT!

Jack: Well – I don’t really get to do that, Mr. Laney. I just help around here and…

Jack doesn’t get another word out as Laney absolutely decks him with a Wonderpunch, sending the clipboard flying off camera and dropping Jack backwards into a pile of equipment!! Laney’s not done yet, grabbing Jack off the ground and throwing him face-first into the nearest wall a few times. Finally, Laney gets a running start and throws Jack over the pile of equipment he originally landed on. As Jack goes skidding to a stop against the far wall of the backstage area, Fred Laney smirks at Jack’s fallen body.

Laney: You have two goddamn minutes to get someone, anyone, out there to fight me! Otherwise, me and you get to have Round 2 – and you don’t look like you’re answering the bell anytime soon, jackass. Now get me a match NOW!

Laney goes stomping off towards the ring as Jack tries to press himself up from off the ground. He has a small cut on his forehead, but looks dazed more than anything else. After shaking it off, Jack immediately starts looking around the backstage area frantically for anyone to send out to fight Fred Laney.

RATING: 53

NOTES: Jack Hawkins gained overness from this segment.

===============================================

Fred Laney vs. ???

Out in the ring, Fred Laney stalks back and forth while periodically looking up at the clock on the wall of the Polero Bingo Hall, counting off the two minutes. The crowd lends a hand, counting down the final few seconds for Laney. As the crowd hits zero, and a ticked-off Fred Laney goes to climb out of the ring, music hits over the speakers and Sam Artino comes walking out from behind the curtain, making his first RCW appearance in months. Laney nods his head, satisfied that he has an opponent, and gets back into the ring, awaiting Artino. The two men, both on the larger side of RCW employees, immediately go at it in a smash-mouth brawl, with neither man able to gain an advantage. Artino keeps going for his slowdown offense, but every time he manages to lock Laney into a bearhug, Laney frees himself and goes right back on the offensive. However, Artino manages to dodge an attempt at a spear from Laney before backing him into the corner and laying a few chops against Laney’s bare chest. Artino takes the wobbly Laney and goes for a Canadian backbreaker, looking to end the match with the Tribute right then and there, but Laney escapes once again. Artino whirls around and eats a Wonderpunch from Laney, who heads to the corner, sizing up Artino. Sam gets to his feet, but immediately takes a vicious spear, knocking him to the ground! Laney covers: 1……………………..2……………………..3!, and Laney picks up the victory!

WINNER: Fred Laney

RATING: 55

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 63

NOTES: Sam Artino didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

===============================================

The Fantastic One Speaks!

We cut backstage once again, where Kid Fantastic is standing by with a microphone in front of a fenced-off area. The crowd gets a “KID FAN-TAS-TIC!” chant up and running in the arena, and Fantastic lets the chant run for a while before raising his microphone to speak.

Fantastic: Tonight – next, in fact – John Wellington defends his RCW World Title against George Sand. And you cannot imagine how much it pains me to say the words ‘his RCW World Title.’ That title was stolen from me in a manner befitting highway robbery. Wellington cheated to win it, and then never gave me my rematch! Wellington thinks he’s being poetic, being clever, repaying some self-conceived wrongs that were committed against him! But those wrongs exist nowhere but inside your head, Wellington! Instead, all you’re doing is exactly what you’ve complained about for your entire stay here in RCW! You’re not letting the most deserving candidate, and a former champion, have a fair chance at winning that belt! All you’ve proven is that the way you spell Wellington is H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E!

The fans pop for Fantastic’s accusations, but the Kid clearly isn’t done.

Fantastic: Now George Sand is a great wrestler, and he deserves his title shot tonight. And I’m certainly rooting for him – good luck tonight, George. Hopefully we’ll be meeting in a match for that title very, very soon. But Wellington, no matter what happens tonight, don’t think that I’ve forgotten about you. You’ve taken my title, and you’ve taken my chance for revenge, but you haven’t taken away my desire!

This line gets a big cheer from Fantastic, who’s looking extremely fired up right now.

Fantastic: So John, if you keep that belt, you better know that a match with me is in your future. You can’t keep me down for long! And before you go spouting off some nonsense about Stamford and Orlando and the big time, I’ll make a little bet with you. If you keep that belt tonight, and you’re still here in RCW in, say, three months, then I get my title shot that you’ve denied me. And if you moved on – well, what the hell do you care? You said that you don’t give a crap about this place. Let’s see how confident you REALLY are, John! And have fun taking on a REAL wrestler tonight, Wellington. You’re gonna need it.

RATING: 60

NOTES: Kid Fantastic gained overness from this segment.

===============================================

RCW WORLD TITLE MATCH

MYSTERY STIPULATION

John Wellington © vs. George Sand

George Sand, with Francoise at his side, is the first man out to the ring. The crowd gives Sand a MASSIVE ovation, looking at their best chance to get the RCW Title off the waist of John Wellington. As Sand and Francoise pose in the ring, Francoise looks nervous. As George whispers to her, his music cuts out to be replaced by John Wellington’s music, signaling the arrival of the RCW World Champion. Wellington struts out into the arena with the title belt slung over his shoulder, a smirk riding high on his face, and a live microphone in his hand.

Wellington: So, George, you interested in hearing exactly what our little stipulation is tonight?

At this point, Francoise grabs a microphone away from Joe Wheeler and quickly responds, her voice tinged with anger.

Francoise: It doesn’t MATTER what the stipulation is! No matter what it is, everyone here in Brooklyn knows that George Sand is the best wrestler in Renaissance Championship Wrestling, and that you don’t have a chance in hell!

This gets a nice pop from the crowd, but Wellington’s grin doesn’t change one iota. As George and Francoise look on impatiently, the champion takes his time before raising his microphone once again.

Wellington: Well, little lady, that’s a very sweet sentiment. Well, if your ‘man’, if you can even call him that, doesn’t need the help, I suppose I should take you at your word. You see, tonight’s match won’t be a ladder match, or a cage match, or a Texas death match, or any of those things. You see, this will be a simple straight singles match – with just one tiny, teensy little twist. Mr. Hunter – yes, you, Mike Hunter!

Mike Hunter, standing in the ring, looks stunned at being directly referred to, but Wellington glares a hole into him while still keeping that grin plastered on his face.

Wellington: Mr. Hunter, your services will not be required tonight. Thank you very much – you may head to the back now.

Mike looks at George, Francoise, and Joe Wheeler before shaking his head and heading up the ramp to the back, looking annoyed at being taken off the job. Wellington waits just a moment more, then resumes.

Wellington: Well, now all we need is for our special guest referee to come out here and get this match underway! So, will the entire Earl Polero Bingo Hall, the MTV2 viewing audience, and George and Francoise especially, please give a rousing welcome to our special guest referee for the evening – MR. NICK COLLYER!

Francoise’s face is completely shocked, while George just looks furious as Nick Collyer, dressed in a referee’s shirt, comes walking out from behind the curtain. As he passes by John Wellington, he doesn’t even make eye contact. He slides into the ring, and the sullen look on his face is clear as he gets up and talks quickly to Joe Wheeler, who exits the ring. As John Wellington makes his way down to the ring, Nick turns to George and Francoise with an apologetic look on his face, as if saying ‘What could I do?’ George doesn’t even acknowledge his looks, while Francoise gives him a quick hello and an understanding smile before hopping out of the ring and setting up in George’s corner. With both Wellington and Sand now ready, Nick Collyer looks at both men before heading to the corner and calling for the bell to start the match.

Sand and Wellington stalk each other and lock up a few times, with neither man getting an advantage. Wellington and Sand engage in some technical repartee, with each man parrying the other’s advances at some weak offense. Wellington goes for a hiptoss, but Sand does a full front flip, lands on his feet, and hits a hiptoss of his own, taking Wellington to the mat. Wellington shoots up quickly and manages to overpower Sand, taking him down to the corner and laying into him with a series of chops. However, Sand fires off chops of his own before hitting a snap suplex on Wellington. Wellington gets up slower this time, and Sand bounces off the mat before hitting the champion with a running leg lariat. Sand goes for the cover, and Nick drops into position and makes a perfectly clean count: 1………………….2……………and Wellington kicks out!

As Sand picks Wellington up, a thumb to Sand’s eye halts the momentum. As Wellington gets up, he looks unhappy with Collyer, barking at the referee, but Nick just shrugs it off and orders Wellington back to the match. Wellington, looking pissed that his plan seems to have backfired, wrenches Sand’s arm and twists him around before pulling him in for a lariat, leveling the challenger! Wellington doesn’t release Sand and pulls him back up before nailing a second lariat, but Wellington isn’t don’t yet. He hoists George up and goes for a third, but Sand ducks underneath it before hitting a DDT, spiking Wellington into the mat! As Francoise cheers on at ringside, Nick Collyer makes the count: 1………………………..2……………………..NO! Wellington shakes his head and tries to get up, but Sand quickly forces Wellington into the corner and sits him on the top turnbuckle. Sand climbs the ropes himself and grabs the champion before nailing his fallaway moonsault slam straight into a pin attempt! 1………………………………2………………………………NO! Wellington just gets his shoulder up, and the match continues! Sand has a quick word for Collyer, but Collyer gives just as brief an answer and gets the match back underway.

Sand heads to the top rope, waiting for Wellington to get to his feet, but Wellington shoves Collyer into the ropes, knocking Sand off the top to the outside with a huge thud! As Collyer gets his balance back and admonishes Wellington, threatening him with a DQ, Wellington slides to the outside and throws Sand into the ring barrier. Francoise, right there, screams at Wellington to stop, but the champion tosses Sand face-first into the ringpost before scooping him up and re-entering the ring. Wellington goes for the cover, and Nick makes the count: 1…………………………….2………………………and Sand kicks out! Wellington picks Sand up and hits a Russian leg sweep and goes for another quick cover, hooking the leg: 1………………………………….2…………………………..NO! Sand kicks out again, and Wellington looks extremely annoyed with the ordeal. Wellington picks Sand up and drags him in before throwing him overhead with a textbook belly-to-belly suplex! Sand skids across the ring to the ropes, and Wellington goes for the cover: 1…………………………………2………………………….and Nick Collyer stops the count, pointing out George Sand’s foot draped across the rope!

As Collyer points to the foot, Wellington stares at Collyer before screaming in his face, then slides to the outside of the ring, fuming. Wellington heads straight for the ringside table and grabs a steel folding chair (this one is NOT painted orange) before slipping back into the ring. George Sand is starting to stand up against the ropes, trying to get his footing back, as Nick Collyer checks on his condition. Francoise’s shouts get Nick’s attention just as the champion barrels past the startled referee and winds up, taking dead aim at George Sand’s skull! He swings – and stops, as Nick Collyer grabs the chair on the backswing, not allowing John Wellington to swing the chair! Wellington’s eyes bulge out and the champion lets loose with a verbal tirade against Nick Collyer while pulling away at the chair, trying to sell the move to the referee. Collyer isn’t having any of it and continues to fight the tug of war with Wellington. Suddenly, Wellington lets go of the chair – and the momentum sends the chair, still in Nick Collyer’s hands, flying backwards straight into the head of George Sand! As Nick Collyer looks on, dumbstruck, John Wellington sprints forward and quickly doubles George Sand over before lifting him up and nailing the E. Coli Driver! Wellington covers George Sand and screams at Collyer to make the count. Collyer looks down at the situation for a moment, seemingly heartbroken, before dropping to his knees and counting: 1……………………………………………………….2…………………………………………………3! John Wellington retains the RCW World Title with the inadvertent help of Nick Collyer! Nick checks on George Sand, who isn’t moving, as Francoise slides into the ring and checks on the health of her man as well. As they check on George, John Wellington climbs the turnbuckles and celebrates with the belt that still belongs to him – the RCW World Title.

WINNER and STILL RCW WORLD CHAMPION: John Wellington

RATING: 74

CROWD: 69

MATCH: 80

NOTES: Nick Collyer gained overness from this match. John Wellington gained overness from this match.. The RCW World title has gained in image.

OVERALL: 62

RCW 2NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

==================================

Last Month's Fallout

As RCW’s first-ever TV broadcast kicks off, George Sand’s music hits over the speakers, sending the crowd of 198 paying customers to their feet. Sand, the #1 contender to the RCW World Title, makes his way through the curtains with Francoise at his side, but the smile usually plastered on his face is nowhere to be seen as he strides purposefully down to the ring. He slips underneath the bottom rope and takes a microphone, his eyes smoldering with intensity.

George: I’m not going to waste any time. Nick Collyer, get out here now.

The crowd buzzes as Sand drops the microphone to his side and waits. His wait doesn’t last long, as Nick Collyer’s generic rock music hits over the speaker system, signaling the arrival of George Sand’s ‘lieutenant.’ As Collyer makes his way down to the ring, Joe Wheeler talks the RCW fans through the incident as a video clip of the finish to the Sand/Flash match airs. Collyer slips into the ring and gives a nervous nod to Francoise, who gives a forced smile as Nick turns to face George.

Nick: George, listen, I…

George: No, Nick. Be quiet. You are going to listen to my questions and answer them when I direct you to. Do you understand me?

Nick: Um…OK.

George: Now Nick, you were aware of how important last month’s match was, correct? The implications that my match with Adam had?

Nick: Yes.

George: And you were more than aware of the no-interference and no ringside appearances rules, yes?

Nick: Yeah, I know, George…

George: So you knew not to be down there under any circumstances…so you can imagine my surprise when I look down from the top rope and see Nick Collyer with my own two eyes down by the ring! Now Nick, what were you doing down there?

Nick: OK, I can explain. First of all, I’m not gonna lie – I was kinda drunk, so I don’t remember everything perfectly. So…

George:Wait…you were drunk? Why were you drunk backstage?

Nick: Well, I had nothing to do that night, and I wasn’t going to be at ringside, so I was kinda bored. I was thinking about going home, but then Ian and I were talking, and I had a fight with my girl, and Sean picked a fight with me, and…

George: Slow down. Now first things first – you were drinking with Ian?

Nick: Yeah. We were drinking his stuff.

George: OK…well, let’s see if Ian agrees with your version of the story. Ian, if you’re back there, could you come down there? Oh, and while we’re at it – Sean Weldon, you get down here too! We’re going to sort this all out right here, right now!

The fans turn their heads, and Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon quickly make their way out to the ring, without the benefit of music. The two step into the ring and face Sand, who first focuses his attention on Sean Weldon.

George: Sean, I only have one question for you: Who started things here – you, or Nick?

Sean: It was Nick. I was walking by to find Ian, and this drunken idiot picked a fight with me. I defended myself, just like you would, and next thing I know we’ve spilled out here!

Nick: That’s a lie! He knocked me down and started going at me! I was the one defending myself, not him!

Sean: Shove it, lightweight! Learn how to drink!

Nick: Fuck you!

George: SHUT UP!

Silence finally envelops the ring as George turns to the one man yet to speak – Ian Gomes, who seems to be doing his best to stay in the background.

George: Ian, you were the only other person there. Honest, Ian – who began this?

Ian: I…I cannot speak any beginnings to this peevish quarrel.

George: Ian, give me the name of how this rout began. This cost me my match against Adam Flash – you understand how intense that rivalry was, Ian. You know. I need to know who did this.

Ian finally looks George in the eye, and George looks slightly startled at the momentary fire that gleams in Ian Gomes’ eyes. But just as suddenly, the fire disappears and Ian’s quiet, submissive demeanor returns.

Ian: I would wish but that this did not touch me so near – I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Nick Collyer.

Collyer just gapes at Gomes, his mouth slack-jawed from surprise as George waits to hear Ian continue.

Ian: This is it, George. As Nicholas and I lay at leisure, imbibing the finest of God’s spirits, his temper ran from tranquil to terrible in but a moment. Surely you are aware that Nicholas does not have a head for liquor, yes?

George only gives a simple nod, and Ian continues.

Ian: Sir, this man Sean Weldon, did entreat himself to Nick Collyer, but Collyer set upon him with determined sword to execute upon him. They, swift of foot, outran my purpose, and I was powerless to withhold further blows. But men are men; the best sometimes forget. Though Collyer did some little wrong to him, as men in rage strike those that wish them best, yet surely Collyer I believe received some strange indignity, that did later flee from him, which surely led to this debacle.

Nick: That’s not true! Sean Weldon attacked me! He came up to me with the intent of fighting me! Flash probably had him do it! Ian, you saw it! I didn't start it, Ian! I...I didn't, did I?

George: Nick, that’s enough. Ian – this is exactly what happened, correct?

Ian: I do swear it, George.

George: OK – well, thank you George, and Sean, I’m very sorry you got involved in all of this.

Sean: No problem, no problem. Just keep him on a shorter leash.

George: Well, his leash won’t be my problem anymore.

Nick: What...?

George: Nick, I love you, but after this – you’re my lieutenant no more.

Nick: But George…

Francoise: George…let’s go.

George: Goodbye, Nick.

And with that, George and Francoise slip out of the ring with their music playing, leaving Weldon and Gomes alone in the ring with Nick Collyer. As Nick just stands there in disbelief over the entire incident, Gomes and Weldon go to leave the ring, with Ian shaking his head in disgust over the entire incident. As Weldon and Gomes disappear up the aisleway, though, the camera gets an excellent shot of a giant, evil grin spreading across Ian’s face right before they disappear behind the curtain.

RATING: 61

NOTES: Sean Weldon gained overness from this segment. Ian Gomes gained overness from this segment. Nick Collyer gained overness from this segment.

==================================

Charly Manson & Red Hot Russ vs. Irish Drinking Team

The Irish Drinking Team definitely took a page out of the Sandman playbook, with both of them coming out with beers in their hands. Of course, they had Guinness – gotta be classy and spend the extra fifty cents to make the gimmick come alive. The crowd gave them a good reaction, with Stylez getting a particularly nice ovation from connoisseurs of his work on the indy scene. Meanwhile, the other new debut, Red Hot Russ, didn’t get any real reaction to start with. That changed during the match, however. Russ was constantly badgering EVERYONE from the apron – the Drinking Team, referee Frank Stool, even his own partner, Charly Manson. Pretty soon, it seemed like everyone in the building wanted to kill him. The Irish Drinking Team dominats early, but Manson finally gets an advantage over Ian Knoxx in the ring and promptly starts to celebrate in the best way that a Goth knows how: hitting the crucifix pose and looking sullenly pompous. Of course, this got a bitchy comment from Russ on the ring apron, telling Manson to shove the taunting and tag him in. This sets Manson off, who starts screaming at Russ, calling him a conformist pig who doesn’t understand. As they scream at each other, Knoxx manages to recover and knocks down Manson before heading up top and nailing the Drunk Dive, a simple bodysplash, and the Irish Drinking Team win their RCW debut!

WINNERS: The Irish Drinking Team

RATING: 54

CROWD: 48

MATCH: 72

NOTES: Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx debuted their new gimmicks (Fun Drunks), it got a positive response. Red Hot Russ debuted his new gimmick (Annoying), it got a positive response.

==================================

Trippin' With: Adam Flash

After the tag match, the Trippin’ set is quickly assembled in the ring – the new and improved Trippin’ set, that is. With the MTV2 signing, we really put together a decent set that was modeled on the MTV News setup, with some help from an MTV employee or two. It looked good, and Dave was clearly quite proud of it. As he made his way to the ring, with his news music now replaced by the MTV News music, the fans give him a warm reception.

Tripps: To the studio audience, as well as the viewers at home tuning in to the debut of RCW 2Night, I’d like to welcome you to the hottest show in wrestling today – Trippin’ With Dave Tripps, featuring me, Dave Tripps! MTV is home to one of the hippest and most current news departments in America, and Trippin’ is no exception! Trippin’ will allow every single person watching Renaissance Championship Wrestling to get to know the news and stars of RCW in a way you never thought possible! And tonight, Trippin’ plays host to a man who registered one of the biggest victories in RCW history last month at RCW Indoor Fireworks! Please join me in giving a warm Trippin’ welcome to the one, the only, Mr. Adam Flash!

The crowd fails to follow Dave’s instructions, instead meeting him with a stirring round of boos. Flash, however, couldn’t seem to care less. As he makes his way to the ring, flanked by Tizziana, his smile spans from ear to ear, and his normal entrance music has been replaced by music better fit for a parade. Tizziana keeps herself occupied, throwing confetti into the air over Flash as Adam waves regally to his ‘adoring’ fans, who continue the cavalcade of boos as the victory procession makes its way to the ring. Flash steps into the ring and raises his hands in the Nixon ‘V for Victory’ pose while Tizziana throws confetti all over the ring, getting it all over Dave Tripps in the process. As Dave tries to get confetti out of his hair, Flash takes a seat at the Trippin’ desk, still looking very content in his victory.

Tripps: Well…that was quite an introduction, Mr. Flash – welcome to the Trip.

Flash: Thank you, Dave – of course, who else could you have on this show besides me after my historic win last month?

Tripps: …of course. And congratulations to you on that win over George Sand.

Flash: Thank you, Dave. It feels SO good to be the winner – everyone out there who doubted me has to choke on it now! I’m #1! More confetti!

On cue, Tizziana starts throwing more confetti around, which Dave Tripps does his best to dodge as he tries to regain control of his show.

Tripps: Hah….yes….now, Mr. Flash, do you feel that George Sand deserves a rematch?

Flash: You’re kidding me, right newsboy? That match settled the score! I came out on top, game over! Did you think that Al Gore deserved a rematch in 2000?

Tripps: Actually…

Flash: Or did you think that the Rams deserved a rematch when they lost the Super Bowl to the Patriots a few years ago? No! I won!

Tripps: But as you saw in tonight’s opening segment, George Sand was distracted by a questionable brawl between Sean Weldon and Nick Collyer.

Flash: So?

Tripps: Well, there are a few questions around this. And one of these concerns you, Mr. Flash – Nick Collyer accused you at one point of possibly instigating that brawl. Is there any truth to that rumor?

Flash: Now they’re just grasping at straws. George Sand can’t deal with the fact that I was, in fact, the better man! I’ve been telling him all along, and now he can’t face the truth!

Tripps: So you have no problems about the way you won your match, then?

Flash: Look, Tripps, it’s this simple – myself, and the people around me, we’re all winners! Hell, Tizziana’s gonna prove what a winner she is in a moment when she fights a man right here in this ring and beats him! But now, we’re talking about me and my win – now, do you have any other questions for me or what?

Tripps: Well – no, I suppose I do not. Congratulations on your victory, however it may have been attained.

Flash: OK, that’s enough. You’re just like Sand – you can’t deal with my superiority either! Well, here’s a little taste of superiority for you!

With that, Flash grabs a handful of confetti out of Tizziana’s bag and throws it into Dave Tripps’ face. As Tripps shields his face, Flash jumps over the desk and attacks Tripps, laying into him with everything he has! The crowd’s boos are deafening, but Tizziana’s shrill voice can be heard over the noise screaming on Flash. After beating Tripps into submission for a solid 15 seconds, Flash gets back up to his feet and resumes his victory celebration, much to the ire of the fans in attendance.

RATING: 61

NOTES: Dave Tripps gained overness from this segment.

==================================

Sweatsuit Steve vs. Tizziana

I can only imagine how thrilled Steve was when he showed up at the building that day and saw the booking sheet posted. I’m sure he knew what was planned for him the second he saw it, but just to be sure, he recruited Nick Collyer to come in and double-check the booking plans. As Steve makes his way down to the ring, where Tizziana lies in wait for him, you can just see the hatred in his eyes. The match starts out gently, with Steve completely going through the motions. He knocks Tizziana down and pulls at her hair from behind, not getting too physical. After a few minutes, a low-blow from Tizziana helps to turn the tide, and the female takes the offensive against Steve. She hits a weak-looking DDT, but Steve manages to kick out at two to keep the match going. Tizziana tries to set Steve up for the Jersey Girl, but Steve easily powers out of it before hitting a snap suplex on Tizziana. Steve rolls over and covers her, but referee Frank Stool is nowhere to be seen – Adam Flash, at ringside, has him distracted, occupying his attention! Steve walks over, looking resigned, and feebly argues with Flash, who jumps up and guillotines Steve on the top rope. As Steve staggers backwards, Tizziana grabs him from behind and rolls him up: 1…………………2……………………..3! Tizziana jumps up and celebrates with a banshee-esque scream, Adam Flash jumps into the ring and celebrates with her, and Steve simply slips out of the ring and heads to the back, his face drawn to prevent any anger from being broadcast.

WINNER: Tizziana

RATING: 33

CROWD: 44

MATCH: 22

NOTES: Sweatsuit Steve was sluggish and didn't put much effort in. Sweatsuit Steve lost overness from this match. Tizziana gained overness from this match.

==================================

The Champ Speaks

After Flash and Tizziana finish their celebration and head to the back, the crowd relaxes, seemingly booed out. Of course, they’re forced to dig down deep as John Wellington’s music hits over the speakers and the champion makes his way out to the ring. He pats his title as he takes a microphone in the center of the ring and scans the building, staring out at the two hundred people gathered for the show.

Wellington: Well, well, well. Somehow, someway, RCW got itself onto national television. Now most people out there are gonna say that’s a great thing for a place like this – lots of exposure, new viewers, new fans. All that good stuff. But I think that in fact, this is gonna be the beginning of the end of RCW! You see, people are right about one thing – RCW will get a LOT of exposure now. And when people turn their dials to MTV2 and watch RCW 2Night, they’re gonna notice one man who clearly outclasses everyone else, who shines like a supernova! That, my friends, is yours truly, the RCW World Champion, Mr. John Wellington!

This shameless act of self-promotion has the crowd all over Wellington, but the champion clearly isn’t done.

Wellington: And if the average idiot fans can see how much better I am, just imagine what Vince McMahon’s gonna see from Stamford! You see, before now, I was buried in the rough amidst a load of undeserving crap in some second-rate bingo hall! But now, I’m getting beamed out to them! The only reason I’m still here is because nobody thought that anyone as good as me could be stuck in such a goddamn dump! But that is about to change, folks! Soon, RCW will be without the one competent employee it has!

A small “GET THE FUCK OUT!” chant starts up in the crowd, but Wellington ignores it to the best of his ability, while I talk to Sound Guy about censoring the chant in the 90 minutes of turn-around between the tape schedule and the broadcast.

Wellington: And this brings me to my other point….my match against George Sand. Now George, you and I had been planning on doing battle last month – but then you backed down and asked for a month-long stay of execution, which I so graciously granted to you. Then, we were scheduled to fight at Carnaval, which takes place a few weeks from now. But now, Renaissance Championship Wrestling is on television, and I’m not long for this roach pit! If we wait to do this match until the end of the month, I’ll be wrestling at Unforgiven or Unbreakable! So with that in mind, my charitable mind went to work – why not give RCW one memorable moment before the golden goose flies the coop? Therefore, next week here on RCW 2Night, I will defend my RCW World Title against George Sand, in a match with a stipulation of my choosing, as per my agreement with George Sand.

The crowd actually pops for this one, and Wellington does a brief double-take at the sound of cheers before wrapping up the interview.

Wellington: So RCW fans, get ready to see your hero in action one last time. God knows where I’ll be ending up, but it’ll surely be a little further up the ladder than this one-horse town! And George – just because I’ll be moving on, don’t think I’m taking it easy on you. I plan on walking out on this place with the only other asset RCW has – a big, golden belt.

RATING: 73

NOTES: John Wellington gained overness from this segment.

==================================

Travis Finity vs. Danny Dallas

The main event of the first-ever RCW 2Night wasn’t the most star-studded match we had ever put together, but that wasn’t a huge deal to me. I wanted to give two guys who were lower-card faces to get out there and show what they could do. I was hoping that one of them would be able to step up and move towards the upper card, so this was a big tryout match for both of them. As I set myself up in front of a monitor, the match has just gotten underway. Both men start out strong, with Dallas trying to overpower the lightning-fast Travis Finity, but to no avail. Finity uses his blazing-fast speed to run circles around Dallas, and catches him with a spectacular flipping leg lariat that gets a two count on Dallas. Danny manages to finally faze Finity with a quick jab followed up by a discus clothesline that sends Travis to the mat. Dallas doesn’t waste any time, immediately locking on a seated dragon sleeper, forcing Travis down into the mat. However, Finity manages to twist his legs upwards and fights his way into a sitting position on Dallas’ shoulders before rolling forward and getting the pin on Dallas: 1…………………………..2……………….NO! Dallas manages to kick out, but the crowd starts to get fired up over the spectacular moves.

Dallas and a heavily-breathing Finity, who seems to be losing his edge, lock up and battle, with Dallas using his superior strength to take an advantage. He backs Finity into the turnbuckles and lays a series of shoulder blocks into him. He whips Finity across the ring to the opposite corner, then sprints forward and hits a big Stinger splash in the corner! With Finity dazed, Dallas hoists him up to the top rope and connects with a ring-shaking superplex, then goes for the cover: 1…………………2…………………..NO! Finity kicks out at the last moment, and the match goes on. As both men slowly get up, Dallas goes to hammer away on Finity once again, but Finity, in a lightning-quick movement, catches Dallas’s foot and sweeps his other leg out from under him, knocking him on his back. Dallas gets up, but Finity hits a moonsault dropkick, then follows up with a standing shooting star press into the cover: 1……………………………..2……………………………3! NO! Finity can’t believe it, but Dallas did indeed kick out at the last moment! Travis gets to his feet and goes for a suplex, but Dallas blocks it, as well as a follow-up attempt. Finity bounces off the ropes and goes for a running leg scissors takedown, but Dallas gets his arms up and blocks the move, sending Finity tumbling to the mat. He pops up, but Dallas pops him in the gut, doubling him over. Dallas takes the advantage and scoops Finity up before planting him into the mat with his version of the Michinoku Driver, which he calls the Double D Driver. He hooks the leg and covers as Mike Hunter makes the count: 1………………………2……………………..3! Danny Dallas wins the first main event in RCW 2Night history! He and Finity stare each other down, then shake hands and play to the crowd as the first-ever 2Night comes to an end.

WINNER: Danny Dallas

RATING: 53

CROWD: 44

MATCH: 75

OVERALL: 55

=================================

With the show over, I was feeling pretty good about things. But as I headed towards the locker room, one figure was waiting for me: Steve Unferth, the man behind the sweatsuit. I looked at him for a moment with a bemused look, which wasn’t much of a match for the fury etched on his face.

Me: You know, Steve, I like to see better effort from my wrestlers in the ring than what you did tonight. You looked a little sluggish out there, you know?

Steve: Oh, that’s it. That’s IT, Bruce. I put up with your crap – I was going to outlast you, be the bigger man. But you’ve made that absolutely impossible. I haven’t dealt with someone this petulant and juvenile since grade school. You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself, and thank god that the locker room doesn’t see things the way I do – not yet, at least.

Me: What, is that a threat?

Steve: The only threat to this company is you, Bruce. You’re a walking timebomb. You can go ahead and blame others all you want, but when this place goes under, it’ll be your fault. It’s just a shame I won’t be here to see that. I quit.

With that, Steve turns on a dime and walks off with a sense of smug satisfaction in his step. Good riddance, I thought. A couple of editorial comments on his unprofessional behavior when I made the transaction notice, and I didn’t see a lot of work going Steve’s way over the next year or two. One more headache gone. Like I said – I always win.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

RCW “HEADQUARTERS”

Me: FUCK!

That was the result of managing to drop a box, filled with the few books I bothered to own, directly onto my foot. That just added to the list of things that were going wonderfully today. Me, being the brilliant moving professional that I am, decided to pack the largest things first. Of course, the first two things I chose to pack were the two largest appliances I own: my refrigerator and my air conditioner. Now, after two hours of loading other random junk into boxes, I was completely drenched in sweat. And when it’s 4 PM on a day with a blazing sun and through-the-roof humidity, a fourteenth-floor apartment can get insanely hot.

It was just the latest in a long line of crap moments over the course of the last month. Indoor Fireworks, our August show, had gone well from a writing point of view, but things were clearly off in the ring. The whole wasn’t nearly equal to the sum of the parts that night. As one of our fans had described it online on the RCW message board (which was a new addition to our rudimentary website thanks to Jack’s technical prowess), it was ‘one of those nights’ that wrestling promotions go through sometimes. For some reason or another, things just hadn’t come together. And that wasn’t the only problem I had that month. The hall I had rented for our October show had kicked us out, saying that they had double-booked it for that night. Also, Sophie had sent out a promo video to the wrong network this month – instead of shipping it to Comedy Central, she had stuck the wrong label on there and sent it back to MTV2, who had already rejected us once before this year. And to top things off, the new apartment that I was renting was adding $100/month to my rent before I even moved in, and it wasn’t going to be ready until tomorrow. So I was kinda stuck in limbo for the night – hopefully the people who were taking over my apartment weren’t planning on showing up until tomorrow, because otherwise I was gonna be crashing with Sophie.

As if on cue, someone rapped on the door from the outside. As I sighed and bemoaned the fact that the new occupants had rolled in, the door swung open and Sophie came darting in. She had some folder in her hand, but that wasn’t what immediately caught my eye. Instead, what startled me was her facial expression – a beaming, non-cynical smile. This was a MAJOR rarity from Sophie. She threw the folder down on the one table that was still out in its normal place, still beaming from ear to ear.

Sophie: Bruce, great news! Great, great news!

Me: Well? Don’t leave me hanging. What’s up? Did Cat Fancy magazine publish a picture of Mr. Whiskers or something?

Sophie: No, it’s not that! It’s…it’s RCW!

Me: YOU’RE excited about RCW? Now this is a first. What happened?

Sophie: You know how I accidentally sent that tape back to MTV2?

Me: …yeah…

Oh please, let this be what I think it is.

Sophie: Well, they’re interested! They want us, Bruce! This company is going to be on national television!

Me: Oh my god….this is great! We made it! What are the details!?!

As I asked, I snatched the papers off the table and started reading them myself, but Sophie’s words were still great to hear.

Sophie: They want us in a slot on Tuesday nights – putting us in the late night slot, I believe. Oh Bruce, this is so exciting!

Me: You’re telling me! This is spectacular news! Wow – we really did it, Sophie. This promotion of mine worked out.

Sophie: Tuesday’s going to be so exciting!

Me: Wait…..THIS Tuesday? You mean we’re going on the air this month? Like THREE DAYS FROM NOW?

Sophie: Well….yeah. The contract runs for 12 weeks, so basically until the end of November. And it starts on Tuesday. So hopefully MTV2 likes it. I still don’t understand WHY they have an MTV2 – was there really enough stupidity that wasn’t making it onto the real MTV that they needed to come up with a second one? It’s just silly to me.

Me: Well, I guess they didn’t have quite enough before – that’s how we got on the air! Still, I’m glad to be a part of it!

Sophie: Oh, Bruce…

But Sophie was cut off with another knock on the door. We both whirled around and looked to the door, where two unfamiliar people were flanking the building manager. My heart dropped into my shoes as I glanced back and forth between the two, then set my gaze on the manager.

Manager: Mr. Hawkins, this is Mr. Henry Trawlor and Mr. Ian Odswerth. They’re the men renting your unit now.

Me: I see….hey, Sophie, you doing anything tonight?

============================================

With RCW now entering the television era, I could use a few new employees. With the Kohl Brothers on strike, we were particularly short on the face tag team side, so that was where I set my eyes. After looking around, I found a team I was a big fan of: The Irish Drinking Team, which consisted of Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx. There was a bit of a discrepancy between how popular the two men were, but that wasn’t a huge problem in my eye. They were both great workers, and I think they’d be perfect for our tag team division. A quick look at both of them:

Chris Stylez (53 Over, Fun Drunk) – Chris, the (vastly) more over of the two, had a bit of a reputation around the indies. He and Knoxx had been part of a tag team for a while, and they seemed interested in reuniting it, so who was I to complain?

Ian Knoxx (35 Over, Fun Drunk) – Ian wasn’t quite as over as Chris, but his in-ring skills were almost at Chris’s level. The pair would be playing fun-loving drunks, in the vein of Sandman, only with (slightly) cleaner mouths. The tag division definitely needed a duo like that.

============================================

The Irish Drinking Team joined the rest of the RCW roster, which had undergone some changes in overness in the new year. The changes weren’t quite as drastic as they were before, since the workers had started to max out how popular they could get in a situation like RCW, but the entire roster had really started to move their way up the ladder. A quick look at our roster construction was definitely a lot more balanced now – but could still use a little work. Our promotion and roster broke down as follows:

Renaissance Championship Wrestling

Promotion Size: Small

Public Image: 48%

Finances: $8,956,435

Production Values: 50%

Advertising: 31%

Merchandise: 16%

ROSTER:

Adam Flash: 60 (+9)

Charly Manson: 46 (+6)

Chris Stylez: 53 (-)

Danny Dallas: 50 (+3)

Dave Tripps: 49 (+7)

Francoise: 36 (+10)

Fred Laney: 49 (+4)

George Sand: 68 (+8)

Ian Gomes: 51 (+19)

Ian Knoxx: 35 (-)

Jack Hawkins: 12 (+12)

John Wellington: 55 (+3)

Katsushi Takemura: 70 (+5)

Keith Kohl: 40 (+9)

Kent Kohl: 42 (+10)

Kid Fantastic: 51 (+6)

Matt Morgan: 55 (+5)

Nick Collyer: 52 (+12)

Red Hot Russ: 41 (-)

Sam Artino: 43 (-)

Sean Weldon: 49 (+24)

Simon Sanders: 32 (+1)

Sweatsuit Steve: 42 (+8)

Tizziana: 32 (+3)

Travis Finity: 51 (+16)

Twiggy: 48 (+5)

BIG GAINERS:

1) Sean Weldon (+24)

2) Ian Gomes (+19)

3) Travis Finity (+16)

TOP 5 OVERNESS:

1) Katsushi Takemura (70)

2) George Sand (68)

3) Adam Flash (60)

4) John Wellington (55)

5) Matt Morgan (55)

TAG TEAMS:

Kohl Brothers (Keith Kohl & Kent Kohl)

Goldon Boys (Ian Gomes & Sean Weldon)

Irish Drinking Team (Chris Stylez and Ian Knoxx)

Team Flash (Adam Flash & Katsushi Takemura)

TITLE HISTORY:

RCW WORLD TITLE:

1) Chance Beckett: 4/23/06 - 308 days (1)

2) Kid Fantastic: 2/25/07 - 92 days

3) John Wellington: 5/28/07 - 96 days (and counting)

NOTES:

1) Chance Beckett won the title in a four-way match where he pinned Katsushi Takemura. George Sand and Adam Flash were also involved.

============================================

And just because RCW was in the spotlight right now, there was still plenty of other stuff going on in the wrestling world. Now, time for the RCW BULLET POINT NEWZ~!

- A couple of longtime popular names were hanging up the boots around the business. Al Snow had announced his retirement, and finally quit the business on August 31st. Snow had been a casualty of the WWE roster cuts, and had latched on with TNA for the last year or so. Meanwhile, in slightly bigger news, Hulkamania had finally died forever. Hogan, also working for TNA, had recently dropped the NWA World Title and officially called it quits, saying that his hip and knee problems were now so serious that any further work in the wrestling ring would put him in jeopardy of losing their use altogether. That was enough to finally kill Hulkamania. We’ll miss you, Hulkster.

- And somehow, despite the great status of the wrestling business, a lot of major companies were running into a lot of trouble. Sure, the business was in a downswing – but it had dropped a grand total of 10% from its absolute peak, down to 90%. That’s still a boom period in my book. But IWA Puero Rico, the famous wrestling promotion, had filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, closing its doors forever. And they were not alone – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, down in southern California, had fired a bankruptcy warning, as had Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, or CMLL, the Mexican wrestling promotion that had moved its way into the top five wrestling promotions in the world. All of these promotions were ahead of me, and I had to say that I was hoping they bit the dust. Fewer people interested in my workers could only be good news for us.

- However, there were some people in the wrestling business who still had money. A new wrestling promotion, funded by an as-yet-unknown backer, had just opened up a day or two ago. They hadn’t hired a roster yet, but I assumed that was coming soon. That didn’t stop me from being very, very concerned, though. Championship Contest Wrestling, the name of the new promotion, had started up as a Regional company, and their public image was sitting at 49% - just 1% above where we were. Great. JUST great. At least we had TV on our side now. Look out, CCW.

RCW INDOOR FIREWORKS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

====================================

Sand’s Decision!

As RCW Indoor Fireworks kicks off, the crowd of 405 people (which positively shatters the former record of 359) goes nuts as George Sand’s music kicks up over the stereo system, signaling the arrival of the #1 contender to the RCW World Title! Sand comes out on his own, with Francoise nowhere to be found. As he makes his way into the ring, clad in his normal ring gear, he quickly grabs the microphone from Joe Wheeler before he can be introduced.

Sand: Hold on, hold on…just one second, OK?

The crowd dies down, giving Sand a silent opportunity to speak his mind.

Sand: Tonight, I’m scheduled to fight John Wellington for the RCW World Championship….

A roar comes up from the anxious crowd, who are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing Wellington lose the gold.

Sand: …AND I’m scheduled tonight to face Adam Flash in a singles match to determine once and for all who the better man truly is!

This gets a similar pop, and Sand lets it die down before continuing on.

Sand: Now, I didn’t ace math back in high school, but I do know that if you add that up, I’m scheduled to fight two singles matches here tonight. And not just two singles matches, but the two biggest singles matches of my career! It seemed like a tough task to me, but I was ready to take it on. But the people in the back who pull the strings – they saw two main event matches, and figured they should get two main events out of it!

The crowd groans as they realize they’ll only get to see one of the advertised matches tonight, but Sand quiets them down.

Sand: I know, I felt the same way. But what’s done is done. So therefore, I’ll fight one of them tonight, and one of them next month at Carnaval! The question is – which one do I fight tonight?

The crowd seems split on this one, as a pair of dueling chants kick up around the Polero Bingo Hall. One, headed by Earl’s contingent, has a “FUCK UP WELL-ING-TON!” chant going – clearly Earl hasn’t forgotten Wellington’s constant cheap shots at his humble abode. Meanwhile, the other side of the arena has a deafening “FUCK UP FLASH!” chant going, looking to see the rivalry that’s been brewing since RCW’s first-ever show come to an end. Sand looks at the crowd for a minute, listening intently, then nods his head.

Sand: Well, I think the fans have spoken. If I could get Mr. John Wellington to come out here?

Sand leans back against the ropes and waits for a moment until Wellington’s music kicks up. The champion, belt draped over his shoulder, makes his way down towards the ring. He steps into the ring, gives George a condescending look, and then takes a microphone from ringside and faces his opponent.

Wellington: Well, George, what will it be?

Sand: Wellington, I’ve had one goal during my entire tenure here in RCW: to win that belt that you’ve got around your arm right now. That’s all I’ve dreamt of. When I was out of the title picture, it was hard to even come in to work. And now I’ve got my title shot, and I’m going to become RCW World Champion.

Wellington: So spit it out, Sandy. We’re going tonight?

Sand: You see, there’s been one other thing that’s been a constant during my run here – Adam Flash and his annoyances. And when I win that World Title, I want it to be the start of a clean slate. And to have that happen, I’ve got to take care of some business first. To make sure that our match is fought cleanly…I want to fight Flash tonight, and fight you next month.

Wellington: Well, well, well, wasn’t that a fine little speech? Did your prostit…I mean, girlfriend, help you write that?

Sand: Not funny, Wellington. But you heard me. We go next month.

As Sand turns his back to leave the ring, Wellington’s hand clamps down on Sand’s shoulder. The irritated George turns back to face Wellington, whose grin has been replaced with a cold scowl.

Wellington: Not so fast there, Georgey Boy! What do you think this is? Last I checked, I’M the one that has this title belt! I am the RCW Champion, not you! And if you think you can tell ME what to do – well, you are sorely, sorely mistaken!

Sand: What the hell do you want, Wellington? I’d love to fight you tonight, but I can’t fight both matches tonight. And you heard me – I don’t want Flash sticking his nose in my business. Therefore, we fight NEXT month!

Wellington: Now George, I’m not one who likes to resort to technicalities. But as you leave me no choice….as RCW Champion, and with you as the #1 Contender to my belt, I can make you take that title shot anytime I please! If I give two hours of notice, you have to defend! So Sand, you will do as I say and fight me here TONIGHT! Besides, in a month, I’ll probably have been signed up by one of the big promotions – I don’t want to deprive you of that match you’ve been looking forward to so much!

Sand: Oh yeah, you’ll be in the big leagues. That’s interesting, though – we know scouts are around, since Chance Beckett signed with them. Guess they didn’t want any part of you though, huh?

As the crowd gives the Jerry Springer/sixth grade-esque “OOOOOOOOOOOH!”, Wellington freezes for just a moment, then shakes off the barb.

Wellington: Chance Beckett signed with RING OF HONOR! Whoop-de-do! Everyone here’s heard about what a mess that place is now! And calling Ring Of Honor ‘big time’ is like calling this bingo hall an arena!

This sets off the Polero contingent as always, and Wellington revels in his jeers before going on.

Wellington: So George, you’ve heard the verdict of the champion – you know, the guy who won the belt you never could? We fight here, in this ring, TONIGHT! Well, unless…

Wellington trails off, leaving the pregnant pause hanging out there until Sand is forced to bite.

Sand: Fine….what do you want. Wellington?

Wellington’s smirk has returned as he paces the ring slowly before addressing Sand.

Wellington: OK, George – I’ll let you do things your way, provided I get one thing from you.

Sand: Which is?

Wellington: I spent my time mentally preparing for tonight, getting myself ready to defend my crown. With my mental edge gone, I think it’s only fair that I get it back. So next month, at Carnaval, when we square off, I want to name the stipulation. And you won’t know what that stipulation is until we both set foot in the ring! That’s the condition, Sand. Take it, or leave it. It’s your choice.

Sand strikes an exaggerated thinking pose, showing off the tremendous acting range of pro wrestlers, while the crowd screams on various unhelpful advice. After a few moments, George ceases his Thinker impression and turns back to John Wellington.

Sand: So you choose the mystery stipulation, huh? OK, fine – if that’s what it takes to get the change made, fine! I’ll see you at Carnaval! Hardcore match, cage match, Texas death match, Ultimate X match, whatever you want! I’ll see you THERE!

Wellington smiles at the news and nods.

Wellington: OK, Sand. I’ll see you next month…and have fun ‘cleaning the slate,’ as you put it.

Wellington’s grin only rises as he turns away from Sand and heads for the back, his music blaring over the speakers. I guess he ‘won’ since he got his bargain. Sand just stares at him for a moment, then turns and celebrates with the crowd for a minute before heading to the back as well, with tonight’s main event set:

George Sand vs. Adam Flash – The Final Encounter!

RATING: 55

====================================

BLINDFOLD MATCH

Sean Weldon vs. Sweatsuit Steve

George Sand had just rattled off a bunch of gimmick matches, but this match’s stipulation wasn’t one of the ones he had mentioned. Sean Weldon had thrown out a challenge to take on anyone in a blindfold match, where he and only he would be blindfolded, and accepting on RCW’s behalf was my least favorite jobber – Sweatsuit Steve, fresh off his second one-month suspension. As Steve makes his way down to the ring, the disgust on his face is clear – all the better for me. Sean Weldon was waiting for him in the ring, having already been blindfolded by referee Frank Stool. Weldon stands, motion and emotionless, until the bell rings. Steve paces around Weldon nervously, trying to decide on an attack strategy, until Weldon lunges forward – and misses Steve by half a foot. Steve takes advantage and lands a few kicks, then dodges away as Weldon whirls towards where he used to be. Steve bounces back off the ropes, then charges forward – straight into a big boot from Sean Weldon, who heard the charging Steve! Weldon fumbles with Steve on the ground, but manages to get ahold of him and lift him off the mat. The stunned Steve just slumps over as Weldon lifts him into the air, then plants him into the canvas with a Dominator! Weldon crawls over and covers him – around the knees. Weldon quickly fixes his mistake, sliding up and hooking Steve’s leg for good measure as a stunned Frank Stool makes the count: 1………………….2……………………..3! Sean Weldon has won his blindfold match, and done it in lightning-quick fashion to earn the victory! As Weldon heads to the back, I let a little giggle slip out – this was completely justifying not firing him.

WINNER: Sean Weldon

RATING: 42

CROWD: 46

MATCH: 49

====================================

Fred Laney vs. Kid Fantastic

Something hadn’t quite clicked in the last match – something seemed a little off. Still, I wasn’t worried – it was time for a match between two longtime RCW veterans, and two dependable workers, Kid Fantastic and Fred Laney. They’d get things straightened out. Just as I thought that, a *THUMP!* went through the arena, and the fans burst out laughing. I whirled around and saw Joe Wheeler lying flat on his face, having tripped over the bottom rope on his way into the ring. Laney and Fantastic make their way out to the ring and get the match going – but not without more problems. As the ring bell sounds to get the match started, *DING* *DING* *CRACK* “FUCK!” sounds out, and Dan Denton, the man ringing the bell, jumps up and down holding his thumb, apparently having cracked it with the hammer. All I can do is shake my head as Laney and Fantastic go at it, trying to zone out the distractions. All in all, their match goes pretty well. Fantastic’s high-flying offense keeps Fred Laney off guard, preventing him from hitting one of his high-impact moves. However, Fantastic takes just a moment too long on the top rope while setting up for the Putdown, giving Fred Laney a chance to roll out of the way. As Fantastic staggers to his feet, reeling from missing the Putdown, Fred Laney lunges forward and nails the Wonderpunch, sending Fantastic flying to the canvas. Laney covers, and referee Mike Hunter makes the count: 1……………………….2……………………NO!

Fantastic kicked out at JUST the last second, and the match continues on! Laney, annoyed at the missed pinfall, heads to the corner and sets up for the spear, looking to end the match right then and there. He charges forward – but misses as Kid Fantastic rolls out of the way! Laney manages to screech to a stop and turns, but walks right into a spinning wheel kick from Kid Fantastic! With Laney out on the mat, Fantastic heads for the top rope once again, going for his second attempt at the Putdown! This time, he quickly sets up shop and soars off the top rope before crashing down on top of Fred Laney with the Putdown! Mike Hunter drops into position to make the counter: 1………………………2………………………3! As Fantastic celebrates, I couldn’t help but feel that it hadn’t quite gone according to the script. Between the blindfold match and this, I had the feeling it was ‘one of those days’ here in RCW.

WINNER: Kid Fantastic

RATING: 55

CROWD: 50

MATCH: 74

====================================

Morgan Hits The Stick!

The crowd, still buzzing after Fantastic’s win, does a quick about-face as the video screen flashes to life and displays Matt Morgan standing backstage. The giant has a microphone in his hand and glares at the camera before beginning to speak.

Morgan: When I first arrived here in RCW, all I wanted was a second chance, an opportunity to put my humiliation in the WWE behind me and show what I can do. And what happens? That newsjerk Dave Tripps throws it all back in my face! I tried to be diplomatic, but he just didn’t get it! So in the end, I had to show him what I came here to show everyone: Exactly what I was capable of! AND I DESTROYED HIM!

The crowd boos this, and Morgan gives a small grin while shaking his head before continuing.

Morgan: I sent my message to everyone here in RCW! Everyone with half a brain understood – stay out of my way, or face my wrath! Which is why there was only ONE man who didn’t get that message – that moron Twiggy!

Cheers rocket up from the crowd, and Morgan’s face quickly sours even further.

Morgan: SHUT UP!

While some of the crowd continues to chant for Twiggy, they get drowned out by the volume of hatred directed at Morgan.

Morgan: Twiggy decided to interfere in my business, so last month he learned the same hard lesson that Dave Tripps: When you try and climb Mount Morgan, there’s a long, hard drop waiting for you! So Twiggy, I’m going to hope that you were smart enough to get that message beaten through your skull! Leave me alone, or there’s more of the same in your future!

Another round of boos kicks up, but Morgan barrels ahead, looking to bring the promo into the station.

Morgan: And that goes for everyone else here in RCW! None of you people could treat me with some common decency! Instead, I was that stuttering sideshow from the WWE! You’ll regret that decision, believe me. You’ll regret it.

With that, Morgan drops his microphone to the ground and turns around – revealing Twiggy in the picture with a pail in his hands!!

Morgan: What are you doing here, you little….

And that’s all that Morgan can spit out before Twiggy leans forward and throws the contents of the bucket straight into Morgan’s face! Morgan screams out in anger as a gallon of orange paint splashes over his body, and the crowd goes nuts as Twiggy turns to the camera and takes a huge mock bow. As the crowd continues to cheer, Twiggy strikes a Napoleonic pose.

Twiggy: L’orange, c’est moi!

With that, Twiggy darts off down a hallway in the direction of the exit. Morgan, past the shock of the moment, goes lumbering down the hallway after Twiggy, leaving a tail of bright-orange paint drops as he goes.

RATING: 51

====================================

Travis Finity vs. Charly Manson

Finity and Manson start off with a lot of flippy-floppy ‘offense’, if you even want to call it that. After two minutes, it seems more like a gymnastics competition and less like a wrestling match. However, the good stuff starts when Manson gets knocked to the outside, followed by a beautiful suicide dive by Finity that sends Manson slamming backwards into the crowd barrier. With Manson down and possibly out, Finity looks to the crowd and throws both hands in the air, getting the crowd going. With the crowd sufficiently pumped, Finity starts a sprint clear around the ring at full blast. As he rounds the final corner, he aims straight at Manson before nailing a dropkick into the goth’s face, knocking his head back into the barrier once again. Finity picks him up and drags him back to the ring before rolling in himself and making the cover: 1……………………….2…………………….NO! Manson manages to fight up and brawl with Finity, but Finity’s incredible early burst is still in full effect. Finity whips Manson into the ropes, drops him to the canvas with a drop toehold, nails a running dropkick to his side to knock Manson onto his back, and then hits a standing SSP all in one long burst! Finity covers after the standing shooting star, and Frank Stool makes the count: 1………………………2………………….NO!

Finity shakes his head as fast as I’ve ever seen any man do it, then leaps up to the top rope. He jumps off with a missile dropkick, but Charly Manson dodges out of the way, leaving Finity to crash to the ground. Manson doesn’t waste any time, springboarding off the middle rope and twisting around in midair to deliver a picture-perfect leg drop across the throat of Finity! As Finity’s windpipe crumples up, Manson gets to his feet and raises his arms outright in the classic crucifix pose, getting some heat from the crowd for it. Manson turns and spits on Finity’s downed body, which heaves for breath (seemingly at the end of the caffeine rush). Manson heads to the top rope and sets up for his finisher, the Death’s Embrace, which is an absolutely breathtaking moonsault. Manson springs off the top rope, but as he rushes towards the ground, Finity comes springing from his prone position on the mat and plants both feet squarely onto Manson’s falling chest! Manson tumbles in a heap to the ground to Finity’s side, and the crowd goes nuts for the spectacularly athletic move by Finity. Finity, now rejuvenated, grabs Manson off the canvas and drags him into the corner, setting him up for the Finiter! Finity climbs to the top rope, hooks Manson’s head, and leaps off before planting him with the top-rope bulldog! With Manson looking done, referee Frank Stool makes the count: 1……………………2…………………….3!

WINNER: Travis Finity

RATING: 59

CROWD: 40

MATCH: 93 (!!!)

====================================

The Trap Is Set...

We cut backstage, where we see Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon deep in conversation in a corner. The conversation only pauses briefly when an exhausted Travis Finity comes staggering by, causing Gomes and Weldon to snap their heads up and glare at Finity. Travis pays them no attention and goes walking by, leaving Ian to continue briefing Sean.

Gomes: OK, so you understand when you’re supposed to make your presence known to Collyer, right?

Weldon: Yep, I got it. Think it’ll work?

Gomes: If this plan does fail, it shall gnaw my inwards, and nothing can or shall contain my soul. For that reason, dear Sean, this plan MUST work.

Weldon: All right, man. To Francoise.

Gomes: To George Sand.

The two men stare each other in the eye, then shake hands. Weldon looks around, then slips off into the backstage area. Meanwhile, Ian Gomes scans the backstage area before locking in on his target: Nick Collyer standing alone at the catering table, loitering around and looking bored. Ian exhales deeply, replaces his ultra-serious face with a plastered-on grin, and walks over to Nick, striding heavily with purpose.

Gomes: Hay, Nick! How goes it, mate?

Collyer: Oh…hey, Ian, how you doing?

Gomes: Can’t complain, I s’pose. Where’s the rest of your little menagerie?

Collyer: Oh, George and Francoise are backstage getting ready for George’s big match. I kinda felt like a third wheel in there, so I figured I’d get out of their hair. Turns out they didn’t need me on the card tonight either, so I guess it was a bit of a waste for me to even show up.

Gomes: Oh, but won’t you be out at ringside during the match? Cheer on your bloke George and all?

Collyer: Nah, I can’t be out there. Neither can Francoise. Part of this little challenge between the two sides was that neither side could have anyone at ringside or interfering. Try to find out who the ‘best man’ truly is and all.

Gomes: Oh, I see. Well, that’s right good for us then!

Collyer: Come again?

Gomes: Well, I’m not on tonight, and you’re not on tonight…but Johnnie Walker, well, that lad’s on tonight, if you catch my drift.

Ian pulls out a handle of Johnnie Walker with a huge grin on his face, but Nick’s face doesn’t have the same enthusiasm that Ian’s does.

Collyer: Not tonight, Ian. I have a poor head for drinking.

Gomes: Ah, but ‘tis a night of revels!

Collyer: Well, I already had one drink tonight – a toast with George and Francoise for good luck. After that, I don’t dare drink any more. I have to drive home tonight.

Gomes: But I have a stoup of drink here upon me – come and partake!

Collyer: Um….hold on one second, Ian. I’ve got a phone call here.

As Nick steps aside with his phone, Ian’s fake grin evaporates, leaving behind the contemptible sneer that has come to characterize him as of late. As Nick chatters away on the phone, Ian conducts his own one-sided conversation.

Gomes: If I can fasten but one cup upon him with that which he has drunk tonight already, he’ll be as full of quarrel and offense as a young dog. Amongst this flock of drunkards and buffoons am I to put our Collyer to some action.

Ian’s soliloquy comes to an end as Nick Collyer’s phone slaps closed, and a visibly annoyed Collyer comes pacing back over to Ian, with fake smile re-attached.

Gomes: Everything all right, mate?

Collyer: Just annoying relationship stuff, y’know?

Gomes: Perhaps you would prefer to partake after all?

Collyer: …you know, what the hell? I’m not in any hurry to get home now. Pass the bottle.

Gomes: That’s the spirit, Nick my boy! To a wonderful night!

Collyer: To the health of my general, George Sand!

Gomes: Yes…to his health indeed…

As Nick throws down a particularly spirited gulp of the scotch, the sick grin on Ian’s face spreads to its fullest. Ian takes a sip himself and leans back against the table, leaving the bottle squarely in front of Nick Collyer.

RATING: 64

NOTES: Ian Gomes gained overness from this segment. Nick Collyer gained overness from this segment.

====================================

A Verbal Contract

We cut to the ring, where a still-new theme song kicks up. The fans pause for a moment, then give a small pop when Danny Dallas, one of the newest RCW superstars, comes walking through the arena. He looks to both sides of the crowd, then cuts loose with a “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!,” which a few crowd members return, then makes his way down into the ring with his long strides. He slides into the ring and accepts a microphone from Sound Guy at ringside before turning and facing the 400+ RCW fans again.

Dallas: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!!!!

A few members of the crowd return the greeting again, but the majority stay silent. Dallas looks at them, shakes his head, then tries again.

Dallas: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!!!

Crowd: HOLLLLLLLLA!

Danny seems a little more pleased with the results this time, and sees fit to begin the meat of his speech.

Dallas: I may have only been here in Renaissance Championship Wrestlin’ for three shows, but I know this place! Before I got to be the guy in the ring, I was the guy in the crowd! I’ve been watching wrestlin’ my entire life, and I’ve been watching Renaissance Championship Wrestlin’ fer all of ITS life! And you know what its biggest problem is?

The crowd immediately returns to its earlier dueling chants of “FUCK YOU FLASH!” and “FUCK YOU WELL-ING-TON!” from George Sand’s opening segment, which gets a huge laugh in the ring from Danny Dallas. As the chants die down, Dallas composes himself and resumes his diatribe.

Dallas: Y’know what? You folks are exactly damn right! Those two are a HUGE part of the problem I was talkin’ about in here! Here in RCW, you've had nothin’ but people who disrespect you fansat every damn turn! Adam Flash and John Wellington, they don’t care what you have to say! Chance Beckett, you folks cheered for him and he hated all of ya right back! And of course, ya do have some pretty nice guys on the roster. But even they ain’t doing it for YOU! George Sand? Great guy, but he’s doing it for him and his little lady! Twiggy? Goddamned if I know why he does anything! Kid Fantastic – he’s the closest y’all got to someone who actually damn respects ya! But I think ya shouldn’t have to settle! HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!

Crowd: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!

With the crowd seemingly won over, Dallas’s smile couldn’t be bigger as he continues.

Dallas: What this place needs is someone who does things for all of ya, the people who keep this place open! Wouldn’t be much of a damn business without nobody ta watch it, now would it? So I’m gonna make each and every one of ya, and any other fans that might show up one day, one big ol’ promise. I, Danny Dallas, promise to look out for you, the fans, first and fore-most! Fans as good as you need someone who cares about ya! All I want in return is ta know that ya got my back when I need it? Do we have a deal?

The crowd roars its approval, but Dallas shakes his head at the cheer.

Dallas: Now there’s only one way that Danny Dallas here knows how to seal a verbal contract, as it is, and that’s with one word. So all of ya, on three – one, two, three:

All: HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!!!!

The crowd finishes the cheer, then applauds Danny Dallas as he heads for the back, but not before leaving the crowd with one final “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” before disappearing behind the curtain.

RATING: 56

NOTES: Danny Dallas gained overness from this segment.

====================================

Sand vs. Flash Challenge – Match #3

Adam Flash vs. George Sand

And now, the main event, and perhaps the biggest non-title match in RCW history – George Sand and Adam Flash meeting one on one to settle their score once and for all. Adam Flash makes his entrance first, and the atmosphere is full of disdain for Flash. As the boos ricochet around the rafters of the Earl Polero Bingo Hall, Flash just makes his way to the ring, clearly focused on the task at hand. He slumps into the corner, not bothering with his introduction by Joe Wheeler, and waits for his opponent. Just then, George Sand’s music kicks up over the speaker system, which brings the crowd to its feet. George Sand steps up from behind the curtain and into the inferno, getting met by the wave of cheers. Sand slips into the ring and stands tall during his introduction, but wears the same tense facial expression as Flash. The two men turn to face each other in the middle of the ring and stare each other down for a moment. After their staredown, the ring bell chimes, and the showdown is underway.

Both men circle each other, wary to make a mistake so early. After a series of lockups, Flash gets the advantage and knocks George Sand down. Sand pops up, dodges a Flash lariat, then grabs Adam by the arm and whips him into the ropes. Flash bounces back and eats a forearm shiver from Sand, sending Flash bouncing backwards into the ropes. Sand charges forward and clotheslines Flash over the top rope, dropping Flash to the ground outside. Sand climbs out onto the apron and waits for Flash to stagger up, caught off guard by the quick onslaught. As Flash, with his back to Sand, gets to his feet, Sand charges forwards along the length of the ring apron and somersaults forwards before nailing a flipping jawbreaker on Flash! The move has Flash completely laid out on the floor, and has the crowd buzzing for the first time during the match! To follow up, Sand hops back onto the ring apron before falling backwards, laying an elbow drop right across the chest of Flash!

Firmly in control, George Sand rolls Adam Flash into the ring. He goes for a cover, but Adam Flash quickly lays his foot across the rope. Sand grunts to himself and scoops Flash up and tosses him into the corner. Sand charges forward and lays into Flash with a running shoulder block, which catapaults a staggering Flash out of the corner. As Flash stumbles towards George, Sand takes aim and connects with a picture-perfect European uppercut, in the style of Chance Beckett, and goes for the cover: 1…………………….2………no, Adam Flash kicks out! Sand quickly gets up, but Flash trips Sand up as he goes to bounce off the ropes, dropping Sand flat on his face. Both men are on their feet, and Flash gets the jump on Sand with a series of hard rights to the side. Sand manages to block a kick from Flash and goes for a legsweep, but Flash, on one leg, jumps over the leg sweet attempt, hammers his way free, then charges forward and takes down George Sand with a hellacious clothesline!

Flash, now firmly in control, gets to his feet and taunts the crowd, which returns his abuse with a round of their own. As George Sand, dazed by the lariat, gets to his feet, Adam Flash hits a knife-edge chop, then a second, then a third! As Sand reels, Flash reels off his horrible little dance before decimating Sand with the lariat to finish off the Flashdance sequence! Flash goes for the cover: 1………………….2………………NO! Sand takes his time, but kicks out and continues the match! Sand tries to push himself off the canvas, but Flash grabs him from behind around the waist and hoists him overhead, nailing a stiff German suplex! Flash bridges into a pin, and Mike Hunter counts once again: 1…………………..2………………….NO! Sand wriggles his way out of the pin, and the match continues! Flash stands up and climbs to the second rope before nailing a fist drop to Sand’s midsection, then drops into position and locks a rear sleeper on. Flash drains the energy from George Sand’s already-tired body as the #1 contender crawls towards the rope, scraping closer. Finally, he manages to get to the ropes, forcing Flash to release the hold. George gets up and sees a Flash sidekick, in the vein of Katsushi Takemura, coming straight for his head! Sand dodges out of the way of the kick, and finds himself directly behind Adam Flash. In an instant, George Sand has Flash’s arms hooked back before nailing a vicious Dragon suplex! Sand rolls over and makes the count as the crowd chants along: 1…………………………….2…………………………..NO! Adam Flash BARELY kicks out, and the match continues on again!

George Sand seems to have had enough, and signals for the Sands Of Time, looking to end the match and the rivalry here and now! He scoops Flash up off the mat, but Flash manages to keep both feet squarely on the ground when Sand tries to scoop him up into position. Sand fights, but Flash stays grounded, forcing Sand to change strategy. An elbow to Flash’s face sends Flash falling back into the corner, and George Sand quickly pursues. Sand lifts Flash into a sitting position onto the top turnbuckle, then starts to climb the ropes, looking to nail the fallaway moonsault! However, as Sand climbs the ropes, a commotion breaks out in the entrance way, which gets the crowd (and referee’s) attention. George Sand finally notices as he sets up on the top rope and turns to look – and sees Nick Collyer there, looking rather drunk, and in the midst of an all-out brawl with Sean Weldon! George’s face turns to a look of horror, terrified of a possible DQ loss. As Mike Hunter screams at them to cease and desist from the inside of the ring, and a number of RCW staff members trickle down to break up the fight, Adam Flash takes advantage of Sand’s distraction and fires off a series of hard forearms to the face! Sand turns his attention back to Flash, but Flash manages to grab Sand’s head and smash it into the very top of the steel turnbuckle post! Sand’s head flies up after the impact, and Flash plants both hands in Sand’s chest, shoving George off the turnbuckles to the canvas below! As Sand lies there, dazed from the blow, Adam Flash slowly pushes himself to his feet from the top rope. He looks down at George Sand, then leaps off – AND NAILS THE LAST CALL! Flash scrambles into position and makes the cover as the crowd looks on in horror:

..................................ONE!!!!

...............................................................TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

..................................................................................................................................THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ring bell sounds, and a number of empty containers enter the ring as Adam Flash shoots off the canvas, his face covered with delight. George Sand stirs on the mat, not totally sure where he is, as Nick Collyer and Sean Weldon are at long last separated in the aisle by eight or so RCW employees and wrestlers, including Kid Fantastic and Sam Artino. As Mike Hunter raises Adam Flash’s hand in victory, Tizziana and Katsushi come running down to the ring to celebrate with Flash, who engulfs the pair in a giant hug! Meanwhile, George Sand gets to his feet amidst the boos of the crowd and looks at the trio, who have already left the ring and headed up the aisle, making their way through the tangle of RCW ‘security’. As Sand stares at them, Francoise slips into the ring and walks up to George, nervously embracing him. Sand looks down at her and returns the hug, but turns his attention to the center of the entrance aisle, where his gaze falls squarely on one figure hurling drunken obscenities in the midst of ten others: Nick Collyer.

WINNER and SAND-FLASH CHALLENGE CHAMPION: Adam Flash

RATING: 60

CROWD: 61

MATCH: 74

NOTES: Adam Flash gained overness from this match.

OVERALL: 55

AUGUST 21, 2007

RCW “HEADQUARTERS”

Sophie: BRUCE! While you’re in there, could you put on some tea? And maybe cut a lemon up so I can squeeze it into the tea? Thanks!

Who exactly was the secretary here anyways?

Me: Um….sure, Sophie. You want some caviar while I’m up too?

Sophie: Do you have caviar? I’ve never had it! Is it good? It always looked so gross to me, but there has to be a reason why all those rich people eat it, right? Wow, I cannot believe you keep caviar around your apartment. I feel like I’m at Buckingham Palace! Except you have roaches. And dirty laundry. And…

At that point, I just tuned Sophie’s vaguely caviar-related ramblings out of my head. She was right, though – the place was a mess. Jack was staying with me for the week, waiting for the dorms at Fordham to open and getting used to the freedom of city life. Of course, everything he was taking to college with him had taken up residency in my apartment as well. I have no idea how he managed to accumulate so much crap based on his RCW paychecks, especially with his girlfriend (now ex-girlfriend….ah, the fun of splitting up for college) to consume his cash. But somehow he had managed to fill two boxes with nothing but DVD’s. I hadn’t heard of half the movies, but Jack seemed pretty attached to his stuff. But having it sitting around, boxed up and awaiting another transport, made the apartment, which wasn’t that expansive to begin with, rather cramped. And with Sophie over for our monthly RCW meeting, I was just wondering how long until she went off on how the boxes made her feel cramped. If she was really feeling it, she’d find a way to tie it into her shingles. And with that, I headed back into the room.

Me: Water’s boiling now, and the lemon slices await their impending doom. Now while we wait on the tea, how’s RCW looking from your point of view?

Sophie: Not nearly as good since you took that title buckle off Kid Fantastic.

Me: It’s a title BELT, Sophie.

Sophie:: Belts have buckles, don't they! And Fantastic looked so adorable with that gold. But John Wellington – what a low-brow ninny!

Me: Ninny?

Sophie: I walked past him the other day, and he was in the middle of telling some story about a ‘heiney-punch’…but he didn’t use the word heiney, that’s for sure!

Me: Oh, I’m sure he was just joking around with the boys. And for the record, I think he’s doing a great job as champion.

Sophie: I’m sure he’s making us look much classier. Are you going to give Kid Fantastic the title back soon?

Me: Who knows? The future holds many mysterious comings and goings…

Sophie: Whatever. At least we’re doing well financially. You’ve been making lots of money lately – we’ve almost made up all the debt we took at the beginning.

Me: Great! Do we have enough profit to, say…..up the ad budget again?

Sophie: AGAIN? All you do is increase the ad budget! How about you increase your Sophie budget sometime!

Me: Hey, I bought you that chair!

Sophie: And you better keep that kind of thing up, Bruce! I had to tell my family at the Fourth of July cookout that I was working for a WRESTLING company! I think my sister almost dropped dead right then and there!

Me: I bet your nephews like you more now, though.

Sophie: Hmph….well, I suppose we can increase your precious advertising budget a tad. But not too much, Bruce!

Me: I know, I know. Just a couple of percentage points. Besides, you’ve seen that the market peaked and started to head down. We need to get as much publicity as we can while the market’s being good to us, right?

Sophie: Yes, it would be a shame if wacko wrestling fans in other areas didn’t know about our band of traveling thugs.

Me: That’s the spirit! Now, did you process the contract paperwork for the new guy I sent you?

Sophie: Yeah, I just put that through. What was his name again? Iron Red Ross or something?

Me: Close….Red Hot Russ. I think he’s a great addition to the roster.

Sophie: What are you going to have him do? Maybe he could be a wrestling clown! Has anyone thought of that before?

Me: Um….yeah, I think someone did that. But I already have a plan laid out for him. I really want this guy to be the most obnoxious person you’ve ever run into.

Sophie: I can only imagine what kinds of awful things you’ll have him doing.

Me: Nothing too bad. And did you process Matt Morgan’s new written contract?

Sophie: Yes, I got that as well. I thought you said he had been a big star? Why did he decide to sign a written contract with us?

Me: Well, Morgan really likes the way we’ve booked him so far. He really wants to rebuild his image, and he trusts us to keep it up.

Sophie: What was wrong with his image before?

Me: The WWE, where he worked before – they’re the ones with Hulk Hogan, by the way – gave him a gimmick where he stuttered. Totally killed his heat.

Sophie: That is awful! My cousin Rebecca, SHE used to have a stuttering problem! It took her a lot of work to get over it, you know? Week after week, she would do her speech exercises, trying…

Me: But yeah, Morgan signed on with us for a year. The more, the merrier. And what’s the news for the other promotions?

Sophie: Let me see….I have a file around here somewhere….

Sophie digs around, then pulls out a file labeled “OTHER IDIOTS STUPID ENOUGH TO DO THIS.” All I can do is shake my head as Sophie pulls out a sheet of paper and takes a look.

Sophie: Let me see….ah, you remember those people that you put in touch with Earl, right?

Me: Oh, yeah….Chaotic Wrestling. Didn’t they do their first New York show last week?

Sophie: Yep, they ran it over at Earl’s place. It looks like it worked out very well for them – they think they might be ready to move up the ladder after it. And they liked it so much that they’re thinking of making Brooklyn their new home. They said ‘it was much better than any of the shows we ran up in New England.’

Me: Great! Earl’s gotta be delighted about that.

Sophie: And Ring of Honor moved up to National level for the third time.

Me: They better not steal anyone. The first time they moved up, they signed Lauderdale away from us, and the second time they moved up, they stole Chance Beckett.

Sophie: But you’ve got other great guys to replace them, like Kid Fantastic! And…who was it? Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Rob?

Me: Red Hot Russ, Sophie. You’ll get it.

Sophie: So…Bruce….

Me: What is it, Sophie?

Sophie: Well, I want to ask you something. And I don’t mean to pry…

That means that she really, really wanted to pry.

Sophie: …but I thought that you said that this apartment was going to be a temporary stop. A few months, and then you’d move into a new place and get a new life going. But here you are, almost a year and a half later, and you’re still in this apartment, with boxes and dirty things everywhere….

Me: Hey, a lot of that stuff is Jack’s!

Sophie: …and you just don’t seem to have moved on! Have…have you even seen a woman since you left Ellen?

Me: …

The short answer? No. No I hadn’t. And the thought hadn’t really crossed my mind either. In fact, it wasn’t just women I had neglected. Ellen and I had anticipated a fierce battle for the friends we had accumulated over the years, but it didn’t turn out that way at all. I really didn’t put up a fight. She won by default. Outside of contact with Sophie, Jack, and the RCW workers, the closest thing I had to friends were the regulars down at Hank’s. It’s never a good sign when you have to ask yourself, “Does he count as a friend if I only call him by a description, and not a name?” Eventually I had settled it that Mustache McOverbite was definitely my friend, but I wasn’t so sure about Droopy O’Eye.

Sophie: Bruce, you should be doing something with yourself. How many nights this week have you sat here, by yourself, watching god-knows-what on that television of yours?

Me: Well….

Sophie: You know, one of my friends from my bridge club who’s about your age – she got divorced six months ago. Maybe you could talk to her and see if you wanted to…get together, maybe?

Me: I don’t think that’s such a great idea, Sophie. I really appreciate the thought, I really do, but…

Sophie:: But what?

Me: Well, I….

At that moment, I got the best ‘saved by the bell’ feeling I’ve ever had in my life. The door clicked open, and in walked Jack. He had gone out for lunch to meet a friend, and I hadn’t been expecting him back so soon. And his arrival couldn’t have worked out better for me. I jumped off the hot seat to go grab the tea from the kitchen as Sophie shifted her attention to Jack. Sophie LOVED Jack. Every time he came into my office back at Fidelity, she would barrage him with questions. Because of this behavior, of course, Jack didn’t feel the same way about Sophie. When he saw Sophie sitting there, the look on his face made it clear he was in for another inquisition.

Sophie: Jack! I haven’t seen you in so long!

Jack: Oh…hi Sophie.

Sophie: You’ve gotten so big….and so handsome! You must be making that young lady you were dating….what was her name? Mandy, was it? She must be so taken with you!

Jack: She was…but we kinda aren’t seeing each other any more.

Sophie: Oh, now that’s a shame. I was just telling your father how important it is it have a good partner on your arm – wasn’t I, Bruce?

I just kept silent in the kitchen, and listened to Sophie’s sonic assault on Jack. As I poured out the tea for Sophie, I couldn’t get what she had said out of my head. I really had become a recluse. And even on my own, I really was terrified of being a Hank’s regular. I had tried changing bars, but that just didn’t work out for me. Plus, it was clearly missing the point. I had to get out there and get to be around people again, people who I didn’t name by mustache and who said something more than “Another round?” to me. God knows how I was going to do it – but as long as I kept RCW running like the smooth engine it was, I figured I could take care of something as easy as meeting people. Right? Right?

=========================================

And, just to give him a proper introduction….

Red Hot Russ (41 Over) – Russ was going to be used as ‘that guy.’ You all know ‘that guy’ – the one who manages to annoy you in every conceivable way while being oblivious to it. And he wasn’t just going to be that guy – he was going to be ‘that guy who worries about not getting attention and losing his spot.’ Imagine something like Dwight from The Office. We’ll see how that works.

=========================================

OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW INDOOR FIREWORKS!

RCW WORLD TITLE MATCH

JOHN WELLINGTON © vs. GEORGE SAND

George Sand won a four-way bout two months ago against the best title competitors that RCW had to offer, and now he cashes in against the World Champion, Mr. John Wellington. Wellington has defended his title twice in a pair of ‘surprise’ matches against legend Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and ‘The Face of RCW’, Twiggy. However, this opponent is no surprise – will George Sand finally taste RCW gold, or will Wellington keep his belt?

SAND vs. FLASH CHALLENGE – MATCH #3

GEORGE SAND vs. ADAM FLASH

However, George Sand appears to be a busy man tonight. With Tizziana besting Francoise, and Nick Collyer pinning Katsushi Takemura, the Team Sand vs. Team Flash challenge is deadlocked at 1-all. In this, the deciding match, these two long-time rivals will collide to determine which one is truly the better man! How will George Sand deal with having two huge matches in one night? And will Adam Flash take advantage of this fact? The only way to know is to watch!

BLINDFOLD MATCH

SEAN WELDON vs. SWEATSUIT STEVE

Renaissance Championship Wrestling has prided itself of the level of competition displayed within its ranks. And new addition Sean Weldon is no exception. So confident is Weldon in his skills that he believes that he can beat anyone on the RCW roster, even while blindfolded! To represent RCW, founding member Sweatsuit Steve has stepped up, looking to prove that Weldon can’t go around making outrageous claims. Who will come out on top?

AND MORE!

Kid Fantastic is scheduled to be in attendance tonight, and in action against last month’s four-way winner Fred Laney! Will Fantastic get back on the right track? And Matt Morgan will also be at Indoor Fireworks – but will Twiggy, who was destroyed by Morgan last month, be there waiting for him? Also, you’ll se Travis Finity, Danny Dallas, Charly Manson, and more of your favorite RCW superstars! So buy your tickets for RCW Indoor Fireworks now – tickets are at an all-time high demand, so purchase now at (212) 482-3825 or at http://www.earlpolerobingohall.com/wrestling/rcw!

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007

RCW INDOOR FIREWORKS!

RCW BASTARDS ON PARADE

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

================================

STTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTRIKE TWO!

As Sound Guy was in the ring completing the checkups in the ring, the crowd of 359 starts to turn around as the Kohl Brothers, without music, make their way down to the ring. Sound Guy and Jack, who are down at ringside, look confused as the Kohls slide into the ring. They notice two microphones sticking out of Sound Guy’s pockts and quickly rip them away from him. As Sound Guy complains, Kent just points outside the ring. After a quick argument, Jack and Sound Guy file out, leaving the Kohl Brothers alone in the ring.

Kent: OK, people, that’s it!

Keith: We’ve come out here month after month…

Kent: …busting our asses to win…

Keith: …and to put on a show for you…

Both: BUT NO MORE!

The crowd murmurs amongst itself, but the confused reaction clearly wasn’t the Kohls were looking for.

Kent: What’s this? You aren’t saddened by this?

Keith: We came out here to prove that we were the best tag team wrestlers in the world!

Kent: And we never got to display our true talents!

Keith: In a fair fight, nobody would have stood a chance against us!

Kent: Instead, everyone was out to take us down no matter what!

Keith: They cheated, they lied, they did whatever it took to walk out with a tainted, worthless win!

Kent: That, people, is NOT tag-team wrestling!

Keith: And until Renaissance Championship Wrestling has a tag-team division worth competing in, we’re OUT!

Kent: That’s right! As of this moment, the Kohl Brothers are ON STRIKE!

With that, the Kohls drop their microphones and head for the back as the crowd gives an odd, eclectic mixture of responses. Some cheers, some boos, some isolated chants, and a bunch of dead silence mingle as Keith and Kent disappear behind the apron and head for the back.

RATING: 42

================================

A Challenge Is Made!

With the impromptu strike out of the way, RCW Bastards On Parade gets officially underway as George Sand’s music kicks up! The crowd pops for the #1 contender as George Sand, his girlfriend/manager Francoise, and his ‘lieutenant’ Nick Collyer make their way out into the runway and down to the ring. When they reach the ring, Nick Collyer and George Sand pose on the turnbuckles as Francoise takes a microphone from the new addition to the RCW family, road agent Dan Denton, and sets up shop in the middle of the ring, flanked by her warriors.

Francoise: The RCW faithful that have come out here each and every month – they’ve seen a lot of things here. They’ve seen some of the best wrestling in the world! They’ve seen some of the most charismatic wrestlers in the world! They’ve seen the RCW MVP, Chance Beckett, come and go. They saw Matt Morgan and Jake Roberts show up. But there’s one thing they always get stuck seeing – Adam Flash making an ass out of himself!

This gets a big pop from the crowd, and Francoise plays it perfectly, giving the crowd just enough time to crest before continuing on.

Francoise: Adam Flash and his little menagerie that he has following him around has made a mess of RCW since day one! I know I’m sick of it, George is sick of it, Nick is sick of it, and I’m willing to bet that all of you are sick of it too!

Another requisite cheer comes up from the crowd, and a “FUCK YOU FLASH! FUCK YOU FLASH!” also rises up from the crowd, led by the only man who would get such a chant going – Earl Polero.

Francoise: Well, George and I have been talking. We’re sick of Adam Flash’s stunts, and we’re sick of him obsessing over us! This rivalry has been completely one-sided, but Adam Flash refuses to let it go!

At this point, George Sand steps forward and speaks into the mic, cutting Francoise off.

George: I’ve beaten Adam Flash one-on-one! Nick Collyer and myself have pinned Katsushi Takemura! Francoise was on her way to defeating Tizziana before Adam Flash decided to turn it into an all-out brawl!

Francoise: Exactly! We’ve outclassed Adam Flash, but he won’t let it go! He’s living in a land of delusions and false hopes – “IF I had a singles match with Beckett”, “IF George wasn’t in the way”, “IF everyone else would see things my way” – that’s too many if’s for my taste, Adam! At some point, you need to face facts. You can’t beat us!

The crowd appears to like the cut of Francoise’s jib, or something cool-sounding like that, and responds with a cheer. However, Francoise is clearly ready to get straight to her point.

Francoise: Adam, clearly you haven’t been willing to look at those facts and realize the truth. So instead, we’ll be bringing the facts to you! George and I have been talking, and we have a little proposal for you: A best of 3 challenge that goes right down the line! It’s very simple: tonight, here at Bastards On Parade, Nick Collyer will take on Katsushi Takemura! Also, I’ll take on that cankle-having skank Tizziana tonight! And if we’re tied 1-1, then you and George can finish things once and for all!

George: When we brought this to RCW management, they loved it – but they could only give us two matches tonight. So Adam, if we’ve got a tie, we’ll finish this at Indoor Fireworks in August!

Francoise: And Adam, this offer won’t be on the table long! As you can see, Nick here is in his ring gear, and he’s ready to go!

They both look at Nick, who runs the ropes a couple of times before doing a running front flip and landing square on his feet, which gets a small cheer from the crowd.

Francoise: So if you accept this challenge, get Katsushi Takemura out here now! George and I will head to the back, and you’ll stay back there too! If anyone interferes in these matches, it’ll automatically go to the other person, so there won’t be ANY cheating!

George: So get out here, Takemura! And Nick….good luck, ‘lieutenant’.

RATING: 59

NOTES: Francoise gained overness from this segment.

================================

SAND vs. FLASH CHALLENGE – MATCH #1

Nick Collyer vs. Katsushi Takemura

As George Sand and Francoise go to the back, Nick Collyer hops back and forth in the ring, waiting for the hopeful arrival of Katsushi Takemura. After 30 seconds or so, some generic Asian music hits over the speakers and Takemura, in full ninja garb, appears from behind the curtain. He waves his sheathed sword around, then makes his way to the ring. It doesn’t take long for chaos to break loose in the ring, but Katsushi quickly gains the advantage in the ring. Takemura manages to put Collyer on the mat by nailing a running shoulder breaker, then follows up by locking on a Fujiwara armbar on the right arm, the same arm injured by the shoulder breaker. Collyer struggles against it, then finally manages to grab the rope with his left arm. Takemura holds the maneuver for the full five seconds given to him by senior referee Mike Hunter, then releases it just in the nick of time. Takemura tries to reapply the hold, but Collyer fights it off. He quickly rolls behind Takemura and trips him up before dropping an elbow on him. Takemura gets to his feet and charges Collyer, but Nick leaps over him, then springs off the ropes and takes him down with a legscissors takedown! He goes for the cover: 1………….2…………….no! Takemura kicks out!

Nick has Takemura up, but quickly puts him on the mat with a hiptoss. Collyer charges, looking to hit the seated dropkick, but Takemura dodges it. Collyer springs up and charges Takemura, but Katsushi catches him and tosses him overhead with a lightning-quick railgun suplex! Collyer staggers up, but a rolling elbow deposits the stunned Collyer back on the mat. Takemura drops a knee on Collyer’s right shoulder, then makes the cover: 1…………………..2………………..NO! Collyer manages to get that injured right shoulder off the mat, but not without causing himself a lot of pain. Takemura picks him up and hurls him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle, drawing a moan from Collyer. Takemura grabs Collyer and repeats the maneuver, cracking Collyer’s shoulder into the turnbuckle. Takemura goes for a third whip, but Collyer reverses it and whips Takemura into the turnbuckle as hard as he can! As Takemura bounces back, Collyer rolls him up behind with a classic school boy for the cover: 1…………………….2…………………….3! The bell rings, and the surprised crowd waits a moment before bursting into cheers for Collyer, who has jumped up to his feet. Takemura is back on his feet, looking completely stunned at the outcome as he shakes his head, knowing that he kicked out at three and one-tenth. However, Collyer celebrates, knowing that he has put his team up 1-0!

WINNER: Nick Collyer

SCORE: 1-0, Team Sand

RATING: 65

CROWD: 55

MATCH: 76

NOTES: Katsushi Takemura lost overness from this match. Nick Collyer gained overness from this match.

================================

The (Former) Champ Is Here!

We cut backstage, where Kid Fantastic is standing there with a microphone. The former RCW Champion (the only former champ left in RCW) gets a big pop from the crowd, and Fantastic lets it die down before he can get underway.

Fantastic: Last month, at Code Red, the fans saw exactly how John Wellington operates. He’s claimed for months that I was afraid of a fair fight – that I wouldn’t fight him one on one. So I agreed to that match…and it proved that Wellington was the one afraid of a fair fight! He cheated to win the belt, but I should have gotten my rematch last month. Instead, Wellington does exactly what he’s been complaining about – he made the true #1 contender, me, jump through hoops to try and get a title shot I was already entitled to!

Fantastic paces back and forth a little bit, clearly fired up, with the crowd cheering him on in the background, and continues to pace as he talks again.

Fantastic: So Wellington, you’ve made it very clear what your M.O. is. You’re the definition of ‘Do as I say, not as I do’. Your first title defense, instead of coming against the man you beat for the belt, came against a 60 year old man who could barely make it down to the ring! And tonight, you’re saying that you’ll defend against ‘the face of RCW’. For some reason, I’m guessing that it’s not going to be me.

The crowd interrupts here with a “KID FAN-TAST-TIC!” chant, which Fantastic acknowledges before continuing.

Fantastic: Wellington, you’ve screwed people for too long. Chance Beckett and I were both screwed in title matches because of you. Chance Beckett’s gone now – and Chance, wherever you are off in Ring of Honor, I hope that you figured out what I was telling you – so that just leaves me. And Wellington, I hope that Beckett’s leaving is a sign to you as well. Having that belt is all well and good, but if you don’t deserve it, it’s not going to be ‘your ticket out of here’. The only thing that the RCW Title is is a promise to the fans that you’ll represent Renaissance Championship Wrestling as its face. You haven’t done that, Wellington. So sooner or later, I’m going to get another shot at that title. And when I do, there’s not a chance in hell you have of keeping it!

RATING: 60

NOTES: Kid Fantastic gained overness from this segment.

================================

Fred Laney vs. Danny Dallas vs. Charly Manson vs. Travis Finity

I felt bad, since Fred Laney and Travis Finity hadn’t been at our last couple of shows, and I still considered them important characters to RCW and our future. Of course, it was hard to find time for everyone on the shows, and I had two new guys to take care of – Danny Dallas and Charly Manson were both new to the shows, and I needed to keep them out there to establish them to the fans. Therefore, we had an old booking tradition in play tonight: The Four-Way Match Of Necessary Exposure (or the TFWMONS, to make it easier). All four men went at it hard, with Danny Dallas in particular putting on an extremely solid performance. The crowd was pretty into him too, especially for a new guy. Almost every time he hit a big move, he’d let loose with that Duggan-esque “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!,” which always seemed to get a return call from the crowd. But Dallas was never able to string together a long series of moves, as Fred Laney seemed to be zeroed in on him. After taking down Finity with a discus clothesline, Dallas gave a nice “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” for the crowd, but before the crowd could even shout back, Dallas turned around STRAIGHT into a Wonderpunch from Laney! Fortunately, Charly Manson came diving in to break the pin attempt just before the three count! Manson picked up Laney and dropped him with a scoop slam, then went after Travis Finity, who had gotten up in the corner. However, Finity fought back and landed a beautiful moonsault dropkick on Manson! Finity walks over to Manson and sets himself up for a standing shooting star press, but as he just begins to stretch himself out, Fred Laney comes roaring through and spears the defenseless Finity straight to the mat! Referee Frank Stool drops into position and makes the count: 1…………………2………………………..3! Fred Laney picks up the win!

WINNER: Fred Laney

RATING: 60

CROWD: 45

MATCH: 75

================================

SAND vs. FLASH CHALLENGE - MATCH #2

Francoise vs. Tizziana

So nice, we did it twice. Once again, we got ready for a true technical masterpiece as Francoise, sans Sand, made her way down to the ring. As Francoise slides into the ring, George Sand’s music cuts out in favor of Adam Flash’s music, bringing Tizziana out to the ring. The two women shoot daggers at each other, but Tizziana blinks first, turning to Frank Stool and giving (read:screaming) instructions to ‘call the match totally fair.’ After Stool gets an earful and a half from Tizziana, the bell rings to get the match started. In a slight variation from Benoit/Angle, the match starts with dueling hair pulls instead of dueling amateur holds. After a while, Tizziana rears back and delivers a brutal slap across the face of Francoise, who screams out and tackles Tizziana to the mat. She squats atop Tizziana and claws away, slapping and pulling hair to do whatever damage she can do. Frank Stool drops into position, trying to break it, but Tizziana and Francoise start rolling around the ring, including the requisite ‘hot chicks roll on top of that damn lucky referee’ spot. After they get untangles, Tizziana goes for a clothesline, but Francoise ducks it, then grabs Tizziana from behind and puts on a sleeper hold! The crowd, stunned by this technical wizardry, pops as Tizziana tries desperately to escape the sleeper. However, Tizziana manages to escape with a mule kick straight to Francoise’s crotch. The crowd boos the kick to the box, but Tizziana just stays focused (for once) and grabs the doubled-over Francoise before landing a sloppy DDT! Instead of going for the cover, Tizziana pulls Francoise up and points to the sky, clearly calling for whatever move Adam taught her 30 minutes ago in the back. Tizziana gets behind Francoise, pulls both arms up and across each other, then pulls her down by the arms, driving her straight into the mat! Joe Wheeler is calling it a variation of a cross arm drop, which is apparently called the Jersey Girl, as Tizziana covers: 1………………..2………………..3! Tizziana has tied the score at 1 to 1, and George Sand will meet Adam Flash at RCW Indoor Fireworks!

WINNER: Tizziana

SCORE: 1-1, tied between Team Sand and Team Flash

RATING: 38

CROWD: 47

MATCH: 20

================================

The Plot Continues…

As we cut backstage, Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon have set up shop by one of RCW’s luxurious TWO monitors (we got the second one at the Polero Bingo Hall July Flea Market.) The camera focuses on Francoise, still on the mat and groaning in pain. As she struggles to get up, Weldon gives a lewd grin and turns to Ian Gomes.

Weldon: That’s how I like ‘em – tired, sore, on their back, and moaning.

Gomes: Thank you, Sean. What pleasant imagery.

Weldon: Man, I can’t wait until I can get my hands on that. Now when are we gonna put this huge plan into place! Two months ago, you said we’d have to get rid of Nick Collyer, but we haven’t done anything yet!

Gomes: Now Sean, there are but many ways in which to ensnare this fly. Fortunately, fate has catered to our whims, and has provided only the most perfect of ways to tighten the noose around poor Collyer.

Weldon: What are you talking about?

Gomes: As you undoubtedly saw just now, Francoise’s loss ensures that George Sand will face Adam Flash next month to settle this score once and for all, yes?

Weldon: Yeah…

Gomes: And what better place to strike down the insufferable little cunt than during the most important match of his career?

Weldon: But Nick Collyer can’t go out to the ring – that’s part of the stipulation!

Gomes: Exactly my point, Sean. If Nick cannot be at ringside…well, imagine what a tragedy it would be if he were to appear in just that very place.

Weldon: OK – I think I got you. So how are we going to do that?

Gomes: Do not worry about that now. However, we do have a few preparations to make. Now come with me, Sean. If we pull this off, then perhaps you may yet feel the sweet embrace of the fair Francoise in your arms.

RATING: 59

NOTES: Sean Weldon gained overness from this segment. Ian Gomes gained overness from this segment.

================================

Twiggy vs. Matt Morgan

Matt Morgan is the first one down to the ring, getting a solid round of boos from the crowd as he coldly struts his way down the entrance and steps over the top rope into the ring. However, the crowd absolutely explodes as Twiggy’s fittingly bizarre music (sounding something like Metallica playing a lullaby) hits over the speaker system, bringing out the bizarre one himself. Twiggy once again wears the orange afro wig, along with a ORDEP ROF ETOV shirt and his familiar bicycle shorts. As he slides into the ring, Matt Morgan wastes no time in charging the Orange Onslaught and taking the much, much smaller Twiggy (who stands about 5’10, 170) down to the mat. Twiggy hops up, but Morgan whips him into the ropes before having Twiggy eat a big boot, which lays him out flat on the canvas! Morgan arrogantly places his foot on Twiggy’s chest and demands that Mike Hunter begin a count: 1………………..2………..and Twiggy kicks out after two and a half!

Morgan grabs Twiggy and whips him into the corner, but Twiggy manages to vault up onto the top turnbuckle and back over the oncoming Matt Morgan. Before Morgan can move, Twiggy charges forward, reaches up, and grabs Morgan by his short, spiky hair, then tries to slam him head-first into the turnbuckle. Of course, Morgan doesn’t budge an inch, and the giant delivers a massive elbow to Twiggy, knocking him aside. Morgan charges and delivers a huge clothesline to Twiggy, which puts him down on the mat. With Twiggy down on the mat, Morgan lays his foot across Twiggy’s chest again, but this time strides forwards, putting his entire 325-pound weght atop Twiggy’s tiny sternum! Twiggy sells the move like death, and Morgan smirks a little bit before picking Twiggy up. He lifts the smaller man into the air and puts him in a hangman choke, slowly squeezing the air out of Twiggy’s throat. Twiggy struggles around, but manages to lean into Morgan’s face and rub his afro all over the place. Morgan tries to turn his face away, but after a few seconds, the tickling sensation sends a loud “ACHOOOOOO!” echoing across the arena, and lets Twiggy tumble free! Twiggy immediately scrambles up to the top rope and leaps off, looking for a cross-body block – but Morgan just snags Twiggy straight out of midair! As Twiggy flails about helplessly, Morgan hoists the little man up into the air with an overhead press, then slams him down to the mat! Morgan leans down and makes the cover: 1………………….2…………………..NO! Twiggy manages to free himself from under Morgan and kicks out!

Morgan backs Twiggy into the corner and lays a series of chops against Twiggy’s chest, then grabs him and whips him across the ring to the opposite corner. Twiggy slams into the corner, but manages to duck the oncoming Morgan, who runs into the turnbuckle at full steam! As he bounces back, Twiggy rolls him up from behind with a school boy: 1……………………2…………………….NO!Matt Morgan manages to escape and immediately explodes up to his feet, looking furious about the incident. He charges after Twiggy, but Twiggy stays out of range, slapping away the giant’s hands. Twiggy gets Morgan to lunge forward, then delivers a knee to Morgan’s head, which sends him stumbling backwards. Twiggy runs forward and dropkicks Morgan as hard as he can, which sends the giant lurching back into the ring ropes. As he comes forward, Twiggy tries a school boy rollup, which he somehow locks in on the much larger man as Mike Hunter counts: 1……………………….2………………………..NO! Twiggy ALMOST had it, but Morgan got free at just the last moment! As Morgan gets up, Twiggy takes advantage and leaps forward, landing a big enziguri squarely to the side of Morgan’s head, which puts him down on the canvas! Twiggy heads to the top rope, calling for the Orange Crush, his diving headbutt finisher. Twiggy aligns his wig on the top rope, then jumps off…………and MISSES! Morgan, rolled out of the way, watches Twiggy crash and burn on the high-risk maneuver. Before you can blink an eye, Morgan charges forward, lifts Twiggy off the mat, and takes him up for the Mount Morgan Drop! He holds Twiggy up for just a moment, then drops him roughly to the mat! He slumps over Twiggy’s prone body as Hunter makes the count: 1……………………….2……………………..3! Matt Morgan picks up the win! Morgan gets up and taunts the crowd, who respond with a level of boos. However, the boos suddenly reach a new intensity level….

WINNER: Matt Morgan

RATING: 56

CROWD: 51

MATCH: 61

================================

RCW WORLD TITLE MATCH

John Wellington © vs. ???

…as John Wellington’s music hits, announcing the arrival of the RCW World Champion! The champ has a microphone in his hand as he makes his way down to the ring, with a confused Matt Morgan looking at Wellington. John slides into the ring and steps right up to Morgan, who absolutely towers over him. Wellington sizes him up for a second, then raises his microphone to speak.

Wellington: Now, I told the RCW fans that tonight, I would defend my title against the man who I considered the face of Renaissance Championship Wrestling. This man would be the one who stood out above all others, who represented the true qualities of RCW. I would take him on to prove that I was truly worthy of being the RCW World Champion! If I could beat this man, I know that I could beat anybody here, and more importantly, all of you fans that doubted me would know that I could beat anyone here! And now, folks, I’d like for you all to set your eyes on the man I’ll be fighting tonight….

John Wellington pauses for a moment, continuing his stare straight into Matt Morgan’s eyes, who glares back at him with a fire burning in his eyes. Suddenly, Wellington breaks the glance and looks down, just past Matt Morgan.

Wellington: ….THIS man – Twiggy!

The crowd boos mercilessly as Wellington gloats to himself, nodding his head and reveling in all the boos. He looks back to Morgan, then says something to the giant that the microphone doesn’t pick up. Morgan looks at him for a moment, then smiles slightly and nods before exiting the ring and heading for the back. Wellington, now alone with Twiggy, hands his RCW World Title belt to Mike Hunter before immediately dropping to the canvas and hooks Twiggy’s leg, going for the pin. Hunter quickly calls for the bell, then drops and makes the count: 1………………………2………………………….NO! Twiggy manages to kick out at JUST the last second, and the crowd pops huge as Wellington looks stunned that Twiggy’s alive and breathing. However, he scoops Twiggy off the mat and immediately doubles him over for the E. Coli Driver, looking to end things quickly. However, Twiggy refuses to be lifted up, then backdrops Wellington to the mat! As the crowd roars for Twiggy, Wellington stumbles to his feet, looking chagrined. He turns around and sees a charging Twiggy coming straight for him! Twiggy leaps up and goes for an enziguri, but Wellington ducks underneath it! Twiggy crumples down to the mat, seemingly having invested every ounce of energy he had in the enziguri attempt. With Twiggy down, Wellington scoops him up again and sets him up for the E. Coli Driver again. This time, Twiggy goes up, then gets spiked into the mat. Mike Hunter makes the count: 1……………………………2……………………………3! Twiggy loses for the second time in 10 minutes, and John Wellington remains the RCW World Champion! As the show comes to a close, John Wellington celebrates in the ring, just feet away from an unconscious Twiggy, still lying there in his orange wig.

WINNER and STILL RCW WORLD CHAMPION: John Wellington

RATING: 60

CROWD: 52

MATCH: 69

NOTES: The RCW World title has gained in image.

OVERALL: 57

JULY 12, 2007

RCW “HEADQUARTERS”

This particular Fourth of July had been more interesting than the last one – instead of drinking High Life by myself, I drank High Life silently in the company of others at Hank’s. Real festive crowd in there that day – but I suppose that if you’re like me and have nowhere better to go because your goddamn bitch whore of a wife decided to take all your friends and run you down behind your back because you decided to pursue your dream and be successful at it and happy at it while impressing the one person whose opinion actually matters….wait, what I was ranting about again? Well, whatever – beggars can’t be choosers is the point, and I took my day at Hank’s with a drunken smile, although without his 10% no-puke discount. Came damn close too.

Unlike the past few months, there had been a pretty significant amount of news recently, so without any further ado, on to the RCW BULLET POINT NEWS~!

• The month kicked off with yet another annoyance. I got a call one day from Earl down at the Bingo Hall – apparently, during the St. Vincent de Paul Lucky Time Challenge, the RCW booth had gone unmanned. This was a serious offense, since we built merchandise duty into the contracts they worked under. Making that sort of public appearance was absolutely vital for RCW, and not following through on it was a slap to my face. And there was nothing else to view it as when I looked at the man who was supposed to be there that night – Steve Unferth, aka Sweatsuit Steve. I probably should have just fired him right then and there, but that would take away any possibilities for revenge against him. Clearly his beating at the hands of Morgan hadn’t been enough. Instead, Steve took his second one-month suspension of 2007, and I started thinking of new ways to humiliate on him without violating our contract.

• RCW was going to be on television soon – I was sure of it. And while the TV contracts hadn’t been coming through as of yet, I think it was probably for the better. While the advertising would be great, there was one small problem – almost everyone on my roster was working under a pay-per-appearance contract. Moving from one show a month to four or five – that would be an issue. I had started looking at signing guys to written deals a little while ago. As test subjects, I signed John Wellington and Ian Gomes to written deals, and the stability was definitely a nice thing to have. With an eye towards the future, it was time to start signing up some more names.

It was a bit of a pickle, since I didn’t want to have my entire roster’s contracts expiring at the same time. So I resolved to sign a couple of guys each month, guys who were likely to be on the good majority of my shows. This month’s two lucky signees were two of Renaissance Championship Wrestling’s most irreplaceable wrestlers, at least I saw it: Kid Fantastic and Twiggy. Both of them signed up for a year, which gave the card some definite stability. Next month, hopefully a couple more guys would be interested in re-upping with me. However, with the rumblings coming from the locker room, I thought it might be too late to get a few of the big names under contract – George Sand, Chance Beckett, Adam Flash, and Katsushi Takemura were apparently all looking at getting moved up the ladder.

• Having Jake Roberts appear at Code Red was kind of a last-minute decision for the company. Word had gotten around that Jake was looking for one last paycheck before hanging up the boots for good, and I couldn’t resist. He was a guy from my era of wrestling, and it was a lot of fun to watch him backstage and to meet him one-on-one. He was definitely pretty gone, though, and probably a little drunk when he wrestled. Fortunately, John guided him through to a pretty good match. That was something we wanted to be a trademark of Renaissance Championship Wrestling – there would always be a surprise up our sleeves if we could pull it, and price shouldn’t get in the way of it.

• For our first branch out from the Earl Polero Bingo Hall, I had settled on North Jersey. Nobody could debate that it was a wrestling hotbed, and I didn’t think we’d have too much trouble drawing a crowd for the show. On October 28th, RCW Victory Strikes Again would go live in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The place was famous for its stench along the Turnpike, but that wouldn’t be much of a deterrent.

• One thing I had noticed was that the backstage area had started to get a little loose. Even with Jack backstage, he wasn’t one to enforce order. He could tell me if there were problems, but that was about the limit of his true authority. And after this second incident with Sweatsuit Steve, who was THIS close to getting the axe from me, I figured it was time for some additional backstage muscle. Thus, it was time for RCW to hire another road agent. After a not-particularly-exhausting search, I settled on a man named Dan Denton. How can semi-alliterative names not lead to massive locker room cred?

• There was more movement concerning the never-ending up and down saga of Ring of Honor and Heartland Wrestling Association. For the third time, HWA made its move to National. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but after three weeks they had remained solidly cemented in their National status. Of course, they went out and immediately signed Dan “The Beast” Severn to a written contract. Not the greatest business deal to begin with, due to his extensive overseas commitments. Of course, this deal looked much, much worse – the next e-mail in my box was calling attention to Dan Severn’s retirement at the end of the month. Clearly Les had failed to get everything straightened out. Meanwhile, Ring of Honor went through the same yo-yo routine – after moving up to National status, they took the plunge back down to Cult status 8 days later. Someday they’ll get someone with a legitimate business model.

• However, the Ring of Honor movement wasn’t nearly benign as I figured it’d be at first. I had had a good laugh or two at their expense, but in the end, RoH laughed last. Three days after their move to National, I loaded up the transactions log and nearly felt my heart stop:

“Ring of Honor has signed independent worker Chance Beckett to a written contract”

RCW CODE RED

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

=====================================

Danny Dallas vs. Charly Manson

Before the show officially got underway, I scheduled a quick dark match for the 358 paying customers between RCW’s two new signees – Danny Dallas and Charly Manson. I hadn’t had a chance to see either of them work before, so I was excited to see what they were capable of. Their hirings had come after rumblings regarding their potential had come along the grapevine. Hiring guys sight-unseen was an unfortunate reality for me, but it had been going pretty well so far. Manson was the first one out, and he certainly lived up to his Gothic gimmick. Freaky entrance music, all black clothing, eyeliner, the whole nine yards. The crowd looked on with confusion more than hatred, but hopefully that would come with time. Next up was Danny Dallas. Dallas didn’t get much more of a reaction than Manson did, but I saw something in him as he strode down to the ring – he reminded me of a young Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He had that commanding presence in the ring, the one that made everyone want to look at him. The match was pretty solid, considering that they had never worked together before, and had just met four hours ago. Manson showed off some pretty impressive speed, even if it was pretty formulaic – he’d land a big strike, then try and follow up with a somewhat-risky aerial move. Dallas was able to escape enough of those moves to stay on his feet though, and made his big comeback. The Duggan comparison came roaring back to me when Dallas landed a series of rights, screamed out “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!”, then landed a big discus clothesline to lay out Manson. He followed it up by scooping up Manson and planting him with a Michinoku Driver that he calls the Double D (a nice little pun), and holds on for the pin as Mike Hunter drops into position: 1……………………….2………………………3! Danny Dallas wins his debut, and gets a nice little pop from the crowd as he celebrates, giving the crowd another “HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!” as he stands on the turnbuckles, arms outstretched.

WINNER: Danny Dallas

RATING: 57

CROWD: 42

MATCH: 73

NOTES: Danny Dallas debuted his new gimmick (Fun Babyface), it got a positive response.

=====================================

New Champ In The House!

With the debut match out of the way, it was time to kick off the show with what people had come to see: The new RCW World Champion! As John Wellington’s theme music kicked up, the crowd turned it up as well, booing for all they were worth. As Wellington stepped out, he didn’t seem too bothered by the boos – he couldn’t take his goo-goo eyes off the RCW World Title belt strapped around his right shoulder. Wellington walks down to the ring, looking away from his title only to step into the ring, and stands in the middle of the ring waiting for a microphone. Sound Guy, who has it at the side of the ring, sighs and slides into the ring to hand the microphone to Wellington personally, who responds with a slight nod of the head to dismiss SG. Wellington celebrates with the belt a little longer, then turns to face the crowd with a giant smile on his face.

Wellington: Now, I know what you’re all thinking: ‘John, how and when can we apologize to you?’ Well, I’ll be setting up a line backstage after this show, giving each and every RCW fan the opportunity to walk up to me, shake my head while deferring their gaze, and say, ‘John, you were right about Kid Sucktastic, and I was wrong. Thank you for showing me the light, and giving Renaissance Championship Wrestling a champion I can be proud of!’

The crowd, hearing this, absolutely loses it and hurls every epithet they can at Wellington, as well as a soda or two. Wellington ignores it, as he normally does, and just continues.

Wellington: Now, I do have to warn all you fans that you may not be given the opportunity to give me this apology. As you can see, I have my cell phone…

…which he pulls out of his pocket to show off to the crowd…

Wellington: …with me at all times. Now that I have proven exactly how good I am, and have the gold star of approval that is the RCW World Title, I’m expecting a call from WWE and TNA hiring agents any minute now! So when I get that call, that will be the end of the backstage apology spectacular. As soon as I can work out a contract that benefits a man of my stature, I’ll be out of here, Roadrunner style.

The crowd continues their hatred towards Wellington, who continues with his indifference towards the crowd.

Wellington: However – I think that it’s very important that I continue to defend my Renaissance Championship Wrestling title. I want the WWE to look at me, and see that despite having punched my ticket out of here, I continue to give the regular schmoes a chance to reach for greatness before settling back into their pit of mediocrity! So therefore, there will be an RCW World Title match TONIGHT!

The crowd actually pops a little bit for this, but then EXPLODES~! as Kid Fantastic’s music hits over the speaker system! Wellington looks annoyed as Fantastic steps out from behind the curtain, microphone already in hand.

Fantastic: Great. Wellington, when I get my rematch tonight, I’m going to show you exactly, and I mean EXACTLY, what I think of you! I will leave that ring with the RCW Title, come hell or high water!

Wellington looks at Kid Fantastic for a moment, then bursts into laughter as Fantastic stares at him, looking annoyed and confused at Wellington’s display in the ring. Wellington finally manages to compose himself, then looks up and responds:

Wellington: ….oh, Suckboy, you never cease to amuse me. You….fighting me tonight….oh, that’s a good one! Really, I like it!

The crowd, sensing what’s coming, begins to boo as Fantastic begins to turn red on the outside.

Wellington: You see, Kid, last time I checked, you couldn’t cut it without me helping you. Last month, me pinning you one on one only proved that. Therefore, I don’t see any reason you deserve a title match tonight.

The crowd’s boos are deafening, but Fantastic’s voice manages to cut through them.

Fantastic: What about my rematch, Wellington? I get a rematch for the title!

Wellington: Ah, Fantastic, that’s where you’re wrong. If you read your contract as thoroughly as I did, making sure I’d be free to leave for, well, anywhere else at a moment’s notice, you would see that the rematch clause does not exist anywhere in that contract! Now, some saps might give rematches, like, oh, you. However, I am not you, and I am not Chance Beckett, as you can see by the title wrapped around my waist, and not around yours. So no, you will not be given a free rematch this evening.

Fantastic: Wellington, I’m going to….

Wellington: Hold your horses, Fantastic. Now, I did promise a World Title match tonight, and I can guarantee that no one in this building will be disappointed with my opponent. And to pacify those who think that the Sucktastic One deserves a chance to face me AGAIN with the title on the line, I will give you your chance. Tonight, we will see Kid Fantastic taking on his little friend and butt buddy, Chance Beckett! The winner will receive a title match at my discretion!

Fantastic: Well, Wellington, I….

But that’s as far as Fantastic can get as Chance Beckett’s music hits over the speakers! Fantastic turns around and sees Beckett come walking down the aisle to a huge pop to meet Kid Fantastic at the ring apron.

Beckett: First off, shove it, idiots!

Fantastic merely shakes his head as the fans turn to booing Beckett, whose attention is now focused on Wellington.

Beckett: Wellington, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’re going to get! That title belt should be around MY waist, not yours! Without you sticking your nose into my rematch, I’d be the one wearing that title belt today!

Wellington: Did you hear that, Fantastic? Beckett doesn’t think you could have beaten him!

Fantastic: Shut up, Wellington! Don’t try and turn us against each other! You screwed both of us out of our titles, and tonight one of us is gonna earn a chance to get it back!

Wellington: Well, clearly you’re too smart for me, O Suckboy. But I guess…

Suddenly, all three men look up as music begins to blare over the PA system – Adam Flash’s music! The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos as Flash, being flanked by Tizziana and Katsushi Takemura, makes his way out from behind the curtain and struts out into the entrance, setting up about halfway between the entrance and the ring.

Flash: Boo-freakin-hoo! You people are out here whining about losing your titles from around your waist due to a little interference, or some cheating! You want to hear what’s a REAL screwjob! Imagine you’re in a triple threat match for the title after being repeatedly denied your one-on-one title shot, and you aren’t involved in the pinfall! Mr. Wellington, I think you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about, correct? That is precisely what happened to you in a triple threat match against Kid Fantastic and Chance Beckett!

Wellington nods from inside the ring as Fantastic and Chance look at him, confused.

Flash: Now imagine that instead of being able to get a title shot a couple of months later, you instead are banned from competing for the RCW Title for six months! I would imagine you’d be a little pissed off!

Wellington: Adam, I assume I would have been yes.

Flash: Well, as it so happens, six months were up last month at No-Sell The Sabbath. Now last month I had to attend to my beautiful woman here, but tonight, my eye is back on the prize! John, if you’re going to have a #1 Contender’s match, I should be in it!

Tizziana: He better be in it! Adam Flash is the best wrestler in this company, and any little cockbag who doesn’t see it should pull their heads out of their ass and try to…

Flash: Whoa, whoa….calm down, honey. So, Wellington, whaddaya say?

Wellington: …

Of course, before Wellington can register a verdict, ANOTHER theme song kicks up – this one belonging to George Sand! The crowd cheers as Sand, accompanied by Francoise and Nick Collyer, steps out and sets up shop directly in front of the curtain. The three stare down Flash, Tizziana, and Takemura, but the staredown is interrupted by a pissed-off John Wellington in the ring.

Wellington: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS? THIS IS NOT SANTA’S WORKSHOP, THIS IS NOT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, AND I AM NOT THE GODDAMN FUCKING TOOTH FAIRY! I AM NOT OUT HERE TO GIVE EVERYONE WHAT THEY WANT!

Sand: Wellington, all I have to say is this: If Adam Flash gets into that match, I get in too! Adam Flash has lost cleanly to me, and his ninja buddy over there couldn’t take down my lieutenant, Nick Collyer. Flash is below me! And with his title shot ban up, so is mine! Now add me into that match as well!

The scene turns into the six people in the entranceway bickering, Fantastic and Beckett looking extremely annoyed and yelling in the direction of the feuding factions, and Wellington standing in the ring looking like his head is going to pop. Finally, his voice rises over everyone else’s.

Wellington: OK! OK OK OK! Instead, there will be a four-way match to determine who gets a title shot at me! George Sand, Adam Flash, Kid Sucktastic, and Chance Beckett will all fight TONIGHT! Now, is there anyone else back there who wants a title shot? Actually, no! No chance! This is it! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get backstage to the apology hut! And people, I expect to see each and every one of you there!

With that, Wellington slips out of the ring and heads for the back, cutting through everyone else in the entrance. The eight people left at ringside look at each other, then begin to sulk back towards the backstage area – the hostilities would be left for tonight.

RATING: 67

NOTES: John Wellington gained overness from this segment.

=====================================

Simon Sanders & Sweatsuit Steve vs. Matt Morgan

After the chaos of the show’s opening, the fans seem to be glad to settle down and enjoy the first official match of the evening. I grinned as I watched Steve and Simon make their way down to the ring, looking less than pleased over what was on the way. What was on the way, you ask? Just a 6’7”, 325 pound machine named Matt Morgan who was under orders to make Simon Sanders and Sweatsuit Steve learn a lesson. The two men immediately charged Morgan, but a double clothesline took both of them down hard. Morgan grabbed Sanders and tossed him over the top rope straight to the outside, where he took a hard shot against the lightly-padded floor. Morgan then set his sights on Steve, who was already reeling from the stiff lariat. Morgan lifts him up, then nails a spinning powerbomb that sends Steve melting into the canvas. Morgan stands up and takes a step onto Steve, placing all of his 300+ pound weight on Steve’s chest cavity. As the wind gets knocked out of him, the ring bell suddenly rings, startling everyone in the building! As Morgan looks around, trying to figure out what happened (as does referee Frank Stool), Simon Sanders climbs the turnbuckles and comes flying off with a crossbody – that Matt Morgan catches! Morgan hoists Simon over his head, then delivers a press slam onto Steve’s downed body! Suddenly, the ring bell rings again! Morgan whirls around and glares at the bell – but nobody is there! The crowd seated nearby is laughing, but Morgan turns his attention back to his targets. He lifts Simon Sanders up first, hoists him up, and delivers the Mount Morgan Drop, leaving Sanders out cold on the canvas! Morgan then picks up Sweatsuit Steve, lifts him, and plants him with another Mount Morgan Drop! With both men laid out, Morgan covers both men, giving Frank Stool the count: 1………………….2……………….3! Stool calls for the bell….which doesn’t ring! Stool and Morgan both look over at the ring bell – then a hand sneaks up from behind the ring table and rings the bell for a solid 10 seconds!

WINNER: Matt Morgan

RATING: 53

CROWD: 42

MATCH: 64

=====================================

Matt Morgan Investigates...

As the bell continues to ring, an extremely annoyed Matt Morgan stalks over to the ring table. As the hand merrily rings away, Morgan notices tufts of fluffy orange hair sticking up from under the table. Morgan reaches down, grabs the hair, lifts up – and pulls up Twiggy, still making the bell-ringing motion into thin air. Morgan gives what can only be described as an annoyed grunt and throws Twiggy into the ring before sliding in himself. However, instead of immediately beating the hell out of him, Morgan stares at the bizarre creature in front of him. Twiggy’s attire tonight, certainly not a Versace, is a bright orange afro wig, a blue t-shirt with a pink giraffe on it, and a matching pair of hot pants (complete with glittery pink giraffe on the ass). Morgan looks on for a moment longer, then grabs a microphone and asks the question everyone else is wondering:

Morgan: What the HELL is the matter with you, boy?

Twiggy: Hello!

Morgan: Hey – I asked you a question! Why did you decide to disturb my match and ring that goddamn bell all the time!

Twiggy: Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings! There are lots of angels here now! There’s one! Don’t you see! ANGEL ANGEL ANGEL!

Morgan looks at where Twiggy is pointing: straight at a slightly confused Earl Polero in the crowd. As everyone else stares at him, Polero suddenly starts flapping his arms, pretending to fly around his seat, which sends Twiggy into hysterics!

Twiggy: LOOK! THE ANGEL IS FLYING!

Morgan: You’re kidding me, right? That’s just some smalltime gambling wannabe with a lousy set of sideburns and a worse sense of humor! That sure as hell ain’t no angel!

Twiggy: Use your IMAGININATION! When I grow up, I’m emigrating to Imagination! They have a low flat tax, free universal health care, and oranges run unencumbered by demonic human consumers!

Morgan: Jesus – you’re on cocaine or ecstasy or something, aren’t you?

Twiggy: I’m on LOVE! And I love you just like all my other angels!

With that, Twiggy runs up to Morgan and wraps him up in a big hug. Morgan, looking horrified, shoves Twiggy away and takes a step backwards.

Morgan: Do not EVER do that again. In fact, don’t do anything to me again, OK? Go have fun with the orange angels or whatever you’re seeing now.

As Morgan goes to leave the ring, Twiggy runs up behind him and gives him another big hug! Morgan straightens up, swings around, and lashes out with a big right hand, but Twiggy ducks underneath it! Morgan goes for a big boot, but Twiggy rolls underneath and gives Morgan’s leg a big hug, like a child refusing to let go of their parents. Morgan shakes him off and tries to stomp him, but Twiggy rolls out of the ring and blows Morgan a kiss! Morgan just looks on in disbelief as Twiggy sprints towards the back, looking like the happiest man in the world.

RATING: 62

NOTES: Matt Morgan gained overness from this segment. Twiggy gained overness from this segment.

=====================================

Chance Beckett Is Backstage...

We cut backstage, where a confused Chance Beckett watches Twiggy go flying past him screaming “ANGEL ANGEL ANGEL!” at the top of his lungs. As he sighs and shakes his head, Beckett turns away – right into Kid Fantastic, standing there waiting for him.

Beckett: Oh – hey. What do you want?

Fantastic: Well, two things. First off, good luck tonight. Sorry it couldn’t be the two of us going one on one.

Beckett: Yeah – but I was the one that made Flash and Sand agree to that deal. They deserve their chance at getting back at the title. So yeah, it’s not too bad in my eyes.

Fantastic: Fair enough.

A silence falls over the two, and Beckett stares at Fantastic for a moment before breaking the hush:

Beckett: Um….so what was the second thing you wanted?

Fantastic: Well – Chance, you didn’t answer my question last month. Why do you pull that stuff with the fans? Telling them off, making them boo you – they want to cheer you, Chance. And the stuff you do is worth cheering. But throughout it all, you stick with this asshole attitude, trying to alienate the fans. What’s the deal?

Beckett: Look, why does it even matter to you?

Fantastic: Well, for one thing, it’s weird. It’s really, really weird. I’m a curious guy. I gotta know. And secondly, it kills me to see you talk to the fans like that. You seem to be a pretty solid guy overall, but that one thing just doesn’t add up, you know?

Beckett: Fine. Now, you’ve heard my spiel. I’ve been a champion all over the place. I’ve been up in the big time, like Ring of Honor. I’ve been around the block once or twice, in other words.

Fantastic nods silently at this as Beckett continues:

Beckett: Well, there’s one thing I’ve noticed above everything else. When I was young, I loved the crowd too. I did whatever I could to bask in their glow. But I didn’t win much. The guys who won – they marched to their own drum. They didn’t care what people thought of them. Booing meant that they were crushing the dreams of someone else. That’s what they fed off of – and they won because of it.

Fantastic: So…

Beckett: When I moved away from getting people to cheer me, I had my greatest success. I made it to the finals of the Super 8 Tournament. I became an ECCW champion! I was ready for primetime. And to make sure I could stay focused, I made sure I’d never give in to what the crowd wanted me to do. When I controlled myself, and took my energy from within, I couldn’t be stopped.

Fantastic: Chance, I almost understand where you’re coming from. But there’s one thing wrong with that: the only reason I beat you was because the crowd was so behind me! They cheered me on to victory! Without that energy, there was no way I’d have been able to pin you to the mat three times! That crowd is everything to me.

Beckett: Well, it’ll bite you in the ass. Sooner or later, it will.

Fantastic: But not listening to them has already bitten you in the ass. I suggest you give the crowd another chance….Chance. No pun intended. They’ll lift you higher than you’ve ever gone before.

Beckett: I’m sorry, man, but…

Fantastic: That’s all I got to say about that. Last time, you left me hanging. This time, I leave you hanging. I’ll see you in the ring tonight.

As Fantastic walks away, Beckett stands there, mulling over the conversation.

RATING: 57

NOTES: Kid Fantastic gained overness from this segment.

=====================================

Kohl Brothers vs. Goldon Boys

The Kohl Brothers make their way to the ring, and it’s clear that they’re slightly on edge this week after their failures the last couple of months. As the Kohl Brothers enter the ring, they lecture referee Frank Stool, presumably warning him about the cheating ways of Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon. On cue, the newly-named Goldon Boys (Gomes + Weldon = Goldon – a highly original way to name a team, I know) emerge from the back and make their way down to the ring, actually getting a pretty good heel reaction on their way out. Gomes starts the match and fights cleanly, with Frank Stool remaining extra-vigilant to prevent any complaints. The match stays even, with both teams tagging in and out. When Keith Kohl and Sean Weldon tangle in the middle of the ring, Weldon manages to get the advantage, showing off his freakish power by taking Keith up into a body press, then dropping him into a massive facebuster. Weldon covers: 1…………….2………….no!

However, Weldon goes for another cover, forcing Stool to count again. Keith kicks out, but Weldon covers yet again, keeping Stool in his place. As he continues the count, Ian Gomes slips up behind Kent Kohl, pulls him off the apron, and sends him flying into the ringside barrier! In the ring, Weldon has Keith in a sleeper hold, doing everything he can to buy time for Ian. Gomes gets his hands on a chair and swings it into Kent’s head, sandwiching his head against the ring barrier! As Kent Kohl slumps unconscious on the outside, Gomes slips back into his corner and starts to demand a tag. Keith, however, manages to escape the sleeper hold with a mule kick and begins to crawl towards his corner, looking to make a tag – when he sees that Kent is nowhere to be found! Just as he notices Kent slumped on the outside, bleeding slightly from the forehead, a tagged-in Ian Gomes drags him back into the middle of the ring and picks him apart. At this point, it’s academic, and Gomes finishes him a minute later by hitting his version of the Snowplow, called the Teardop: 1……………..2……………………3! The Goldon Boys steal another one from the Kohl Brothers, neither of whom is standing as the match ends! However, Gomes and Weldon go rushing backstage, not even allowing Stool to raise their hands in victory.

WINNERS: Goldon Boys

RATING: 60

MATCH: 47

CROWD: 74

=====================================

George Sand Leaves The Trainer's Room...

Backstage, we cut to George Sand walking back from the trainer’s room into his locker room for final preparations before his match. He steps into the locker room…to find nobody there.

George: Francoise? Nick? Where are you guys?

As George looks around, he sees a note lying on the ground. He bends over and looks at the scrawl on the paper.

MEET BEHIND CONCESSIONS IN 10 – N

JUNE 19, 2007

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL

It was an absolutely ugly day to have to be outside – the ten minute walk over to Earl’s had been one of the worst walks I’d had during my 15 months living in the city. It had to be 95 degrees and insanely humid. No one really gives the Northeast its due for pure unbearable heat – the City turned into a sauna every summer. I’d take Vegas and its 110-degree dry heat over this shit any day of the week. Thankfully, I knew that Earl hated the heat as much as I did. The bingo hall would be a nice icy refuge.

As I walked in the front door, I mulled over what to say to Earl. Over the past few months, since our move to regional size, I had been toying with the idea of moving our shows around the area. I mean, we were calling ourselves a ‘regional’ company, right? It seemed like it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and move the shows to a couple of other venues in the area. Jersey was a great place to promote shows, and I was also interested in trying to bring a show out in the White Plains area. It wasn’t quite as wrestling-friendly, but I thought it would be a totally new audience we could try and hook on the product. Jack had been doing a lot of the foot work on this one – as he finished up his senior year, he had been polling some people around the school to find out if they’d be interested in this sort of thing. Maybe he’d take some marketing courses in the fall when he starts up at Fordham – an upset winner over NYU in the Jack Hawkins College Sweepstakes Spectacular.

I wish Jack had been here for the conversation, though. With Jack putting so much of his force into the movement, I would have liked to have his numbers and facts on hand when I faced Earl. This was the one reason I was really dreading the idea of moving around a bit – Earl would be devastated. He loved RCW almost as much as I did. Ever since he had volunteered the use of the Earl Polero Bingo Hall for RCW use, he had taken it under his wing (at least in his own eyes). He had let us set up a merchandise stand in the bingo hall to run whenever the hall was opened. Merchandise duty was included in the contracts the talent signed, so each guy on the roster spent one day a month hawking t-shirts and cheaply burned DVD’s, courtesy of Sound Guy. Some guys were more enthusiastic about the merchandising than others – George Sand in particular loved it. It didn’t hurt that his merchandise, which was designed by Francoise, had consistently outsold the rest of the federation combined. Besides the merchandise stand, Earl had made some upgrades to one of his storage rooms and turned it into a legitimate locker room for the guys. He had given them free concessions, and would point them out if any of the guys showed up on the bingo nights to promote RCW. Not exactly the right audience to promote it to, but any new fans were welcome to us.

As I looked around a corner, I saw Earl slicing open the top of a gaggle of freshly-arrived boxes from UPS. I came up behind him, but he heard the footsteps coming from behind and got the jump on me!

Earl: Bruce! There ya are, you son of a bitch! How’s it going, partner!

That was another thing – Earl had been calling me ‘partner’ a lot lately. At first, I had written it off, figuring he had seen a Clint Eastwood movie the other night or something. However, he kept calling me that. I was afraid that he actually thought we were partners in this thing by now.

Me: Oh – hey, Earl. Just the man I was looking for.

Earl: What ya doing down here today? I don’t see ya in here on Tuesdays too much!

Me: Just…um…checking in on my favorite real estate mogul! How’s – how’s business going here?

Earl: Aw, things are going great, partner! Bruce, you wouldn’t believe how good turnout was last night for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Bingo Showdown! That entire parish must have been here! Packed to the gills! I think your boys last night made some sales too – we musta plugged the merchandise about a dozen times last night!

Me: Thanks Earl – you know how much I appreciate that.

Earl: So, what is it you’re looking for down here anyways?

Earl had finished opening the boxes, which contained curtains or something, and had turned to face me, looking surprisingly interested in whatever it was that I had to say. With a nervous swallow, I looked Earl in the eye and began.

Me: Well, Earl, you can see how well RCW’s been doing recently, right?

Earl: Hell yeah, I can! You guys keep drawing more and more people – it’s starting to fill up pretty nice in here! I keep advertising you guys – I figure that’s gotta be a big part of it, right?

Me: Oh – yeah, totally. We couldn’t be doing it without you, Earl.

Earl beamed at the compliment, and my stomach became a little tighter as I continued to lay the groundwork.

Me: And you remember me talking about how we were expanding our influence out, right? How we were promoting ourselves as a regional promotion now, trying to get our name out into the greater NYC area.

Earl: Yeah, totally. I think you had a couple a kid from Greenwich down here last month at the show – ya could tell they weren’t from Brooklyn., that’s for sure.

Me: Yeah – we’re doing pretty well at that. But you know, we think that letting…um….letting the people see the product for themselves, y’know, that’s the best way to make new fans, right?

Earl: Totally. No one that comes here with me ain’t forgotten about this place – they all wanna know Sand this and Fantastic that and Twiggy and all that junk.

Me: Right, right – so Jack and I were going over the plans of how to really expand that presence, and we were…we….um…we were thinking that….

Earl: What is it, Brucey? Spit it out there, or I’ll have to give ya that Hindluck maneuver!

Earl, in his interest, had the boxcutter he had been using to open the UPS packages still clenched in his right hand. He had the right hand raised unconsciously, but my mind wasn’t quite listening to that detail as the small sharp blade glinted in my eye.

Me: Well – Earl, we…we wanted to do some of our show in other places.

Earl took a second to process the information, slumping downwards as he figured out what I was saying.

Earl: So…no more shows here?

Me: No! Nonono! Not that at all, Earl!

Earl: But you think that my place isn’t good enough for you anymore, huh?

Me: NO! Earl, that’s not it! We still want the Earl Polero Bingo Hall to be the official home of Renaissance Championship Wrestling! Your place is always gonna be home!

Earl: So – so what are ya saying, then? You’re NOT leaving?

Me: Not permanently, no.

Earl: But temporarily?

Me: Jack and I, we thought…well, we thought it’d be a good idea to take a couple of the shows we have left in 2007 around. I wanted to do one show down in North Jersey, and another one up in White Plains or something.

Earl: Bruce – well, partner, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right? But ya know that I love to watch those shows your boys put on.

Me: Whenever we don’t do a show here, you and the Polero family are welcome to come to the show. As long as I’m in charge of this company, no Polero is ever gonna pay for a ticket.

Earl looks at me for a second, looking like he can’t quite decide something before scrunching up his face and looking at me.

Earl: Bruce, that – that means a lot ta me, OK? But, uh – when are ya gonna start doing this?

Me: Not for a while, Earl. Not this summer, at least. Probably in the fall.

Earl: Well – uh, I guess that’s what ya gotta do.

Me: Oh, Earl – I know we give you a lot of business with the concessions and stuff. So I had a couple of ideas. First, I want to pay you for any loss you take in concessions.

Earl: Oh, no – I can’t take yer money, Bruce.

Me: I know – you haven’t taken a dime from me yet. But you’re gonna take that when it’s time. And secondly, I know you like having wrestling around here. Well, I got a little something for you. There’s a wrestling company that runs up in New England, a group of guys named Chaotic Wrestling. Well, they were looking to do a few shows down here in New York City, and one of their guys got in contact with me looking for a place to do their shows. I gave them the only name I know would work well – yours. I’m sure you’ll hear from them soon.

Earl: Well – I really do appreciate what ya did for me, Bruce.

Me: Don’t mention it. You’re still the home of RCW, Earl, and if you get CW in here too, you’re gonna become THE place for wrestling in New York City. Someday, the Earl Polero Bingo Hall is gonna be the next Hammerstein Ballroom, or New Alhambra.

Earl: Thanks, Bruce. Hey, I gotta get these curtains set up – but I’ll talk to ya later this week, get some last details for Code Red set up, OK?

Me: Yeah Earl, no problem. I’ll talk to you then.

As I left the building, and the heat hit me like a tidal wave, I actually breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god that those CW guys had called a couple of days before – that had really helped to soften the blow, I think. I eyed a Starbucks across the street, thinking about snagging an iced coffee. Of course, Hank’s was just around the corner – maybe I’d stop by there instead.

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Not much in the news department this month, but here’s what little we had:

• Just like HWA before it, Ring of Honor took the plunge from National to Cult level. Tough fall to take, but Ring of Honor did an excellent job handling it. To counter, they signed themselves some impressive new indy talent (the guys who wouldn’t give my dump a second look) while cutting some staff. If they played their cards right, the new guys would get them back to National to stay.

• I had been remarkably lucky with my talent so far – with the exception of Kurt Lauderdale, I really hadn’t had any steals from RCW. However, I kept a nervous eye on the transactions that Sophie sent to my inbox most days. Last week, I almost had a heart attack when one name in particular headed the list: Adam Flash. As I scrolled down, I noticed he had just signed an open contract with a company extremely close to us in position – NWA: Old School Rulez, or NWAOSR (which is not at ALL overly long and clumsy). I talked to Adam, and he said that he had no problem working for both of us, and didn’t see anything that would end our relationship. Thank god.

• But, like Ring of Honor knows, and as I was starting to learn, new talent was the lifeblood of the industry. You just couldn’t sit on the guys you have, because eventually the guys higher up the ladder were going to snap them up. And, additionally, Sophie kept telling me that RCW needed to increase its roster size to prevent us from looking too ‘unprofessional’. It was getting harder and harder to fit everyone and their angles onto the show – it was going to be important for us to get a television deal soon to solve that problem (which would just create a host of contract problems). But for now, we had a pair of new signees for RCW:

Danny Dallas (47 Over) – Dallas was getting brought in based on for a few reasons. He was 29, which had him as one of our oldest workers. The veteran influence couldn’t hurt. In addition, he had great charisma, which you can never have enough of. He was a pretty solid worker, and I thought he had some potential.

Charly Manson (40 Over) – One thing that RCW was lacking, at least in my opinion, were lower-order heels. Most of our heels were towards the top of the card, and adding a few guys to work the lower half of the show would be valuable. Manson, who plays a Gothic gimmick, would be an excellent fit for that role.

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OFFICIAL~! PREVIEW FOR RCW CODE RED

SOMETHING OLD…

Kid Fantastic, who won the RCW World Title in February, found himself on the wrong end of a title match at No-Sell The Sabbath! His loss sent the RCW title belt packing, and the former champ surely isn’t happy about it! Fantastic will be at RCW Code Red, and surely has action on the mind! What will Fantastic do when he faces the new champion!

…SOMETHING NEW…

Last month at RCW No-Sell The Sabbath, John Wellington completed his long-desired quest for the RCW Title, pinning Kid Fantastic to win the belt! However, as it usually goes with John Wellington, the victory was not without controversy – he hit a low blow on the champion to enable the pin! What will Wellington have to say to kick off his reign?

…SOMETHING BORROWED…

Last month, RCW borrowed heavily from the Jerry Springer playbook, with a catfight between Francoise and Tizziana turning into an all-out six person brawl including George Sand, Nick Collyer, Adam Flash, and Katsushi Takemura! The brawl surely hasn’t settled things in the ongoing war between the two sides – will we finally reach a resolution tonight, or will the battles wage on once again?

…AND SOMETHING BLUE…

The Kohl Brothers were certainly blue after their second straight tag loss due to opponents cheating. Tonight, they get a rematch against the Goldon Boys – Ian Gomes and Sean Weldon! Also, Matt Morgan will be in action against two longtime RCW veterans, Simon Sanders and Sweatsuit Steve, in a handicap match! Can their numbers overwhelm the new RCW giant? This and much, much more is in store for you at RCW Code Red! Buy your tickets now – the best seats are going fast!

EARL POLERO BINGO HALL, BROOKLYN, NY

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007

RCW CODE RED!