National Wrestling Alliance: Domination

[DMN in the House]

WrestleMania was a colossal failure, and crippled the World Wrestling Federation in such a way that it was termed 'Black Sunday' within the promotion, and led to the eventual bankrupcty of Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr. within months, paving the way for the National Wrestling Alliance's domination.

- Gregory Thatus The Fall of The World Wrestling Federation

NWA: Domination

March, 31st, 1985. WrestleMania. 'The Biggest Spectacle in Pro Wrestling'. It was to be the birth of Vince McMahon Jr.'s vision, the birth of 'Sports Entertainment', on a grand scale. Celebrities, superstars, Madison Square Garden. It had it all.

Except, no one cared. Sports Entertainment didn't sell. The fans wanted wrestling, and turned away from this Roman-esque display of vanity in droves, and sent the World Wrestling Federation into a tail spin that would see them declare bankruptcy by the end of the year. 'Sports Entertainment' had failed, on the grandest stage of them all, at the moment of its coronation, because of the simple greed and vanity of McMahon Jr.

While the WWF died, Jim Crockett Promotions, World Class Championship Wrestling, the Mid-Atlantic teritory, Championship Wrestling from Florida, the Mid South region, they flourished. Promoting wrestling first, with names like Magnum TA, Ric Flair, The Andersons, they succeeded where McMahon Jr. had failed, and built an empire that lasts to this day.

The National Wrestling Alliance is the premier pro wrestling entity in the world today, stretching from Japan to Europe, and everywhere in between. This holds especially true in the United States and Canada, where if you aren't NWA, then you aren't anything. From Hawaii to the Northeast, Canada to Mexico, the NWA is here to stay.

With stars ranging from the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg to the World Tag Team Champion Dudley Boys, the NWA showcases the best talent anywhere.

And just who is the NWA? This... is the National Wrestling Alliance.

NWA: Texas

Raven's Kid

One of the biggest promotions in the NWA, Texas was born out of the success of the Von Erich dynasty, and World Class Championship Wrestling. When 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes took over the promotion in mid 1990, he reformed it, changing it into the NWA: Texas we know today. NWA: Texas has run upon hard times recently, due to many fans turning off of their 'old school' ideals, and towards the more cutting edge promotions around the nation.

NWA: East Coast

thuganomic

It took them nearly six years, but the McMahons finally rose back to prominence with the formation of NWA: East Coast in 1992. Vince McMahon Sr. was the man behind the music for the promotions first seven years, finally turning the reigns over to his son in 1999. Vince Jr. went on to once again try to realize his vision of 'Sports Entertainment', whch has successfully lead the company to become one of the most popular promotions in the NWA today.

NWA: Canadian Stampede

caucasianheat

Founded in November 1995, Canadian Stampede is the premier promotion in the great white north, and lauded for their empahisis of wrestling above all else. Based on the hard work of the Hart Family, Canadian Stampede is seen to be the shining light of traditional Canadian technical wrestling, as well as one of the deepest and most talented promotions.

NWA: Florida

TheRaySays

When the remnants of Championship Wrestling from Florida fell to dust under the weight of a disagreement between Kevin Sullivan and 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes, NWA: Florida was formed. Led by Sullivan and his wife Nancy (Woman), Florida features some of the best talent from the southeast, as well as the Carribean Islands. Now nearing its 15th year of promoting wrestling in the region, NWA: Florida is still moving full steam ahead.

NWA: Mexico City

naiwf

The 'black sheep' of the NWA family, Mexico City certainly has a chip on its shoulder, refusing to recognize the NWA World champions, simply because of a incident involving the man behind lucha libre as we know it today, Konnan. While Mexico City was a major player in the NWA title scene in the mid 90s, a deal between Konnan and the NWA Board fell through, and the fiercely loyal members of the roster sided with their beloved owner, making Mexico City the true renegade of the NWA.

NWA: Hardcore City

Essa

No longer content to feast on the bones of the other NWA promotions, Paul Heyman took a stand, and declared that hardcore was here to stay with the foundation of the Philidelphia based Hardcore City. A fiercly loyal fanbase, a gritty, underground feel, and a roster comprised of some of the toughest men to ever step into a ring has made Hardcore City a cult favorite amongst many NWA fans.

NWA: Detroit

J-Dubb

After an unsuccessful run as the head writer for Jim Crockett Promotions, 'Cowboy' Bill Watts struck out for the Motor City, and founded the gritty and hard hitting NWA: Detroit, a true ode to the city's working class culture. With stars ranging in styles from the former Gold Medalist Kurt Angle to the agile and daring Rob Van Dam, NWA: Detroit offers something for everyone, while still delivering the hard hitting style its fans demand.

NWA: Los Angeles

LK

Originally the brainchild of 'Hot Rod' Rowdy Roddy Piper, NWA: Los Angeles has gotten darker and more violent under the hands off direction of adult entertainment mogul Rob Black. Though the promotion has more of an edge then many others, it still brings much to the table in terms of talent, and is considered underrated by many in the know.

NWA: Strong Style

Burning Dragon

Heavily influenced by the puroresu style of Japan, Al Snow's NWA: Strong Style relies heavily on workrate intensive matches, with hard hitters and great grapplers to entertain their fans. Widely considered to have the most talented roster in the United States, if not the world, Strong Style has a strong fanbase both in the US and abroad.

NWA: Hawaii

sycodmn

'It's a Family Thing' certainly describes NWA: Hawaii, the land of sun and surf is also home to what is termed simply 'The Samoans', an extended family of grapplers who have ran and maintained the fed since its foundation in 1988. With ties to both Canada and Japan, which earned the promotion the nickname of 'Gateway to the East', NWA: Hawaii has brought its fans both family oriented entertainment, as well as some great matches in its past. In a time of turmoil, the fed is searching for a new identity, but still has its history and, as always, family, to fall back on.

NWA: New Wave

Fitzy

Based out of New England, NWA: New Wave grew out of the original NWA: New England, which folded after the unfortunate death of head honcho Tony Rumble in 1999. With a relatively young roster, NWA: New Wave lives up to its name, bringing some of the young guns of the east coast to the masses, both through their shows, and their yearly Junior Heavyweight Tournament, which this year will crown the new NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion.

NWA: Athletic Arts

Adam Copeland's Stalker

The youngest of the current NWA promotions, Athletic Arts relies on the technical wizardry and aerial mastery of its young and talented roster to wow and amaze fans. Running out of the Carolinas, NWA: AA has some of the best young talent in the world, including names like 'Suga' Shane Helms and Paul London. With barely a year under their belt, hopes are high for the promotion to keep up the standards they have shown to be able to achieve.

Jim Crockett Promotions

thegodcomplex

'The Granddaddy of Them All', JCP is the oldest of the current NWA promotions, and the only one to remain in its current form since the 1980s. Things are not well in the 'Grand Old Lady of Wrestling', as time has not been kind, with the promotion losing many of its top stars to other promotions. All is not lost, however, as stalwarts such as Sting still hold sway in the promotion, which, at one time almost destroyed the NWA by leaving, before issues were resolved and it was brought back into the fold.

The World Champions

World Heavyweight Champion

Bill Goldberg

Top Contenders

1. Chris Benoit

2. Shawn Michaels

3. 'Mean' Mark Calloway

4. Ken Shamrock

5. Booker T

World Tag Team Champions

The Dudley Boys

Top Contenders

1. The Samoan Gangstas (O.G. Ekmo and Kimo)

2. Rob Van Dam and Sabu

3. Southern Pride (John Bradshaw and Ron Simmons)

4. Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns

5. The Stampede Bulldogs (Harry Smith and TJ Wilson)

World Junior Heavyweight Champion

Currently Vacant

Top Contenders

1. 'Suga' Shane Helms

2. A.J. Styles

3. Tajiri

4. Jushin Thunder Liger

5. Christopher Daniels

Logos and Graphics will be edited in.

Edited March 19, 2005 by sycodmn

[DMN in the House]

NWA: Hawaii (Regional, est. 2005) Feauturing the top Samoan stars in the world, NWA: Hawaii is ran by Don Muraco and the company  eatures an array of superstars that are in some way nearly all related to each other. It's the Samoan heritage that gives the promotion its motto of "It's a family thing." A pretty family oriented type promotion NWA Hawaii relies heavily on top stars Rikishi, and the Rock as well as the legendary Jimmy Snuka.

Typical mainland reporter.

First, NWA: Hawaii has been around in one form or another since 1988. Although it changed its name from the original NWA: Honolulu to NWA: Hawaii in 1995, that change was only cosmetic, and to encompass the fans all throughout the islands. NWA: Hawaii has gained some recent mainstream notoriety due to a recent joint-promotion with All Japan Wrestling, but that agreement is at an end. Still, NWA: Hawaii is little known beyond the islands, as shown by this reporter's ignorance.

Second, while the current NWA: Hawaii Island Heavyweight Champion Rikishi Fatu is indeed one of our top stars, The Rock hasn't stepped into a ring in over a decade, closer then 15 years. While Don Muraco is indeed a big prescence on the island wrestling scene, he is no where near able don the tights again. Same goes for 'Supa-Fly', who, after suffering injury (more on that later), has been unable to re-enter the ring, and recently re-appeared after the training of his son.

About the only thing that the reporter got right was the family vibe of NWA: Hawaii. Family comes first, always has, always will. While it is acknowledged that many of the NWA: Hawaii stars are indeed related, kayfabe still rules on the islands, and we'd appreciate it if it stayed that way.

Brief Year by Year History of NWA: Hawaii

1988

NWA: Hawaii (then NWA: Honolulu) started off with a bang with its inagural show in August of 1988, which saw a tournament to crown the first ever NWA: Hawaii Heavyweight Champion. The finals of this saw a rematch of the infamous 1983, Don 'The Rock' Muraco/Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka match. This was made all the more interesting by the fact that the finals were contested in a cage match, which saw Snuka re-enact that fateful flight from nearly 5 years prior, this time winning the match, and becoming the first ever NWA: Hawaii Heavyweight Champion.

The rest of 1988 was based around the feud between Muraco and Snuka, which led to Muraco's now infamous line, 'Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me'. The two would feud into the new year.

1989

During early 1989, NWA: Hawaii was still centered around the feud between Don 'The Rock' Muraco and Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka, which ended violently in the first quarter of the year when Muraco took things one step too far, hospitalizing Snuka for the rest of the year after viciously beating him with a chair after defeating him cleanly in the ring. This would lead to a run of violence not seen in the promotion before or since, as Muraco would assault his opponents after every match, to make sure that the indignities suffered by him at the hands of Snuka would never happen again.

As the summer wore on, hope to an end of Muraco's reign of terror materialized in the form of 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson, and his partner 'Bad' Ron Simmons. Muraco and Johnson would eventually meet, Title vs. Career, at the biggest show of the year, December's Holiday's in Honolulu, where 'The Soulman' would walk away with the Island Heavyweight Title, and force Muraco into retirement... for now.

1990

1990 was a banner year for the promotion, as they expanded beyond the big island, and began building the foundation and fanbase which would carry them to today, all on the back of 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson. Early 1990 would see Johnson defeat many challengers to his title, including 'El Matador' Tito Santana, and the legendary Terry Funk, greatly increasing his popularity, as he defended the values of the islands against outsiders. His biggest challenge would come from the most unlikely source, however, as Ron Simmons would attack him following a defense of his title, tearing their friendship apart. The two would meet at 1990's Holidays in Honolulu, but the match would go to a draw, when the two could not keep their emotions in check, and brawled out of the arena, forcing the referee to toss out the match.

1991

In a year which would lead to the rise of tag team wrestling in NWA: Hawaii, and the formation of the NWA: Hawaii Island Tag Team Titles, the early part of the year was still engulfed with The Soulman vs Ron Simmons. The two would battle back and forth until the early summer, when they would meet inside a steel cage, with Johnson walking away the victor, as well as being the better man, offering a return to the friendship that had brought the two to the island. Simmons would accept, but soon after left the island to return to the mainland.

Did I mention tag teams? I believe I did, and in 1991, no team was bigger then the young guns of The Samoan Swat Team. Rikishi Fatu and Samu, the two we're the next big stars of NWA: Hawaii, and showed it, taking on all comers to become the Island Tag Team Champions. The two would really earn their stripes defending the honor of NWA: Hawaii against Jim Cornette, who proudly announced that Island wrestling was second class compared to the legendary exploits of Southern Wrestling. This would lead to the SST winning matches against such wrestling luminaries as the Midnight Express, the Fabulous Ones, and The Freebirds.

1992

1992 would see 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson finally lose the Island Heavyweight Title, as he dropped it to the colorful Stinger, who had found his way to the Island from Los Angeles, California. A big time Hollywood Star, The Stinger declared that he was going to take the belt home with him, only to be stopped by a returning Don 'The Rock' Muraco, who would step up to once again defend the honor of the island, and re-endear himself to the people of Hawaii. This feud is what truly made Muraco the Island legend he is today, as he defeated The Stinger at Holidays in Honolulu, then laid down the title, returning to retirement with his job done.

In tag team action, The Samoan Swat Team found themselves at the mercy of the masked DOOM, Jim Cornette's latest and greatest tag team. The massive duo were able to wrest the titles from the fan favorites waists. With Samu injured at the hands of DOOM #1, none other then 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson. The newly formed alliance of Johnson and Rikishi Fatu would fued with DOOM through the end of the year, with DOOM #1 being revealed as none other then 'Bad' Ron Simmons at Holidays in Honolulu!

1993

1993 would see the formation of the 'King of the Island' tournament, which would grow to be an annual occurence, to crown the next Island Heavyweight Champion. This would include the epic return of Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka, who would make the finals of the tournament, but fall to the eventual champion Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, in his first appearance on the island. The two would shake hands after the finals, forming a bond which has continued to this day. Steamboat would continue to defend the title with the honor and dignity, earning himself the respect and love of the people.

With the unveiling of Doom #1 as 'Bad' Ron Simmons, the feud between 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson and Simmons would re-ignite, with Rikishi Fatu in the corner of Johnson, and 'The Natural' Butch Reed, revealed as DOOM #2 in the corner of Simmons. The Island Tag Team Titles would change hands multiple times, until finally DOOM was sent packing when Samu returned to save Johnson from a double team beating, leading to the first ever 'Last Team Standing' match between the SST and DOOM.

1994

1994 held the biggest challenge for NWA: Hawaii, as the 'Asian Invasion' began, with The Great Muta, Jushin Thunder Liger, and the massive Yokozuna making their first appearances on the Island. Ricky Steamboat would accept the challenge of Muta, after feeling the blinding sting of the Japanese legend's mist, in a feud that would last the better part of two years, with the fate of NWA: Hawaii in the balance the entire time.

Liger would win the 1994 'King of the Island' tournament, and embrace the island culture, turning his back on the ways of his former partners, and becoming a sure fan favorite. His rivalry of respect with Jimmy Snuka took them both to the limits, but Liger would come out on top. Unfortunately, this series of matches would take their toll on 'Superfly', forcing his retirement, but not before he passed the torch to Liger, who would become a semi-regular to the Island.

'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson would have his hands full with the challenge of the massive Yokozuna. When the massive sumo wrestler made it personal by attacking The Soulman's son, Rocky Jr., a trainee with Don Muraco's wrestling school, backstage at an event, Johnson would go on a path of revenge that brought out a side of the former champion that scared even him. The two would settle their differences, for the moment, at Holiday in Honolulu '94, where Jim Cornette emerged as the mastermind behind the invasion, and the number game became too much, when Yokozuna hit three of his trademarked Bonzai Drops on Johnson, putting him in the hospital for the next 3 months.

The tag team division was no less effected, as the Japanese duo of Jado and Gedo would challenge the Samoan Swat Team, and eventually take the Island Tag Team Titles with the help of Jim Cornette, who at the time was only thought to be their manager. These would be significant, as the first titles to fall in the war between NWA: Hawaii, and the Japanese Invasion.

1995

1995 would bring both uncertainty, and expansion, as NWA: Honolulu would become NWA: Hawaii, and gain island-wide recognition with the debut of its weekly television show, Friday Night Throwdown. However, the Japanese invasion was in full swing, with 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson in the hospital, Jimmy Snuka retired, and the Samoan Swat Team defeated.

Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat continued to be the last bastion of the Island's honor, until he was joined by Rikishi Fatu in a tag team match against Jado, Gedo, and The Great Muta. With no third man, with Samu out due to an attack by Yokozuna, the two were prepared to go into battle down a man, when they recieved help from an unexpected source, in Jushin Thunder Liger.

The three would hold off the invasion until the cavalry arrived in the form of the young guns of the Samoan Gangstas, O.G. Ekmo and Kimo, and the young and talented Rocky Johnson Jr. The young guns were enough to carry NWA: Hawaii over the invaders, as the Samoan Gangstas defeated Jado and Gedo to regain the Island Tag Team Titles, Ricky Steamboat defeated The Great Muta, and Rocky Johnson Jr. did the unthinkable, slamming the 500+ pound Yokozuna, with a little help from his returning father.

1996

1996 was a year of upheaval in NWA: Hawaii, as the young guns soon turned against their older counterparts. Rikishi Fatu challenged, and defeated, The Dragon for the Island Heavyweight Championship, becoming the youngest champion, at the age of 29.

This wasn't the only change, as the Samoan Gangsta's went out of their way to make an impact, taking out 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Sr., leading to a tag feud between the 1996 'King of the Island' Champion, Rocky Johnshon Jr. who teamed with his father to fight off the challenge. They would succeed, in their quest to gain a title shot, but not capture the Island Tag Team Titles, as Johnson Jr. would leave his father's side at the moment of truth, and side with the 'Young Guns', proclaiming himself 'The New Soulman'.

1997

1997 would see the 'Young Guns' cement their power, as they destroyed any 'legend' they could. Rikishi Fatu escaped defending his title against worthy contenders by hand picking over the hill legends who he deemed to pose no threat to him. He was misguided, however, when he challenged the madman Haku, and got more then he bargained for, and found himself in a world of hurt by the end of the year.

In the tag team division, the Samoan Gangsta's took on the re-formed Headshrinkers, Samu and Tama. This would be one of the most violent clashes that NWA: Hawaii had seen, as neither team of heavy hitters would back down, and both found themselves running on empty by the time the Headshrinkers succeeded in getting the final three count, and the titles at Holiday in Honolulu '97.

Rocky Johnson Jr. continued to feud with his father, 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Sr., capturing the newly minted NWA: Hawaii Television Title in the process. Finally however, Rocky Jr. saw the light after the pleading of his family, and returned to his father's side, saving him from an assault at the hands of Rikishi Fatu during The Soulman's retirement ceremony in October. Rikishi Fatu would refuse any challenge from the new 'Soulman', Rocky Johnson Jr. however, and the year would end as it had began, with Fatu in control of the belt.

1998

1998 was the year of 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Jr., as he would become the first double champion in NWA: Hawaii history, when he defeated Rikishi Fatu at Holiday in Honolulu '98, ending a year long feud, and bring back honor to the title. He would, however, lose the NWA: Hawaii Televison Title to newcomer 'The Supreme Fighting Machine' Kama Mustapha.

Mustapha would go on to defend the Television Title against all comers, brutally defeating all of them in dominating fashion. None would challenge his reign until well into 1999.

The tag team division heated up as well, with an appearance by the violent and controversial Gangsta's New Jack and Saed. Their antics won them the Island Tag Team titles, but did not endear them to the fans, as their brutal street nature was unlike anything seen before, and they were gone almost as quickly as they came, dropping the titles to the Island Boys, Kaimana and Kaniela.

1999

'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Jr. would be a fighting champion, defending his title against all comers, including NWA: Calgary Stampede franchise Bret 'The Hitman' Hart, in a match widely regarded as the best one in NWA: Hawaii history. Rocky Jr. and Hart formed a bond from that match, which lead to 'The Soulman' taking up Hart's trademark 'Sharpshooter' to finish matches, as a sign of respect. While Hart would not take the title, with the match ending in a draw, he was the biggest star to come to the Island in some time, and is still very popular amongst our fans, as Calgary Stampede is very respected among the island fans, due to their respect for the business.

Kama Mustapha finally met his match when 'The World's Most Dangerous Man', former mixed martial arts champion Ken Shamrock made his way to the Islands, and nearly took the title in an epic 'shootfight' match. Mustapha won the match, but it took its toll, as he was out of action for the better part of a year, was forced to vacate the title, and left the island. Satisfied with his work, Shamrock left as well.

The tag division was much more chaotic, as the Island Boys, the veterans Haku and The Barbarian, the Samoan Gangstas, and a reformed Samoan Swat Team, all traded the belt back and forth, with none able to gain more then a momentary advantage over the others. The year ended with the belt in the hands of Haku and The Barbarian.

2000

The turn of the century was an exciting time in NWA: Hawaii, as 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Jr. continued to be a fighting champion, and continued to reign with honor on the Island. He turned back challenges from the massive Canadian Andrew Martin, the 'Man-Beast' Rhino, the legendary Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, and, in a shocking return to the Island, The Stinger. The year ended with Johnson locked in a feud with the Englishman William Regal.

The NWA: Hawaii Television Title was put up in the King of the Island tournament, and, just as the last time a belt was held up in the tournament, Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka made his mark, this time running out to cost Rikishi Fatu the title. This lead to Fatu repeatedly calling out the retired legend, and when no answer came, taking matters into his own hands, destroying the legend at a special appearance. This lead to the man who took the belt, 'California's Finest' Christopher Daniels, to take up the cause of the fallen legend, and a brilliant feud that showed that Fatu still had 'it' in the ring began.

The tag team division was still a mess, as Haku and The Barbarian dropped the belts to the Samoan Gangstas, who dropped them to the Island Boys, and back and forth it went. Things finally ended when the biggest tag team to ever hit the Island, The Legion of Doom, destroyed the heel Samoan Gangstas, and claimed the belts, adding to their legendary status.

2001

Rocky Johnson Jr. was able to defeat the challenge of William Regal, and moved on to face the ace of NWA: Detroit, Kurt Angle. Angle was finally able to end the two year reign of Rocky Jr., but was unable to hold the title, and lost it to returning Jushin Thunder Liger. Liger would go on to hold the belt, and defend it against both 'The Soulman', and Angle as the year ended.

The Television Title was much more up in the air, as Rikishi Fatu called in help from the mainland, in the guise of Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka's longtime rival 'Hot Rod' Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper got a taste of his own medicine however, when, while attempting to re-enact the classic 'coconut' incident, 'California's Finest' Christopher Daniels, the reigning champion, intervened, and brained Piper with the coconut instead. With all the chaos, the NWA Board of Directors ordered NWA: Hawaii to find itself a commisioner to bring the sport back to wrestling, and the choice was simple, as Don 'The Rock' Muraco took up the role, and set up two matches for Holiday in Honolulu '01, Jimmy Snuka versus Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Rikishi Fatu vs. Christopher Daniels!

Daniels would go on to defeat the challenge of Fatu, who took off to Japan, in order to seek the training he needed to re-capture his 'fire' as he put it, but not before he shook hands with Daniels, thanking him for helping him find himself through competition again, and allowing him to leave on good ground with the fans.

Piper vs Snuka was no less stunning, as the aged Snuka once more took to the sky, and defeated Piper woth the Superfly Splash, but all was not happiness, as after the match, Snuka was attacked by his own flesh and blood, Jimmy Snuka Jr., who claimed that his father had held him back, trying to keep the spotlight for himself, when he was ready to carry the family name.

The Legion of Doom would reign in the tag division, untill unseated by the Jung Dragons, a masked duo from Japan. The Legion would leave the island for other pastures, while the Dragons would go on to put on an epic series of matches with the Island Boys.

2002

The Island Heavyweight Champion, Jushin Thunder Liger, would defend the belt both in his homeland of Japan, as well as on the Island, but his fighting spirit would prove to be his downfall, as he would lose it to 'The Gladiator' Mike Awesome. Awesome would refuse to defend the belt on Hawaiian soil, disrespecting the tradition and culture of the Islands. Finally, Commissioner Don 'The Rock' Muraco would send 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Jr. to bring back the belt, which he would do in the later part of the year, bringing a new talent to NWA: Hawaii as well, in the form of Masato Tanaka.

Christopher Daniels would have a tough challenger for the NWA: Hawaii Television Title, as the 2002 King of the Island, Rob Van Dam, would lay down the gauntlet, and take the belt by mid summer. This would lead to Jimmy Snuka Jr. taking the belt from Van Dam, and sending him back to the mainland, after re-retiring his father, making him most hated among the new generation of Hawaiian stars.

The tag division would be no less exciting, as The Island Boys took the titles from the Jung Dragons, but lost them to the new mainland stars Shane Helms and Shannon Moore. Helms and Moore's teen idol personas drew much hate from the Islanders, who they considered beneath them, but lead to great matches, as the Island Boys, the Jung Dragons, and Helms and Moore perfected the three way tag in NWA: Hawaii.

2003

Rocky Johnson Jr. would once again carry the banner of NWA: Hawaii, as he took up a rivalry of respect with Masato Tanaka, and the two put on some of the wildest brawls in the promotions history, with the belt finally leaving Johnson's waist at the end of the year, in a match that saw Johnson forced into the hospital with a broken leg, keeping him out a good portion of 2004.

Jimmy Snuka Jr. would retain the Television Title, and cement himself as a hated star by taking the King of the Island title. He would feud with Kaimana of the Island Boys, and his partner, before finally dropping the belt to Kaimana, and forming the tag team of The Samoan Swat Team 2000, first with original SST member Samu, and finally the current version of the team, with Black Pearl.

The tag division would see the results of this partnership, as the SST 2000 would end the year as the champs, in an otherwise lackluster year for the division.

2004

2004 would see Rikishi Fatu return, and challenge for Masato Tanaka's title in mid summer, after the fighting champion defended against any and all comers. The two would end the year in a stalemate, and agree to face off once again in the new year.

The Television Title would fall into the hands of the 2004 King of the Island, 'Prince' Iaukea, who would crown himself 'King' after his victory. 'King' Iaukea would rarely defend the title, disdaining his opponents as beneath him, until forced by Commissioner Don 'The Rock' Muraco.

The tag division would once again become the land of the big men, as the Samoan Gangstas would reign supreme, destroying all competition on their way to the title.

So far in 2005, champions, and roster update up next...

[DMN in the House]

2005: A Year in Names

2005 is a rebuilding year for NWA: Hawaii, after the severly lackluster 2002-2004 days. Many say that the promotion is on the way down, with nepotism running high due to family ties. While it is true that family is very strong in NWA: Hawaii, there is new blood, new faces, new names.

Let us get you up to date on the Islands with a look at some of the important names and faces to have made their mark on the young year.

NWA: Hawaii Island Heavyweight Champion

Rikishi Fatu

Having returned in 2004 from a foray into the world of Puroresu, Japanese professional wrestling, we have seen a more focused Rikishi Fatu, one who has learned from his mistakes, and used them to make himself a better man. This was proven when he defeated Masato Tanaka for the Island Heavyweight Title, claiming his second reign atop the hiearchy of NWA: Hawaii, although it is a much different Rikishi Fatu that we see now. Having dropped the pounds that once robbed him of his ability to utilize much of his original high risk offense, we know see a Rikishi Fatu more similar to his Samoan Swat Team days then the 'Young Gun' of old.

NWA: Hawaii Television Champion

'King' Iaukea

The 'Prince' has become the 'King', having won the title of 'King of the Islands' in 2004, no small honor, with former champions such as Jushin Thunder Liger, Rob Van Dam, and Christopher Daniels. Iaukea has made himself most hated amongst the fans with his abject disdain for them, and all they stand for as commoners. He has even gone as far as to refuse to defend his title against those he calls 'inferior', although he has been forced at times by NWA: Hawaii Commisioner Don 'The Rock' Muraco.

NWA: Hawaii Island Tag Team Champions

The Samoan Gangstas

'Piru Love' is strong amongst the street wise and violent Samoan Gangstas, O.G. Ekmo and Kimo. Raised on the mean streets of Los Angeles, California, neither is a stranger to violence inside or outside the ring. While their tactics have garnered disdain from many fans, none can argue their effectiveness, as it has allowed them to collect numerous reigns as the Island Tag Team Champions. Having destroyed most of the tag team division in recent months due to their sheer dominance, no challengers seem to be in sight for the large duo.

'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Jr.

Son of the original 'Soulman' the legendary Rocky Johnson Sr., Rocky Jr. is well on his way to becoming as much an Island legend as his father is, having already had one of the longest Island Heavyweight Championship reigns under his belt. A solid fan favorite, due to his charasmatic and passionate speeches, his sense of humor, and his athletiscm, he has been sidelined with recent injuries, but has made a comeback, and is right back in the championship mix, as always.

Bob 'The Beast' Sapp

The, thus far, unstoppable machine in 2005, the former mixed martial arts fighter has found himself on the outside looking in so far in terms of the Island Heavyweight Title picture, but a challenge thrown down to Rocky Johnson Jr. is sure to change that if 'The Beast' can keep up his dominant ways. In his NWA: Hawaii career, short as it has been at only 6 matches, Sapp has never spent more then 5 minutes of his time in putting away an opponent with his famed 'Beast Bomb'.

Other NWA: Hawaii Superstars

Afa Anoai Jr.

Ahuna

Black Pearl

'The Canadian Superstar' Derek Wylde

'Dirty' Dick Togo

Sho Funaki

Haku

Ipuna

Jimmy 'Supa-Fly' Snuka Jr.

Jinsei Shinzaki

Kaimana

Kaniela

Kiki Malaya

Kimona Wanaleia

LA Smooth

Lopaka

Mana

MEN's Teioh

'The Governor' Nigel McGuinness

Samu

Super Fly Ete

Tama

The Barbarian

The Miz

Tag Teams

Samoan Swat Team 2000 - Jimmy Snuka Jr. and Black Pearl

Island Boys - Kaimana and Kaniela

Samoan Gangstas - O.G. Ekmo and Kimo

The Night Marchers - Ahuna and Lopaka

Haku and The Barbarian

Stables and Alliances

Tokyo Lady Killers - Sho Funaki, Dick Togo, and MEN's Teioh

The Headshrinkers - Tama, Samu, and Mana

Staff

NWA: Hawaii Commissioner: Don 'The Rock' Muraco

NWA: Hawaii Announcer: Afa The Wild Samoan

NWA: Hawaii Announcer: Jim Cornette

NWA: Hawaii Head of Security: 'The Soulman' Rocky Johnson Sr.

Edited March 26, 2005 by sycodmn

[caucasianheat]

<center><img src="http://ewb.orion-hosting.co.uk/forum/uploads/post-199-1110843693.jpg"><br><br><b>NWA: CANADIAN STAMPEDE</b><br><br></center><br><br><i><b>NWA: Canadian Stampede - At a Glance</b><br><br>Built around the gradutes of Stu Hart's Dungeon, Canadian Stampede has been operating for nearly a decade, approaching it's tenth anniversary in November. In the early years, Bret Hart and his brothers Owen (who died in a tragic accident representing NWA:CS in another promotion in 1999), Bruce and Ross held cadence as the top stars of Canadian Stampede, with Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and Jim Neidhart not far behind. By 2002, Bret, Ross, and Neidhart had all gone into semi-retirement, creating a sort of revolution in Canadian Stampede. Benoit and Jericho, along with new stars like Lance Storm, Adam Copeland, Sean Morley and Christian began advancing towards the top of the promotion. Underneath them are the new generation of the extended Hart family, with Teddy Hart and the Stampede Bulldogs (Harry Smith & TJ Wilson) are ready to take over when the time is right. As it stands now, Chris Benoit is the current Canadian Heavyweight Champion with Copeland, Storm, Christian, and Morley all posing threats as heel challengers. <br><br>Stampede's midcard and undercard are widely believed to be one of the most talented in pro wrestling. With younger stars like Teddy Hart, The Stampede Bulldogs, Rene Dupree, Petey Williams, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley and experienced vets like Johnny Smith, Joe E. Legend, Chris Candido, Bruce Hart, Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon, there's no room for dead-weight on the roster, as each and every combatant is tested in every match. <br><br>The famed Stu Hart Dungeon serves as the training grounds for future superstars of NWA:CS, crafting a new generation of stars under one roof. In 1998, in an attempt to create new stars for the promotion's future, NWA:CS opened their revolutionary development territory, NWA: Winnipeg. With the addition of NWA: Winnipeg, Stampede has been able to create a complete grassroots program for developing talent. The wrestlers who graduate from the Hart Dungeon are then brought to NWA: Winnipeg, where they hone their skills until they are ready to debut fulltime for NWA:CS.<br><br>One of the key elements that seperates NWA:CS from any other promotion is the NWA:CS Executive Committee. Made up of 5 elite Canadian wrestling personalities (Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Don Callis, Scott D'Amore, and Rick Martel), any decision that cannot be made in the ring falls on the EC. The EC is known to assign stipulations, grant title shots, and carry out various other duties. The Committee is the highest authority in NWA:CS, and throughout it's tenure has been deemed an absolute success by those inside and outside the promotion<br><br><br><b>Champions</b><br><br><br><b>NWA:CS Canadian Heavyweight Title</b><br><br><img src="http://ewb.orion-hosting.co.uk/forum/uploads/post-199-1110844033.jpg"><br><b>Current Holder: Chris Benoit</b><br><br><i>The Canadian Heavyweight Title is the pinnacle of NWA:CS, indicitive of the number-one man in the promotion. Benoit has held the title since winning it from Bret Hart in August of 2003, Bret's most recent match. Now approaching the two year-mark of his reign, Benoit is more swamped with challengers than ever before, and faces them at a near-rapid fire rate. Benoit has been successful in all defenses, though some have raised question as to how long his streak will hold. His latest challenger is the brash, arrogant Christian who has been demanding a shot against Benoit since early in the year. At March's PPV show, "Walk on the Wildside," the Executive Committee agreed to give Christian a tag team match against Benoit, each with partners of their own choosing, at April's "Nobody's Fool" PPV. If Christian's team won, he would receive a title shot in May. If Benoit's team is victorious, Christian will never get another title shot against Benoit.</i><br><br><br><b>NWA:CS Tag Team Titles</b><br><br><img src="http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/s/stampedebulldogs/02.jpg" width="234" height="320"><br><b>Current Holders: The Stampede Bulldogs (Harry Smith & TJ Wilson)</b><br><br><i>In a promotion that prides itself on one of the strongest tag team divisions in wrestling, holding the NWA:CS Tag team Titles is nothing to sneer at. Successful tag teams require a degree of cohesion and understanding, a quality that makes the Stampede Bulldogs so strong. Having trained together since their early teens, Smith and Wilson know one another inside and out, and have wrestling success in their blood, as both are members of the illustrious Hart family of wrestling. After capturing the belts in December of 2004, the Bulldogs have had successful defenses against the like of Team Canada's Bobby Roode and Johnny Devine, Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon and the rag-tag pairing of Chris Candido and Joe E. Legend. With a very expansive tag division, there's really no telling who the Bulldogs next challenge will be, and wether or not they will be able to hold onto their belts.</i><br><br><br>Roster<br><br><b>Singles</b><br><br>"The Crippler" Chris Benoit (NWA:CS Heavyweight Champion)<br>"The Winnipeg Jet" Chris Jericho<br>Lance Storm<br>Adam Copeland<br>"Captain Charisma" Christian<br>"The French Phenom" Rene Dupree<br>Sean Morley<br>Johnny Smith<br>"Hard Knocks" Chris Candido<br>"The Future" Chris Sabin<br>Sylvain Grenier<br>Bruce Hart<br>Joe E. Legend<br>Harry Smith (½ NWA:CS Tag Team Champion)<br>Petey Williams<br>Teddy Hart<br>TJ Wilson (½ NWA:CS Tag Team Champion)<br>Chris Hero<br>"The Next" Alex Shelley<br>"Hotshot" Johnny Devine<br>Jack Evans<br>Bobby Roode<br>Doug Furnas<br>Chance Beckett<br>"Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen<br>Phil LaFon<br>Conrad Kennedy III<br>Ruffy Silverstein<br><br><br><b>Tag Teams</b><br><br>The Stampede Bulldogs (Harry Smith & TJ Wilson)<br>The CanAm Express (Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon)<br>The High Class Cripplers (Conrad Kennedy III & Ruffy Silverstein)<br>Sex and Violence (Adam Copeland & Joe E. Legend)<br>Team Canada (Bobby Roode & Johnny Devine)<br>Team Canada II (Petey Williams & Bobby Roode)<br>Team Canada III (Petey Williams & Johnny Devine)<br><br><br><b>Stables</b><br><br>Team Canada (Scott D'Amore, Petey Williams, Bobby Roode, Johnny Devine)<br><br><br><b>NWA: Winnipeg</b><br><br>"Mr. Class" A-1<br>Abdul Hanish<br>Belle Lovitz<br>Chris Steele<br>Danny Daniels<br>"Pistol" Greg Pawluk<br>Nattie Neidhart<br>Phoenix Taylor<br>Randy Myers<br>"Textbook" Tyson Dux<br><br><br><b>Staff</b><br><br>Bret Hart (NWA:CS Executive Committee)<br>Jim Neidhart (NWA:CS Executive Committee)<br>Don Callis (NWA:CS Executive Committee/Colour Commentator)<br>Scott D'Amore (NWA:CS Executive Committee/Manager)<br>Jimmy Bauer (Announcer)<br><br><br><b>Shows</b><br><br>NWA:CS runs very similar to a traditional Japanese wrestling promotion, where they run a series of house shows, a handful of which are taped for television. NWA:CS's weekly television program, Primetime Wrestling, airs Saturday nights on TSN across Canada. Presently, the show is unavilable in the United States, and airs with a delay of several months on The Wrestling Channel on the United Kingdom. PPV shows are done on a monthly basis and are available across Canada and the United States, as well as the UK and other countries.

[thuganomic]

A Family Tradition

Vincent James McMahon Senior beamed as he stared into the eager face of his son. It was one of the proudest days in Vince McMahon Sr.’s life when he sold the World Wrestling Federation to his son in 1982. WWF. It was his passion, his life’s work. And he could think of no better gift for his son.

He had a vision for his company. A vision for his business. That one day in the near future, wrestling would rival boxing in popularity. How could it not? Senior had been around the two sports all his life, and he found nothing more exhilarating than a wrestling match. Before handing the reigns over to his son, Senior was concerned. He warned Junior to take things easy. After all, the National Wrestling Alliance had been slowly atrophying. Senior plotted out several key points that he would like to have seen executed. Then, he ventured back to Connecticut, a proud old man.

It was great at first. The WWF slowly picked up momentum and gained more fans and respect. However, for the impetuous Junior, the change was too slow. He decided that he needed something that could galvanize the interest in his company. Something that could make him or beak him. Something that would put the WWF on the map. Something that would destroy the NWA once and for all.

That something was Wrestlemania.

March 31st, 1985.

The granddaddy of them all. At Madison Square Garden.

Junior’s brainchild.

Thousands upon thousands of dollars were poured in one last effort to sink the detested NWA. McMahon booked his best possible card ever, with the memorable main event of Hollywood Hogan and Mr. T facing ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff. The fans marveled at the spectacle, excitement, and atmosphere of Wrestlemania. There had never been such an ambitious attempt to showcase the greatest aspects of wrestling through theglitz and glamour of entertainment.

Unfortunately, there would also never be another such attempt.

The anticipated door that would open possibilities for the WWF never came. The PPV proved itself to be a huge flop. Plagued and saddled with huge paychecks and a dearth of sponsors, the World Wrestling Federation took a huge gamble on Wrestlemania, and lost. The world was not yet ready for such glitz and glamour in wrestling. The fans were uncomfortable with the new sports entertainment. Within a year, the WWF was forced to declare bankruptcy.

Vince McMahon Jr. remembered that fateful day when the doors to his office had closed forever. He remembered the disappointment of failure. He remembered the anguish and embarrassment. Most importantly, however, he remembered the fear. The fear of returning home to his father. The fear of admitting that he had failed.

Nevertheless, he did return home. His father uncharacteristically ripped into him, scolding him for his failures, for not listening. Junior was filled with shame as he listened to the rebuking. For the next 7 years, he watched as the National Wrestling Alliance grew in number and strength. He watched as the men that he grew up with, the wrestlers that he had grown to regard as brothers split off and retired to NWA:Detroit, to NWA:Los Angeles, to NWA:Hawaii. He struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality: he had lost.

He had never believed in second chances…until one day in 1992. This second chance came from the most unexpected, yet obvious person. They say that blood is thicker than water. Vince McMahon Sr., using every last penny he had and swallowing every ounce of pride in his body, became the newest owner of an NWA affiliate in his own backyard, the East Coast. After all, if he couldn’t beat them, well……

Father and son were reunited again. This time, however, Senior was determined to stick around. With a few McMahon loyalists, the company grew slowly. Senior’s old-school booking tactics were an anachronism amidst the flashy gimmicks and high-flying excitements that the other federations provided. They were unable to recreate the excitement that the WWF had in the 1980s. NWA: East Coast was in a rut.

Now, however, was when Junior’s genius proved itself evident. Embarrassed by his failures, Junior dedicated himself to rediscovering the business. He helped in every aspect of the show, from booking, to writing, to scouting. He learned the “old-school” approach from his father, while implementing his own unique ideas. In late 1995, Junior was able to persuade and convince NWA:Texas superstar, Sting, to jump ship to the East Coast. The move was a big hit for NWA:EC. Sting would capture the Heavyweight title, and go on to a productive and lengthy reign.

Junior soon regained much of his confidence and spunk. Senior and Junior worked side by side, and in just under 5 years, NWA: East Coast had blossomed into a national powerhouse. They struck a TV deal with the USA Network in late 1998, providing the company with an opportunity to win over more fans. However, the budding success was derailed by a horrible tragedy: the sudden passing of Vince McMahon Sr. in April 1999.

Determined not to fail his father once again, Junior set out to dominate the wrestling world in his name and memory. By combining aspects of sports entertainment with the old-school mentality, NWA: East Coast is quickly heading for the top. After all these years, Junior may finally be beginning to carry on the family tradition of excellence.

Brief History

Before 1999, NWA:EC was very much shaped in the form of the old-school promotions. The NWA:EC Heavyweight Championship was traded back and forth between superstars such as Kevin Nash, ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan, and Shawn Michaels. When Vince McMahon Jr. took over, however, he decided to shake things up a bit. Vince shocked the world when Sting debuted in August of 1995. A month later, Sting defeated the iconic Hogan, epitomizing the new wave of talent.

From then on, the surprises never stopped coming. The real-life friendships of Michaels, Nash, Scott Hall, Triple H, and Sean Waltman helped inspire the Kliq, a powerful heel stable which debuted in early 1999. Their rebellious, degenerate personalities provided instant conflict with wrestlers like Hogan and Sting. 1999 and 2000 would be lost to the epic battles between the Kliq and the men who stood in their way.

After almost three years, however, the Kliq were forced to disband when a young troupe of workers stood up to them and defeated the cocky veterans. The group included Nick Dinsmore, Randy Orton, John Cena, and Chuck Palumbo. The youngsters immediately were propelled to the top of the cards, and have been widely regarded as the future of East Coast wrestling.

Where does the East Coast stand now? 2004 was a year of Kliq drama. After successfully winning the Heavyweight title in controversial fashion, Triple H would reign for almost 8 months with his good friend, Shawn Michaels at his side. However, the heel HHH grew more and more obsessed with keeping the Heavyweight title, often at the cost of his friendship. When the ‘Heartbreak Kid’ won a title shot, the fans were excited at the prospect of watching two good friends go at it. However, HHH was vilified forever when he debuted his trusty helper, Sled G. Hammer, ruthlessly taking out his best friend. Amidst fears of the injury being career-ending, HBK stood his ground and promised to seek revenge. In New Year’s Revolution, Shawn Michaels completed his return to the top, when he successfully edged HHH in a No Holds Barred match to regain the heavyweight champion. Frustrated at losing the title, HHH went on a vicious mean streak, taking out another ex-friend in Sean Waltman.

Champions

NWA:EC Heavyweight Title

Current Holder: Shawn Michaels

A 4-time NWA:EC champion, Shawn Michaels is truly a legend. Many speculate that this latest title run might also be the ‘Heartbreak Kid’s swan song. After defeating HHH, Michaels was able to defeat the gruff grappler they call Test. Now, Shawn Michaels is looking to take on all challengers. Well-rested and experienced, HBK might be the strongest he’s ever been. No matter what, the ‘Showstopper’ will always give his all for the fans and for NWA:EC.

NWA:EC Tag Team Titles

Current Holder: Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak

If there’s one thing that these two men are good at, it’s kicking ass. Formerly singles wrestlers, the two had a long running feud in 2004, culminating in Reigns defeating Jindrak with the help of the voluptuous Jackie Gayda. Gayda, however, suggested that instead of feuding with the young, talented Jindrak, Reigns should be his partner instead. The rest, as they say, is history. In their first match together, Reigns and Jindrak were able to defeat the team of Nick Dinsmore and Chuck Palumbo to become the tag team champions. They’ve defeated every team since, and have already made their mark as perhaps the most dominating tag team in the history of NWA:EC.

NWA:EC Intercontinental Title

Current Holder: Randy Orton

Randy Orton, as he often likes to remind us, is the result of three generations of talent, wisdom, and experience. Since his debut, the young man has slowly become more and more cocky. Fortunately for Orton, his ring work has been able to keep pace with his mouth. Orton ended the 7-month reign of the popular masked monster, Kane. Since then, the arrogant superstar has managed to somehow slip past every challenger who has stepped into the ring with him. Lately, however, Orton has been troubled by another monster in Bautista. At “Redemption,” Randy Orton successfully managed to fend off Bautista and Nick Dinsmore when he stole the pinfall from Bautista. Will his string of good luck finally run out?

Other East Coast Superstars

Andrew ‘Test’ Martin

Bautista

Benjamin Kimera

Big Show

Chuck Palumbo

Hardcore Holly

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler

Jackie Gayda

John Cena

Johnny 'The Bull' Stamboli

Jonathan Coachman

Kane

Kevin Nash

Molly

Nick Dinsmore

Scott Hall

Sean Waltman

Shawn Osborne

Stacy Keibler

Triple H

Victoria

William Regal (NWA:EC Commissioner)

Tag Teams

Jindrak and Reigns

The Outsiders (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall)

Alpha Omega (Benjamin Kimera & Shawn Osborne)

Stables

The Alpha Omega (Benjamin Kimera, Shawn Osborne & Victoria)

NWA: New York

Alexis Laree

Beth Phoenix

Blaster Lashley

Chad Toland

Chris Masters

Jillian Hall

Justice Smith

Ken Doane

Matt Morgan

Mike Shane

Nick Mitchell

Paul Birchall

Ryan Reeves

Tank Toland

Todd Shane

Staff

Brian Hebner (Referee)

Danny Davis (Trainer)

Dave Hebner (Referee)

Earl Hebner (Referee)

Gerald Brisco (Head Road Agent)

Howard Finkel (Ring Announcer)

Jerry Lawler (Color Commentator)

Lillian Garcia (Backstage Interviewer)

Linda McMahon (C.E.O)

Michael Cole (Play-by-Play)

Steve Lombardi (Road Agent)

Shows

Every Monday night, on the USA network, NWA:EC is proud to present Monday Massacre. The show reaches audiences nationwide. Michael Cole and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler provide commentary. The show has a prime time slot, and is the top-rated wrestling show in the United States.

Other Information

NWA:East Coast

Owner: Vince McMahon

Size: National

Public Image: 50

Edited March 29, 2005 by thuganomic

[LK.]

National Wrestling Alliance: Los Angeles

In Philadelphia you receive ‘Hardcore City’ and in New York you see ‘East Coast’. In Canada you succumb to great technical action with the Hart’s watching over your shoulder, where as over in Mexico City you respect the Lucha Libre tradition and your boss, Konnan.

The NWA has something for everyone.

What about the U-S-of-A’s true capital? What about California? What about Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels’? What about the golden sands of the always-expanding city? The enormous glowing skyline? Los Angeles has it all, including its own local National Wrestling Alliance affiliate, Rob Black’s NWA: Los Angeles.

Since purchasing NWA:LA back in 2001 from Roddy Piper, Rob Black [Rob Zicari], despite his repertoire, has been rather silent in the running of the promotion. He and his wife Lizzy Borden have kept behind the scenes of the running of the promotion, and have seemingly focused on the running of the infamous “Extreme Associate’s” adult entertainment orientated company.

On the wrestling side of things, Los Angeles is often compared to Philadelphia based promotion NWA Hardcore City, due to it’s somewhat ‘extreme’ nature and gritty down-to-Earth feel. Despite not being the National Wrestling Alliance’s ideological promotion, NWA:LA does bring a lot to the table in terms of being unique amongst it’s peers. Surprisingly, despite being targeted to the adult population, NWA:LA offers something to everyone. The promotion isn’t just simply littered with Rob Black loyalists, deathmatch workers such as Pogo the Clown and Vic Grimes, as expected. Nope. Workers such as Chris Candido, D’Lo Brown, Jeff Hardy, Vampiro and the NWA:LA Champion Booker T litter the ranks of the City of Angel’s baby boy.

NWA: Los Angeles Heavyweight Champion

Holder: Booker T

Won at: Chaotic Violence [19th September 2004]

Defeated: Ron ‘Da Truth’ Killings

The biggest title in the promotion; a title basked in prosperity, fame and fortune. If you’re the National Wrestling Alliance Los Angeles Heavyweight Champion, you’re something. This title has been held by many great competitors since emerging in 1998. In fact, the first champion was none other than Kevin Nash – but a fallout occurred and he quickly dropped the gold to Diamond Dallas Page. The promotions primay recognition came with the arrival of one Booker T. Mustafa Saed had began a very impressive title run, destroying anybody who opposed him, who stood against him. Booker T came in, stood against Saed, and beat him to capture the gold in what was to be his first title run. However, Booker’s first run wasn’t one of prestige; his reign was dramatically cut short by a back injury sustained at the “Appetite for Destruction” event, in a brutal cage match which involved both Mustafa Saed and the “Original Gangsta” New Jack.

Booker eventually returned, but not alone, this time he had none other than Stevie Ray by his side. The two men re-lived the glory days of Texas, capturing the Tag Team titles from the more than flamboyant tag team of the “Hardcore Homo” Angel and his, at the time, ‘live partner’ Kraq, collectively known as “Size Doesn’t Matter”. The re-united Harlem Heat did the team justice and ran with the championships for several months until running into a stumbling block: hate. The two brothers began to fallout, they came to blows and the team ceased to exist – and so did Stevie Ray’s career, after a “loser leaves town” match with his brother in the November of 2003. While this was happening, New Jack and Mustafa continued their on-going feud, which stemmed back from the Hardcore City days, for the Heavyweight Title.

Towards the end of 2003, the title laid across the waist of the “Original Gangsta” New Jack – who had just defeated Mustafa in, what was voted, the “NWA’s most brutal match of 2003”; a match which involved a cage, flaming tables, barbed wire, scissors and any other objects with the inevitable possibility of mutilation. New Jack came out the victor, and looking for a challenger as 2004 began. And he got that, in the form of former NWA: East Coast superstar Ron Killings. Killings hit Los Angeles with a vengeance, vowing to take down the “cracka’s” who held him back and cost him inevitable glory over on the East Coast. Killings ran through the ‘lower card’ of the company, and then pretty much dominated the ‘mid-card’ – and on came New Jack. March 28th 2004, Ron “The Truth” Killings managed to defeat the “Original Gangsta” to capture his first NWA:LA Championship; only to be slapped directly in the face by his ego.

After two successful months as champion, at the beginning of June Ron “The Truth” Killings felt that it was time to pick a challenger, pick a fight and pick a, in his words, “jabroni”. In the middle of one of Killings’ rants, Stevie Ray came out. Killings asked whether Ray wanted to fight, but Ray declined due to the stipulations of his retirement match last year. Killings shunned Ray, only to be told that “the world’s greatest” wanted a title shot. And with a loud roar, we heard “Can You Dig It? Sucka?!” once again followed by the hip hop beats of Booker T’s entrance music – and the former NWA:LA champion returned once again, and demolished Killings in the ring to start off what was to be an epic feud between the two athletes.

They battled through the months, and Killings luckily escaped with the title in hand each time. Killings was also psychologically superior, having beaten Stevie Ray to a bloody pulp at the end of August. It worked against him; it refuelled Booker T, giving him the motive he had lacked previously: vengeance. And at the September event, aptly named “Chaotic Violence”, Booker T prevailed with the Championship over his shoulder to begin his second reign as NWA: Los Angeles Heavyweight Champion.

NWA: Los Angeles Nationwide

Holder: “The Rock Superstar” Kaos

Won at: Born to Die [29th August 2004]

Defeated: Super Crazy

The Nationwide Championship, a title defended, well, across the nation. Ironically, the first champion wasn’t an American. In fact, it was Mexico’s, and more importantly Mexico City’s, Super Crazy. Super Crazy won a spectacular three way ladder match at the “Gangster’s Paradise” event in April 2004. Super Crazy began a successful run, outdoing top opponents such as the “King of Extreme” Jeff Hardy and “the Hardcore Homo” Angel. Super Crazy surpassed them all, using his great athleticism to retain the championship. Yes, we don’t rely on just “chaotic violence”, as a man in Detroit once said.

And along came Kaos.

The Rock Superstar answered an open challenge at the August “Gangster’s Paradise” event, with the lovely Veronica Caine by his side. Kaos hit the ring, and slapped Super Crazy in the face – but gave the fans a match to remember. Despite his cockiness, his ego and him being plain-right obnoxious, Kaos got the job done and defeated Super Crazy to capture the title. Kaos’ run, since then, has continued to be impressive. The Rock Superstar has managed to back up all of his and Ms Caine’s words.

So remember folks, when Metallica hits the PA, you know you’re in for a fight.

NWA: Los Angeles Tag Team

Holders: D-Ray 3000 & Shark Boy

Won at: Lockdown [25th July 2004]

Defeated: Angel & Kraq

The Tag Team Champions reached initial fame, and recognition, when Booker T and Stevie Ray re-emerged to defeat the “Hardcore Homo” Angel and his “partner in more than life” Kraq. Booker and Stevie’s reign last for several months until the team ran into difficulties. Then, Booker T walked out on Stevie Ray in a re-match with the “blossoming love birds”, as put by Angel. Ray was left alone in the ring with two gay men; not a really exciting prospect, unless you’re into that kind of stuff, eh? Anyway, Kraq got the job done and regained the belts for his team. However, the gold brought along somewhat of a curse with it.

The Tag Team titles separated two brothers in Booker and Stevie, and then proceeded to weld its way in between the two “life partners”. The two men proceeded to fall out and the relationship ended, and so did the effective tag team wrestling. Angel and Kraq’s Tag Team title reign ran into serious trouble. Despite them winning several matches since the official “split”, they just didn’t seem like the pairing they once were. And then they lost. D-Ray 3000 and Shark Boy, somewhat of a ‘comedy act’ out of the ring, got the duke in the squared circle – defeating Angel and Kraq to end their reign.

Apparently, 2005 will be the year of the Tag Team division – so let’s see, will it?

… And an on-going rivalry

Once upon a time, believe it or not, these two men were actually friends. Partners. Brothers. The respected each other. It all dwindled away with one deal. A deal with the devil.

Mustafa and New Jack both wanted out of Hardcore City or say they say. This was while Roddy Piper ran the promotion. Mustafa contacted Piper and tried to get himself a job, and succeeded. When asked about New Jack, Mustafa simply said: “Fuck him. every man fa’ himself”. Yes, Mustafa Saed turned on a man with justifiable homicides to his name.

Mustafa hit NWA Los Angeles in mid-1999 while New Jack was still doing for shows in Philadelphia, working for Paul Heyman and company with Hardcore City. And then, at Gangster’s Paradise 2000, out of the blue, New Jack showed up to aid his partner who was receiving a beat down at the hands of The Messiah, Vic Grimes and several other wrestlers. New Jack cleaned house and proceeded to save his partner. The friendship resumed, or so we thought. Just a few weeks later, during a Tag Team match with Vic Grimes and The Messiah going up against the Gangsta’s, New Jack walked out – noticeably saying “Fuck him. Every man for himself, eh mother-fucka’?” And that’s where it began.

Towards the end of 2003, we witnessed what was voted the NWA’s most brutal match of 2003 between the two men. New Jack and Mustafa Saed battled it out in a steel cage, with any object with the intent to maim littering it. New Jack pulled out the victory, after dragging his former off the top of the cage and dropping him through one of the flaming tables with a powerbomb. Both men, after the match, were a bloody mess. The battle scars wouldn’t heal, nor would the absolute distain these two men shared.

The violence continued.

Through 2004, the two men were constantly at each others throats, when they had the opportunity. Whether or not they were directly involved with each other, they somehow were. While New Jack battled Ron ‘Da Truth’ Killings in a World Title match, Mustafa couldn’t keep himself out of the “Original Gangsta’s” business; often trying to take him down and make sure he loses the title. And he succeeded. Ron ‘Da Truth’ Killings walked out with the title in hand on the 28th March 2004 thanks to Mustafa getting involved once again. After the match, New Jack vowed to kill Saed – and that’s the last time we saw up until September, to when he return with an ally: Homicide. Homicide, a bounty hunter from Brooklyn, New York, made an instantaneous impact by taking New Jack out, ahead of Mustafa’s return bout against Bougalou. Mustafa pulled out the win, but after the match a bloodied New Jack came out to gain a measure over Mustafa, but Homicide intercepted him and beat him to a pulp on the ramp – displaying a callousness which even New Jack could relate to.

And since that moment, New Jack has been on the hunt for Mustafa and Homicide; but hasn’t been able to. Mustafa and Homicide have wisely kept out of New Jack’s way, until Gangster’s Paradise on the 7th April 2005.

NWA:LA strikes a deal

National Wrestling Alliance: Los Angeles brings a lot to the table in terms of professional wrestling, thing is, what does it matter if they can’t display it? Prior to August 2004, NWA:LA was putting on a maximum of three events a month – and television coverage was actually lucky, with only a small collection of California residents being able to tune in to view the show. However, a deal was struck which would change the face of the promotion forever. In fact, NWA:LA will be able to showcase their own weekly event. You can tune in to your local cable provider to view it every Thursday night. The event? NWA:LA Urban Assault! So if you want to get your weekly dose of NWA:Los Angeles action, all you have to do is tune in!

Talent Roster

Angel

Boogalou

Booker T w/ Stevie Ray

Chilly Willy

Chris Candido

Chris Hamrick

D’Lo Brown

D-Ray 3000

Godfather [Part Time Working Capacity]

Homicide

Jeff Hardy w/ Amy Dumas

Julio Dinero w/ Jessica Darlin

Kaos w/ Veronica Caine

Kraq

Mustafa Saed

New Jack

Pogo The Clown

Ron ‘Da Truth’ Killings

Shark Boy

Super Crazy

The Messiah

Tracy Smothers

Vampiro

Vic Grimes

Tag Team Roster

D-Ray 3000 & Shark Boy

New Age Gangsta’s [Homicide & Mustafa]

Southern Comfort [Chris Hamrick & Tracy Smothers]

On-Screen Personalities

Announce Team: Scott Hudson & ‘The Godfather’ Charles Wright

Referees: Billy Silverman, CJ Sensation, Mike Chioda & Rudy Charles

[Dingle]

Wow, this has to be the diary I'm most excited for...ever. With a lot of the greatest names in the dome, such as syco, TGC, ACS, LK, Fitzy, thuggy, c-heat, TRS, Essa and all the rest, this is definitely a diary I'm excited to se unfold.

The history at the start from Syco is definitely helpful to see what happened in this new timeline and to see what is different. As much as there isn't the creativity applied that could have been, I'll base that on the fact that it has to all slot in together, or something >_> I do like the additions of other NWA promotions to add a bigger feel to it, and so that not all the old-school promotions are lost.

Just a question on that, Goldberg and The Dudleyz are THE NWA Champions right?

Onto Hawaii, this was my favourite backstory to read of the ones posted already, I love how everything has been built up and with it starting in 85 it allows you to go off of the history that you've made for the promotion, and not just start anew from 2005 (when it was originally put down as being created in 85). I like the new look of Rikishi and overall where hsi character is going, The Rock as The Soulman is definitely something interesting, because its the biggest modern day character turned into something we've never seen of him, definitely interesting. Overall with the addition of Jap stars like Liger and Other stars in Regal and Daniels, this is definitely the fed I wanna see the most.

With Canada, you may have the most talented roster of all the NWA feds, with guys like Jericho, Benoit, E&C, Storm etc.. Morley and E&C being top guys is also something I look forward to in your company and with Benoit as your main guy its looking good. Overall, this company caught my eye and is another fed I'm looking forward too, just wanna see how you make it work out.

Good Luck.

[ClaRK! Kent]

NWA: Texas - Historical Archives…

NWA: Texas, the brainchild of the Von Erichs, was taken over by Southern wrestling promoter Dusty Rhodes in 1990 in the wake of Vince McMahon’s failed WWF venture, and was the most recognisable of the new NWA territories to open - indeed, McMahon’s East Coast promotion would not open until two years later, a time at which NWA: Texas was full-formed and on its feet.

Rhodes quickly established a traditional, Southern-style feel to the promotion, filling it with local Texans and those who worked the Southern, or ‘roughneck’ style. Amongst the first to arrive were Randy Savage, Mean Mark Callaway, who would quickly establish himself as the company’s impact player over the next few years, and little-known tag team specialists Steve Austin and Brian Pillman. With these workers, and a host of other Southern talents including Marty Jannety, Jake Roberts, Bobby Eaton, Stan Lane and Shawn Michaels, NWA: Texas quickly gained a reputation as a no-frills, throwback promotion in the early nineties, a bastion of wrestling tradition in a rapidly evolving decade.

In 1993, following a fallout with the NWA Board, World Heavyweight champion Ric Flair was stripped of his title, and soon showed up in NWA: Texas as an exclusive talent, bringing his prestigious stable the 4 Horsemen - at the time also including Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and Sting - with him. This publicity boosted NWA: Texas’ standing and publicity, and battles between Callaway and Flair especially were the talk of the pro wrestling community for the next few years.

As the decade wore on, Texas rapidly established itself as the ‘outlaw’ amongst the three top NWA affiliates, with its traditional stance held over the ‘crash TV’ given more and more prominence by NWA: East Coast and the technical wizardry displayed by the Hart family amongst others in NWA: Canadian Stampede. Following the tragic death of Brian Pillman in 1996, Steve Austin struck out on his own, and soon became one of the biggest names in the world, up there with Flair and Hogan. At around this time, disgruntled former East Coast employees Lex Luger and Jeff Jarret arrived in NWA: Texas, and breathed new life into the promotion with their smart mouths and anti-traditional attitudes. Indeed, Jarret would often win bouts by breaking an acoustic guitar over an opponent’s head, a direct slap in the face of traditional, sporting competition.

Towards the end of the 1990s, and into the new millenium, NWA: Texas began to lose much of what had made it great ten years earlier. The roster was ageing rapidly, a problem exacerbated by injuries and the booking team’s stubborn refusal to move away from traditional Southern-style wrestling and the established, old-school stars that now struggled to hold the promotion. Any new talent emerging in the promotion tended to be of the same ‘hoss’ categorisation, and offered little in the way of a solution to the very real problem that the wrestling business had changed since the promotion was established, and traditional 1980s-style wrestling was rapidly being consigned to the history books.

In 2005, the situation worsened rapidly. On-screen, the promotion was moving from strength to strength, a shocking Mark Callaway assault on Steve Austin in January setting up a huge rivalry between them and leading to a title showdown at the March event - the Ides of March. In the boardroom, however, things were becoming less rosy. Buyrates for the January pay-per-view event were down, attendances were dwindling, and without the national TV exposure enjoyed by NWA: Canadian Stampede and NWA: East Coast, it seemed inevitable that NWA: Texas would soon lose its nationwide fan base.

Seeing the more cutting-edge attitude employed by NWA: East Coast, and several of the smaller NWA affiliates now snapping at the heels of his promotion as the key to long-standing success, Dusty Rhodes approached writer Mark Jackson in March of 2005. Jackson, a young writer formerly of NWA: Los Angeles and NWA: Detroit Michigan, was brought onto the NWA: Texas booking committee in order to help turn the promotion’s fortunes around and offer a way to keep the sense of tradition alive whilst moving NWA: Texas into the twenty-first century.

NWA: Texas - Roster…

Steve Austin - The most popular man in NWA: Texas and perhaps the whole NWA. Since his partner Brian Pillman’s death in 1996, Austin has moved out of the tag team scene and firmly into the main event. His alcohol-fuelled, ass-kicking rampages have been the stuff of legend since then, earning him the nickname ‘The Texas Rattlesnake.’ A three-time NWA: Texas Heavyweight champion, Austin shows no signs of slowing down despite being 40 years old at the present time, currently embroiled in a battle with Mean Mark Callaway for the title.

Mean Mark Callaway - The current NWA: Texas Heavyweight champion and a former NWA World champion, Callaway has been with the promotion since its inception and is known backstage as a locker-room leader. He has fought just about every man who has come through the promotion’s doors, and his willingness to push others around to get his way has lead to his status as the most feared man in the promotion. Currently in his fifth reign as Heavyweight champion, Callaway is determined to hold onto the belt for as long as possible, to the extent of ‘persuading’ Lex Luger to watch his back.

Randy Savage - The Macho Man is one of the NWA’s oldest and most recognisable names. With a career stretching back over 20 years, Savage exemplifies NWA: Texas’ commitment to tradition. A notorious womaniser - a trait which has gotten him into trouble on numerous occasions - and a fearsome fighter, Savage embodies the never-say-die spirit of the state, and is hugely popular amongst the fans. Holding the record for the longest-standing reign with the NWA: Texas Heavyweight title - a staggering 21 months, amazingly his only tenure as Texas champion - Savage is looking to rekindle that success by becoming a two-time champion.

Ric Flair - The Nature Boy, Space Mountain, the 60-Minute Man… the list of names goes on, as does the list of accolades. An amazing 16 reigns with the NWA World and Texas Heavyweight titles have placed Flair firmly in the history books, as have his resume of classic bouts and unparalleled wrestling skill. Since arriving in NWA: Texas in 1993, Flair has been a mainstay, earning both the hatred and grudging respect of the fans thanks to his questionable methods and unquestionable talent. These days, the Nature Boy is in semi-retirement, and has recently expressed a desire to ‘pass the torch’ on to a new generation.

Dusty Rhodes - The American Dream, the man in charge, has been at the helm of NWA: Texas since the beginning. A tough but fair employer, Rhodes has been shown time and again to have little time for disrespect or egomania amongst his roster, something that has seen him in almost constant confrontation with Ric Flair. Often stepping into the ring to teach an out-of-line wrestler a lesson, or more recently to team with his son Dustin, Dusty has proven that the American Dream is timeless.

Vader - Entering NWA: Texas in 1996 alongside Jim Cornette, who has since left the promotion, Vader has left a path of destruction in his wake for nigh on a decade. An uncontrollable beast - only Cornette could ever hope to direct his charge’s attacks, and since his departure in 1999 none have been safe - Vader has put numerous NWA: Texas stars on the shelf with his high-impact, take-no-prisoners style. Amazingly, he has never held the NWA: Texas Heavyweight title, although he has held the NWA: Texas Massacre championship - which was created for the big man - seven times. Now, his sights are set on the top, and some see it as only a matter of time before he prevails.

John Bradshaw - The big Victoria native has been with Texas for ten years, and has gained the support of the fans for his ready defense of traditional Southern wrestling and Texan values - the right to come home from a day’s work and drink heavily, play cards, and kick ass. Teaming with former NWA World champion Ron Simmons as Southern Pride, Bradshaw is a former three-time NWA World Tag Team champion and a six-time Texas Tag Team champion, and the duo currently hold the Texas belts.

Jeff Jarret - One of the most hated men in the promotion, Jarret’s intense attitude, rule breaking, and total disregard for tradition have resulted in fans often attempting to lead the guardrail to get at the obnoxious, guitar-wielding egomaniac. That guitar is not just for show, either, as Jarret has shown on numerous occasions, taking any opportunity possible to blast opponents across the head with it, often sealing the victory with just that. A three-time Massacre champion and two-time Texas Tag Team champion with Brian Armstrong, Jarret is now firmly focused on the NWA: Texas Heavyweight title.

Diamond Dallas Page - DDP began his NWA: Texas career as the manager behind The Diamond Studd and Scotty Anthony, before breaking out on his own as a formidable force in the Texas Tag Team division alongside Bam Bam Bigelow, and as a former Heavyweight champion in his own right. Always a man of the people, Page has not had the best of times of late, targeted by Jeff Jarret and Steve Corino amongst others, but is looking to bounce back and retake the Heavyweight title in 2005.

Lex Luger - The Total Package first showed up in NWA: Texas in 1996, shocking the promotion after defecting from Vince McMahon’s NWA: East Coast. Allying himself with Ric Flair, Luger became a two-time Texas Tag Team champion and held the Heavyweight championship, before striking out on his own and holding the Heavyweight title another time. Luger’s arrogance and obnoxiousness have earned him the disdain of the fans, but it is clear that he cares not a jot for their opinions, content with being an ‘object of desire’ as he puts it. Recently, Luger has been coerced into watching Heavyweight champion Mark Callaway's back, out of fear more than anything else.

The Best of the Rest…

Bam Bam Bigelow,

Barry Windham,

‘Teen Dream’ Billy Gunn w/Terri Runnels,

‘Beautiful’ Bobby Eaton,

Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan,

Brian Lee,

‘Wildcat’ Chris Harris,

David Flair,

Dustin Rhodes,

‘Unstoppable’ Garrison Cade,

Honkey Tonk Man,

‘Cowboy’ James Storm,

Johnny B. Badd,

Larry Zybysko,

Michael Shane w/Missy Hyatt

Mike Barton,

‘Slick’ Mike Rotundo,

‘Above Average’ Mike Sanders,

Ray Gordy,

‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper,

Ron Simmons,

‘Sweet’ Stan Lane,

‘Old School’ Steve Corino,

Terry Funk,

Tracy Smothers.

Tag Teams…

America’s Most Wanted (Chris Harris/James Storm),

Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane),

Southern Pride (John Bradshaw/Ron Simmons),

Texas Outlaws (Barry Windham/Dustin Rhodes),

The Rhodes (Dustin Rhodes/Dusty Rhodes).

Staff…

Arn Anderson (Road Agent/Booking Committee),

Charles Robinson (Referee),

Chris Brannan (Medical),

Emile Dupre (Funkin’ Conservatory Trainer),

‘Mean’ Gene Overland (Announcer),

Jack Lanza (Road Agent),

Jerry Jarret (Road Agent/Booking Committee),

Jim Ross (Announcer/Booking Committee),

Johnny Rodz (Funkin’ Conservatory Trainer),

Mark Johnson (Referee),

Marty Valenza (Referee),

Michael Hayes (Writer/Booking Committee),

Ricky Steamboat (Road Agent),

Ron Hutchison (Funkin’ Conservatory Trainer/Booking Committee),

Rudy Charles (Referee),

Tim White (Road Agent),

Tommy Carlucci (Production).

NWA: Texas Champions-

-- NWA: Texas Heavyweight

Mean Mark Callaway

-- NWA: Texas Massacre

‘Unstoppable’ Garrison Cade

-- NWA: Texas Tag Team

Southern Pride

---

-- Corrected from the original post in a few places for the new backstory, etc. The roster in that post is by no means the full roster, a few new hirings have been kept back for in-diary introduction. I've tried to keep them all fairly 'Southern' in style and not hire anybody who is with one of the other territories, although by the looks of things one of the other writers has obviously had the same idea as me. Oh well.

Raven's Kid!

Edited March 17, 2005 by Raven's Kid

[syck]

I too was impressed with syco's backstory on the fall of the WWF and on his promotion. But then again you all have great backstories. I can't wait for the frist shows to start because this promises to be a great diary.

[VerbalPuke]

Agreed on the issue of the backstories, all have been great. Each one has given great insight about the stars and history behind each company. After reading the first few backstories, I can't wait to see what the other writers have in store for their promotions.

There is one small thing bothering me, why is Detroit located in Minnesota on the map?

[Fitzy]

Edit: Please delete this post as I have dropped out of the split.

Edited March 24, 2005 by Fitzy

[Fitzy]

Edit: Please delete this post as I have dropped out of the split.

Edited March 24, 2005 by Fitzy

[IDOL]

Looking very, very nice guys loving the backstories for each promotion and with the addition of Syco's opening this diary really is solid. I made banners for both NWA: New Wave, and Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA: Florida seems to have their own.)

*EDIT* you can find them here:

Logos & Banners

Edited March 17, 2005 by Idolized

[St. Dubb]

Failure is not an option.

This was Bill Watts' motto. Well, it is his motto now. He knows failure all too well. He had a run in with failure with the Jim Crockett Promotions. He was supposed to be the head writer, but all of his ideas were hardly fresh or original. There was always someone else who had a much bigger and much better idea than his, and thus it was not long before he was replaced as head writer and gone all together. But he would not give up. Wrestling was and always be his life and he would not let the changing times keep him out of the business he loves so much. And you know what they say...if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

And join them he did. Bill Watts joined the National Wrestling Alliance Family in 1999 with the birth of NWA: Detroit Michigan. Perhaps the hardest part of opening a new company in an already loaded league such as the NWA was getting together the talent to run the promotion. It really came as no surprise when it was announced that Bill Watts' son Erik Watts would be a part of the promotion. Joining Watts was other big, hard hitting powerhouses that Watts has always liked to build a company around. He felt that the Detroit fans would share his appreciation for nonstop, hard hitting action. This included the likes of The Legion of Doom, Buff Bagwell, Brian Adams, The Steiner Brothers, One Man Gang The Harris Boys, as well as early cameos by Bam Bam Bigelow and Bill Goldberg.

Watts did manage to get more than just these hard hitting brawlers, as he also managed to bring in Michigan's own hometown hero - Rob Van Dam. Van Dam has always had a huge following in Michigan, so he jumped at the opportunity to work infront of his most loyal fans. And to top that deal off, RVD brought in his longtime friend and partner, the "Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal" Sabu and their manager Bill Alfonso. The roster was shaping up nicely for Watts, but there was one signing he really prided himself in, and that is of the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist - Kurt Angle. There was an obvious clashing of styles with Angle and the most of the roster, but Angle showed from day one that he had the charisma and the talent to become a superstar.

Since the opening in 1999, Watts has kept an incoming flow of more wrestlers who fit the NWA:DM style coming and making appearances every once and a while. Talent such as CW Anderson, Tank Abbott, Rhyno, and Ahmed Johnson have came in along with up-and-comers such as Kevin Northcutt, Rodney Mack, and Ron Waterman. The future of NWA:DM looks to be as good as ever. In another big signing similar to that of Kurt Angle, in the middle of 2004 NWA:DM signed former NFL linebacker, Monty Brown. Brown played for the Buffalo Bills from 1993-1995. He won a Superbowl ring playing for the New England Patriots in 1996. But he was then traded to the Lions where he spent the next two seasons mostly benched due to injury and had to retire from the NFL as a result. However, when he became interested in wrestling, Bill Watts was there to give him the contract and send him to Motor City Gym where he continued his wrestling training. Brown is set to debut in NWA:DM in the near future.

NWA: Detroit Michigan hasn't exactly set the world on fire since its debut in 1999, but it has been enough to keep the local fans happy and entertained. Fans of NWA:DM in the Michigan area can watch Rock City Wrestling every Saturday at 10:00 PM on the Comcast Sports Network.

NWA Michigan Heavyweight Title

Current Champion - Kurt Angle

The first NWA Michigan Heavyweight Champion was crowned back in July of 1999 at the first show, Motor City Madness. It was decided in a main event 10-man battle royal, where the participants were decided in earlier qualifying matches during the show. The participants included: Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Buff Bagwell, Bam Bam Bigelow, Scott Steiner, Kurt Angle, Brian Adams, Erik Watts, and Mark Henry. When it came down to Bagwell, RVD, and Erik Watts - Bagwell sent RVD and Watts over the top rope while they battled with each other two become the first Michigan Heavyweight Champion. While the fans would have loved to see Rob Van Dam walk out with the belt, Bagwell was still a pretty big hit with the fans. Bagwell would hold onto the title until November when Kurt Angle would show how fast he could rise to the top as he had already become the most hated heel on the roster and took the title from Bagwell. Angle dominated the competition like no one else, taking on any and all challengers through 2000.

Just when it looked like Angle might get all the way through 2000 without anyone coming close to taking the belt off of him, he met his "match" in December of 2000 in the form of...Erik Watts. Watts was getting a huge push, most think it was because of him being the son of the owner...but whatever the reason may be, he dethroned Angle to become the champion. Watts was being pushed as a megababyface, but the fans were not enjoying watching him get shoved down their throats...and now that he was champion, it only got worse. Angle decided to take a break from Detroit, and headed to NWA: Hawaii for 2001. With Angle gone, there was no real dominant heel, and thus no one who could take the belt off Watts. The problem of no top heel would soon solve itself as the fans began to turn against the heavily pushed Watts. Despite acting like the heroic face, he was getting loud boos every time he stepped into the ring. As a result, Watts' character took a turn for the heelside as he became a weazily and coniving heel who relied on his daddy's money. Watts' new character did wonders for him, as he actually became a credible heel champion over time.

Watts would soon enter a bitter feud with Rob Van Dam over the belt after RVD's longtime tag partner Sabu went down with a neck injury (more on this in the tag title section). Much to the delight of the Michigan fans, Rob Van Dam defeated Erik Watts for the title in September of 2001. Erik Watts, however, would get a second title reign as he got the belt back against RVD in February of 2002. It was another lengthy reign for Watts as he sneaked his way to victory against the likes of RVD, Buff Bagwell, and a returning Sabu in late 2002. The one to take the title off of Watts this time was a fresh-face in a new local hero, Rhyno. Rhyno with the spear he calls the Gore on Watts through a table was enough to win the belt in January 2003.

In August of 2003, Kurt Angle made his return to NWA:DM and immediately was challenging Rhyno for the Michigan Heavyweight Title. In October, he successfully defeated Rhyno, making him tap out to an Ankle Lock. Their feud would continue for the rest of 2003, but Rhyno would be unable to regain the title. Then in February 2004, former NCAA wrestling champion Brock Lesnar showed up on the Detroit scene to challenge Angle on his claim of being the only true REAL wrestler. The fans were really getting behind Lesnar as he one-upped Angle and defeated him for the title in May. However, when Lesnar got into a dispute with Bill Watts over not wanting to lose the title to Erik Watts, Angle would win the belt back in August.

Kurt Angle has held onto the title since, and has a new rival in Rob Van Dam who has returned to the Heavyweight Title scene once again. Rob Van Dam found allies in The Steiner Brothers, but Angle (who has brought in his brother Eric Angle) started to form an alliance of "REAL" athletes...starting with Rick Steiner who turned on his brother to join up with Kurt Angle in December 2004. Scott Steiner beat Rick Steiner to get a shot at the Michigan Heavyweight Title, but came up just short of defeating Angle in February. In March, Rob Van Dam could finally get his shot at Kurt Angle if he and Scott Steiner could beat Kurt Angle and Rick Steiner...but it would not come to be as RVD was turned on by Scott Steiner, who after losing cleanly to Kurt Angle realized who the true athletes in NWA:DM are. And that brings us to where we are now...

NWA:DM Tag Team Titles

Current Champions - Vacant?

Early on, NWA:DM was home to one of the most legendary tag teams known to wrestling - The Legion of Doom. August of 1999 saw them become the first Tag Team champions in NWA Detroit in a one night tournament where they beat The Steiner Brothers in the final round. The Steiner Brothers and the LOD had a bitter rivalry throughout the rest of 1999 and early 2000 which saw the titles change hands between the teams an a couple of occassions, with the Steiners beating LOD in January 2000 only to have LOD win them back in March. NWA: Hawii came a calling for the LOD, much like Angle later, so they dropped the titles to RVD and Sabu in August. RVD & Sabu successfully retained in a feud with the Harris Boys, but then entered a feud with Kronik - Bryan Clark and Brian Adams. In what was to be the blow off match of the feud in December 2000, Kronik won the tag titles...but they injured Sabu's neck on a botched double chokeslam out of the ring when Sabu was suppose to go through the table at ringside, but they just missed.

2001 saw the debut of a new fan favorite team - The 8 Mile Soldierz, consisting of Mark Henry and Ahmed Johnson with their manager Jazz. They feuded with Kronik and The Harris Boys throughout 2001, with each team getting a turn holding the tag titles as Harris Boys won them in April, Kronik won them back in June, 8 Mile Soldierz taking the belts in a triple threat match in September, only to have Kronik win them back for a third reign in November. NWA Texas' Bam Bam Bigelow made another appearance in NWA:DM, this time alongside his Jersey friend Chris Kanyon to challenge for the Tag Titles. Bigelow & Kanyon saw their tag title reign in April 2002. Bigelow & Kanyon held the belts until it was time for Bigelow to return to Texas, seeing them lose the straps back to The Steiner Brothers in September 2002. The tag division really was slow as no other real teams could challenge for the Steiners besides Kronik. However, Sabu returned in late 2002 and after unsuccessfully going after the Heavyweight Title, he reunited with RVD and had a respect feud with the Steiners that saw RVD & Sabu get their second title reign in May 2003. The Legion of Doom returned in early 2003 as well and helped to ignite things.

Just when it looked like the tag division may be going somewhere, two big hits occured. First, in August 2003 Sabu suffered another injury after he botched a dive out of the ring, forcing plans to change midmatch and RVD had to be pinned by unlikely champions of Brian Lawler and Jamie Dundee. Lawler and Dundee became by far the smallest wrestlers in NWA: Detroit Michigan to wear gold. This would not last long, as they would lose the belts in September to Kronik. The next big hit to the tag division would come when Road Warrior Hawk of the Legion of Doom died in his sleep in October. Road Warrior Animal left Detroit to take a break from wrestling in order to get over a loss of his good friend. However, he would return in early 2005 in search of a new Road Warrior.

Kronik held the tag titles until March of 2004 when they would be defeated by The Steiner Brothers. The Steiners held the titles and never lost them. The titles, however, have been suspended following the breakup of the Steiners in December 2004. However, now that they are reunited, we could see the Tag Titles return.

NWA:DM Television Title

Current Champion - Erik Watts

Once NWA:DM struck up their TV deal with Comcast in May 2004, they decided to create the Television Title. It might as well be named the Title for Erik Watts Since He's not Heavyweight Champion Anymore...but that would just be too long. The story behind the belt was that on the first TV show, Watts claimed that he had used his daddy's money to buy the belt and thus he declared himself the champion. Watts and his hired hands (Watts Inc.) who constantly are around to help him win kept the title safely his his hands until Buff Bagwell started outsmartting Watts' crew. Bagwell won the Television Title off of Watts in September. But Bagwell would not have much of an opportunity to enjoy his title as Watts would win it back in December of 2004. With Watts' having so many hired hands, it makes him almost impossible to beat...

The Roster

Abyss

Ahmed Johnson

Bill Alfonso

Brian Adams

Bryan Clark

Buff Bagwell

CW Anderson

Don Harris

Eric Angle

Erik Watts

Jazz

Kevin Northcutt

Kurt Angle

Mark Henry

Monty Brown

Nathan Jones

One Man Gang

Rhyno

Rick Steiner

Road Warrior Animal

Rob Van Dam

Rodney Mack

Ron Harris

Ron Waterman

Sabu

Scott Steiner

Tank Abbott

Tag Teams

The Steiner Brothers - Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner

Kronik - Bryan Adams & Brian Clark

Harris Boys - Ron Harris & Don Harris

8 Mile Soldierz - Mark Henry & Ahmed Johnson w/Jazz

RVD & Sabu - Rob Van Dam & Sabu w/Bill Alfonso

Stables

Watts Inc. - Erik Watts, Tank Abbott, CW Anderson, The Harris Boys

Staff

Bill Watts (Owner)

Johnny Ace (Booking Committee/Road Agent)

Victor Anthony (Play-By-Play)

Mark Madden (Color Commentary)

Bill Alfonso (Senior Referee/Road Agent)

Chris Kay (Referee)

David Legault (Referee)

Road Warrior Animal (Trainer)

Edited March 27, 2005 by J-Dubb

[Guest Faded Sanity]

I'm really enjoyed J-dubbs backstory so far He and Syco's are the ones that I am most looking forward too. Stampede is looking good also.

[IDOL]

I really liked the backstory for NWA: New Wave, it was very detailed, and gave a good feel of what the promotion is about, to me this is the promotion with the most "Indy" feel to it, and it'll be cool to see how you build the guys on your roster, can't wait for the shows to start.

[Essa]

The bad boy of the NWA. That's what everybody refers to Hardcore City as. And they couldn't be more right. Hardcore City brings something to the NWA that can only be compared to it's partner on the west coast, NWA: Los Angeles. But Hardcore City has something that no other NWA affiliated promotion has, a combination of everything. The Hardcore City has a wide range of brawlers, hosses, speedsters, and tag teams that blend together to please the most rabid fan base in all of wrestling. And what makes these fans as rabid as they are? The intensity. The interactivity. And the genius that is Paul Heyman.

So How Did The Hardcore City Become NWA: HC?

Philadelphia was an untapped market for the NWA. The Philadelphia wrestling fans may have seen the NWA on television, but rarely ever did NWA: East Coast venture into Philadelphia. So when Paul Heyman began promoting out of Philadelphia, it drew big time, as the people saw him as the one man that truly cared about the Philadelphia fans. But, we've all heard about Paul Heyman's problems with balancing the books. This is where the NWA came in. They proposed the idea to provide some funding towards Hardcore City, as long as it agreed to come under the NWA banner, and tone down the excessive violence a little. So that's how Hardcore City, became NWA: Hardcore City. Right...?

Wrong. Paul Heyman gave a resounding no to the NWA board. Hardcore City was his creation, and nobody else would leech off of it. And things continued going along the same path, that is, until more and more checks started bouncing. Workers morale was going down, and so were their performances. Who is going to give 100% when they may not even get paid for it? It all came to a head when Heyman's core group of individuals confronted him about the matter. And to make a long story short, they (Raven, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Taz, the Dudleys and Justin Credible) said that if Heyman didn't do something about it, they'd have to look for work elsewhere. So, Heyman, fearing losing his top talent, and probably the rest soon after, bit the bullet and signed under the NWA name.

And that's that? Wrong again. Heyman does not get along with the NWA higher ups. The individual promotions, such as NWA: Detroit, NWA: Los Angeles, and NWA: Athletic Arts, have a good relationship with Heyman's Hardcore City, but the NWA brass doesn't. Heyman feels that there are far too many restrictions put on him creatively, with the NWA trying to retain some semblance of being family oriented. Heyman and the NWA Brass go back and forth with Heyman challenging their rules, and the higher ups cutting his funding. However, there are some signs that show that the relationship between the NWA and Hardcore City is improving. Recently the NWA Tag Titles were placed around the waists of Hardcore City champions, the Dudley Boys. But will Heyman accept the peace offering, or will he continue to disobey the NWA?

What About Raven?

Well, to find that out you're going to have to go and watch the shows put on down in the Carolina's. Raven, after losing to his long time lackey Stevie Richards, agreed to go down to NWA: AA and help them out creatively. The NWA board isn't too happy about this because Raven was always seen as Heyman's "apprentice", by helping him book the shows and just coming up with storyline ideas in general. The board doesn't want Heyman rubbing off on Athletic Arts through Raven. But I guess only time will tell if that happens or not. And what did NWA: HC get in return? NWA: AA agreed to establish a working relationship with NWA: HC, which so far has included allowing Air Paris to work any HC shows that he is booked on. The NWA sees a lot of potential in Air Paris, and they believe that honing his trade in different environments will help him learn and improve at a quicker pace.

Dreamer And Taz... Staff Members?

The two men that you would most likely identify with NWA: HC , Tommy Dreamer and Taz, are no longer on the active roster. And they can both owe that designation to Simon's Sideshow Freaks. Simon Diamond, the NWA: HC Television Champion's henchmen, Rhino & Boulder have been dominating all of Simon's opponents through sneak attacks and other nefarious methods. When a returning John Kronus challenged Simon for his title, he was promptly attacked by Rhino and (Horace) Boulder. But Tommy Dreamer just wouldn't stand for it. He formed a makeshift team with Kronus, and challenged Rhino & Boulder to a tag match at Hardcore City's big November event, November to Dismember. Dreamer's last match in a Hardcore City ring. He was piledriven off the ring apron, through a table by Rhino, emphatically breaking the neck and ending the career of Tommy Dreamer. Needless to say, Kronus was easy pickings for Rhino & Boulder.

Now Taz, on the other hand is a different story. His back had been dodgy ever since his epic feud with Mike Awesome culminated in late 2003. But who wouldn't expect that, with all of them Awesome Bombs over the top rope? But the straw that broke the... Taz's back wasn't from Mike Awesome. It was from "The Angry Amish Warrior" Roadkill, and his impressive Chicken Choker, which is basically a Middle Rope Sit-Out Uranage.

What's Roadkill up to now?

After that occured, Taz's nephew Chris Chetti(whom had secretly been trained in the House of Hardcore) came into the ring to check on his uncle, resulting in him being on the receiving end of an Amish Hammer (Polish Hammer) from Roadkill, and a second rope splash. And since then, Chetti has made it his vow to avenge his uncle. With Hardcore City legend Taz as his mentor, Chetti may be just the man to stop Roadkill's mean streak.

NWA: HC Heavyweight Champion

Justin Credible

Justin Credible won the Hardcore City title from the Sandman back in September, and he's been on a tear ever since then. He's beaten Tommy Dreamer, Raven and a slew of others. But now his newest challenge is "The Real Fucking Deal" Stevie Richards. Richards spent 2000 - December 2004 playing second fiddle to Raven, until Justin Credible decided to get in his ear. Credible, thinking that Richards turning on Raven would help him defend his title, started planting thoughts in Richards' ear about being better than Raven. And, at the major December event, Richards finally took action. Except, when Richards Steviekicked Raven, officially ending their alliance, he wasn't done. He then Steviekicked Credible, making his intentions known. He wants the Hardcore City Heavyweight Championship, and he proved that he very well may deserve it by beating Raven for the Number One Contendership back in February. Raven was so ashamed of himself for losing to Richards, that he officially left Hardcore City in embarassment. Justin Credible has since then been ducking every challenge from the self proclaimed "Real Fucking Deal", Stevie Richards. Drawing Richards out of Raven's shadow may have been the worst move Credible could have made.

NWA Tag Team Champions, and Hardcore City Champions

The Dudley Boys

The most lethal tag team in the NWA, the Dudley Boys are running a muck all over North America, and especially Philadelphia with nobody being able to stop them. Spike Dudley, Bubba and D-Vons runt brother, tried with his then partner Balls Mahoney, but eventually succumbed to the strategy of "if you can't beat them join them." The Dudley trio, and their mouthpiece, Joel Gertner have been running roughshod all over anyone and everyone in Hardcore City. That is, until Rob Van Dam, Sabu and their coach Bill Alfonso have made their return to Hardcore City. The Dudleys were dismantling the flashy team of Danny Doring, and Christian York, also known as Erotica when Sabu, Rob Van Dam, and Bill Alfonso made their return and saved Erotica. Since then the Dudleys had been itching to get their hands on Sabu, and RVD and when they finally did, it was four against three. Bubba, D-Von, Spike and Gertner against RVD, Sabu, and Alfonso... until Balls Mahoney returned and evened up the sides, and get some revenge on Spike for turning his back on him.

The Rest of the Roster

2 Cold Scorpio

Scorpio, the very first Hardcore City champion recently made his return to do battle with the cocky Joey Matthews. Matthews shows an intense hatred towards what Scorpio represents. Tradition.

Air Paris

Hardcore City's very own disgruntled flight attendant. The most gimmicked up wrestler on the roster hands down.

Erotica

Danny Doring and Christian York team up as a couple of brash, arrogant, and apparently sexy youngsters. But they've also been focusing in on singles gold. Simon Diamond's TV Title to be exact. But in order to get that, they've got to use teamwork to get through Rhino & Boulder, Simon's Side Show Freaks. And it doesn't hurt them to have the ultra sexy/trashy Dawn Marie as their manager.

Dawn Marie

Manager of Erotica. Maybe she makes some movies with them?

Francine & Mike Awesome and Perry Saturn

Francine manages Mike Awesome, pound for pound the heaviest hitter in all of Hardcore City. Awesome, famous for the Running Awesome Bomb, is even more famous for just flat out destroying everyone who steps in his path. And right now, that person is Perry Saturn. After Mike Awesome hit his Awesome Bomb on John Kronus at the last big show, Perry Saturn made the save for his long time friend and partner in the Eliminators.

Nova and Tajiri

Providing the workrate of Hardcore City

Supreme and The Sandman

Since Hardcore City established a working relationship with NWA: Los Angeles, it has brought one person from the west coast to the east coast, and his name is Supreme. But, not everyone greeted Supreme with open arms. The Sandman, for example, isn't too thrilled with this nobody coming into Hardcore City with a chip on his shoulder. The Sandman wants to teach Supreme a lesson, the hardcore way.

NWA Hardcore City - Every Saturday Night!

If any of this has interested you, then feel free to come to the Hardcore Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania every Saturday Night at 9 PM for all the NWA: Hardcore City action you can handle, and then some!

[Boogey131]

Great backstory's by all - really adds a lot to the companies which the NWA:Domination read-me lacked, and that's history.

I'll be interested to see the next NWA:Domination update with all your ideas implemented. hope the shows are as good as the backstory.

[IDOL]

I just got the message that the banners for NWA:JCP couldn't be reached in the other message I posted so you can find them here:

/forum/index.php?showtopic=17617&st=480&p=337215" target="_blank">http://www.ewbattleground.com/forum/index....15entry337215

Once again great backstories, I can't wait to see NWA:AA and MC get theirs up

[ROZAY]

Very interesting concept you all have going here - probably one of the most original I've seen in awhile. Hopefully you all have some interaction with each other's feds, like a big PPV offering with everyone's fed participating. I'll wait to see how this goes before I make any more judgements.

Good luck.