Jimmy Hart's Big Gamble

[IDOL]

Jimmy Hart's Big Gamble

The "X" Wrestling Federation

June 1, 2001

Hart and Hogan in talks with Universal about the possible upstart of a new promotion

Jimmy Hart is busier than ever these days, with many different projects in many different stages of development.

Besides appearing tonight in Montreal, Hart, 58, has been in the news lately for his work with Hulk Hogan in a rumored promotion backed by Universal. Hart said that despite what may have been reported elsewhere, the deal is not dead.

This is all up in the air still," Hart said. "What originally happened was we went to meet with Universal three months ago, and talked to them about maybe putting a good hour show together."

"It's taken a while to put together because you've got every facet of the park involved. It's not just one person."

He's having the time of his life doing the negotiations. "It's a great feeling; we're going back and forth, back and forth. At least we're still in the ballgame."

Hart described the one-hour special. "[We will be] taking a lot of stars from the past, and mixing them in with some terrific stars that we've found already that we believe in, and putting a great hour show together. We just want to have a great one-hour show, definitely not in competition from Vince. God, his show is so great and he's got great talent. But this gives us a chance to be ourselves, have some fun with it."

If the show succeeds, a tour could be set up, much the way a rock group tours the continent, said Hart.

A budget has been arranged for the special, and they are hoping to film in the first or second week of August, going live to tape.

October 25, 2001

The on-again off-again wrestling promotion headed by Jimmy Hart and Hulk Hogan is on-again, and this time they're making it official.

The promotion, known as the X Wrestling Federation, is set to begin television tapings in November, with dates set for the 14th and 15th at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. A two-hour pilot episode will be pulled together from the tapings. "

Hogan, who is believed to be a majority owner of XWF, will be a co-booker, along with Kevin Sullivan.

Hart, a former WWF and WCW manager, says the group has 40 wrestlers under contract. Among the wrestlers confirmed to be involved are Brian Knobbs, Jerry Sags, Ron and Don Harris, Curt Hennig, Disorderly Conduct, the Shane Twins, "Tough Enough" participant Josh, Marcus "Buff" Bagwell, Vampiro, Sting and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

Hart also mentioned that he is looking to sign Scott Hall.

Hart said that plans for the new promotion would include shows in Canada, likely in conjunction with Jacques Rougeau Jr's Lutte International 2000 promotion. "If this thing at Universal kicks up, the thing that Hulk and I are doing, we're going to make sure that Canada's a very big part of this," he said.

In his appearance recently on the Love Sponge Show, Hogan said they were talking with Scott Hall, and that Sting was interested but that Sting is under contract to Time Warner through January 2002. Hogan said that he had received calls from guys working "up north," but refrained from naming names in that realm.

November 3, 2001

Hogan's XWF status in question

Many reports indicate that Hulk Hogan's relationship with XWF has changed tremendously in recent days. Unlike previous reports have stated, Hogan is not a majority owner of the company as that position belongs to a majority of shareholders, namely Jimmy Hart, Greg Valentine and Brian Knobbs. Hogan will indeed be appearing at XWF's first taping because of promising months back that he'd appear at the show. For quite some time now, Hogan has been working with Sullivan with creative writing – but this past week, Hogan spent time with his father who's doing well. As of now, Hogan doing a “Vince McMahon” type of role in XWF has been scrapped but will put out many creative angle’s before XWF’s first taping .

November 12, 2001

XWF releases Roster

The X Wrestling Federation has released their updated roster and the list is reading like a who's who of stars from the past, present and future.

"We believe that by presenting the public with a cast of world-renowned wrestlers and personalities, while simultaneously signing and developing new talent that rivals the old heroes in skill, size and ability, we will provide pro wrestling fans with a new league of their very own," said XWF President John Flood in a press release.

The list of talent includes several former World Championship Wrestling personalities who were not picked up by the World Wrestling Federation following their acquisition of the company in March, including Roddy Piper, the Road Warriors, Konnan, The Demon, Curt Hennig, Juventud Guererra, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Tony Schiavone and David Penzer.

Former WCW wrestler Vampiro is the lone Canadian named to the roster thus far.

Also slated to appear at the tapings are former WWF employees Jerry "The King" Lawler and Rena Mero (Sable). Hulk Hogan, according to the release, will make a "special appearance" at the tapings.

Other wrestlers named on the roster include Buff Bagwell, The Nasty Boys, Psychosis, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Hail, "The British Storm" Ian Harrison, European Giant Drezden, Ray Gonzales, The Shane Twins, Kid Kash, and Christopher Daniels.

Former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan will also be part of the XWF in a management role, while Jimmy Hart will be working in both an on and off-screen capacity.

XWF tapings take place Wednesday, November 14 at Universal Studios Florida. Admission is free.

November 14, 2001

XWF Tapes Pilot Episode in hopes of landing a Television Deal

As tapings continue at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida for the new X Wrestling Federation, behind the scenes work goes on in an effort to land a television deal.

The fledgling company, which began tapings yesterday at Universal Studios, is looking to various networks, cable and syndication companies for a deal. The company is confident that a deal will be reached.

"We wouldn't go over and do this and put this much money into it if we didn't have already some contacts in key positions in different TV networks," says Jimmy Hart, who will be working both on and off-camera with the XWF.

The pilot episode, a two hour event that may or may not air as the first show if a television deal is reached was finished yesterday. Hart feels that it is important to have a finished product to show the various television outlets. "What we wanted to do, we wanted to let them see what we're bringing to the table, for their benefit and our benefit," he says.

John Flood, president of the XWF, echoed Hart's statements, saying that, "we thought we'd be in a better position, if they had the product ready for show."

The reaction to the XWF has thus far been positive, largely due to the talent that has been recruited. Wrestlers such as Buff Bagwell, Curt Hennig, and Johnny B. Badd have wrestled at tapings, while Rena Mero (formerly Sable), Roddy Piper, Tony Schiavone and Jerry "The King" Lawler are also going to be part of the on-screen product.

"We thought it was very important to have established stars for credibility," says Flood, who was the former president of NFL Properties.

There is, however, a large amount of younger wrestlers who have signed on with the company. Names like A.J. Styles and Chris Daniels have highlighted independent league matches for quite some time, and they have now found a home with the XWF. "A.J. and Chris have been fabulous," Hart says. "They're humble, they're great, and bless their hearts, they've worked so hard."

Hulk Hogan, despite being billed on the card did not turn up.

December 1, 2001

XWF News/Notes: Hogan's demands, commercials, Piper segments, and more

The XWF has signed some of its top names to one year contracts. Roddy Piper, Gene Okerlund, and Rena Mero are believed to be among the first to sign. The biggest contracts are said to be in the $500,000 per year range with additional merchandise incentives. The mid-level talent is expected to be offered WWF-like incentive based contracts. The company is planning to offer developmental contracts to indy wrestlers that will pay roughly $500 per week. The developmental talent will likely train under Greg Valentine in Florida.

Hulk Hogan was offered a deal prior to the XWF TV tapings, but turned it down. There was a heated meeting between XWF officials, Hogan, and his agent. Hogan's lawyer made ridiculous demands such as wanting all events to be billed as "Hulk Hogan presents the XWF." Company officials rejected the lawyers demands. They were also said to be disappointed that Hogan himself suggested they needed to push him as the centerpiece of the promotion because of his name value. Hogan was offered a take it or leave it deal at the meeting. His lawyer passed on the offer. The next day, Hogan is said to have reconsidered and attempted to accept the previous day's offer, but was told the original offer was no longer on the table. There are conflicting reports as to whether Hogan has since signed with the company. Observers were impressed with XWF officials, namely Lud Denny for not caving into Hogan's demands. Roddy Piper was said to be upset by Hogan's demands and apparently let him know it at some point during the week.

XWF is planning to buy infomercial time to promote planned house shows. XWF has spoken with USA Network regarding a possible timeslot. ESPN officials have actually expressed interest in the show despite most industry analysts predicting the network would not have interest. ESPN executives were present at the group's TV tapings. Without a national television deal, XWF officials are planning to purchase time on small channels in areas it plans to run house shows. The group has already had discussions with the WB Network affiliate in Portland, Oregon.

Scott Hall met with XWF officials prior to the XWF TV tapings. Hall offended XWF officials with his attitude.

The XWF has already built a set for Roddy Piper's interview segments, which will be similar to the old Piper's Pit. The WWF owns the rights to the Pit name, so the group is planning to label the segments as "In Your Face." Piper is claiming that he isn't planning to wrestle, but others say the group is planning to develop an angle that will build toward his in-ring return. Since the tapings, Piper has been spending time in Hollywood looking for acting work.

XWF officials were upset with Okerlund for joking at a press conference about Jasmine St. Claire's previous career in pornography. Observers say XWF officials are determined to make their product as family friendly as possible.

Bobby Heenan told friends he is still retired from managing. He is billing himself as an agent, although no one seems to know what the difference is.

XWF officials are said to be highly interested in hiring Mick Foley as their replacement for Jerry Lawler on color commentary, now that Lawler has returned to the WWF.

XWF management refrained from contacting Bret Hart recently due to the death of his mother.

**************

I could contrive a big story about how Hulk Hogan stuck true his word and aided his friend Jimmy Hart at the time he needed him the most (the launch of a promotion he'd just invested a good amount of money in), but that just wasn't the way things went. It was a brutal reflection of just how much of a man Hogan truly was. Jimmy Hart, Greg Valentine and Brian Knobbs were just a few of the men that had invested their life savings into getting the company off the ground. All three had also banked on the star power Hogan would bring into the company.

I gathered the excerpts that you just viewed off of the internet just around the time Jimmy Hart gave me the call to come on board the XWF. I'd known Jimmy a long time, and got to talk to him a lot when I worked for WCW Magazine. They didn't call him the "Mouth of the South" for nothing, that guy could chat the foundation out from under a Victorian Mansion. We often bounced our ideas off one another on how much the industry had changed the good and the bad. I liked writing for the magazine, but my real passion was for the show and Jimmy knew it. I probably shouldn't have been so taken off guard when I got the call.

"Chance," he said "I'm in a bind."

"I know that feeling," I said. "Money's been so tight around here it ain't even funny." Writing for an Enquirer type magazine just wasn't my idea of a joyful job, but I had to pay the bills somehow after losing my job with WCW Magazine.

"Hogan's up and left us, headed to god knows where for god knows why," said Hart. "Hulk was a big part of the crew backstage you know, behind the scenes and all. Him and Kevin were gonna be the brains behind the writin'"

Okay I thought, Hogan and Sullivan? Was that a sick joke?

"Anyways Chance, ya always said if the opportunity came for ya to write for WCW you'd jump on it, well I can't offer ya a job with them, but I can the XWF."

"You're serious, Jimmy?" I said. Come on I'd talked to the guy a bunch of times, but we hadn't seen each other in months. And who was I to come into a position just vacated by Hulk Hogan. (As much as I disliked the guy)

"I'm serious as can be," He claimed. "The offers on the table, I can't give ya everything Hulk had but I sure can give you some creative freedom. Meet up with me next week in Orlando if you're interested, think it over Chance."

Needless to say I was on my way to Orlando. I packed up all my belongings and hopped a flight the following week. I met up with Jimmy and we discussed the deal fully. Not only would I have major input on the writing aspect, but Jimmy thought it was important for me to get to know each of the guys thoroughly to better understand who they were, and how to use them. Of course Jimmy had the final say in everything but when I got the talent list my mouth started watering over an endless amount of possibilities.

X Wrestling Federation Talent List

As of December 10, 2001

Adera James

AJ Styles

Akbar

The Barbarian

Barry Harowitz

Big Fred

Big Vito

Billy Fives

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan

British Storm

Carlos Colon

Carly Colon

Chiquita

Christopher Daniels

Cuban Assassin

Curt Hennig

Danny Dominion

Dawn Marie

Devon Storm

Drezden

Eric Priest

"Gorgeous" George Frankenstein

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Hail

Horace Hogan

Jasmine St. Claire

Jimmy Snuka Jr.

Johnny B. Badd

Johnny Swinger

Josh Matthews

Juventud Guererra

Kevin Northcutt

Kid Kash

Kimona

Konnan

Kwik Kick

Lenny Lane

Lex Lovett

Marcus "Buff" Bagwell

Marty Jannetty

"Mean" Gene Okerlund

Mr. Jones

Norman Smiley

Prince Iaukea

Psychosis

Rena Mero

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

Simon Diamond

Sonny Oono

"Superfly" Jimmy Snuka

Terry Funk

The Demon

The Wall

Vampiro

Vapor

Wayne "Sarge" DeBruce

Tag Teams:

Disorderly Conduct

Public Enemy

The Road Warriors

The Harris Brothers

The Nasty Boys

The Power Company

The Shane Twins

Edited June 1, 2006 by Idolized

[livid]

I'll be reading man. You're a talented writer and everything you've done so far here has been pretty good. I'm interested in seeing what you do with that roster, especially The Wall.

Anyways, good start and I'll be reading.

[Pepsi]

Very detailed backstory and really realistic. I really like that in backstories. Nice roster too. I'll be reading for sure.

[Miami Vice]

This has a lot of great potential. You do good work yourself and this promotion has really never been tried. I think it could work and I'm betting your the man for the job. I'll be back to read your first show.

[Draevyn]

I never paid attention to this fed when it came around, mostly due to the fact that Hogan and Hart were associated with it to a certain degree. I figured it was going to be another poor man's WCW and by the first few shows I think I was right. However this story has gotten me interested so I will be here to read when you do begin posting shows.

[IDOL]

"We've finally sealed the deal!" Jimmy shouted as he walked into the boardroom, already fifteen minutes late.

Brian Knobbs, Greg Valentine, Kevin Sullivan, myself and a few of the others in the room were both relieved that Hart had finally made it, and excited at the same time to hear just what in the hell he was talking about.

"Just got back from the meetin' with ESPN execs, and the ink is a dryin' as we speak," said Hart proudly.

"We've got the show!?" Knobbs proclaimed with excitement in his voice.

"Boy do we," Jimmy said. "Startin' in January every Wednesday night's gonna be our night boys!"

Ecstatic is a word that wouldn't do justice to the mood in the room at that moment, and sure enough Jimmy was telling the truth. He had just signed a deal with ESPN for a Wednesday Night timeslot, and an agreement for 41 shows. This was by far the best news that December brought, and finally for the first time since Hogan pulled the no show there was a positive buzz around the company. After considering several names, the boys finally settled with "In Your Face!" as the show's name. The lease of Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios was secure far past the date that the 41 shows would run as every other week the show would air live, while the following week's show would be taped immediately after.

I should probably note that in my first week on the job I had a tremendous amount of catching up to do. I got my hands on the pilot episode that was sent out to all of the promotions, and my reaction to the product was a bit mixed. The production values were tremendous, and it was easy to realize that Jimmy and Company wanted the promotion to look as professional as possible. Even the set for the show was unique with the ripped steel and twisted metal look all around.

As the Internet rumors had suggested Rena Mero, of "Sable" fame in the WWF was playing the on air role of XWF President and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was acting as on air commissioner. I didn't quite see why the XWF needed to have two authority figures, and Piper would have been much better off bringing back his Piper's Pit type segment. I made a mental note to bring it up at the next creative meeting.

The one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb on the tape was the fact that Jerry Lawler's voice was all over it. Lawler was going to be the company's leading color man after having his falling out with the WWF, but by now he was back regularly working alongside Jim Ross on RAW. If Jimmy ever wanted the tape to air as the first episode of the show it was quite safe to say that it was no longer an option.

There were no titles at stake on the pilot, something I was glad to see. I just couldn't see how you'd debut a new promotion on television and already have champions crowned. Curt Hennig looked like a pro, and brought out the best in Prince Iaukea in their match. The Cruiserweight Division of the company looked like it could rival WCW's in its hey day with Juventud Guerrera, AJ Styles (that guy from the Air Raid tag Team in WCW earlier in the year), Kid Kash, and Josh Matthews of Tough Enough fame all bumping like mad men. With teams like the Nasty Boys, and the Road Warriors on the show even as old as they are there was great credibility in the Tag Team Division as well. I must admit that while I liked what I saw and couldn't believe that with Sullivan doing the booking and all, I couldn't wait to get some of my ideas on the show.

But before I could implement any of my ideas I had yet to meet many of the stars on the roster in person. Before December came to an end I would meet most of the boys, some I would wish I hadn't.

Edited June 24, 2005 by Idolized

[Guest Ricc]

Looks good, i'll be back to read on.

[caucasianheat]

I must admit that I haven't seen an XWF diary on the boards in quite some time, unless I've carelessly missed whatever ones might have popped up. I'll confess that I was quite excited for the debut of XWF on television, though once talent started jumping, it was pretty much a forgone conclusion that the promotion was done for.

That said, I think you've picked up the promotion at the pefect time. While you've lost your biggest star in Hogan and your colour commentator in Lawler, you're still holding on to Henning - who was likely to become the top player of the promotion - as well as some of other key talent. Having lost two big assets to the promotion, I think you've put yourself in a predicament that might bring some nice innovation to the table (creating new stars, doing a re-shoot for the TV pilot or having ESPN get sketchy when Lawler isn't on the show).

I always tought the XWF roster was rather comical because, while they had some absolutely great talent on their roster, they were also home to a whole lot of over-the-hill guys that weren't very good in their prime anyway. I'd like to see what you can do to balance the good with the bad (or in some cases, the great with the terrible) and try to make something that would be enjoyable to read - and watch, for that matter.

Good luck, I'll be keeping an eye on this.

[IDOL]

Now I'd be lying if I said that I didn't actually know very many of the stars signed to our roster. After all I'd worked with The Wall, Curt Hennig, Vampiro, Konnan, Terry Funk, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Jim Duggan, The Demon, Mike Jones, Big Vito, Horace, Prince Iakeau, Lenny, Roddy Piper, Buff Bagwell and a few of the others during my time in WCW.

Speaking of Buff the guy truly is the complete ass everyone makes him out to be. Without a doubt Bagwell was the most self absorbed, pompous and egotistical person I had ever met in my life. His ego was so big in fact that it cost him his job in the WWF after a scuffle with Shane Helms. But Bagwell had star power, and a large female following; both were things that the XWF badly needed.

I had never heard of Skandor Akbar in my life. As it turned out the 62 year old was one of the most successful managers World Class Championship Wrestling had ever saw and managed some of the biggest names in the industry. Men like Big Bubba Rogers, Abdullah the Butcher, Ted DiBiase "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel, One Man Gang, King Kong Bundy, Steve Austin, Cactus Jack, Greg Valentine and Kevin Von Erich were all at one time managed by the man. He had agreed to manage once again in the XWF, bringing his Arabic Gimmick with him as well.

Ian Harrison, or the "British Storm" as people were calling him had already been given the moniker of the "Future of the XWF" when I came on board. Some called him the British version of Scott Steiner, and there was little question why. Harrison was a former Mr. Universe and had a body to back up the claim. There was nothing but praise for the man around the boardroom.

Within two weeks of the first Episode of In Your Face, I had met up with nearly every star and the ideas were rolling around. It was hard to balance Sullivan's crappy ideas and get mine heard, oh yeah and remember the mental note I took about the XWF having two authority figures? Yeah as it turns out Jimmy was high on the idea of having both Rena and Roddy in positions of power on camera so I decided not to argue the point.

Jimmy also informed me that Tony Shaivone would be filling the void left by Jerry Lawler at the commentary booth. I liked Shaivone and all, I just wasn't sure how he was going to do by himself.

The brass in the office decided on focusing the first couple of shows around a tournament for the XWF World Title. Curt Hennig, Buff Bagwell, Ian Harrison, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Vampiro, The Wall, Konnan and Terry Funk would all participate in the multi week event.

Things were coming together and looking good for us, and within a few days we had programs printed out and hitting the streets to spread the word about the XWF's first show.

XWF Wrestling Presents:

IN YOUR FACE!

live from Soundstage 21 in Universal Studios Orlando

7:00 PM January 2, 2002

Come see the X Wrestling Federation live as we kick off the tournament to crown the first ever XWF World Champion! Eight Superstars have entered in the Battle for the title, after this week only four of these men's dreams will still be alive!

The Night's Main Event

XWF Title Tournament Match

Curt Hennig versus Buff Bagwell

XWF Title Tournament Match

Konnan versus Vampiro

XWF Title Tournament Match

The Wall versus Greg "the Hammer" Valentine

XWF Title Tournament Match

"British Storm" Ian Harrison versus Terry Funk

Plus the fantastic Cruiserweights of the XWF will be in action! The X Girls International, the Road Warriors, and all of your favorite XWF Superstars will be on hand, you don't want to miss it! Tickets are just $30 at the door, and the first 50 through the door get a free XWF T-Shirt!

XWF In Your Face! Is available on ESPN every Wednesday Night at 7:00, check with your cable provider for channel listings.

Edited June 1, 2006 by Idolized

[therockbox]

Very, very promising start here. This should be good if your earlier stuff is anything to go by, and I eagerly await the first show.

[Michael]

This has great potential, as the XWF franchise is something that really could have been big with the right booking management to oversee things. I will be reading, and please, give Big Vito a push would ya?

[stonecoldfan12345]

This looks very promising, and I hope to see a great Aj Styles, or a Christopher Daniels push soon in the beginning of this company. Good Luck!!!

[Hellfire]

I'm looking forward to this. I love reading diaries that aren't done to death, as thats really not fun to read after a while. I'll defentally check this out again.

[IDOL]

Wow, it seems like ages since I last posted here! Sorry about that guys it was a busy week with work, graduation parties and just life in general. I had some down time though, and got to writing the first In Your Face! Comments and feedback are welcome and appreciated.

*********************************

XWF In Your Face! January 2, 2002

Airing live from Soundstage 21 in Universal Studios

Orlando, Florida

"We are the X Wrestling Federation, and we are IN YOUR FACE!"

Were Tony Schiavone's words as the show came on the air live with a close up of the pyro being set off on stage. The camera captured the fans that had piled into the arena with signs and XWF merchandising before heading ringside with Tony Schiavone at the announce table.

Schiavone: "You know fans I often get asked the same question time and time again. What does the "X" stand for in the X Wrestling Federation? Well you're about to find out because the X stands for eXcitement! The X stands for eXtremely entertaining television! The X is the one variable that all other wrestling organizations are lacking today, and that fans, is what separates us from the competition!"

As Tony Schiavone finished up, the Japanese Sensation Vapor had already made his way to the ring with Sonny Oono by his side and little fan fare to back him. Some Chip-n-Dale dancer type music played bringing out Danny Dominion who wore some "Whitey Tighty" like trucks and a black bowtie around his shirtless neck.

Schiavone: "We're kicking things off with some red hot Cruiserweight action, one fall to decide it all in this one ladies and gentlemen."

XWF Cruiserweight Division 3-Way Dance Match

Vapor with Sonny Oono versus Danny Dominion versus Josh Matthews

The crowd popped big time as some indy rock music picked up and Josh Matthews of WWF Tough Enough fame raced down the ramp way and slid into the ring. Matthews blazed in, swinging like a mad man and took it to both men with his fists clenched. The action was fast paced in the early going, Matthews enjoyed having control until he was caught with a vicious martial arts kick from Vapor. From then on Vapor and Danny Dominion aided each other in dissecting the former Tough Enough Contestant. That is until Matthews landed a jaw breaker on Danny Dominion and then jumped up and dropkicked Vapor (who was on the apron heading to the turnbuckle) to the floor. Off of the dropkick Matthews spun his body around just enough to land a moonsault on Danny Dominion for the 1, 2, 3.

Josh Matthews defeated Danny Dominion and Vapor

-OR:46% -CR:32% -MQ:72%

Tony Shiavone: "As a victorious Josh Matthews heads to the back after proving that he is indeed tough enough, I advise you not to turn the channel folks. After the commercial break we will be hearing from the president of the XWF, Rena Mero! Don't go away!"

It is about what the fans want...

When In Your Face! returned to the air, XWF President Rena Mero was getting into the ring. Rena was wearing a cowboy hat and really didn't look much different than the last time she was on WWF Television. The fans cheered her on.

Rena: "Thank you all so very much for that kind reception."

She paused for a moment and soaked up some more of the cheers.

Rena: "Thank you all so much for coming out here tonight, and thank you to the viewers watching at home. I promise you that the XWF is a unique form of Sports Entertainment like no other. The XWF is different from the competition because we know that it is our fans that make us what we are, and to us what the fans want is of the utmost importance."

The crowd cheered Rena on some more and she smiled before putting the microphone back up to her mouth.

Rena: "The XWF IS all about the fans, and"...

Before Rena could finish she was interrupted by Big Vito who came out from the back waiving the Italian Flag to mass boos from everyone in the crowd. His singlet bared the same red green and white of Italy and the former WCW Tag Team Champion rolled into the ring before taking to a corner and waving the flag some more. Finally he hopped down and grabbed a microphone. Vito then looked right into the president's face.

Big Vito: "Le'me get this straight signora, it's all about what the fans want?"

Rena: "That's Righ"-

Big Vito: (screaming) "Well I don' give a damn what these fans want!"

The fans booed Vito as Rena wiped her face.

Big Vito: "Ah shut up you idiots, how dare you boo a great Italian athlete like'a myself?"

Vito returned his attention back to Rena who was looking a bit worried but stood her ground.

Big Vito: "Or should I say this is about what Vito wanted? (Rena looked puzzled) Ah don't you give me that'a puzzled look, you know exactly what I'm talking about, signora. The Italian Hellion, Big Vito in the XWF World Title tournament!"

Rena: "I know what you're talking about Vito, and yeah I didn't put you into the tournament. Quite frankly Vito, when I looked at the eight most deserving men to fight in that tournament I didn't think that you were one of those eight! And that Vito, is why you're not in the tournament!"

Vito looked angered, then reached out and grabbed Rena by the arm!

Big Vito: "Maybe you're not'a gettin' this! What Big Vito wants, Big Vito gets. And I want into that'a tournament."

"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"

Rena's look of fright quickly vanished from her face as "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan had slid into the ring behind Vito. He let out his famous shout and when Vito turned around, the Hacksaw clocked him right in the head with the pole of his American Flag! Vito fell to the mat and then rolled out of the ring. Duggan sent Vito's Italian Flag out of the ring with him and the crowd began chanting "USA!" "USA!" Rena applauded Duggan as he wove the American Flag and In Your Face! went to commercial break.

EWR Rating: 59%

Tony Schiavone: "Welcome back fans, this next match is the first of four XWF World Title Tournament matches tonight."

Tony Schiavone: "The Wall is already in the ring looking ready to get this one started."

XWF Title Tournament Round One Match

The Wall versus Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

When the camera went to the ring, the Wall was shown tugging at the ropes. He looked quite different since the last he was seen on WCW Television. His hair had grown out and he looked to be fitter and leaner. Valentine's 1950's style rock music played bringing out the legendary superstar. Before Valentine could even get out of his robe, the Wall grabbed him and began beating away. Much like a hockey fight, he ripped Valentine's robe up over his head and delivered some heavy body shots before sending him into the ropes and nailing a devastating Big Boot to the face! Valentine seemed out of it as the Wall reached down with one hand and grabbed the legend by the throat before lifting him into the air and bringing him back down with a choke slam! "The Hammer" was motionless, but the Wall must have figured it wasn't good enough because he lifted grabbed him by the throat once again before lifting him up and bringing him back down with another choke slam. He covered for an academic three count.

The Wall defeated Greg "The Hammer" Valentine to advance in the XWF World Title Tournament.

-OR:37% -CR:30% -MQ:55%

What exactly is "the stuff?"...

As the Wall walked to the back, the cameras went backstage where "Mean" Gene Okerlund was standing by.

Mean Gene: "Hello wrestling fans, and what an exciting night it has been! But with this next interview its only bound to get better, because We're having a few words with the one, the only Curt Hennig!"

The fans cheered as the camera panned back a few steps revealing that the former "Mr. Perfect" was indeed there, and he wasn't alone as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan stood beside him.

Curt Hennig: "Let's just cut to the chase here Mean Gene, Bobby and I, we're really busy men you know? You're gonna ask me about my match with Buff Bagwell later tonight aren't ya?"

Mean Gene: "Why, actually I was!"

Curt Hennig: "Well Mean Gene, it's as simple as this; everyone's wonderin' and everyone's speculatin' about who's gonna be the first XWF Champion. Well Mean Gene I'll tell ya who it's gonna be and you're lookin' at him!"

Hennig paused for a moment and pointed his index finger right at his chest.

Curt Hennig: "Now Buff Bagwell, he talks a lot of trash about how he's the "stuff." Well Buff tonight we're about to find out

just what kind of Stuff you're made of, but it ain't gonna be you walkin' out of Orlando with your hand raised, I can tella ya that!"

Hennig and Heenan walked away, and In Your Face! took another commercial break.

EWR Rating: 83%

Tony Schiavone: "Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, over the commercial break our second world title tournament Match has already gotten under way, and they've been all over the building! This is the kind of excitement you won't see anywhere else, this is the XWF!"

XWF Title Tournament Round One Match

Vampiro versus Konnan

When the cameras made it to Konnan and Vampiro, they were at the concession stand and Konnan leveled Vampiro with a big box of popcorn sending it flying all over. They battled through the crowd and eventually made it back to the ring area as Konnan clotheslined Vampiro over the barricade onto the padded mats around the ring. He rolled Vamprio into the ring and landed his signature rolling thunder clothesline before going to lock on the Tequila Sunrise. Vampiro however knew what was coming and delivered a low blow that the referee was out of position to see. Vamprio got back to his feet and untied one of the turnbuckle covers. The referee grabbed it and fussed with it trying to tie it back on. This gave Vampiro the opportunity to slide out of the ring and grab a chair. He used it to clock Konnan with, and then scooped him up and delivered the Nail in the Coffin before sliding the chair out of the ring. He hooked Konnan's leg and got the win much to the dismay of the fans.

Vampiro defeated Konnan to advance in the XWF Title Tournament.

-OR:51% -CR:55% -MQ:59%

A promotional video played airing the XWF Events schedule, and a commercial for Universal Studios before the show went back to the ring.

More than meets the eye...

Some dance type music took over the speakers, bringing out the threesome of Kimona, Chiquita, and George - the X Girls International. The fans applauded them as they hopped out to the ring, and each took out a microphone from the back pockets of their cut off short shorts.

George: "I bet you'd all love to see us dance wouldn't you?"

Kimona: "You'd like to see us, (she looked down a her chest and tugged at her shirt) take it off?"

The crowd cheered the girls on.

Chiquita: "Well that".....

All three of the girls reached down and grabbed the bottom of their "XGI" shirts and teased pulling them up, then they brought the microphone back up to their mouths.

All Three: "Ain't gonna happen!"

The crowd booed as George brought the microphone back up to her mouth.

George: "We're sick and tired of being looked at as just eye candy."

Chiquita: "We are girls, we are ladies. We are smart and we are sophisticated."

Kimona: "We are the X Girls International."

All three women smiled, and George once again brought the microphone up to her mouth.

George: "That's right, we're XGI and we're sick of being treated like crap. We're more than just eye candy, we're more than just pieces of flesh, and we won't be coming out here to dance away your down time!"

Chiquita: "We're XGI, and we're on a mission."

Kimona: "A mission to find the one man that is good enough to acquire our services."

George: "The one man that we're going to take to the top of this company."

Kimona: "So boys, play nice because the XGI are taking notes."

With that they dropped their microphones, and headed to the back.

EWR Rating: 60%

A message from the Rowdy one...

Before the show went to commercial break, a pre taped clip began to air. It was in what looked like an empty office, but all of a sudden.

"ARE YOU HAVIN' FUN YET!?"

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper popped up and shouted at the screen. the commissioner of the XWF had a huge smile on his face.

Roddy Piper: "Of course ya' are, cause this is the XWF, the only place where it's all about YOU! THE FANS! Ha, ha ha! And if ya' think you're havin' fun this week, guess what the "Hot Rod" has in store for ya' next week!?"

Piper snickered to himself a bit.

Roddy Piper: "This is the XWF, right? The only place where you can still find stars from yesterday, guys like Terry Funk and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. And dare I say even the Rowdy one HIMSELF!?"

Piper laughed again, almost hysterically.

Roddy Piper: "Well I've put together a HUGE match for next week! Because next week not only are you going to see one of the sports greatest Tag Teams ever, you're going to see TWO! And guess what!? They're gonna be goin' HEAD TO HEAD! 'Cause NEXT WEEK it's gonna be THE NASTY BOYS takin' on THE ROAD WARRIORS!!!"

Piper smiled as a graphic showed up on the screen, next week The Nasty Boys and The Road Warriors in tag team action!

EWR Rating: 60%

Tony Schiavone: "Welcome back fans as Terry stands into the ring with an assortment of Hardcore items around him I'm informed to remind you that next week we'll be seeing the second round of the world title tournament transpire right here on In Your Face."

A storm warning type siren blared over the speakers followed by a heavy metal type sound, bringing out the XWF's British Import and former Mr. Universe winner Ian Harrison

Tony Schiavone: "Well fans some say that this man is England's equivalent of Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner, but one thing's for sure about the "British Storm" Ian Harrison and that's the fact that this man looks like he was chissled out of granite. He's rock solid, and he doesn't play around."

XWF Title Tournament Round One Match

"British Storm" Ian Harrison versus Terry Funk

When Harrison leaned over and stepped into the ring through the ropes, the Hardcore Icon took adavantage and smashed a trash can lid right over his head knocking the big man silly for a moment. Funk tried his best to allow his Hardcore Antics to win him the match, but Harrison's brute strength just proved to be too much for the Hardcore veteran. As Funk went to connect with a trash can shot Harrison landed a heavy blow that almost looked like it legitimately knocked Funk out. Harrison claimed that it was over and scooped Funk up and onto his shoulders before delivering a Davey Boy Smith like Runnig Powerslam right onto the trashcan for the victory.

"British Storm" Ian Harrison defeated Terry Funk to advance in the XWF Title tournament.

OR:49% -CR:47% -MQ:64%

Before In Your Face took its final commercial break, Buff Bagwell was shown warming up for his big match in the backstage area.

Tony Schiavone: "Folks don't go away, it's the Main Event - Curt Hennig and Buff Bagwell will go one on one, only one of these men will move on with the chance to become XWF Champion still intact!"

XWF Title Tournament Round One Match

Curt Hennig versus Buff Bagwell

When the show came back on Buff Bagwell came out to some fan fare, but there was a section in the crowd that wouldn't stop chanting "You got fired" (in reference to his recent release from the WWF.) Hennig, despite playing a heel at this point came out to great fan fare with his "Agent" Bobby "The Brain" Heenan by his side. Hennig used dirty tactics the whole match to ground Bagwell. With Curt distracting the referee, Heenan choked Buff out on the ropes. Hennig tried a couple of pinning attempts to no avail; he then locked on a sleeper hold. The journey for Bagwell back to his feet was a long one, and he didn't have as many fans as he hoped he would as he called them on for support to get back up. HE did get to his feet however and battled back. Heenan got on the apron and distracted the referee, so Buff went over to him and doubled his fist. Bagwell must have known Hennig would come running because he dodged out of the way allowing for Curt and Bobby to have a painful meeting of minds. Bagwell perched himself on the second rope and as Curt stumbled around, Bagwell leaped off and connected with the Blockbuster. He hooked the leg 1, 2.. Heenan put Hennigs leg on the rope! Buff was mad as hell and rolled out chasing Heenan out around the ring, Bobby slid inside and Buff was totally oblivious as he slid in behind him. Curt landed a kick to the midsection, then the Hennig Plex! 1, 2, 3! Heenan had aided Hennig to victory over Buff Bagwell!

Curt Hennig defeated Buff Bagwell to advance in the XWF Title Tournament.

-OR:59% -CR:70% -MQ:59%

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan celebrated with Hennig who made the belt around the waist motion with his hands promising that he'd be the XWF Champion as the credits came up on the screen and the show ended.

Overall Show Rating: 55%

Best Segment: Hennig Interview

Worst Segment: The Wall def. Greg Valentine

Edited July 4, 2005 by Idolized

[Guest Ricc]

Looking good, good show, Harrison over Funk..I love it!

[Guest Ryan Rage]

Very Good show!

The graphis make it look very pro....I liked the XGI segment

And Harrison over Funk= Gold, lol

Great work... I'll be reading!

[Guest ncguy]

Loveing this diary cant wait to see how all the storylines turn out, also will keep reading as you have great presentation.

Edited July 6, 2005 by ncguy

[IDOL]

There was a distinct feeling of accomplishment around the office over the next week. Everyone was seemingly in a better than normal mood, as most of us were proud of what we had accomplished that Wednesday Night. The live show had brought in a 1.20 rating on ESPN, the highest possible rating that could be given for our slot on that network. It appeared that many channel surfers had found the XWF on their television and stayed tuned after noticing that it wasn't the WWF. Perhaps Jimmy was right when he said that if an alternative is available people will watch, even if it has nothing else to offer other than the fact that it's something else.

But the XWF did have something to offer, and thinking over how some of the storylines would play out over the next couple of months brought a smile to my face. At first I wasn't high on the idea of so many legends, and stars of yesterday mixed in with the younger exciting stars of tomorrow but I realized that many of the older guys still had alot to offer and could easily help establish some of our younger guys as legit stars.

The only sour note that came out of that Wednesday night live show and television taping was the event that transpired before the show in a dark match. Mean Mike and Tuff Tom, the team known as Disorderly Conduct were taking on Carly Colon and Jimmy Snuka Junior in a Tag Team Match. Tom, for whatever reason decided to go to the top rope and attempt a pump kick to Carly, but when he came down his ankle leg snapped like a pretzel. It didn't take long for the EMT's to rush him to the ER, but the Doctor reports say that he'd be out seven months at the least. Any hopes the XWF had of using Disorderly Conduct were out the window.

At my urging the XWF picked up Van Hammer that week as well. I'd always liked the big guy in WCW, he was getting a decent push in '99 until all of his momentum was sucked out when Rick Steiner refused to put him over with the TV Title and killed his push. Hammer had been working as a used car salesman since his job with WCW had ended, I was sure we could find a role for the big guy.

By the end of the week the flyers were once again rolling off the presses and finding their way onto XWFWrestling.com and the surrounding area of Universal studios.

XWF Wrestling Presents:

IN YOUR FACE!

From Soundstage 21 in Universal Studios Orlando

7:00 PM January 9, 2002

The Tournament to crown the first XWF World Champion continues as another exciting edition of In Your Face! comes at you on ESPN. Four Superstars remain in the hunt for the gold and you can bet no man wants to blow their opportunity to make it to the finals and fight for the most coveted prize in the XWF! But the World Title Tournament isn't all that's happening this week. The commissioner of the XWF "Hot Rod" Rowdy Roddy Piper signed a huge Main Event for this week as the Road Warriors take on the Nasty Boyz in Tag team Competition. You don't want to miss this!

vs

The Night's Main Event

Tag Team Competition

The Road Warriors Hawk & Animal versus the Nasty Boyz

vs

XWF Title Tournament Match

Curt Hennig versus Vampiro

vs

XWF Title Tournament Match

The Wall versus "British Storm" Ian Harrison

vs

Grudge Match

Big Vito versus "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Plus the fantastic Cruiserweights of the XWF will be in action! The X Girls International, the President of the XWF Rena Mero, and all of your favorite XWF Superstars will be on hand you don't want to miss it!

XWF In Your Face! Is available on ESPN every Wednesday Night at 7:00, check with your cable provider for channel listings.

For those of you that just can't wait for me to tell you the story at my pace I was able to dig up an old spoiler report off of the internet giving away the television taping results. To read the spoilers click below.

Hey guys I just got back from the XWF tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando and I have to say it was quite fun to be there live and in person, the crowd was great and I got to see many of my old time favorite guys. I have the results of the Television tapings that will air as next weeks show, here they are:

The show started with the fireworks on stage, and Tony schiavone did his welcoming speech again, but we couldn't here it cause he was only set up for the tv crowd to hear it.

The Harris Brothers defeated the "Sons of Legends"

I'm not really sure Carly and Carlos colon are, but I guess Carlos was a legend in Puerto Rico or something, his son Carly teamed with Jimmy Snuka's son, Snuka junior. Both of the father were at ringside as their sons battled the Harris Brothers, who weren't messing around very much. The Harrises basically beat the hell out of the two in the beginning but Carly landed a low blow allowing for some offense, Snuka junior tagged himself in and the two idiots started arguing instead of keeping an eye on their match. Ron came in and big booted Carly out of the ring, then Snuka Junior got planted with the H-Bomb for the Harris Brothers victory.

Rena Mero was shown with "Mean Gene" she said that Buff Bagwell has requested microphone time to address the fans tonight.

Curt Hennig defeated Vampiro to advance to the finals of the XWF Title Tournament

Hennig and Vampiro were battling it out, and Vamprio caught Curt with a super kick I think, then called for the Nail in the Coffin but the lights in the arena suddenly went out scaring the crap out of everyone. When they came back on a huge man was walking up the ramp in a trench coat, and Vampiro was laid out in the ring. Hennig just placed one foot on Vampiro and arrogantly got the win moving to the finals.

Buff Bagwell came out and got interviewed by Mean Gene in the ring, he said that he didn't get why the fans insist on chanting "You got fired" when he's done nothing but bend over backwards for them. Buff went on to say that he's the best thing the XWF has to offer, and should be treated as such. Konnan's music hit and he came out to the ring. It seemed he was on Bagwell's side at first cause he told the fans that they were wrong. But he went on to say that the WWF didn't fire Buff, They laid him off cause his momma didn't want him to get hurt. The crowd laughed and began chanting "momma's boy" at buff! Bagwell got mad and threw a punch at Konnan. they began fighting but security got in the ring and held them back.

Big Vito got into the ring waving the Italian Flag and took the microphone, he said that Vito always gets what he wants but tonight Hackaw Jim Duggan was gonna get a little something, that being a beating from the Italian Hellion, or whatever he was calling himself.

Big Vito defeated "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Duggan came out and the crowd chanted "USA!" I wasn't into Duggan much and he no sold much of Vito's offense until vito decked him with his own 2x4 and covered him for the win.

Josh Matthews defeated Billy Fives

the XGI Girls stood at the top of the ramp with clipboards in their hands and appeared to like what they saw as Matthews battled Billy fives. Josh countered a Hurricanranna attempt with a power bomb and landed a moonsault for the win. XGI looked impressed as he brushed by them and into the back.

"British Storm" Ian Harrison defeated the Wall

Curt Hennig came out and did commentary, but again we couldn't hear any of it. The match went a bit longer than you'd expect for two big guys like the Wall and Harrison, The Wall took a Nasty bump when he went to go to the top rope, he slipped off of the apron and looked to tweak his knee, but managed to fight through the pain and go on. He nailed Harrison with the choke slam, I thought for sure he had him, but Harrison kicked out. They fist fought some more, and Wall went to go for another choke slam but Harrison scooped him up onto his shoulders and drilled him with the British Bulldog's devastating power slam for the win! It's going to be Hennig and Harrison for the XWF Title.

The Road Warriors and the Nasty Boyz ended in no contest Two big bald twin guys that someone said were the Shane Twins came in before the match could really get going and attacked both teams. A mass brawl started until the bag pipes played over the speakers and the crowd went nuts for Roddy Piper!

Piper came out and said that he's glad that the tag team division is heating up, so glad in fact that two weeks from now not only we will see the crowning of the first XWF World Champion when Curt Hennig takes on Ian Harrison, but we'll see the crowning of the first Tag Team Champions as the Road Warriors battle the Nasty Boyz, the Shane Twins and a mystery Tag Team!

That's where I think they stopped for TV, after the show we got to meet with some of the stars and get autographs. I'm sure more backstage stuff will be added as that's never shown to us at tapings. All in all it was a fun experience and I hope XWF can stick it out.

After such a grand first week on TV I was sure something bad was bound to happen, it had to right?

[Guest ncguy]

Really liked the first show, I like how you have who all is in the match then who wins the match, ne ways here is lucking forward to more great shows and ill keep reading to find out who the champ is.

[PsychoMike]

Well. I just decided to click your banner and take a look at this. And i've got to say I am impressed. I really like this and I was never a fan of the XWF. I like your use of alot of the guys. I don't like most of the roster but you're using them well. Good first show and i'll definatelly be reading more.