|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 1, 2017 8:13:08 GMT -5
We're back, baby!
After some unfortunate problems arose that saw the shuttering of New Era Wrestling back in 2015, the promotion regrettably shut down operations, leaving the many wrestlers on the roster to go seek work elsewhere.
Time marched on and New Era Wrestling was largely forgotten about, save by a select few, hardcore fans.
But some things refuse to lay down and die quietly.
New Era Wrestling would not go quietly into that good night.
Promoter A.J. Costello worked feverishly for nearly two years to get everything under control and get the company back on it's feet.
Finally, the day came when New Era Wrestling was resurrected.
That day... is today.
This new version of New Era Wrestling will be more or less the same as it was in the 'good old days'. Wrestlers will compete for the World Championship, the Tag Team Championship, the North American Championship, the Television Championship, and (of course) the Women's Championship. In accordance with the vision of promoter Costello, every title will have to be defended at least once in every 30 day period... except the Television title, which must be defended at least once every 14 days. Failure to defend as required will see the champion lose their titles. There will be, as before, a weekly television show (airing every Friday night) and there will be a special super-card every three months aired on Pay-Per-View.
Things will follow a set of fairly traditional set of rules: Titles will only change hands on a pinfall or submission victory (barring special stipulations, of course). In addition to the usual ways for a match to end (pinfall, submission, disqualification) there will be, at the referee's discretion, stoppages based on a loss of too much blood loss by one of the competitors. Titles will not change hands on a ref stoppage (again, barring special stipulations).
Another returning rule will be the old chestnut that allows a wrestler to have only one manager, valet, or ally at ringside at any given time.
The Important People of N.E.W.:
*A.J. Costello- promoter of New Era Wrestling.
*Rick Murphy- General Manager/ Commissioner.
*Bud Gordon- Senior Official.
*"Mad "Mike Cantrell & Frankie Saddler- Commentary.
*Cindy Shepherd- Ring Announcer.
*Amy Lee- Backstage Interviews.
A series of small, invitation-only tournaments and battles royal were held in a number of un-televised events around New England to crown the inaugural champions for this new version of New Era Wrestling. Here are the results:
*N.E.W. World Champion: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase (Top Contender: Harley Race)
DiBiase went through the competition in this one night, eight-man tournament handily (with the aid of his manager J.J. Dillon) until he ran into Race in the finals. Race seemed to have things well in hand until DiBiase got lucky during an altercation on the outside of the ring late in the match. When it was all over, DiBiase had his hand raised in victory but neither he nor Dillon tarried long in the ring lest they have to face the wrath of a very unhappy Harley Race.
*N.E.W. Tag Team Champions: The Heenan Family (Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens) (Top Contenders: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal))
Bockwinkel and Stevens made it to the finals of the tournament through a combination of excellent teamwork and liberal uses of interference form manager Bobby "The Brain "Heenan. They then hit a brick wall in the finals, in the form of Hawk and Animal. Despite enduring an inhuman amount of abuse by the Road Warriors, Bockwinkel and Stevens somehow managed to outlast the two big men from Chicago. The international community of wrestling fans are still amazed at how Heenan's men snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Many consider their win to be the biggest of flukes.
*N.E.W. North American Champion: Kevin Steen (Top Contender: Curt Hennig)
Steen won the battle royal for the title through a mixture of cunning, skill, and pure luck. He has vowed that he will hold the title for as long as it pleases him, or until he gets bored and decides to seek a greater title.
*N.E.W. Television Champion: A.J. Styles (Top Contender: "Macho Man" Randy Savage)
Savage feels as if the officiating in the final match of this small tournament was biased against him from the beginning. He has vowed that when he meets Styles again, there will be no doubt at all as to who deserves the title.
*N.E.W. Women's Champion: Madison Rayne (Top Contender: Trish Stratus)
Rayne won the battle royal by avoiding most of the other women involved only to pounce on STratus after she had done the majority of the heavy lifting, as it were.
To relive the glory days of N.E.W. and to give the nostalgia crowd a nod, the first card of this iteration of New Era Wrestling will be held in the old stomping grounds of Hartford, Connecticut.
WE look forward to seeing everyone there.
|
|
|
Post by cruefan68 on Jul 1, 2017 10:21:48 GMT -5
It is good to se NEW coming back, good luck with the relaunch. I am especially pumped for the Randy Savage vs. AJ Styles rivalry.
|
|
|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 4, 2017 18:13:41 GMT -5
New Era Wrestling -Card #1- (Hartford, CT):
The show opens up with a backstage view of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and two of the men from his stable: Nick Bockwinkel and Ray "The Crippler" Stevens... the N.E.W. Tag Team Champions. Bockwinkel and Stevens look like they are still somewhat the worse for wear after the abuse they both took at the hands of the Road Warriors. However, both men seem smug and all-too-sure of themselves. The championship belts are slung over each man's shoulder.
Bobby Heenan looks directly into the camera and smiles... more of a self-satisfied smirk.
Heenan: "Well, here we are again, humanoids, your N.E.W. Tag Team Champions. As usual, you subhumans don't realize how good you have it, do you? Standing before you is the greatest tag team in the business today. We proved that at Costello's silly, little tournament last week. But here we are, on this historic night... and because Costello and Murphy are both unrepentant fanboy marks for the Road Warriors... it's been decided for us that one of my men will be taking on one of those two musclebound buffoons here tonight. That's fine with us, though. We are perfectly okay with proving ourselves... once again... to be THE very best in the world. No problem. Nick?"
Bockwinkel: "Thank you, Bobby. Standing before you is the greatest meeting of the minds in wrestling. Be it in this era or any other. Ray and I were already the smartest tag team you'll ever see, but with the addition of Bobby "The Brain "Heenan our intellect is immeasurable. You see, Hawk. Animal. Wrestling isn't just a game of brawn and physicality. If it were, there'd be no doubt that the two of you would be kings. The truth is somewhat different, I'm afraid. Wrestling is also a thinking man's game. And while you two have the physical aspect of it down cold... you fail to exercise the most important muscle in your bodies: your brains. That's why we beat you in the tournament. That's why Ray or myself will beat whichever of you two we face in the ring tonight. That's why we will beat you every single time we face each other in the ring... no matter where it may be. We are, putting it simply for you, too smart for you Road Warriors. Accept it and move on before you humiliate yourselves further."
Heenan and his men laugh and head into their locker room to prepare for tonight's match.
****
Next we get a shot of our announce team... Mike Cantrell and Frankie Saddler... as they welcome everyone to the show. The beautiful Miss Cindy Shepherd is already in the ring, ready to get things started by introducing...
*The Gansters of Love (Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill) vs. George South & "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz
Doring and Roadkill start this one off looking very dominant and they control the tempo of the action for quite some time before a cocky Danny Doring underestimates the always dangerous Johnny Rodz. Things turn around for South and Rodz after that and before anyone realizes what just happened... George South hits a cross body block out of nowhere on Danny and covers him for a three count and the win as Rodz fends off Roadkill. As the winning team is announced, it is clear that all four men are shocked by the outcome.
Winners of the Match: South & Rodz!
Cantrell: "How about that for an opening match, Frankie? Talk about an upset!"
Saddler: "I love it, Mike! I think this sets the tome for New Era Wrestling perfectly. It is obvious that just about anything can happen here!"
We return to the ring and Miss Shepherd. It's time for the lovely lady to announce...
*Bob Roop (w/"Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan) vs. The Sandman
Roop is, of course, representing the Varsity Club along with the always-scheming Kevin Sullivan. Roop gets the advantage early and refuses to let up on Sandman for even a single moment. Sandman barely gets in any offense at all as Roop goes on to win the match with a pair of SHOULDER BREAKERS. Sullivan and Roop celebrate in the ring and mock the downed Sandman.
Winner of the Match: Bob Roop!
Cantrell: "I can't believe what I've just seen, Frankie."
Saddler: "I know, Mike. Do you think that maybe someone gave Sandman some non-alcoholic beer or something? Something was definitely off here tonight."
Once again we go to the ring, where Miss Cindy is waiting to bring us...
*Penny Banner vs. Cheerleader Melissa
The ladies shake hands briefly before the match starts and as soon as the bell rings, they are on each other like dogs set after a bone. It's a spirited contest and both women get a chance to shine, with each one getting in a near fall on the other before the end comes when Banner falls victim to the dreaded KUDOH DRIVER. Melissa offers a hand up to the defeated Banner but Penny swats her hand away in a sign of her frustration.
Winner of the Match: Cheerleader Melissa!
Cantrell: "As is traditional here in N.E.W., the ladies give us a great match, Frankie."
Saddler: "They sure did, Mike. Cheerleader Melissa has her sights set on that Women's title. Madison and Trish better keep one eye looking over their shoulders or Melissa might just take them by surprise... whichever one manages to be holding the title at the time that she comes for it. Speaking of ladies... let's go to the back. Amy Lee has a special guest tonight."
We now go to the backstage area where the lovely Amy Lee is waiting to interview her special guest: N.E.W. Women's Champion Madison Rayne!
Lee: Madison! Thanks for being here with me tonight. Let's cut to the chase... there are many women in your division who are quite... um... upset with you and how you won the big battle royal. Some even are saying that by displaying such tactics that you are unfit to hold the title. What are your thought, if I may ask?"
Rayne: "Really? They're saying that? Oh, please. It's all just sour grapes and a bunch of whining little girls complaining because someone worked smarter instead of harder and came out on top. I've never seen so many jealous little bitches in all my life! But, you know what? I don't care. Fact is... I'm the champion. I'm going to STAY champion for however long I feel like... and right now I feel like holding onto this belt until I've surpassed the epic run with the title that April Hunter had back in the day. When people talk about the greatest women's champions in N.E.W. history it's going to be be me in first place and THEN April Hunter and everyone else. No one is taking this belt from me. No one."
With that, Madison leaves the interview stage as Amy Lee looks to the camera and shrugs.
It is then time, once again, to join Miss Cindy in the ring as she announces...
*Nick Bockwinkel (N.E.W. Tag Team Champion; w/Bobby "The Brain" Heenan) vs. Road Warrior Hawk (w/ "Precious" Paul Ellering)
The bell rings and Hawk launches himself like a cannonball shot out of a cannon at Bockwinkel, taking him by complete surprise and laying into him with a combination of brutal strikes and slams. Bockwinkel is in serious trouble and, although he manages to get in a little bit of offense, Hawk just seems to have his number. A FLYING CLOTHESLINE from Hawk puts Bockwinkel down, seemingly for the count, but the referee is pulled out of the ring by Heenan! Ellering moves to go after the Brain but he gets cut off by Ray Stevens storming the ring! This brings out Animal and before anyone can straighten things out, Hawk, Animal, Bockwinkel, and Stevens are going after each other as Ellering chases Heenan in circles around the ring. The referee has definitely lost control of this one so he calls for the bell.
Results: A Double Disqualification!
Cantrell: "Well. I don't know if those two teams are going to be able to settle things any time soon."
Saddler: "Costello and Murphy must be so mad right now, Mike."
Once the ring is finally cleared and the brawling wrestlers make it to the back, it's safe for Miss Shepherd to come into the ring to announce...
*The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams; w/ Captain Lou Albano) vs. RVD & Sabu (w/ Bill Alfonso)
If anyone was expecting a straight up wrestling match after the crazy mess that last match turned out to be, they would have been sorely dissapointed. Alfonso' boys and Albano's boys seemed to just throw the rulebook out the window as they pull out all the stops, seemingly trying to kill each other (and themselves) in the process. Miller and Williams eventually get into a groove and take control for a spell but a hot tag by RVD to Sabu changes everything and before anyone knows what's going on, Miller is hit with Rolling Thunder and pinned cleanly in the center of the ring as RVD holds Williams at bay. After the match and the decision is announced, all four wrestlers get into a heated exchange that devolves into the two teams fighting their way back to the locker room area.
Winners of the Match: RVD & Sabu!
Cantrell: "I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of these two teams fighting, Frankie."
Saddler: "Clearly. It was a great match, though, so I won't mind too terribly if they go after each other again, Mike."
For the last time tonight, we join Miss Cindy in the ring so she can bring us...
*Main Event* "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig vs. "Wrestling's Worst Nightmare" Kevin Steen (North American Champion)
Hennig and Steen have no love lost between them and the fight tonight is fierce and bloody. Both men get in their fair share of offense and there are a handful of near falls over the course of this 20+ minute match. The end comes for Hennig after a brawl on the outside sees a bloody Steen hit him with the powerbomb onto the apron before going for the F-CINQ for a second time in the match. Hennig stays down for the count this time, right as the match hits the 25:00 minute mark. A victorious Kevin Steen has some choice words for the crowd as they make their feelings for him known.
Winner of the Match and still N.E.W. North American Champion... Kevin Steen!
Cantrell: "Well, Frankie, it seems that Mr. Steen there can back up his words when it comes to his claim of keeping the title as long as he wants to."
Saddler: "Still early yet, Mike. Time will tell."
The show ends with a blooded but victorious Kevin Steen proudly holding up his championship belt as the crowd boos him.
*The End*
|
|
|
Post by cruefan68 on Jul 5, 2017 10:34:07 GMT -5
A great return card for NEW and I have to say your Bobby Heenan and Nick Bockwinkel promos were spot on. Good stuff. The main event was stellar with Kevin Steen fending off a strong challenge from Curt Hennig. I also thoroughly enjoyed that bout between RVD & Sabu and The Sheepherders.
|
|
|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 6, 2017 15:27:27 GMT -5
New Era Wrestling -Card #2- (New Haven,CT):
We open the show with a backstage view of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and his manager "Sensational" Sherri Martel.
Savage: "Oh, yeah. Tonight is the night! Dig it! Tonight, A.J. Styles, is the night when the Macho Man takes you to school! Be prepared, Styles, because I'm gonna mop up the ring with you! Oh, yeah! And when I'm done mopping up the ring with you, Styles, I'm gonna use your skinny little heiney to get the corners! When it's all over Styles... the Macho Man will be standing over your broken body with the T.V. title held high. It's my belt... it always should have been my belt... and tonight... tonight, Mister Styles... I'm going to fix the mistake that the lousy ref made when they gave you MY BELT! Oh, yeah!"
Martel: "Styles! I hope you got to have plenty of pictures taken with that big, gold belt, because after tonight... you're never going to see it again!"
Next, we go to the broadcast booth with a clear view of the ring and the lovely Miss Cindy Shepherd already in the ring, ready to make the first introductions of the night.
*The Varsity Club ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Kevin Sullivan; w/Bob Roop) vs. Jungle Boogie (Koko B. Ware & D-Lo Brown)
Sullivan and Williams must have seriously underestimated the team of Ware and Brown as Jungle Boogie took an early advantage and very nearly scored an upset on the Club in the early goings. Brown and Ware stunned Sullivan with a combination of precision teamwork and rapid fire tags for most of the early part of the match, even getting in a near fall on the Taskmaster that required Williams to get involved, breaking up the pin. Ware and Brown continued to make the Club look like amateurs for some time before Sullivan made a desperate lunge into his corner and managed ot tag in Williams, who came into the ring like he was on fire. The tables were turned and Williams made short work of Ware. An OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE very nearly put Ware through the mat and despite D-Lo's best efforts at saving his partner... the match ends with a clean pinfall victory for the Varsity Club.
Winners of the Match: The Varsity Club!
Cantrell: "Koko Ware and D-Lo Brown... though unsuccessful here tonight... have proven that they won't be pushovers, Frankie. A very solid showing tonight from Jungle Boogie."
Saddler: "Their entrance music (Kool & The Gang's "Jungle Boogie") was my favorite part, Mike."
Once the ring is cleared, Miss Cindy gets on the house mic and that means she's going to bring us...
*"Ravishing" Rick Rude (w/ Percy Pringle III) vs. Brad Armstrong
Rude manhandled Armstrong in the beginning of the match, seemingly toying with his opponent at will. Rude, however, was overconfident and allowed Armstrong a moment to get his bearings and from then on, we had a very competitive match on our hands. THe advantage was traded back and forth a few times before Rude, humiliated by his inability to put Brad away, took things too far for the referee's liking during a scuffle on the outside of the ring... waffling Armstrong with a steel chair. The referee immediately called for the bell and awarded the victory to Armstrong despite Percy's attempts to change his mind.
Winner of the Match (by DQ): Brad Armstrong!
Cantrell: "That can only be considered an upset victory for the young Mister Armstrong here tonight, Frankie."
Saddler: "Well, Rude and Pringle are certainly upset, Mike. Brad had better watch his back after this. The Pringle Dynasty is not going to take being humiliated in this way laying down. Just watch."
Once again we go to the ring for Miss Shepherd's introductions of...
*The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey; w/ Jim Cornette) vs. PG-13 (JC Ice & Wolfie D; w/ Jimmy Hart)
This match starts off as a surprisingly technical affair with both teams getting opportunities to shine for a bit. After a bit, Condrey and Eaton get into a groove using brilliant teamwork and quick tags to isolate Wolfie D in their corner. Wolfie tries desperately to make it to his own corner to tag out but he's cut off every time by either Condrey or Eaton and before long, a ROCKET LAUNCHER from the Midnighters sees Wolfie in position to get covered. JC Ice gets involved in the match and makes the save... much to Hart's relief... and PG-13 actually gets back on the offensive. With Cornette nearly having a stroke on the outside, Eaton manages to kick out of a very close near fall despite his partner coming in to save him only to be blocked by Wolfie D. Cornette shouts encouragement toi his men and somehow the Midnighters turn the tables and get back on track with a string of offense that leaves the boys from PG-13 stunned and helpless. The end of the match comes with Eaton and Condrey hitting the VEG-O-Matic on JC Ice... only to see Jimmy Hart get involved. Hart's megaphone comes into play and before anyone can realize what just happened, Bobby Eaton ends up cleanly pinned in the center of the ring by JC Ice who, just seconds beforehand was the one on his back. Cornette is furious and turning as red as a tomato, harassing the poor referee (who saw nothing) as Hart and his team head to the back celebrating their good fortune.
Winners of the Match: PG-13!
Cantrell: "Well, Frankie... so much for seeing a fair contest by two of the more impressive tag teams here in N.E.W."
Saddler: "Well, Costello and Murphy are gonna hear from Mama Cornette's lawyers. How much you want to bet?"
Next up, we go to the backstage interview area to join the lovely Amy Lee with her special guest... Harley Race.
Lee: "Thank you for joining me here tonight, Mister Race."
Race: "Thank you for having me, Miss Lee. Now, normally, I'm not one to make excuses or try to explain away my losses. Last week, Ted DiBiase beat me in the center of the ring... cleanly... but it was his conduct in the matches leading up to the final match of the tournament that concerns me. You see, Mister DiBiase seemed very reliant on the presence of his manager... one Mister J.J. Dillon... more than once that night to get to the final showdown with me. Well, I've given the matter some thought and I've decided that, if Mister DiBiase is going to have someone on the outside of the ring looking out for his best interests... then so am I. I therefore made a long distance call to an old friend and we had a nice little chat. So, Miss Lee, with your permission, I'd like to introduce the world to my own personal 'insurance policy'... a man that's well known to the fans... my good friend... Larry "The Axe" Hennig!"
Amy Lee and Harley Race are then joined by Larry Hennig. Hennig and Race shake hands before Larry gets the mic.
Hennig: "Harley, you and I go way back so I'm going to make you a promise: So long as you need me to watch your back when you're dealing with that snake DiBiase or that little worm Dillon... I'll be there. You won't have a thing to worry about. All you'll need to do is concentrate on taking that World title off of DiBiase's waist. That belt is as good as yours."
Race and Hennig shake hands once again and look directly at the camera with looks that can only be described as menacing.
After that interlude, we go back to the ring for the next round of introductions...
*Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. El Generico
The match is fast-paced and takes the competitors all over the ring and out to the floor more than once. There are no fewer than six different near falls (with both men kicking out of dangerous positions multiple times) before the more-experienced Liger gets the upper hand and puts El Generico away with a FISHERMAN'S BUSTER. After the match, the two masked men shake hands and embrace mush to the delight of the fans.
Winner of the Match: Jushin "Thunder" Liger!
Cantrell: "An awesome display of sportsmanship here tonight from a pair of well-loved wrestlers here in N.E.W. Frankie."
Saddler: "That's all well and good, Mike, but do you think we would have seen that if a title had been on the line?"
Once again, we join Miss Cindy in the ring so she can bring us...
*Trish Stratus vs. Madison Rayne (N.E.W. Women's Champion)
In a very highly anticipated match between two of N.E.W.'s top ladies, no one is disappointed by the action in the ring. TRish looks to be close to winning the belt on a few occasions only to see Madison somehow escape from her. Madison gets some time in on offense, as well, and it really could be anyone's contest. Stratus ends up on an impressive offensive streak that lasts a good amount of time before the champion makes her escape out to the floor. Despite the referee's best attempts to keep the fird up Trish in the ring, she follows Madison to the outside anyway, where the ladies end up in a wild brawl. Stratus and Rayne clearly can't stand one another and end up brawling all over the ringside area without heed to the ref's counting. The ladies don't even stop fighting once the ref calls for the bell after having counted out both the champion and the challenger.
Results: Double Count-Out!
Cantrell: "Not at all what the crowd was hoping to see here tonight, Frankie. Still, the champion has survived a very strong showing by the challenger with her title intact."
Saddler: "I could have watched those two ladies go at it all night, Mike."
For the last time tonight, the lovely Miss Cindy takes to the ring to bring us the Main Event...
*"Macho Man" Randy Savage (w/ Sherri Martel) vs. "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles (N.E.W. TV Champion)
Both men bring their "A Game" to New Haven tonight, and the crowd can barely believe what they see as both men pull out all the stops in this one. During the match, Savage survives three pin attempts and Styles survives four of his own, including somehow kicking out of savage's dreaded FLYING ELBOW SMASH! The advantage is traded back and forth a few more times before Savage is caught by the Calf Killer and is seemingly about to submit when Sherri Martel gets involved and distracts the referee and Styles long enough for Savage to get his legs back under himself. The match continues with Styles on the offensive until Savage slides out of the ring, looking for a respite. Styles loses his cool and chases the Macho Man out to the floor and the two men throw away the rulebook and tear into each other. Without regard for the outcome of the match, Styles does his best to break a chair over Savage's head and draws a disqualification for his trouble. Martel and Savage (once he gets back to his feet) protest to the referee but it's to no avail and the match... but not the belt... is awarded to Randy Savage. As A.J. heads to the back, championship belt held high, Savage and Martel throw an ugly temper tantrum in the middle of the ring.
Winner of the Match (by DQ): Randy Savage!
Cantrell: "Well... that was not what I was expecting, Frankie."
Saddler: "Yeah, Mike. I hate it when the main event ends in a DQ."
The show ends with an irate Macho Man threatening the poor referee as more officials flood the ring.
*The End*
|
|
|
Post by cruefan68 on Jul 7, 2017 8:19:09 GMT -5
Sherri Martel and the "Macho Man" back together, awesome. What a main event between Randy Savage and AJ Styles even with the DQ finish. If anything it guarantees a rematch which I am sure everyone will be looking forward to. Trish Stratus vs. Madison Rayne was a wild battle and again a rematch is in order. Nothing wrong with that. Even though I like both guys it was cool to see Jushin Liger post a win over El Generico. The reunion of Harley Race & Larry Hennig should have everyone in NEW on guard.
|
|
|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 7, 2017 13:25:30 GMT -5
Thanks for reading and commenting Crue.
It's funny, but once I was done with the card, I was a little disappointed with all the disqualifications and count-outs and such but like you said, it sets things up for some rematches.
That... and I'll be honest with you... the outcome of the ladies' match gave me what I think is a brilliant idea.
So expect to see an interesting development unfold in the ladies' division.
I think it could be big, anyway.
As for Savage and Styles? I'm secretly glad it ended like it did. The potential for a classic rivalry and feud there has me very excited.
|
|
|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 7, 2017 18:40:48 GMT -5
New Era Wrestling -Card #3- (Providence, RI):
The show opens up with a shot of the backstage area where we see N.E.W. World Champion "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, his manager J.J. Dillon, and his bodyguard Virgil. The champ is in his gaudy tuxedo and has the championship belt slung over his shoulder. DiBiase laughs and faces the camera while Virgil scowls.
DiBiase: "Rhode Island. Bah. This is no place for a man of my talent and stature. That being said... I feel it necessary to be here. It's time that I made my big announcement. That's right! Starting tonight, J.J. and myself will be scouting out the talent from this penny ante promotion to find someone... anyone... who is fit to join us in the new version of The Gentlemen's Club! I know that so few of you, my fellow wrestlers, are worthy of being in the same exclusive air as J.J. and myself but I'm going to give you all a chance... one chance... to impress us. So during the following few weeks we'll be watching all the matches closely. Who knows? Maybe there might even be a few of you capable of impressing us and getting an invitation into this most exclusive of clubs. I'm not going to hold my breath, though. J.J.? Something you wanted to add?"
Dillon: "Well, champ... you know as well as I do that no one here really measures up, but I thought we could have some fun with this. Let's call it a friendly little wager... I'm going to bet you that we can't even find three men to join us by the time of our first Pay Per View. What do you say, champ? Winner gets a new BMW?"
DiBiase: "Ha! J.J., you know what? That sounds like fun. Can we find at least three men worthy of our time in the next ten weeks? Only one way to find out!"
The camera fades out and when it comes back up, we're looking at the ring from the broadcast position. The lovely Miss Cindy Shepherd is already in the ring, mic in hand, to bring us...
*Buff Bagwell vs. "Leaping" Lanny Poffo
Bagwell obviously was going into this match underestimating his opponent and he very nearly paid for that mistake very dearly as Poffo very quickly took the upper hand and got Bagwell into a pinning predicament that Buff just barely escaped from. Poffo got in a little more offense before Buff obviously got fed up with him and made a comeback, dashing the hopes of "the Poet Laureate of N.E.W." and finishing him off with a BUFF BLOCKBUSTER after a short flurry of offense. After the match, Bagwell takes the mic from Miss Cindy's hand and addresses DiBiase and company (who weren't even visibly watching from the Gorilla position), saying: "DiBiase! I hope you were watchin' just now! Because I'm Buff... I'm the Stuff... and I'm your man!"
Winner of the Match: Buff Bagwell!
Cantrell: "Well, Frankie, say what you will about Buff Bagwell... he's got confidence."
Saddler: "That he does, Mike. But, really? Can you really picture him hobnobbing with DiBiase and Dillon? Because I sure can't!"
We go back to the ring and Miss Cindy's ready to bring us...
*Angelus Layne vs. Veda Scott
Layne is all over Veda like white on rice and simply demolishes her, despite Veda valiantly fighting back and kicking out of three pin attempts before she was finally put away.
Winner of the Match: Angelus Layne!
Cantrell: "An impressive win for Miss Layne here tonight, but I was more impressed by the never-say-die mentality of Veda Scott."
Saddler: "So much for the idea of a hometown advantage, huh, Mike? Poor Veda."
Once more, we join Miss Cindy in the ring so she can do her thing, announcing...
*Gorgeous George (w/ Cherie Dupré) vs. Justin Credible
George infuriates his opponent with his pre-match antics, quite possibly throwing Credible off of any game plan he might have had going into this contest. The Gorgeous One makes short work of Credible, ending the match in a matter of minutes with a small package and a handful of Credible's shorts. George and Cherie don't wait around to celebrate, vacating the ring rather quickly as Justin confronts the referee.
Winner of the Match: Gorgeous George!
Cantrell: "Gorgeous George with a big win here in Providence tonight, Frankie. You know, that just might be the kind of dirty tactics that might get someone noticed by World Champion Ted DiBiase and crew."
Saddler: "Maybe. I don't know if George there is the type to play well with others, though, Mike."
Up next we go to the backstage interview area where Amy Lee awaits.
Lee: "Hello everyone! I'd like to waste no time here tonight, so let's bring out my guest... Trish Stratus!"
Trish Stratus comes out and joins Amy.
Stratus: "Hi, Amy. If it's okay with you, I'd like to get right down to business."
Amy Lee nods her consent and hold the mic for Trish.
Stratus: "I strongly feel like I let the fans down last week. I let myself down when I lost my temper and got a little... carried away... during the brawl with Madison at the end of the match. I feel like I let a lot of people down. I let myself down. I let Mr. Costello and Mr. Murphy down. So I'm begging you, Madison, to give me another shot. We left a lot of things unfinished in New Haven last week. Let's give the fans their money's worth! What do you say, champ? I've already approached Costello and Murphy. The ball is in your court Madison. So, how about it? You ready for a bit of Stratusfaction?"
Amy and Trish are both surprised when they are joined by a very confident-looking Madison Rayne. She proudly shows off her title belt and the fans let her know that they don't much approve of her. With a smirk, Rayne grabs the mic from Amy Lee.
Rayne: "Trish. Trish. Trish. You know... I don't have to give you another shot at my belt, you know. I don't. I want you to know something, though. After you lost control last week and went berzerk I realized that I might need protection from crazy women like you. So I went out and I made a friend...."
Stratus: "Oh, please! You don't have any friends Madison. You're a marked woman! Every one of us wants a piece of you. Now more than ever!"
Rayne: "Interrupt much? AS I was saying... I made a friend and I'll make you a deal, Trish. You beat my new friend next week in Boston, and I'll consider giving you another shot at the title!"
Stratus: "That's fine with me, Madison. So? Who did you brainwash into being your friend? I'm dying to know. Not that it matters."
Rayne: "Oh, you want to know who my new friend is, Trish? Fine. I'll introduce you. Meet... The Gatekeeper!"
With that, Kelly Klein shows up from out of nowhere and attacks an unsuspecting Trish from behind, laying her out! Klein continues her attack as the champion cheers her on and Amy Lee runs for help. Madison stops her enforcer from doing any serious damage and they both exit the interview stage before anyone shows up to help Trish.
WE then rejoin Miss Cindy in the ring so she can announce the next match...
*The Red Army (Nikolai Volkoff & Boris Zhukov; w/ Nikita Breznikov) vs. The Killer Bees ('Jumping' Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair)
Volkoff and Zhukov look like they want ot make short work of the smaller team but they have their work cut out for them. Despite being isolated in the corner of the big Russians, Blair manages to hold on despite the abuse and makes a desperate leap to his own corner to bring in Brunzell after taking a serious beating for quite a stretch of time. Brunzell comes into the match like a man possessed and lays into big Boris for a bit but is unable to keep the big man down. Zhukov manages to get back to his own corner to bring Volkoff back into things and that's when the beginning of the end came for the Bees. After toying with Brunzell for an agonizing few minutes, Volkoff finally deigns to finish of the smaller man with a BACKBREAKER DROP. Zhukov keeps Blair at bay while the referee makes the count and ends the match. In the aftermath, the Russians celebrate their victory by waving a Soviet flag while the crowd boos.
Winners of the Match: The Red Army!
Cantrell: "An impressive win for Breznikov's team. They're not likely to win over too many fans with a celebration like that, though."
Saddler: "Maybe not, Mike, but I highly doubt that it matters much to the big Russians what the fans think of them."
And before long, we're back for another introduction from the beautiful Cindy Shepherd...
*King Kong Bundy (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong
Armstrong is here to fight and he stuns the big man from New Jersey with an early string of offense that has the big man retreating. Armstrong throws everything he has at Bundy, but the monster just won't go down. Apparently, Bundy was just letting his opponent tire himself out for a while, as Hart's man eventually got his feet back underneath him and started laying into the Bullet. It's only a matter of time before Bundy hits the AVALANCHE on the smaller man and goes for the cover... and insists on a five count. The referee moves to comply and Bob Armstrong stuns everyone in the building by getting a shoulder up in time to avoid being pinned! Bundy and Hart are livid and the angry Bundy vents his frustration on his opponent for a bit before the wiley veteran that is Bob Armstrong slips out of the ring. He practically dares Bundy to come out after him... and gets his wish! Bundy makes to follow Bob out of the ring but the referee intercepts th big man in an effort to keep the match in the confines of the ring, giving Armstrong the chance to pop Bundy square in the jaw with a knockout punch! Bundy staggers back into the ring and Bullet Bob pounces, locking on a SLEEPER! Jimmy Hart tries to get involved but he's just too slow and his man sags to the mat, his arm being lifted and dropped three times. This one is over! Armstrong celebrates his unlikely win while Hart tries to console the big man on their way back to the locker rooms.
Winner of the Match: Bob Armstrong!
Cantrell: "Wow! I sure did not see that coming, Frankie! One Hell of an upset for Bullet Bob Armstrong here tonight in Providence!"
Saddler: "I love it, Mike! Anything can happen here in New Era Wrestling!"
Once the dust settles, we go to the ring for Miss Cindy's last introductions of the night...
*The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal w/ Paul Ellering) vs. The Heenan Family (Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens; N.E.W. Tag Team Champions; w/ Bobby Heenan)
The Road Warriors come out strong and make sure their opponents know that they have no respect for either of them. Hawk and Animal get the upper hand early in this one and keep Bockwinkel in their corner for quite some time, putting him through the wringer. Bockwinkel tries numerous times to get back to his own corner to tag Stevens into the match but he's intercepted at every turn. Heenan is on the verge of hysterics on the outside of the ring as Nick is hoisted up onto Animal's shoulders as he's set up for the DOOMSDAY DEVICE. Hawk goes for the pin but Stevens makes it into the ring in time to break things up. When the ref deals with getting Stevens back to his corner, Hawk and Animal pick up the prone Bockwinkel and drill him through the mat with a vicious spike piledriver before the beleaguered ref can turn around. Hawk goes for another cover... but once again, Stevens makes the save. The Road Warriors continue to dominate the Heenan Family for a few more minutes before Bockwinkel is subjected to a second DOOMSDAY DEVICE! Hawk once again goes for a cover while Animal and Ellering keep Stevens and Heenan at bay. This one is over. Heena throws a fit as the referee awards the title belts to a very happy Hawk and Animal! The Brain vows that they won't the belts long as he and Stevens help the battered and barely-conscious Nick Bockwinkel to the back.
Winners of the Match and NEW N.E.W. Tag Team Champions: The Road Warriors!
Cantrell: "Talk about a dominant performance here tonight, Frankie. I don't think that Ray Stevens ever got tagged into the match. Not once!"
Saddler: "Well, I guess that's what they get for making the Road Warriors angry, Mike."
The show ends with Hawk, Animal, and "Precious" Paul Ellering celebrating in the ring as the fans go wild!
*The End*
|
|
|
Post by cruefan68 on Jul 7, 2017 20:21:55 GMT -5
You got those dice rolling, AJ, very cool to see. As we all know when we roll the bones for the Road Warriors more often than not they get the job done. Too bad as I would have liked to see Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens have a good run as the champs. It was surprising to see Bockwinkel go down like that without even a tag. Bob Armstrong over King Kong Bundy was absolutely huge, what a win for "The Bullet"! The Red Army picked up a notable win over the Killer Bees. I liked the opening promo by Ted Dibiase and J.J. Dillon and I think having Dillon manage the "Million $ Man" is genius.
|
|
|
Post by ajcostello on Jul 8, 2017 21:20:06 GMT -5
Thanks again to cruefan68 for the comments. I, too, was hoping to see Bockwinkel and Stevens have a good run with the belts, but... those two teams are far from done, so who knows?
New Era Wrestling -Card #4- (Boston, MA):
The show opens with a shot of the backstage area where "Ravishing" Rick Rude and his manager Percy Pringle III are waiting. Rude is in his luxurious ring robe. He doesn't look too happy.
Rude: "So all the fat, greasy, out-of-shape bums in the ranks of N.E.W.'s fans think that I got what was coming to me when that loser Brad Armstrong beat me a few weeks ago, huh? Well, let me tell you something! He only won that match because I gave it to him! He sure as Hell didn't win it on his own. He couldn't beat me on his best day. Even if it was also my worst day. With that said, Mister Armstrong, you and I are going to dance again. Maybe not tonight. Maybe not next week. But soon. And you, Bradley, are in for a Rude Awakening!"
Pringle: "It's already in the works, Armstrong! There will be no escape for you next time you end up in the ring with this man... The Ravishing One... the most dangerous man in New Era Wrestling... Rick Rude! And you can take that to the bank!"
Our next shot is of the ringside area, as seen from the broadcast position. The always beautiful Cindy Shepherd is in the ring, ready to bring us...
*The Midnight Express ( Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey w/ Jim Cornette) vs. Jim Powers & S.D. Jones
Powers and Jones give a good accounting for themselves in the early goings of the match, and even surprise Cornette and Company a little later in the match when the Midnighters seemingly had everything won. Powers and Jones each survive at least one pin attempt each and even get Eaton in a dangerous position at one point, too... but ultimately Jim falls prey to a perfectly executed ROCKET LAUNCHER. Cornette is ecstatic at ringside as the winners of the match are announced... almost acting as if his team had faced a credible threat.
Winners of the Match: The Midnight Express!
Cantrell: "An... impressive... showing by Powers and Jones here tonight, Frankie. They handled themselves quite well in there against such a seasoned team, huh?"
Saddler: "They did, indeed, Mike. You'd almost think that no one had told them that they were mostly put in there to lose most likely."
We return to the ring and Cindy's next set of introductions...
*The Iron Sheik vs. Ilio DiPaolo
This is a spirited contest and both men are definitely in it to win it. The Man From Iran takes an early advantage and stays on top for quite a bit of time before DiPaolo makes his stunning comeback. The Iron Sheik can barely keep up with him as he goes on an impressive streak of offense that comes very, very close to putting the Iranian away for good. A poorly-times attempt at a back drop from DiPaolo gives the Sheik an opening to get back into the match and he takes the opportunity and runs with it. DiPaolo is on the receiving end of a beating for a bit before the action spills out of the ring and the two men have a go at one another by the steel railings that separate the fans from the wrestlers... and DiPaolo ends up on the winning end of it. Things go back into the ring where the Italian goes right after his patented AIRPLANE SPIN and cleanly pins the Iron Sheik in the middle of the ring! After tha match, the Iranian has some choice words for the referee while Ilio celebrates his win.
Winner of the Match: Ilio DiPaolo!
Cantrell: "Huge win for Ilio DiPaolo here tonight, Frankie! Absolutely huge!"
Saddler: "I'm pretty happy for him, Mike. It's not that easy to get a win over a competitor with credentials like the ones the Iron Sheik has, am I right?"
Before long, we end up back in the ring with Miss Cindy so that she can bring us...
*Trish Stratus vs. "Pretty Bad Ass" Kelly Klein (w/ Madison Rayne)
Klein starts out strong and has Stratus reeling from her ealry onslaught but the Canadian gets her feet back under herself and shows the powerful Klein that she's hardly going to be a pushover. There's too much at stake for Trish in this match, after all. Klein, for her part, is in no mood to be humiliated so she, too, manages to get back into the match and things continue like this for several minutes before Trish ends up back in the dominant position. Klein escapes a close pin attempt from Status only to fall victim to STRATUSFACTION mere moments later. TRish goes for the pin but the Women's champion gets involved, and in trying to break up the pin ends up drawing a disqualification victory for Stratus instead. Madison and Kelly vent their frustrations on Trish for a bit until Cheerleader Melissa runs in to even the odds! There is a tense standoff until a handful of officials get in between the ladies, preventing further violence.
Winner of the Match (by DQ): Trish Stratus!
Cantrell: "How about that, Frankie? Madison Rayne ends up giving Stratus the win by trying to intervene on Kelly Klein's behalf. I'm sure that is not how she intended things to end."
Saddler: "Wow, Mike. I'm sure that Trish is happy enough with the win... as that should guarantee her another shot at Madison's title... but I can't help but think she's probably not happy with how she scored the victory."
Up next we turn to the backstage interview stage to join the lovely Amy Lee and her guests... "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart and his First Family (King Kong Bundy, "Superstar" Bill Dundee, and the boys from PG-13).
Lee: "Hi everybody. Please welcome my guests... Jimmy Hart and the First Family! Mister Hart... Jimmy... welcome. So what happened last week? Surely you think that Bullet Bob Armstrong getting a clean win over your man Bundy had to be a fluke..."
Hart: "Let me tell you something, baby! Bob Armstrong had one of those one-in-a-million nights. ?There's no way that he could ever do it again! That I promise you! I've been working feverishly to get those goofballs Costello and Murphy to give us a rematch and let me tell you something, little lady... they are being difficult! It is painfully obvious that they are biased against us! Well, I'm going to say this: if we don't get our rematch with Bob Armstrong... my lawyers will be getting a call! WE here in the First Family want to settle this so that we can move on to bigger... and better... things. There's championships to be won, baby!"
Bundy: "Bob Armstrong! You little pipsqueak! Let's see if you've got the guts to face me again. You and I both know you're too chicken to face me again, because you know you'll get SQUASHED LIKE A BUG!"
We then return to the ring so that Miss Shepherd can bring us the first of tonight's two title matches...
*"Macho Man" Randy Savage (w/ Sherri Martel) vs. "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles (N.E.W. TV champion)
Savage gets the jump on Atyles before the introductions are even finished and the bell sounds to start the match, ramming the champion into the steel ring post! Styles is badly wounded and Savage looks to end things quickly with a FLYING ELBOW SMASH! No one can believe it when Styles manages to kick out at two, least of all Savage and Martel! Savage continues his assault on the battered champion for a bit before Styles once again stuns the crowd by reversing a piledriver attempt into a Pele Kick that drops Savage like a rock!The champion looks to punish his opponent with a Calf Killer before looking to end things with the STYLES CLASH! Savage is in trouble and comes very close to losing the match but he finds a hidden reserve of strength and somehow... somehow... manages to kick out just before the three count! Another Calf Killer sees Savage head out to the floor at ringside in an effort to put some space between himself and Styles. The referee very nearly counts him out before he slides back into the ring very reluctantly. The champion is waiting for him with another STYLES CLASH! A.J. goes for the pin... and Sherri Martel gets ahold of the timekeeper's hammer and rings the bell! The referee and the champion both are confused by this turn of events and while they confer with the officials at ringside... The Macho Man blindsides Styles and follows it up with another FLYING ELBOW SMASH! Martel makes the referee aware of the attempted pinfall going on and he dives in to make the count... and we end the match with Randy Savage pinning A.J. Styles in the middle of the ring. The match is over and we have a new TV champion! Savage and Martel are jubilant, holding the newly-acquired title belt high to a chorus of boos from the fans while A.J. tries to figure out exactly what happened.
Winner of the Match and NEW N.E.W. TV Champion: "Macho Man" Randy Savage!
Cantrell: "Can you believe it, Frankie? Randy Savage was a beaten man. Literally. And somehow... thanks to Sherri Martel... he is now our TV champion! This is a travesty!"
Saddler: "You were expecting anything less from that duo, Mike? I'm just shocked that it didn't happen earlier in the match!"
Once again, after the dust settles, we find ourselves in the ring with Miss Cindy so that she can bring us...
*The Empire of the Rising Sun (Fuji & Saito) vs. The Shield (Jon Moxley & Tyler Black)
The well-oiled teamwork of Fuji and Saito keep Moxley and Black on the defensive for a bit in the opening minutes of the match until Black can make it to his own corner to bring in Moxley. The men of The Shield show their opponents that they, too, are capable of slick teamwork and quick tags to keep Fuji off balance. After a good amount of time on the offensive, Moxley allows Fuji to get away from him and to his own corner... thus bringing in Saito. The match continues in a back-and-forth manner for a little longer until the Japanese duo comes out on top of a four man brawl after a near fall on Moxley. For whatever reason, the referee allows the match to continue. Fuji continues to work over Moxley for a bit and the end of the match comes when the Shield member is thrown into the ropes only to come off with a REBOUND CLOTHESLINE that flattens Fuji and allows Moxley to pick up a quick pinfall victory as Black keeps Saito at bay. Moxley and Black celebrate their unexpected win and we notice World Champion Ted DiBiase and his manager J.J. Dillon standing in the Gorilla position, nodding to themselves and conferring with each other in whispers.
Winners of the Match: The Shield!
Cantrell: "A great win by Moxley and Black here in Boston tonight, Frankie. Fuji and Saito are not an easy team to beat. The men of The Shield are going to be worth keeping an eye on in my opinion."
Saddler: "It really was a great victory. Came out of nowhere, too. I'm really impressed by those two kids, Mike."
For the last time tonight, we join Miss Cindy in the ring so that she can bring us tonight's main event...
*Harley Race (w/ Larry Hennig) vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase (N.E.W. World Champion; w/ J.J. Dillon)
It's a great back-and-forth match between two of the best technicians in New Era Wrestling here in Boston tonight. The two seem very evenly matched and there are a number of near falls and close calls on both sides. The champion eventually slips up and allows Race to make a comeback, putting the championship in jeopardy. Race puts DiBiase through a world of hurt, getting another near fall with a VERTICAL SUPLEX. The champion gets a break and heads out of the ring, looking to escape the very dogged challenger. He attempts to take his belt and flee to the back but he's cut off by Larry Hennig, allowing Race to slip out of the ring and catch up with DiBiase. Race allows his temper to get the best of him and he rams the champion's head into the steel railing at ringside, drawing an admonishment from the referee... but the match continues! Race drags the now-bloody champion back into the ring and drills him through the mat in the center of the ring with a PILEDRIVER! Race goes for a cover only to have Dillon jump up on the ring apron, distracting both the challenger and the ref. During the commotion, Dillon slips DiBiase something and when Race turns around... he gets waffled by the champion with the foreign object! Larry Hennig tries to make senior official Bud Gordon aware of what happened, but since he didn't see anything... he dives into position and makes the three count on the prone Race... giving the win to the battered and bloody champion! DiBiase and Dillon grab the belt and practically run to the back to avoid the angry Hennig before he enters the ring to tend to his fallen friend.
Winner of the Match and STILL N.E.W. World Champion: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase!
Cantrell: "Another tainted win by the champion here tonight, Frankie. DiBiase and Dillon are a very dangerous team. It's going to take something drastic to take that belt of off the Million Dollar Man I think."
Saddler: "You might be right, Mike. I wouldn't count Harley Race out of the title picture just yet, though. I'm sure once the officials... Costello and Murphy included... review the footage of the match that they'll give him another crack at DiBiase."
Cantrell: "I really hope so, my friend. I really hope so."
The show ends with a shot of Larry Hennig tending to his bloodied friend RAce as officials discuss thesituation amongst themselves.
*The End*
|
|