My GWF 2087-2110 History

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.1 (continued)

GALAXY CUP TOURNAMENTS 2103
The prestigious Galaxy Cup tournaments mark the beginning of each GWF year. A singles tournament and one for tag teams take place over a five day period, two days for each with a day off in between. All active wrestlers in the GWF normally participate, with the winners receiving shots at the Galaxian singles and tag team belts at Galactic War, the first regular supercard of the year. All matches after the first two rounds of the singles tournament and the first round of the tag tournament are Titan Death matches, and Massif serves as the special referee for the finals of each event. This year’s tournaments were held on January 22-26. Seventy-five singles wrestlers and 24 tag teams entered the tournaments. Tournament highlights follow:

Singles Tournament finals:
Janus upset GWF champ Pegasus with a “Gordian Knot”; Heracles leveled Alpha Force with an “Olympia”; the Matador nailed Chaos with a “Bullwhip”; Soldier of Fortune stunned Vyper with a Revenger.

Singles Tournament Semi-finals:
Janus reached the finals for the first time in his career by topping Heracles with a “Gordian Knot”; the Matador of M83 got back to the finals for the first time since 2092 by Bullwhipping Soldier of Fortune.

Singles Tournament Final:
The Matador of M83 won the Galaxy Cup for the first time since his back-to-back championships in 2091-2 by coming back to blast Janus with two “Bullwhips” after being tossed out of the ring.

Tag Team Tournament Quarter-finals:
The Watchmen defeated No Fear; Coat of Arms bested Titan Fury; Superiority Complex beat the Pillars of Power; Armageddon upset the Mercenaries.

Tag Team Tournament Semi-finals:
Coat of Arms topped the Watchmen when Tocsin went down to an “Endgame”; Superiority Complex, the 2101 Galaxy Cup runners-up, failed to make it back to the finals by losing to Armageddon when Prodigy was pinned by Carnage after a neckbreaker.

Tag Team Tournament Final:
In a rematch of the contest that decided the 2102 War Games, both Star Warrior and Alpha Force, who have won five Galaxy Cup singles tournaments between them, got their first ever tag team tournament championship by defeating Armageddon when Alpha Force pinned Slaughterhouse with an “Alpha Strike.”

Galaxy Cup Notes
As always, the Galaxy Cup featured more than its share of upsets. Among the biggest were Soldier of Fortune beating IP champ Vengeance and the rookie Manslaughter knocking out Kati, who normally does very well in the Galaxy Cup. Skyfire also pulled a shocker by defeating his wrestling idol, Dreggs, in one of the best matches of the tournament . . . Chaos failed to reach the finals for only the second time in nine years, but he did quite well wrestling without the alpha stone . . . Skinhead logged another impressive Galaxy Cup performance. He seems to do well every year, this time upsetting number four seed Nefarus. One wonders what he might achieve if he chose to concentrate on singles wrestling . . . one-time close friends Heracles and Max Shield met in the tournament for the third straight year. In 2101 Heracles defeated Max in the finals, while in 2102 Max won in the semis . . . Heracles has now reached the semi-finals for four straight years.

On the tag team side, No Fear was impressive in their debut, and the Pillars of Power showed they may be more of a threat to the Mercenaries than expected . . . Armageddon had an incredible tournament, walking over competition before running out of gas in the finals . . . the young team of Eagle and Karah put up a surprisingly good fight against Superiority Complex.

The troubles within W. A. R. seem to be taking a toll already. The team did not win a match in either tournament. Raven, who won the Galaxy Cup singles championship in 2096, has now lost in the first round in four of the last five years.

USWF Report

USWF YEAR-OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE
The USWF held its year-opening press conference on January 14. Commissioner "Trainer" Jim Powell began with the following announcements:

“As the media may be aware, Fury is still under supervision in a psychiatric ward on Jupiter. Sadly, we do not expect him to return to the USWF. If he does not, this is an unfortunate ending to what was a fine USWF career.

“The tag team titles are currently vacant. The winner of the upcoming Star Challenge Tag Team tournament will be declared the new champion. In addition, we will hold a tournament after the Star Challenge to establish a new Interstellar champion, as that title was vacated when Black Hawk won the USWF Heavyweight belt.

Other important announcements were as follows:

The Imperial Powers revealed that Pathfinder of Ceres, who had turned on his Star Defenders teammates in December 2102, would be joining their team in place of Homicide.

Massacre arrived in the USWF to serve as manager of the Aethran Rebels and to oppose Thakur's Gladiator team.

Former USWF Champion Homicide joined Krakan's Agents of Fortune, along with the Mad Jester, Death's Head, Dagger Mack, and the Unknown Soldier.

The young wrestler known as the Phantom changed his name to Maccavity and teamed up with the Demons of Hydra to oppose the Assassin's Guild.

WRATH AGAIN SAVED BY REBELS
For the second time in a matter of months, Wrath was saved from serious injury by his arch enemies the Aethran Rebels.

The incident occurred after a match between Wrath and Death’s Head. Wrath dominated the contest and earned the victory by DQ when Ghengis Khan interfered. After the bell, Dagger Mack, Ruin, and Ravage entered the ring and attacked the Heavy Metal champion. Before the aggressors could do serious damage, however, Predator, Scar, Blitz, and Massacre came to the rescue, driving the aggressors away. Wrath suffered a minor shoulder bruise and missed one card.

Afterward, Wrath again voiced his anger at the interference. “I said before I don’t need their help,” he raged. “One Aethran is as bad as another. Who do they think they are? If they get in my way, I’ll break all of them apart.”

Massacre explained the actions of his team. “I have reasons for helping Wrath,” he said. “My men acted on my orders. Whether Wrath likes it or not, we’re going to stop Thakur’s crew from injuring people. And I don’t know what Death’s Head and Dagger Mack were doing. I don’t understand what the connection is between Krakan and the Gladiators. I thought they were feuding in the GWF. But it doesn’t matter. We do what we want. Wrath will just have to get used to our help.”

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.2

Galactic War Supercard
In the main event, Galaxian Heavyweight Champion Pegasus dominated the Matador of M83. Splatter and the Draconian Sheik engaged in a violent Falls Count Anywhere match won by Splatter, and Archon and Blazing Skull sent each other to the hospital as Skull won their Barbed Wire Cage Match.

CHAOS LEAVES GWF IN SEARCH OF ALPHA STONE
Shortly after the Galactic War Supercard, Chaos disappeared from GWF action. Commando Sam offered the following explanation of the giant’s absence:

“We have been waiting on a message from Dimension X, and it finally came through. Chaos has discovered the location of the alpha stone that Mesmer stole last year. He’s gone to take it back. When he returns, we’ll crush Pegasus, Omega, and anyone else who gets in our way.”

Other GWF Notes:
Coat of Arms ended the impressive title reign of X-Termination by taking the tag belts . . . In 2102, Splatter started a feud between the Deadly Militia and the Gladiators of Aethra by attacking Mayhem after a match. Mayhem has since joined the Militia, but Splatter re-kindled the hostilities by knocking out Vengeance after the Interplanetary champion had won a match against Pulsar. Vengeance suffered a concussion in the incident . . . . The huge rookie Manslaughter has already proven himself to be a force in the GWF. In addition to his two early wins over Kati, he recently defeated Genocide and Vyper in cage matches.

USWF REPORT

MASSACRE CONFRONTS WRATH IN WAKE OF STAR CHALLENGE
Just three days after the Star Challenge tournaments, a confrontation between Massacre and Wrath sent shock waves through the federation. The incident came when Massacre and Predator were involved in an interview. Massacre surprised the spectators by asking for Wrath to come to the interview area,

The new Star Challenge winner, who had been fighting alone since Fury’s departure from the federation, arrived with an angry scowl on his face. “What the hell do you want with me?” he demanded.

“First of all, I want to congratulate you,” Massacre replied calmly. “You were outstanding at the Challenge. I’m sorry you didn’t have anyone to celebrate with you.”

“Is this some kind of joke?” Wrath growled. “Or are you trying to insult me? If you want a fight, I’ll take on both of you right now.”

Predator stepped forward to reply, but Massacre stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I’m serious,” the Aethran legend answered. “It’s no insult, and no joke. But I also have an offer for you. You can’t go on alone for long. I want you to join our team.”

Wrath laughed, but there was no mirth in his tone. “Join you? I’d rather kill you,” he snapped. “You’re nothing but Aethran scum.”

“And you’re gonna get that fight in a second,” Predator retorted hotly, but Massacre again stopped him.

“Wrath, I know you’re angry,” the gladiator continued calmly. “And I know why, better than anyone. I understand.”

“You understand?” Wrath sneered. “Of course. Your people destroyed my planet. How can you claim to know what I feel?”

Massacre continued to look at the big man evenly. After a moment, he said, “Because I was there.”

Wrath simply gaped at the statement, so Massacre continued. “I’m sure I remember it better than you do. You couldn’t have been more than a year or two old. What are you, about 26? But I was a cadet in the Aethran army. I saw your people massacred. I saw your cities burned. And I know how it happened. I know how your leaders betrayed your people.”

“No!” Wrath screamed. “That’s a lie. My people were warriors until you slaughtered them.”

“Your people fought with as much courage and honor as anyone I ever saw,” Massacre replied. “Only such a people could produce a warrior like you. But your leaders knew that they were overmatched, and they made a deal with our general. They led us into the city and told your defenders that everyone would be spared. Then they watched while we drew weapons and butchered everyone.”

“No,” Wrath said again, less certainly. “It’s not true.”

Massacre shook his head. “I’m more ashamed of that event now than anything I’ve ever done. But it’s true. You were a child, Wrath. I was there. I saw it. And there’s something else you may not know. Were you ever told who the Aethran general that ordered the slaughter was?”

Wrath’s eyes grew dark as a realization dawned on him. “Thakur?” he asked.

Massacre nodded. “It was his first great ‘victory.’ It helped to make his career. And now he’s here in the USWF, and you have a chance to get revenge. We can help you. We want him as badly as you do.”

Wrath glowered for a moment. Then he answered, his voice low and dangerous. “You don’t know as much as you think,” he said. “You’re a couple of years off. I’m 23. I was born nine months after the Aethrans attacked.”

Now it was Massacre’s turn to gape in surprise as Wrath continued. “That’s right. My mother told me all about it. She told me how an Aethran raped her while his friends cheered him on. I’m the product of that invasion. You created me.”

“I’m sorry,” Massacre said quietly. “You can’t know how much . . .”

Wrath went on as if Massacre had not spoken. “She told me about it over and over. She could never get it out of her mind. She was just a child herself, only fifteen. She was terrified. All she could remember was the pain and the sound of those Aethrans chanting my ‘father’s’ name over and over while he raped her. They called him ‘Blade.’ If I ever find him, I’ll kill him.”

Massacre’s face went white under its paint. “Blade? No. It can’t be.”

Wrath took a menacing step forward. “You know him?” he snapped.

“I knew him,” the gladiator said softly. “He’s gone now. He’s been gone for a long time.”

“How did he die?”

“In battle,” Massacre answered distractedly. “It was no more than a year later.”

“Too bad,” Wrath said sarcastically. “I’d wish something less honorable for him. But he’s gone, at least. Now you know the truth. And you know why I’ll never join you. I’ll get Thakur by myself, and then I’ll come after you.”

Wrath turned and stalked off the stage. Massacre looked faint, and he had to be led away by Predator. The incident ended with the fans and wrestlers of the federation stunned. Wrath, the sworn enemy of all Aethrans, was half Aethran himself. And now that he knew that Thakur had been responsible for the destruction of his planet, there would be no limits to his efforts at gaining revenge.

USWF COMMENT
The speaker for this issue’s USWF comment is Thakur, manager of both the GWF and USWF versions of the Gladiators of Aethra.
Thakur: “Yes, I heard the interview between Massacre and Wrath. Yes, I was the commander o f the invasion of Wrath’s home planet, Andral. I had just rejoined the Aethran military after competing in the GWF as Santon. It was a glorious victory for Aethra, and I received a high commendation. I make no apologies for destroying those weaklings.

“And now we find out that Wrath is half-Aethran. Remember that half is all he’ll ever be. He’ll never match up to a true, full-blooded gladiator, no more than the half-breed Predator can. My men will drive both of them out of wrestling. Their thinned out Aethran blood won’t be able to save either of them.”

GWWF REPORT
AMAZONIA/DREAM LOVER MYSTERY SOLVED
For over a year, Amazonia has refused to fight Dream Lover, who has remained a top contender for Amazonia’s GWWF championship. When Dream Lover recently regained the status of top contender, Commissioner Torin Caelum ordered the champion to either fight Dream Lover or to reveal sufficient reason for refusing the match. Amazonia’s response shocked the new federation.

“I never wanted to tell anyone this,” Amazonia explained. “Considering Dream Lover’s attitude, I’ve always been embarrassed by it. Everyone knows that Dream Lover is from Procyon like myself. What we never told anyone is that she is my step-sister. My father married her mother, which is one reason I left our planet in the first place. I could never stand Dream Lover or her mother. When she first came to the GWF, we fought a few times. Then I got a message from my father. He was very upset, and he asked me not to sign any more matches against her. I can’t go against his wishes. I’d like nothing better than to slap her around, but it’s not worth the pain I would cause him.”

“So the secret is finally out,” Dream Lover laughed in reply. “I lived in Amazonia’s shadow long enough. I never told anyone about our relationship because I didn’t want to be compared to her. But now that it’s out in the open, I demand a title match. And whatever I have to do, I’ll get my match sooner or later.”

Commissioner Caelum has yet to rule on the situation.

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.3

KRAKAN MAKES CHALLENGE TO GUILE
The Invincible Krakan, leader of the Deadly Militia, recently issued a surprising challenge to Reynard B. Guile. Guile returned to the GWF for 2103 with the expressed intention of gaining revenge on Krakan for stealing his wrestlers in the past.

“I’m tired of the little weasel’s mouth,” Krakan stated. “It’s time to shut him up for good. My Mercenaries will challenge his Pillars of Power to a match at the Cosmic Mayhem supercard. If the Pillars win, I’ll leave the GWF forever. If the Mercenaries win, I get Guile in the ring for five minutes alone. Let’s see if he has enough faith in his men to accept my terms.”

Guile immediately refused the challenge. On the following card, however, the manager was attacked and injured by Splatter after a match in which Powerhouse defeated Vanity. While Guile was out of action, the Pillars of Power accepted Krakan’s challenge. With the contract signed, Guile was left with no choice but to agree.

CARTER PAROLED FROM PRISON
In part as a reward for his testimony in the trial of Morpheus, former GWF Commissioner Zachary Carter has been released from prison after serving a sentence of fourteen months for illegal gambling and tampering with GWF events.

“I feel great to be out,” Carter said in a recent conversation with the Warrior Promotions Update staff. “I made some mistakes, and I hope I’ll be able to make up for them. I know I’ll never work for the GWF in an official capacity again, but wrestling has been my life, and I hope to stay around the sport in some way. You’ll see me around the arenas.”

CHAOS RETURNS WITH ALPHA STONE
Chaos, who had been absent for the GWF for over a month, returned from his sojourn to Dimension X shortly before Cosmic Mayhem. The giant quickly revealed that his quest had been successful and that he had recovered the alpha stone.

“I have a message for Mesmer and Colby,” Chaos declared. “You failed. I got the stone back. You tried to destroy me, but you didn’t get the job done. Now it’s my turn. I’m going to break apart your Corporation and everyone else in this federation. I’ll be on the card at Cosmic Mayhem, and from that point on Chaos will again rule the GWF.”

SURPRISE ATTACK AT COSMIC MAYHEM SUPERCARD
The most shocking moment of the card came when the Mercenaries met the Pillars of Power in their special challenge match. Guile and Krakan accompanied their teams to the ring. When the bell rang, Dynamo simply smiled and lay down in the middle of the ring, allowing Soldier of Fortune to pin him with one finger on his chest.

Guile, realizing he had been set up, ran away from the ring. Suddenly Terminus, Guile’s rookie star, emerged from the dressing room. Guile ran to him for protection, but Terminus stunned everyone by picking Guile up and carrying him back to the ring, where he threw the manager at Krakan’s feet. With both his own men and Krakan’s circling the ring, Guile was trapped. Krakan delivered a series of falling face slams, piledrivers, and other moves on his devastated victim until special referees Massif and Bounty Hunter arrived to break up the scene.

Guile was carried from the ring on a stretcher. Preliminary reports indicated that he had suffered damage to his spine as well as numerous head injuries. He remains hospitalized at the time of this report.

WAR GAMES ROSTERS ANNOUNCED
Highlights of War Games Opening Press Conference
Max Shield and Buck Steele were added to the W. A. R. roster
The Colby/Pelf Corporation added Terminus to its roster
Exo-King made a dramatic entrance and announced that he was returning to the GWF as the manager of a new team, Pact of Royalty, which would include Jack of Diamonds and the Sanglian Warband, with Krakan's Militia as their main targets.

(Note: As mentioned in an earlier post, the members of the Sanglian Warband--King Colerain, King Vortigarn, Singer of Tales, and the Barbaric Destroyer--were my own bootleg creations.)

USWF REPORT

WRATH ATTACKED BY GLADIATORS
USWF Heavy Metal champion Wrath missed several cards of action after an ugly incident involving Thakur and Malice. Wrath was fighting a singles match against Sagebrush when Thakur came to ringside. After being distracted by Thakur, Wrath was surprised and pinned by Sagebrush for an upset loss.

Moments later Malice ran to the ring. Together he and Thakur stomped the dazed Wrath until special referee Bounty Hunter came out to stop the assault. Wrath suffered a badly bruised shoulder. Thakur and Malice were both suspended by Commissioner Powell.

“That was just the beginning,” Thakur promised. “I know Wrath is out to get me after what he found out from Massacre about my role in the destruction of his home world, so we’re going to get him first. He’ll never be safe. My Gladiators, the true Aethrans, will drive Wrath our of wrestling.”

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.4

UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE FOR WOLF
Galaxian Heavyweight champion Wolf received a stunning informal challenge for his belt when his teammate Janus expressed interest in a title match. No pair of teammates has ever fought for the Galaxian championship.

“I’ve been a top contender for my whole career,” Janus explained. “Wolf beat Pegasus for the title, but I softened him up. I don’t have a quarrel for Wolf. I’m not trying to cause trouble on our team. But I’ve been the champion before, and I want to be again. I deserve the match, and I want it. I think it would be a great main event for the Deep Space Showcase.”

Thantos, the manager of the Masters of the Ring team, downplayed the comments. “Janus is a competitor. He feels that he deserves to recognized as the best, and you can’t argue with him on that. But I don’t want our men fighting each other. I hope this will all blow over before it creates problems for us. We have enough to do against Colby’s men without this.”

Wolf had a much different response. “What the hell’s the matter with these people?” he asked. “Last year Mace wanted to take me on when I was a member of W. A. R. Now Janus is challenging me. I thought we were working together. But if Janus wants me, bring him on. I’ll fight anyone. I just think he’d ought to be backing me up, not challenging me. He’s got some things to learn about teamwork. I’ll be happy to teach him.”

Commissioner Grogan immediately declared that no match between teammates can earn War Games points. “It would be too easy,” Grogan said. “A GWF title win is worth three points, and this would guarantee the points to one team. If they want to fight, that’s their business, but it will not help them in the War Games standings.” The commissioner also denied Janus’ request to fight Wolf in the main event at the Deep Space Showcase.

GWF INTERVIEW: JANUS

Since his entry into the GWF in 2096, Janus has been one of the major stars in the federation. Originally a member of the Citadel of the Elite, Janus broke with Chaos in 2098 and joined the Federation Defense Fighters. He has held the Galaxian title three times, the Interplanetary title three, and was briefly an Interplanetary tag team champion with Rune Larrs in 2101. He has also been among the most popular stars in the GWF, but he recently shocked the federation by expressing a desire to meet his own teammate, Wolf, for the Galaxian title. Janus recently granted the following interview to Qualitar for Warrior Promotions Update.

Q: Janus, thank you for being here. You’ve created some controversy lately, and we’d like to discuss it.

Janus: That’s fine. I don’t see the reason for a controversy, but go ahead.

Q: You don’t see a reason? Did you think you wouldn’t raise questions by challenging your own teammate?

Janus: All I did was ask for a match against the GWF champion. I’ve held that belt myself, and I want it again. Teammates fight each other in tournaments every year. I don’t see the issue.

Q: But tournament matches between teammates happen by chance. You made a specific request—and against Wolf, one of the most volatile wrestlers in the federation.

Janus: I know Wolf as well as anyone. We’ve fought before. I have nothing against him. I’m glad to be on his team. But he’s got the belt I want. It’s just that simple. I deserve the match.

Q; Wolf was somewhat upset by the challenge.

Janus: Yeah, and I didn’t appreciate his comments much. He says he’s going to teach me a lesson on teamwork? I respect him in the ring, but he’s not in a position to teach me anything. He may find that out the hard way.

Q: With comments like that, you say you don’t understand the controversy?

Janus: I don’t understand why he needed to make it a controversy. He would have challenged me under the same circumstances. I’d rather just fight and let the best man win. It could be a great match. I hope it doesn’t turn into a problem on our team, but my position has not changed. I want a title match, regardless of who has the belt. If Wolf can’t understand that, I guess it’s his problem.

USWF REPORT

MASSACRE DELAYS PREDATOR’S CHALLENGE
Several times in recent weeks Predator has openly campaigned for a title shot at Heavy Metal champion Wrath, who has held the cage belt since late 2100. Massacre, however, has discouraged Predator and has been reluctant to help arrange the title match.

“Wrath has been the champion for too long,” Predator complained recently. “It’s time he got a real challenge. I don’t understand Massacre’s position on this. I’m not afraid of Wrath. We’ve fought before. I want the match now.”

Massacre continued to avoid signing for the title contest. “I hope Predator will just be patient,” he said. “I can’t explain this now, but I can’t let him fight Wrath. We’ve got other belts to go after. We’re going to leave Wrath alone and hope he does the same for us.”

[wildfire]

This is some great stuff... (the first couple posts anyway

I like your summaries, and I can imagine them being pretty fun to do.. looking back at old results always brings back fond memories for me.

[David Morse]

wildfire said:

This is some great stuff... (the first couple posts anyway

I like your summaries, and I can imagine them being pretty fun to do.. looking back at old results always brings back fond memories for me.

Thanks. Yes, it does bring back memories, which is one of the reasons I am doing it. Because I left off playing for about six years, I need to refresh my own memory on what has happened in the past of my fed a little bit.

Glad you like it, and I hope you keep reading. The Predator/Wrath story is just getting up to the good part.

Oh, and by the way, the title of the thread should have been "My GWF 2087-2110 History" rather than 2087-2100. I screwed up, and I don't think there is a way to fix it. Ah well.

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.5

JANUS INJURED, ANGRY WITH TEAMMATES
Janus, having created a stir by requesting a title match with his teammate GWF Champion Wolf, was knocked out of action when he was injured by Dark Justice on a card at the Mira Galaxy Dome. After the card, Janus spoke out angrily against his manager and teammates, who were all at another card on the same evening at the Gemma Golden Crown Arena.

“This wouldn’t have happened if Thantos had been here to watch my back,” the injured star stated. “I got blindsided after the match. That’s what a manager is supposed to be there for, to warn you. But Thantos has been following Maccavity around because he’s the War Games champ. He’s a rookie; I’m a star. Wolf has Amazonia to help him, but I’m on my own. And Pulsar, Archon, and Wraith are all injured too. They could have been here. They weren’t wrestling. But everyone’s so in love with Maccavity that they left me alone. I don’t like it at all. If we’re going to win the War Games, we need better planning than this. We’d better stick together, or we’ll get knocked out one at a time, and I don’t plan on staying with a team that won’t support me.”

(Note: Maccavity is one of my own bootlegs. He has spent most of his career in my USWF rather than the GWF.)

War Dome Warfare Supercard
The highlight of the supercard, which was held on Aethra, was a series of Ultimate Escape Matches. Krakan's Deadly Militia defeated Exo-King's Pact of Royalty, The Colby/Pelf Corporation topped Thantos' Equalizers (now called the Ringmasters), and W. A. R. defeated Nefarus, Mandrill, Overkill, and Vengeance without allowing any of their opponents to escape the cage.

WAR DOME WARFARE WRAP-UP
W. A. R.’s tremendous victory in the main event led to angry comments from Vengeance. “That never should have happened,” the Gladiator leader fumed. “Our team should have been all Aethran. The Colonizers let us down tonight. If Thunder would have been here, things would have been different.”

The big news on the card did not occur in the ring. When Pact of Royalty returned to the locker room after its loss to the Deadly Militia, they found Exo-King unconscious and bleeding on the floor. The King was revived and showed no sign of serious injuries other than a deep gash across his forehead.

“No, I didn’t see who did it,” Exo-King declared. “I was attacked from behind. But I know who it was. Right before I got hit, I heard bells jingling. That only means one person. Jester, you made a big mistake. You never should have come back, and you sure shouldn’t have jumped me. You’ll pay for this if I have to get in the ring and beat you down myself.”

GWF INTERVIEW: WOLF
The winningest wrestler in GWF history, Wolf has been dominant since his entry into the federation. Recently, however, the GWF legend has been embroiled in a controversy over the challenge of his teammate, Janus, for his Galaxian championship belt. Wolf commented on the situation in the following interview with Qualitar.

Q: Wolf, thank you for being here. Janus spoke to us in our last issue, and we wanted to get your reaction.

Wolf: Yeah, I read it. He’s talking real big. My feelings haven’t changed. I’ll fight him whenever he wants.

Q: But teammates have never fought each other for the GWF title. This is a very unusual situation.

Wolf: Teammates shouldn’t be fighting each other. I know that, but apparently he doesn’t. So let’s go. I don’t want to fight another member of my own team, but I’m not afraid of Janus.

Q: Do you think this would disrupt your team?

Wolf: It already has. We’re all pretty tense. I’m surprised Janus didn’t want to fight Maccavity when the kid was War Games champ. His ego is out of whack. I’ll put it back in place.

Q: Those comments are hardly going to make the situation die down.

Wolf: It’s not my fault. I didn’t challenge him. I didn’t shoot my mouth off. I’ve never challenged one of my teammates. But I’ve fought friends before. I’ve fought Raven and Star Warrior for titles, and I like and respect both of them a lot more than Janus. If he wants a piece of me, bring him on.

Q: It sounds almost like you want this fight as much as he does.

Wolf: I didn’t want it to begin with. Now he’s done too much talking. Let him prove what he can do in the ring. His record doesn’t compare with mine. If he thinks he can measure up to me, I’m ready any time he is. We’ve done enough talking about it. Let’s settle this thing and get on with winning the War Games.

USWF REPORT
UNKNOWN SOLDIER CUTS TIES WITH KRAKAN
With his Agents of Fortune team a strong contender in the USWF War Games, the Invincible Krakan ordered the Unknown Soldier, who had been lent to the Imperial Powers, to return to the group. The Soldier balked at the move and announced that he was severing his connection to the Agents team.

“Why would I leave one of the top teams in the federation?” the Soldier asked. “They didn’t have room for me at the beginning. They can live without me now. Tirrion Astri has assured me that I am welcome as a member of the Imperial Powers for the rest of the year. I plan to stay right where I am.”

Speaking for Krakan, Dagger Mack expressed anger at the Soldier’s decision. “He should know that no one crosses Krakan,” Dagger Mack said. “We’ll deal with him later. For now, we need to fill out our team. With Death’s Head and the Mad Jester both leaving, we’ve recruited a new man everyone is going to love. His name is Bloodbath, and he’ll fit right in with us. He and I will join Homicide as our regular singles wrestlers. Knight of the Dark will now be an alternate. But the Unknown Soldier had better be looking over his shoulder, because sooner or later we’re coming after him.”

(Note: As mentioned earlier, the Unknown Soldier was the creation of Paul Souglaris. Dagger Mack was created by Andrew Karas. Bloodbath was created by Searfin Pabon. Knight of the Dark was my own creation, and he was awful.)

MASSACRE AGAIN HOLDS OFF PREDATOR/WRATH WAR
Massacre’s mysterious attempts to prevent a match between Wrath and Predator failed when Wrath won the Interplanetary title. One week later, Predator took the ring microphone after a match and demanded a shot at Wrath’s new belt. Massacre once again tried to talk Predator out of the match, but Wrath immediately accepted, and the contest was set for a card two days later at the Ceres Amphitheater.

With Massacre looking on at ringside, Wrath took an early advantage, knocking Predator to the mat. The champion then prepared to apply his devastating “Reprisal” finisher, but Massacre climbed onto the ring apron and distracted Wrath long enough for Predator to recover. The match continued for several minutes before Predator was disqualified in a brawl outside the ring. However, when Predator attempted to continue his assault after the bell, Massacre stepped between the combatants and persuaded Predator to walk away.

“I have no idea what’s going on,” Wrath muttered in answer to a reporter’s question later. “I don’t need Massacre’s protection. I don’t care how guilty he feels about what he did to my home. I’m just sorry I let him distract me tonight. I’ll fight Predator any time, and next time nothing will stop me from knocking him out.”

A day later, Massacre issued the following statement: “I cannot explain my actions right now. I am simply asking Predator not to challenge Wrath. I have good reasons. Both of them are great wrestlers, but they can prove it against other opponents. I’m asking Predator to walk away, and I hope he’ll take my advice.”

In response, Predator finally relented. “I trust Massacre, so I’ll go along for now,” he said. “But things are not over between me and Wrath. Sooner or later we’ll go at it again. Massacre can’t prevent it forever.”

DEMONS OF HYDRA STUN WATCHMEN FOR USWF TAG BELTS
The rocky reign of the Watchmen as USWF Tag Team Champions ended at the Rhea Forum on Saturn when they lost the belts to the Demons of Hydra. Painmaster never managed to tag out of the match, as he was blasted by Terruk Rom and then pounded with two “Final Oracles” before being pinned by Hyrdax. Even interference by Thakur could not prevent the Demons from claiming the belts.

The Demons now join the Watchmen and the Warrior Kings as teams who have held both the GWF and USWF tag titles. After a slow start in 2103, they have been very hot recently, but ironically they are still listed as alternates for their War Games team, Worlds Apart. The Watchmen defended their titles successfully six times, but their overall record for the year is just 12-12 as they were often beaten in non-title matches or by DQ.

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.6

BETRAYAL: SHOCKING EVENTS AT CRATERDOME LEAD TO TITLE CHANGE
The anticipated breakout of hostilities within Thantos’ Ringmasters finally occurred on a War Games card at the Hyperion Craterdome of Saturn. The incident led not only to a change in the rosters of the Ringmasters and the Colby/Pelf Corporation, but also to a new Galaxian champion.

Recently dethroned GWF champion Wolf met War Games singles champion Holocaust, a member of the Corporation, in a title match near the end of the card. Wolf won the contest handily with a “Savage Face Claw” to capture the War Games belt. Immediately after the bell, however, Holocaust’s Corporation teammates Bishop Hell, Blazing Skull, and the Matador of M83 stormed the ring and attacked Wolf, along with their manager Mesmer. The only other member of the Ringmasters in attendance, Janus, ran immediately to the scene, accompanied by Thantos, Max Shield, and Shield’s manager Cassandra. Amazonia, who had accompanied Wolf to ringside, climbed onto the ring apron and attempted to distract the Corporation until the rescuers could arrive.

When Janus and the others reached the ring, however, the devastating blowup occurred. Cassandra’s first move upon her arrival was to pull Amazonia off the apron and ram her headfirst into a ringpost. Max Shield and Thantos were attacked by Bishop Hell, Blazing Skull, and Mesmer. Janus, however, was allowed to climb untouched into the ring. He walked directly to Wolf, helped his teammate to his feet, and then flattened him with a DDT. The Matador and Holocaust then joined Janus in attacking Wolf. The assault continued until Raven, Ursa Major, Killer Queen, and Destructon 3000 arrived to clear the ring.

“That should shut Wolf up for a while,” Janus smirked after the card. “I’m done with him, Thantos, and the rest of those losers. Mr. Colby made me an offer that was too good to pass up. Now I’m back where I belong, and Cassandra has dumped Shield to come back to my side where she belongs.”

However, the attack backfired on the Corporation just ten minutes later when Galaxian Champion the Matador of M83 defended his title against Raven. The challenger, a long-time friend of Wolf, was clearly still enraged as he flew into the ring and attacked the Matador as the bell sounded. The Matador managed to throw Raven out of the ring, but Raven quickly regained the advantage and blasted the champion with a “Broadsword,” then pinned him for the victory and his seventh Galaxian title.

Mesmer later confirmed that Janus will now join the Corporation as a regular member. He will replace Kati, who was in the arena at the time of the incident but was clearly not included in the plan. Colby announced that he is sending Kati to compete in the USWF for the remainder of 2103.

GUILE RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
Reynard B. Guile, who had been devastated by Krakan’s Militia and his own Department of Power at the Cosmic Mayhem supercard, was recently allowed to return home after spending several months under doctors’ care. Guile suffered serious injuries to his spine and head at the hands of Krakan. He is still confined to a wheelchair, but doctors expect him to regain at least partial mobility after more therapy.

STARCLASH XVII: A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
Starclash originated in December of 2087 as the first supercard held by the GWF and is still considered the federation’s premiere event. The card takes place at the Deimos Intergalactic Arena, invariably before a sell-out crowd.

Starclash XVII was held on August 30, 2103. In the main event, perhaps the two most popular wrestlers in the GWF were set to square off, as Pegasus challenged Raven for the Galaxian Heavyweight championship. Pegasus lost the GWF title to Janus in the main event at the 2102 Starclash.

SURPRISING EVENTS AT THANTOS CEREMONY
Immediately prior to Starclash, the GWF paid tribute to Thantos, the man who dominated the spotlight in the league from 2086 until his retirement last year. A dais was set up near the ring with various federation legends in attendance to pay respects to the six time Galaxian Champion. Featured speakers were Omega, Star Warrior, Massif, Dreadnaught, Lord Nexus, Exo-King, Massacre, and Wolf. Other special guests were Spike , Brute, Stalker, Billy Jo Boxer, Dragonmaster, Pulsar, Darkos, Mesmer, Alpha Force, Marcel de Sade, the Incredible Badger, USWF Commissioner “Trainer” Jim Powell, U. S. Patriot, and Terak. Commando Sam declined an invitation to attend.

Each of the speakers recounted his experiences as a friend and opponent of Thantos and detailed the contributions of the controversial star from Maffei II. However, an unexpected interruption occurred near the end of the ceremony. Omega, the next to last speaker, was describing Thantos’ early days in the GWF when the unmistakable voice of Krakan interrupted him.

“I’m sick of hearing all this talk about that overrated moron,” declared the Deadly Militia leader, who emerged from the crowd at the side of the dais with a microphone in his hand. “It’s time someone told the truth about him. He’s always gotten credit for breaking the GWF into two camps. He’d never have done it without me. He followed my lead for years, and he always got the glory. I want to let the galaxy know what he really is.”

As Krakan spoke, a huge figure walked out of the locker room area and moved up behind him: Overkill. Krakan continued to insult Thantos while Overkill hovered behind him. Then, suddenly, the hulking gladiator grabbed Krakan by the arm, spun him around, snatched the microphone away, and with one huge hand lifted Krakan by the throat into the air.

“This man is a legend,” Overkill barked into the microphone, still holding Krakan off the floor. “I don’t care what you think you’ve done. Even I have respect for him, and I’m not going to let you ruin this tribute.”

With those words, the Gladiator powerhouse dropped the microphone and choke slammed Krakan on the floor. He then simply turned and walked away while Vigilante and Soldier of Fortune emerged from the locker room to help Krakan to his feet. As the Mercenaries led their shaken manager from the dais area, Omega finished his remarks and allowed Star Warrior, the final speaker, to conclude the program.

Several minutes later, a badly dazed but furious Krakan sounded off to reporters. “Who does that big goon think he is?” he snapped. “No one does that to Krakan. He’s bought himself a war now. Vengeance and Thakur had better just give him up to us, or they’ll go down too. No one crosses the Militia and gets away with it.”

STARCLASH XVII SUPERCARD SUMMARY
The much anticipated Hydra Lumberjack Match between Wolf and Janus was perhaps the best match of the year. The advantage went back and forth several times due to repeated interference by the lumberjacks, including Pulsar throwing his “Acid Rain” in the faces of Janus and Terminus. After twelve grueling minutes, the contest ended when Bishop Hell threw a “Hellfire” at Wolf and then rolled the victim back into the ring where Janus pinned him. Both Janus and Wolf were injured in the contest.

Pegasus appeared ready to regain the Galaxian title, having just blasted Raven with a second consecutive “Project Pegasus,” when Destructon 3000 jumped in to cause the DQ. However, the challenger accepted the outcome calmly after the card. “We all do what we have to,” he said. “I don’t blame Destructon or Raven. I’ve done worse things myself. But I still had Raven beat, and he knows it. I want a rematch, and I want it soon.”

Vengeance, Nefarus, and Mandrill lost an Aethran Ultimate Escape Match to Wraith and No Fear. Vengeance was again furious with his teammates after the card. “That’s twice we’ve lost Ultimate Escape matches because the Colonizers didn’t hold up their end,” he growled, referring to the Conquerors’ loss to W. A. R. at War Dome Warfare. “We made a mistake getting involved with them. When the War Games are over, we want no further connection to the Colonizers.

“As for Overkill, I don’t know what he was doing at Thantos’ ceremony,” Vengeance continued. “I don’t see the point in what he did, but he’s an Aethran. Krakan can keep his threats. He’s in enough trouble with us for stealing Mayhem. He’d better shut his mouth, or he’ll have a war on his hands like he’s never seen.”

USWF REPORT

LATEST CONFRONTATION FOR WRATH AND PREDATOR
Massacre once again managed to avert a brawl between Wrath and Predator on a recent card at the Europa Garden, but not without this time letting slip an intriguing comment about the situation.

The Badger’s Warrior Legion, of which Predator is a member, and Wrath’s Worlds Apart team were pitted in a War Games contest on the card. Predator defeated Pormak Landiron in his match, and Wrath was upset by Stalker in the main event, giving the Legion just its second victory. However, as soon as the bell rang Wrath was attacked by Malice, Violator, Ravage, and Ruin. Stalker tried to defend his opponent from the Aethrans, but he had little success. Moments later Massacre and Predator flew into the ring and drove the Gladiator troops away, saving Wrath for the third time in a year.

Before his rescuers could walk away, Wrath grabbed the ring microphone. “I told you before I don’t want your help!” he screamed. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“You know, you’re an ungrateful slob,” Predator replied. “Keep talking and I’ll pick up where the Gladiators left off.”

“Come and get it!” Wrath continued, still shouting. “I’ll take you any time.”

Predator took a menacing step forward, but once again he was restrained by Massacre. After a brief hesitation, the young Aethran allowed Massacre to back him away.

“Let him come!” Wrath raged. “Who do you think you’re protecting? Why are you doing this?”

“I’ve told you before, Wrath,” Massacre answered calmly. “I’m sorry for what happened to your people. I’m sorry for what was done to your mother. I owe you something. This has to do with your father. That’s all I’ll say for now.”

“My father?” Wrath rumbled. “You said he was dead. What’s he have to do with this? Or were you lying to me again?”

“No, I wasn’t lying.” Massacre replied. “Blade is dead. He was killed in battle on the planet Olidron just a few months after you were born.”

Suddenly Predator stepped forward. “Wait a minute. Olidron?” he asked. “My father was killed on Olidron, too. Did Blade have something to do with my father’s death? Is that what this is all about?”

Massacre simply looked at both men for a long moment. Then he put his hand on Predator’s shoulder. “I’ve said enough already,” he finished. “I’m not answering any more questions. You’ll just have to trust me.”

With that, the strange incident ended. Wrath left the ring alone, looking more puzzled and furious than ever. Predator continued to press Massacre for more information, but to no avail.

Three weeks later, Wrath was again attacked and injured by the Gladiators after a victory over Violator. Massacre, Blitz, and Scar eventually came to his aid again, but this time Wrath had been knocked unconscious and was unable to protest. He has made no further comment on the situation, and Massacre has refused to explain his earlier statements. Apparently USWF fans will have to wait along with Predator and Wrath to find out what really happened on Olidron.

GWWF REPORT
SUPERNOVA ATTACKED BY MYSTERY WOMAN
GWWF champion Supernova was assaulted outside the ring during a title match against Anaxis on a USWF card at the Antares Firedome. The fight had gone to the floor and Supernova had her opponent down when the interloper leaped out of the crowd. The stranger wore a white robe, and her face was painted in a ghastly purple design. She threw a handful of powder in the champion’s face, then rammed Supernova into the ringpost before Omega, who was at ringside for his daughter’s match, could intervene. The mystery woman disappeared back into the crowd, and Supernova was awarded the victory by DQ.

“No, I don’t know who she was,” Anaxis stated later. “I had nothing to do with this. All I know is she cost me the match. I can understand anyone wanting to attack Supernova, but that weirdo, whoever she is, had better stay out of my way.”

Three weeks later at the Triton Pavilion, the mystery woman surfaced again. Supernova had just defeated Cassandra in a title defense when the interloper appeared from nowhere and attacked the champion from behind. After kicking the downed Supernova several times, the stranger slipped into the crowd and vanished again. Like Anaxis, Cassandra denied any knowledge of the attack.

Understandably, Supernova was infuriated by the assaults. “I have no idea who that woman is,” the champion said, “but I hope she eventually finds the courage to meet me face to face. Jumping people from behind is easy. Let’s see what she can do in the ring, if that’s what she’s here for. I don’t back down from anybody, especially from some psycho that hides in the shadows.”

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.7

W. A. R. CRUISES TO BIGGEST WAR GAMES WIN EVER
W. A. R. took just two cards after the Starclash supercard to seal the most lopsided War Games victory in GWF history. The winners reached the 200 point goal when Buck Steele, having transformed into Genocide, defeated Thunder in a cage match at the Algol Double Star Arena. Because all points earned on the final War Games card count in team totals, a victory by Galaxian Champion Raven gave W. A. R. a total of 203 points, 55 better than second place finishers the Colby/Pelf Corporation. The largest margin of victory in any previous War Games was a 52 point spread by Gladiator Tradition in 2099.

Raven’s win, though the War Games title was already decided, was especially dramatic because it was a return match with Pegasus, who defeated Raven by disqualification at Starclash. The incredible contest lasted for twelve minutes before the champion, having survived the “Project Pegasus” twice, came back from a brawl outside the ring to pin Pegasus with a “Broadsword.”

“This was a perfect way to end it,” Raven said in a post-card celebration. “Pegasus is a terrific wrestler, and I really had to earn this win tonight. But we worked hard all year, and everyone pulled his weight. After we lost Wolf last year, I was really worried. Now I feel great. It’s good to be back on top.”

Even Mace, speaking publicly for the first time since being ordered to silence by Destructon 3000 at Galaxy Cup in January because his comments had driven Wolf and Stalker out of the group, was uncharacteristically gracious to his teammates. “I have to admit that we wouldn’t have done this without Shield and Steele,” he said. “They were both great. I’m not going to say too much today. It’s nice to be a winner again.”

The victory was W. A. R.’s third War Games championship, the first two coming in 2097 and 2100. Raven, Mace, and Dreggs earned their third War Games rings, as did manager Destructon 3000. Max Shield took home his second ring, having also been a member of the W. A. R. team as a rookie in 2100, while Buck Steele was a first time winner.

JANUS ENDS SHIELD’S TITLE REIGN
Max Shield’s attempt to become the longest reigning Interplanetary champion ever fell just short as he lost the title to Janus, who holds the record for the most successful reign.

The title match was held at the Antares Firedome, the same arena in which Janus defeated the Matador of M83 to begin his record-setting reign in 2099. Shield was accompanied to the ring by Vertigo, who returned from the USWF for the event. Cassandra, Shield’s former manager, led Janus to the ring. The contest was never really in doubt, as Janus dominated from the opening bell. Shield, perhaps exhausted from his part in W. A. R.’s War Games success, could mount no offense at all in the nine minute match before Janus finally pinned him with a superdrop.

Shield’s stint as champion, which began just before the War Games started, ended after 23 successful defenses, one short of the record held by Janus. However, Shield managed to hold the belt throughout the entire War Games competition, a feat no one else has ever accomplished.

USWF REPORT

MASSACRE REVEALS THE TRUTH: SHOCKING DETAILS OF WRATH/ PREDATOR CONNECTION
On the very evening which saw the Imperial Powers clinch the War Games championship, the biggest story in the arena was not related to the Games at all. Mysteriously, both Wrath and Predator failed to show up for the card at the Dione Saturndome. A concerned Massacre immediately voiced suspicions regarding Thakur’s possible involvement.

“I have no idea where either of them is,” Massacre declared. “It’s not like Predator to disappear. Thakur has to be involved. If he’s done anything to either one of them, I’ll make sure he regrets it.”

However, the mystery was solved two days later when both Predator and Wrath arrived as scheduled for a card at the Luna Auditorium which matched Worlds Apart and the Warrior Legion in the final War Games contest for both teams. Neither would say anything to explain their absence. By luck of the draw, Predator and Wrath were scheduled to fight each other in the main event. The War Games contest was tied at 2-2 when the time for the match arrived.

Predator and Massacre entered the ring first. As soon as Wrath arrived, however, Predator called for a ring microphone and turned to face his manager. “Alright, Massacre,” Predator said. “We’ve both had enough. We’ve decided that we want to know the whole story you’re hiding, and we want it now.”

“You’ve both decided?” Massacre asked with surprise. “Together?”

“That’s right, old man,” Wrath barked. “We missed the last card because we were having a little meeting. We don’t like each other, but we have one thing in common: we’re sick of this mystery. Spill it! What happened on Olidron?”

Massacre shook his head. “I want to hear this one more time. The two of you sat down and decided that this is what you want, and you decided to do it this way, in public?”

“Yes,” Predator nodded. “It’s the only way we trust each other. We want to hear it together, in front of everyone. We’ve talked it over. This is the way it’s going to be.”

The shocked expression faded from Massacre’s face. In its place appeared a wide smile. He chuckled and said simply, “It’s about damn well time.”

Both Predator and Wrath looked at the older Aethran in confusion. Massacre continued to smile as he spoke.

“I’m sorry to have kept you in the dark for so long. It was the best way I could think of to get you to talk to each other. I knew sooner or later, you’d decide to work together to find out the truth. Now I can tell you, but it still won’t be easy to hear--especially for you, Predator.

“You know that your mother was a prisoner of war. Still, I think your father did love her. When our troops returned to Aethra, he always treated her well. And he also loved you. When he was at home, he was a kind, thoughtful person, so much so that the other soldiers laughed at him for it. The way he acted was out of character for an Aethran. But he didn’t care. On Aethra, you and your mother were all that mattered to him.

“But in the field, he turned into another person. He was an animal, as brutal and sadistic as anyone I’ve ever seen. That’s why his more passive behavior on Aethra was tolerated--he left it behind completely when he went into battle. Like all Aethrans, he was given a fighting name, which I’m sure you know: Bludgeon. But his personality shifts were so violent that the troops gave him a nickname when he went into one of his frenzies. Because the change in him was so dramatic, the nickname was the opposite of his fighting name. To bludgeon is to beat someone into submission. The opposite is to cut. And so they gave him a nickname that implied cutting.

“They called him Blade.”

Predator took a step backward as if he had been slapped. Wrath’s glowering look turned even darker. “You’re lying,” he snapped. “This can’t be true. No way.”

“Of course it’s true,” Massacre insisted. “Look at the two of you! Who else in this federation is more alike in the ring? Who else has more similar physical abilities? You move alike, and you look alike. The man who raped your mother was Predator’s father. Like it or not, you two are brothers.”

Predator still looked stunned. “No,” he said. “They always told me my father was a great warrior. No one ever said anything about Blade.”

Massacre shrugged. “He was a great warrior. Only an Aethran legend could have fathered two warriors like you. No one called him Blade because that was just a nickname among the soldiers. Obviously, even the commanders didn’t know, because if Thakur had known he would have used it against you both. Your mother never knew, either. And I didn’t think you should be told until now. It wasn’t important. But once I knew who Wrath really was, I knew what I had to do. See, I never really liked your father, but he died on Olidron blowing up a laser cannon that would have killed me and the rest of my squadron. That made him a hero, and he saved my life. I owed him something. I figured the best thing to do was to get his sons together, and the only way to do that was to get you talking. Well, now you’ve talked. You’ve had your meeting, so you know you can work together if you have to. And you know you’re brothers. What are you going to do about it?”

Wrath continued to glare at Massacre. Then, with a quick look at Predator, he turned and stalked out of the ring without a word. A moment later Predator marched away in the opposite direction. The match and the War Games contest between Warrior Legion and Worlds Apart were declared to be draws. Neither man would speak to anyone on the following USWF card or at the Titan Challenge, leaving the resolution of their situation still in doubt.

GWWF REPORT

MYSTERY WOMAN REVEALS HERSELF
The mysterious stranger who had twice attacked GWWF Champion Supernova in recent months finally revealed herself just a week before the Titan Challenge in a display that had the entire federation buzzing.

The incident occurred after Supernova had defeated Amazonia by DQ on a GWF card at Fire Island. As she had before, the mystery woman emerged unexpectedly from the crowd. Approaching the champion from behind, the stranger produced a handful of powder which she threw into Supernova’s eyes. Then she pulled out a small instrument that appeared to be similar to Mandrill’s stunner and zapped both Amazonia and Supernova. Standing over perhaps the two top wrestlers in the GWWF, the newcomer called for the ring microphone.

“Please allow me to introduce myself,” she said. “You can call me Voodoo Queen. No, I’m not working with Cassandra and Anaxis as some people have thought, but I am being paid by someone you know. That doesn’t matter now. What matters is this: I’m the one who’s going to take your title, and there’s really nothing you can do about it. This makes three times now that I’ve put you down. The next time it will be with the belt on the line.”

Voodoo Queen then calmly left the ring while her victims tried to recover. Later both Amazonia and Supernova had angry comments regarding the situation.

“She says she’s put me down three times, but never when I was facing her,” Supernova snapped. “She’s proven nothing. She’s just another lunatic, probably working for Krakan. But I don’t care who she’s working for. Her game’s not going to work. I’ll fight her whenever she wants, but she can earn a title shot like everyone else. Let’s see her in the ring once instead of coming out of the crowd before she talks about taking titles.”

To no one’s surprise, Amazonia was also livid. “No one, but no one, gets away with what she did,” the only two time women’s champion raged. “She’s either brave or stupid, attacking both me and Supernova. But she’s gonna regret it. She’ll never get to fight Supernova for the title if I get to her first. I still need to deal with Cassandra, but this weirdo just became number one on my hit list.”

(Note: Voodoo Queen was the bootleg creation of promoter Bill Meiers.)

[David Morse]

GWF 2103 Highlights

From WPU 6.8

PILLARS OF POWER SUFFER UGLY BREAKUP
At the 2101 Titan Challenge, Gemini was attacked by his then-tag team partner Dynamo and Powerhouse, causing the dissolution of Gemini and Dynamo’s team and the reformation of the Pillars of Power. Two years later, the shoe was on the other foot as Gemini and Powerhouse attacked Dynamo after a match between the Pillars and Hunter’s Moon at the Miranda Center.

The very competitive match ended when Vyper pinned Dynamo. After the bell, Dynamo and Powerhouse exchanged angry words in the ring, as Powerhouse appeared to blame Dynamo for the loss. Suddenly Gemini appeared behind Dynamo and hit him with a chair. Powerhouse and Gemini then proceeded to batter Dynamo for several minutes before leaving him lying in the ring.

Gemini had no comment on the incident later, but Powerhouse made the following statement: “I had enough of that loser. He’s been holding me back for years. Me and Gemini are thinking about being a team, but right now we’ll both fight alone. I’m big enough to take care of myself.”

Rune Larrs, Gemini’s tag team partner, left the federation after expressing disgust at Gemini’s actions. Larrs made no statement regarding his future plans.

CANNIBAL ATTACKED BY STRANGE INTERLOPERS
One of the most bizarre moments in the GWF this year occurred at the Janus Star Center just a week before the Galacticade supercard. The Draconian Sheik had just defeated Dynamo when suddenly two men dressed in white robes and masks leapt from the crowd and attacked the Sheik’s manager, Cannibal. Surprisingly, the Sheik simply stood and watched while his manager was pummeled by the strangers. When the assault ended, the Sheik followed the masked strangers out of the arena. Cannibal did not suffer serious injuries. No one has been able to locate the Draconian Sheik since the incident.

YEAR-END AWARDS BANQUET
Wrestler of the Year: Raven
Tag Team of the Year: Theater of Pain
Top Newcomer: Manslaughter
Hall of Fame Inductees: Thantos, Exo-King

GALACTICADE VIII SUPERCARD NOTES
For the second straight year, Pegasus won the Galaxian title in the main event at Galacticade. In 2102 he beat Mayhem for the belt. This year he dominated Raven, winning the title for the fourth time in his career in spite of Destructon 3000’s interference.

Two of the best matches on the card were the Hunter’s Moon/Assassin Greatness tag match and the Mad Jester against Killer Queen in the Four Weapons of Destruction match. But nothing compared to the violent Torture Chamber Contest between Mayhem and Vengeance. Vengeance looked beaten, but he refused to quit and came back to gain the victory. Both Aethrans had to be helped from the ring.

The strangest moment of the card came after the Matador of M83’s victory over U. S. Patriot. Having already claimed the victory, the Matador picked the Patriot up and prepared to “Bullwhip” him again. However, Mesmer came running to the ring and ordered the Matador to stop, leaving the Patriot unharmed. Mesmer would not explain his actions later, but the Patriot made the following comment:

“I have no idea what Mesmer was thinking. After what he did to Sam, I’d like to tear him in half. I don’t know why he’d want to help me, but it doesn’t change anything. I still can’t stand him.”

USWF REPORT

WRATH TAKES LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Heavy Metal champion Wrath requested a formal leave of absence from USWF action shortly after the joint GWF/USWF Titan Challenge supercard. The request came in the aftermath of the dramatic incident in which Massacre revealed that Wrath and his long-time rival Predator are half-brothers.

“Wrath has requested some time off to sort out his thoughts,” Commissioner Jim Powell announced. “I certainly understand his feelings, first with what happened to his tag-team partner Fury last year and now with Massacre’s revelations. Therefore, I have granted his request. Wrath will retain the Heavy Metal title despite this period of inactivity. He has promised to return for our year-end supercard, the Center Stage Spectacular, to defend his title against Kati. Until then, he has my authorization to take this leave of absence. I wish him the best and hope he will be back to full-time action soon.”

HOMICIDE INJURES RASPUTIN
Three-time former USWF Heavyweight champion Homicide did what appeared impossible recently by putting the seemingly indestructible Rasputin out of action. The match took place at the Ariel Armory. As expected, Homicide dominated the contest, but he refused to pin his opponent. Instead, he continued to hammer Rasputin far past the point necessary to defeat him. Finally USWF chief referee Bounty Hunter came to the ring and ordered Homicide to pin Rasputin or forfeit the match. The maniacal former champion complied, but his damage was already done. Rasputin suffered an injury to his spine which will keep him out of action indefinitely and perhaps permanently. No one has yet determined Homicide’s reason for the brutal assault.

(Note: Rasputin was my own creation--horrible offense but nearly indestructible on defense, named after the figure from Imperial Russian lore who would not die.)

CENTER STAGE SPECTACULAR SUPERCARD
Highlights: Card was held at the Callisto Centroplex. Wrath retained the Heavy Metal Title against Kati, Pathfinder defeated Black Hawk to win the Interstellar Title, Lycanthrope and Rebellion topped the Aethrans Violator, Ravage, and Ruin in an Aetheran Ultimate Escape Match, and Homicide became the first four-time USWF champion by defeating Predator. Numerous GWF figures were in attendance, including Commissioner Grogan, Omega, Lord Nexus, Wolf, Pegasus, Ursa Major, and Amazonia.

CENTER STAGE SPECTACULAR WRAP-UP
The real fireworks started during the Aethran Ultimate Escape match. Lycanthrope was the first to escape, followed by Scar, which left Blitz alone in the ring with the three Gladiators. As Scar walked back to the dressing room area, however, an unexpected guest leapt from the crowd: Splatter. The GWF lunatic blasted Scar with Arsenal and then proceeded to stomp him into the floor. Meanwhile, GWF superstar Vengeance climbed into the cage and joined Violator and Conquering Force in a four-on-one attack on Blitz. Lycanthrope soon re-emerged from the dressing room to help Scar, while Wolf, Massacre, and Bounty Hunter came to Blitz’s rescue. However, both young Aethrans were taken immediately to the hospital, accompanied by Lycanthrope and Wolf.

“Of course Splatter wasn’t working for us,” Vengeance snapped later. “I didn’t even know the lunatic was there. Actually, I was going to get Scar myself. When Splatter stepped in, it was just convenient, so I helped go after Blitz. For once that maniac did something to help us, but he wasn’t part of the plan.”

The plan referred to by Vengeance took full shape after Homicide had defeated Predator to win the USWF Heavyweight title. As the winner left the ring with the belt, Vengeance and Thakur attacked Massacre, Predator’s manager, from behind while Ravage, Ruin, and Violator jumped the former champion. After knocking Massacre unconscious, Vengeance and Thakur climbed through the ropes to face Predator, who was being restrained by the younger Gladiators.

“Finally, I get to take care of you,” Vengeance snarled. “For years you’ve been a thorn in our side. You set us up to lose in the civil war. You betrayed your countrymen by joining W. A. R. But now none of your friends are here. Your partners are at the hospital. You’re all alone. You’re at my mercy, and I have none. I’m going to put you away for good right now.”

With a wicked smile, Vengeance pulled an antique, single edged razor from his pocket. As the demented Gladiator moved toward Predator, Pegasus, Omega, Lord Nexus, and Ursa Major started from their seats toward the ring, but they were too far away to save Predator. Before Vengeance could act, however, the most incredible aspect of the evening transpired. One man had been creeping unnoticed toward the ring for several minutes. Crouched low and keeping silent while all eyes were on the Aethrans, he had made his way close to the ring apron without being seen. Now, as Vengeance drew out his weapon, the silent figure jumped into the ring and flattened both Thakur and his top henchman with a club that looked suspiciously like Arsenal. The younger Gladiators were so stunned that they lost their grip on Predator, who took advantage of the situation and rammed Ruin and Ravage’s heads together. While the interloper hammered alternately on Thakur and Vengeance with his club, Predator squared off with Violator. The Aethrans recovered quickly, but by this time the GWF stars had reached the ring, and the Gladiators had no choice but to retreat.

Having escaped from what would have been a hideous incident, Predator turned to face the man who had saved him. The GWF stars in the ring, and indeed the entire crowd, watched in near silence as the former champion faced his greatest rival, his toughest opponent, and his half-brother: Wrath.

The two young men simply stared at each other for several tense seconds, with Wrath still holding the Arsenal-like club at the ready. Massacre, dazed but back on his feet after the attack, climbed into the ring with a microphone. Without a word he handed the microphone to Wrath.

“Couldn’t let it happen,” Wrath stated sharply. “I don’t like you, but I couldn’t let them do that. Massacre says we’re brothers. I still don’t know if that changes anything between us. It doesn’t change what Aethrans did to my mother, to my home. But after the times you’ve saved me, maybe there is room to talk. That goes for Massacre, too. I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive him. But after what I just saw they were ready to do to you, I think all of us would be safer if we can find a way to work together. I’m willing to talk about it.”

With a nod, Predator extended his hand. Instead of shaking it, Wrath made perhaps a more symbolic gesture: he handed Predator the club. The two brothers then followed Massacre out of the ring while the crowd broke into cheers.

No further information is available on the possible alliance of Wrath and Predator. However, one further curious incident did take place moments after the events in the ring. Splatter was found in the backstage area by Centroplex security, lying unconscious on the floor. His “partner,” Arsenal, was nowhere to be found.