Post by MadStepDad on Apr 16, 2011 18:50:58 GMT -5
1) Cut to the in-studio announce team for the evening:
Gordon Solie & Matt Striker
GORDON SOLIE: It originally began...when I first got involved with wrestling here in California, there was no wrestling in the Summer months, it was only in the Winter months. It would start up in October, November, around in there and it would run through May, maybe June, and then it would shut down for July, August and September. This was before California became a Summer tourist area as well as a Winter tourist area. So in the Winter time we could always count on guys like John Cena and Gorgeous George, Dolph Ziggler, the Roberts and...you name them...we got them all down here. Buddy Rogers, they all would come down because they wanted to spend a couple of weeks in Cali, in the Winter time and make a few bucks while they were here and they could also write it off as business. So that's how it started - the guys wanting to come to the West Coast - but then gradually we became the great testing ground because when Toots Mondt, TGW and Strangler Lewis became partners, Eddie insisted on one thing to the guys who came down here, "Here, you will wrestle..." He didn't go for a lot of the high-flying high jinks - and he was very very careful about how people traveled, where people went after the matches. In other words, the guys that were very popular were not allowed to go to the same bar where the guys who weren't so popular went. There was a total separation. So when you were in XPW Remixed and you were wrestling, you know, you were popular or unpopular, you stayed with your group. You did not intermingle.
______________________________________________________________
1) BLACK ARMY VICTORY CELEBRATION
In-ring championship promo from Kevin Sullivan and his Black Army. Sullivan and Demento enter first looking like Death Match gladiators, followed by a leashed sex-slave Lizzy Borden. Finally - XPW Champion and Black Army chosen one Ezekiel Jackson rises from the entrance stage like a demon unleashed from the bowels of hell. The ramifications of Jackson's win at "Fall Out" continue to resonate not only through XPW - but through all the realms of fantasy wrestling. Hurricane Katrina. The landslides of Chili. Magnitude 9 quakes in Japan. Devastation and natural disasters worldwide. We are truly living in the last days, as prophesied in the bible. And the first man to foresee (embrace and thus own) this cataclysm was the Prince of Darkness Kevin Sullivan. A hideous, Stone Dwarf-like figure who became the Anti-Christ of Professional Wrestling when Jeff Hardy was still in diapers. His dark conjurations have led the way for the rise of Ezekiel. The Apocoplypse of 2012. The End has come. It has arisen against you! And at the last XPW Remixed PPV - "Fall Out" - Ezekiel Jackson fulfilled his dark taskmaster's prophecy when he beat Hero of Light Bruno Sammartino for the XPW Championship. Now, the Black Army of XPW owns the most prestigious piece of hardware in all of fantasy wrestling and Kevin Sullivan has promised a championship reign that will rival Ceaser, Kahn and Hitler in sheer depravity and destruction. Welcome to the End of Times.
("Christian" = Bruno Sammartino)
Now introducing General Skandor Akbar, the evil manager from the Middle East and new financier for the Black Army. In essence, he is the "money man" who wreaked havoc throughout the '80s with his heel stable of wrestlers known as Devastation Incorporated. Now he's in XPW Remixed at the helm of the Black Army and is taking the title back to Abu Dhabi.
GENERAL SKANDOR AKBAR: The more things change, the more they stay the same. I still have heat when I go to these personal appearances and it's really uncanny -- it's like it never leaves. That evil demeanor that I had in the ring, I work hard for that, y'know! And I maintain that heat for a long, long time. For the last 45 years, whatever happens in the Middle East, the fans blame me for it. But I never mouthed back at the fans when I went out to the car, as the people were waiting around when wrestlers were arriving or leaving the arena I would just ignore them, and it made them that much more mad. I had real heat. You can take a lot of organizations, sports or whatever, who never experienced anything quite like that. Ezekiel Jackson’s rise to XPW Champion heralds the arrival of a magical era. The fans at these events will recognize this era as a really great period in wrestling, and I'm proud to have been in the business which I still love very much. But the fans always say, 'When is it going to go back the way it used to be? We want it to be like it was. I tell them that I prefer that time too, but the world has changed. Yes, those were incredible times. It was dragons and dragon slayers. Now – General Skandor Akbar – The Black Army – and Ezekiel Jackson have seized control of fantasy wrestling. And we will bring it to its knees!!!
GORDON SOLIE: Well, we have General Skandor Akbar here, and of course they were red hot, they were absolutely red hot, and Akbar was one of the most despised managers that you could find simply because there was the racial and religious ethnic background differences between these Arayan's and Akbar.
** Backstage segment on now-former XPW champion Bruno Sammartino. He is serving a brief medical suspension after the assault he suffered at "Fall Out", but has promised to train harder for a rematch and end the Black Army's reign of tyranny before it even begins.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO: If he (Kevin Sullivan) ran wrestling like it should be... if any way I could contribute, help out, whatever possible way I could help out with new talent or whatever, I absolutely would. But with the way it is today, I would not get involved in any way, shape, or form because I don’t believe in it and after all, you know you can’t just get into something for the payday, you have to get into it because you believe in it and you feel comfortable being in it and so forth. If wrestling was the way it were in my day, any contribution I could make and any way I could participate to help in any way, shape, or form absolutely I would. Ezekiel Jackson, I am inciting my rematch clause and I promise I will return wrestling to its golden roots after I defeat you once and for all...
______________________________________________________________
2) JTG (w/ Shad Gaspard) vs.
LIL GUIDO (w/ Tony Mamaluke &
Big Sal E. Graziano)
versus
FBI gets their big entrance to open the show, answering the loud crowd boos with middle fingers and a flick of the chin. In-ring, Lil Guido commandeers the mic and lays down an inflammatory promo. Introduces his team, declares their dominance over XPW and make a few references to “the Bosses” whose orders they follow without question. They will forever by Full Blooded Italians, but here in XPW Remixed they operate under the name “La Coka Nostra”. They were directed to “hit” Cryme Tyme in retaliation for the tag team’s promo where they promised to “take it back to the streets”. Cryme Tyme are a bunch of Scarface-watching, wannabe poseurs! The FBI, La Coka Nostra and their “bosses” run the streets… Cryme Tyme just run around in it!!! This of course draws out Shad and JTG – Cryme Tyme – for their rebuttal (big crowd pop for their arrival). Brief dueling mic bit before we get down to the actual in-ring action between JTG and Lil Guido. Excellent, mat-based match to start – filled with tons of counters, reversals and roll-throughs. Gaspard, Mamaluke and Big Sal E. Graziano keep things lively on the outside of the ring with their crowd interactions and mutual trash talking. Match pace picks up when JTG takes to the air, and Guido’s bump-taking only accentuates his aerial offense. But in the end, Guido nearly snatches JTG out of the air with an armbar counter and aggressively rolls through with it until JTG is forced to tap from the excruciating pain. The Sicilian Shooter sets the tone for La Coka Nostra’s arrival in XPW. But who’s da boss???
Winner (by submission): LIL GUIDO (w/ La Coka Nostra aka “FBI”)
_______________________________________________________________
3) WHITE TRASH WORLD
Introductory vignette – the first of its kind on XPW Remixed TV – for the newest act to the grace the XPW stage. Introducing…
MAD MAN PONDO with JESSICA DARLIN!!!
Low-budget, trailer park sketch that serves to introduce Pondo and his new valet. Pondo is portraying a dangerous, white trash rebel on some “THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN!!!” bullshit (like the movie “2001 Maniacs” in which Pondo had a cameo as the undead town’s local butcher). Jessica Darlin looks as trashy as she does scintillating in her plaid button down and tight Daisy Dukes and co-signs all of Mad Man Pondo’s violent eccentricities. XPW Remixed will be the new home to their brand of fiery Confederate White power.
_________________________________________________________________
4a) GOLD DUST TRIO INC PRESS CONFERENCE
There is a row of chairs seated behind a long table, at which about a ½ dozen men sit. The three men in the center are immediately recognizable – Strangler Lewis, with the microphone in front of him, Toots Mondt to his right and the eccentric and colorful TGW (whose obnoxious attire is in stark contrast to the suit and tie outfits of those around him) on Strangler’s left. Behind him the XPW logo hangs proudly, with a few posters promoting the next PPV strategically placed around it. Gold Dust Trio Inc officially announces the PPV numbers for “Fall Out” (a rousing success) and hype their next big show “Night of Champions” (a show in which “all XPW champions will see action”). #2 on their list of major announcements is the location for their Night of Champions PPV. The native West Coast company is seeking to expand their empire by going national, and will be hosting the PPV on the East Coast – in Pittsburg PA to be exact! That’s right, former XPW champion Bruno Sammartino’s hometown will play host to the first East Coast XPW show in nearly 10 years!!! Finally, their last big announcement – they are appointing an on screen XPW Commissioner to oversee the wrestling portion of the show. Introducing the very first XPW champion ever (real life, circa 1999) and NEW XPW Commissioner…
”The Real Deal” Damien Steele!!!
The cocky and bombastic Steele takes the main podium, where he cuts more of a wrestling promo than answering any reporters’ questions. He reiterates his history as an XPW original (and the first XPW champion ever) and declares his unwavering allegiance to Gold Dust Trio Inc. His first order of business as XPW Commissioner is to introduce a new concept to XPW – the Money in the Bank Ladder match. This #1 contender’s match will take place at “Night of Champions” and will feature 8 of the top contenders in XPW. The winner of the match earns an automatic title shot at a future opportunity of their choosing. There will be a series of qualifying matches over the next few weeks, starting right now…
4b) ”REAL DEAL” DAMIEN STEELE versus…. ANONYMOUS JOBBER
(Money-in-the-Bank Qualifying Match)
versus
Squash match as the new XPW commissioner easily overwhelms young Ryan Dangerfield aka "Anonymous Jobber #1". In-ring, Steele reminds you of a young Test - albeit about a foot shorter. He runs through a few sequences, pausing to pose or play to the audience in between, before hitting the Deal Breaker for the victory. For all intents and purposes, the new XPW Commissioner has given himself a gift-wrapped entry into the Money-in-the -Bank ladder match at Night of Champions.
Winner: REAL DEAL DAMIEN STEELE
GORDON SOLIE: Nowadays after the matches on a Pay-Per-View you go to the local hotel bar where everybody is staying and they're all there partying together - it's very disappointing. It only proves a point, you know...but we became a testing and proving ground. When the television came in, of course the television show was a "one-hour commercial" - and it was all geared towards promoting next week’s matches. So because the promoters around the country, particularly if they had a young, green kid who had great potential - they would send him down here to get fine tuned. And that's exactly what we would do. We fine tuned a bunch of them. Now the new commissioner of XPW is just using this system to his advantage, and I find it reprehensible!
____________________________________________________________
5) JC BAILEY versus THE SHEIK (w/ TGW)
versus
This is the debut of JC Bailey in XPW. To cats in the know, this brother got some serious potential in the Death Match circuit if he can only get a little seasoning and more experience. Here though, JC Bailey gets the jobber intro – already standing in the ring to begin the next segment. To the casual viewer (most likely you), he is a nondescript, 20-something young punk with two star tattoos on his collar bones, and a big-ass “BAILEY” tattoo over his stomach like 2Pac’s “Thug Life” (or CM Punk’s “Straight Edge”). Straight fodder for the Syrian murderer, the Original SHEIK, who gets a big TV entrance complete with dim lighting, smoke and accompanied by the bombastic TGW. Match itself is a mere formality, as the SHEIK immediately seizes control and refuses to relinquish it. He savages
JC Bailey who is treated like a crash test dummy or stunt double – bashed around the ring and spiked mercilessly into the mat. Finally, The Sheik locks the bloody jobber into his dreaded camel clutch for the submission victory.
Winner (by submission): THE SHEIK
Post match, TGW takes the mic and touts the reemergence of his man Sheik as a top contender in XPW (reiterating his very first mission statement before they were sidetracked by The Messiah – see “New Years Revolution” for further details). But now The Sheik will blaze his way to glory and overtake the realm of Death Match wrestling forever!!! Suddenly - TGW's mad ravings are met head-on by...
ATSUSHI ONITA!!!
Onita - the crowd favorite - addresses Sheik and TGW from the entrance ramp. Onita is the Godfather of Ultraviolence and a Death Match diety! Any contenders or supposed challengers to the throne must first go through Onita. Therefore, on behalf of Japan, Death Match Wrestling, XPW Remixed and the current King of the Death Match champion Jun Kasai - Onita challenges the Sheik to a Fire Death Match NEXT WEEK on XPW TV!!! An irate TGW accepts on behalf of Sheik and the XPW Arena explodes with cheers!!!
_____________________________________________________________
6) KAOS: From “Kid” to ROCKSTAR
Reigning XPW Remixed TV Champion ROCKSTAR KAOS
MATT STRIKER: Rockstar KAOS is a very talented athlete. He and I have met several times, there was a time when we were going to wrestle down in Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling. I would very much like to wrestle him, if not for anything else than because I know the fans would get a kick out of it and I feel I can learn from him. I have watched his matches closely he is a great wrestler he has a great look, even if I wanted to hate on him, I cannot.
______________________________________________________________
7) DIAMOND DYNASTY
Cue the instrumental for "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" by Kanye West. Enter the immaculately-attired duo of "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers and Jack Swagger. They take the ring to boos and jeers and address the gathering. Rogers starts by gushing over the talent, potential and style of Jack Swagger - and claims the Shooters Club is actually holding Swagger back. By presenting Swagger with the diamond encrusted specialty Rolex and inducting him into the Diamond Dynasty, Buddy Rogers has turned Swagger into a living legend.
JACK SWAGGER: Definitely, Buddy. I’ve always been a big fan of Hollywood. If the opportunity presents itself, I would jump at it. I think I still have a ways to go before I’m ready for that transition, but it’s definitely a possibility. I look like a winner, I smell like a winner, so why not put it on the
big screen?...
But as Swagger is taking the mic to thank Rogers for the honor (and his Hollywood connections), they are interrupted by the Dropkick Murphy's "Shipping Up To Boston"... Enter LOU THESZ!!! Thesz is dressed in wrestling gear, with a small towel draped over his shoulders. He calmly enters the ring with his own microphone and addresses his former training partner-turned-Benedict Arnold, Jack Swagger face to face.
LOU THESZ: I do know pro wrestling has been used to promote a product that is unhealthy, or maybe the world has become something too strange for me to make myself notice. I know some fairly nice kids who are interested in pro wrestling, but I know a hell of a lot of kids who will be the leaders of a healthy society because they are wrestlers - amateur wrestlers. I know of no other sport which cultivates the best in each individual.
JACK SWAGGER: Oh yeah, a huge fan. I started wrestling when I was like 5 years old, so any form of it, I ate it up. Of course in the ’90s it was so exciting with the competition [between WWE and WCW] and everything. Like I said, I’ve been wrestling since I was 5, so any form of wrestling that I see, I automatically love. I think it’s the greatest sport on the planet.
LOU THESZ: Wrestling cultivates self reliance and eliminates the tendency to misplace responsibility for failure. Wrestling builds physical strength and strength of character. It builds tenacity and endurance. It is the original and most basic and even primitive sport. Wrestling goes to the core of our competitive spirit without being destructive - except, maybe, to ones ears.
JACK SWAGGER: I felt like when I came in, even though I was about as raw as you could be to professional wrestling, because of the background, I still was light years ahead of most people. As far as the work in the ring, it’s so much technique and spacing and timing, and that’s what amateur wrestling is, too. So I felt like I learned very fast and a lot of things came naturally for me.
NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS: That’s right! His talents were being wasted in your old timers club!
LOU THESZ: So many people write to me and lament the passing of an era in pro wrestling. I appreciate their sentiment, but I know most of them shell out their money for the pay per views. It isn't a matter of "selling out" the old timers. It is a matter of buying a product you want, and it is the basis for capitalism. After becoming a professional wrestler, I don't ever remember buying a ticket to a wrestling match, (with the exception of charity matches where we wrestled for free and bought our tickets), and I certainly would not start now. However, the course of this society has been charted, and each ticket purchased to pro wrestling moves it ultra-minutely closer to the foundation on which pro wrestling stands today. Pro wrestling is a fantasy of vulgarity and violence and incorporates all the negatives in our society today - gangs, concern only for number one, sex for individual pleasure, and death. On occasion I watch it, and always with the hope I will see some redeeming character, one positive role model for my grandchildren, and one hint of common courtesy or concern for anyone other than self.
JACK SWAGGER: Like I said, the physical part came very naturally to me. The toughest part was the character development and in-ring psychology. Everybody in this business learns something new every day, especially when it comes to learning from the original Nature Boy!!! I still remember when I first signed, it was very overwhelming to get on a microphone and just talk and have it come across as real and believable. I’m not going to lie: It was a big mountain for me, I would say. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers has helped me develop in this business better than you ever did...
NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS: The Shooters Club is dead, old man. Long live the Diamond Dynasty!!! (throws up his 3s and flashes the Rolex)
Swagger pauses and takes a step back, before swinging at Thesz! But his blow his intercepted by Thesz who begins to trap him in a Fujiwara armbar! But Buddy Rogers slams Thesz from behind and the three men begin to scramble and grapple, as XPW security swarm the ring. Crowd chants "XPW! XPW!" as the men are pried apart. On camera, Thesz is caught swearing he'll get his hands on Swagger and ring his neck for his audacity and betrayal. Diamond Dynasty just gloat, preen and continue to taunt the irate Lou Thesz.
MATT STRIKER: I have garnered a wealth of knowledge from both Rogers and Swagger, respectively. Rogers sat me down once and told me "this is not rocket science" and I have kept that advice with me ever since. Swagger has helped me understand how to control the emotion of a match. The ebb and flow of a contest is important. For a while it was important for me to have Buddy’s acceptance on a personal and professional level, I have learned a lot from him and I think their tag team reflects this. Many people have said that they are a WWE caliber team, I appreciate that compliment greatly. Teaming with Buddy Rogers has helped Swagger a great deal and has raised his level as a professional.
_______________________________________________________________
MAIN EVENT
HONKY TONK MAN versus HAKUSHI versus
Big Sal E. Graziano)
versus
FBI gets their big entrance to open the show, answering the loud crowd boos with middle fingers and a flick of the chin. In-ring, Lil Guido commandeers the mic and lays down an inflammatory promo. Introduces his team, declares their dominance over XPW and make a few references to “the Bosses” whose orders they follow without question. They will forever by Full Blooded Italians, but here in XPW Remixed they operate under the name “La Coka Nostra”. They were directed to “hit” Cryme Tyme in retaliation for the tag team’s promo where they promised to “take it back to the streets”. Cryme Tyme are a bunch of Scarface-watching, wannabe poseurs! The FBI, La Coka Nostra and their “bosses” run the streets… Cryme Tyme just run around in it!!! This of course draws out Shad and JTG – Cryme Tyme – for their rebuttal (big crowd pop for their arrival). Brief dueling mic bit before we get down to the actual in-ring action between JTG and Lil Guido. Excellent, mat-based match to start – filled with tons of counters, reversals and roll-throughs. Gaspard, Mamaluke and Big Sal E. Graziano keep things lively on the outside of the ring with their crowd interactions and mutual trash talking. Match pace picks up when JTG takes to the air, and Guido’s bump-taking only accentuates his aerial offense. But in the end, Guido nearly snatches JTG out of the air with an armbar counter and aggressively rolls through with it until JTG is forced to tap from the excruciating pain. The Sicilian Shooter sets the tone for La Coka Nostra’s arrival in XPW. But who’s da boss???
Winner (by submission): LIL GUIDO (w/ La Coka Nostra aka “FBI”)
_______________________________________________________________
3) WHITE TRASH WORLD
Introductory vignette – the first of its kind on XPW Remixed TV – for the newest act to the grace the XPW stage. Introducing…
MAD MAN PONDO with JESSICA DARLIN!!!
Low-budget, trailer park sketch that serves to introduce Pondo and his new valet. Pondo is portraying a dangerous, white trash rebel on some “THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN!!!” bullshit (like the movie “2001 Maniacs” in which Pondo had a cameo as the undead town’s local butcher). Jessica Darlin looks as trashy as she does scintillating in her plaid button down and tight Daisy Dukes and co-signs all of Mad Man Pondo’s violent eccentricities. XPW Remixed will be the new home to their brand of fiery Confederate White power.
_________________________________________________________________
4a) GOLD DUST TRIO INC PRESS CONFERENCE
There is a row of chairs seated behind a long table, at which about a ½ dozen men sit. The three men in the center are immediately recognizable – Strangler Lewis, with the microphone in front of him, Toots Mondt to his right and the eccentric and colorful TGW (whose obnoxious attire is in stark contrast to the suit and tie outfits of those around him) on Strangler’s left. Behind him the XPW logo hangs proudly, with a few posters promoting the next PPV strategically placed around it. Gold Dust Trio Inc officially announces the PPV numbers for “Fall Out” (a rousing success) and hype their next big show “Night of Champions” (a show in which “all XPW champions will see action”). #2 on their list of major announcements is the location for their Night of Champions PPV. The native West Coast company is seeking to expand their empire by going national, and will be hosting the PPV on the East Coast – in Pittsburg PA to be exact! That’s right, former XPW champion Bruno Sammartino’s hometown will play host to the first East Coast XPW show in nearly 10 years!!! Finally, their last big announcement – they are appointing an on screen XPW Commissioner to oversee the wrestling portion of the show. Introducing the very first XPW champion ever (real life, circa 1999) and NEW XPW Commissioner…
”The Real Deal” Damien Steele!!!
The cocky and bombastic Steele takes the main podium, where he cuts more of a wrestling promo than answering any reporters’ questions. He reiterates his history as an XPW original (and the first XPW champion ever) and declares his unwavering allegiance to Gold Dust Trio Inc. His first order of business as XPW Commissioner is to introduce a new concept to XPW – the Money in the Bank Ladder match. This #1 contender’s match will take place at “Night of Champions” and will feature 8 of the top contenders in XPW. The winner of the match earns an automatic title shot at a future opportunity of their choosing. There will be a series of qualifying matches over the next few weeks, starting right now…
4b) ”REAL DEAL” DAMIEN STEELE versus…. ANONYMOUS JOBBER
(Money-in-the-Bank Qualifying Match)
versus
Squash match as the new XPW commissioner easily overwhelms young Ryan Dangerfield aka "Anonymous Jobber #1". In-ring, Steele reminds you of a young Test - albeit about a foot shorter. He runs through a few sequences, pausing to pose or play to the audience in between, before hitting the Deal Breaker for the victory. For all intents and purposes, the new XPW Commissioner has given himself a gift-wrapped entry into the Money-in-the -Bank ladder match at Night of Champions.
Winner: REAL DEAL DAMIEN STEELE
GORDON SOLIE: Nowadays after the matches on a Pay-Per-View you go to the local hotel bar where everybody is staying and they're all there partying together - it's very disappointing. It only proves a point, you know...but we became a testing and proving ground. When the television came in, of course the television show was a "one-hour commercial" - and it was all geared towards promoting next week’s matches. So because the promoters around the country, particularly if they had a young, green kid who had great potential - they would send him down here to get fine tuned. And that's exactly what we would do. We fine tuned a bunch of them. Now the new commissioner of XPW is just using this system to his advantage, and I find it reprehensible!
____________________________________________________________
5) JC BAILEY versus THE SHEIK (w/ TGW)
versus
This is the debut of JC Bailey in XPW. To cats in the know, this brother got some serious potential in the Death Match circuit if he can only get a little seasoning and more experience. Here though, JC Bailey gets the jobber intro – already standing in the ring to begin the next segment. To the casual viewer (most likely you), he is a nondescript, 20-something young punk with two star tattoos on his collar bones, and a big-ass “BAILEY” tattoo over his stomach like 2Pac’s “Thug Life” (or CM Punk’s “Straight Edge”). Straight fodder for the Syrian murderer, the Original SHEIK, who gets a big TV entrance complete with dim lighting, smoke and accompanied by the bombastic TGW. Match itself is a mere formality, as the SHEIK immediately seizes control and refuses to relinquish it. He savages
JC Bailey who is treated like a crash test dummy or stunt double – bashed around the ring and spiked mercilessly into the mat. Finally, The Sheik locks the bloody jobber into his dreaded camel clutch for the submission victory.
Winner (by submission): THE SHEIK
Post match, TGW takes the mic and touts the reemergence of his man Sheik as a top contender in XPW (reiterating his very first mission statement before they were sidetracked by The Messiah – see “New Years Revolution” for further details). But now The Sheik will blaze his way to glory and overtake the realm of Death Match wrestling forever!!! Suddenly - TGW's mad ravings are met head-on by...
ATSUSHI ONITA!!!
Onita - the crowd favorite - addresses Sheik and TGW from the entrance ramp. Onita is the Godfather of Ultraviolence and a Death Match diety! Any contenders or supposed challengers to the throne must first go through Onita. Therefore, on behalf of Japan, Death Match Wrestling, XPW Remixed and the current King of the Death Match champion Jun Kasai - Onita challenges the Sheik to a Fire Death Match NEXT WEEK on XPW TV!!! An irate TGW accepts on behalf of Sheik and the XPW Arena explodes with cheers!!!
_____________________________________________________________
6) KAOS: From “Kid” to ROCKSTAR
Reigning XPW Remixed TV Champion ROCKSTAR KAOS
MATT STRIKER: Rockstar KAOS is a very talented athlete. He and I have met several times, there was a time when we were going to wrestle down in Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling. I would very much like to wrestle him, if not for anything else than because I know the fans would get a kick out of it and I feel I can learn from him. I have watched his matches closely he is a great wrestler he has a great look, even if I wanted to hate on him, I cannot.
______________________________________________________________
7) DIAMOND DYNASTY
Cue the instrumental for "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" by Kanye West. Enter the immaculately-attired duo of "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers and Jack Swagger. They take the ring to boos and jeers and address the gathering. Rogers starts by gushing over the talent, potential and style of Jack Swagger - and claims the Shooters Club is actually holding Swagger back. By presenting Swagger with the diamond encrusted specialty Rolex and inducting him into the Diamond Dynasty, Buddy Rogers has turned Swagger into a living legend.
JACK SWAGGER: Definitely, Buddy. I’ve always been a big fan of Hollywood. If the opportunity presents itself, I would jump at it. I think I still have a ways to go before I’m ready for that transition, but it’s definitely a possibility. I look like a winner, I smell like a winner, so why not put it on the
big screen?...
But as Swagger is taking the mic to thank Rogers for the honor (and his Hollywood connections), they are interrupted by the Dropkick Murphy's "Shipping Up To Boston"... Enter LOU THESZ!!! Thesz is dressed in wrestling gear, with a small towel draped over his shoulders. He calmly enters the ring with his own microphone and addresses his former training partner-turned-Benedict Arnold, Jack Swagger face to face.
LOU THESZ: I do know pro wrestling has been used to promote a product that is unhealthy, or maybe the world has become something too strange for me to make myself notice. I know some fairly nice kids who are interested in pro wrestling, but I know a hell of a lot of kids who will be the leaders of a healthy society because they are wrestlers - amateur wrestlers. I know of no other sport which cultivates the best in each individual.
JACK SWAGGER: Oh yeah, a huge fan. I started wrestling when I was like 5 years old, so any form of it, I ate it up. Of course in the ’90s it was so exciting with the competition [between WWE and WCW] and everything. Like I said, I’ve been wrestling since I was 5, so any form of wrestling that I see, I automatically love. I think it’s the greatest sport on the planet.
LOU THESZ: Wrestling cultivates self reliance and eliminates the tendency to misplace responsibility for failure. Wrestling builds physical strength and strength of character. It builds tenacity and endurance. It is the original and most basic and even primitive sport. Wrestling goes to the core of our competitive spirit without being destructive - except, maybe, to ones ears.
JACK SWAGGER: I felt like when I came in, even though I was about as raw as you could be to professional wrestling, because of the background, I still was light years ahead of most people. As far as the work in the ring, it’s so much technique and spacing and timing, and that’s what amateur wrestling is, too. So I felt like I learned very fast and a lot of things came naturally for me.
NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS: That’s right! His talents were being wasted in your old timers club!
LOU THESZ: So many people write to me and lament the passing of an era in pro wrestling. I appreciate their sentiment, but I know most of them shell out their money for the pay per views. It isn't a matter of "selling out" the old timers. It is a matter of buying a product you want, and it is the basis for capitalism. After becoming a professional wrestler, I don't ever remember buying a ticket to a wrestling match, (with the exception of charity matches where we wrestled for free and bought our tickets), and I certainly would not start now. However, the course of this society has been charted, and each ticket purchased to pro wrestling moves it ultra-minutely closer to the foundation on which pro wrestling stands today. Pro wrestling is a fantasy of vulgarity and violence and incorporates all the negatives in our society today - gangs, concern only for number one, sex for individual pleasure, and death. On occasion I watch it, and always with the hope I will see some redeeming character, one positive role model for my grandchildren, and one hint of common courtesy or concern for anyone other than self.
JACK SWAGGER: Like I said, the physical part came very naturally to me. The toughest part was the character development and in-ring psychology. Everybody in this business learns something new every day, especially when it comes to learning from the original Nature Boy!!! I still remember when I first signed, it was very overwhelming to get on a microphone and just talk and have it come across as real and believable. I’m not going to lie: It was a big mountain for me, I would say. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers has helped me develop in this business better than you ever did...
NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS: The Shooters Club is dead, old man. Long live the Diamond Dynasty!!! (throws up his 3s and flashes the Rolex)
Swagger pauses and takes a step back, before swinging at Thesz! But his blow his intercepted by Thesz who begins to trap him in a Fujiwara armbar! But Buddy Rogers slams Thesz from behind and the three men begin to scramble and grapple, as XPW security swarm the ring. Crowd chants "XPW! XPW!" as the men are pried apart. On camera, Thesz is caught swearing he'll get his hands on Swagger and ring his neck for his audacity and betrayal. Diamond Dynasty just gloat, preen and continue to taunt the irate Lou Thesz.
MATT STRIKER: I have garnered a wealth of knowledge from both Rogers and Swagger, respectively. Rogers sat me down once and told me "this is not rocket science" and I have kept that advice with me ever since. Swagger has helped me understand how to control the emotion of a match. The ebb and flow of a contest is important. For a while it was important for me to have Buddy’s acceptance on a personal and professional level, I have learned a lot from him and I think their tag team reflects this. Many people have said that they are a WWE caliber team, I appreciate that compliment greatly. Teaming with Buddy Rogers has helped Swagger a great deal and has raised his level as a professional.
_______________________________________________________________
MAIN EVENT
HONKY TONK MAN versus HAKUSHI versus
SUPERFLY JIMMY SNUKA
(Money-in-the-Bank Qualifying match)
versus versus
Main event match devoid of any extracurricular activity or unnecessary shenanigans. Just three guys performing to the best of their abilities for the mere opportunity to compete in a #1 contenders match. Honky Tonk Man plays the comedic, cowardly heel to perfection in the face of the frenzied Superfly Snuka - who in turn finds his savage rage offset by the calm aerodynamics of Hakushi. Double-teams and creative 3-way spots abound. End comes with a Superfly Splash to Honky Tonk Man that flattens the Elvis impersonator with finality. But before Snuka can gather the pin fall he is crushed from above by a moonsault! The impact bounces Snuka off the Honky Tonk Man's prone body, where Hakushi quickly scores the pin! Hakushi is going to "Night of Champions"!
Winner: HAKUSHI
________________________________________________________________
GORDON SOLIE: They were phenomenal athletes, phenomenal competitors and every so often you get that magic you know... But I could go down the list - I mention these people and I am leaving out dozens and dozens of other great competitors. But Hakushi - he was one of the few that I got to know his real name. I did not socialize much with many of the competitors, I didn't feel it was good to mix...
MATT STRIKER: There's an old saying: 'If you wanna hear God laugh, tell 'im your plans. All things considered. I'd like to continue telling stories on air. It is really like a live action comic book if you think about it. XPW Remixed matches and characters are issues and episodes. There are long, deep running rivalries and histories as well as new characters with new powers coming and looking to change the landscape. So if I can be around this form of entertainment, intrigue and fantasy then I will do whatever I can to remain in that realm…
__________________________________________________________
CREDITS:
BRUNO SAMMARTINO: Camel Clutch blog interview
GENERAL SKANDOR AKBAR: slam.canoe.ca article
JACK SWAGGER: Baltimore Sun Interview April 23, 2010
LOU THESZ: Wrestling Classics Editorial
GORDON SOLIE: Jeremy Hartley interview
MATT STRIKER: Declaration of Independents Interview & Marvel.com interview (2009)
(Money-in-the-Bank Qualifying match)
versus versus
Main event match devoid of any extracurricular activity or unnecessary shenanigans. Just three guys performing to the best of their abilities for the mere opportunity to compete in a #1 contenders match. Honky Tonk Man plays the comedic, cowardly heel to perfection in the face of the frenzied Superfly Snuka - who in turn finds his savage rage offset by the calm aerodynamics of Hakushi. Double-teams and creative 3-way spots abound. End comes with a Superfly Splash to Honky Tonk Man that flattens the Elvis impersonator with finality. But before Snuka can gather the pin fall he is crushed from above by a moonsault! The impact bounces Snuka off the Honky Tonk Man's prone body, where Hakushi quickly scores the pin! Hakushi is going to "Night of Champions"!
Winner: HAKUSHI
________________________________________________________________
GORDON SOLIE: They were phenomenal athletes, phenomenal competitors and every so often you get that magic you know... But I could go down the list - I mention these people and I am leaving out dozens and dozens of other great competitors. But Hakushi - he was one of the few that I got to know his real name. I did not socialize much with many of the competitors, I didn't feel it was good to mix...
MATT STRIKER: There's an old saying: 'If you wanna hear God laugh, tell 'im your plans. All things considered. I'd like to continue telling stories on air. It is really like a live action comic book if you think about it. XPW Remixed matches and characters are issues and episodes. There are long, deep running rivalries and histories as well as new characters with new powers coming and looking to change the landscape. So if I can be around this form of entertainment, intrigue and fantasy then I will do whatever I can to remain in that realm…
__________________________________________________________
CREDITS:
BRUNO SAMMARTINO: Camel Clutch blog interview
GENERAL SKANDOR AKBAR: slam.canoe.ca article
JACK SWAGGER: Baltimore Sun Interview April 23, 2010
LOU THESZ: Wrestling Classics Editorial
GORDON SOLIE: Jeremy Hartley interview
MATT STRIKER: Declaration of Independents Interview & Marvel.com interview (2009)