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Post by vertigo on Jun 20, 2012 14:32:44 GMT -5
In an attempt at TNM consistency and creativity I have set up a fun challenge for myself: book 1 Year of WWE's ECW.
Scenario: I've been hired as the head booker for WWE's ECW brand in the middle of 2007. Ratings for all three brands are up but as the future told, ECW was headed in a downward spiral shortly after the 2007 Draft. My job is to avoid that decline, keep morale high, and bring some sort of legitimacy to the product. I will book for one 1-hour television show per week, any ECW appearances on PPV, and the blowoff to my run as head booker; One Night Stand 2008.
Challenge 1: 2007 Draft. On the June 11, 2007 edition of RAW, WWE held the Draft Lottery. This will also mark my first day on the job. The finishes for the night0 will remain the same, however, all the drafts will be randomized. This will shake things up tremendously for me as well as offering a complete diversion from what really happened through the next year.
Challenge 2: The Deaths of Vince McMahon and Chris Benoit. While one was a work and one very tragic shoot, both will still happen in this scenario and both will play out the same. Benoit's death occurred roughly 3 weeks after the 2007 Draft and Vince's death angle was immediately stopped. In reality, Benoit was drafted to ECW. However, in my scenario, if he is NOT drafted, booking will go forward as if nothing happened (much like it did).
Challenge 3: Future Endeavours & Suspensions. I cannot fire or suspend anyone. All actual releases and suspensions will occur just as they did in real life.
Challenge 4: No Talent Exchange. On October 16, 2007 ECW and Smackdown! agreed to exchange talent which would allow members of both rosters to appear on either show. Not in this scenario. Here, all ECW Extremists are exclusive to the brand. The same with Smackdown! talent.
Challenge 5: Pay Per Views. The days of exclusive ECW pay-per-views are over. ECW generally only receives one match at each PPV. The only thing that changes in this scenario is that at the end of my year as booker, ECW takes back One Night Stand.
Challenge 6: TNM's Decisions. If TNM decides to throw me a few curveballs in the form of no-shows, notices, or quitting effective immediately, they will be acknowledged. However, notices and quitting will be translated as the higher ups telling me they want someone moved to RAW or Smackdown! I'll receive someone from either of those rosters in exchange.
Challenge 7: WWE Universe. At times an angle is so big it encompasses the entire WWE Universe. I'll do my best to include these on my shows. Any events that happen on RAW or Smackdown! exclusively will likely have no impact on ECW unless ECW talent is required for said show.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 20, 2012 15:27:05 GMT -5
WWE RAW - 2007 Draft June 11, 2007 Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA[This is just a quick report of the Draft. ECW will have more detailed writeups.] The winner of each match tonight receives one draft pick for their brand immediately following the match. The winner of the night's Main Event Battle Royal wins 2 draft picks for their brand. Edge defeated John Cena** Smackdown! drafts The Great Khali & Ranjin Singh from RAW CM Punk defeated Carlito** ECW drafts Ashley from Smackdown!Umaga defeated Balls Mahoney** RAW drafts King Booker & Queen Sharmell from Smackdown!Lashley defeated Chris Benoit** ECW drafts Ric Flair from Smackdown!MVP defeated Santino Marella** Smackdown! drafts Shawn Micheals from RAWThe Miz defeated Snitsky** Smackdown! drafts Jim Duggan from RAWCandice Michelle defeated Krystal** RAW drafts Marcus Cor Von from ECWBatista defeated Jeff Hardy and Elijah Burke** Smackdown! drafts John Cena from RAWRandy Orton won a 15 man over the top rope Battle Royal** RAW drafts Balls Mahoney from ECW ** RAW drafts John "Bradshaw" Layfield from Smackdown!Booker's Thoughts:I used random.org for these picks and it pretty much stayed true to how ECW was handled. I lose an original in Balls Mahoney and an up-and-comer in Cor Von. In return, I get Ashley... and RIC FLAIR! I'm really looking forward to booking Flair in this environment. I would have happily let Balls & Cor Von go for Flair alone but eh, maybe I'll find something for Ashley to do. As far as the rest of the WWE Universe goes, their were some BIG shakeups for them. The drafts involving The Great Khali and King Booker actually happened IRL. Meanwhile, Smackdown! getting Micheals and Cena is huge!
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Post by vertigo on Jun 21, 2012 7:31:19 GMT -5
Supplemental Draft Results
- RAW drafts The Boogeyman, Jamie Noble, The Miz, and Sylvan from Smackdown!
- Smackdown! drafts Snitsky from ECW
- ECW drafts The Highlanders (Rory & Robbie McAllister) from RAW
- RAW drafts Little Guido and Stevie Richards from ECW
- Smackdown! drafts Ron Simmons, Chris Masters, and Charlie Haas from RAW
- ECW drafts Daivari and Sho Funaki from Smackdown
Booker's Thoughts Losing two more ECW originals isn't the best situation but it could be worse. I pick up a tag team that I always felt didn't get a fair shake in The Highlanders. I also landed Daivari, a solid worker, and Funaki, who is, well, Funaki.
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Post by JustinCredible on Jun 21, 2012 7:50:24 GMT -5
can't wait to see your final roster & how you use the drafted talent.
I agree with you. The Highlanders didn't really get used to their potential in WWE. I always thought they could have been a Sheephereders-type of team if they had a good heel run.
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Post by mdale2k on Jun 21, 2012 8:12:56 GMT -5
Pretty cool concept I must say.
Looking forward to it.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 24, 2012 12:56:19 GMT -5
ECW on Sci Fi June 12, 2007 Philadelphia, PA Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
Joey Styles & Tazz solemly acknowledge the death of Mr. McMahon Monday night following the RAW Draft Lottery and then a clip is shown of the stage collapse that killed him. Tonight on ECW we will see a series of matches dedicated to Mr. McMahon but first a 10 bell moment of silence for the late CEO.
[Extreme Rules Match] Hardcore Holly pinned Tommy Dreamer with the Alabama Slam in 0:08:04. Rating: ** 1/2
The Philly crowd gave Tommy Dreamer and huge ovation and a deafening "ECW! ECW!" chant as he made his entrance. He and Hardcore Holly brawled from bell to bell using a variety of weapons pulled from under the ring. In the end it was Hardcore Holly putting Dreamer away with the Alabama Slam on a chair.
We see a prerecorded interview with The Highlanders about their ECW debut next week and they said they have some important information regarding a couple of guys on the ECW roster.
ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley makes his way to the ring for a promo. Before he gets a word out, the legendary music of "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair cuts him off and the crowd erupts as Flair comes to the ring. Flair puts over Lashley as a dominate Champion. He goes on to say that tonight he's teaming up with CM Punk (cheers!) to take on The New Breed duo of Elijah Burke & Matt Striker (boos!) with the Top Contendership on the line. He says all three of those men are great but that he's "The Dirtiest Player in the Game" and invites Lashley to sit ringside and watch as "The Nature Boy" shows him why he's the man.
Kevin Thorn pinned Sho Funaki with the Original Sin in 0:04:18. Rating: * 3/4
Funaki, one of the men drafted to ECW last night, was in over his head tonight with the blood spitting vampire, Kevin Thorn. Ever since leaving the New Breed stable, Thorn has been on a tear.
After the match, the fans in Philadelphia nearly blew the roof off the place when The Sandman appeared in the second level of the stands! After soaking in the cheers for a minute he made his way down the stairs, over the barrier, and into the ring. Kevin Thorn cautiously left the ring keeping his eye on The Sandman and his cane. Poor Funaki just happened to be getting to his feet at the wrong time when The Sandman gave him a good caning while the crowd approved. Thorn walked backwards up the ramp never taking his eyes off The Sandman.
A clip montage is shown in memory of Vince McMahon.
After the break Joey Styles & Tazz tell us that a match has been signed next week between The Sandman and Kevin Thorn.
[Winner of the Fall Becomes Top Contender] Ric Flair and CM Punk defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke and Matt Striker) when R. Flair pinned Striker after a schoolboy cradle in 0:17:07. Rating: *** 1/4
Bobby Lashley sat ringside per invitation from Ric Flair earlier in the night. CM Punk and Elijah Burke have had their differences for quite awhile and they wasted no time tearing into each other. The New Breed eventually got the advantage on Flair and worked him over for a bit. Flair finally managed to tag Punk who hit a series of moves on both Burke & Striker before getting Striker up for the Go To Sleep. Flair reached out and tagged Punk on the back just before Punk dropped Striker with his finisher. Punk covered, but the referee let him know he wasn't the legal man. Then Flair came in the ring and covered Striker as Punk watched him become the Top Contender thanks to his Go To Sleep.
Burke then blindsided Punk with a brutal right hand prompting Lashley to get in the ring and chase him off. Striker staggered to his feet only to be snatched up onto the shoulder of the ECW World Champion. Lashley stared at Burke before turning towards Flair. He then slammed Striker hard with The Dominator sending a message to the new Top Contender.
The show closes with a photo in remembrance of the late Mr. McMahon.
Card rating: **3/4
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Post by wickedrex1 on Jun 24, 2012 14:23:13 GMT -5
Good show.
It'll be interesting to see what happens between Flair/Punk/Lashley after the first episode.
I'll keep reading.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jun 25, 2012 9:34:10 GMT -5
Interesting concept. Flair in WWECW will be strange.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 25, 2012 10:29:51 GMT -5
One of the more difficult things I'll have to deal with is Flair's "retirement". I didn't realize this was the time he started building up for his match with Micheals at Wrestlemania. Certainly Flair wouldn't want to retire as a member of ECW so I'll need to address this at some point.
And the WWE Universe really screws with the ECW roster between June '07 - June '08. Fortunately, I have the foresight that creative didn't have at the time.
It was also weird typing about Vince's death and what killed him even if they are just footnotes until after Vengeance: Night of Champions. What an incredibly strange angle to run.
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Post by KWOAOA on Jun 25, 2012 14:38:11 GMT -5
If I may toss in a suggestion here, I wouldn't honestly care what Flair would want, even though like you said he'd be retiring in due time, have him retire in ECW.. It could work in your favor for a few reasons: 1) Heyman hated Flair and never wanted him in ECW (which leads to point #2) 2) With you essentially playing the part of Heyman and having Flair retire it would in a way to shit on Flair's legacy since you can always do a promo stating that how Flair maybe the greatest but he never did capture the ECW title. Which in turn would have you the promoter pushed as a uber-heel since your dumping on one of the greatest and keeping with Paul's tradition of hating Flair. Not only that BUT back when Paul worked for WCW it was Flair's promotion so it's kinda a "what goes around, comes around" sort of idea.
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Post by allpowerfulgarth on Jun 26, 2012 9:18:24 GMT -5
Kwoaoa, the problem with that scenario is that by this point in history, Paul Heyman was long gone. Vince McMahon had been acting as de facto authority figure up to this point, and Armando Estrada would be brought on as ECW general manager shortly afterward. Vertigo is going for a degree of realism here, so I don't think there's any chance of him using Heyman.
That said, the angle could potentially work with somebody else in the authority figure role; there's no reason why it has to be Estrada, and there are a few other guys whose interactions with Ric Flair would make sense. Mick Foley didn't get along with Flair, and they'd had a brutal feud the year before, so he might work. Other guys who had good relationships with WWE at the time and who could have interesting interactions with Flair would include Dusty Rhodes and Arn Anderson, and possibly Roddy Piper as well if he'd sufficiently recovered from his bout with cancer by that point.
Vertigo, I know you think Flair wouldn't have wanted to go out as part of ECW because you're remembering WWE's version of ECW for what it became: a third brand unmistakably portrayed as inferior to the other two. But at this point in history, that hasn't happened yet. WWE very much tried to portray ECW as being equal to RAW and SmackDown! right up until Bobby Lashley was drafted away, and it may yet have tried to keep ECW on an even keel had Chris Benoit not screwed up the plans to put an established former world champion at the top. Yes, Flair bailed on SmackDown! in 2007 and ended up retiring as part of the RAW roster, but that was probably less about SmackDown! being the B-show and more about him not having anything to do on SmackDown! except putz around the midcard feuding with Carlito and MVP. Give him something important to do at the center of a still-strong ECW, and maybe he'd see things differently.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 26, 2012 11:17:55 GMT -5
Yes, I'm trying to work within the confines of the '07 WWE Universe and anything creative had no control over, like future endeavors and bringing in unsigned talent, I can't do either. Heyman coming in to take over ECW is the dream of original ECW fan, but he already abandoned ship. I'm trying to avoid the iceberg ECW inevitably hit without taking liberties.
So many major parts of this time period were effected by MY alternate draft. For example, Lashley wasn't drafted so the belt was never vacated. Johnny Nitro and The Miz were NOT drafted to ECW, where their characters really developed, The Major Brothers remain on ECW which makes it impossible for them to become Edgeheads and so on...
I'm glad this circuit is getting some discussion going. I always felt Benoit's death marked the death of ECW and just thinking about the possibilities had he didn't go crazy make me feel like ECW could have become something more than it did.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 26, 2012 15:12:38 GMT -5
ECW on Sci Fi June 19, 2007 Charlotte, NC Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
After the ECW on Sci Fi opening montage, Ashley is shown walking down a hallway somewhere in the arena. She smiles and waves as she walks past some staff before being approached by Extreme Expose (Kelly, Brooke, & Layla). Kelly happily introduces herself but Brooke and Layla turn their noses up to Ashley and walk away. Kelly awkwardly apologizes for them and walks away.
Top Contender Ric Flair comes to the ring to a loud ovation from his hometown! He lets us know that he gets his ECW World Title Match this Sunday at Vengeance: Night of Champions. He puts over Bobby Lashley and his plans on winning the title before being interrupted by Elijah Burke & Matt Striker. Burke says the New Breed has tried for so long to get the old guys out of ECW and now the oldest one of them all shows up. Just as Flair begins to talk Daivari hops over the barrier, enters the ring behind Flair, and blindsides him. We haven't seen Daivari since he was drafted to ECW and apparently he's joined the New Breed.
CM Punk tries to make the save but eventually he is overcome by the New Breed. Then Bobby Lashley hits the ring and The New Breed scatters. Lashley, Punk, and Flair wants a six man tag team match tonight!
The Major Brothers (Brett Major and Brian Major) defeated The Highlanders (Robbie McAllister and Rory McAllister) when Brett pinned Rory after a flying dropkick in 0:10:01. Rating: * 1/2
This was The Highlanders debut match in ECW. Before the bell, The Highlanders claimed that the The Major Brothers were, in fact, NOT brothers. The Highlanders are the only real blood brothers in ECW and The Majors are an embarrassement to legendary teams like the Briscoe Brothers and the Steiner Brothers.
The Majors would go on to spoil The Highlanders debut with a victory tonight. Rory & Robbie didn't take losing lightly as they attacked The Majors after the match and left them laying.
Hardcore Holly pinned Sho Funaki with the Alabama Slam in 0:03:57. Rating: ***
Ashley comes to the ring to say hi to the ECW fans. She isn't out there long before Extreme Expose come to the ring. Layla snatches the microphone from Ashley and lets her know that this is actually Extreme Expose's segment. Kelly again awkwardly apologizes to Ashley as the lights in the arena go down and Extreme Expose begin their dance routine. Ashley leaves the ring a little upset, but she laughs it off and she highfives some fans on the way up the ramp.
Kevin Thorn pinned The Sandman with the Original Sin in 0:08:04. Rating: *
Thorn cut an insert promo during the match saying that he plans to give The Sandman a taste of his own medicine by cracking him with the Singapore cane the first chance he gets. This match was a slugfest that saw Kevin Thorn get the win with his awesome finisher. As Thorn started to leave the ring he noticed The Sandman's Singapore cane at ringside. He picked it up and prepared to nail The Sandman with it but referee Scott Armstrong took it from him. As Thorn threatened him, The Sandman hit Thorn in the back knocking him into the referee and knocking the cane to the ground. The Sandman snatched it up but Thorn bailed before any damage could be done. There is still unfinished business between these two.
[Main Event] Ric Flair, Bobby Lashley and CM Punk defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Daivari and Matt Striker) when Lashley pinned Striker with the Dominator in 0:15:01. Rating: **
Daivari looked impressive in his ECW debut and he undoubtebly has made The New Breed a stronger stable. In the end, CM Punk launched himself out of the ring onto Daivari and Burke incapacitating them long enough for Bobby Lashley to destroy Matt Striker with The Dominator for the win. Ric Flair was quick to congratulate the ECW World Champion on the pinfall. As the referee raised Lashley's hand "The Dirtiest Player in the Game" snuck behind Lashley and gave him a low blow crumbling the Champion to his knees. The fans erupted with cheers as Flair busted out a nice little strut before exiting backwards up with ramp. Lashley scowled at the Top Contender as the show closed.
Card rating: **3/4
Notes: This Sunday, June 24, live from Houston, Texas WWE presents Vengeance: Night of Champions!
ECW World Championship Match Bobby Lashley © vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair
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Post by vertigo on Jun 30, 2012 9:12:47 GMT -5
WWE Vengeance; Night of Champions June 24, 2007 Houston, TX Commentators for ECW Match: Joey Styles & Tazz
3. Bobby Lashley pinned Ric Flair with the Dominator in 0:10:05. Rating: ** 1/2 (Bobby Lashley retained the ECW World Title.)
The crowd was split for the beginning of the match but they seemed to root for Flair as it progressed. Lashley was very overpowering early and Flair couldn't find an answer for him. No amount of chops would effect the Champion. However, a well placed shoulder behind the knee took the Champion down and Flair focused on his leg. Flair was able to lock on his Figure Four but Lashley powered out. Feeling rejuvenated Lashley slammed Flair down hard with a back body drop and press slam before hitting The Dominator to retain the ECW World Title.
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Post by snabbit888 on Aug 15, 2012 13:47:06 GMT -5
I enjoyed this concept and where it was going. Any chance of it coming back, vertigo?
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Post by vertigo on Aug 15, 2012 14:20:13 GMT -5
Absolutely! The next show is half written and I have pages and pages of notes for things I want to do for my ECW year. It's just me being half lazy and half swamped at work to sit down and write a few cards. Work slows down as autumn get closer and everyone prepares for the holidays so at the worst I'll be up in running regularly again in about a month. At the worst.
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Post by snabbit888 on Aug 15, 2012 14:30:34 GMT -5
Good. I would be tremendously disappointed otherwise.
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Post by vertigo on Sept 9, 2012 14:42:39 GMT -5
ECW on Sci Fi June 26, 2007 San Antonio, TX Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
After the opening credits, a video package is shown highlighting the ECW Championship Match at Vengeance: Night of Champions where Bobby Lashley successfully defended the title against "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Then we cut to Joey Styles & Tazz who hype tonight's show by announcing a Top Contenders Match between Ric Flair and Hardcore Holly as well as CM Punk taking on a New Breed member Daivari!
[Top Contenders Match] Hardcore Holly pinned Ric Flair with the Alabama Slam in 0:13:50. Rating: *** 3/4
Hardcore Holly has proved himself in recent months here in ECW and tonight he looked to wrestle the Top Contender spot from Ric Flair. Flair started out strong lighting up Holly with numerous chops that caused Holly's chest to turn bright red with welts. But Holly can give as good as he gets and then some. Holly used his strength and toughness to battle Flair's seasoned tactics and in the end, to the astonishment of the crowd, Holly defeated Flair cleanly with the Alabama Slam. A very, very good match to start the show and an incredible victory for the new Top Contender, Hardcore Holly!
In the back Ashley can be seen excitedly talking to Kelly Kelly about something. Kelly looks very happy for her until her Extreme Expose cohorts, Leyla and Brooke, arrive. They dampened the mood a little bit before pulling Kelly Kelly away saying they need to prepare for their routine.
Tommy Dreamer pinned Matt Striker with the Dreamer DDT in 0:05:07. Rating: ** 3/4
During the match the camera cuts to a room somewhere in the arena where Elijah Burke and Daivari of the New Breed are watching a monitor. They shake their head in disappointment as they watch Striker put in little offense against Tommy Dreamer. Eventually, Dreamer handily defeats Striker putting him away with his finisher.
A clip package of the recent battles between Kevin Thorn and The Sandman is shown. Then we find out that next week the two will meet in a Singapore Cane on a Pole Match!
Extreme Expose takes the spotlight and put on an energetic and sexy dance routine. Tazz comments that he's enjoying the routine very much.
Robbie McAllister defeated Brett Major via pinfall in 0:06:08. Rating: **
The feud between The Highlanders and The Major Brothers escalated another level tonight. While Robbie McAllister and Brett Majors wrestled in the ring, their partners, Rory McAllister and Brian Major did commentary at ringside. Rory constantly called out the Major Brothers for not being brothers. While Joey Styles & Tazz tried to keep the peace between the two on commentary, eventually their arguing escalated into a full blown fist fight at the announce table. Brett was briefly distracted by the brawl long enough for Robbie to land a blow to the back of Brett's head and pick up the win. Brian wasted little time tending to his partner while The Highlanders celebrated up the ramp.
Our next match was scheduled to be Daivari taking on CM Punk. Davari made his entrance followed by the music of CM Punk but Punk was no where to be seen. Instead, after a minute of waiting on Punk, Elijah Burke came to the ring and told the audience that CM Punk could not compete tonight and therefore, the winner by forfeit, Davairi!. The crowd obviously didn't like Burke's announcement and showered him with boo's. Their boo's turned to cheers as Bobby Lashley's music hit and the ECW Champion came to the ring to take Punk's place.
Bobby Lashley defeated Daivari by disqualification in 0:08:15. Rating: * 1/2 [Elijah Burke interfered against Bobby Lashley.] (CM Punk no-showed.)
It's very strange that CM Punk wouldn't show up for his match but Bobby Lashley looked as strong as ever as Punk's replacement as he laid a beating on Daivari. He was able to keep Burke at bay for most of the match but after blatant interference the referee disqualified Daivari. The New Breed attempted to get some cheap shots in on the Champion but Lashley fought them off and cleared them from the ring The new Top Contender, Hardcore Holly, then made his way to ringside and grabbed the ECW Championship from the timekeeper's table. He slid in the ring and went nose-to-nose with Lashley. After an intense stare down Hardcore Holly held the ECW Championship high above his head as the fans boo'd. He then shoved the belt into Lashley's chest and backed out of the ring as the show came to a close.
Overall: **
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Post by snabbit888 on Sept 9, 2012 16:45:23 GMT -5
Like seeing Hardcore Holly as the #1 contender. He's one of my all-time favorite guilty pleasure wrestlers. I've just always really liked him. No way he's beating Lashley, but good for him.
C'mon Striker - you're wrestling like an announcer!
Haha... you're not even brothers, Majors! Quit lying to the people!
Weird that Punk no-showed. Curious as to what angle you'll pull out from that. Good staredown to end the show.
Glad to see this back!
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Post by vertigo on Sept 10, 2012 11:26:48 GMT -5
Thanks! I actually knew that you had a soft-spot for Hardcore Holly because he somehow manages to get onto every roster of any circuit I've ever created and you have mentioned it in the past. But I NEVER know what to do with him. This time around should be different.
Honestly, I don't know what happened to CM Punk either.
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Post by snabbit888 on Sept 10, 2012 12:45:01 GMT -5
My love of Hardcore Holly knows no bounds. He's a former GCW World champion, to feud with Tatanka no doubt.
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Post by mdale2k on Sept 10, 2012 12:49:24 GMT -5
I love Hardcore Holly...I pushed him to the moon in a WWE circuit before being the World Champion.
He's money.
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Post by vertigo on Sept 12, 2012 12:08:04 GMT -5
ECW on Sci Fi July 3, 2007 Dallas, TX Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
After the opening credits, we cut to a scene backstage where Ric Flair has stopped Hardcore Holly in a hallway. Flair tells Hardcore Holly that he proved himself last week and if he takes that kind of determination with him when he faces Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship he just might win. Flair then extends his hand in a show of respect. Holly looks down at Flair's hand. He then looks back up with a slight grin on his face and walks away without shaking Flair's hand. Flair is a bit befuddled, but also slightly embarassed.
Joey Styles & Tazz hype tonight's show which includes Rory McAllister of The Highlanders taking on Brian Major of The Major Brothers but because of what happened last week, both of their respective partners have been banned from ringside. Also in tonight's main event, The Sandman takes on Kevin Thorn in a Singapore Cane On A Pole Match!
CM Punk's music hits and he gets a loud ovation as he makes his way to the ring. He gets on the microphone and talks about what happened last week. He said that just before he was scheduled to wrestle Daivari, he was blindsided and laid out. He never saw who it was and no one has stepped forward to say they witnessed anything. But he has an idea of who is behind it. He then calls out Elijah Burke who shows up with his New Breed cohorts, Daivari & Matt Striker. Burke claims complete innocence and says he knows nothing about it. Punk obviously has a hard time believing him and rather than listen to Burke make excuses, he challenges him and one of his "goons" to a tag team match. Burke excepts and in choosing his partner, he completely snuffs Matt Striker in favor of Daivari. Punk then introduces his partner… Tommy Dreamer!
The New Breed (Daivari and Elijah Burke) defeated CM Punk and Tommy Dreamer when Daivari pinned Dreamer after an enzuigiri in 0:08:06. Rating: ** 1/2 Matt Striker wanted to stay at ringside to watch his stablemates compete but Burke demanded he watch from the back. CM Punk immediately made up for what he missed last week by taking the fight right to Daivari. As the match progressed, The New Breed were able to get the upper hand on Punk. They cut the ring in half and did a fair share of punishment but Punk just wouldn't be beat tonight. Punk finally made a hot tag to Tommy Dreamer who came in and cleaned house. He eventually sent Burke over the top with a clothesline, which Punk promptly followed up with a plancha. Burke and Punk brawled beside the ramp and into the shadows of the stage area. There, Punk was pearl harbored by someone dressed in all black. No one could see who it was or how big they were or if it was a man or a woman! Dreamer had turned his attention to the commotion by the stage leaving him an easy target for a Daivari enzugiri. The New Breed pick up the win but who attacked Punk?!
We cut the cameras to the back where Ashley appears to have arrived and is cheerfully greeting everyone she passes. She notices a sign on a door that says "Ashley" with a smiley face. Apparently she gets her own dressing room tonight. She walks in and as the door shuts behind her, Brooke and Layla of Extreme Expose sneak up to the door and LOCK IT! We hear Ashley ask "Is there a light in here?" Layla drops the keys in a nearby trashcan and her and Brooke walk away giggling.
Rory McAllister and Brian Major battled to a no contest in 0:05:12. Rating: ** 1/2 [Hardcore Holly interfered against Brian Major.] [Hardcore Holly interfered against Rory McAllister.]
The Highlanders have been looking to beat the 'true identities' of The Major Brothers out of Brian and Brett since they joined ECW and tonight was no different. Rory was extremely aggressive and taunted Brian every opportunity he had. Just as Brian began making a comeback, Hardcore Holly casually strolled to the ring and rolled in. Brian Major had a confused look on his face but Holly wiped that clear with a stiff boot to his face. Rory then ate a devastating clothesline for just standing around. The match was thrown out and declared a no contest.
Hardcore Holly then cut a promo in the ring saying he is sick and tired of hearing all of the Bobby Lashley hype. He's sick of hearing about how dominate of a champion he is and about how tough he is. He is tired of hearing that Lashley is the future of the wrestling business. He then puts himself over by talking about how much ass he has kicked in the last decade and that it's HIS time in the spotlight. Lashley then appeared on the ramp with the ECW Championship around his waist and said if Holly wanted his shot tonight he would happily grant it to him. Holly seemingly agreed but as Lashley made his way to the ring, Ric Flair's music hit and Flair stopped him. Flair said that Holly could have his shot at Lashley another time because tonight, Holly disrespected The Nature Boy!
Hardcore Holly pinned Ric Flair with the Alabama Slam in 0:08:23. Rating: *** 1/2
Ric Flair was livid when the match began and his onslaught in the opening minutes of the match was nothing shy of fierce. Flair is usually rather methodical and gets right to work on his opponent's leg to set him up for the Figure Four, but Flair was hoping to beat some respect in Holly. This tactic is eventually what did him in though because once Hardcore Holly had the upper hand, he kept it. He soundly defeated Flair in a quicker and more dominate fashion than last week. Following the match Hardcore Holly made a formal challenge to Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship next week!
Extreme Expose does a dance routine that Tazz thoroughly enjoys.
[Singapore Cane On A Pole Match] The Sandman defeated Kevin Thorn via pinfall in 0:10:12. Rating: ** 1/4
Our main event tonight saw one of ECW's most popular wrestlers, The Sandman, taking on the dark and brooding Kevin Thorn. These two have had their problems in recent weeks and tonight we get extreme! The Sandman brawled his way to an early advantage picking Thorn apart with wild haymakers and uneducated kicks. In an attempt to reach his beloved Singapore Cane, Thorn ripped The Sandmon off the ropes and he crashed hard to the mat. Thorn would look for opportunities to get the cane down but The Sandman was always fighting. At one point both men were standing on the ropes reaching for the cane. The Sandman was wobbly but he's pretty used to that. It was actually Thorn who lost his balance and crotched himself on the top rope allowing The Sandman to grab the cane. The crowd cheered wildly for The Sandman as Thorn pleaded with him on his knees. The Sandman winded up like a major league all-star and cracked Thorn across the head with the cane. The Sandman covered Thorn and picked up the win.
The crowd chanted "one more time, one more time!" The Sandman started giving into the chants and winded up for another swing. Thorn was slowly getting back to his feet and The Sandman waited for the perfect opportunity. As he started swinging, Thorn spit some sort of RED MIST into the eyes of The Sandman! The Sandman howled in pain as he tried to wipe the red from his face. The referee signaled for some help and even Tommy Dreamer rushed to the ring to check on his friend. The show ends on a sinister closeup of Kevin Thorn smiling with that red liquid dripping from his mouth. Ew!
Overall: ** 3/4
Notes: Next week, ECW on Sci Fi emanates from the Big Easy, New Orleans, LA and a huge match already announced for the show!
ECW World Championship Match Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Hardcore Holly
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Post by JoshiQ on Sept 12, 2012 14:42:39 GMT -5
Surprised I missed this circuit. I just caught up, and wow. Great writing, Vertigo. It's a new concept and an era that isn't done much.
The fact that you just wrote one match for the PPV was perfect. I never thought about doing a circuit based solely around one brand of the WWE.
Look forward to more. The stuff with Flair has been top notch, and Lashley makes for a great first champion. Not as big of a fan of Holly as some on this board, but he is definitely credible enough to give Lashley a run for his money.
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Post by vertigo on Sept 12, 2012 16:32:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments! I'm keeping my writing in line with some of my favorites here on the board.
The one brand approach I'm using probably only works well for the one year scenario. If I intended on doing another draft next year then I would probably at least simulate results from the other brands to retain champions and some kind of history.
I've actually never written for Ric Flair but I'm having fun with him. One of my challenges is writing with such a small roster. If you take away the people who aren't actually in-ring workers I'm booking for only about 14 guys. It'll take some work to keep things fresh. I think I only pick up a handful of new faces throughout the year as well.
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