jediPREZ
Shadowboss
A sneak peak at the show's first chapter.
START YOUR COUNTDOWN!
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(FADEIN: An exterior shot of the SKYDOME in TORONTO, glittering spotlights swirling around the night sky. CUTTO: LIVE INSIDE! From an elevated position, we see all the pre-game house lights on, fans starting to get rowdy and trying to raise their signs high enough to get on camera. Currently in focus, an ESEN TV studio desk where NATRONE RICE sits on the left, to the side of DEVIN MILLWOOD, TED CALDWELLER, WILD(5)STAR all in a row with sheets of paper strewn about. A black bar on the bottom of the screen reads “COUNTDOWN TO THE APOCALYPSE – 10:00…”)
RICE: “It’s starting to get LOUD in here, gentlemen. (‘STAR gives a thumbs up to someone screaming out his name…) And we’d like to join our one-night subscribers to ESEN TV’S and SIRIUS/XM’s special one-hour ‘PRE-BRAWL’ countdown to SUPERCRASH IV: APOCALYPSE NOW! I’m joined by NFW Staff Corresspondent, DEVIN MILLWOOD, former EWTORCH Editor and professional wrestling insider, TED CALDWELLER and our resident in-house FIVE-STAR ANALYST, WILDSTAR! (cheers in the background!) Now, if you were paying for ESEN TV – for just $9.99 per month you’d get all your NEW FRONTIER WRESTLING coverage plus ALL-STAR CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING, DEFIANCE WRESTLING, and let’s not forget the RETROTASTIC NFW, CSWA and UWA CLASSIC specials we run nightly! And that’s enough plugs to make Sammy Benson’s hair jealous, we’re down to our last ten minutes and AS ALWAYS – it’s time to get you boys down on record for tonight!”
MILLWOOD: “Well, we all know how I was last year with these things, so I’m hoping it is the end of world and I’ll get some right tonight.”
CALDWELLER: “Are we allowed to bet on the National Championship match ending in a Triple Disqualification even though there’s two participants?”
RICE: “Well, let’s talk about THAT match. You got Jack Harmen, a man that’s pretty much remained transparent in his second major run against Rook Black’s National Championship stranglehold. No holds barred to boot! Ted, you think Emilio’s going to be a factor in this one?”
CALDWELLER: “Factor? Have we seen the history of this title? More happens outside the match than inside it nearly every supercard…I mean, have we figured out WHY Eric Dane all of a sudden started basically shooting about it? It’s like he suffered a random aneurysm of backstage stupidity!”
WILDSTAR: “I don’t know – for some reason, I just see Jack Harmen somehow snaking away with this. Rook’s done everything in his power to keep the title… and in some cases, he’s gotten lucky to keep it. The Dane spectacle’s looming on HIM, Emilio’s on HIM as much as Harmen…”
MILLWOOD: “There are three things I know in life. (raises a finger) Marry rich. (raises another) 7-11 sausage is not sausage… (raises another) Never bet against Rook Black in a National Championship match you’re sure will be messed up logistically.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: BLACK, ‘STAR: HARMEN, CALDWELLER: CLUSTERBOMB)
RICE: (laughs!) “Well, speaking of Eric Dane and his from the hip commentary this week – he’s got Alex Austin, a well-gifted wrestler that’s pretty much taken a backseat on Castor Strife’s joyride atop NFW.”
MILLWOOD: “Wasn’t Austin supposed to come in blazing hot and win all sorts of titles because of his AWESOME wrestling acumen? I mean I get that he’s a reason how Castor’s improved as a wrestler, it’s just weird we haven’t seen that in the ring. That being said, Eric Dane’s pissed off everyone and their mother and it’s going to bite him in the ass – AUSTIN.”
CALDWELLER: “Couldn’t agree more. Eric Dane’s completely oblivious to the laws of NFW’s internal locker room. Someone’s doing a stop and pop on him – I’m going with Austin as well.”
WILDSTAR: (looking at his notes…) “I see a guy that’s 5-1, gentlemen. Tonight, will be interesting because Dane has talked a lot, but I don’t know if anyone’s taking him seriously enough to look over their shoulder at it. I think tonight that’s changing.”
(A graphic reads below, MILLWOOD: AUSTIN, ‘STAR: DANE, CALDWELLER: AUSTIN)
RICE: “Ok, here’s an interesting one that looks like it’s one of the earliest DREAM matches we could ask for. Wildstar’s best friend and former tag partner, Tsunami – now known as AKITA HOSHI…”
MILLWOOD: “Someone’s going to have to explain the point of changing your name 15 years in to me…”
RICE: “Then there’s no words I’m going to say about Dorchester Stratton that some of us are going to like… (‘STAR rolls his neck, gritting a bit…) …and then there’s the ONLY HALL-OF-FAMER to ever compete actively in NFW. Nova’s…well, we saw the promo this past week – he’s worse for wear and it may have been impulsive of him to don the tights and enter the ring.”
CALDWELLER: “The scar on that man’s head is all I need to know about NFW’s WELLNESS program’s intent, when you take the promo into account. I’m going with Stratton on this one – Hoshinami’s hasn’t been able to control himself in 15 years when bitter rivals are at play. Sorry ‘Star.”
WILDSTAR: (shrugging) “I don’t think we need to ask who I’m picking in this one. Stratton’s good, but he’s outnumbered. I’ve been where Nova’s been, we’re in a more transparent age – he’s not downing a bottle of Jack right now, I promise you that. He’s got his hands full tonight.”
MILLWOOD: “I’d watch out for Rayne in this one, there’s no way she controls herself…look who she’s taking company with now. Stratton in a DQ from hell.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: STRATTON, ‘STAR: HOSHI, CALDWELLER: STRATTON)
RICE: “Well, we’ve got a majority vote for Dorchester Stratton, which will no doubt be music to the ears of one man we’re about to cut to. Now, we do the production meetings beforehand to get our picks ready for that fancy, FANCY graphic you get to see rounding up the picks. We’re going to cut to the WOODMAN, who got wind that ALL 3 in the booth have selected the DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS to win the match and retain the EVERETTE MEMORIAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS over the HOLLYWOOD WRECKING CREW!”
(CUTTO: RINGSIDE – THE CROWD GOING NUTS! KERRY O’CONNOR and LAMONT HOLLYWOOD have to hold a finger to their earbuds to make sure they’re hearing RICE from the PRE-BRAWL studio desk…)
O’CONNOR: “THANKS NATRONE! (turning to Lamont) Woodman, the jury’s in and all three in the PRE-BRAWL have got your son and MALIK ANDERSON failing to defeat the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels again! And I have to ask Lamont, are these guys getting under Dynasty’s skin? Is Shaniqua Carlton exposing her brother Calvin in managerial skills? We haven’t seen this long of a drought or difficulty for the Hollywood Wrecking Crew since they first walked into New Frontier Wrestling…”
H’WOOD: (fake laughs) “Oh Beanfry, you really ask the best questions. Listen, Saafir Muhammed might’ve gotten smart and figured out what clothes to wear to a bank, so he can finally open a checking account at the age of 40. Maybe Shaniqua figured out how to solve 187’s illiteracy issues and one day, he’ll be able to mouth out the words “BRAINS.” – Tonight, is different…WAY different. For whatever reasons, for things beyond the Hollywood Wrecking Crew, Calvin Carlton and DYNASTY’s control – anything has been ALLOWED when facing these street thugs. These aren’t wrestlers and that’s why they retain titles in STREET FIGHT rules. Tonight, NORMAL TAG TEAM WRESTLING MATCH RULES. The only thing I’m worried about is Shaniqua Carlton because I smell her skanky perfume a mile away and it really riles up my allergies.”
(CUTTO: Back to RICE, MILLWOOD, CALDWELLER and ‘STAR at the PRE-BRAWL studio desk. ‘STAR can only shake his head as MILLWOOD’s still laughing. A graphic reads below, “MILLWOOD, ‘STAR, CALDWELLER: DRS, H’WOOD: HWC, duh.”)
RICE: “Well, I guess that was expected. (rolls eyes…) How about another tag-team – a little different since it’s a six-man tag team match, but no doubt the possible CENTERPIECE match as the WINDHAM CLAN’s ravenous, bloodthirsty, legalese infused war against New Frontier Wrestling continues. This time, JJ DEVILLE and THE CHOSEN ONES – Cameron Cruise and Bobby Jack Windham – stand across from former TV Champion IMPULSE, current TV Champion JACK BRYANT and the legendary DEACON!”
MILLWOOD: “Ted and I were talking during one of the commercial breaks earlier in the show, where we were running some of the promos done for the show – just marveling at how quiet JJ DEVILLE has been in the lead-up to this show. It’s uncanny, it’s unsettling...at least from my perspective as an employee of New Frontier Wrestling.”
CALDWELLER: “You don’t think it has anything to do with Eddie Mayfield brashly coming out later tonight on the Hollywood’s on Fire segment?”
MILLWOOD: “I don’t know if he’s walking out there flanked with fifty guys or not, but something’s not right. I think they’ve got Troutman reffing too – WINDHAM CLAN.”
CALDWELLER: “Y’know, there’s been a lot of conjecture about what happened with Impulse…and certainly his girl, Rosie. There’s a lot to that story that’s never going to come out, but the kid’s been burdened with a lot lately – I think we’re going to see some of those morals we think he’s championing get thrown out the window. In a surprise, I see this going to the Windham Clan in a DQ, Impulse breaks down and uses a weapon on JJ Deville.”
WILDSTAR: (nods) “That’d work if I didn’t know Impulse’s training and background. It’s gonna get nasty out there, but Impulse isn’t going to change who he is because of what happened to Rosie. I’ve been there before, I know what he’s going through. If he loses it, JJ wins. If he can trust Deacon – which he undoubtedly can, and at least trust that Jack Bryant’s not going to sucker-punch his own side and ditch the situation…which I THINK he can ‘cause Bryant’s still sour at JJ. I’ve watched JJ for more than a decade – you kind of see different window dressings, but just as soon as you think he’s peaking…he falls HARD. It happened when he was young, it happened after he beat Troy in CSWA. He doesn’t know how to handle success, so he can’t sustain it. This is going to blow up in his face, I’m going with the NFW guys.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: WINDHAM CLAN, ‘STAR: NFW GUYS, CALDWELLER: IMPULSE DQ’D)
RICE: “Interesting takes as always, boys – but this one’s more than interesting and definitely gonna be a little freaky. LEGION and STALKER are going to meet ONE-ON-ONE in a Chain match for the PURE CHAMPIONSHIP, which LEGION won in a shocker against Deacon and Bobby Jack Windham…”
CALDWELLER: “Well, Stalker was apart of that win. Truth be told, I can’t call Legion a ‘nice’ story…”
MILLWOOD: “What about a sadomasochistic stoner Saw mockumentary?” (‘STAR laughs)
CALDWELLER: “And I guess that’s kind of what I’m wondering with this. Is the guy supposed to be taken seriously? He’s latched onto Castor in the face of probably his biggest run – and the one thing you could’ve at least credited in the past is that he was out there fighting by his lonesome self with Luci. Unless Castor’s giving him actual resources to work with, I see this one getting ugly at the end.”
MILLWOOD: “I know for a fact that Castor isn’t going to do sh(BLEEP!)t for Legion, that’s laughable. But I also wouldn’t put anything past the Luci4/Legion relationship. These two lovebirds have mastered the fine art of transmitting a switchblade during open-mouth kissing…and her bondage experience makes her a lock to escape any handcuff Stalker’s thought up. I see her helping Legion retain to keep the best Fangorian wrestling story to come out since Damien Priest saw what a human head, a jar and lemon-lime jello could achieve.”
WILDSTAR: “For all the talk that Stalker’s been giving in NFW since he’s stepped into the fray, I haven’t seen much in the results category. We’re talking about a guy that’s built himself upon literally stalking World Champions of other federations. And I’m sure Dan Ryan HAD to of noticed the recent alliance between The Windham Clan and Stalker – those threads are either well-woven by Ryan or a big concern for him in the long-run. I personally think Stalker’s having what ‘fun’ is to him right now – combining these mocking movie ‘characters’ and a somewhat heated feud with Legion, either he’s stepping up to the plate tonight to show he can take on Castor, Impulse… or he’s just fine with this mess with Legion for bloodlust satisfaction. That being said, I agree with you two on the Castor/Legion situation – this kid’s going to get hung out to dry and Stalker’s got a firm foundation behind him.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: LEGION, ‘STAR: STALKER, CALDWELLER: STALKER)
RICE: “Alright, now we’re up to the BIG DADDY, the MAIN EVENT of SUPERCRASH FOUR. Living Legend, certifiable Hall-Of-Famer and FORMER NFW World Heavyweight Champion, DAN RYAN against one of the most tenured and skyrocketing NFW superstars. From the years of 2000-2007, our champion cut his teeth as a competitor and even as a figurehead of the old NFW East during the Ultratitle days. In the last three years, CASTOR STRIFE has really upped his abilities and become one of the most dominant wrestlers in the WORLD. He owns two victories on Impulse, he put down Dorchester Stratton, he was NOT defeated for the Television Championship…he made Legion’s hot streak look like a Nor’easter in January! These two met on the last RELOADED and went to a thirty-minute draw that left a lot of people either angry or wanting more. Tonight, we get sixty minutes – does the champion RETAIN? Or does Dan Ryan become a TWO-TIME Champion?”
(CALDWELLER and ‘STAR whistle and exhale deeply, while MILLWOOD looks at both of them with a big smile.)
MILLWOOD: “If you take out all the house shows we don’t report on and you only take the live televised defenses of the NFW World Championship – I find it very interesting that neither Nova, Dan Ryan or Kin Hiroshi were able to have three successful defenses. JTP was able to last longer than that, but I think the main reason is that JTP wasn’t touring across the country with different promotions during his run in NFW. The open-door policy is a blessing for all these dream matches we end up with, but I gotta tell you it’s been HELL on that belt’s defense. Now, Castor’s been smart and he’s put all his focus on NFW. Ryan’s cut down on his touring schedule dramatically since late last decade, so I don’t see it as much of a factor.”
CALDWELLER: “There are some pretty STRONG rumors that Strife’s public positioning of the Guild has NOT sat well with Eddie Mayfield or Calvin Carlton. I think Strife’s own greed for power is going to play out if he keeps going down that road, but I don’t see it affecting this match. IF Ryan was still tied strongly to JJ Deville, he might have had an ulterior method to pull out a victory…”
‘STAR: (pointing his pen at TED) “And I think that’s hitting the nail on the head for Dan Ryan right now. It seems this guy has been DOGGED by the NFW press after EVERY big event and sometimes I have to even say that it was Ryan’s OWN fault. The pure venom this guy has for Eddie Mayfield before the War Games match at SUPERCRASH 3 almost blew up on his face, which is irony because this venom EXUDES out of this man because of how NFW has literally blown up a cage in his face and never given him the credit he DESERVES. Dan Ryan has been a rock-solid foundation for New Frontier Wrestling for a decade, and a lot of reporters like Mr. Millwood will pen a piece about how much Ryan wants to be top dog around here. HE DROPPED WINDHAM, HE DROPPED JJ – that was HUGE. That shows how much he wants to PROVE to the fans of NFW that belt is BIG and how much he wants to silence his critics. That can’t be ignored tonight.”
MILLWOOD: (nodding) “And Ted, you can probably also talk about how Castor… well, he isn’t the apple of Eddie Mayfield’s eye because he’s so damn loopy.”
CALDWELLER: “Absolutely – let’s not forget that Eddie Mayfield let Joe the Plumber get MAIMED seven ways from sideways because he thought he was a loon. Castor’s cutting promos in gas masks in Siberia? I can’t even imagine the facepalm on that. And maybe that’s why Castor’s building up the Guild? In his own madness, he could be recognizing he’s not well-received by the people in charge.”
MILLWOOD: “And if Dan Ryan stays away from the Windham Clan, Eddie may not get along with Dan…but Eddie’s a traditionalist that will market the hell out of the guy on top of making sure his matches aren’t interfered with.”
RICE: “Are you guys expecting anything like that? (All 3 shake their head no…) So, we’ve got a couple stories going on into this. From the start, I think Strife’s felt disrespected by Ryan’s ego – but, we all can agree that Castor’s not all there in the head… and that’s pretty much been Ryan’s mantra for ANYONE since the 90’s. (laughs) Ryan’s still feeling like he has something to prove regardless of all his accomplishments and a second run with the NFW crown jewels would certainly silence a lot of his most outspoken critics. Castor’s again in the shadows of another man’s legacy, while having a huge opportunity to finally forge his own alongside some of the guys that helped get him where he is – Michael Manson, for one.”
CALDWELLER: “I don’t know why, but I’m going with Dan Ryan on this one. I still think Castor’s too wildly emotional to be consistent at this level without being able to use that energy like JTP or Nova had in the past.”
MILLWOOD: “All historical trends are pointing to Castor winning this match. I can’t count that Legion as a real title defense, when that whole post-match deal smelled of a set-up. Strife’s got at least one more in him before he’s in real trouble with either Ryan, the Windhams, Ryan and the Windhams or Eddie pulling a powerplay on him. Going with Castor.”
‘STAR: (shaking his head) “Both of these men are GREAT wrestlers, I think when you’ve never been in the ring you sometimes lose appreciation for what’s going on inside there. Dorchester Stratton ended my career and literally months later, Castor Strife cast him like the wind… I’d like to think I’m pretty damn good, but I can tell you that Castor Strife isn’t the same wrestler he was last decade. Meanwhile, Dan Ryan… just a legend. Just BRINGS IT. The last match went to a thirty-minute draw and I’m pretty sure Castor’s never had a match like that. This one goes SIXTY – and I’m not sure EITHER man has the stamina to make it. That being said, these two could be humming along so well it goes all sixty!”
RICE: “We got less than a minute left!”
‘STAR: “Whew. You’re all gonna kill me…I’m taking the DRAW. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these two.”
RICE: “WOW!”
(MILLWOOD/CALDWELLER wolf whistle at ‘STAR, who laughs it off…)
(A graphic reads below, MILLWOOD: CASTOR, ‘STAR: DRAW, CALDWELLER: RYAN)
RICE “Thirty seconds – last words!”
CALDWELLER: “I haven’t heard ANYTHING on the wire about new contracts – so, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a big return tonight.”
MILLWOOD: “Eddie on HOF? He knows the history of that forum – hell, he’s USED it. It’s either big-time bait for what Ted’s talking to… or a BIG, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT.”
‘STAR: “As always, I’m expecting a … (flashes the hand sign) FIVE-STAR SHOW!”
RICE: (laughing) “Alright, WE’RE OUT – ENJOY THE SHOW!”
(FADEOUT as 00:05…00:04…roll by on the clock, the house lights dimming down as 65,000 cheer in unison…)
START YOUR COUNTDOWN!
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(FADEIN: An exterior shot of the SKYDOME in TORONTO, glittering spotlights swirling around the night sky. CUTTO: LIVE INSIDE! From an elevated position, we see all the pre-game house lights on, fans starting to get rowdy and trying to raise their signs high enough to get on camera. Currently in focus, an ESEN TV studio desk where NATRONE RICE sits on the left, to the side of DEVIN MILLWOOD, TED CALDWELLER, WILD(5)STAR all in a row with sheets of paper strewn about. A black bar on the bottom of the screen reads “COUNTDOWN TO THE APOCALYPSE – 10:00…”)
RICE: “It’s starting to get LOUD in here, gentlemen. (‘STAR gives a thumbs up to someone screaming out his name…) And we’d like to join our one-night subscribers to ESEN TV’S and SIRIUS/XM’s special one-hour ‘PRE-BRAWL’ countdown to SUPERCRASH IV: APOCALYPSE NOW! I’m joined by NFW Staff Corresspondent, DEVIN MILLWOOD, former EWTORCH Editor and professional wrestling insider, TED CALDWELLER and our resident in-house FIVE-STAR ANALYST, WILDSTAR! (cheers in the background!) Now, if you were paying for ESEN TV – for just $9.99 per month you’d get all your NEW FRONTIER WRESTLING coverage plus ALL-STAR CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING, DEFIANCE WRESTLING, and let’s not forget the RETROTASTIC NFW, CSWA and UWA CLASSIC specials we run nightly! And that’s enough plugs to make Sammy Benson’s hair jealous, we’re down to our last ten minutes and AS ALWAYS – it’s time to get you boys down on record for tonight!”
MILLWOOD: “Well, we all know how I was last year with these things, so I’m hoping it is the end of world and I’ll get some right tonight.”
CALDWELLER: “Are we allowed to bet on the National Championship match ending in a Triple Disqualification even though there’s two participants?”
RICE: “Well, let’s talk about THAT match. You got Jack Harmen, a man that’s pretty much remained transparent in his second major run against Rook Black’s National Championship stranglehold. No holds barred to boot! Ted, you think Emilio’s going to be a factor in this one?”
CALDWELLER: “Factor? Have we seen the history of this title? More happens outside the match than inside it nearly every supercard…I mean, have we figured out WHY Eric Dane all of a sudden started basically shooting about it? It’s like he suffered a random aneurysm of backstage stupidity!”
WILDSTAR: “I don’t know – for some reason, I just see Jack Harmen somehow snaking away with this. Rook’s done everything in his power to keep the title… and in some cases, he’s gotten lucky to keep it. The Dane spectacle’s looming on HIM, Emilio’s on HIM as much as Harmen…”
MILLWOOD: “There are three things I know in life. (raises a finger) Marry rich. (raises another) 7-11 sausage is not sausage… (raises another) Never bet against Rook Black in a National Championship match you’re sure will be messed up logistically.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: BLACK, ‘STAR: HARMEN, CALDWELLER: CLUSTERBOMB)
RICE: (laughs!) “Well, speaking of Eric Dane and his from the hip commentary this week – he’s got Alex Austin, a well-gifted wrestler that’s pretty much taken a backseat on Castor Strife’s joyride atop NFW.”
MILLWOOD: “Wasn’t Austin supposed to come in blazing hot and win all sorts of titles because of his AWESOME wrestling acumen? I mean I get that he’s a reason how Castor’s improved as a wrestler, it’s just weird we haven’t seen that in the ring. That being said, Eric Dane’s pissed off everyone and their mother and it’s going to bite him in the ass – AUSTIN.”
CALDWELLER: “Couldn’t agree more. Eric Dane’s completely oblivious to the laws of NFW’s internal locker room. Someone’s doing a stop and pop on him – I’m going with Austin as well.”
WILDSTAR: (looking at his notes…) “I see a guy that’s 5-1, gentlemen. Tonight, will be interesting because Dane has talked a lot, but I don’t know if anyone’s taking him seriously enough to look over their shoulder at it. I think tonight that’s changing.”
(A graphic reads below, MILLWOOD: AUSTIN, ‘STAR: DANE, CALDWELLER: AUSTIN)
RICE: “Ok, here’s an interesting one that looks like it’s one of the earliest DREAM matches we could ask for. Wildstar’s best friend and former tag partner, Tsunami – now known as AKITA HOSHI…”
MILLWOOD: “Someone’s going to have to explain the point of changing your name 15 years in to me…”
RICE: “Then there’s no words I’m going to say about Dorchester Stratton that some of us are going to like… (‘STAR rolls his neck, gritting a bit…) …and then there’s the ONLY HALL-OF-FAMER to ever compete actively in NFW. Nova’s…well, we saw the promo this past week – he’s worse for wear and it may have been impulsive of him to don the tights and enter the ring.”
CALDWELLER: “The scar on that man’s head is all I need to know about NFW’s WELLNESS program’s intent, when you take the promo into account. I’m going with Stratton on this one – Hoshinami’s hasn’t been able to control himself in 15 years when bitter rivals are at play. Sorry ‘Star.”
WILDSTAR: (shrugging) “I don’t think we need to ask who I’m picking in this one. Stratton’s good, but he’s outnumbered. I’ve been where Nova’s been, we’re in a more transparent age – he’s not downing a bottle of Jack right now, I promise you that. He’s got his hands full tonight.”
MILLWOOD: “I’d watch out for Rayne in this one, there’s no way she controls herself…look who she’s taking company with now. Stratton in a DQ from hell.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: STRATTON, ‘STAR: HOSHI, CALDWELLER: STRATTON)
RICE: “Well, we’ve got a majority vote for Dorchester Stratton, which will no doubt be music to the ears of one man we’re about to cut to. Now, we do the production meetings beforehand to get our picks ready for that fancy, FANCY graphic you get to see rounding up the picks. We’re going to cut to the WOODMAN, who got wind that ALL 3 in the booth have selected the DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS to win the match and retain the EVERETTE MEMORIAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS over the HOLLYWOOD WRECKING CREW!”
(CUTTO: RINGSIDE – THE CROWD GOING NUTS! KERRY O’CONNOR and LAMONT HOLLYWOOD have to hold a finger to their earbuds to make sure they’re hearing RICE from the PRE-BRAWL studio desk…)
O’CONNOR: “THANKS NATRONE! (turning to Lamont) Woodman, the jury’s in and all three in the PRE-BRAWL have got your son and MALIK ANDERSON failing to defeat the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels again! And I have to ask Lamont, are these guys getting under Dynasty’s skin? Is Shaniqua Carlton exposing her brother Calvin in managerial skills? We haven’t seen this long of a drought or difficulty for the Hollywood Wrecking Crew since they first walked into New Frontier Wrestling…”
H’WOOD: (fake laughs) “Oh Beanfry, you really ask the best questions. Listen, Saafir Muhammed might’ve gotten smart and figured out what clothes to wear to a bank, so he can finally open a checking account at the age of 40. Maybe Shaniqua figured out how to solve 187’s illiteracy issues and one day, he’ll be able to mouth out the words “BRAINS.” – Tonight, is different…WAY different. For whatever reasons, for things beyond the Hollywood Wrecking Crew, Calvin Carlton and DYNASTY’s control – anything has been ALLOWED when facing these street thugs. These aren’t wrestlers and that’s why they retain titles in STREET FIGHT rules. Tonight, NORMAL TAG TEAM WRESTLING MATCH RULES. The only thing I’m worried about is Shaniqua Carlton because I smell her skanky perfume a mile away and it really riles up my allergies.”
(CUTTO: Back to RICE, MILLWOOD, CALDWELLER and ‘STAR at the PRE-BRAWL studio desk. ‘STAR can only shake his head as MILLWOOD’s still laughing. A graphic reads below, “MILLWOOD, ‘STAR, CALDWELLER: DRS, H’WOOD: HWC, duh.”)
RICE: “Well, I guess that was expected. (rolls eyes…) How about another tag-team – a little different since it’s a six-man tag team match, but no doubt the possible CENTERPIECE match as the WINDHAM CLAN’s ravenous, bloodthirsty, legalese infused war against New Frontier Wrestling continues. This time, JJ DEVILLE and THE CHOSEN ONES – Cameron Cruise and Bobby Jack Windham – stand across from former TV Champion IMPULSE, current TV Champion JACK BRYANT and the legendary DEACON!”
MILLWOOD: “Ted and I were talking during one of the commercial breaks earlier in the show, where we were running some of the promos done for the show – just marveling at how quiet JJ DEVILLE has been in the lead-up to this show. It’s uncanny, it’s unsettling...at least from my perspective as an employee of New Frontier Wrestling.”
CALDWELLER: “You don’t think it has anything to do with Eddie Mayfield brashly coming out later tonight on the Hollywood’s on Fire segment?”
MILLWOOD: “I don’t know if he’s walking out there flanked with fifty guys or not, but something’s not right. I think they’ve got Troutman reffing too – WINDHAM CLAN.”
CALDWELLER: “Y’know, there’s been a lot of conjecture about what happened with Impulse…and certainly his girl, Rosie. There’s a lot to that story that’s never going to come out, but the kid’s been burdened with a lot lately – I think we’re going to see some of those morals we think he’s championing get thrown out the window. In a surprise, I see this going to the Windham Clan in a DQ, Impulse breaks down and uses a weapon on JJ Deville.”
WILDSTAR: (nods) “That’d work if I didn’t know Impulse’s training and background. It’s gonna get nasty out there, but Impulse isn’t going to change who he is because of what happened to Rosie. I’ve been there before, I know what he’s going through. If he loses it, JJ wins. If he can trust Deacon – which he undoubtedly can, and at least trust that Jack Bryant’s not going to sucker-punch his own side and ditch the situation…which I THINK he can ‘cause Bryant’s still sour at JJ. I’ve watched JJ for more than a decade – you kind of see different window dressings, but just as soon as you think he’s peaking…he falls HARD. It happened when he was young, it happened after he beat Troy in CSWA. He doesn’t know how to handle success, so he can’t sustain it. This is going to blow up in his face, I’m going with the NFW guys.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: WINDHAM CLAN, ‘STAR: NFW GUYS, CALDWELLER: IMPULSE DQ’D)
RICE: “Interesting takes as always, boys – but this one’s more than interesting and definitely gonna be a little freaky. LEGION and STALKER are going to meet ONE-ON-ONE in a Chain match for the PURE CHAMPIONSHIP, which LEGION won in a shocker against Deacon and Bobby Jack Windham…”
CALDWELLER: “Well, Stalker was apart of that win. Truth be told, I can’t call Legion a ‘nice’ story…”
MILLWOOD: “What about a sadomasochistic stoner Saw mockumentary?” (‘STAR laughs)
CALDWELLER: “And I guess that’s kind of what I’m wondering with this. Is the guy supposed to be taken seriously? He’s latched onto Castor in the face of probably his biggest run – and the one thing you could’ve at least credited in the past is that he was out there fighting by his lonesome self with Luci. Unless Castor’s giving him actual resources to work with, I see this one getting ugly at the end.”
MILLWOOD: “I know for a fact that Castor isn’t going to do sh(BLEEP!)t for Legion, that’s laughable. But I also wouldn’t put anything past the Luci4/Legion relationship. These two lovebirds have mastered the fine art of transmitting a switchblade during open-mouth kissing…and her bondage experience makes her a lock to escape any handcuff Stalker’s thought up. I see her helping Legion retain to keep the best Fangorian wrestling story to come out since Damien Priest saw what a human head, a jar and lemon-lime jello could achieve.”
WILDSTAR: “For all the talk that Stalker’s been giving in NFW since he’s stepped into the fray, I haven’t seen much in the results category. We’re talking about a guy that’s built himself upon literally stalking World Champions of other federations. And I’m sure Dan Ryan HAD to of noticed the recent alliance between The Windham Clan and Stalker – those threads are either well-woven by Ryan or a big concern for him in the long-run. I personally think Stalker’s having what ‘fun’ is to him right now – combining these mocking movie ‘characters’ and a somewhat heated feud with Legion, either he’s stepping up to the plate tonight to show he can take on Castor, Impulse… or he’s just fine with this mess with Legion for bloodlust satisfaction. That being said, I agree with you two on the Castor/Legion situation – this kid’s going to get hung out to dry and Stalker’s got a firm foundation behind him.”
(A graphic reads below MILLWOOD: LEGION, ‘STAR: STALKER, CALDWELLER: STALKER)
RICE: “Alright, now we’re up to the BIG DADDY, the MAIN EVENT of SUPERCRASH FOUR. Living Legend, certifiable Hall-Of-Famer and FORMER NFW World Heavyweight Champion, DAN RYAN against one of the most tenured and skyrocketing NFW superstars. From the years of 2000-2007, our champion cut his teeth as a competitor and even as a figurehead of the old NFW East during the Ultratitle days. In the last three years, CASTOR STRIFE has really upped his abilities and become one of the most dominant wrestlers in the WORLD. He owns two victories on Impulse, he put down Dorchester Stratton, he was NOT defeated for the Television Championship…he made Legion’s hot streak look like a Nor’easter in January! These two met on the last RELOADED and went to a thirty-minute draw that left a lot of people either angry or wanting more. Tonight, we get sixty minutes – does the champion RETAIN? Or does Dan Ryan become a TWO-TIME Champion?”
(CALDWELLER and ‘STAR whistle and exhale deeply, while MILLWOOD looks at both of them with a big smile.)
MILLWOOD: “If you take out all the house shows we don’t report on and you only take the live televised defenses of the NFW World Championship – I find it very interesting that neither Nova, Dan Ryan or Kin Hiroshi were able to have three successful defenses. JTP was able to last longer than that, but I think the main reason is that JTP wasn’t touring across the country with different promotions during his run in NFW. The open-door policy is a blessing for all these dream matches we end up with, but I gotta tell you it’s been HELL on that belt’s defense. Now, Castor’s been smart and he’s put all his focus on NFW. Ryan’s cut down on his touring schedule dramatically since late last decade, so I don’t see it as much of a factor.”
CALDWELLER: “There are some pretty STRONG rumors that Strife’s public positioning of the Guild has NOT sat well with Eddie Mayfield or Calvin Carlton. I think Strife’s own greed for power is going to play out if he keeps going down that road, but I don’t see it affecting this match. IF Ryan was still tied strongly to JJ Deville, he might have had an ulterior method to pull out a victory…”
‘STAR: (pointing his pen at TED) “And I think that’s hitting the nail on the head for Dan Ryan right now. It seems this guy has been DOGGED by the NFW press after EVERY big event and sometimes I have to even say that it was Ryan’s OWN fault. The pure venom this guy has for Eddie Mayfield before the War Games match at SUPERCRASH 3 almost blew up on his face, which is irony because this venom EXUDES out of this man because of how NFW has literally blown up a cage in his face and never given him the credit he DESERVES. Dan Ryan has been a rock-solid foundation for New Frontier Wrestling for a decade, and a lot of reporters like Mr. Millwood will pen a piece about how much Ryan wants to be top dog around here. HE DROPPED WINDHAM, HE DROPPED JJ – that was HUGE. That shows how much he wants to PROVE to the fans of NFW that belt is BIG and how much he wants to silence his critics. That can’t be ignored tonight.”
MILLWOOD: (nodding) “And Ted, you can probably also talk about how Castor… well, he isn’t the apple of Eddie Mayfield’s eye because he’s so damn loopy.”
CALDWELLER: “Absolutely – let’s not forget that Eddie Mayfield let Joe the Plumber get MAIMED seven ways from sideways because he thought he was a loon. Castor’s cutting promos in gas masks in Siberia? I can’t even imagine the facepalm on that. And maybe that’s why Castor’s building up the Guild? In his own madness, he could be recognizing he’s not well-received by the people in charge.”
MILLWOOD: “And if Dan Ryan stays away from the Windham Clan, Eddie may not get along with Dan…but Eddie’s a traditionalist that will market the hell out of the guy on top of making sure his matches aren’t interfered with.”
RICE: “Are you guys expecting anything like that? (All 3 shake their head no…) So, we’ve got a couple stories going on into this. From the start, I think Strife’s felt disrespected by Ryan’s ego – but, we all can agree that Castor’s not all there in the head… and that’s pretty much been Ryan’s mantra for ANYONE since the 90’s. (laughs) Ryan’s still feeling like he has something to prove regardless of all his accomplishments and a second run with the NFW crown jewels would certainly silence a lot of his most outspoken critics. Castor’s again in the shadows of another man’s legacy, while having a huge opportunity to finally forge his own alongside some of the guys that helped get him where he is – Michael Manson, for one.”
CALDWELLER: “I don’t know why, but I’m going with Dan Ryan on this one. I still think Castor’s too wildly emotional to be consistent at this level without being able to use that energy like JTP or Nova had in the past.”
MILLWOOD: “All historical trends are pointing to Castor winning this match. I can’t count that Legion as a real title defense, when that whole post-match deal smelled of a set-up. Strife’s got at least one more in him before he’s in real trouble with either Ryan, the Windhams, Ryan and the Windhams or Eddie pulling a powerplay on him. Going with Castor.”
‘STAR: (shaking his head) “Both of these men are GREAT wrestlers, I think when you’ve never been in the ring you sometimes lose appreciation for what’s going on inside there. Dorchester Stratton ended my career and literally months later, Castor Strife cast him like the wind… I’d like to think I’m pretty damn good, but I can tell you that Castor Strife isn’t the same wrestler he was last decade. Meanwhile, Dan Ryan… just a legend. Just BRINGS IT. The last match went to a thirty-minute draw and I’m pretty sure Castor’s never had a match like that. This one goes SIXTY – and I’m not sure EITHER man has the stamina to make it. That being said, these two could be humming along so well it goes all sixty!”
RICE: “We got less than a minute left!”
‘STAR: “Whew. You’re all gonna kill me…I’m taking the DRAW. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these two.”
RICE: “WOW!”
(MILLWOOD/CALDWELLER wolf whistle at ‘STAR, who laughs it off…)
(A graphic reads below, MILLWOOD: CASTOR, ‘STAR: DRAW, CALDWELLER: RYAN)
RICE “Thirty seconds – last words!”
CALDWELLER: “I haven’t heard ANYTHING on the wire about new contracts – so, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a big return tonight.”
MILLWOOD: “Eddie on HOF? He knows the history of that forum – hell, he’s USED it. It’s either big-time bait for what Ted’s talking to… or a BIG, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT.”
‘STAR: “As always, I’m expecting a … (flashes the hand sign) FIVE-STAR SHOW!”
RICE: (laughing) “Alright, WE’RE OUT – ENJOY THE SHOW!”
(FADEOUT as 00:05…00:04…roll by on the clock, the house lights dimming down as 65,000 cheer in unison…)
