Welcome back, lions, tigers, and bears. This, as always, is "Indulging Synn," and I'll be your writer for the day. So sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
This week's Anarchy was chock full of everything from brand new faces to budding Saturday Night stars to men that many call "legends" in the business. Let's get right to it, shall we?
Our night opened up with the continually escalating drama between BlkOut and Maverick Harley. The "living, breathing commercial for attitude adjustment," as Jared Turner calls him, came out to gloat to the fans about putting Harley away for good only to get interrupted by the anti-aircraft star himself via JumboTron. Harley laid down the challenge for the Anarchy after Superbrawl II between he and BlkOut in a "fall count anywhere" match in front of the Bronx faithful. That should be something to see!
In the newcomer battle royal ranking match, the night went to the only man to really show up to play this week. While Caden Banks more or less dominated the field of seven rookies, it didn't seem like much of a challenge to him. Christopher James Myers, James Green, Jerikai, Matt Shin'ichi, Sean Kalup, and Xavier Cross all exited over the top rope, leaving Banks the sole survivor. Congratulations go out to the newcomer, and hopefully he's got bright thins in his future here at the federation.
Victor Mason went out of his way to apologize to referee Johnny Smithe this week. Several weeks ago, Victor was seemingly jobbed out of his Anarchy Cup qualifying match against Doc Hammer when Smithe didn't realize that Mason's foot was under the bottom rope when he counted the pin. The following week, Victor tore into Smithe after a victory over Rhett Wildman, decking him with the microphone only to be stopped by Kurt Angle racing to the ring for the rescue. The Ankle Lock seemingly gave Mason a change of heart as he apologized to Smithe this Saturday, but it seems that he also got a text message that may have put him in an even worse mood immediately afterwards...
Dirk Diver once again found a way to avoid being in action this week. He's none too happy about the booking at Superbrawl II pitting Billy Coop, the Iron Sheik, and Diver against the all-female team that is now being called "Razor Stiletto," composed of Casey Dodge, O.D.B., and Tyler Kiss. Not only did he rebuke the booking, but he challenged Max Turner himself to a match on the show! As anticipated, Max declined the challenge, but went so far as to say that he and Diego Cortez will be seated at ringside for the SB2 brawl, and that if he were to face Diver down the line, it would be at a time and a place of his choosing. Could this actually happen? It'd sure be nice to see Turner shut that yapper of Diver once and for all, I know that much! The ladies of Razor Stiletto also made an appearance with Casey Dodge reminding Dirk just how serious they are about this upcoming encounter. Oh, and O.D.B. reminded Billy Coop as well that she won't be taking it easy on him... and then kissed him! As confused as I am, I can't wait to see this one!
Could sIMON be as dominant in the ring as he is with the English language? The verbose superstar took it to Rhett Wildman and Cleaven Audrey this week, not only destroying them in the match, but delivering a piece of work that he dubbed "Art or Anarchy?" It was a bizarre, if not criminal sight: he tied a noose around Wildman's neck and tossed him over the top rope, then attached handcuffs to each wrist and the top rope as well, making a crucifixion type reenactment. He didn't stop there, as Audrey was next, being thrown into a body bag and having it zipped up tight. Scary.
He may not have had a match yet, but that won't stop the promotion team from being hard at work. Joey Van Dal highlighted some of his work for the Stomping Grounds crowd this week, pitching his impending debut that should come soon.
In yet another example that previous experience in other federations won't do you much good here in the XHW, Lita was embarrassed by fellow newcomer Talia Arroyo. One Muerte Espanola later and Arroyo walked out with her first one, and Lita walked out with a headache...
Speaking of newcomers, Louise Anderson caught up with the fresh-faced Wesley Burns backstage at Anarchy this week. The "not-as-young-as-I-look" rookie just said that he's happy to be here, and that he's already received some great advice from some veteran stars. Oh, and I think he has a crush on Louise...
In what earned match of the night honors, Shark Boy continues to impress the upper management. He earned a hard fought victory over fellow up-and-comer North Starr as the two had a pretty fierce war of words over the week. The dead shark that North Starr brought to the arena, however, was NOT allowed in. Thank God... And I don't think we've seen the last of this one either: just after the match, Shark Boy received a pretty harsh-looking Curb Stomp from BlkOut as the rest of the New Era, or, excuse me, "Project 242" as they are now requesting to be called, came down to the ring. Naturally, North Starr took the moment to try and make some grandiose speech, but was cut off by Asylum along with new friends Alyx Gates and Roxas Knoxx. Asylum announced that he and Starr will face off at Superbrawl II, and then proceeded to have Claire Logan and North Starr's cars put through a crusher at a junk yard! 242 may be the police code for assault, but what's the code for car-crushing?
Just because Mike Hoss wasn't on the show this Saturday doesn't mean that he didn't have an effect on it. Tag team partner Joe Riggs seemed so upset about what's going on with the Hellraiser that he actually left the arena before his scheduled match for the evening. Tiger Komaru ended up winning the battle of the partner-less tag team contenders over Doug Bean and Leon Washington, but all the focus was squarely on what looks like a rift between the Tornado Tag Team Champions.
Is there a reason that the Arnold Classic was hired? Since coming to the federation a few weeks ago, the former Mr. Universe turned actor turned politician turned... wrestler(?) has done little more than insult America (like he did this week), dance like an idiot, and then get run off by security. Somebody put this guy in a match so he can receive some real punishment!
As close as it is to show time, could we be seeing yet another match added to the already stacked Superbrawl II card? That's what Victor Mason is hoping as, after receiving that text message earlier, he came out to the ring to challenge Kurt Angle to a submission match at the biggest show of the year. Angle ran out and attempted to Olympic Slam the man that's been a bit of a rival lately, but was swiftly countered into a Mason-Lock and forced to tap. It remains to be seen whether this one will actually happen or not.
One match that will almost certainly happen is the Bronx Championship challenge laid out by Diego Cortez this week to Mr. Jingles. Cortez lost the belt to Jingles a couple weeks ago, and has apparently been itching to get it back ever since. We'll see how the "not so serious" superstar responds to the challenge.
And finally, in the main event we had some unfinished business that finally got taken care of as Dante West and Reinhardt returned to Anarchy to see who would have won should they have faced off again following last year's All or Nothing battle royal. In a hotly contested, well-deserving main event, West and Reinhardt both used each others' signature moves, but it was Dante who earned the victory with a pin via the War Drums. The crowd gave both men a standing ovation, and it was a great way to end the night.
In backstage news, Louise Anderson, try as she might, couldn't get anything out of Margaret-Anne York about "it," her client that presumably is going to show up at SB2. York even threw the names "Amazing Kong" and "Akebono" into the mix.
The Lynch Mob's Leon Washington welcomed Joey Van Dal to the federation last week, talking up the "honeys and the moneys" to the newcomer.
Remember that whole thing about North Starr brining a shark to the Stomping Grounds? Well, Scott Walker didn't take too kindly to the whole thing, and since Warzone is coming from the Bronx this week, this thing could escalate into a full-scale match!
He hasn't had a match just yet, but that's not stopping Pittsburgh rookie Wesley Burns from making new friends... or acquaintances at least. After meeting Scott Walker, and Jimm Red last week, he's also had some late-night breakfast with Alyx Gates, popped in on Cordelia Murphy, and attended a fancy function with Casey Blue that ended rather tragically for the young man.
Daman Arress may have been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for a while, but he's seemingly back with a vengeance. In the past few days, he's been seen chatting with Scott Walker and hitting on Claire Logan in two separate incidents.
It appears that Reno Drake and Jada have come together to figure out this whole Mr. Jingles business. It also appears that they're going to officially be an item, and that she'll be coming to the ring for his next match.
J.B.L. and his fellow initialed client, J.T. Cash, had a little pow wow this week, although cameras weren't privy to most of it. All I can say is... "puddykins."
A word of advice to Alyx Gates: Mike Hoss may have a new lady in his life, but don't forget what he and Reinhardt did last week. The Hellraiser was spotted outside the Stomping Grounds this week when Gates seemed to interrupt him mid-thought.
Are prank calls considered a part of vindictive mind games? If so, then it's just another step in the continuing drama between North Starr and Asylum. Starr gave his nemesis a ring this week, just to rub it in, or... something.
We've got a very special Warzone this Wednesday as it comes to us live from the Stomping Grounds! Here's a run down of the card for this week:
- Three of the ladies will be squaring off to start the show as O.D.B., Talia Arroyo, and Roxas Knoxx go at it. Every man's fantasy? Hardly. This is a step up to stiffer competition for Arroyo, a test of character for the free-falling Knoxx, and a feat of sobriety for O.D.B.
- There's likely to be blood in the water when Jimm Red and Alyx Gates face off. The Next Generation gauntlet just continues to be thrown in Gates' way.
- Turbine is back from his brief hiatus to clear things up and get some promotion going, and this week he'll face likely Superbrawl II opponent (along with Eddie Rourke and Draven Torette) in Scott Walker. There's nothing like a little inter-divisional rivalry!
- In an X-Core Divisional match, Mike Hoss will be bringing the pain to the always confident Aston Michaels. With egos this big, who needs an actual fight?
- In a challenge made on last week's Warzone, the Dante West farewell tour will be going through Christian Cage. This is a match that's going to have quite a deal of history behind it, and it's hard to believe that it didn't make the main event.
- In that main event will be a Warzone vs. Anarchy match featuring the Next Gen "leader," J.T. Cash, against arguably the most popular superstar from Anarchy, the Spaniard, Diego Cortez. After their match several months ago that got match of the night honors, you can only imagine what they'll do this week.
That's it for this time! Join me this Friday as I wrap up Warzone and catch you up on all things XHW! As always, thanks for indulging me!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Homecoming King...
Welcome back to "Indulging Synn," dudes and dudettes! I have to say that this past week has been one of the most draining, emotional, and high-action weeks that the XHW has seen in quite some time. At the center of almost all the drama this week amidst his homecoming and brutal throw down brawl with Reinhardt was Mike "Hellraiser" Hoss, whose drama is well documented through last Tuesday's post. With all that in mind, let's get to the Warzone results.
This week's Warzone was a showcase in brutality. Of course, to those who follow the XHW this should come as no surprise. The action started right from the get-go as Hogan Cage was in the building to lay down the law regarding the Main Event at Superbrawl II. In three separate incidents throughout the night, he confronted Giovanni Valentino and told him to "stay in line," ran into Hendrix Walker and got told that he's simply there to "count the three count" for the Enforcer, and interrupted Dante West to told him to "not to anything that doesn't belong in this match." It seems to me like Cage is staying pretty impartial in this whole scenario despite the animosity between he and Walker, but all that could change come match time.
The opening match was hyped as a "proving grounds" for two different reasons. On the one hand you had Reno Drake and Doc Hammer getting a "Warzone preview" and the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a big audience, and on the other you had Joe Riggs and Jimm Red attempting to prove that the Next Generation is legit. In a match that saw Johnny Blade interfere and lay into Hammer with a kendo stick, it was the Next Gen boys claiming victory with a pin by Red over Hammer. Later on in the night, Blade explained his actions alongside Leon Lees as retribution for Hammer bragging about his forfeit victory over Blade on last week's Anarchy. Maybe I missed something, but I didn't catch Hammer gloating at all over that one.
Just after the match, the Arnold Classic appeared again, but was immediately led out by security upon the wishes of one Paige Dailey. I think most all of us over at Warzone are weary of the Anarchy stars interfering in the flagship show, and Lucy Walker is no different. After allowing Drake and Hammer to compete in the preview match, only to have both Blade interfere in it and Arnold appear right afterwards, the General Manager was fed up with the entire situation. With that in mind, she declared that next Wednesday, Warzone will be invading Max Turner and Anarchy's backyard: the Stomping Grounds! It should make for quite an exciting show with both the small arena feel and the tension in the air between the two brands.
Is Ethan Price still managing Cordelia Murphy or not? During the week we saw him edit the interview that I had with her to declare that he was still holding his position, but then during the show this week she had him led out by security. What gives? Later in the night, though, Cordelia showed that she's right on pace to claim that Undisputed Women's Championship at Superbrawl II, decimating Audree Gates in their singles match. After the match, however, the United Center crowd was treated to the return of yet another Adams: FiXX. The former champion laid out Cordelia in the center of the ring, serving as a reminder that she still considers herself the "Queen," no matter what the rest of the ladies may say.
It looks like Johnny Sniper and Aston Michaels are going to go at it after all. The two officially signed their contract for Superbrawl II this week, even with Sniper still reeling from the attacks on last week's show. The crutches didn't stop the new look Sniper, though, as he got a measure of retribution by leveling both Aston and Uncle Roger before leaving up the ramp to a standing ovation. This one is building into something special, in my opinion.
Just what exactly is Margaret-Anne York bringing to Superbrawl II? The roars in the dark continued this week, and York appeared on stage with some pretty intimidating red pyros, indicating that maybe Kane would be the superstar appearing at the big show? This one is just completely baffling me, to be honest.
Billy Coop finally stepped up to the plate this week, and was given the chance to go one-on-one with the Shining Light, the X-Core Champion himself, Draven Torette. It was, surprisingly, a closer match than I believe most people expected, but Torette showed why he's champion, finishing Billy off and more or less ending his pipe dream of a title shot by hitting the Initialize DDT for the three count. Later on in the night, Torette would accept an offer from Eddie Rourke for a pretty massive match at Superbrawl II: Rourke vs. Torette vs. Turbine vs. Scott Walker in both a Universal and X-Core Championship match where there will be two separate falls to determine each championship. That means that we could see someone walk out of the biggest show of the year with two of the most prestigious belts in the XHW! That sweetened the deal enough for Torette, apparently, and it looks like this one is going to happen.
What would a Warzone be without J.T. Cash making some snide remark about his former friend, Rob Gunn? This week it was Cash announcing the "Bring Me Rob Gunn $1,000 Challenge," where the first person to bring him Rob Gunn will be given one grand in cash. I'll reiterate what my good friend George Daniels had to say: Gunn is injured, and will not be appearing at Superbrawl II no matter how badly he may want to.
The Japanese Seaman struck again via commercial this week. This time it was the Weapon of Mass Destruction, Jay Adams, who was titled, "Mr. Pop-Culture Insults Overuser," using the familiar Bud Light "Real Men of Genius" routine. Coupled with the Johnny Diamond rip last week, could this spark both challengers to team up and take out the champion before deciding which of them will claim the Undisputed Championship? Perhaps...
Speaking of Jay Adams, the "King" brought back his classic "King and I" talk show on Warzone this week. Adams took the opportunity in the spotlight to belittle and berate both the Seaman and Johnny Diamond, using both the cutout and Mr. Potato Head stand-ins while promoting himself as the "uncrowned" Undisputed Champion, claiming that at Superbrawl II he'll don the belt to make the whole thing official. I'm personally afraid that when the egos in this match finally collide, we may be left with a giant black hole in the center of the ring.
On to the last competitor in the Undisputed Championship match at Superbrawl II, Johnny Diamond. In a match where he and J.T. Cash got the second of three tests on the night for the Next Generation, the duo took care of business against Scott Walker and familiar foe, Alyx Gates. For what seems like the hundredth time, Cash pinned Gates for the 1-2-3, and the Chicago faithful were robbed of seeing hometown favorite Walker get a victory.
Throughout the evening, the saga of Mike Hoss and Tyler Kiss continued. It seemed like hours that the Hellrasier paced in his locker room waiting to see if Kiss would arrive. Then, just before the main event was about to begin and Hoss was about to lose all self-control, the Kissing Bandit finally showed, gave him a little encouragement, and we got to see the unquestionable fight of the night, and a potential candidate for match of the year down the road.
Christian Cage welcomed Superbrawl II foe, Reinhardt, down to the ring just before the main event for his "Peep Show" segment that got scrapped from Anarchy due to "nothing of value ever happening" on that show, according to Paige Dailey. However, the main event had to take place before we were able to see the segment, and Hoss raced down to the ring to get it on with the man he had traded barbs and respect with all week. This one got ugly real quick, and with pieces of the "Peep Show" set flying everywhere, barbed wire, steel pipes, and baseball bats, the blood was certainly flowing. In the end, it was anyone's ball game, but Hoss stepped up with the Death from Above and ended the match in dramatic fashion for the hometown crowd by getting the victory over a certainly valiant Reinhardt.
The two were given a rather well-deserved standing ovation, but the festivities were cut short in two incidents. First, cameras cut backstage to show John Bradshaw Layfield, Cage's manager, lying over a bloodied Sara Foxx, Reinhardt's significant other, and then we saw Cage slide into the ring and nearly decapitate his nemesis Reinhardt with an iron pipe. The destruction didn't end there as even the Hellraiser wasn't safe from post-match attacks. A figure dressed in all-black assaulted Hoss just as he was about to leave, taking him out with a clothesline on the unforgiving steel ramp and a huge suplex from the ring apron down to the floor. We were unable to get an I.D. on the assailant as he disappeared through the crowd, but I'm sure we haven't seen the end of this whole shebang.
Even with all the drama in the ring this week, there was still just as much going on backstage.
The Japanese Seaman and Eddie Rourke got to have a little chat in the hotel bar up in Chicago last week. The big man encouraged Rourke to go after his old Universal Championship (which he obviously has), and Rourke encouraged the Seaman to show his... personal side.
The incident between Tyler Kiss and Mike Hoss has become beyond infamous at this point, but you can still catch the video of all their exploits on XHW.com under the "Adults Only" section. In a little more "safe for work" scene, you can catch the post-Warzone conversation between the two as well.
After the actions taken by Mr. Jingles last week, you knew that Reno Drake would be on a mission to settle the score. Who knew that he would go after Diego Cortez first? A few days before his match at Warzone, and before he had the chance to talk to Jada later on, the Silent Assassin found the Spaniard, and the two had some sort of conversation, but the cameras weren't able to catch it all. There's even a little "towel" action with Cortez in this one for the ladies...
Newcomer Talia Arroyo and J.T. Cash continued their fling over the week. They were spotted heading out to dinner not too long ago. Could another Next Gen member be falling in lo-ike?
BlkOut just continues to not make friends. This time it was academy trainee Jada that caught his... spite.
For those who didn't catch it, the mystery man sIMON has joined forces with North Starr's manager, Jacob Widmore. Apparently, however, he won't be welcomed into the New Era at least until he starts to prove himself in the ring.
This video was posted on XHW.com just after Warzone featuring Mike Hoss. It's, quite honestly, indescribable; you'll just have to see it for yourselves...
Speaking of Hoss, it looks like he's trying to sort out the whole "Tyler" situation with the rest of his cronies in the Next Generation. He's met with both Joe Riggs and J.T. Cash so far, and, surprisingly, it looks like Riggs isn't crazy about the whole deal, but Cash is just peachy with it.
I don't think anyone will ever be able to figure out what's going on with the Sheglins and DR. JAMES ANDREWS, and now, the Arnold Classic. Go check this out to see what I mean...
It looks like there's yet another fresh face on the Saturday Night Anarchy circuit. Straight from Pittsburgh, PA is young Wesley Burns. Already so far, Burns has met both Jimm Red and Scott Walker, and he's still waiting on Max Turner to get all his final paperwork to get started in the ring. The young man sure seems to have a good deal of enthusiasm though, and he could be a nice edition to what seems like a circus at this point over at Anarchy...
For two people that supposedly hate each other with a passion, J.T. Cash and Roxas Knoxx seem to be getting along swimmingly enough. The two were spotted backstage discussing their son, Scott Cash, amongst other things.
With Warzone emanating from the Stomping Grounds this week, it's causing all sorts of interesting travel situations. In one instance, Scott Walker gave Ben Hampton a lift to the arena, talking over his relationship with Audree Gates, the debacle with Tyler Kiss, and even potential management opportunities.
After the all-out hardcore-fest with Mike Hoss, and the ensuing post-match barrage, Reinhardt and fiance Sara Foxx got stitched up by the EMTs backstage. They also had a little chat
That's about all I've got regarding backstage information. When it comes to this week's Anarchy, however, we've got quite the card lined up. Here's a breakdown:
- A newcomer ranking, battle royal match will open the show. Featuring regarding vengeance... I'd hate to be on the other end of that!Caden Banks, Christopher James Myers, James Green, Jerikai, Matt Shin'ichi, Sean Kalup, and Xavier Cross, this one should be pretty entertaining.
- sIMON gets his first taste of action against two men that have, so far, been an absolute disappointment: Rhett Wildman and Cleaven Audrey. This could be the last chance for those two to show that they've got staying power.
- Two ladies get their debut match this week as well when the sultry, exotic Talia Arroyo takes on a familiar name to the wrestling world: Lita.
- He keep moving up the card, and this week Shark Boy faces a bit tougher of a catch when he squares off against North Starr. This could be a future Bronx Championship preview, in my opinion.
- In some creative booking by Max Turner, we've got four of the eight competitors (one from each team) in the giant Tornado Tag Team Championship match at Xtreme All Access facing off against each other. Doug Bean, Leon Washington, Tiger Komaru, and Joe Riggs will be out to prove that they can do it all single-handedly this week, and I for one am excited to see how it plays out. You gotta think Riggs is the hands down favorite to take this one...
- The main event will feature one of the last few stops on the Dante West farewell tour of matches. He'll be taking on Reinhardt, who I can only imagine hopes to be healed up in time to give the Anarchy faithful a good showing.
That's it for this week, folks. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have, and as always, thanks for indulging me!
This week's Warzone was a showcase in brutality. Of course, to those who follow the XHW this should come as no surprise. The action started right from the get-go as Hogan Cage was in the building to lay down the law regarding the Main Event at Superbrawl II. In three separate incidents throughout the night, he confronted Giovanni Valentino and told him to "stay in line," ran into Hendrix Walker and got told that he's simply there to "count the three count" for the Enforcer, and interrupted Dante West to told him to "not to anything that doesn't belong in this match." It seems to me like Cage is staying pretty impartial in this whole scenario despite the animosity between he and Walker, but all that could change come match time.
The opening match was hyped as a "proving grounds" for two different reasons. On the one hand you had Reno Drake and Doc Hammer getting a "Warzone preview" and the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a big audience, and on the other you had Joe Riggs and Jimm Red attempting to prove that the Next Generation is legit. In a match that saw Johnny Blade interfere and lay into Hammer with a kendo stick, it was the Next Gen boys claiming victory with a pin by Red over Hammer. Later on in the night, Blade explained his actions alongside Leon Lees as retribution for Hammer bragging about his forfeit victory over Blade on last week's Anarchy. Maybe I missed something, but I didn't catch Hammer gloating at all over that one.
Just after the match, the Arnold Classic appeared again, but was immediately led out by security upon the wishes of one Paige Dailey. I think most all of us over at Warzone are weary of the Anarchy stars interfering in the flagship show, and Lucy Walker is no different. After allowing Drake and Hammer to compete in the preview match, only to have both Blade interfere in it and Arnold appear right afterwards, the General Manager was fed up with the entire situation. With that in mind, she declared that next Wednesday, Warzone will be invading Max Turner and Anarchy's backyard: the Stomping Grounds! It should make for quite an exciting show with both the small arena feel and the tension in the air between the two brands.
Is Ethan Price still managing Cordelia Murphy or not? During the week we saw him edit the interview that I had with her to declare that he was still holding his position, but then during the show this week she had him led out by security. What gives? Later in the night, though, Cordelia showed that she's right on pace to claim that Undisputed Women's Championship at Superbrawl II, decimating Audree Gates in their singles match. After the match, however, the United Center crowd was treated to the return of yet another Adams: FiXX. The former champion laid out Cordelia in the center of the ring, serving as a reminder that she still considers herself the "Queen," no matter what the rest of the ladies may say.
It looks like Johnny Sniper and Aston Michaels are going to go at it after all. The two officially signed their contract for Superbrawl II this week, even with Sniper still reeling from the attacks on last week's show. The crutches didn't stop the new look Sniper, though, as he got a measure of retribution by leveling both Aston and Uncle Roger before leaving up the ramp to a standing ovation. This one is building into something special, in my opinion.
Just what exactly is Margaret-Anne York bringing to Superbrawl II? The roars in the dark continued this week, and York appeared on stage with some pretty intimidating red pyros, indicating that maybe Kane would be the superstar appearing at the big show? This one is just completely baffling me, to be honest.
Billy Coop finally stepped up to the plate this week, and was given the chance to go one-on-one with the Shining Light, the X-Core Champion himself, Draven Torette. It was, surprisingly, a closer match than I believe most people expected, but Torette showed why he's champion, finishing Billy off and more or less ending his pipe dream of a title shot by hitting the Initialize DDT for the three count. Later on in the night, Torette would accept an offer from Eddie Rourke for a pretty massive match at Superbrawl II: Rourke vs. Torette vs. Turbine vs. Scott Walker in both a Universal and X-Core Championship match where there will be two separate falls to determine each championship. That means that we could see someone walk out of the biggest show of the year with two of the most prestigious belts in the XHW! That sweetened the deal enough for Torette, apparently, and it looks like this one is going to happen.
What would a Warzone be without J.T. Cash making some snide remark about his former friend, Rob Gunn? This week it was Cash announcing the "Bring Me Rob Gunn $1,000 Challenge," where the first person to bring him Rob Gunn will be given one grand in cash. I'll reiterate what my good friend George Daniels had to say: Gunn is injured, and will not be appearing at Superbrawl II no matter how badly he may want to.
The Japanese Seaman struck again via commercial this week. This time it was the Weapon of Mass Destruction, Jay Adams, who was titled, "Mr. Pop-Culture Insults Overuser," using the familiar Bud Light "Real Men of Genius" routine. Coupled with the Johnny Diamond rip last week, could this spark both challengers to team up and take out the champion before deciding which of them will claim the Undisputed Championship? Perhaps...
Speaking of Jay Adams, the "King" brought back his classic "King and I" talk show on Warzone this week. Adams took the opportunity in the spotlight to belittle and berate both the Seaman and Johnny Diamond, using both the cutout and Mr. Potato Head stand-ins while promoting himself as the "uncrowned" Undisputed Champion, claiming that at Superbrawl II he'll don the belt to make the whole thing official. I'm personally afraid that when the egos in this match finally collide, we may be left with a giant black hole in the center of the ring.
On to the last competitor in the Undisputed Championship match at Superbrawl II, Johnny Diamond. In a match where he and J.T. Cash got the second of three tests on the night for the Next Generation, the duo took care of business against Scott Walker and familiar foe, Alyx Gates. For what seems like the hundredth time, Cash pinned Gates for the 1-2-3, and the Chicago faithful were robbed of seeing hometown favorite Walker get a victory.
Throughout the evening, the saga of Mike Hoss and Tyler Kiss continued. It seemed like hours that the Hellrasier paced in his locker room waiting to see if Kiss would arrive. Then, just before the main event was about to begin and Hoss was about to lose all self-control, the Kissing Bandit finally showed, gave him a little encouragement, and we got to see the unquestionable fight of the night, and a potential candidate for match of the year down the road.
Christian Cage welcomed Superbrawl II foe, Reinhardt, down to the ring just before the main event for his "Peep Show" segment that got scrapped from Anarchy due to "nothing of value ever happening" on that show, according to Paige Dailey. However, the main event had to take place before we were able to see the segment, and Hoss raced down to the ring to get it on with the man he had traded barbs and respect with all week. This one got ugly real quick, and with pieces of the "Peep Show" set flying everywhere, barbed wire, steel pipes, and baseball bats, the blood was certainly flowing. In the end, it was anyone's ball game, but Hoss stepped up with the Death from Above and ended the match in dramatic fashion for the hometown crowd by getting the victory over a certainly valiant Reinhardt.
The two were given a rather well-deserved standing ovation, but the festivities were cut short in two incidents. First, cameras cut backstage to show John Bradshaw Layfield, Cage's manager, lying over a bloodied Sara Foxx, Reinhardt's significant other, and then we saw Cage slide into the ring and nearly decapitate his nemesis Reinhardt with an iron pipe. The destruction didn't end there as even the Hellraiser wasn't safe from post-match attacks. A figure dressed in all-black assaulted Hoss just as he was about to leave, taking him out with a clothesline on the unforgiving steel ramp and a huge suplex from the ring apron down to the floor. We were unable to get an I.D. on the assailant as he disappeared through the crowd, but I'm sure we haven't seen the end of this whole shebang.
Even with all the drama in the ring this week, there was still just as much going on backstage.
The Japanese Seaman and Eddie Rourke got to have a little chat in the hotel bar up in Chicago last week. The big man encouraged Rourke to go after his old Universal Championship (which he obviously has), and Rourke encouraged the Seaman to show his... personal side.
The incident between Tyler Kiss and Mike Hoss has become beyond infamous at this point, but you can still catch the video of all their exploits on XHW.com under the "Adults Only" section. In a little more "safe for work" scene, you can catch the post-Warzone conversation between the two as well.
After the actions taken by Mr. Jingles last week, you knew that Reno Drake would be on a mission to settle the score. Who knew that he would go after Diego Cortez first? A few days before his match at Warzone, and before he had the chance to talk to Jada later on, the Silent Assassin found the Spaniard, and the two had some sort of conversation, but the cameras weren't able to catch it all. There's even a little "towel" action with Cortez in this one for the ladies...
Newcomer Talia Arroyo and J.T. Cash continued their fling over the week. They were spotted heading out to dinner not too long ago. Could another Next Gen member be falling in lo-ike?
BlkOut just continues to not make friends. This time it was academy trainee Jada that caught his... spite.
For those who didn't catch it, the mystery man sIMON has joined forces with North Starr's manager, Jacob Widmore. Apparently, however, he won't be welcomed into the New Era at least until he starts to prove himself in the ring.
This video was posted on XHW.com just after Warzone featuring Mike Hoss. It's, quite honestly, indescribable; you'll just have to see it for yourselves...
Speaking of Hoss, it looks like he's trying to sort out the whole "Tyler" situation with the rest of his cronies in the Next Generation. He's met with both Joe Riggs and J.T. Cash so far, and, surprisingly, it looks like Riggs isn't crazy about the whole deal, but Cash is just peachy with it.
I don't think anyone will ever be able to figure out what's going on with the Sheglins and DR. JAMES ANDREWS, and now, the Arnold Classic. Go check this out to see what I mean...
It looks like there's yet another fresh face on the Saturday Night Anarchy circuit. Straight from Pittsburgh, PA is young Wesley Burns. Already so far, Burns has met both Jimm Red and Scott Walker, and he's still waiting on Max Turner to get all his final paperwork to get started in the ring. The young man sure seems to have a good deal of enthusiasm though, and he could be a nice edition to what seems like a circus at this point over at Anarchy...
For two people that supposedly hate each other with a passion, J.T. Cash and Roxas Knoxx seem to be getting along swimmingly enough. The two were spotted backstage discussing their son, Scott Cash, amongst other things.
With Warzone emanating from the Stomping Grounds this week, it's causing all sorts of interesting travel situations. In one instance, Scott Walker gave Ben Hampton a lift to the arena, talking over his relationship with Audree Gates, the debacle with Tyler Kiss, and even potential management opportunities.
After the all-out hardcore-fest with Mike Hoss, and the ensuing post-match barrage, Reinhardt and fiance Sara Foxx got stitched up by the EMTs backstage. They also had a little chat
That's about all I've got regarding backstage information. When it comes to this week's Anarchy, however, we've got quite the card lined up. Here's a breakdown:
- A newcomer ranking, battle royal match will open the show. Featuring regarding vengeance... I'd hate to be on the other end of that!Caden Banks, Christopher James Myers, James Green, Jerikai, Matt Shin'ichi, Sean Kalup, and Xavier Cross, this one should be pretty entertaining.
- sIMON gets his first taste of action against two men that have, so far, been an absolute disappointment: Rhett Wildman and Cleaven Audrey. This could be the last chance for those two to show that they've got staying power.
- Two ladies get their debut match this week as well when the sultry, exotic Talia Arroyo takes on a familiar name to the wrestling world: Lita.
- He keep moving up the card, and this week Shark Boy faces a bit tougher of a catch when he squares off against North Starr. This could be a future Bronx Championship preview, in my opinion.
- In some creative booking by Max Turner, we've got four of the eight competitors (one from each team) in the giant Tornado Tag Team Championship match at Xtreme All Access facing off against each other. Doug Bean, Leon Washington, Tiger Komaru, and Joe Riggs will be out to prove that they can do it all single-handedly this week, and I for one am excited to see how it plays out. You gotta think Riggs is the hands down favorite to take this one...
- The main event will feature one of the last few stops on the Dante West farewell tour of matches. He'll be taking on Reinhardt, who I can only imagine hopes to be healed up in time to give the Anarchy faithful a good showing.
That's it for this week, folks. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have, and as always, thanks for indulging me!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
An Impromptu With the Hellraiser...
Good afternoon, ladies and gents. I just popped in to give you all a very interesting scoop. When I went to post the bulletin for all you fine citizens to come and check out this Monday's edition of "Indulging Synn," I ran into Mike Hoss, fresh off his first date with none other than Tyler Kiss. Given the man's mood and the recent rash of relationships that are springing up all over the federation, I had to take this moment to get to the bottom of that particular situation. What follows is exactly how our conversation played out. Enjoy!
Backstage at the United Center in Chicago, Xavier Synn is walking through the back hallways toward the company-wide message board for the week. He pins up a note to remind superstars and fans alike that a new edition of his blog, "Indulging Synn" has just been published. He stands back, looking at the note as he looks over the "topics covered" section, zeroing in on "intergender interactions," shaking his head.
Xavier Synn
What the hell is in the water?
He doesn't even hear Mike Hoss approach...
The Hellraiser walks by Synn, he's... smiling and... whistling? He puts a dollar in the vending machine next to Xavier and hits the button for a bottle of water. Without even looking at him, Hoss speaks...
Hoss: Hey Jack Daniels! I haven't seen you in a while now, what, you don't want to interview me anymore?
Hoss chuckles and looks at Synn, waiting for his response...
Xavier spots Hoss picking the water up out of the return slot in the vending machine and the irony of the moment isn't lost on him. One second he's asking what's in the water, the next second Hoss is drinking it. Shaking this observation aside, the interviewer looks up at the Hellraiser.
Xavier Synn
What can I say, Mike? I've been a little busy with all the build-up leading into Superbrawl II, and up until this Saturday you hadn't even been scheduled for it.
It wasn't animosity coming from Synn, just the facts. He'd been spending an awful lot of time covering the various backstage news, the shows themselves, and the developments leading up to the biggest event of the year.
Hoss: Alright, relax... Geeze Rummie, I'm just messing with you. What's in the water though? Should I be worried?
Xavier looks back at him with a raised eyebrow. He gestures toward the water with an inquisitive look.
Xavier Synn
You tell me. Sweet home, Chicago, Tyler Kiss, sex clubs? You're on quite the splurge, Mike.
Even without the microphone in his hand it felt like an interview. The sign of a true natural.
Hoss doesn't say a word, he looks Synn right in the eye and smiles...
Hoss: What's wrong man? Jealous?
Synn squints a little as he holds the stare. Crossing his arms, he responds.
Xavier Synn
Call it morbid curiousity.
Hoss shrugs...
Hoss: What is it you want to know? She was at a bar, I went to the bar, she had to finish signing autographs and then we went to a "Couples Activity Center"... But I'm a book, go ahead, ask the tough questions!
Synn just leans back against the wall and considers the situation for a moment. Here's Mike Hoss, the Hellraiser, the XHW's reigning Price of Darkness and he's grinning like a school boy and sipping a bottle of water. Where to start?
Xavier Synn
Well first off, why Tyler? I don't think I'm alone in thinking that she's not really your... type.
Hoss: Are you kidding? She's everybody's type... Tight body, nice firm, perky... brain, and a beautiful head of long blond hair. The deepest and brightest blue eyes you've ever seen! Or do you mean she isn't the type interested in me? She didn't seem to mind too much... When do these questions get hard?
He smiled once again, waiting for X to ask him something tough...
Xavier stands up off the wall and puts his hands on his hips, never one to take kindly to any sort of intimidation tactics or threats.
Xavier Synn
First off, I prefer green-eyed redheads, and second, the questions are only as hard as you interpret them to be. Is this a one-night fling or something a little substantial?
Hoss: Truth be told, I have no idea... Yeah, the sex was great. She beat me like a redheaded step-child, over and over and just when I thought it wouldn't get any worse, she'd find something else to hit me with... I almost thought about running away and then... Well, you know. But I took it easy on her... She said she wanted the worst but she didn't know what she was asking for.
He smiles just thinking about it...
Hoss: Sorry about that, uh afterwords we went to breakfast... I want to see her again, she wants to see me again, and we're going to hang out a little backstage on Wednesday night. Just count her as one more fan in my corner while I tear ol'Roger a new bunghole! I could really see myself with this chick...
Xavier just tilts his head and scratches his jawline.
Xavier Synn
Well that makes one of you then...
He shakes his head before continuing.
Xavier Synn
And what about in the ring? Isn't a lady around going to soften the Hellraiser up a bit... especially with all the "midnight beatings"?
Hoss: Soften me up? I told her what she was getting into. She doesn't seem to mind, and we aren't really offically together so I wouldn't worry about it. If anything, be afraid, now there's a woman in my life...
He laughs...
Xavier just looks back at him with a bewildered expression.
Xavier Synn
And why should others fear you more because of that? If anything, history has shown that, in the XHW, a relationship makes you more vulnerable to the competition.
Hoss looks around bewildered...
Hoss: Does anyone here even know how I deal with stress? She pushes my buttons enough, I'm bound to snap like a postal worker with a barbedwire baseball bat...
Xavier nods toward him.
Xavier Synn
Well I suppose the question there then, Hoss, is who's on the other end of that bat?
The Hellraiser just shrugs...
Hoss: Does it ever matter? It could be anybody... Look at Tyler Kiss when you get back to your office, look but stop when you're about to put that sweaty mit down your drawers... She's a perfect 10... Not to mention that she is by far the most diverse, agile, sensuous, and brutal lovers I've ever had. Who the hell wouldn't want her? You show me that guy and I'll show you Dante West... I don't see an easy road ahead Synn, but I really like this chick... It's a road I'm willing to walk. So with all that said, and the hundreds of combinations I could come up with, I ask you again... Does it matter who is on the other end of that bat? No... You wrong Tyler, you wrong me, you wrong us... You get hurt... Simple as that.
Hoss is actually enjoying this...
Hoss: Next question!
Synn tilts his head. Impressed with how much Hoss has thought this through in such a short amount of time, but at the same time he's still not completely convinced that the Hellraiser is on the up and up about the whole thing.
Xavier Synn
And what of the Next Generation? In the short amount of time that the group has been together, you've all more or less stuck to the "company line" of solidarity. Starting something with Tyler Kiss, a woman whose past relationships have led her to some less than savory moments with fellow faction member J.T. Cash, might cause rifts within the ranks. How do you think Cash will take this?
Hoss thinks for a minute... He looks at Synn with a very concerned look in his eye...
Hoss: I don't know how he'll take it... It's one thing I can't figure out. But the heart wants what the heart wants, you know?
Synn is a little taken aback by both the directness of the Hellraiser's words and the softness in his voice. It's not exactly... "Hoss-like." He decides to burrow deeper.
Xavier Synn
I have to be honest, Mike, this isn't exactly the "Fire and Brimstone" version of Mike Hoss that I and most of our viewing audience is used to. I mean, "what the heart wants"? It's almost like a page out of Audree Gates and Scott Walker's book, if you don't mind me being blunt. While most might consider Kiss turning over to "the dark side," might you be turning a new leaf instead?
Hoss: Fuck that... plain and simple. I like me... I FUCKING LOVE ME RUMMIE! Hoss stops and clears his throat... Sorry, I'm trying to keep this professional... She is pefectly aware of what she's getting into... And frankly, between you and I... I think, I hope, that's part of the turn on. I mean c'mon, it was the best night of my fucking life, and with everything going on around here, even I have to forget once and awhile...
He shrugs and takes a breath, accepting the fact that he just admited something like that...
Xavier nods again, feeling like he's actually getting somewhere for once instead of just being screamed back at like a petulant child, the going rate for most backstage interviews these days.
Xavier Synn
Well it seems like it's been a perfect storm of sorts: being in your hometown, spotting a familiar face in a favorite hang out, catching someone at just the right time in their life, and finding a sympathetic moment within an otherwise hardened soul. Does that sound about right?
He stops and looks at Xavier for a minute... He shakes his head as he answers...
Hoss: Well, I guess, but it sounds a lot gayer your way... I love this place, Chicago. Others may be from here, I am from here. We all know about my childhood, I don't want to rehash it right now, but in short... I saw a side of this city that you don't see on comercials. The side that Tyler came to last night... And do you know why, Xavier Synn? Don't think hard my friend, I'll tell you... Because she was with Mike... Hoss... Take that for what you will.
He speaks bluntly.
Xavier Synn
I take that for you being a complete 180 from what she just spent the past few months being a part of and a combination of a late night and alcohol. No offense, of course.
He grins with that professional aura, as if he were untouchable yet still wanting to avoid any possible confrontation with a man of the Hellraiser's... tendencies. That only lasts a moment, however, as he gets back into it.
Xavier Synn
But all that aside, you've spent the night out gallivanting while your opponent for this Wednesday, Roger Reinhardt, was here at the United Center getting prepared for your match. Even with the hometown advantage, don't you think you've been a bit lax with your preparation for this thing?
Hoss: It's one night... I train all day, I go to public apperances... The boys and I get together, my nights are my own. See I'm not a real public guy, X I tend to stay out of the public eye. I've been like this for years, I do sleep... But it's just enough. In short, as dumb as it may sound... I'm Hard-Fucking-Core. I didn't just start telling people to call me Hellraiser...
He chuckles...
Hoss: When it comes to Reinhardt, I am 100% focused on him. I've wanted this and I'm going to take it... When have I EVER let my life interfere with my ass-kicking? Never...
Xavier nods.
Xavier Synn
I suppose that's fair. Everyone prepares for matches in their own way. But what happens if you do lose this match... won't some attribute that to this... situation?
Hoss: Of course they will... See, it's like this: I'm a big, angry, hulking, sadistic, satanic motherfucker. I like me, Tyler likes me, The Next Generation likes me, but aside from those few people... There aren't many others. They'll do whatever it takes to bring me down when I get my head above water. They'll do whatever it takes to squash whatever may make me happy at the time. Keep in mind, these are your "heroes" these are the "role models" okay... They'll do whatever it takes, anything, to make sure I'm not in a good mood. True, it is much to their detriment, but still... And now this beautiful thing walks into my life and...
Hoss stops for a second and hangs his head... He'd been thinking about this sort of thing all morning. The tone in his voice has become somber, separating the good from the bad in his head. He runs his hand through his hair before he continues...
Hoss: This ray of sunlight burns a hole through my darkened wasteland of a heart and everyone asks the same question... Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? I don't have JT Cash's good looks, I don't have Johnny Diamonds charisma, I don't have Jimm Redd's money and I'm not an unscathed bad-ass like Joe Riggs. Look at me, I'm a fucking troll... And this perfect ten wants a peice... You better fucking believe I'm going to give it to her. But it's become more than that so fast... We have a connection. Yeah, I'm still waiting for Reinhardt to hop out and smack me in the face with a chair, or The Japanese Seaman to come from around the corner and choke-slam me for Rob Gunn. But even if she's lying... Is it wrong for me to enjoy it? I don't know. But the answer to your question is yes... IF and it's one hell of an "if", Roger Reinhardt manages to get me to the mat for the 1...2...3... Yeah, everyone from you to The Next Generation to my own mother will pin it on Tyler...
Xavier crosses his arms, glad to have finally gotten a point through to the Hellraiser, although, from the answer, it's clear that Hoss has already thought many of these things through in his mind. Despite that fact, there are still unanswered questions.
Xavier Synn
And when that blame comes, when they all point the finger at your new love interest, how is that going to affect you? Your relationship? If it's the Next Generation, which, as you so keenly pointed out, it would be, would that drive a wedge between you and the group? Would it drive one between you and Tyler?
Hoss just stopped, he wanted to punch Synn square in the face and then put his head through the vending machine... But he couldn't, he asked for this... The questions just got hard. He had to think, there was nothing else he could do. So he stood and thought for a moment. Without considering any signs Hoss pulls a cigarette from his pack and lights it, taking slow drags with slower exhales... He looks at Synn with eyes of concern...
Hoss: I... I don't...
What the fuck? Something was coming down his cheek... A... A tear? He couldn't hold it in any longer...
Hoss: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS SHIT IS! I HAVEN'T HAD ONE OF THESE SINCE MY BEST FRIEND DIED AND EVEN THEN IT TOOK A WHOLE HELL OF A LOT! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SYNN! WHY THE FUCK IS THIS HAPPENING!
Hoss drops to the floor, he sits against the wall smoking faster now... He isn't balling by any means, but single tears run down either side of his face...
Hoss: Son of a bitch, everybody is going to have a Field-Day with this! I mean... Why can't I get a piece? Why do I have to live alone? I'M A FUCKING CHAMPION FOR FUCK'S SAKE! If anyone deserves women it's Mike Hoss, Joe Riggs and The Next Generation in general... Mine just happens to be one that one of the founding fathers apparently hates. Go figure, right? No... If they want to blame her, I'll show them. If they want to nay-say her, I'll show them... I won't LET a wedge be driven between me and Tyler or me and my friends... The Next Generation means a lot to me Synn. But so does Tyler... What would you do?
Synn looks down at the shockingly crying Hoss who is seemingly peeling away the layers of the external bravado that he so typically exudes. Peering down at the man as he furiously whittles down his cigarette, Synn responds confidently.
Xavier Synn
I'd start by not getting involved with J.T. Cash in any endeavor, but that's just me. Since you're already entrenched with both sides of the coin, and you don't want to lose either, you have two options. One, you work with both sides to find a compromise, to find a common ground that you can all coexist with. Or two... you choose. Neither of those seems like a pleasant reality, but that's exactly kind of complication that I was talking about to begin with. You have to decide where your priorities lie, in my opinion. But hell, what do I know, I'm just backstage interviewer, Xavier Synn, right?
He scoffs as he leans back against the wall, arms crossed and shaking his head. It's been a long time since he's felt any sort of respect from men like Hoss.
Hoss: Only because I can't take you in the ring and beat you like Reinhardt and West... Do you want that reality? You don't seem like the type that digs on stitches...
Hoss wipes his face clean and cracks his neck. He drops his butt and stomps it out with his boot. He quickly lights another...
Hoss: What the fuck am I worried about, those are my boys. They know I'm fucking dedicated... Don't they? Of course they do. I mean, c'mon... We're The Next Fucking Generation for Christ's sake! We're such badasses, we've got wannabe-spinoffs! I mean... "New Era"... Next Generation... Isn't anyone a fan of originality anymore. How about you X, you like original thought or are you just another type that like "Joey" as much as "Friends"?
It was his motto... When in doubt, be an asshole...
Xavier just looks at him from the wall, unflinching, relaxed, in the moment.
Xavier Synn
I think too many people try too hard to be something that they're not. You have people running all over this federation trying to make themselves out to be unstoppable monsters, mysterious rogues, or even hardcore bad asses, he looks down at Hoss, but the "Hellraiser" is looking at the opposite wall but the reality is that everyone, deep down inside, is a human being. Everybody is hiding something. Everybody can't possibly be the way that they want us to see them. I think that if half of the roster would simply be themselves and the world see them for who they are, this place would be better off.
He heard the man, he saw him look in his direction too...
Hoss: There is a difference between me and them X... I've been like this for years, all over the world. And in one day, one fucking day... I'm supposed to change? No... Fuck that. I love me. She lo-ikes me. The Next Generation Likes Me... I don't see how we can't all just be happy. She stays out of our mess they stay out of Tyler's and my mess... I mean, it works out... Doesn't it? FUCK YEAH IT DOES! I thought of it! Be myself... I AM MYSELF RUMMIE! And everyone loves me for it... Right?
He smiled that maniac smile as he stared off at nothing...
Xavier just shakes his head with a slight chuckle.
Xavier Synn
Everyone has their own opinions, Mike. But I'm sure whatever you decide, you'll work things out. As for me, I've got work to do. Enjoy your newfound... relationship. I'll be looking forward to what happens with that and Wednesday night.
Hoss: That's right Jim Beam, LOOK FOREWORD TO THE BEATING! I'm going to give that guy something he hasn't gotten in quite a while... A LOSS!
Hoss watches as Synn walks down the hall...
That's when I headed back here to the backstage interviewers' workspace lounge to get this conversation up, ASAP, for you, the viewing public. I hope that you've enjoyed this little insight into the world of Mike Hoss, and I can only imagine what the future might hold for the man who is more commonly known as the "Hellraiser." As always, thanks for indulging me!
Backstage at the United Center in Chicago, Xavier Synn is walking through the back hallways toward the company-wide message board for the week. He pins up a note to remind superstars and fans alike that a new edition of his blog, "Indulging Synn" has just been published. He stands back, looking at the note as he looks over the "topics covered" section, zeroing in on "intergender interactions," shaking his head.
Xavier Synn
What the hell is in the water?
He doesn't even hear Mike Hoss approach...
The Hellraiser walks by Synn, he's... smiling and... whistling? He puts a dollar in the vending machine next to Xavier and hits the button for a bottle of water. Without even looking at him, Hoss speaks...
Hoss: Hey Jack Daniels! I haven't seen you in a while now, what, you don't want to interview me anymore?
Hoss chuckles and looks at Synn, waiting for his response...
Xavier spots Hoss picking the water up out of the return slot in the vending machine and the irony of the moment isn't lost on him. One second he's asking what's in the water, the next second Hoss is drinking it. Shaking this observation aside, the interviewer looks up at the Hellraiser.
Xavier Synn
What can I say, Mike? I've been a little busy with all the build-up leading into Superbrawl II, and up until this Saturday you hadn't even been scheduled for it.
It wasn't animosity coming from Synn, just the facts. He'd been spending an awful lot of time covering the various backstage news, the shows themselves, and the developments leading up to the biggest event of the year.
Hoss: Alright, relax... Geeze Rummie, I'm just messing with you. What's in the water though? Should I be worried?
Xavier looks back at him with a raised eyebrow. He gestures toward the water with an inquisitive look.
Xavier Synn
You tell me. Sweet home, Chicago, Tyler Kiss, sex clubs? You're on quite the splurge, Mike.
Even without the microphone in his hand it felt like an interview. The sign of a true natural.
Hoss doesn't say a word, he looks Synn right in the eye and smiles...
Hoss: What's wrong man? Jealous?
Synn squints a little as he holds the stare. Crossing his arms, he responds.
Xavier Synn
Call it morbid curiousity.
Hoss shrugs...
Hoss: What is it you want to know? She was at a bar, I went to the bar, she had to finish signing autographs and then we went to a "Couples Activity Center"... But I'm a book, go ahead, ask the tough questions!
Synn just leans back against the wall and considers the situation for a moment. Here's Mike Hoss, the Hellraiser, the XHW's reigning Price of Darkness and he's grinning like a school boy and sipping a bottle of water. Where to start?
Xavier Synn
Well first off, why Tyler? I don't think I'm alone in thinking that she's not really your... type.
Hoss: Are you kidding? She's everybody's type... Tight body, nice firm, perky... brain, and a beautiful head of long blond hair. The deepest and brightest blue eyes you've ever seen! Or do you mean she isn't the type interested in me? She didn't seem to mind too much... When do these questions get hard?
He smiled once again, waiting for X to ask him something tough...
Xavier stands up off the wall and puts his hands on his hips, never one to take kindly to any sort of intimidation tactics or threats.
Xavier Synn
First off, I prefer green-eyed redheads, and second, the questions are only as hard as you interpret them to be. Is this a one-night fling or something a little substantial?
Hoss: Truth be told, I have no idea... Yeah, the sex was great. She beat me like a redheaded step-child, over and over and just when I thought it wouldn't get any worse, she'd find something else to hit me with... I almost thought about running away and then... Well, you know. But I took it easy on her... She said she wanted the worst but she didn't know what she was asking for.
He smiles just thinking about it...
Hoss: Sorry about that, uh afterwords we went to breakfast... I want to see her again, she wants to see me again, and we're going to hang out a little backstage on Wednesday night. Just count her as one more fan in my corner while I tear ol'Roger a new bunghole! I could really see myself with this chick...
Xavier just tilts his head and scratches his jawline.
Xavier Synn
Well that makes one of you then...
He shakes his head before continuing.
Xavier Synn
And what about in the ring? Isn't a lady around going to soften the Hellraiser up a bit... especially with all the "midnight beatings"?
Hoss: Soften me up? I told her what she was getting into. She doesn't seem to mind, and we aren't really offically together so I wouldn't worry about it. If anything, be afraid, now there's a woman in my life...
He laughs...
Xavier just looks back at him with a bewildered expression.
Xavier Synn
And why should others fear you more because of that? If anything, history has shown that, in the XHW, a relationship makes you more vulnerable to the competition.
Hoss looks around bewildered...
Hoss: Does anyone here even know how I deal with stress? She pushes my buttons enough, I'm bound to snap like a postal worker with a barbedwire baseball bat...
Xavier nods toward him.
Xavier Synn
Well I suppose the question there then, Hoss, is who's on the other end of that bat?
The Hellraiser just shrugs...
Hoss: Does it ever matter? It could be anybody... Look at Tyler Kiss when you get back to your office, look but stop when you're about to put that sweaty mit down your drawers... She's a perfect 10... Not to mention that she is by far the most diverse, agile, sensuous, and brutal lovers I've ever had. Who the hell wouldn't want her? You show me that guy and I'll show you Dante West... I don't see an easy road ahead Synn, but I really like this chick... It's a road I'm willing to walk. So with all that said, and the hundreds of combinations I could come up with, I ask you again... Does it matter who is on the other end of that bat? No... You wrong Tyler, you wrong me, you wrong us... You get hurt... Simple as that.
Hoss is actually enjoying this...
Hoss: Next question!
Synn tilts his head. Impressed with how much Hoss has thought this through in such a short amount of time, but at the same time he's still not completely convinced that the Hellraiser is on the up and up about the whole thing.
Xavier Synn
And what of the Next Generation? In the short amount of time that the group has been together, you've all more or less stuck to the "company line" of solidarity. Starting something with Tyler Kiss, a woman whose past relationships have led her to some less than savory moments with fellow faction member J.T. Cash, might cause rifts within the ranks. How do you think Cash will take this?
Hoss thinks for a minute... He looks at Synn with a very concerned look in his eye...
Hoss: I don't know how he'll take it... It's one thing I can't figure out. But the heart wants what the heart wants, you know?
Synn is a little taken aback by both the directness of the Hellraiser's words and the softness in his voice. It's not exactly... "Hoss-like." He decides to burrow deeper.
Xavier Synn
I have to be honest, Mike, this isn't exactly the "Fire and Brimstone" version of Mike Hoss that I and most of our viewing audience is used to. I mean, "what the heart wants"? It's almost like a page out of Audree Gates and Scott Walker's book, if you don't mind me being blunt. While most might consider Kiss turning over to "the dark side," might you be turning a new leaf instead?
Hoss: Fuck that... plain and simple. I like me... I FUCKING LOVE ME RUMMIE! Hoss stops and clears his throat... Sorry, I'm trying to keep this professional... She is pefectly aware of what she's getting into... And frankly, between you and I... I think, I hope, that's part of the turn on. I mean c'mon, it was the best night of my fucking life, and with everything going on around here, even I have to forget once and awhile...
He shrugs and takes a breath, accepting the fact that he just admited something like that...
Xavier nods again, feeling like he's actually getting somewhere for once instead of just being screamed back at like a petulant child, the going rate for most backstage interviews these days.
Xavier Synn
Well it seems like it's been a perfect storm of sorts: being in your hometown, spotting a familiar face in a favorite hang out, catching someone at just the right time in their life, and finding a sympathetic moment within an otherwise hardened soul. Does that sound about right?
He stops and looks at Xavier for a minute... He shakes his head as he answers...
Hoss: Well, I guess, but it sounds a lot gayer your way... I love this place, Chicago. Others may be from here, I am from here. We all know about my childhood, I don't want to rehash it right now, but in short... I saw a side of this city that you don't see on comercials. The side that Tyler came to last night... And do you know why, Xavier Synn? Don't think hard my friend, I'll tell you... Because she was with Mike... Hoss... Take that for what you will.
He speaks bluntly.
Xavier Synn
I take that for you being a complete 180 from what she just spent the past few months being a part of and a combination of a late night and alcohol. No offense, of course.
He grins with that professional aura, as if he were untouchable yet still wanting to avoid any possible confrontation with a man of the Hellraiser's... tendencies. That only lasts a moment, however, as he gets back into it.
Xavier Synn
But all that aside, you've spent the night out gallivanting while your opponent for this Wednesday, Roger Reinhardt, was here at the United Center getting prepared for your match. Even with the hometown advantage, don't you think you've been a bit lax with your preparation for this thing?
Hoss: It's one night... I train all day, I go to public apperances... The boys and I get together, my nights are my own. See I'm not a real public guy, X I tend to stay out of the public eye. I've been like this for years, I do sleep... But it's just enough. In short, as dumb as it may sound... I'm Hard-Fucking-Core. I didn't just start telling people to call me Hellraiser...
He chuckles...
Hoss: When it comes to Reinhardt, I am 100% focused on him. I've wanted this and I'm going to take it... When have I EVER let my life interfere with my ass-kicking? Never...
Xavier nods.
Xavier Synn
I suppose that's fair. Everyone prepares for matches in their own way. But what happens if you do lose this match... won't some attribute that to this... situation?
Hoss: Of course they will... See, it's like this: I'm a big, angry, hulking, sadistic, satanic motherfucker. I like me, Tyler likes me, The Next Generation likes me, but aside from those few people... There aren't many others. They'll do whatever it takes to bring me down when I get my head above water. They'll do whatever it takes to squash whatever may make me happy at the time. Keep in mind, these are your "heroes" these are the "role models" okay... They'll do whatever it takes, anything, to make sure I'm not in a good mood. True, it is much to their detriment, but still... And now this beautiful thing walks into my life and...
Hoss stops for a second and hangs his head... He'd been thinking about this sort of thing all morning. The tone in his voice has become somber, separating the good from the bad in his head. He runs his hand through his hair before he continues...
Hoss: This ray of sunlight burns a hole through my darkened wasteland of a heart and everyone asks the same question... Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? I don't have JT Cash's good looks, I don't have Johnny Diamonds charisma, I don't have Jimm Redd's money and I'm not an unscathed bad-ass like Joe Riggs. Look at me, I'm a fucking troll... And this perfect ten wants a peice... You better fucking believe I'm going to give it to her. But it's become more than that so fast... We have a connection. Yeah, I'm still waiting for Reinhardt to hop out and smack me in the face with a chair, or The Japanese Seaman to come from around the corner and choke-slam me for Rob Gunn. But even if she's lying... Is it wrong for me to enjoy it? I don't know. But the answer to your question is yes... IF and it's one hell of an "if", Roger Reinhardt manages to get me to the mat for the 1...2...3... Yeah, everyone from you to The Next Generation to my own mother will pin it on Tyler...
Xavier crosses his arms, glad to have finally gotten a point through to the Hellraiser, although, from the answer, it's clear that Hoss has already thought many of these things through in his mind. Despite that fact, there are still unanswered questions.
Xavier Synn
And when that blame comes, when they all point the finger at your new love interest, how is that going to affect you? Your relationship? If it's the Next Generation, which, as you so keenly pointed out, it would be, would that drive a wedge between you and the group? Would it drive one between you and Tyler?
Hoss just stopped, he wanted to punch Synn square in the face and then put his head through the vending machine... But he couldn't, he asked for this... The questions just got hard. He had to think, there was nothing else he could do. So he stood and thought for a moment. Without considering any signs Hoss pulls a cigarette from his pack and lights it, taking slow drags with slower exhales... He looks at Synn with eyes of concern...
Hoss: I... I don't...
What the fuck? Something was coming down his cheek... A... A tear? He couldn't hold it in any longer...
Hoss: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS SHIT IS! I HAVEN'T HAD ONE OF THESE SINCE MY BEST FRIEND DIED AND EVEN THEN IT TOOK A WHOLE HELL OF A LOT! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SYNN! WHY THE FUCK IS THIS HAPPENING!
Hoss drops to the floor, he sits against the wall smoking faster now... He isn't balling by any means, but single tears run down either side of his face...
Hoss: Son of a bitch, everybody is going to have a Field-Day with this! I mean... Why can't I get a piece? Why do I have to live alone? I'M A FUCKING CHAMPION FOR FUCK'S SAKE! If anyone deserves women it's Mike Hoss, Joe Riggs and The Next Generation in general... Mine just happens to be one that one of the founding fathers apparently hates. Go figure, right? No... If they want to blame her, I'll show them. If they want to nay-say her, I'll show them... I won't LET a wedge be driven between me and Tyler or me and my friends... The Next Generation means a lot to me Synn. But so does Tyler... What would you do?
Synn looks down at the shockingly crying Hoss who is seemingly peeling away the layers of the external bravado that he so typically exudes. Peering down at the man as he furiously whittles down his cigarette, Synn responds confidently.
Xavier Synn
I'd start by not getting involved with J.T. Cash in any endeavor, but that's just me. Since you're already entrenched with both sides of the coin, and you don't want to lose either, you have two options. One, you work with both sides to find a compromise, to find a common ground that you can all coexist with. Or two... you choose. Neither of those seems like a pleasant reality, but that's exactly kind of complication that I was talking about to begin with. You have to decide where your priorities lie, in my opinion. But hell, what do I know, I'm just backstage interviewer, Xavier Synn, right?
He scoffs as he leans back against the wall, arms crossed and shaking his head. It's been a long time since he's felt any sort of respect from men like Hoss.
Hoss: Only because I can't take you in the ring and beat you like Reinhardt and West... Do you want that reality? You don't seem like the type that digs on stitches...
Hoss wipes his face clean and cracks his neck. He drops his butt and stomps it out with his boot. He quickly lights another...
Hoss: What the fuck am I worried about, those are my boys. They know I'm fucking dedicated... Don't they? Of course they do. I mean, c'mon... We're The Next Fucking Generation for Christ's sake! We're such badasses, we've got wannabe-spinoffs! I mean... "New Era"... Next Generation... Isn't anyone a fan of originality anymore. How about you X, you like original thought or are you just another type that like "Joey" as much as "Friends"?
It was his motto... When in doubt, be an asshole...
Xavier just looks at him from the wall, unflinching, relaxed, in the moment.
Xavier Synn
I think too many people try too hard to be something that they're not. You have people running all over this federation trying to make themselves out to be unstoppable monsters, mysterious rogues, or even hardcore bad asses, he looks down at Hoss, but the "Hellraiser" is looking at the opposite wall but the reality is that everyone, deep down inside, is a human being. Everybody is hiding something. Everybody can't possibly be the way that they want us to see them. I think that if half of the roster would simply be themselves and the world see them for who they are, this place would be better off.
He heard the man, he saw him look in his direction too...
Hoss: There is a difference between me and them X... I've been like this for years, all over the world. And in one day, one fucking day... I'm supposed to change? No... Fuck that. I love me. She lo-ikes me. The Next Generation Likes Me... I don't see how we can't all just be happy. She stays out of our mess they stay out of Tyler's and my mess... I mean, it works out... Doesn't it? FUCK YEAH IT DOES! I thought of it! Be myself... I AM MYSELF RUMMIE! And everyone loves me for it... Right?
He smiled that maniac smile as he stared off at nothing...
Xavier just shakes his head with a slight chuckle.
Xavier Synn
Everyone has their own opinions, Mike. But I'm sure whatever you decide, you'll work things out. As for me, I've got work to do. Enjoy your newfound... relationship. I'll be looking forward to what happens with that and Wednesday night.
Hoss: That's right Jim Beam, LOOK FOREWORD TO THE BEATING! I'm going to give that guy something he hasn't gotten in quite a while... A LOSS!
Hoss watches as Synn walks down the hall...
That's when I headed back here to the backstage interviewers' workspace lounge to get this conversation up, ASAP, for you, the viewing public. I hope that you've enjoyed this little insight into the world of Mike Hoss, and I can only imagine what the future might hold for the man who is more commonly known as the "Hellraiser." As always, thanks for indulging me!
Monday, March 24, 2008
It's Always Darkest...
Welcome back to "Indulging Synn," friends and foes. I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend, and I'm sure that you're all getting just as excited as I am that we're one weekend closer to Superbrawl II! The road to the biggest show of the year is truly heating up, and this Saturday was no different. Let's get to the results.
This weekend's Saturday Night Anarchy was one of more... criminal that we've had in recent history. The opening match certainly set the tone for the night as newcomer BlkOut did not disappoint in his debut, decimating all three men on the other side of the ring in his four-way match (James, Cleaven Audrey, and Gabriel Alexander). Not only did BlkOut deliver his vicious looking Curb Stomp to get the pin, but he also attacked Alexander in the ring after the match was already over with a knee to the head. However, the animosity escalated when Mav Harley met BlkOut at the top of the entrance ramp and grounded him with an Anti-Aircraft Cannon on the unforgiving steel. More on Mav later.
Just as the opening match and ensuing attack came to a close, sIMON tried to meet up with Claire Logan backstage. The mysterious man who seemingly just wandered in from the desert may have found a friend and manager in Jacob Widmore, but aside from that he's having a rough go just getting the time from somebody.
Casey Blue is back in the ring and, unfortunately, so is Roxas Knoxx. She was woman-handled for the second time in a span of four days and took yet another loss. Blue looked as impressive as the other Casey (Dodge) on WarZone, and Roxas again just looked dreadful. More on Knoxx later.
For those who are fond of the phrase "It's always darkest just before dawn," well, it's pretty damn dark when it comes to Mr. Jingles' Bronx Championship reign so far. Even though Jingles' handler said that a victory over Cortez a couple weeks ago would placate the freak, he still attacked his "target" backstage at Anarchy: Academy diva, Jada. If I were Jingles, which, thank God I'm not, I'd not only be watching for vengeance on the behalf of Diego Cortez, but Jada's friend and perhaps love interest, Reno Drake.
Back now to Maverick Harley and Roxas Knoxx, not altogether surprisingly in the same sentence. After attacking BlkOut earlier in the night, Harley still went out to compete in his match against North Starr against doctor's recommendations. He's probably wishing that he hadn't as the concussion didn't aide him much when he was hit with the Death Star DDT for the pin. Afterwards, the entire New Era, new member BlkOut included, came down to the ring to gloat over Harley, but their celebration was short lived as Asylum and his new friends the "hockey maskers" ran down to fend off the faction. After a short monologue by Asylum and the red masker, the mystery duo revealed themselves as none other than Alyx Gates and Roxas Knoxx, the red and pink maskers respectively. Apparently they're calling themselves the "Chaotic Connection" and joining up with Asylum to fight the New Era as a team. Why Gates and Knoxx would come back to Anarchy to help out is anyone's guess.
The Sheglins have apparently found a new friend in "the Arnold Classic," as the entire collection of hooligans were seen together before the Bean Brothers took on the Lynch Mob. Shockingly, the Mob went down when both brother pinned Leon to claim the victory, but after the match, a furious Alcatraz took it to Danny Bean. Later on in the night, Max Turner would announce that both teams, along with the DragonGate Clan, will be challenging Excessive Force for the Tornado Tag Team Championships on Xtreme All Access during Superbrawl II weekend. Hey, if the big show is going to have three- and four-way matches, why not the pre-show?
In the first real advertisement that we've seen from XHW superstars themselves, our Undisputed Champion, the Japanese Seaman, and Ben Hampton took a shot at Johnny Diamond in a mock-Bud Light ad. They used the "Real Men of Genius" music and theme, crowning Diamond, "Mr. Overrated Main Event Ruiner." Who knew the Great Darkness had a sense of humor?
Continuing to impress is the fishy one himself, Shark Boy. He finally got moved up in the card this weekend and didn't disappoint. Bronko Allen and Slapnutz both may have just seemingly disappeared from the federation altogether, but that Deep Sea Stunner is not a joke, folks.
Could Fixx be on the way back? She's been seen backstage recently, and we even saw a promo for her on Anarchy. Women's division: LOOK OUT.
J.T. Cash made a surprise appearance on the show. Most of us are wishing he hadn't. He came to let the sold out Stomping Grounds crowd know that Rob Gunn is now too injured to compete in their anticipated match at Superbrawl II due to the actions that the entire Next Generation took against him on WarZone. What an ass.
Speaking of let downs, Johnny Blade was unable to make it to the show on Saturday, and as a result his match against Doc Hammer was canceled. That might be a blessing in disguise for the Hammer as he gets his first taste of WarZone competition this Wednesday, and any rest and extra training he can get in would be wise...
Just before the main event, we got a visit from Max Turner for lots and lots of XHW news. Here's the run down:
- Gabriel Alexander, James, and Slapnutz are all fired due to non-performance
- ODB, Casey Dodge, and Tyler Kiss will be taking on Dirk Diver, Billy Coop, and the Iron Sheik at Superbrawl II. If Dirk doesn't show up for the match, he'll be canned.
- ODB and Casey Dodge were seemingly misdirected on the way to the arena (more than likely by Diver), and would be absent for the night's main event.
- The aforementioned tag match at Xtreme All Access for the championships between the Sheglins/the Lynch Mob/the DragonGate Clan/Excessive Force.
With that out of the way, it was time for a very disappointing main event that should have seen enemies and rivalries all over the place. Instead, it was Diego Cortez and Victor Mason trying to hold back the tide of Kurt Angle, Mr. Jingles, Billy Coop, and Dirk's replacement for the night, Mark Matthews. As one would imagine, it was a lost cause, and Angle ended up slapping the Ankle Lock right back on Mason just like last week, getting him to tap for the victory.
In backstage news, it looks like BlkOut can't help but make enemies; now he can add the Lynch Mob's Leon Washington to the list. Leon was also seen with new XHW signee and local Chicagoan Joey Van Dal at the United Center this week.
The intergender interactions were a bit out of control over the weekend. All of the following couples and or confrontations were caught on camera backstage since our last update: Claire Logan and J.T. Cash, Harley and Knoxx (surprised?), Audree Gates and Scott Walker (SURPRISED???), Morgan Garcia and Jay Adams, Alyx Gates and wife Izzy Haner, Draven Torette and Margaret-Anne York (strictly business), North Starr and Claire Logan, Cordelia Murphy and Diego Cortez, Claire Logan and client BlkOut, Reno Drake and Jada, Lucy and Hendrix Walker, Lucy Walker and Johnny Sniper, Harley and Knoxx (AGAIN!), the Gates siblings, and finally, Tyler Kiss and Mike Hoss (definite surprise there). Is there something in the water that I'm missing out on here?
That's about all the backstage news I can handle, folks. Let's get on to this week's WarZone. Here's the card from America's Second City, sweet home, Chicago:
- Doc Hammer and Reno Drake will get a "WarZone Preview" match against Next Generation members Joe Riggs and Jimm Red. Welcome to the big time, boys...
- Aston Michaels and Johnny Sniper will most likely sign their contract for Superbrawl II, but I don't know about that leg of Sniper...
- Billy Coop gets a taste of what it's like against the champion when he takes on Draven Torette in a non-title X-Core Divisional match.
- Cordelia Murphy gets a SB2 tune-up match against Audree Gates.
- The "big dogs" of the Next Generation, J.T. Cash and Johnny Diamond, take on friends Alyx Gates and Scott Walker in a Tornado Tag Team Match.
- In the main event, Mike Hoss and Reinhardt will face off in a challenge match that was agreed upon a couple weeks ago, but just signed for this WarZone. Maybe Lucy was just waiting until she could put the Hellraiser in his back yard against the man from Philly? Perhaps!
That's all I've got for this week. As always, feel free to contact me with anything additional you'd like to see. Until next time, thanks for indulging me!
This weekend's Saturday Night Anarchy was one of more... criminal that we've had in recent history. The opening match certainly set the tone for the night as newcomer BlkOut did not disappoint in his debut, decimating all three men on the other side of the ring in his four-way match (James, Cleaven Audrey, and Gabriel Alexander). Not only did BlkOut deliver his vicious looking Curb Stomp to get the pin, but he also attacked Alexander in the ring after the match was already over with a knee to the head. However, the animosity escalated when Mav Harley met BlkOut at the top of the entrance ramp and grounded him with an Anti-Aircraft Cannon on the unforgiving steel. More on Mav later.
Just as the opening match and ensuing attack came to a close, sIMON tried to meet up with Claire Logan backstage. The mysterious man who seemingly just wandered in from the desert may have found a friend and manager in Jacob Widmore, but aside from that he's having a rough go just getting the time from somebody.
Casey Blue is back in the ring and, unfortunately, so is Roxas Knoxx. She was woman-handled for the second time in a span of four days and took yet another loss. Blue looked as impressive as the other Casey (Dodge) on WarZone, and Roxas again just looked dreadful. More on Knoxx later.
For those who are fond of the phrase "It's always darkest just before dawn," well, it's pretty damn dark when it comes to Mr. Jingles' Bronx Championship reign so far. Even though Jingles' handler said that a victory over Cortez a couple weeks ago would placate the freak, he still attacked his "target" backstage at Anarchy: Academy diva, Jada. If I were Jingles, which, thank God I'm not, I'd not only be watching for vengeance on the behalf of Diego Cortez, but Jada's friend and perhaps love interest, Reno Drake.
Back now to Maverick Harley and Roxas Knoxx, not altogether surprisingly in the same sentence. After attacking BlkOut earlier in the night, Harley still went out to compete in his match against North Starr against doctor's recommendations. He's probably wishing that he hadn't as the concussion didn't aide him much when he was hit with the Death Star DDT for the pin. Afterwards, the entire New Era, new member BlkOut included, came down to the ring to gloat over Harley, but their celebration was short lived as Asylum and his new friends the "hockey maskers" ran down to fend off the faction. After a short monologue by Asylum and the red masker, the mystery duo revealed themselves as none other than Alyx Gates and Roxas Knoxx, the red and pink maskers respectively. Apparently they're calling themselves the "Chaotic Connection" and joining up with Asylum to fight the New Era as a team. Why Gates and Knoxx would come back to Anarchy to help out is anyone's guess.
The Sheglins have apparently found a new friend in "the Arnold Classic," as the entire collection of hooligans were seen together before the Bean Brothers took on the Lynch Mob. Shockingly, the Mob went down when both brother pinned Leon to claim the victory, but after the match, a furious Alcatraz took it to Danny Bean. Later on in the night, Max Turner would announce that both teams, along with the DragonGate Clan, will be challenging Excessive Force for the Tornado Tag Team Championships on Xtreme All Access during Superbrawl II weekend. Hey, if the big show is going to have three- and four-way matches, why not the pre-show?
In the first real advertisement that we've seen from XHW superstars themselves, our Undisputed Champion, the Japanese Seaman, and Ben Hampton took a shot at Johnny Diamond in a mock-Bud Light ad. They used the "Real Men of Genius" music and theme, crowning Diamond, "Mr. Overrated Main Event Ruiner." Who knew the Great Darkness had a sense of humor?
Continuing to impress is the fishy one himself, Shark Boy. He finally got moved up in the card this weekend and didn't disappoint. Bronko Allen and Slapnutz both may have just seemingly disappeared from the federation altogether, but that Deep Sea Stunner is not a joke, folks.
Could Fixx be on the way back? She's been seen backstage recently, and we even saw a promo for her on Anarchy. Women's division: LOOK OUT.
J.T. Cash made a surprise appearance on the show. Most of us are wishing he hadn't. He came to let the sold out Stomping Grounds crowd know that Rob Gunn is now too injured to compete in their anticipated match at Superbrawl II due to the actions that the entire Next Generation took against him on WarZone. What an ass.
Speaking of let downs, Johnny Blade was unable to make it to the show on Saturday, and as a result his match against Doc Hammer was canceled. That might be a blessing in disguise for the Hammer as he gets his first taste of WarZone competition this Wednesday, and any rest and extra training he can get in would be wise...
Just before the main event, we got a visit from Max Turner for lots and lots of XHW news. Here's the run down:
- Gabriel Alexander, James, and Slapnutz are all fired due to non-performance
- ODB, Casey Dodge, and Tyler Kiss will be taking on Dirk Diver, Billy Coop, and the Iron Sheik at Superbrawl II. If Dirk doesn't show up for the match, he'll be canned.
- ODB and Casey Dodge were seemingly misdirected on the way to the arena (more than likely by Diver), and would be absent for the night's main event.
- The aforementioned tag match at Xtreme All Access for the championships between the Sheglins/the Lynch Mob/the DragonGate Clan/Excessive Force.
With that out of the way, it was time for a very disappointing main event that should have seen enemies and rivalries all over the place. Instead, it was Diego Cortez and Victor Mason trying to hold back the tide of Kurt Angle, Mr. Jingles, Billy Coop, and Dirk's replacement for the night, Mark Matthews. As one would imagine, it was a lost cause, and Angle ended up slapping the Ankle Lock right back on Mason just like last week, getting him to tap for the victory.
In backstage news, it looks like BlkOut can't help but make enemies; now he can add the Lynch Mob's Leon Washington to the list. Leon was also seen with new XHW signee and local Chicagoan Joey Van Dal at the United Center this week.
The intergender interactions were a bit out of control over the weekend. All of the following couples and or confrontations were caught on camera backstage since our last update: Claire Logan and J.T. Cash, Harley and Knoxx (surprised?), Audree Gates and Scott Walker (SURPRISED???), Morgan Garcia and Jay Adams, Alyx Gates and wife Izzy Haner, Draven Torette and Margaret-Anne York (strictly business), North Starr and Claire Logan, Cordelia Murphy and Diego Cortez, Claire Logan and client BlkOut, Reno Drake and Jada, Lucy and Hendrix Walker, Lucy Walker and Johnny Sniper, Harley and Knoxx (AGAIN!), the Gates siblings, and finally, Tyler Kiss and Mike Hoss (definite surprise there). Is there something in the water that I'm missing out on here?
That's about all the backstage news I can handle, folks. Let's get on to this week's WarZone. Here's the card from America's Second City, sweet home, Chicago:
- Doc Hammer and Reno Drake will get a "WarZone Preview" match against Next Generation members Joe Riggs and Jimm Red. Welcome to the big time, boys...
- Aston Michaels and Johnny Sniper will most likely sign their contract for Superbrawl II, but I don't know about that leg of Sniper...
- Billy Coop gets a taste of what it's like against the champion when he takes on Draven Torette in a non-title X-Core Divisional match.
- Cordelia Murphy gets a SB2 tune-up match against Audree Gates.
- The "big dogs" of the Next Generation, J.T. Cash and Johnny Diamond, take on friends Alyx Gates and Scott Walker in a Tornado Tag Team Match.
- In the main event, Mike Hoss and Reinhardt will face off in a challenge match that was agreed upon a couple weeks ago, but just signed for this WarZone. Maybe Lucy was just waiting until she could put the Hellraiser in his back yard against the man from Philly? Perhaps!
That's all I've got for this week. As always, feel free to contact me with anything additional you'd like to see. Until next time, thanks for indulging me!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
No Love Lost...
Welcome back to "Indulging Synn," friend and foes. And now, the news.
This week's Wednesday Night Warzone was one of the most brutal, throw down type nights we've seen in a long while. The card was filled top to bottom with matches that just screamed animosity, and, for the most part, the evening did not disappoint.
At the beginning of the show, the Dallas faithful were treated to one-half of the XHW Tornado Tag Team Champions and founding member of the Next Generation, Mike Hoss. He or more or less wanted everyone in the arena to know that he and the rest of his running mates aren't going away any time soon, and that we should all watch our backs. Duly noted, Hellraiser. Later on in the night, however, something spooked the Hellraiser right back, and the source of the scare has yet to be identified. As intimidating as Hoss and the Next Generation may be, they've got a ways to go before they end up on the same plane as Hendrix Walker. The (former?) XHW part-owner was spotted backstage at WarZone shoving Elise Jones aside and refusing to speak about his match against Giovanni Valentino and Dante West at Superbrawl II... Surprise, surprise...
The first match of the night could very well have stolen the show were the rest of the card not so strong. For two men with so little history between them, both Johnny Sniper and Joe Riggs came out looking for a brawl, and they both delivered. In the end, however, someone had to walk away from this fight, and it was Joe Riggs carrying the Universal division flag with the victory.
Just after the match, however, Sniper got a little insult to add to the injury as Aston Michaels appeared via satellite to lay down the official challenge for their Superbrawl II rematch. Aston stated that he wasn't in the arena, and that Sniper would have until next week to decide whether or not to go through with the "no interference" match at SB2, but the whole charade was revealed later in the night when Aston and his Uncle Roger brutally attacked Sniper outside the arena in the parking lot. Hopefully Johnny can heal up in time for the year's biggest show...
In the word of George Daniels, "don't look now," but Billy Coop is rising the X-Core ranks... and quickly! The Cooperstar delivered this week with an electric victory of the unfortunately nicknamed "Thunder Britches," Chris Crawford, to gain yet another victory within the division. I was able to chat with Coop briefly backstage, and it looks like he might be entertaining the idea of gunning for Draven Torette along with the other handful of superstars that have their eyes on the title...
After a brief announcement from Paige Dailey that Christian Cage finally has his voice back (oh no...) and will be having a special "Peep Show" this Anarchy that Reinhardt is specifically invited to, we got to hear from the always unpopular J.T. Cash. In what can only be described as deplorable, Cash set Rob Gunn up to be attacked by the entire Next Generation while anyone that may help Gunn, i.e., those in Ben Hampton's locker room, were trapped and unable to assist him. After watching Cash take a baseball bat to his former partner's knee, I seriously doubt that we'll get to see the epic showdown we had hoped for at Superbrawl II. If nothing else, the entire moment served to show that the Next Generation is serious about their intentions, and they can put together a well-crafted assault. It's things like this that make me glad I'm no longer in the ring...
We were treated to the mysterious "hockey maskers," as they're coming to be called, again this week. This time, it was "Pink" that we saw, and it was an odd encounter with Asylum that played out before our eyes. From what I could gather, the hockey maskers are looking to help Asylum somehow, and it didn't look like North Starr liked the set-up one bit. Keep your eyes on this situation, citizens, because I'm sure there's more to come.
According to George Daniels and his sources, the management-client relationship between Ben Hampton and Tyler Kiss is officially over, as well as any extra-curricular relations they might have been having. It seemed to have a counter-intuitive effect on the Kissing Bandit as she came out on fire against Frankie Wednesday night. It was announced just after that the match ended up earning "match of the night" honors, and it certainly lived up to the billing. In a move that most all of America enjoyed except for those prudes who turned their eyes, Tyler hit her Last Kiss finisher and rolled Frankie up for the pin. No doubt that grabbing of the tights will be a point of emphasis next time we see the fairer sex of the Adams family.
It looks like Ethan Price won't be able to talk himself out of this corner. Just moments after making the challenge for "I Quit" stipulations on the Undisputed Women's Championship match at Superbrawl II, Cordelia Murphy met him backstage. The manager-turned-wrestler looked furious, obviously upset with Price for putting her directly in harm's way yet again, and decided that enough is enough, firing him on the spot. Only time will tell how this relationship will play out, but it didn't seem like Murphy left any room for interpretation on this one.
In yet another match that lived up to the billing, Jimm Red and Scott Walker gave us all a treat as the two of them let each other have it. The newest recruit of the Next Generation came out guns blazing, looking to prove that the group made a wise decision, but Scott Walker had intentions of his own. Only one man could back up his talk, and on this night it was Walker with a Sudden Death and a pin. It will be interesting to see how Red bounces back next week...
Jay Adams continues to insult and degrade both opponents in the Undisputed Championship match at Superbrawl II. This week, not only did he continue his conversation with the cardboard cutout of the Japanese Seaman, but added a Mr. Potato Head doll in the place of Johnny Diamond as well. What a class act.
Whatever happened to Roxas Knoxx? She sure has enjoyed gallivanting about backstage with Alyx Gates and randomly assaulting innocent stage hands for no reason, but she couldn't have possibly enjoyed the beating she took at the hands of Casey Dodge this week. Knoxx looked absolutely lost in the ring this week, and I think the entire Dallas crowd would agree with me. Casey, on the other hand, was on top form and showed her in ring prowess is as strong as ever in a dominating victory.
I believe the best thing to describe the match between Johnny Diamond and Eddie Rourke would be "no love lost." These two were at each other's throats all week on the internet, on TV, and even on local Dallas radio. When the time came for fighting, however, both men brought their "A" game. Diamond looked on top form, but the ferocity and determination of Eddie Rourke won out in the end, putting Diamond down for the three count and the victory. As with Jimm Red, it will be interesting to see how this Next Generation member responds to such a loss.
It was a little bizarre after the match when what I'm being told is the "Arnold Classic" appeared at the top of the entrance ramp and introduced himself to the XHW. He was joined shortly after by the Sheglins and Dr. Jam... sorry, DR. JAMES ANDREWS (I always mess that up!) and they all did a dance. For once I agree with Paige Dailey: what the hell are these guys doing here?
After all the brutality, blood, and bones crushed throughout the night, the main event might have been the most difficult to watch. Lucy Walker came out just before the bell rang to notify us that Daman Arress had not shown up to the arena, and that Alyx Gates would now be on his own in a handicap match against current X-Core Champion Draven Torette and former X-Core Champion J.T. Cash. This scenario went just how you'd imagine it, friends, and it wasn't pretty. The bout ended with Gates tapping furiously under the weight of the Nirvana Calling from Torette, and it took a gaggle of referees to separate the two. Even then, the drama wasn't over with as Margaret-Anne York appeared at the top of the ramp with her fingers in the shape of a V. A mysterious end to a vicious show, and I have to say: I'M SPENT!
Since the last "Indulging Synn," we've had quite a few backstage happenings. Margaret-Anne York has certainly made her presence known, interacting with Joe Riggs, Johnny Sniper, Alyx Gates, Audree Gates, and mysterious newcomer sIMON in the span of just a few days. Speaking of newcomers, we've seen a bevy of them backstage in the past week. Caden Banks has been seen with Dante West, and the exotic Talia Arroyo was spotted in separate incidents both with J.T. Cash and the ever-charming Diego Cortez.
Several superstars had their own moments in the media this week. Mike Hoss interrupted an episode of "XHW Insider" to berate Lucy Walker, Johnny Diamond was being promoted on SportsCenter, and sIMON was witnessed arriving here in the federation. Elsewhere, it seems that North Starr's manager and confidant Jacob Widmore has come to an understanding with BlkOut. Also, in between parading around with the Next Generation, Johnny Diamond may end up throwing down with Alyx Gates before Superbrawl II. As for throwing down, we do know that Diego Cortez will be given the opportunity to climb his way back to the Bronx Championship, Dante West and Reinhardt have been given the green light for next Anarchy, and North Starr and Maverick Harley are going to settle their differences in the ring. Finally, Claire Logan still hates Alyx Gates.
Here's a quick rundown of this week's Saturday Night Anarchy line-up:
BlkOut gets his first taste of in-ring action against a collection of XHW disappointments (James, Cleaven Audrey, and Gabriel Alexander).
Roxas Knoxx gets another opportunity to prove that she's at least paying attention against Casey Blue, who hasn't really been scene since jumping in that car to avoid the now fired Ravage of the GWO.
As mentioned earlier, North Starr and Mav Harley will mix it up.
The Lynch Mob will be back in action for the first time since losing their Tornado Tag Team Championship match, this time against the ever-enigmatic Sheglins.
Shark Boy finally moves up the card to meet Bronko Allen and Slapnutz in a triple-threat match.
Doc Hammer will ply his trade against Johnny Blade. I guess we'll see what Blade does without Whitesnake on his doorstep...
The main event will be putting all sorts of story lines into the blender with the hopes of creating a delicious match. The team of Diego Cortez, Casey Dodge, ODB, and Victor Mason will face off against Dirk Diver, Billy Coop, Mr. Jingles, and Kurt Angle. As most already know, Cortez and Jingles just faced each other last week as Diego lost the Bronx Championship, Diver blindsided Dodge and ODB in their match last week against the Sheglins as well as Billy Coop and the Iron Sheik, and Victor Mason was treated to an extended version of Angle's Ankle Lock after his victory last week. Main event indeed...
That's all I've got for this time. I'll see you all this Saturday night in the Stomping Grounds! Thanks for indulging me!
This week's Wednesday Night Warzone was one of the most brutal, throw down type nights we've seen in a long while. The card was filled top to bottom with matches that just screamed animosity, and, for the most part, the evening did not disappoint.
At the beginning of the show, the Dallas faithful were treated to one-half of the XHW Tornado Tag Team Champions and founding member of the Next Generation, Mike Hoss. He or more or less wanted everyone in the arena to know that he and the rest of his running mates aren't going away any time soon, and that we should all watch our backs. Duly noted, Hellraiser. Later on in the night, however, something spooked the Hellraiser right back, and the source of the scare has yet to be identified. As intimidating as Hoss and the Next Generation may be, they've got a ways to go before they end up on the same plane as Hendrix Walker. The (former?) XHW part-owner was spotted backstage at WarZone shoving Elise Jones aside and refusing to speak about his match against Giovanni Valentino and Dante West at Superbrawl II... Surprise, surprise...
The first match of the night could very well have stolen the show were the rest of the card not so strong. For two men with so little history between them, both Johnny Sniper and Joe Riggs came out looking for a brawl, and they both delivered. In the end, however, someone had to walk away from this fight, and it was Joe Riggs carrying the Universal division flag with the victory.
Just after the match, however, Sniper got a little insult to add to the injury as Aston Michaels appeared via satellite to lay down the official challenge for their Superbrawl II rematch. Aston stated that he wasn't in the arena, and that Sniper would have until next week to decide whether or not to go through with the "no interference" match at SB2, but the whole charade was revealed later in the night when Aston and his Uncle Roger brutally attacked Sniper outside the arena in the parking lot. Hopefully Johnny can heal up in time for the year's biggest show...
In the word of George Daniels, "don't look now," but Billy Coop is rising the X-Core ranks... and quickly! The Cooperstar delivered this week with an electric victory of the unfortunately nicknamed "Thunder Britches," Chris Crawford, to gain yet another victory within the division. I was able to chat with Coop briefly backstage, and it looks like he might be entertaining the idea of gunning for Draven Torette along with the other handful of superstars that have their eyes on the title...
After a brief announcement from Paige Dailey that Christian Cage finally has his voice back (oh no...) and will be having a special "Peep Show" this Anarchy that Reinhardt is specifically invited to, we got to hear from the always unpopular J.T. Cash. In what can only be described as deplorable, Cash set Rob Gunn up to be attacked by the entire Next Generation while anyone that may help Gunn, i.e., those in Ben Hampton's locker room, were trapped and unable to assist him. After watching Cash take a baseball bat to his former partner's knee, I seriously doubt that we'll get to see the epic showdown we had hoped for at Superbrawl II. If nothing else, the entire moment served to show that the Next Generation is serious about their intentions, and they can put together a well-crafted assault. It's things like this that make me glad I'm no longer in the ring...
We were treated to the mysterious "hockey maskers," as they're coming to be called, again this week. This time, it was "Pink" that we saw, and it was an odd encounter with Asylum that played out before our eyes. From what I could gather, the hockey maskers are looking to help Asylum somehow, and it didn't look like North Starr liked the set-up one bit. Keep your eyes on this situation, citizens, because I'm sure there's more to come.
According to George Daniels and his sources, the management-client relationship between Ben Hampton and Tyler Kiss is officially over, as well as any extra-curricular relations they might have been having. It seemed to have a counter-intuitive effect on the Kissing Bandit as she came out on fire against Frankie Wednesday night. It was announced just after that the match ended up earning "match of the night" honors, and it certainly lived up to the billing. In a move that most all of America enjoyed except for those prudes who turned their eyes, Tyler hit her Last Kiss finisher and rolled Frankie up for the pin. No doubt that grabbing of the tights will be a point of emphasis next time we see the fairer sex of the Adams family.
It looks like Ethan Price won't be able to talk himself out of this corner. Just moments after making the challenge for "I Quit" stipulations on the Undisputed Women's Championship match at Superbrawl II, Cordelia Murphy met him backstage. The manager-turned-wrestler looked furious, obviously upset with Price for putting her directly in harm's way yet again, and decided that enough is enough, firing him on the spot. Only time will tell how this relationship will play out, but it didn't seem like Murphy left any room for interpretation on this one.
In yet another match that lived up to the billing, Jimm Red and Scott Walker gave us all a treat as the two of them let each other have it. The newest recruit of the Next Generation came out guns blazing, looking to prove that the group made a wise decision, but Scott Walker had intentions of his own. Only one man could back up his talk, and on this night it was Walker with a Sudden Death and a pin. It will be interesting to see how Red bounces back next week...
Jay Adams continues to insult and degrade both opponents in the Undisputed Championship match at Superbrawl II. This week, not only did he continue his conversation with the cardboard cutout of the Japanese Seaman, but added a Mr. Potato Head doll in the place of Johnny Diamond as well. What a class act.
Whatever happened to Roxas Knoxx? She sure has enjoyed gallivanting about backstage with Alyx Gates and randomly assaulting innocent stage hands for no reason, but she couldn't have possibly enjoyed the beating she took at the hands of Casey Dodge this week. Knoxx looked absolutely lost in the ring this week, and I think the entire Dallas crowd would agree with me. Casey, on the other hand, was on top form and showed her in ring prowess is as strong as ever in a dominating victory.
I believe the best thing to describe the match between Johnny Diamond and Eddie Rourke would be "no love lost." These two were at each other's throats all week on the internet, on TV, and even on local Dallas radio. When the time came for fighting, however, both men brought their "A" game. Diamond looked on top form, but the ferocity and determination of Eddie Rourke won out in the end, putting Diamond down for the three count and the victory. As with Jimm Red, it will be interesting to see how this Next Generation member responds to such a loss.
It was a little bizarre after the match when what I'm being told is the "Arnold Classic" appeared at the top of the entrance ramp and introduced himself to the XHW. He was joined shortly after by the Sheglins and Dr. Jam... sorry, DR. JAMES ANDREWS (I always mess that up!) and they all did a dance. For once I agree with Paige Dailey: what the hell are these guys doing here?
After all the brutality, blood, and bones crushed throughout the night, the main event might have been the most difficult to watch. Lucy Walker came out just before the bell rang to notify us that Daman Arress had not shown up to the arena, and that Alyx Gates would now be on his own in a handicap match against current X-Core Champion Draven Torette and former X-Core Champion J.T. Cash. This scenario went just how you'd imagine it, friends, and it wasn't pretty. The bout ended with Gates tapping furiously under the weight of the Nirvana Calling from Torette, and it took a gaggle of referees to separate the two. Even then, the drama wasn't over with as Margaret-Anne York appeared at the top of the ramp with her fingers in the shape of a V. A mysterious end to a vicious show, and I have to say: I'M SPENT!
Since the last "Indulging Synn," we've had quite a few backstage happenings. Margaret-Anne York has certainly made her presence known, interacting with Joe Riggs, Johnny Sniper, Alyx Gates, Audree Gates, and mysterious newcomer sIMON in the span of just a few days. Speaking of newcomers, we've seen a bevy of them backstage in the past week. Caden Banks has been seen with Dante West, and the exotic Talia Arroyo was spotted in separate incidents both with J.T. Cash and the ever-charming Diego Cortez.
Several superstars had their own moments in the media this week. Mike Hoss interrupted an episode of "XHW Insider" to berate Lucy Walker, Johnny Diamond was being promoted on SportsCenter, and sIMON was witnessed arriving here in the federation. Elsewhere, it seems that North Starr's manager and confidant Jacob Widmore has come to an understanding with BlkOut. Also, in between parading around with the Next Generation, Johnny Diamond may end up throwing down with Alyx Gates before Superbrawl II. As for throwing down, we do know that Diego Cortez will be given the opportunity to climb his way back to the Bronx Championship, Dante West and Reinhardt have been given the green light for next Anarchy, and North Starr and Maverick Harley are going to settle their differences in the ring. Finally, Claire Logan still hates Alyx Gates.
Here's a quick rundown of this week's Saturday Night Anarchy line-up:
BlkOut gets his first taste of in-ring action against a collection of XHW disappointments (James, Cleaven Audrey, and Gabriel Alexander).
Roxas Knoxx gets another opportunity to prove that she's at least paying attention against Casey Blue, who hasn't really been scene since jumping in that car to avoid the now fired Ravage of the GWO.
As mentioned earlier, North Starr and Mav Harley will mix it up.
The Lynch Mob will be back in action for the first time since losing their Tornado Tag Team Championship match, this time against the ever-enigmatic Sheglins.
Shark Boy finally moves up the card to meet Bronko Allen and Slapnutz in a triple-threat match.
Doc Hammer will ply his trade against Johnny Blade. I guess we'll see what Blade does without Whitesnake on his doorstep...
The main event will be putting all sorts of story lines into the blender with the hopes of creating a delicious match. The team of Diego Cortez, Casey Dodge, ODB, and Victor Mason will face off against Dirk Diver, Billy Coop, Mr. Jingles, and Kurt Angle. As most already know, Cortez and Jingles just faced each other last week as Diego lost the Bronx Championship, Diver blindsided Dodge and ODB in their match last week against the Sheglins as well as Billy Coop and the Iron Sheik, and Victor Mason was treated to an extended version of Angle's Ankle Lock after his victory last week. Main event indeed...
That's all I've got for this time. I'll see you all this Saturday night in the Stomping Grounds! Thanks for indulging me!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Clowning Around...
Anarchy is all over with this week, and it ended with a psycho-clown claiming his first piece of gold in the XHW. Let's get to the results.
When Saturday Night Anarchy kicked off, it was Shark Boy once again showing that he belongs deeper on the card. After completely dismantling Gabriel Alexander, I'm left wondering how the big man still has a job here. In the words of the junior Turner, could we see a future Bronx Champion? Let's not get ahead of ourselves... although the fishy one made a clamoring later in the night for some real competition. I have a feeling he'll get it after two straight strong showings at the top of the show.
Mav Harley can't seem to go a week without controversy. This time it was yet another stiff shot to the head courtesy of newcomer BlkOut and his graphite baseball bat. Despite what later appeared to be a concussion, Harley still competed in his Anarchy Cup qualifier against Bronko Allen. Matthew Wellington was scheduled for the match, but was called away at the last minute with a family emergency. However, even a head injury couldn't stop the Anti-Aircraft Cannon from putting Allen down for the count, earning Harley a trip to Xtreme All Access with a chance to be the third Anarchy Cup graduate.
Joining Mav Harley and other qualifiers Doc Hammer and Kurt Angle will be the rookie powerhouse Reno Drake. Johnny Blade was the man who ultimately went down for the count to earn Drake his spot while Quentyn Sullivan gathered himself outside. You have to wonder when the "Real Mother F'n Deal" will start living up to his billing...
What's going on with Victor Mason? After assaulting XHW Referee Johnny Smithe after last week's match against Doc Hammer ended with Mason's leg under the rope, Mason decided to give the Stomping Grounds fans an encore performance, leveling Smithe after a victory over Rhett Wildman with a microphone to the jaw. However, someone finally took offense to Mason's actions, and it was the Olympic Champion and XHW Anarchy Cup finalist Kurt Angle to the rescue. After what seemed like an eternity of being stuck in the ankle lock, Mason was finally released to wonder what the upcoming weeks may hold between these two stars.
It looks like former fan favorite turned super-chauvinist Dirk Diver is not below deception. The "more than a handful" superstar sent the Iron Sheik out with Billy Coop to compete against the Sheglins and Casey Dodge and ODB after complaining of a groin injury he suffered after a supposed "conquest" with Louise Anderson (which, for the record, I've spoken with Louise and she assures me that no such incident occurred). Right when the ladies seemed to have the match in hand, Diver rushed to the ring and assaulted both ODB and Dodge with what I've been told is a "spank paddle," putting them both out of commission and allowing Doug Bean to get the pin over the Sheik. This one is far from over!
For those of you who didn't catch it last week on WarZone, Margaret Anne-York, a former agent, has rejoined the XHW and has been stumping the past two shows for her client at Superbrawl II. According to Ms. York, "it" will be going for whoever leaves SB2 with the X-Core Championship. In addition, I think I'm still feeling a bit queasy from the exchange between York and John Kingston... Ew.
The fans got quite a treat when Dante West appeared on Anarchy for the second straight week. This time wasn't for the Undisputed Championship or a failed match with Giovanni Valentino, but rather to display his jubilation at last week's WarZone announcement of Hendrix Walker vs. Valentino vs. West at Superbrawll II in a Hell in a Cell with Hogan Cage as a special guest referee. West made a big show of making sure that everyone in the Stomping Grounds saw the petrified look on Walker's face at the announcement last week... I can't wait for this one!
For those of you adjusting your sets while watching Anarchy, don't be alarmed, you weren't watching a WarZone rerun. I wouldn't blame you if you did, however, as we saw a couple incidents from last Thursday's show. The figure in the red hockey mask appeared once again, this time to "talk" to Asylum behind closed doors. Who is this guy? Not only that, but we got another eerie advertisement for whoever, or whatever, Margaret-Anne York's client is. Those screams bother me...
In what was a bit of a throw-together match, Doc Hammer continued his strong singles showings by defeating Asylum. No doubt the New Yorker is still a little preoccupied with the drama with North Starr, but at least we didn't have to hear from his nemesis on this night... That being said, we did hear from the man that shares a mutual interest with Starr in Claire Logan: BlkOut. The newcomer had a bit of the "bad attitude" syndrome with my colleague, Mark Matthews, in reminding him that BlkOut doesn't answer to anyone but himself. Leave the hard-hitting stuff to the big boys, Mark.
Finally it was time for the main event, and this one didn't disappoint. It was a valiant struggle from the Spaniard, Diego Cortez, to retain his newly minted Bronx Championship, but in the end the ferocity and intensity of Mr. Jingles won out. It was a wild looking rear naked choke hold that forced Cortez to tap out, but even then Jingles wouldn't release the maneuver. I have a feeling that this championship run could be very... strange.
In backstage news, it looks like North Starr and his manager Jacob Widmore have come to a bit of an understanding with BlkOut when it comes to how they'll be interacting. Apparently it's an "every man for himself" policy while at the same time watching each others' backs. Well, they'll have an early test of that relationship as it seems that North Starr and Mav Harley are planning on locking up sometime soon on Anarchy.
Could Alyx Gates me next on the warm-up list for Johnny Diamond leading up to Superbrawl II? Once he's through with his confrontation against Eddie Rourke, it might be in the cards. The two were seen trading jabs backstage recently, as were fellow Next Generation member J.T. Cash and a woman that I'm being told is a brand new signee to the XHW roster: Talia Arroyo. News flash to Mr. Cash: not everyone falls for your moves.
It was a quiet week in the locker rooms, so let's get on to the WarZone preview. This week, we're going to see a few names on the card that we haven't seen in quite some time. Opening up the show will be an inter-divisional face-off between the rarely booked Johnny Sniper against the man coming off a heart-broking loss at WarZone last week, Joe Riggs. We'll also see a couple women's matches on the card for the first time in a while as Tyler Kiss faces off against Undisputed Women's Championship hopeful Frankie Adams and Casey Dodge plies her trade against "Ms. Shenanigans" Roxas Knoxx. The X-Core rankings are still trying to find a way to shake up as well when Scott Walker takes on the newest member of the Next Generation in Jimm Red and Billy Coop appears back on WarZone against Chris Crawford, a man who has seemingly fallen off the map. In what many would consider a main-event caliber match, Eddie Rourke has challenged Johnny Diamond in an ego-driven encounter. Finally, the night will culminate in a huge tag team match pitting four X-Core challengers against each other: Draven Torette and J.T. Cash taking on Daman Arress and Alyx Gates. This is one line-up that I can't wait to see...
That's it for this installment, friends. As always, thanks for indulging me!
When Saturday Night Anarchy kicked off, it was Shark Boy once again showing that he belongs deeper on the card. After completely dismantling Gabriel Alexander, I'm left wondering how the big man still has a job here. In the words of the junior Turner, could we see a future Bronx Champion? Let's not get ahead of ourselves... although the fishy one made a clamoring later in the night for some real competition. I have a feeling he'll get it after two straight strong showings at the top of the show.
Mav Harley can't seem to go a week without controversy. This time it was yet another stiff shot to the head courtesy of newcomer BlkOut and his graphite baseball bat. Despite what later appeared to be a concussion, Harley still competed in his Anarchy Cup qualifier against Bronko Allen. Matthew Wellington was scheduled for the match, but was called away at the last minute with a family emergency. However, even a head injury couldn't stop the Anti-Aircraft Cannon from putting Allen down for the count, earning Harley a trip to Xtreme All Access with a chance to be the third Anarchy Cup graduate.
Joining Mav Harley and other qualifiers Doc Hammer and Kurt Angle will be the rookie powerhouse Reno Drake. Johnny Blade was the man who ultimately went down for the count to earn Drake his spot while Quentyn Sullivan gathered himself outside. You have to wonder when the "Real Mother F'n Deal" will start living up to his billing...
What's going on with Victor Mason? After assaulting XHW Referee Johnny Smithe after last week's match against Doc Hammer ended with Mason's leg under the rope, Mason decided to give the Stomping Grounds fans an encore performance, leveling Smithe after a victory over Rhett Wildman with a microphone to the jaw. However, someone finally took offense to Mason's actions, and it was the Olympic Champion and XHW Anarchy Cup finalist Kurt Angle to the rescue. After what seemed like an eternity of being stuck in the ankle lock, Mason was finally released to wonder what the upcoming weeks may hold between these two stars.
It looks like former fan favorite turned super-chauvinist Dirk Diver is not below deception. The "more than a handful" superstar sent the Iron Sheik out with Billy Coop to compete against the Sheglins and Casey Dodge and ODB after complaining of a groin injury he suffered after a supposed "conquest" with Louise Anderson (which, for the record, I've spoken with Louise and she assures me that no such incident occurred). Right when the ladies seemed to have the match in hand, Diver rushed to the ring and assaulted both ODB and Dodge with what I've been told is a "spank paddle," putting them both out of commission and allowing Doug Bean to get the pin over the Sheik. This one is far from over!
For those of you who didn't catch it last week on WarZone, Margaret Anne-York, a former agent, has rejoined the XHW and has been stumping the past two shows for her client at Superbrawl II. According to Ms. York, "it" will be going for whoever leaves SB2 with the X-Core Championship. In addition, I think I'm still feeling a bit queasy from the exchange between York and John Kingston... Ew.
The fans got quite a treat when Dante West appeared on Anarchy for the second straight week. This time wasn't for the Undisputed Championship or a failed match with Giovanni Valentino, but rather to display his jubilation at last week's WarZone announcement of Hendrix Walker vs. Valentino vs. West at Superbrawll II in a Hell in a Cell with Hogan Cage as a special guest referee. West made a big show of making sure that everyone in the Stomping Grounds saw the petrified look on Walker's face at the announcement last week... I can't wait for this one!
For those of you adjusting your sets while watching Anarchy, don't be alarmed, you weren't watching a WarZone rerun. I wouldn't blame you if you did, however, as we saw a couple incidents from last Thursday's show. The figure in the red hockey mask appeared once again, this time to "talk" to Asylum behind closed doors. Who is this guy? Not only that, but we got another eerie advertisement for whoever, or whatever, Margaret-Anne York's client is. Those screams bother me...
In what was a bit of a throw-together match, Doc Hammer continued his strong singles showings by defeating Asylum. No doubt the New Yorker is still a little preoccupied with the drama with North Starr, but at least we didn't have to hear from his nemesis on this night... That being said, we did hear from the man that shares a mutual interest with Starr in Claire Logan: BlkOut. The newcomer had a bit of the "bad attitude" syndrome with my colleague, Mark Matthews, in reminding him that BlkOut doesn't answer to anyone but himself. Leave the hard-hitting stuff to the big boys, Mark.
Finally it was time for the main event, and this one didn't disappoint. It was a valiant struggle from the Spaniard, Diego Cortez, to retain his newly minted Bronx Championship, but in the end the ferocity and intensity of Mr. Jingles won out. It was a wild looking rear naked choke hold that forced Cortez to tap out, but even then Jingles wouldn't release the maneuver. I have a feeling that this championship run could be very... strange.
In backstage news, it looks like North Starr and his manager Jacob Widmore have come to a bit of an understanding with BlkOut when it comes to how they'll be interacting. Apparently it's an "every man for himself" policy while at the same time watching each others' backs. Well, they'll have an early test of that relationship as it seems that North Starr and Mav Harley are planning on locking up sometime soon on Anarchy.
Could Alyx Gates me next on the warm-up list for Johnny Diamond leading up to Superbrawl II? Once he's through with his confrontation against Eddie Rourke, it might be in the cards. The two were seen trading jabs backstage recently, as were fellow Next Generation member J.T. Cash and a woman that I'm being told is a brand new signee to the XHW roster: Talia Arroyo. News flash to Mr. Cash: not everyone falls for your moves.
It was a quiet week in the locker rooms, so let's get on to the WarZone preview. This week, we're going to see a few names on the card that we haven't seen in quite some time. Opening up the show will be an inter-divisional face-off between the rarely booked Johnny Sniper against the man coming off a heart-broking loss at WarZone last week, Joe Riggs. We'll also see a couple women's matches on the card for the first time in a while as Tyler Kiss faces off against Undisputed Women's Championship hopeful Frankie Adams and Casey Dodge plies her trade against "Ms. Shenanigans" Roxas Knoxx. The X-Core rankings are still trying to find a way to shake up as well when Scott Walker takes on the newest member of the Next Generation in Jimm Red and Billy Coop appears back on WarZone against Chris Crawford, a man who has seemingly fallen off the map. In what many would consider a main-event caliber match, Eddie Rourke has challenged Johnny Diamond in an ego-driven encounter. Finally, the night will culminate in a huge tag team match pitting four X-Core challengers against each other: Draven Torette and J.T. Cash taking on Daman Arress and Alyx Gates. This is one line-up that I can't wait to see...
That's it for this installment, friends. As always, thanks for indulging me!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Three's a Crowd...
Welcome back, ladies and gents. I just got in to Dallas after last night's WarZone down in Houston, and it was a show that'll certainly be talked about for a while. Without much more fanfare, let's get to the results.
This week's "Thursday" Night WarZone was a full slate of divisional matches that we fully expected to shake up the standings, but, surprisingly, many of the matches ended in pretty disappointing fashion.
The first match of the night was all set to decide the true number one contender to Draven Torette's X-Core Championship, but Scott Walker and Alyx Gates were interrupted in their little soiree by the champion himself. Draven leveled Gates with a vicious chair shot just as the Senator was going for the pin, and then laid out Walker as well when he decided to get up. But the party didn't end there as the recently quiet Daman Arress decided he would take it upon himself to come to the rescue, tossing Torette from the ring and seemingly reestablishing himself as yet another contender to the title. Could we see some fatal fourway action at Superbrawl II? I hope not! If three's a crowd, four's an orgy.
The night wasn't over for Gates just yet, though. After his match against Walker, he had a mysterious run in with a masked character that crawled out of a dumpster in a pink vest and hockey mask. It wasn't threatening or intimidating at all... just... odd. I really can't think of a good way to describe it. Strangely enough, Roxas Knoxx had an encounter with a nearly identical character later on in the night, but this one was wearing red instead of pink. Both mysterious individuals were followed by the black "CC" symbols that Gates had painted on Lucy Walker's walls last week on WarZone. Maybe good old George Daniels will have more on this situation over at the Book Report!
It looks like Excessive Force may not go without a challenger for long. In two separate incidents, Joe Riggs was approached by the Lynch Mob and Mike Hoss was approached by the DragonGate clan, both staking claim to the number one contendership for the Tornado Tag Team Championships. For two teams that have already been handled by the Force, you would think that they would have learned their lesson. It remains to be seen whether or not Hoss and Riggs will accept either offer, or if perhaps they'll accept both and add another triple-threat match to the card...
The scheduled bout between Rob Gunn and Dakota Burrows was scrapped at the last minute last night due to Burrows coming down with the flu. Not only did we get robbed of a match chock full of drama, but we had to endure Anarchy cross-over North Starr coming out to berate Asylum yet again. He felt it was necessary to come over to WarZone to remind the world that he's holding information about someone being alive that Asylum thinks is dead, and to more or less let us all in on the fact that he's here to stay. Surrounded by his cronies (the Cobra Commander, Clair Logan, and Jacob Widmore), North Starr couldn't have looked more arrogant last night. On a side note, I do love that new "Refresher" energy drink. It's delicious!
The results are in and the match between Christian Cage and Reinhardt (a singles match!) will indeed be a street fight! Surprisingly, JBL couldn't have looked happier about it, and he seems to really believe that Cage will adapt to the elements and put on a clinic for the fans in Boston at Superbrawl II. We'll never know whether the manager had more to say or not as he was cut off by a very chilling, primal scream accompanied by little more than the cryptic words: "It's Coming. Superbrawl II." It? Keep your eyes peeled on this one, folks...
I suppose Rob Gunn decided that he was going to get some sort of action this week. Toward the conclusion of the Aston Michaels and J.T. Cash X-Core Divisional match, Gunn jumped the barrier and put the fists and boots to Cash before flooring him with a steel chair square in the temple. The moment wasn't lost on Michaels as he used the opportunity to gain the pin and move up the X-Core ladder, claiming victory over the former champion. Surely Cash and the rest of the Next Generation won't take this one lying down...
The action didn't stop there as Johnny Sniper took the opportunity to remind Michaels that he wasn't quite through with the first Anarchy Cup graduate. Sniper demanded a match with Aston, a normal match, with one single stipulation: no ringside assistance. Roger and anyone else that Aston might want nearby would all be banned from attending. The words barely left his mouth before Roger Michaels accepted on behalf of his nephew. From what I can tell, it's going to be booked at Superbrawl II!
Dante West's farewell tour continues, and so does his losing streak. The man from Australia went down this week at the hands of Eddie Rourke who's looking to prove his mettle in a bid to get another shot at the Universal Championship. If he continues impressive victories like this, there's no reason he won't get there. Next up on the docket for West, from what I can recall, is a match with the hardcore superstar Mr. Roger Reinhardt, although I believe that's going to be set for Anarchy in order to spite the Walkers...
The parade of XHW ghosts of Christmas past continued this week as yet another former figure stepped back into the federation. This time, it was none other than agent Margaret-Anne York. She told me that she's already got a client, but apparently "mum" is the word when it comes to who it is. There will certainly be more on this to come.
I firmly believed that Jimm Red was going to get yet another welcome to WarZone present, this week from the Hellraiser, Mike Hoss, himself, but yet again we were disappointed. It looked like we were going to get a classic for a while until both Hoss and Red took the fight to the outside. It was there that they seemingly both decided that it was time to let bygones be bygones and let the match go to a count out in Red's favor, notching him the victory. After it was all over with, the crowd was booing and the pair were laughing as Jimm Red let it be known that he is now a member of the Next Generation along with Cash, Hoss, Riggs, and Diamond. This faction looks like they're adding a new member every week! Who's next?
Jay Adams is back in full force, and he had a bit of fun at the Japanese Seaman's expense this week, playing up the big man's pension for silence and serenity. For some reason the phrase "don't taunt a dragon" comes to mind...
Just as it seemed like Hendrix Walker and Giovanni Valentino were going to get away with leaving Dante West off the dance card yet again, Max Turner came to the rescue. Walker and Valentino were moments away from signing their contract for a singles match at Superbrawl II when the Anarchy GM and XHW part owner stormed down to the ring with the announcement that West would be added to the mix. Not only that, but the trio will be placed in a Hell in a Cell! And not only THAT, but they will have a special referee: XHW Hall of Famer Hogan Cage! It's not often that the Undisputed Championship takes a backseat to anything, but it looks like it will on this night. The stories and the drama will be through the roof in Boston, so don't miss it!
Even after that dramatic announcement, the night wasn't quite over. We were finally given a match worth WarZone's reputation when Turbine and Joe Riggs stepped through the ropes, truly a match of opposites. It seemed as if neither man would budge in this one, but after it was all said and done, the Universal Champion proved that he belongs by putting Riggs down for the three. After the match was over, we were even graced by the Undisputed Champion himself, shaking Turbine's hand and finally congratulating the fastest man in the XHW on carrying the Seaman's former title with pride and honor, worthy of the belt. After that, the Great Darkness simply filled us in that he was looking forward to the match at Superbrawl II, and that he fully intends on proving that he is all of the champion he says he is. All in all, it was quite a show!
On tomorrow night's Anarchy, we've got the first Bronx Championship defense amongst other bouts. Shark Boy will be getting another opening slot, this time against the dark, mysterious, always absent Gabriel Alexander in a match that might signal the end for the former preacher-man. In two other singles matches we'll see Victor Mason and Rhett Wildman square off, as well as what's rumored to be a heated match between Asylum and Doc Hammer. Yet another three-way drama will go down as well when a massive three-team tag match will pit the Sheglins against ODB and Casey Dodge as well as Dirk Diver and Billy Coop. I can already see the sparks flying in that one... We're also going to nail down the final two spots in the Anarchy Cup finals as Matthew Wellington, Bronko Allen, and Maverick Harley fight for one spot while Reno Drake, Quentyn Sullivan, and and Johnny Blade thrown down for the other. In the main event we've got Diego Cortez putting his still minty fresh Bronx Championship on the line for the first time against the number on contender Mr. Jingles. That's a solid card from top to bottom folks, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
We've had quite a few backstage developments since I last posted. North Starr seems to be making the rounds as he's recently been seen with JBL, BlkOut, J.T. Cash, and Maverick Harley. Speaking of Harley, the anti-aircraft superstar isn't doing anything to quell the rumors circulating he and Roxas Knoxx. In fact, several relationships have been brought up backstage over the past few days. Mostly notably: Billy Coop and ODB, Reno Drake and Jada, and of course we couldn't have a relationship blip without Audree Gates and Scott Walker. Margaret-Anne York certainly hasn't wasted any time in getting back into the swing of things. She's already put Draven Torette and his X-Core title on notice, as well as having a brief chat with Johnny Sniper. Also, ODB and running mate Casey Dodge may be adding one more dose of estrogen to their grouping as Dodge and Tyler Kiss have been spotted making the rounds together.
That's about all I've got for this week, friends. If you feel like there's anything else that needs mentioning or if you simply have some compliments or criticism, feel free to let me know. Until next time, thanks for indulging me!
This week's "Thursday" Night WarZone was a full slate of divisional matches that we fully expected to shake up the standings, but, surprisingly, many of the matches ended in pretty disappointing fashion.
The first match of the night was all set to decide the true number one contender to Draven Torette's X-Core Championship, but Scott Walker and Alyx Gates were interrupted in their little soiree by the champion himself. Draven leveled Gates with a vicious chair shot just as the Senator was going for the pin, and then laid out Walker as well when he decided to get up. But the party didn't end there as the recently quiet Daman Arress decided he would take it upon himself to come to the rescue, tossing Torette from the ring and seemingly reestablishing himself as yet another contender to the title. Could we see some fatal fourway action at Superbrawl II? I hope not! If three's a crowd, four's an orgy.
The night wasn't over for Gates just yet, though. After his match against Walker, he had a mysterious run in with a masked character that crawled out of a dumpster in a pink vest and hockey mask. It wasn't threatening or intimidating at all... just... odd. I really can't think of a good way to describe it. Strangely enough, Roxas Knoxx had an encounter with a nearly identical character later on in the night, but this one was wearing red instead of pink. Both mysterious individuals were followed by the black "CC" symbols that Gates had painted on Lucy Walker's walls last week on WarZone. Maybe good old George Daniels will have more on this situation over at the Book Report!
It looks like Excessive Force may not go without a challenger for long. In two separate incidents, Joe Riggs was approached by the Lynch Mob and Mike Hoss was approached by the DragonGate clan, both staking claim to the number one contendership for the Tornado Tag Team Championships. For two teams that have already been handled by the Force, you would think that they would have learned their lesson. It remains to be seen whether or not Hoss and Riggs will accept either offer, or if perhaps they'll accept both and add another triple-threat match to the card...
The scheduled bout between Rob Gunn and Dakota Burrows was scrapped at the last minute last night due to Burrows coming down with the flu. Not only did we get robbed of a match chock full of drama, but we had to endure Anarchy cross-over North Starr coming out to berate Asylum yet again. He felt it was necessary to come over to WarZone to remind the world that he's holding information about someone being alive that Asylum thinks is dead, and to more or less let us all in on the fact that he's here to stay. Surrounded by his cronies (the Cobra Commander, Clair Logan, and Jacob Widmore), North Starr couldn't have looked more arrogant last night. On a side note, I do love that new "Refresher" energy drink. It's delicious!
The results are in and the match between Christian Cage and Reinhardt (a singles match!) will indeed be a street fight! Surprisingly, JBL couldn't have looked happier about it, and he seems to really believe that Cage will adapt to the elements and put on a clinic for the fans in Boston at Superbrawl II. We'll never know whether the manager had more to say or not as he was cut off by a very chilling, primal scream accompanied by little more than the cryptic words: "It's Coming. Superbrawl II." It? Keep your eyes peeled on this one, folks...
I suppose Rob Gunn decided that he was going to get some sort of action this week. Toward the conclusion of the Aston Michaels and J.T. Cash X-Core Divisional match, Gunn jumped the barrier and put the fists and boots to Cash before flooring him with a steel chair square in the temple. The moment wasn't lost on Michaels as he used the opportunity to gain the pin and move up the X-Core ladder, claiming victory over the former champion. Surely Cash and the rest of the Next Generation won't take this one lying down...
The action didn't stop there as Johnny Sniper took the opportunity to remind Michaels that he wasn't quite through with the first Anarchy Cup graduate. Sniper demanded a match with Aston, a normal match, with one single stipulation: no ringside assistance. Roger and anyone else that Aston might want nearby would all be banned from attending. The words barely left his mouth before Roger Michaels accepted on behalf of his nephew. From what I can tell, it's going to be booked at Superbrawl II!
Dante West's farewell tour continues, and so does his losing streak. The man from Australia went down this week at the hands of Eddie Rourke who's looking to prove his mettle in a bid to get another shot at the Universal Championship. If he continues impressive victories like this, there's no reason he won't get there. Next up on the docket for West, from what I can recall, is a match with the hardcore superstar Mr. Roger Reinhardt, although I believe that's going to be set for Anarchy in order to spite the Walkers...
The parade of XHW ghosts of Christmas past continued this week as yet another former figure stepped back into the federation. This time, it was none other than agent Margaret-Anne York. She told me that she's already got a client, but apparently "mum" is the word when it comes to who it is. There will certainly be more on this to come.
I firmly believed that Jimm Red was going to get yet another welcome to WarZone present, this week from the Hellraiser, Mike Hoss, himself, but yet again we were disappointed. It looked like we were going to get a classic for a while until both Hoss and Red took the fight to the outside. It was there that they seemingly both decided that it was time to let bygones be bygones and let the match go to a count out in Red's favor, notching him the victory. After it was all over with, the crowd was booing and the pair were laughing as Jimm Red let it be known that he is now a member of the Next Generation along with Cash, Hoss, Riggs, and Diamond. This faction looks like they're adding a new member every week! Who's next?
Jay Adams is back in full force, and he had a bit of fun at the Japanese Seaman's expense this week, playing up the big man's pension for silence and serenity. For some reason the phrase "don't taunt a dragon" comes to mind...
Just as it seemed like Hendrix Walker and Giovanni Valentino were going to get away with leaving Dante West off the dance card yet again, Max Turner came to the rescue. Walker and Valentino were moments away from signing their contract for a singles match at Superbrawl II when the Anarchy GM and XHW part owner stormed down to the ring with the announcement that West would be added to the mix. Not only that, but the trio will be placed in a Hell in a Cell! And not only THAT, but they will have a special referee: XHW Hall of Famer Hogan Cage! It's not often that the Undisputed Championship takes a backseat to anything, but it looks like it will on this night. The stories and the drama will be through the roof in Boston, so don't miss it!
Even after that dramatic announcement, the night wasn't quite over. We were finally given a match worth WarZone's reputation when Turbine and Joe Riggs stepped through the ropes, truly a match of opposites. It seemed as if neither man would budge in this one, but after it was all said and done, the Universal Champion proved that he belongs by putting Riggs down for the three. After the match was over, we were even graced by the Undisputed Champion himself, shaking Turbine's hand and finally congratulating the fastest man in the XHW on carrying the Seaman's former title with pride and honor, worthy of the belt. After that, the Great Darkness simply filled us in that he was looking forward to the match at Superbrawl II, and that he fully intends on proving that he is all of the champion he says he is. All in all, it was quite a show!
On tomorrow night's Anarchy, we've got the first Bronx Championship defense amongst other bouts. Shark Boy will be getting another opening slot, this time against the dark, mysterious, always absent Gabriel Alexander in a match that might signal the end for the former preacher-man. In two other singles matches we'll see Victor Mason and Rhett Wildman square off, as well as what's rumored to be a heated match between Asylum and Doc Hammer. Yet another three-way drama will go down as well when a massive three-team tag match will pit the Sheglins against ODB and Casey Dodge as well as Dirk Diver and Billy Coop. I can already see the sparks flying in that one... We're also going to nail down the final two spots in the Anarchy Cup finals as Matthew Wellington, Bronko Allen, and Maverick Harley fight for one spot while Reno Drake, Quentyn Sullivan, and and Johnny Blade thrown down for the other. In the main event we've got Diego Cortez putting his still minty fresh Bronx Championship on the line for the first time against the number on contender Mr. Jingles. That's a solid card from top to bottom folks, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
We've had quite a few backstage developments since I last posted. North Starr seems to be making the rounds as he's recently been seen with JBL, BlkOut, J.T. Cash, and Maverick Harley. Speaking of Harley, the anti-aircraft superstar isn't doing anything to quell the rumors circulating he and Roxas Knoxx. In fact, several relationships have been brought up backstage over the past few days. Mostly notably: Billy Coop and ODB, Reno Drake and Jada, and of course we couldn't have a relationship blip without Audree Gates and Scott Walker. Margaret-Anne York certainly hasn't wasted any time in getting back into the swing of things. She's already put Draven Torette and his X-Core title on notice, as well as having a brief chat with Johnny Sniper. Also, ODB and running mate Casey Dodge may be adding one more dose of estrogen to their grouping as Dodge and Tyler Kiss have been spotted making the rounds together.
That's about all I've got for this week, friends. If you feel like there's anything else that needs mentioning or if you simply have some compliments or criticism, feel free to let me know. Until next time, thanks for indulging me!
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