Yo-Yo's Roomie

No doubt. I think it's pretty much prevalent everywhere though. I guess if people are consistent then that's all you can ask for, but it seems some people just go way over the top. And I am probably a bit tight with my ratings too, which I can acknowledge. But I'd rather err on the conservative side then just start throwing 4+ star ratings out willy-nilly. What's that saying?, if everything is great, nothing is great. I think it hit me when people were throwing out ratings in the 4 1/2 star range for Ronda's WrestleMania match. While I thought the match was very good, it did leave me wondering whether people really thought the match was only 1/2 star away from virtual perfection, which I assume is what 5 stars signifies.

I think people are way too generous with star ratings in general. To me, anything above 4 stars is an all-time great match.

ECW TV Episode 13 - 26/3/93 The show starts with Joey Styles in the ring. "Welcome to ECW TV, the most action-packed hour of wrestling you'll find anywhere. We have another huge show to bring to you tonight, but first of all I have two major announcements to make. First of all, due to the success of our Bloody Valentine event, I am pleased to announce that ECW will be putting on another special event. This will occur on Easter Sunday, the 11th April, right here in the ECW Arena. And the first match signed for this big night of action is a match that has been building up for several weeks. It will be Maximilian Payne going one on one with Mike Shaw". As he makes this announcement, we see Madusa make a beeline for the ring, looking upset and shaking her head. She climbs in the ring and Styles gives her the mic. "No, Joey. That match won't be taking place. In fact, Maximilian Payne won't be competing in any matches in the future for ECW. You see, earlier this week, my boyfriend, Mike Shaw and I were out celebrating our 3 month anniversary in a local Philly night club. At some point during the night I left to use the restroom, and on my way back I was confronted by Maximilian Payne". Madusa is getting emotional as she speaks. "He had obviously followed us to the club, and waited until I was on my own. And then, Joey, Maximilian Payne... he touched me, Joey. He put his hands all over my body. And I'm here tonight to make sure that he gets punished for his actions, so that he can never do something like that again". Maxx Payne walks out yelling that she's a liar. Madusa cowers behind Styles as Payne gets in the ring. Mike Shaw comes charging out the back, like a man possessed, pointing at Payne. Madusa, sobbing tries to calm Shaw down by he pushes her aside and he and Payne go at it. Styles tries to get between them but he takes an errant shot from Payne sending him sprawling. Wrestlers (Eaton, Horowitz, Morton, Highwaymen) and officials rush out and separate the two as we go to commercial. We come back and Joey is at his table, selling the shot he took to the jaw. "Obviously some serious allegations made by Madusa towards Maximilan Payne. A very volatile situation developing tonight. I don't know what this means for our main event tonight, which was scheduled to be Maxx Payne teaming with Barry Horowitz against Lex Luger and Ron Simmons". Straight Outta Compton by NWA drowns out Styles and Brian Armstrong struts out for our first match. Match 1: Brian Armstrong Vs Ricky Morton, 10 minute time limit. Armstrong cuts the ring announcer off. "Shut your mouth, Mr Ring Announcer. Brian Armstrong? Nah, that was my slave name. From now on you can call me Brian X. Morton gets a good shine on X, whipping him around the ring. Mero joins Styles on commentary and lays into Morton for cheapshotting X. "Morton knows his time is up, so he has to resort to cheapshots. You know that big movie coming out this year, Joey, Jurassic Park? Well Ricky Morton is a fossil and he belongs in Jurassic Park". X begs off, really playing a coward, but in the end he picks up the win after a rake of the eyes followed by a tombstone piledriver. 6 mins. He gets on the mic. "You all just witnessed the birth of a superstar. The OG, Brian X, by any means necessary, heading to the top, can't be stopped. Brad Armstrong, I'm still waiting for you, bro. Come try me. I'll beat you like I'm a pimp and you're my ho. BX out." A video airs showing Sid Vicious inflicting damage on people. Adjectives show up on the screen like violent, ruthless, bloodthirsty, and then Vicious. Then finally 'Extreme' and we fade out on Sid's maniacal laughter. Scott Levy cuts a promo in the back. He says in business there are always setbacks, but great businessmen learn from their mistakes and end up all the better because of them. He says his father made a bad investment once, but he made back his money by firing a bunch of people. He says he went about things with Azrael all wrong, but now he knows exactly what he's dealing with, and challenges Azrael to a rematch next week. Styles says it doesn't seem like Levy has learnt from his mistakes at all. Match 2: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Knight w/Canterbury for the TV title, 15 minute time limit. As the Arkansas Hit Squad come out they get a pop up promo. Knight says they're the most dominant tag team in the world, and it's time to add some singles gold to their collection. He points out he's pinned the like of Sid Vicious and Brad Armstrong in the past, so it will be nothing to beat Bobby Eaton. Styles points out that Eaton is 3-0 in title defenses, and if he gets to 10 he becomes number one contender for the ECW Heavyweight Title. Mero says not to worry about it. "He beat Ricky Morton and Maxx Payne. So what? Good victories, but how is he going to handle 300 pounds of Knight? Or if he gets past Knight, what about 400 pounds of Mike Shaw? Or the chaotic assault of Nord. Or maybe a certain Magnificent athlete?" Eaton sells for much of the match, as Knight clobbers him with basic brawling offence. Eaton takes the win with a sunset flip after 7 mins, but is set upon by the AHS after the bell. Before the double team can really get underway, Ricky Morton comes out and makes the save. A video recaps Nord's dominance in ECW, including his beatdown of Sabu. Joey Styles says he didn't get the chance to make his second big announcement earlier. "In one month's time, ECW will be taking our first trip to the Big Apple, as we film ECW for the first time in New York City. I can guarantee you we're going to rock New York like only ECW can with a stacked show, and we hope you can join us. This represents a huge step for ECW, and we couldn't do it without you, our loyal fans". Lex Luger and Ron Simmons come out for the main event. They cut promos before the match. LL-"It seems like Maximilian Payne has got himself in a bit of legal trouble. Now you see, had Ron and I known what kind of a man Payne was, forcing himself on a defenseless woman, he would have given him even worse of a beat down last week. For that, Madusa, we apologise" RS-"But if he comes out for this match tonight, we'll fix it so he never does something like that again. You can take that to the bank". LL-"And as soon as we're done with Payne and his little buddy BH, we're going to get the hell right out of this inbred city, right out of this loser state, and back to Georgia, where the cookin' is a whole lot finer, the women look a whole lot better, and where athletes like outselves are appreciated". Horowitz's music plays and he skips out, waiting on top of the entranceway. The Payne's music hits and he comes out and the two rush the ring as Luger and Simmons flee the ring. Match 3: Ron Simmons and Lex Luger Vs Maximilan Payne and Barry Horowitz. TV remaining, about 20 mins. Simmons and Luger play chickenshits in this, not wanting any part of Payne. They do lots of stalling and baiting the crowd, and insist Horowitz start. They eventually get the jump on BH, and start a long beatdown, using lots of double teaming and dirty tricks, including pulling Payne off the apron just as BH is about to make the tag. Finally Horowitz fires up, he avoids Luger's charge in the corner, and dropkicks Simmons off the apron. He has the opening to make the tag and Payne is begging for it, but before it can happen Madusa comes out flanked by two 'cops'. She points Payne out and the policemen ask Payne to come with them. Payne is torn on what to do, but eventually he starts to go with them. He then tries to run back to the ring but the cops tackle him, cuff him and drag him out. Horowitz is easy pickings now, and although he shows a little fight, he is eventually taken down, and Luger and Simmons toy with him a bit before Simmons puts him away with the spinebuster slam, which he calls the Emancipation Proclamation. 17 minute match. Simmons and Luger get mics. LL-"It's just like all you Philadelphia scum to cheer for a criminal like Maxx Payne, a sexual predator, who, like you, can't actually find a woman who wants to be with him, so he has to try to force himself on one. And no, cousins don't count". RS-"I'm just surprised we got some cops up here in the North East who arrested the right man. I'm sure they had to fight every urge in their body not to go after the black man". LL-"Let's get out of this dump, Ron. We're too good for ECW and these people". The show fades out with Luger holding up his belt, and Simmons holding up the Georgia state flag.

Awesome work from all involved here. The level of time and effort you're all putting into this is impressive. I really enjoyed reading these.

Bryan Clark.

ECW TV Episode 12 - 19/3/93 The show starts with Joey Styles standing inside a steel cage. "Welcome, wrestling fans, to the most action-packed hour of wrestling on the air. Coming up in just a moment, two men will enter this steel mesh cage, and put it all on the line for the ECW television championship. We will see sweat, we very well may see blood, but whose tears will stain the mat here tonight?" Run credits. Match 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton (c) Vs Maximilian Payne. Steel cage match for the TV title with a 15 minute time limit. Styles has scuttled to his commentary position as the introductions are made. An initial jockeying for position tells us that Payne is the stronger man, but it doesn't take long before this devolves into brawling. Payne is laying in the chops when Mr Loverman plays, and Mike Shaw and Madusa make their way to the commentary booth. Shaw and Madusa take shots at Payne. "What do you think, Maddy? You think Payne has ever kissed a girl?" "I don't think he's even talked to a girl before. Let me tell you, he got close to me a couple of weeks ago, and the smell was overwhelming." Styles tries to remain professional and call the match. Shaw says he hopes Payne wins the belt so that he can take it off him. Payne is dominating in the ring, and grinds Eaton's head into the mesh, cutting him open. He bites into the wound and then points at Shaw as if to warn him what he's in store for. Eaton fires back with punches, but is cut off by an overhead suplex. Styles puts over how Payne was trained in the New Japan dojo in the same class as Chris Benoit and Too Cold Scorpio, and says he was considered the best prospect in that class. Shaw isn't impressed. "I do my training in the bedroom, and there ain't no-one in my class, right, Maddy?" "You got it, Sugarlips". Payne hits the Pretty Hate Machine, but Eaton kicks out at two. Payne goes up top but misses a splash, giving Eaton his comeback opportunity. Payne gets busted open too, and eventually Eaton finds an opportunity to go up top. He hits a flying elbowdrop from halfway up the cage, and gets the pin, consigning Payne to his first pinfall loss. 12 mins. Eaton offers his hand to Payne, and Payne finally shakes. Eaton leaves but is attacked in the aisle by Lex Luger and Ron Simmons who have emerged from the back. They toss him into the guard rail and then head to the ring. Payne is waiting for them as he walks out of the cage and goes at them, but they overpower him easily and throw him back into the ring. Simmons knocks out the ref and locks the cage door shut from the inside. Luger and Simmons then lay a beatdown on Payne, tossing him repeatedly into the side of the cage. Payne is a bloody mess. Cut to commercial. We come back to see Payne being helped to the back as Styles informs us that officials were finally able to get inside the cage. Simmons and Luger both have microphones, and have climbed up opposite sides of the cage and are sitting on top. LL-"How fitting this is, the two biggest stars in ECW, in the wrestling world, looking down upon all you Philadelphia scum like the gods that we are. And just like Sabu is at home, wherever that may be, nursing a broken jaw and god knows what else, all you people know that the two men you see right here are untouchable, unbeatable and undeniably as good as it gets. Tell 'em, Ron, baby". "You people all thought this was a race thing. This was never a race thing. This was a respect thing. You see, in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, people like us, champions like us, are respected. But here in backwater Pennsylvania, in America's cesspit New York City, New Jersey, Chicago, you people have respect for nothing. Well, that's fine by us, because we're gonna keep coming out here, beating fools down, breaking bones if we have to, until we feel like you've learned something about respect." "We'll burn this whole state to the ground, and you pigs with it, and the rest of America will thank us". "There's a war starting here in ECW, and the South will rise again with Ron Simmons and Lex Luger right there leading the way". Styles wonders if there's a force in ECW that can stop Luger and Simmons together. Nord's music hits and out he comes with his goblet. He passes Luger and Simmons on the ramp, and the two of them applaud him. He just walks on by. Styles fills us in on the injuries that Sabu suffered last week as we see slow-motion footage of some of the boots Nord laid into his face- stiff shots. Styles says one of those kicks broke Sabu's jaw. Sabu also has possible broken ribs and a concussion. He was taken to hospital immediately following the show, but checked himself out and hasn't been heard from since. Match 2: Nord Vs Bob Backlund, 10 min time limit. Backlund tries to wrestle with Nord, but Nord overwhelms him and beats him with the Road To Valhalla in about a minute. Brian Armstrong cuts a promo in the back. Brian is decked in 'hip hop attire', and has a hip hop cadence to his speech. He's holding up a photo of Brad Armstrong. "Let me lay it down like this- missing, has anybody seen this man? I slapped him in the face and he turned around and ran. For 23 years he called me baby Brian, but last time I checked he was the one out here crying. Brad, you're an embarrassment to your family, but I don't sweat it. The only brother I have is Ron Simmons, and don't forget it. So where are you, Brad? I made a challenge, you gonna answer? I wouldn't fight me either, hell, I'd rather fight cancer. Oh, but tell old Bullet Bob I said hi. Next time I'll hit you so hard that it'll make him cry". He rips up the photo and walks off disgusted. Match 3: The Arkansas Hit Squad Vs The Highwaymen, none-title, 10 min time limit. We see how the match came about- the Highwaymen walking out on the AHS in an 8-man tag, and then the brawl between the two teams last week. The AHS have a pop-up promo in which they say that all highwaymen eventually see the noose. Both teams take turns cheating to gain an advantage, but the Hit Squad pick up the win when Knight pins Steve Henry after the Hangman's Noose. 5 mins. Styles tells us that he's hearing that next week Knight will get a shot at the TV title. Maximilian Payne cuts a promo in the back with a bloody face. "Luger, Simmons, you cut me down. Yeah, you cut me down and made me gasp for air, asphyxiate on my own blood. But you made the mistake of not finishing the job. I'll remember this pain for a long time, but I'm gonna serve it back to you ten-fold. I'll be seeing you boys next week". Match 4: Scott Levy Vs Azrael, tv time remaining. About 5 mins. We see replays of Azrael's previous attacks on Levy. Styles puts over Azrael's debut as a big deal. Levy comes out to the Wall Street theme, and gets the mic. He says Azrael doesn't scare him, and he may be the angel of death, but he (Levy) worships at the altar of the almighty dollar, and that is more powerful than any angel. Over the PA: "Whether rich or poor, all must join me in the danse macabre". And Azrael enters with the smoke and the cloak with angel wings on the back. He climbs into the ring. Levy tries to get in his face, but Azrael sends him flying back into the corner, and then makes short work of him, finishing him off with the spinning powerbomb. About a minute. Styles tells us that next week, as well as the TV title match, it has been confirmed that Luger and Simmons will team up against Payne and Barry Horowitz.

Has Dave made any kind of statements about where he think Omega stands as a worker, in the grand scheme of things? Because it seems like he loves everything the guy does, and it would almost have to follow that Dave would consider him a legit GOAT candidate.

ECW TV Episode 11 - 12/3/93 Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the show, and hype up the main event, which pits Sabu against Nord in a number one contenders match. Match 1: The Highwaymen Vs The Sandman and 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton. 15 minute time limit. The Highwaymen come out first, followed by Sandman. The Highwaymen attack Sandman, before Eaton's music hits and he is revealed as Sandman's partner. Styles says Sandman couldn't ask for a better partner than the TV champ. During the match the Arkansas Hit Squad come out and join Styles at the commentary table. They say that a couple of weeks ago the Highwaymen left them high and dry in an 8-man tag match. "We don't take kindly to cowards, so you can tell the Highwaymen that they've got a date with the Hit Squad." The Highwaymen are in control of Eaton until he makes the hot tag to Sandman, and he cleans house. The Highwaymen decide to high-tail it, but are met in the aisle by the AHS. "Where are you boys going?" The two teams start brawling in the aisle-way until they are separated by officials. Sandman and Eaton win via count-out in 7 mins. They share a beer to celebrate. A video shows highlights of Nord's dominance since coming to ECW. Styles puts him over strong, reminding us that he is undefeated. Maximilian Payne cuts a promo in the back. "Next week, Bobby Eaton, I have been granted my shot at the television title. Twice before we have faced each other, and both times it has been the interference of another man that has cost me the victory. That's why I put my case forward to the ECW match-makers, and they agreed, that next week, you will face me inside of a steel mesh cage. Make no mistake about it, Eaton, I'm not a nice guy, and I'm going into that cage match to hurt you. But don't worry. When I'm done scraping your flesh across that steel mesh, when I'm done beating on you, I've got a Payne Killer for you". Styles reacts to this blockbuster news as he's joined by Marc Mero on commentary. Match 2: Scott Levy Vs Ricky Morton, 10 mins. Mero takes his usual pot shots at Morton. As Levy makes his entrance we are shown replays of the two attacks by Azrael on Levy. Levy looks around him worried. Levy picks up the win by countering the huracanrana with a powerbomb, and then hitting the Levy Breaker DDT. 5 mins. Styles calls this an upset, and Mero says its not as upsetting as Morton's mullet. Levy gets the mic. "That is how Scott Levy conducts his business. Now, speaking of business, there's another piece of business I need to take care of. It seems this jacked up newcomer, this Azrael as he calls himself, has singled me out to make some kind of name for himself. Now, I don't blame you for wanting to take out the top dog here in ECW, but nobody is going to make their name off of Scott Levy. So next week, I'm challenging you to face me one-on-one. No sneak attacks, no cheapshots. If you've got the balls, you'll be there". Smoke starts billowing out of the entrance-way. Levy sells it like he's shitting himself and scarpers through the crowd. It turns out to just be mind games. A video package of Sabu in action, highlighting his hardcore style, and also showing his attack on Luger two weeks ago. A video of an open green pasture. Camera pans to a sign saying Gettysburg Battlefield. We zoom out to see Ron Simmons standing there. "Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. One of the most important battle sites of the Civil War. It was right here that Abraham Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg Address. 'Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal'." He spits on the ground. "That's what I think of Abraham Lincoln and his pretty little words. I don't think old Honest Abe was quite being honest with himself when he said that, and I don't think any of you people are being honest when you say you ain't racist, when you say you don't look down on the black man, when you act like you're better or more enlightened than the southern states. You people look at a black man and think that he should be grateful to you that he doesn't have to shine your shoes or pick your cotton. And what makes me sick is that a lot of them are. The Emancipation Proclamation freed 3 million brothers from the cotton field, but sentenced every generation since to a lifetime of subjugation and self-pity. Well, I never needed anybody to tell me I'm a free man, and I don't feel grateful for that freedom to anybody but my damn self. Not Abraham Lincoln, and not any two-faced bleeding heart liberal who wants to preach equality. There's a war still going on, and anybody, and I do mean anybody, who steps in my way is going to find out just what an angry black man is capable of." Brian Armstrong walks out with a microphone. You demands everyone show some respect to Ron Simmons, and says he's dedicating his match tonight to his brother, Simmons. Match 3: Brian Armstrong Vs Bob Backlund, 10 mins. Backlund frustrates Armstrong with his technical prowess. Armstrong counters with a thumb to the eye, and then goes on the attack with punches and kicks. Backlund makes a comeback and tries to lock on the crossface chickenwing, but Armstrong mule kicks him between the legs, bringing about a DQ after 6 mins. Armstrong continues to assault Backlund after the bell, choking and stomping him, until the ref pulls him away. A video shows the finish to the previous match between Sabu and Nord, with Sabu putting Nord through the table. Match 4: Sabu Vs Nord. Winner becomes number one contender to the ECW title. TV time remaining, about 15 mins. Nord dominates a good portion of the match with brawling offence. At one point he pulls a table out from under the ring and sets it up at ringside. As he climbs onto the apron to get Sabu, Sabu comes over the top rope and tornado DDTs Nord through the table. Both men manage to drag themselves back into the ring. Sabu misses Air Sabu in the corner, but Nord misses the Road To Valhalla big boot. Sabu hits a springboard leg lariat, and manages to get the pin, Nord just kicking out a split second too late. No time for this to sink in though as Nord pops up and catches Sabu with the big boot. Nord lets out a yell of rage as Lex Luger and Ron Simmons make their way to the ring. JS- "What's going on here? What are Luger and Simmons doing out here together?" Luger and Simmons hit the ring and join Nord in a beat down on Sabu. Simmons gives Sabu a spinebuster, and Luger takes him down with a running elbow smash. Luger and Simmons have handcuffs and cuff Sabu to the ropes. Nord is just mauling Sabu with boots to his now bloody head, while Luger and Simmons fend off officials and the likes of Ricky Morton and Bobby Eaton who are coming down to help. Sandman is out now too, and finally the babyfaces decide to just rush the ring, which makes the heels scarper. Sabu is a bloody unconscious mess. Nord is stomping around like a mad man, while Luger and Simmons make their way to the back, reflecting proudly on their handiwork.

Thank you so much. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read these and comment.

ECW TV Episode 10 - 5/3/93 The show starts as Sid Vicious and Tracy Smothers are making their way to ringside. Styles and Mero are on commentary and we're ready to go with the first of two title matches scheduled for tonight. Match 1: The Arkansas Hit Squad (c) Vs Sid Vicious and Tracy Smothers for the tag team titles. Best 2/3 falls with the 3rd fall, if needed, to be no holds barred. 30 minute time limit. The challengers come out of the blocks fast, and pick up the first fall after about 4 mins when Sid powerbombs and pins Canterbury. They continue their dominance in the second fall, but the tables turn when Smothers misses a plancha to the floor, and appears to have hurt his knee. The AHS go to work on the leg, and when Knight locks on a half Boston the ref steps in and awards the fall to the champs. 11 mins gone. We take a commercial break, and when we come back we see that Smothers has been helped to the back and Sid is left in a handicap streetfight against the tag champs. Sid holds his own, fighting off the Hit Squad, before they get the upper hand. It spills to the floor. The AHS are going to put Sid through a table, but Smothers hobbles back out and the challengers are back on offence. Sid takes Knight into the ring and sets him up for the powerbomb. On the outside Canterbury kicks out Smothers' leg and saves his partner by clocking Sid on the side of the head with the bullrope. They hit the Hangman's Noose on Sid and Knight covers for the pin just before Smothers can make it back into the ring to break up the fall. 20 mins. After the champs leave, Vicious and Smothers have a little chat, a hug, and thank the crowd for their support. Mero and Styles put the AHS over strong as an unstoppable team. The Sandman cuts a promo in the back. He's smoking and drinking a beer. He says the Highwaymen have been a thorn in his side for weeks and he's about to take that thorn out and flick it away. He says he would be fine with taking them both on at once, but Tod Gordon is insisting he find a tag team partner. Sandman says that Gordon can assign him a partner, and all they have to do is stand on the apron while he takes care of business. The match will be next week. We see a video of the confrontation between Luger and Sabu from last week. Styles has a blockbuster announcement. Next week, Sabu will take on Nord in a rematch from Bloody Valentine, and the winner of the match will be the new number one contender to the ECW championship. Match 2: Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw w/Madusa Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 mins. Styles says BH asked for this rematch, and Mero says he must be a glutton for punishment. Madusa introduces Shaw as the most ravishing man in wrestling, and says he's working on a sequel to the Kama Sutra. She calls Horowitz a loser, and says Maximilian Payne was the weird kid in high school who all girls made fun of. Shaw is dominant in the match. He has BH set up for the Cuck Hold when Rape Me hits the PA and Payne makes his way out. Payne gets in Madusa's face, and the distraction allows BH to schoolboy Shaw and score the upset in 4 mins. Payne walks off laughing as Shaw and Madusa are enraged in the ring. Ron Simmons and Brian Armstrong make their way out. Simmons says that he learnt a valuable lesson a couple of weeks ago. He says he should have listened to his own advice because he judged Brian Armstrong by the colour of his skin, but if he'd have paid close attention he'd have seen the brother within. He congratulates Brian on finally standing up for himself and being a man. Armstrong says Simmons is an inspiration to him, and everybody in the arena should listen when he talks. He says Simmons is his mentor, and the only family he needs. He then says he can't wait to get back in the ring and show everyone who the real talent of the Armstrong family is. Simmons continues. "Ever since I came to ECW you people have given me nothing but disrespect. That's the difference between the South, and the North East. You people think you're so enlightened up here because you fought against slavery, but you just have a different way of keeping the black man down. You hide the black man in your ghettos, and then you blame him for all the ills of your society. I see you there shaking your head, Joey Styles. Let me ask you something. Where are you from? Oh New York? The great melting pot, right? Well, the only reason there ain't no lynch mobs in New York is because you have the police to do it for you. You see, in the South if someone doesn't like you they say it to your face. Like a real man. Up here, you hide behind your progressive values and your liberal outlook but deep down inside your no better than the plantation owners of old". Lex Luger's music hits and the champ comes out. Simmons and Armstrong look confused. Luger gets in the ring. "I'm sitting back there listening to you talk trash about the North East, listening to you talk trash about my home state of New York, and I had to come out here and tell you that, man, you couldn't be more right. You know, Ron, you and I, we have a lot in common. We were both standout football stars, we both know what it means to be a world champion, and we both think Philadelphia sucks. I don't know if you saw, but I just got done beating the crap out of the best this hell hole has to offer, the Sandman." "What's your point, Lex?" "I just wanna share the love, brother. It's pretty clear that you and I are the biggest stars in ECW, and I had to let you know that I look at you with nothing but respect". "You wanna know what I see when I look at you? All I see when I look at you is another white boy claiming ownership of something that should be mine. And if you don't step out of my ring I'm fixing to give you a whole other problem to deal with". Luger backs away indicating he wants no trouble. He has a last parting shot. "You know, the angry black man and the house negro are just different sides of the same coin, Ron." Simmons is enraged and Brian Armstrong has to calm him down. A video airs showing the previous encounters between Scott Levy and Bryan Clark. Styles says the only thing he's been able to find out about this newcomer is that he goes by the name Azrael. He says he's done some research and Azrael is the name given in certain belief systems to the angel of death. He wonders if Levy's time has come. Match 3: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton. TV title match, 15 min time limit. Mero says he's not going to make fun of Morton this week because Morton is a good guy who does a lot of work for charity, like for the Blind Barbers of America. This is another fast-paced match between these two, with lots of big offence. Eaton eventually gets the win with the Alabama Jam after 10 mins. The two embrace after the match and Morton raises Eaton's arm in victory as we go off the air.

ECW TV Episode 9 - 26/2/93 Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to another stacked episode of ECW. He is interrupted by Scott Levy, who makes his way out with a mic. "Shut your mouth you nickel and dimer, and run along back to your seat. When I talk, everyone listens. Now last week, I came out here to make an important announcement, and I was interrupted, and physically abused, by some sideshow freak. That sort of thing doesn't happen to people like me..." He is cut off by Sabu's entrance music. Match 1: Scott Levy Vs Sabu, 10 min time limit. Styles puts over the impact made by the mysterious debutant last week, and also Sabu's war with Nord at Bloody Valentine. Levy shows off a new aggressive streak here, choking and clawing away at Sabu, but this is mostly a showcase for Sabu's high-risk style. Sabu finishes with a somersault legdrop off the top in 5 mins. Levy gets on the mic again after the match, puffing and panting. "This is an outrage. A man of my wealth shouldn't be in the ring with these savages. I can buy and sell every last one of you..." Bryan Clark makes his entrance again. Styles says Levy should learn to keep his mouth shut. Levy falls prey to another beatdown, ending in a spinning powerbomb. Nord cuts a promo in the back. He says Sabu proved himself a worthy competitor, and a gallant warrior, and says he will reserve him a special place in Valhalla. Match 2: Bob Backlund Vs Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw, 10 min time limit. Madusa is out first to introduce her man, the man who always guarantees a finish, between the ropes or between the sheets, the modern day Casanova, Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw. Styles put Backlund over big for his debut match, his amateur career, and his history in wrestling. Backlund tries to make this a wrestling match, and manages to frustrate the big man. Shaw uses his girth to gain the edge, applying the Cuck Hold on Backlund. Backlund fights back and Shaw takes to the outside. Backlund goes out after him but Shaw hits him in the gut with a chair to give Backlund the DQ win in about 6 mins.. Styles wonders if Backlund is ready for ECW. Shaw takes Backlund back in the ring and looks to continue the beatdown, but Maximilian Payne hits the ring and chases Shaw off. Payne grabs a mic. "Shaw, you made the mistake of your life last week when you cost me the TV title. You see, I'm a loner, Shaw, and you got in my personal space. Now you're going to feel my pain." A quick video shows Brian Armstrong hitting Brad Armstrong with the belt buckle at Bloody Valentine, and then Brad makes his way out, looking very sombre. Brad says he's heartbroken about what happened, and can't believe his own flesh and blood would do that to him. He says that although they used to scuffle as kids, like all brothers do, there's no way he will step in the ring and fight his little brother. He does, however, want to ask Brian out to the ring tonight to talk about this like men. Brian Armstrong walks out, a determined look on his face. Brad: "Brother, first off thank you for coming out here. I asked you out here tonight because I want to make things right with you. I believe we can still make this right. Now, I know you're upset, mad. And listening to your interview last week, and the way you laid it all out, I can see where you're coming from. So, I want to say this to you now, I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. You're my baby... Sorry, you're my brother, and I would never do anything to hurt you. I'm asking you to find it in your heart to forgive me." Brian asks for the mic. "You're sorry? You're sorry? You want to prove to me that you're sorry, you want my forgiveness, how about you get down on your knees and beg me for my forgiveness?" Brad is visibly hurt by Brian's unrelenting attitude, but after a little thought he gets down on his knees. "If this is what it's going to take, it's worth it. Brian, please, I'm begging you, please accept my apology and let's move on." Brian thinks on it for a moment, and then slaps Brad across the face. Brad is dejected. Now Brian spits in his face. Brad just takes it, tears starting to well up, as Brian walks away in disgust. At the top of the entrance Brian is met by Ron Simmons. Simmons hugs Brian and holds his arm aloft in victory as Brad watches crying on his knees in the ring. Match 3: Lex Luger Vs Barry Horowitz, none-title match, 10 min time limit. Fairly straight-forward win for Luger, via submission with the Torture Rack, in about 3 mins. Luger takes the mic. "Once again, I've shown my dominance over ECW, just like I did time and again against the Sandman. I have proven that I'm bigger than ECW, I'm the biggest star and the best competitor and no-one in this company deserves to be in the same ring as me. The lights go out. They come back on and Sabu is standing in the ring behind Luger with a chair. Luger is looking to the entrance, but turns around to be met by Sabu throwing the chair at his face. Luger bumps and scurries out the ring, beating a hasty retreat up the ramp. A quick video highlights the skills of Ricky Morton. Styles says Morton gets a crack at the TV title next week, but also next week we're going to get the final encounter between the Arkansas Hit Squad and the team of Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious, and it's going to be best 2/3 falls, with the 3rd fall, if necessary, being no holds barred. Match 4: The Arkansas Hit Squad and the Highwaymen Vs Tracy Smothers, Sid Vicious, 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton and Ricky Morton. TV time remaining, about 15 mins. Marc Mero joins Joey on commentary, and asks whose mullet Morton had to blow-dry to get another shot at the TV title. Styles asks Mero what he has against Morton. Mero says says he's just having fun with someone a little less stylistically fortunate than he is. Morton ends up playing face in peril for the face team, but makes a hot tag to Eaton to starts pinballing the Highwaymen around. Things break down and the Highwaymen decide to take a walk, leaving the AHS alone. The Sandman greets the Highwaymen at the entrance, and gives them each a Singapore Cane shot to the head. In the ring Canterbury eats a dropkick from Morton which sends him to the outside. Eaton hits a flying clothesline off the apron on Canterbury. Smothers hits Knight with the missile dropkick, and then Sid finishes him off with a huge powerbomb, and we go off the air with the faces celebrating in the ring.

ECW TV Episode 8 - 19/2/93 Joey Styles and Marc Mero welcome us to the show from the commentary position. They talk about what a great show Bloody Valentine was, and say tonight's show is going to be jam-packed, so let's get on with the action. Match 1: The Arkansas Hit Squad Vs Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious. Tag team title match, 15 min time limit. The AHS cut a promo before the match, saying that the fans probably expect them to be angry about having to face Sid and Tracy again after winning the match at Bloody Valentine, but the AHS walk away from no challenge. We see a couple of still photos from the previous match. The AHS take the fight to the challenges this time, and actually get the advantage on Sid, working over his leg. Smothers comes in off the hot tag but he is overwhelmed too. Finally Sid gets back in and a pier-6 ensues. The challengers take over and look to be closing in on the win when Sid sets up Knight for the powerbomb. But Canterbury drags Knight out the ring and the champs high-tail it up the aisle with their belts, getting themselves counted out in the process. About 10 mins. Madusa makes her way out, looking fine. She grabs a mic. "Allow me to introduce you to the man who was the real reason Madonna divorced Sean Penn. The man who Paula Abdul can't stop calling. The song 'Damn, I Wish I was Your Lover' was written about him. He is the modern day Casanova, the Lady Killer, and my lover, Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw. Mr Loverman by Shabba Ranks blares across the arena as Shaw comes out. Shaw takes the mic. "Take heed at what a real man looks like. I'm wrestling's number one heartthrob. Why have a Sexy Boy, when you can have a real man like me? Space Mountain? Come ride the log flume, ladies. You're guaranteed to get wet. People tell me I remind them of a Greek hero, and I know what they mean. Just like Perseus, I came for Madusa's head. But Madusa, she ain't no gorgon. If you look at her you won't turn to stone, but she damn sure makes me rock hard". Joey Styles is indignant over all this, but Mero is loving it. Barry Horowitz come out with a determined look on his face. This is a scheduled match. Match 2: Mike Shaw Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 mins. Horowitz goes at Shaw with punches and kicks. Madusa causes a momentary distraction and that's enough for Shaw to take full control of the match. He chokes BH on the ropes and as he does so Madusa climbs onto the apron and makes out with him. MM: "They told me about this, Styles. They call it the Cuck Hold. Do you get it? Of course you do". Shaw finishes BH off with a big splash which he calls the Guaranteed Finish. 4 mins. After the match Madusa is back in the ring directing traffic. She tells Shaw to give BH another splash which he does, but before he can deliver a third Maximilian Payne runs in, causing Shaw and Madusa to flee. Styles sells surprise. In the back Styles catches up with Payne and asks why he came to Horowitz's aid. Payne says every time he laid a beating on BH, he got back up and asked for more. He even escaped the Payne Killer. He says Horowitz earnt his respect. Styles changes to a more serious tone as he talks about the situation with the Armstrong brothers. He says he had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Armstrong earlier in the week and get some answers. Roll footage. JS: Well, Brian, the obvious question to ask is why? Why did you knock out your brother Brad at Bloody Valentine? BA: Let me tell you something about growing up as the baby of the Armstrong family. The fighting Armstrong family. All my life I was treated like a kid. I was coddled, patronised, not allowed to stand on my own two feet. All I wanted was for my daddy, and my big brothers, who I idolised, to see me as a man. It became obvious that wasn't going to happen, so I decided to sign up for the US marine corps and fight in the Gulf War. I figured if that didn't earn their respect nothing would. But when I got back is was more of the same. Our baby brother's home. What a hero our baby brother is. Little Brian Armstrong fought in a war. Okay, so then I thought that if I could win the ECW tag team titles with my brother, Brad, then they would give me some respect. But all I got was "don't worry Brian, you just try your best and let old Brad take care of business". You shrugged off my failures like I was a child falling on his butt while learning to walk, and my successes earned me nothing more than a pinch on the cheeks and a pat on the head. You wanna go out and fight my battles for me, Brad and make my excuses for me. "Brian said some stupid things but he's a good kid really. Just a little scrambled in the head". Screw you, man. A great man once said that if you want respect you take it, by any means necessary, and that's just what I did. I knocked you out, and punching you was like punching our daddy and our brothers too. And I'm not stopping with that. I'm challenging you to a match, and when I beat you in the middle of the ring, then you'll know just what kind of man I am". Scotty the Party Starter makes his way out, no music, in a business suit, with his hair neatly trimmed. Styles acts like he doesn't know who it is. Scotty gets the mic. "My name is Scott Levy. You know me as Scotty the Party Starter, but the party is over. Let me tell you a bit about me. My father is one of the richest men in this country. He is a businessman of high repute, and high class and I was born into wealth, and high society. On my 18th birthday my father essentially gave me a blank check and told me to do whatever I wanted. I took that money and I started the wildest, most hedonistic party the world has ever seen. But, just as my father succeeded in everything he put his mind to, I too need to succeed. I need to be the best. So, from now on, it's all business for Scott Levy. The Levys have a reputation for achieving greatness in everything they set their mind to, and I will continue that tradition. I will beat every man in that locker room, just like my father would buy and sell the likes of you people just for his own amusement. Because people like me are just born better than people like you". At that point a foreboding voice booms out over the speaker: "Whether rich or poor, all are equal in death. Take my hand as it reaches for you, joining me in the danse macabre". Smoke billows out of the entranceway and 'The End' by The Doors starts to play. Levy looks concerned. Bryan 'Adam Bomb' Clark steps out into the arena and slowly makes his way towards the ring. He is wearing a black cloak, and when he opens his arms to extend it out, you see there are angel-like wings on the back. He steps into the ring. Silence. Levy gets in his face, poking him in the chest, asking him who he thinks he is. Clark goozles him and launches him into the corner. He lays a beating on him, ending with a spinning powerbomb. Styles and Mero sell shock and awe. Bob Backlund cuts a promo in the back saying that he debuts on ECW next week, and can't wait to begin his journey back to the top of the wrestling world. Match 3: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Maximilian Payne. TV title, 15 mins. Styles talks about Payne earning this title shot at Bloody Valentine. He talks about the importance of the TV title, and says the edict has come down from ECW officials that 10 successful title defenses earns the champ a shot at the ECW title. Mero says Eaton might not even make it to one as Payne has still never been pinned or made to submit. Payne makes his way out but as he does so he is attacked by Mike Shaw with Madusa. Shaw sends Payne into the guard rail and squashes him against it, before officials get him to back off. Payne decides he still wants to wrestle so the bell rings. Eaton looks reluctant to fight, but goes about his business like a pro. Payne eventually comes back into the match, but about 8 mins in Shaw comes back out and attacks him again, leading to the DQ. This time Payne fights back on Shaw, and Shaw retreats to the back. Eaton offers his hand to Payne, but Payne leaves him hanging. Styles says next week we have the Backlund debut, Lex Luger in action, Sabu's first appearance on ECW TV and a big 8-man tag match has been signed involving the tag team champions and the television champion.

ECW Presents BLOODY VALENTINE - 14/2/93 Earlier in the day: We see a hummer pull up at the venue, and ECW champion Lex Luger steps out confidently. He has the ECW belt draped over his shoulder, with the Sandman's blood still smeared across it. Later in the day, a beat-up Chevy pulls up and the Sandman gets out, with his head bandaged up. He looks confident too, and we see why as he pulls a Singapore cane out of the car and walks into the hotel. Joey Styles and 'Magnificent' Marc Mero are in the ring to greet us to this special event, live from the Radisson Hotel in downtown Philadelphia, PA. They run down the card, hype up the crowd, and make some predictions before making their way to the commentary position. Match 1: Ron Simmons Vs Brad Armstrong in a Georgia Street Fight with a 30 minute time limit. No DQ, falls count anywhere. Simmons cuts a promo before the match: "Of all the outhouses in this stinking city, this one is the crappiest. It's no surprise to me that before me, the most famous black man in Philadelphia was the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and he couldn't wait to get the hell out of here either". Armstrong starts the match a house a-fire. he's been waiting to get his hands on Simmons for weeks. He peppers him with punches, and beats him around the ring-side area and into the crowd. They make their way back to the ring and Simmons takes over. Simmons takes off his belt (both men are dressed in street attire) and starts to whip Armstrong on his back ("now the black man is doing the whippin"). Armstrong absorbs a lot of punishment, and makes his inevitable comeback. After about 12 mins of violent brawling, Armstrong finds himself in command of the match. He rocks Simmons with a flying clothesline and looks for the coup de grace. He wraps Simmons' belt around his fist with the buckle covering his knuckle and rears back for the KO. Before he can deliver, Brian Armstrong slides into the ring. Styles sells it like no-one knew Brian was in the building. Brian begs Brad to let him deliver the final blow. Brad tosses him the belt, Brian wraps his fist and BOOM, knocks out his brother. Simmons is dazed, and doesn't know what's going on, and has to be ushered to make the cover by Brian Armstrong. Simmons covers and picks up the pin as Brian purposefully walks back up the aisle, never looking back. Styles and Mero sell this big as an act of betrayal. Winner in 13 mins: Ron Simmons. A video shows the action that has lead us to the final of the TV title tournament. Match 2: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton in the final of the TV Title tournament with a 15 minute time limit. Styles goes over the history between the two, bringing up the fact they went to a 15 minute draw on ECW TV several weeks back. Mero says Eaton can dish it out and Morton can take it, so they may go 15 again, and then what? Mero adds that if Morton loses, he can team with his mullet and go for the tag titles. This is wrestled pretty technically, but it's Morton who shows the more aggressive side, taking an opportunity to target Eaton's leg. Eaton makes a comeback and they exchange near falls. Eaton goes for the Alabama Jam but takes too long climbing to the top rope. Morton moves and hits the huracanrana, but only for a 2. Eaton recovers again and hits the Jam at the second time of asking to claim the gold. Morton hands Eaton the belt and congratulates him. Winner in 13 mins: Bobby Eaton. A video shows Bob Backlund in a gym throwing around a wrestling dummy. He says he used to call Madison Square Garden his home but he doesn't need the bright lights of Broadway to prove he's the best. He says ECW is his new home and he's fixing to get real comfy. A quick video shows Nord's path of destruction, as the big man makes his way out for his open challenge. Nord has his usual entrance, and then paces impatiently in the ring waiting for his opponent. The arena lights go out. When they come back on, Sabu is standing in the ring pointing to the ceiling. Styles and Mero just let the moment sink in without saying anything. Nord gives Sabu a look more out of curiosity than anything else, and then the two go at each other like crazy men. Match 3: Nord Vs Sabu. 15 minute time limit. Styles starts selling the Sabu appearance, saying he's been wrestling in Japan for the past several months, but now he's back. Nord starts to dominate with his power, but Sabu just keeps coming back at him. The action spills to the floor, and Sabu throws a chair in Nord's face. Out comes a table from under the ring. Sabu sets Nord up on the table and then launches himself from the top rope with a legdrop. Both men crash through the table, and the ref has no choice but to call this one a no contest after 8 mins. As that mess gets cleaned up, we see Bobby Eaton celebrating in the back with some friends, Tracy Smothers and a couple of refs. Ricky Morton is there too. Maximilian Payne walks in and the room goes quiet. "I've been told that when, not if, I win my match tonight, I get a crack at that TV title on ECW TV. You never beat me Bobby. You only survived me thanks to Barry Horowitz. Well, I'm gonna take care of that problem now, and then I'm coming for you". Match 4: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowtiz w/Madusa. 15 minute time limit. Madusa comes out with Horowitz. She gives him a good long kiss before the match. Styles goes over the stipulations. If Horowitz wins, he gets the 'services' of Madusa, but, as we just heard, Payne is fighting for a shot at the TV title. Mero wonders what Madusa could see in BH. Horowitz fights most of the match from underneath, just trying to survive. Finally Payne locks on the Payne Killer. Horowitz fights it and manages to make it to the ropes, which Styles puts over big time as the first time anyone has survived the hold. Horowitz fires up and manages to hit his bridging German, but can't hold the bridge because of his weakened arm. This allows Payne to plant BH on the back of his neck with a back suplex which, Mero informs us, he calls the Pretty Hate Machine. Payne earns the 3 to break Horowitz's heart. Winner in 8 minutes: Maximilian Payne. Horowitz is visibly upset, head in hands, punching the mat, ashamed of himself. Madusa grabs a mic and climbs into the ring. "Barry, Barry, honey. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay that you lost. It doesn't matter to me. It doesn't matter to me because (changing tone) I would never, ever associate myself with a loser like you". Horowitz is attacked from behind by a gargantuan 400 pounder, Mike Shaw, who crushes BH in the corner and then hits a big splash as Madusa cheers him on. Shaw and Madusa then make out passionately over Horowitz's fallen body. Tracy Smothers cuts a promo in the back. He says that this thing between him and the Arkansas Hit Squad started off about revenge for the Armstrong family. He blames the AHS's attacks on Brian Armstrong for what happened earlier. But, he continues, this is about more than that now. He really likes the idea of being tag team champion, and thinks he's found the perfect partner to accomplish that goal. "Tell 'em, big man". The camera pans out to reveal Sid Vicious. "ECW is about to get vicious". He laughs and walks off, followed by Smothers. Match 5: The Arkansas Hit Squad (c) Vs Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious for the ECW tag team championship. 30 minute time limit. This starts with Smothers using his quickness to bewilder the champs. They start to overpower him, so Smothers tags Sid. The AHS bump around a lot for Sid, making him look like a beast. They eventually manage to isolate Smothers and put a beating on him. Smothers makes the hot tag and Sid is back in cleaning house. Sid basically takes no offence during this. The match breaks down and Sid and Knight are on the outside with Smothers and Canterbury on the inside. Smothers dodges a charge in the corner and goes up top, hitting his patented missile dropkick. Sid has lost the plot on the floor though and is attacking Knight with a chair, which the ref sees. He calls for the bell as Smothers has Canterbury pinned, and Smothers is disappointed to learn that Sid has got the team DQ'ed. Winners by disqualification in 12 minutes: The Arkansas Hit Squad. Smothers manages to calm Sid down and Sid apologises for costing them the titles. Smothers sees Canterbury getting to his feet and invites Sid to give him the chair treatment too. He does, and as the champs crawl away, Vicious and Smothers celebrate. Styles recaps the whole feud between Luger and the Sandman and says this will be the final chapter. Match 6: Lex Luger (c) Vs The Sandman in a First Blood match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. 30 minute time limit. Sandman attacks from the bell, trying to lacerate Luger by sending him into the ring post and steel steps, but Luger is always able to block with his hands. Luger comes back and zeroes in on the bandage on Sandman's head, ripping it off and attempting to reopen the wound with punches. Sandman this time is able to block and retreat. Luger gets hold of the Singapore cane, but Sandman kicks him in the nads before he can bring down the blow. Sandman levels Luger with a chair but Luger gets the hands up to partially block. Sandman piledrives Luger on the chair. The ref checks but still no blood so Sandman goes in with hard punches. Luger retreats back to the floor and digs his fingers into Sandman's wound. He then starts trying to bite it, but Sandman backs off and is still clean. Luger sends Sandman into the ring post, but still no blood. Sandman gets hold of his cane and starts wailing away at Luger with body shots, before taking a big swing and nailing him on the skull. Luger reels back but there's no blood. Sandman winds up for another big hit but Luger has grabbed the ECW title belt and he levels Sandman with it at the same time as Sandman unleashes the shot with the cane. Luger goes down like a sack of shit, while Sandman is knocked back but doesn't go down. However, Sandman has been re-opened and as blood pours down his face the ref calls for the bell. Winner in 10 minutes: Lex Luger. Sandman doesn't seem to realise he's lost, and gives himself a series of shots to the head with the cane as he's now wearing a crimson mask. Sandman stands in defiance as Luger exits up the aisle with his ECW title. Luger celebrates in the entranceway, while Sandman basks in the glory of what for him is a moral victory. Styles thanks everyone for coming or buying the VHS, and wonders what the fall-out will be as ECW continues to grow.

ECW TV Episode 7- 12/2/93 Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the last episode of ECW TV before the big Bloody Valentine event in 2 days. He hypes up the First Blood match between Luger and Sandman, the tag team title match between the Arkansas Hit Squad and Tracy Smothers and his partner to be revealed tonight, the final of the TV title tournament, and the Georgia Street Fight between Ron Simmons and Brad Armstrong. He mentions again how fans can see the event live or pre-order the video cassette. Roll opening credits. Match 1: Lex Luger Vs Brad Armstrong. None-title match with a 15 minute time limit. Styles talks about Luger's "blood-stained history", bringing up the two times Sandman has already busted him open, and talking about Luger losing the biggest match of his career at Starrcade 88 to Ric Flair via blood stoppage. "If the Total Package has a weakness, this is it". Luger bullies a game Armstrong around the ring. Ron Simmons makes his way out, joining Styles at the booth with a house mic in hand. "Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, so why don't all you rednecks show this brother some love, and shut your racist mouths. Now, I must have cracked little Brian Armstrong so hard in the head that that whole family got brain damage. I don't know why else this piece of garbage would challenge me to a Georgia Street Fight. You call it a Georgia Street Fight, but this man's Georgia and my Georgia are two different things. I had to fight and claw my way off the streets, while the Armstrong boys, the good old boys, skated by on their daddy's reputation". Simmons' words fire Armstrong up and he starts making a comeback. "Knock him down, Lexy." Armstrong starts to make a beeline for Simmons, but Luger attacks him from behind, and drops him on the guard rail from a press slam position. He then finishes him off in the ring with the Torture Rack, gaining the submission victory in 8 mins. Simmons delivers some final words: "Just like your old man, just like your baby brother, your career is going to be over after this Sunday. And all you Philly scum are going to have to deal with the thing that scares you most, a powerful black man who won't be held down any more". A video shows Bob Backlund in the wrestling room working out, tying guys in knots. Backlund says if he didn't still think he had what it takes to be a champion he wouldn't be coming back, that it's his passion to be the best that is driving him. He says he may be older but he can outwrestle and outfight anyone. Match 2: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Maximilian Payne. TV tournament semi-final match, 10 minute time limit. As Payne comes to the ring a pop-up promo airs, showing him playing his electric guitar. "People always ask me why I enjoy inflicting pain on others. Maybe I want them to experience the pain that I feel living on the outskirts of an uncaring society, an outcast, a misfit, a loner. Maybe the pain I cause is a commentary on the decay of modern civilisation, and a wasted generation of lost potential. Or maybe, maybe I just do it because I'm bored. They're all good answers". Styles talks this up as a battle between two undefeated wrestlers. Eaton uses his savvy to out-maneuver Payne, whereas Payne relies on his power advantage, in what is a pretty even match. The action spills to the floor. Payne sends Eaton into the guard rail, but Eaton avoids Payne's charge sending Payne into the steel. Eaton rolls back into the ring, but as Payne shakes off the damage, Barry Horowitz appears in the crowd and clocks Payne on the side of the head with a roll of quarters. Payne is dazed and confused, and by the time he's shaken the cobwebs off he's been counted out. Eaton advances to the final after a 7 min contest. After a commercial break we see that Styles has taken to the back in an attempt to grab an interview with Horowitz, who is on his way out of the building. Horowitz says he said he was going to make an impact. Madusa runs over and asks Barry what he's doing. Barry says he did it for her, and says he's going one further and challenging Payne to one more match at Bloody Valentine. He asks Madusa if she'll consider managing him if he beats Payne. Madusa says what he did to Payne was a real turn on, and if he wins on Sunday she'll be his woman both professionally and personally. A Nord promo airs. Nord says that he came to ECW to civilise the place, and he's been doing that one fallen opponent by one. He says the level of competition isn't befitting a warrior like him, but he'll be at Bloody Valentine looking for any worthy opponent to fall by his sword. Match 3: Ricky Morton Vs Scotty the Party Starter. TV title tournament semi-final, 10 min time limit. Footage of Scotty dropping Morton with a DDT last week is shown. Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary and says Scotty has been his pick for this tournament from the get-go. He says Morton is about 5 years too late for this party. Scotty gets a lot of offence, and shows some flashy stuff we haven't seen from him before, like a plancha to the floor. He goes for the DDT but Morton counters with a back body drop and then hits a huracanrana into a cradle for the win in about 6 mins. Morton DDTs Scotty after the match. Eaton comes out onto the ramp and applauds Morton and they both nod at each other and do 'belt' gestures and whatnot. The Arkansas Hit Squad are out next. They say Tracy Smothers made the mistake of his life challenging them, and wonder if he even found someone stupid enough to team with him against them. Smothers comes out. He says he did have a hard time finding a partner, because the AHS have quite a reputation. "I know you think of yourselves as the two toughest bastards to come out of Arkansas, but I found someone who's ready to fight that claim". Sid Vicious walks out, fist-bumping fans and muttering boasts, dripping with sweat and charisma. Styles sells it huge, and the Hit Squad act like they're about to have HAs. Sid and Smothers fist bump and then rush the ring as the AHS scatter. Adam Bomb vignette. The sandstorm, the egg-timer, the Eastern lettering, from behind we see Bomb lift a hood over his head. "Who was the fool, who the wise, who the beggar or the emperor? Whether rich or poor, all are equal in death". He turns slowly towards the camera as the image fades out. Match 4: The Sandman Vs The Highwaymen. Handicap match with TV time remaining, only 6 or 7 mins. Styles says Sandman is taking an awful risk here just two days away from the first blood match. Sure enough, after 3 or 4 mins of action, which sees the Highwaymen take control after an early flurry by Sandman, and then a Sandman comeback, Luger comes out. Sandman fights him off at first, but when his attention goes back to the Highwaymen, Luger catches him with a shot to the temple with the ECW championship belt. Sandman fights back up to his feet a bloody mess and the Highwaymen hold him as Luger lays boots into the open wound. Eaton, Morton and Smothers, plus officials race out to stop the attack as Styles wraps up the show by saying Sandman will be walking into the first blood match with a fresh wound. He quickly runs through the card for Sunday as we fade to black.

ECW TV Episode 6- 5/2/93 Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the show. He says we're just 9 days away from ECW presents Bloody Valentine, where we know the main event will be Luger Vs Sandman in a first blood match for the ECW title, and the final of the TV title tournament will also take place. He says Brad Armstrong has also challenged Ron Simmons to a Georgia Street Fight. He tells the fans how they can get tickets to the show, or pre-order the video cassette of the event. He then hypes tonight's show, which will feature 2 TV title tournament matches, and Brad Armstrong Vs Canterbury of the Arkansas Hit Squad. Match 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Tracy Smothers. TV title tournament quarter-final, 10 minute time limit. An even-fought sporting match. The AHS come out to the entrance-way to watch the action. Smothers gains the upper hand but misses his missile dropkick, and Eaton puts him away with the Alabama Jam in about 6 mins. The AHS start walking menacingly towards the ring, but Eaton slides Smothers a chair, and the AHS think better of it. A vignette airs, showing the Highwaymen out and about in Philly. They check out some local landmarks, insulting the city as they go, we see them steal a man's wallet, bully some kids, try to smooth talk some women. Mostly played for humour. After it ends Styles says the Highwaymen have challenged Sandman to a handicap match next week, and Sandman accepted. He says to make things fair just 2 days shy of the First Blood match, Luger will also be in action next week. Marc Mero then joins Styles on commentary for the next match. Match 2: Nord Vs Ricky Morton, 10 min time limit. Styles talks about Morton facing Scotty the Party Starter in the tv title tournament semi-final next week, and how with his experience and speed he should be the biggest challenge Nord has faced to date. Mero agrees, putting over Morton's ring skills, "but what is it with this guy's look, Joey? Doesn't he know this is 1993? Everything about this guy screams the 80s". Styles speculates on what is in the goblet Nord drinks from before each match. Morton manages to rock the big man with a salvo of dropkicks, even sending him to the outside. Eventually, though, the Road to Valhalla seals the win for Nord in about 4 mins. After Nord has left, Scotty the Party Starter creeps down the ring, and drops Morton with a DDT. Ron Simmons makes his way down the aisle, pushing a wheelbarrow full of watermelons. Styles is disgusted. Simmons gets in the ring. RS-"Tod Gordon, the owner of this company, requested that I come out here and issue an apology for my actions last week. I should apologise for slapping Brad Armstrong upside the head. Maybe Brad Armstrong should apologise to me for whatever backwards thinking bigotry his baby brother is going around spouting at me. Maybe Brad Armstrong should apologise for being just like all you Philadelphia hillbillys, and trying to act like this ain't about race. Well, Mr Gordon, you sign my checks, so here I am. Is this the black man that you want? Coming out here with my watermelons and my head down? Maybe I can do a little soft-shoe shuffle for you? Or maybe shine your shoes, is that it? Well, if that's the black man you want then you better look elsewhere because I don't play that way, and I don't apologise for nothing. Here's how this is going to go down. I've got fifty dollars right here, fifty dollars for whichever one of you rednecks is gonna get in this ring and shine my shoes. Come on. $50. You can get your teeth fixed, or pay for your sister to get a backstreet abortion. You want a piece of this Joey Styles?" Simmons picks a gangly youth out of the crowd and gets him into the ring. He gets a folding chair and sits himself down in the middle of the ring, and starts browbeating the fan as he shines his shoes. Brad Armstrong climbs into the ring behind Simmons and after a little playing to the crowd he dropkicks Simmons out of the chair. He then goes on the assault, rocking him with punches, which Simmons sells big time. The assault spills to the floor, but Simmons manages to get his hands on a watermelon which he smashes over Armstrong's head. He starts laying the boots into Brad. "Now look what you made me do, you dumb cracker. I've scuffed up my shoes again". Brad is out cold and officials restrain Simmons. Styles says Simmons should be fined and suspended. Match 3: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz w/Madusa. Tv title tournament quarter-final, 10 minute time limit. A pop-up promo shows Horowitz saying how he knows he's lost twice to Payne before, but this time it will be different, and Madusa steps into the shot and puts her arm around Barry. This is much more even then previous matches between these two, and Horowitz gets a couple of good nearfalls, but once again he falls pray to the Payne Killer. Madusa walks away leaving Barry in the ring. Horowitz gets on the mic. BH- "Madusa, Madusa. Wait. Where are you going?" Madusa comes back to the ring and takes the mic. "I'm sorry, Barry. I like you. I really do. But I'm looking for a man that can make a big impact in this business. And I don't think that's you". She walks off. We see Barry saying "you want impact. I'll show you impact". A Bob Backlund video airs, the same sort of thing as the last one. Bob says he walked away from wrestling when he still had so much to give, and he could never shake the addiction to competition. He says coming back is the biggest challenge he's ever faced in his life, but it's these challenges that he lives for. The Arkansas Hit Squad enter the ring for the main event. The ring announcer informs everyone that Brad Armstrong is no longer able to compete tonight, but a replacement has been found. Match 4: Canterbury w/Knight Vs Tracy Smothers. 10 min time limit. Smothers gets a house mic and makes a challenge that if he wins, that'll be both members of the Hit Squad he's beat in successive weeks, and he wants a tag title match. The AHS laugh at this and agree. Canterbury lays a beating on Smothers, who has already competed tonight. Smothers won't stay down for the count though. Eventually he reverses a neckbreaker attempt into a backslide and picks up the win. he scurries out the ring before Knight can get to him and grabs a mic. He tells the Hit Squad he has a hell of a tag partner in mind, and they'll find out who it is next week.

Thanks for the kind words.

ECW TV Episode 5- 29/1/93 Show opens with Joey Styles in the ring, and he says we have a bumper show tonight including the start of the TV title tournament, but first he has a huge announcement. Lex Luger's music hits, and the champ strolls out. Luger asks if the announcement is that he is still the ECW Heavyweight Champion. Styles says no but it does concern him. JS: "ECW is bringing to you a special event, 3 weeks from now on Valentine's night, the 14th February. We invite you to spend your Valentine's night with the stars of ECW at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Philadelphia. This is going to be a blockbuster night of action, and it will be headlined by the current ECW Champion, Lex Luger (Luger smugly holds his belt up in the air), as he fends his title against... The Sandman". Luger throws a tantrum, kicking the ropes, shouting the odds. JS-"It seems to me like you don't want to face the Sandman again. Like maybe you're scared of the Sandman". LL- "I'm scared of nobody. The fact of the matter is Sandman had his shot last week, and he couldn't get the job done. There's plenty of other worthy challengers in ECW, and I don't see why this Sandman is getting another shot at the gold". JS-"Myabe because you paid off the Highwaymen to attack Sandman last week when you knew you couldn't beat him". LL-"I didn't pay off anybody. Maybe if the Sandman didn't go around hitting people with chairs, he wouldn't have got jumped last week." JS-"Nevertheless, the match has been signed, and furthermore, the Sandman will compete tonight in a special 10 minute gauntlet match challenge against the Highwaymen, and if he beats both members within the 10 minute time limit, he will get to choose the stipulation for your match on the 14th". LL-"This is a crock, Joey, and you know it". JS-"If you're not scared of the Sandman, I don't see the problem". LL-"You think I'm scared of this bum? I'll show you tonight how scared I am of the Sandman." A video airs showing a man trading amateur holds in a wrestling room. Close-ups of sweat flying and body against body, emphasising the toughness on display. A voice speaks over the footage. "Wrestling is all I ever wanted to do with my life. It's what defines me. I can still hear the fans screaming in Madison Square Garden. Sell-out after sell-out. A rush like that... anyone will tell you that it's like an addiction. I had to come back. I had to feel that again. Do I feel like I still have something to prove to the wrestling world? I feel I have something to prove to myself. That I can still do this, that I can still compete. That's why I'm here. That's why I came to ECW". As the monologue progresses we see that one of the men wrestling (and the man talking) is Bob Backlund. Barry Horowitz is in the ring awaiting his opponent for our opening match. A pop-up promo airs in which Horowitz says that Madusa sets his pulse racing, and ever since she came on the scene he's been undefeated. He says this match is for her. Match 1: Barry Horowitz Vs Nord. 10 minute time limit. Nord engulfs Horowitz from the opening bell with a flurry of offence. Styles says if Horowitz was trying to impress Madusa, taking a match with Nord was probably a bad idea. Nord hits the big boot, which Styles informs us is called the Road To Valhalla, and picks up the win in about a minute. We come back from commercial to see Horowitz being helped to the back. Madusa comes out and shows concern for him, walking to the back with him. Scotty the Party Starter comes out and takes a house mic. He says he was supposed to be taking on Brian Armstrong tonight in the first round of the tv title tournament, but little Brian got himself in some bother last week with Ron Simmons, and now he has a concussion and a rack of broken ribs. Scotty says this means the party has officially started, because he's moving on to the semi-finals, and will soon be the television champion. He demands a referee raise his hand, and the announcer announce him as the winner by forfeit. Brad Armstrong makes a beeline for the ring and attacks Scotty, opening up on him with lefts and rights, and drilling him shoulder-first into the ring post. Scotty collapses to the floor, and Brad grabs the mic. "Let me tell you something about Brian Armstrong. Now, Brian may have said some things he shouldn't have last week, but this is just a kid, a good kid, and he didn't deserve the beating he took from you, Ron Simmons. Brian Armstrong loves his family, and he loves his country. In fact, he fought for this country in the Gulf. Yeah, that's right. More than that, he's my baby brother, and you don't put your hands on my baby brother and get away with it. Simmons, this ain't about race, or anything like that, and I don't give a damn about your reputation. I'm going to kick your ass for what you did to Brian, and that's from one Georgia boy to another." Match 2: Tracy Smothers Vs Knight w/Canterbury. 10 min time limit. Smothers is still banged up from his run-ins with Maximilian Payne, and Knight goes straight on the attack, zoning in on the shoulder. Smothers fired up and fights back though, eventually hitting a missile dropkick and going for the pin. Before the ref can count 3, Canterbury is in, giving Smothers the win via DQ in 5 mins. The Arkansas Hit Squad hit Smothers with the Hangman's Noose, leaving him laying. A clip airs of the finish to last week's title match, with the Highwaymen and Luger laying out Sandman. An Adam Bomb video. We see a desert, a sandstorm, which merges into an egg timer with the sand running out. All this interspersed with shots of Bomb's impressive musculature (but no face). The words appear on the screen: "Emperor, your sword won't help you out, sceptre and crown are worthless here, I've taken you by the hand, for you must come to my dance". And then "He is coming". Match 3: Brad Armstrong Vs Ricky Morton. TV title tournament, first round. 10 min time limit. Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary. He says he's gonna tear it up in 93, just like his friends Boyz II Men. Styles asks why Mero isn't in the tournament, and Mero says as prestigious as the TV title is, he's already a champion in the hearts and minds of his legion of fans. Brad and Ricky wrestle a fair match, although Brad is a little more aggressive than usual. Morton reverses a sunset flip to get the pin. Ron Simmons comes out to the commentary position with a mic. "I've already put one of you boys in hospital. I'll put you right there with him with a snap of my fingers. You shut your mouth too Styles. You think this isn't about race or like I'm supposed to care about your brother being a war hero or something. You're just another white fool who can't handle a strong black man speaking his mind. Just like all you bigots. I'm not stepping in the ring with you because I don't perform tricks for these people. I fight when I want to fight, step where I want to step and say what I want to say, and you racist rednecks better learn to accept it because I ain't no house negro, I'm the master". Morton and the referee are trying to restrain Brad as this is going on. We cut to commercial. We come back and Brad Armstrong is laid out in the back. Styles shows us the video of Brad making his way backstage looking for Simmons, and Simmons coldcocking him from behind, before wrestlers and officials pull him back. Match 4: The Sandman Vs Rex Mason w/Steve Henry. This is the first part of the 10 minute challenge gauntlet match. Luger joins Joey Styles on commentary and cheers Mason on, as Mason stalls, and uses Henry as a distraction to get the upper hand. About 5 mins in Sandman makes his comeback, sending Mason and Henry into each other and then downing Mason with a piledriver for the pin. Luger leaves the commentary position and takes out Sandman with a clip to the knee. he stomps away on the knee as the ref tries to restore order. Luger yells that this is his match now and tells Sandman to get up. Sandman lunges at Luger and rains down the punches on him. The ref rings the bell. Match 5: The Sandman Vs Lex Luger. Styles says it looks like Luger has taken Steve Henry's place in the match, but there's only about 4 mins left in the challenge. Luger kicks out Sandman's leg and goes to work on it, and is in complete control of the match as time ticks away. He's cocky, asking the fans if Sandman looks like a champion. Sandman catches Luger with a low blow, and rolls him up, pinning him with a handful of tights and his feet on the ropes, the same way Luger beat Sandman for the belt. Sandman hobbles to the commentary position, as Luger is dumbfounded in the ring. Sandman gets on the house mic and says 2 times they faced before tonight, and twice Sandman left Luger a bloody mess but Luger escaped with the belt. he said that won't happen a third time, because they're going to meet in a first blood match. Luger sells concern, and Styles closes the show by saying it's going to be a bloody Valentine for somebody.

ECW TV Episode 4- 22/1/93 Joey Styles on commentary welcomes us to the show and gets us pumped for Sandman Vs Luger 2, in our main event. We're kicking off with 6-man tag action. As the competitors are introduced, Styles shows us the bracket for the television title tournament, which starts next week. TV Title Tournament Round 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Tracy Smothers Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz Ricky Morton Vs Brad Armstrong Scotty the Party Starter Vs Brian Armstrong Match 1: Scotty the Party Starter and the Highwaymen Vs Bobby Eaton, Ricky Morton and Barry Horowitz. 15 min time limit. Before the match the Highwaymen cut a promo, telling Madusa that they know how to treat a woman, and the Highwaymen do everything together, so it's double your pleasure. Midway through the match Madusa comes out onto the entrance way and watches the action with keen interest. All 6 guys get a little bit of shine in a match that goes about 12 mins. Finally, with the rest of the combatants brawling on the floor, we're left with Horowitz and Steve Henry in the ring. Horowitz hits a German suplex with a bridge to pick up the win. Madusa applauds Horowitz. Styles says Horowitz is on a bit of a role. Dance of the Knights starts and Styles says the roll is about to end. Nord makes his entrance as the heel team slink away. Eaton, Morton and Horowitz stand primed in the ring. Nord drinks from his goblet then rushes the ring. He fights off the attack of the faces, tossing Eaton over the top rope and taking Morton down with a clothesline. He gives the big boot to Horowitz, then to Morton. A recap of the Sandman/Luger feud airs, followed by another Adam Bomb video. Match 2: Tracy Smothers Vs Maximilian Payne, 10 minute time limit. A video shows the altercation between these two men from two weeks ago. As Smothers comes out, still bandaged up, we see a pop-up promo by him in which he challenges either one of the Arkansas Hit Squad to a match next week. He says he considers himself part of the Armstrong family, and he won't rest until he's got some revenge for them. Smothers takes the fight bravely to Payne, but once again gets caught in the Payne Killer and has no choice but to submit. About 2 mins. Styles proclaims Payne the favourite to win the TV title. Joey Styles is in the ring and introduces us to the All American, Ron Simmons. Simmons comes out, slapping hands with fans along the way. Styles welcomes Ron to ECW and gives him the floor. Simmons says if the fans will indulge him he'd like to tell them a little story. He said that just a couple of months ago he made history when he became the first ever African-American world champion. He said he felt like he was on top of the world, but it soon became apparent that the top brass 'down South' had no intention of promoting him the way a world champion should be promoted. He said instead of main eventing shows and doing promotional tours and autograph signings, they had him buried in the midcard, just waiting for the first chance to get that belt back on a white man's shoulder. He said the fans don't want him to tell them about their favourite southern wrestling stars. "Let's just say that for some people, the 'american dream' doesn't extend to people of colour, and not everyone has a 'flair' for race relations". He goes on that he couldn't get out of the south fast enough, because he knew that up in the north of the country he would be welcomed with open arms, and judged not by the colour of his skin, but by his ability and his character. "Boy, was I ever wrong. Up here in Philadelphia I see the most bigoted, redneck, hillbilly, hayseed, inbred pieces of trailer park trash that I ever saw in my life." Styles tries to protest. "Don't interrupt me Joey Styles or I'll slap that smug look off your lily white face. The problem with you people is that you only tolerate a black man if he's rapping for you or catching touchdown passes for the Eagles. You want to own us just as bad as they do down south, but at least they have the guts to say it". We hear another voice from the aisle way. "Finally, someone who is willing to tell it like it is". Brian Armstrong is making his way into the ring. He climbs in. "Listen, brother, if anybody knows how it feels to be a black man in this town, it's me". Simmons looks at him like he's lost his mind. "I know what you're thinking. Why didn't I speak up before? I only wish I had, but it's hard when you look out at a sea of people and only see hatred and resentment. But together, we can make a difference." RS- "You and me?" BA- "You and me. Look, see this BA on my trunks? That doesn't stand for Brian Armstrong. That stands for Black Asskicker". RS- "Oh, you a black asskicker?" Simmons levels Armstrong with a clothesline. He throws him out the ring. Styles has made his way back to the commentary table, and says that Brian Armstrong must have been knocked loopy by the AHS last week. Simmons starts choking Armstrong with a camera cable. "You think this is a joke? This funny to you, boy?" He tosses him back in the ring and grabs a chair, following him in. He crowns him with the chair, then casually tosses the chair onto the mat, and delivers a spinebuster to Armstrong on the chair. A video shows The Arkansas Hit Squad winning the tag titles last week, and Styles says they have accepted Tracy Smothers' challenge, but now it's time for the main event. Match 3: Lex Luger Vs The Sandman, with TV time remaining, about 15 mins. The Sandman is pacing back and forth waiting for Luger to come out. When he does, Sandman goes straight for him and they brawl in the aisleway and into the fans. Sandman rains down the punches on Luger, busting him open hardway. Luger reverses an irishwhip into the guard rail, which gives him a chance to take off his belt and compose himself. Sandman is soon back on the attack though, beating him all around the ringside area. Luger takes over in the ring, but is getting desperate when a big powerslam only gets a 2 count. He grabs a chair from ringside but Sandman meets him with a kick. Sandman has the chair and Luger braces himself. Sandman is about to hit him, but pauses. Luger yells at him to 'do it!', but Sandman tosses the chair out of the ring. Luger tries to bolt but Sandman pursues him into the aisle. Luger is on his knees now begging off. The Highwaymen run out and attack Sandman, causing a DQ after 10 mins. Sandman tries to fight them off, but the 3-on-1 is too much. The Highwaymen hold Sandman's arms while Luger brains him with a chair shot. The show ends with Luger holding the world title aloft.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

ECW TV Episode 3- 15/1/93 We're going straight to match action this week as Styles welcomes us to a blockbuster show from the commentary booth. Match 1: Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton. 15 minute time limit. Styles talks about the rivalry between the Midnight Express and the Rock N Roll Express, but says this is about the future and singles success for these two. They shake hands to start. They wrestle a fast paced match, with both men getting ample time to show off their movesets. Marc Mero joins Joey in the booth. He puts over Eaton and Morton and says these are the kind of guys he's looking forward to mixing it up with. Styles asks Mero when exactly he's going to get in the ring. "Hold those horses, Joey, my friend. 1993 is early yet, but you can rest assured that when Magnificent Marc Mero gets in the ring, it's going to be the event of the year". Lots of near falls before we reach the time limit making this a draw. A little pushing match after the bell between Eaton and Morton, but they shake hands and hug. We cut to Mero giving them a standing ovation. "Stand up, Joey. That was a hell of a contest. Hell of a contest". Madusa is in the back for a promo. "Hey ECW. Madusa here, and I'm looking for a man. A man with power. A man in peak physical condition. A man who can get it done in the ring... and out of the ring. Remember boys, I'll be watching you." The Wayne's World theme song plays over the speaker system, and we see that Scotty the Party Starter is in the ring, dressed as Wayne. Joey Styles wonders what's going on, calling Scotty a goof. Scotty has the mic. "Welcome to Scotty's world. You're not worthy.. you're not worthy. Last week I made the mistake of inviting you all to my party. This week I'm just looking for one person to come to the party. Anyone in the back wanna step into Scotty's world?" Barry Horowitz walks out. Scotty asks if he's kidding, and said he's a two-time loser to Payne, so why would he think he can hang with him. Horowitz pops him in the mouth, and we have an impromptu match. Match 2: Scotty the Party Starter Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 minute time limit. Scotty gets the upper hand and starts to beat Barry down, stopping to jaw with the fans, and pose. Horowitz ends up catching him with an inside cradle for the pin after about 3 mins. Scotty tries to attack Barry after the match but Horowitz socks him again, and then puts on Scotty's Wayne wig and headbangs with some fans. Another Bomb video. Eastern lettering runs across the screen, and then it says "You all shall fall. He is coming". Styles says that Luger and Sandman have both been banned from the building for tonight, but they did both tape promos earlier in the day, in anticipation for their ECW title rematch next week. Luger cuts a promo asking Sandman if it counts as a home invasion if he was invited in with open arms.. and open legs. He says Sandman is a Philly piece of scum, and there isn't going to be a Rocky ending for him. Sandman says that Luger stole his title and put his hands on his old lady, and his only saving grace is that his kid wasn't home. He says that's the only reason Luger is still walking, but as it is he has just seven more days before he gets destroyed. Styles speculates that Luger is trying to get into Sandman's head, but says he wouldn't want to be Lex Luger next week. Match 3: Tracy Smothers Vs Nord. 10 minute time limit. Smothers has his shoulder heavily taped, a result of his altercation with Maximilian Payne last week Styles tells us. Nord gets a big time entrance. The lights go out. Simulated lightning bolts and thunder. A spotlight shows Nord standing in the entrance way in an animal pelt. He takes a drink from a wooden goblet as Prokofiev's Dance of the Nights starts up. He throws down the chalice and marches to the ring. he immediately jumps on Smothers with brawling offence. The bell hasn't rung yet. The ref manages to back him up and Smothers says he wants to fight. The bell rings and Smothers goes at Nord with right hands, fighting through the pain. But he runs into a big boot and that's all she wrote, Nord winning in about a minute. Nord crosses Smothers' arms across his chest and stands over his fallen body. Styles says Nord is scary. A Ron Simmons video airs, showing Simmons in the gym, and doing some wrestling drills. Some comments from other gym members about what a good guy Ron is. Ron Simmons will be live on ECW TV next week. We cut to a close-up of the letters AHS burnt into flesh, and pan out to show this is Brian Armstong's back. Brad comes into shot and says the Hit Squad messed with the wrong family, and that vengeance is coming. Match 4: Tag team tournament final with a 20 minute time limit. The Arkansas Hit Squad Vs Brian and Brad Armstong. The Armstrongs get a good shine on the big guys, with fisticuffs and a pair of dropkicks sending the Hit Squad to the outside. The Armstrongs go after them but that leads to a turnaround, and Brian is now in trouble. They work Brian over for several minutes, before Brad finally gets the hot tag. Brad is a house of fire, getting a couple of near falls on Knight. Canterbury gets the branding iron, but Brian cuts him off at the pass. Brian climbs into the ring with the branding iron. The ref tries to stop him using it but Brian pushes the ref away. Brad comes up behind Brian to stop him but Brian instinctively turns and waffles Brad between the eyes with the iron. He looks remorseful. Canterbury pulls Brian out the ring and Knight covers Brad for the win, and the titles. 12 mins. Canterbury drills Brian into the guard rail, and then the AHS deliver a Hangman's Noose to Brad before standing over him with the tag belts held aloft. Styles gets a quick plug in for the world title match and Ron Simmons appearance next week as we go off the air.

ECW TV- 8/1/93 Joey Styles is in the ring. He hypes ECW TV as the best one hour of wrestling you'll find anywhere, and the place to be on Friday nights. Tonight we have the debut of Bobby Eaton, and the Sandman has demanded a match tonight. Styles says there's definitely a full moon over Philly tonight, and he can feel the tension as both the Sandman and the new ECW champion, Lex Luger are expected in the building. He introduces video showing the final moments of last week's show when Luger stole the belt. From there we cut to a backstage promo by the Sandman. Sandman says he's pissed off. Pissed at Luger, but pissed at himself for getting conned out of his belt by a bodybuilder. Last week he said ECW was his house, but ECW is more like his church, and Luger came in and pissed in the holy water. There will be a rematch, and he vows to hurt Luger and take back what's his. Styles has made his way to the commentary position. Jump Around by House of Pain blares out the speakers and Scotty Flamingo comes out. He heads over to Styles and tries to get Styles to "jump around" with him. Scotty makes it to the ring and grabs the house mic. He introduces himself as Scotty the Party Starter, and says he's here to save them from their humdrum existances, and make everyday a party. Theme From Midnight Express comes on, and we're ready for our opening match. Match 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Scotty the Party Starter, with a 15 minute time limit. Eaton is a house of fire, pummeling Scotty around the ring, even throwing him into the crowd- "here's your party". They get back into the ring and Scotty takes over, slowing the pace down. Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary, and puts over Eaton and Scotty as exciting wrestlers. He asks Styles if he thinks Beautiful Bobby is more beautiful than him. He says 93 is going to be his year, he's gonna be bigger than Seinfeld, bigger than Guns N Roses. Eaton makes his comeback and finishes Scotty off with the Alabama Jam top rope legdrop in 6 minutes. Eaton got to show off a lot of his best offence in what was basically a squash match. After commercial, another Adam Bomb video airs, again just showing the outline of his physique, not his face, and ending with "He's Coming". Quick video of the finishes to last week's tag team semi-final matches air, and Styles says next week will be the final. He cues up a backstage interview with the Armstrong brothers. Brad starts by saying what an honour it is to team with his brother, but Brian cuts him off and apologises for letting the team down. Brad says they won, but Brian says that it was all Brad and he didn't pull his weight. He promises to do better next time. Suddenly, the Arkansas Hit Squad attack the Armstongs. Brad is blasted into the wall and they lay the boots to Brian. Canterbury then restrains Brian ("watch this, boy") while Knight delivers a neckbreaker to Brad. They tell Brian "you're coming with us", and drag him off. After a moment, the Hit Squad come into the arena. Knight is dragging Brian Armstrong by a bull rope tied around his neck, and Canterbury is brandishing a hot branding iron. They get him in the ring and lay some more boots into him, and then rip off his shirt and brand him on the back of his shoulder. Bobby Eaton, Tracy Smothers and Ricky Morton run out and the AHS back away. Cut to commercial. We come back from commercial with Brian Armstrong being helped out by Brad Armstrong and referees. Tracy Smothers has remained in the ring and has the mic. He says he's known the Armstrong family for years, and calls out the AHS so he can gain some retribution for them. Rape Me by Nirvana plays over the speakers, and Maximilian Payne makes his way out. Styles says Payne is scheduled for action next, but it doesn't look like Smothers is going anywhere. Payne gets in the ring and he and Smothers start whaling on each other. Smothers rocks Payne with a dropkick, but Payne swats away a second one and locks on the Payne Killer. Refs finally get him to break the hold. Match 2: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz. 10 minute time limit. Horowitz requested this rematch after being disappointed with his performance last week. This time he takes the fight to Payne, but the result is the same. Winner by submission, Maximilan Payne in 5 mins. A backstage promo by the Berzerker (not in that gimmick). He says when you think of vikings you think of barbarians, savages, pillagers, but that doesn't tell the full story. he says the vikings were kings and noblemen. They were great civilisers. Next week, he says, Nord is coming to civilise ECW. A video airs showing Ron Simmons in his college football days, with interviews with his coaches and former teammates about what a great athlete and great man he is. "Coming soon." Styles says he knew tonight was going to be crazy, and the main event is still to come. He says Brian Armstrong has been taken to a nearby hospital to treat his burns, and hypes up the tag tournament final next week. He says next week will also see the renewal of one of the legendary feuds in wrestling as Bobby Eaton of the Midnight Express faces Ricky Morton of the Rock N Roll Express. Also next week is the debut of Nord. Match 3: The Sandman Vs Rex Mason w/ Steve Henry. 10 mins. Sandman knocks Mason from pillar to post. Henry causes a distraction allowing Mason to get a couple of licks in, but Sandman goes right back on the offensive. After about 2 mins he waffles Mason with a chair for the DQ. He gives Henry a chair shot for good measure. He gets the mic. "Luger- where are you, Luger? I know you're here. Come on. Let's do this." An official scurries into the ring and whispers something to the Sandman. The Sandman bolts out the ring and makes his way to the back. Styles says he's just been informed that Luger is outside the arena with Sandman's wife. A camera follows Sandman as he makes his way out back. Outside, about 30 feet away, we see Luger holding a woman by the arm. He yells at Sandman to stay back. The woman pleads with "Jim" to listen to him. Luger says Sandman kept talking about a home invasion, and that gave him a good idea. He said that in two weeks Sandman will get his rematch for the world title, but Luger's already got everything he wants. He shoves Sandman's wife down and jumps into a car, speeding off as Sandman makes a futile pursuit on foot. "I'm gonna kill him." Styles wonders if Luger just signed his own death warrant. The camera scans up to the full moon hanging over the arena, and then fades to black.

So a while back a couple of friends and I started a 1993 booking project. I was the arbitrator of the project, with them representing WCW and WWF, but I decided to join in as head booker of ECW. We did a talent draft to start with, with me entering in something like the 20th round. I thought I'd share what I wrote up here. Now, there are a couple of cheats with the timeline, mainly because I didn't really follow ECW. Most obviously, ECW didn't become 'Extreme' until 1994, I believe. I also have Joey Styles as my head announcer from the start, and I know he didn't come on board until later. I picked up a couple of names in the draft that probably stretch credibility quite a bit too. However, I did try to stay true to the spirit of the promotion. I'll maybe post one every couple of days. Here is the debut episode. ECW TV- 1/1/93 Show opens with Joey Styles in the ring, welcoming everyone to the debut episode of ECW TV. He runs down the planned card: the semi finals of the tournament to crown new ECW tag team champions, and debut of the legendary 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton of the Midnight Express. Lex Luger walks to the ring (no music). Styles looks shocked and excited and offers his hand to Luger. Luger snatches the mic instead and ushers Styles out of the ring. LL: "Are you kidding? You're out here hyping the debut of Bobby Eaton, when you've got the biggest star in wrestling, the Total Package, Lex Luger on the show. This is the debut you should be talking about". Styles has made his way to the commentary booth and calls Luger rude. Luger says he came to ECW to make money and win titles, and since he already makes more than the rest of the locker-room combined, that just leaves winning titles. He says the fans should consider themselves lucky just to be in his presence, and he's the only star in ECW, and what a real champion looks like. Enter Sandman hits and the Sandman comes out. Sandman says these are good honest people like him, and they don't need Luger and his ego. He calls Luger overrated. Luger says Sandman talks a lot of crap, and wrestles like crap too. He goads Sandman into a title match. We go to commercial. When we come back Styles says that it's been made official. The Bobby Eaton debut will now take place next week, and instead we have an ECW title match to start the new year. Match 1: Brian and Brad Armstong Vs The Highwaymen (Rex Mason and Steve Henry- the former Well Dunn). Tag team tournament semi final with a 15 minute time limit. The Highwaymen cut a short promo before the match saying they rob the men blind, but treat the women kind, and a better team you will not find. The Armstrongs are the babyfaces. Brian is treated as a rookie and doesn't get much offence in. Brad gets the win for his team with a small package after about 10 mins. Played up as a mild upset. A video package for Sabu airs, showcasing his high-flying and violence. Match 2: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz with a 10 minute time limit. Payne is doing his grunge gimmick from WCW. Styes hypes these two up as great future stars for ECW. Horowitz gets a flurry of offence, but this is mainly a showcase for Payne. He wins with the Payne Killer arm submission in about 4 mins. The Sandman cuts a promo in the back about Luger's lack of respect and what the ECW title means to him. He says this is his house, and he'll do anything to defend it. Match 3: Tracy Smothers and Ricky Morton Vs The Arkansas Hit Squad (Canterbury and Knight, the former Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce). Tag team tournament semi final with a 15 minute time limit. Morton and Smothers use their quickness to nuetralise the big men early on, but eventually Morton takes a rough shot into the guard rail and that leaves Smothers at the mercy of the Hangman's Noose (Knight takes out the opponents legs while Canterbury drops them with a neckbreaker). Time of fall: 7 mins. During the match Marc Mero joined Joey Styles on commentary and said he can't wait to compete in ECW and to stayed tuned because he's the one to watch in 93. A video package airs showing the shadowy outline of an imposing wrestler (Adam Bomb), and it just says "He's Coming". Styles tries to get a quick word with the Hit Squad, but they tell him they'll do all their talking in the ring. Match 4: The Sandman © Vs Lex Luger for the ECW Heavyweight Title, with TV time remaining. Luger is jaw jacking with fans as he comes out, saying if this is Sandman's house it's time for a home invasion. They go at it fast and hard, brawling. Luger soon gains the upper hand, and dominates the match with power. Styles says Luger lives up to the hype and might just be too good for the Sandman. He goes for the torture rack, but Sandman rakes his eyes and unleashes a flurry of offence that has Luger reeling. Luger is busted open. Out of desperation he goes to a low blow, unseen by the ref. Luger pins him with his feet on the ropes, stealing the ECW title. Match time: 12 mins. Styles says Luger broke into the Sandman's house and stole his prized possession. The show cuts off with Luger backing up the ramp, bloody and beaten, but the new ECW champion.

WWE Presents The Sammartino Cup Saturday June 2nd Full Sail University Announce team: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Nigel McGuinness Backstage interviewer: Renee Young The show opens with a video tribute to Bruno Sammartino, followed by a recap video showing all the events that have led to this night. In the arena, Triple H, Kurt Angle and William Regal are all in the ring with the trophy for photo opportunities. The camera flashes over some notable faces in the crowd: Paige, Aiden English, Arn Anderson amongst others. Then John Cena’s music hits, and we are ready for the contest to begin. John Cena Vs Kevin Owens Announcer talking points: Which team will get off to the perfect start, and the pressure this puts on both men. The history between Owens and Cena. Cena’s potential ring rust. Owens gets a fast start, taking the fight to Cena from the get-go. He wears him down, and jaws with the crowd in typical KO fashion. Cena makes his standard comeback but gets cut-off, as the commentators harp on Cena’s recent lack of in-ring action. Owens looks a step ahead of Cena, but can’t put him away, and when he misses a frog splash, the tables turn. Cena goes on the offensive, hitting an AA, but Owens kicks out at 2. Cena gets him up again, but Owens fights his way out and hits a superkick. Cena fires right back with a stiff clothesline. Cena hits the ropes looking for the 5-knuckle shuffle, but Owens is back up and downs Cena with the pop-up powerbomb. 2 count. Owens is letting his frustration show. He puts Cena on the top rope and climbs up after him, looking for a superplex. Cena fights back and hits a top rope AA, and then pins Owens to pick up the win for Team USA. Time of fall: 14:52 Team USA 1-0 Team Rest of the World Team USA are shown celebrating in the locker room. Team Rest of the World are shown reacting to the loss. The announce team introduces a video package of the Charlotte/Asuka WrestleMania match. Charlotte Flair Vs Asuka Announcer talking points: Charlotte ended Asuka’s streak, and Asuka wants revenge. Team ROTW doesn’t want to go 2 down, which puts added pressure on Asuka. A tweet from Asuka earlier in the week is shown, explaining why she helped Charlotte against the Iconics on Smackdown: I want Charlotte 100% and ready for Asuka. Ric Flair is shown in the front row as Charlotte makes her entrance. The two face each other down, building the moment. The opening minutes are wrestled even, some chain wrestling, some teases of big moves, all done in a respectful manner. Asuka gains the upper hand, and starts getting more aggressive, but the tables turn when she misses a kick on the outside, and connects with the ringpost. Flair now goes to work on the leg, showing no mercy. Asuka fights back, but the leg is a big hindrance, and she soon finds herself in the figure-8 in the middle of the ring. She manages to fight to the ropes, and then rolls to the outside. Charlotte goes up top and connects with a moonsault, and they move back into the ring. Charlotte goes to the top rope for another moonsault, but this time Asuka kicks the top rope, causing Charlotte to fall across the top turnbuckle. Asuka locks on the Asuka Lock and drags her off the top and to the mat, cinching the hold on tight. Charlotte struggles for the ropes, but can’t make it and has no choice but to tap out. Time of fall: 12:17 Team USA 1-1 Team Rest of the World More locker room reaction shots. Renee Young is at ringside to catch a word with Ric Flair. Renee Young: Ric, a heartbreaking loss for Charlotte there. How do you think this will impact the rest of the night? Ric Flair: That was a hell of a match, and my girl put up a hell of a fight, didn’t she? But you know, the night is early, and if there’s one thing Flairs are good at, it’s going the distance. So she’ll be back. No doubt. We cut to the Team ROTW locker room. Regal is talking to The Bar. William Regal: Okay, are you two ready? You know why you’re on this team. You’re the best tag team in the world. It doesn’t matter who Team USA puts against you. There are no two men in the world that can defeat you. Sheamus: I don’t care if it’s Braun Strowman, John Cena, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, or anyone else. We will be victorious. Cesaro: Because we don’t set the bar. William Regal: You are the Bar. The whole squad starts chanting “Bar, Bar, Bar” as The Bar start to make their way out. The Bar make their entrance into the arena and await their opponents. AJ Styles’ music hits, and the Phenomenal one makes his way out. Ride of the Valkyries hits, and Daniel Bryan comes out. The Bar Vs AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan Announcer talking points: The team continuity of the Bar versus the ‘dream team’ of Bryan and Styles. This is wrestled as a dream match, with both teams throwing everything they’ve got at each other. The Bar use their experience to take control, double teaming Styles and cutting the ring in half. AJ gets the tag, and Bryan comes in a house of fire. He eventually gets cut off too, and now he takes a turn as face in peril. Finally the match breaks down, and all four men are in, leading to lots of near falls. Cesaro has Bryan for the swing, but Styles flies in with a Phenomenal forearm. Sheamus breaks up the pin attempt. Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick on Styles, but Bryan breaks up the pin attempt. Now the Bar double teams Bryan. Sheamus has him up for White Noise as Cesaro goes up top, but Bryan counters into a Yes Lock, and Cesaro jumps into a dropkick from Styles. Cesaro and Styles go to the outside, as Sheamus fights to get to the ropes. Cesaro sends Styles into the ring post and climbs onto the apron. Bryan sees him coming and dropkicks him to the floor. Sheamus Brogue Kicks Bryan, but Styles is back in to break the pin. Styles hits a strike combo on Sheamus, but Sheamus catches him with a knee to the gut. He sets him for a powerbomb, but Styles whips him into the calf crusher. Bryan takes a leap off the apron onto Cesaro but is met with a forearm uppercut, and Cesaro breaks up the calf crusher. Cesaro takes a Pele kick from Styles, and Styles goes for the Styles Clash, but Sheamus Brogue kicks him in the side of the head. He falls into the cover, and as Cesaro blocks Bryan’s lunge, Sheamus finally gets the pinfall on Styles. Time of fall: 18:30 Team USA 1-2 Team Rest of the World The Bar celebrate, and Rusev comes out to join them. As the Bar leave, Rusev gets a microphone. Rusev: Once again, we have shown our dominance against Team USA. We will continue to crush our opposition, and make this the best Rusev Day ever. Now bring out my competition. Braun Strowman comes out. Renee is ringside with Aiden English. Renee: Aiden, you might have mixed feelings here tonight, of course being that you are American, but also very close to Rusev. Aiden English: There are no mixed feelings, Renee. Yes, I am American, but my loyalties lie with my best friend, Rusev. And I’m looking forward to watching him dominate Braun Strowman right now. Strowman grabs English and tosses him over the barricade to the ringside area, then runs over him with a big shoulderblock. Rusev takes his chance to attack Strowman from behind, clubbing away at him and then hitting a Matchka kick. He climbs into the ring, and waits for Strowman to join him. Braun Strowman Vs Rusev Announcer talking points: Can Rusev slay the monster? Strowman rolls into the ring and the bell rings. Rusev hits another Matchka kick which puts Strowman down, but only for a 1 count. Rusev continues to stomp and club away at the big man. He goes to the second rope, but is caught by Strowman. Strowman goes for the powerslam, but Rusev wriggles out the back and hits a spinning kick. He then locks on the Accolade. Strowman struggles for a couple of seconds, but then muscles up to his feet, and drops back, crushing Rusev. One running powerslam later, and Team USA have evened the score. English attacks Strowman, but eats a running powerslam too. Time of fall: 4:47 Team USA 2-2 Team Rest of the World Renee Young is in the back with Roman Reigns. Renee Young: Roman, there’s been a lot of speculation over the last week surrounding the extent of the injury you suffered on Monday Night Raw during your match with Drew McIntyre. The question people are asking is what kind of shape are you in for tonight? Roman Reigns: You know, I ain’t gonna lie. I’m beat up. But that isn’t different from any other day of the year. Drew McIntyre put a beatdown on me, but I’m still standing. I’m still here. It doesn’t matter how many times you put me down. It’s whether you can keep me down that matters. And I guess we’ll find out tonight if anyone on Team Rest of the World is man enough to keep me down. A video package highlights Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas’s impact as part of Team Rest of the World. The announcers talk about Almas being the ‘designated hitter’ of his team, and talk about the next match being announced earlier in the week on social media. Randy Orton Vs Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas w/ Zelina Vega Announcer talking points: Almas facing his first real test on the main roster. The rivalry that has built up between the two over the past weeks. These two go at each other with intensity, exchanging punches, with Orton coming out on top. Vega provides a distraction which allows Almas to take over, but the match continues to go back and forth. Orton attempts the RKO several times, but each time, Almas avoids is. He finally hits it but Almas rolls to the outside, assisted by Vega. Orton throws Almas back in the ring, but another momentary distraction from Vega allows Almas to recover, and he catches Orton with a spinning elbow that sends him sprawling into the corner. Almas follows up with the double knee strike, and then finishes Orton off with the hammerlock DDT for the 1-2-3. Time of fall: 9:45 Team USA 2-3 Team Rest of the World Renee Young is ringside with Paige. Renee Young: Paige, you’ve been a controversial figure the last few weeks, with some of your decision making on Smackdown Live seeming to favour Team Rest of the World. You must be reasonably happy with how things are shaping up right now, with Team Rest of the World leading the contest 3-2. Paige: It’s been a fantastic night of action so far, and I’m definitely here to support Team Rest of the World. Maybe I got a little carried away the last few weeks, but at the very least, I think it made for some pretty interesting TV. Renee Young: So do you think Team Rest of the World is going to close this out? Paige: Absolutely. Sorry everybody, but this is in the bag. Renee Young: Okay, back to ringside. Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman Vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Announcer talking points: Can Reigns and Strowman co-exist given their past history? How will Reigns hold up physically after injuring his midsection against Drew McIntyre just days ago? It’s Reigns and Strowman dominating at will at the start of the match, with Owens and Sami bumping all over the place. Finally Owens digs a knee into Reigns’s gut, turning the tables. Owens and Zayn have some success making quick tags against Reigns and working over the midsection, but Reigns counters a pop-up powerbomb attempt into a Superman Punch, and tags in Strowman. Strowman dominates both opponents. He hits the running powerslam on Zayn, but Owens breaks up pinfall. Strowman chases Owens to the outside, and as he does so, Reigns tags himself back in. Strowman charges at Owens but Owens side-steps him, sending Strowman crashing through the barricade. Owens is setting up for a spear on Zayn, but Owens jumps onto the apron. Reigns gives him another Superman Punch, but Zayn catches him with a Helluva kick. He covers and gets the surprise victory to put his team two up. Zayn and Owens celebrate wildly. The announcers question Reigns’s decision to tag himself in. Time of fall: 10:12 Team USA 2-4 Team Rest of the World Kurt Angle is in the back talking to someone off-camera. Kurt Angle: Everyone thought I was crazy putting you two together. Even you guys thought I was crazy. But I knew you could produce something special tonight. Well, we really need something special now. We’re down by 2, and I need you to step up the plate and get us back into this thing. The camera pans out to show Ronda Rousey and Samoa Joe. Ronda Rousey: Kurt, I promise you, I’m not going to let you down. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, training together, and I see why you paired us together now. Because Joe is a machine in that ring, and I’m going to prove that I am too. Samoa Joe: You don’t need to worry, Kurt. Regal wants to play mind games with us by not telling us who our opponents are going to be. That’s fine. Because it really doesn’t matter who they put out there. What matters is that someone is going to sleep. And someone is leaving minus an arm. Joe and Ronda leave, as Kurt looks nervous. Samoa Joe and Ronda Rousey make their entrances and then await their opponents. Cesaro’s music hits, and the Swiss Superman walks out. He gestures for his partner. The Iconics theme hits, and we close in on Rousey’s face. Then the music stops and the lights go out, and Asuka’s music hits. A smile breaks out on Rousey’s face, as the Empress of Tomorrow makes her entrance. Samoa Joe and Ronda Rousey Vs Cesaro and Asuka Announcer talking points: The main focus is on a potential Rousey/Asuka showdown. This is a must win match for Team USA. Joe and Cesaro start off, trading power moves and strikes. A stalemate ensues and Cesaro tags Asuka. Joe milks it for a moment, and then makes the tag to Ronda. When I fantasy book, I don’t talk about crowd reactions, because obviously you can’t book what the crowd is going to do. But I have to assume here that the crowd is losing their shit as Ronda and Asuka square up. They lock up and struggle to the outside in a stalemate. Back in the ring they lock up again and do some grappling, again to a stalemate. Asuka fires some kicks at Ronda, backing her into the corner, but Ronda fights back out with a barrage of strikes. They give each other a little nod of respect and then tag the men back in. More hard-hitting action, with Cesaro finally gaining control and working over Joe, including a giant swing. He goes for a running forearm in the corner, but Joe counters with a urinage, and then makes the tag to Ronda. Cesaro tags Asuka, and this time Ronda is quickest to the punch, taking Asuka down with strikes, and then a judo takedown. She looks for the armbar, but Asuka bails out of the ring. Asuka grabs Ronda’s leg and pulls her to the outside, throwing her into the announce table. She rolls her back into the ring and goes up top, connecting with a missile dropkick that earns her a two count. A hip attack earns her another nearfall, and then she goes for the Asuka Lock. Ronda elbows her way out of it, and then they both down each other with forearm strikes. They crawl to their corners to make tags, and Joe and Cesaro go at it again. Joe is a house of fire, but Cesaro cuts him off with a kick to the gut and a big forearm uppercut. However, when he tries for a springboard forearm uppercut, Joe takes a step back and locks on the Kokina Clutch. Asuka comes in, but Ronda tackles her and the women struggle to the floor. Cesaro fades away in the hold, giving Team USA the win. Time of fall: 12:39 Team USA 3-4 Team Rest of the World We cut to the back where Team USA are celebrating the win. A video package shows the history between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. AJ Styles Vs Shinsuke Nakamura Announcer talking points: The title isn’t on the line, but this is about more than the championship. These two go at each other hard, brawling around the ringside area, with Styles dominating proceedings. He connects early with the Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura rolls out the ring, and starts retreating up the aisle. Styles goes after him, but Nakamura turns the tables, sending him into the barricade. A prolonged period of control for Nakamura follows, but he can’t put AJ away. AJ makes his comeback, winning a strike exchange, and the two move into the big moves portion of the match. AJ counters a Kinshasa into a calf crusher, but Nakamura makes it to the ropes. They go back to the outside, and Styles goes for a Styles Clash on the announce table, but Nakamura back body drops him. He hits the Kinshasa on the table, and sends him back into the ring. 2 count. He goes for the Kinshasa again, but again Styles ducks and goes for the calf crusher. Nakamura counters this with an enziguri. He goes up top, but Styles catches him with a boot to the gut, and then hits the Styles Clash. 2 count. He goes for another Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura hits the ropes, causing Styles to crotch himself on the top rope. He falls to the mat in a heap, and Nakamura hits another Kinshasa to finally pick up the win. Time of fall: 17:05 Team USA 3-5 Team Rest of the World Renee Young is in the back with Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks. Renee Young: Ladies, in just a few moments you take on the Iconics. Now, you’re in a tough spot, because if the Iconics win, Team Rest of the World will have an insurmountable lead over Team USA. Not only that, but the Iconics have been teaming up regularly on Smackdown Live, whereas the last time you two were together, you were battling over the Raw Women’s championship. Sasha Banks: That’s all in the past, Renee. Yes, Charlotte and I have a checkered history, but we also have a deep bond. They both hold up four fingers. Sasha Banks: And yes, I’ve been watching what the Iconics have been doing on Smackdown Live, and they’ve been very impressive. When it’s been 2-on-1. Well, tonight it isn’t going to be 2-on-1, because Charlotte Flair has back-up, and that back-up is the Boss. Charlotte Flair: You see, you can play the numbers game all you like, Peyton and Billie, but eventually, it’s going to come back and bite you. Tonight, you find out why I am the Queen, why Sasha is the Boss, and just what the Horsewomen are all about. They react to something off screen, and the camera pans across to see Becky Lynch standing there. She stares them down and walks off. Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair Vs The Iconics Announcer talking points: It’s a sudden death situation for Sasha and Charlotte. Can the Iconics make their superior team work pay off? Why was Becky in the back? As Sasha makes her entrance, she is attacked from behind by the Iconics. They send her into the barricade. Charlotte, who was in the ring, runs down to make the save. The Iconics back off and head to the ring as Charlotte tends to Sasha. Charlotte heads to the ring to fight the Iconics alone, and holds her own until the numbers game again proves too much. The match changes complexion when Charlotte ducks a Shades of Kay big boot, but then Billie ducks a Charlotte big boot attempt, causing Charlotte to connect with the ref, knocking him out. Charlotte and Kay then hit duel big boots sending them both down. Peyton rolls Billie to the outside, and then grabs a steel chair. She nails Charlotte in the back with the chair and makes the cover. The ref, still groggy, counts 1…2…. and is then pulled out of the ring by…Becky Lynch. Peyton starts yelling at Becky as the ref is still trying to shake off the cobwebs. Becky is yelling that she is her own woman, and is doing the right thing. She turns around and gets wiped out by a Shades of Kay, but then Billie in turn is taken out by a pair of knees courtesy of Sasha Banks, who has launched herself off the barricade, having recovered from her beatdown. Sasha hops onto the apron as Peyton sets about going back on the attack on Charlotte. She hooks her for a fisherman’s suplex, but Charlotte counters with a DDT, and then crawls over to make the hot tag to Sasha. Banks comes in and goes to town on Peyton, finally locking her in the Banks Statement, as Charlotte fends off Billie on the outside. Peyton taps to give Team USA the win. Time of fall: 8:13 Team USA 4-5 Team Rest of the World The announce team tell us that they have just heard that Daniel Bryan will be the final singles competitor for Team USA. In the back, we see Shinsuke Nakamura leaving the arena. William Regal catches up with him. William Regal: Shinsuke, Shinsuke. What are you doing? Shinsuke Nakamura: I win my match. Now I leave. William Regal: But the contest isn’t over yet. I need you for the 10-man tag team match. That could decide the whole thing. Shinsuke Nakamura: I win my match. Now I leave. He starts to walk off. William Regal: You can’t just bloody leave. We still need to win one more match. Shinsuke Nakamura: I’m sorry, Mr Regal. You talk funny, and I don’t understand. He walks away, leaving Regal shaking his head. Renee Young is with Sami Zayn. Renee Young: Sami, William Regal has selected you for the final singles match of the evening. Your oppoent, Daniel Bryan. Are you feeling any pressure, having seen Team USA pull to within one victory of you? Sami Zayn: Let me ask you something, Renee; did you see earlier tonight when I pinned Roman Reigns, 1-2-3, in the middle of that ring? When I neutralized the so-called Big Dog. When I humbled “the guy”? Did you see that? So, I think it’s apparent that no, I’m not feeling any pressure. On the contrary, I’m riding a wave of euphoria right now that Daniel Bryan is not going to be able to quell. Let me tell you something now about Daniel Bryan. You see, the last time I stepped into a ring with Daniel Bryan was WrestleMania. And do you remember what happened, Renee? Renee Young: He made you tap out. Sami Zayn: He made me tap out. Yes, he did. He humiliated me. He embarrassed me. He took my dignity. But do you know what the worst thing about it was? The worst thing about it was that after WrestleMania, Bryan dodged me and ducked me and made sure that he never had to face me again. Because he knew that if I got my hands on him there was only going to be one outcome, and that was Daniel Bryan being put back on the injured list, Daniel Bryan being humiliated, and embarrassed and being made to pay for the indignity that he made me suffer at WrestleMania. Well, now it seems that fate has decided to smile on me once again, because tonight I get my match with Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan can’t dodge and duck me anymore. And not only do I get to beat Daniel Bryan, but I also get to win the Sammartino Cup for Team Rest of the World. That would make me something of a hero, wouldn’t it, Renee? Yeah, a hero. He walks off. Daniel Bryan Vs Sami Zayn Announcer talking points: The history between Bryan and Zayn. Bryan has to win to force a deciding match. They start with some chain wrestling, with Bryan coming out on top in every situation. This frustrates Zayn and he tries to turn the match into a striking contest, but again comes out on the wrong end. He finally gets the advantage with a thumb to the eye, and then proceeds to take it to Bryan. The Blue Thunder Bomb gets a near fall, but Bryan is able to avoid the Helluva Kick and begin his comeback. He tries to lock on the Yes Lock, but Zayn swiftly gets to the ropes. Zayn hotshots Bryan on the top rope and goes to the top rope. Bryan crotches him and climbs up, delivering a big superplex. He then transitions into the Yes Lock and, after a brief struggle, Sami is forced to tap out. Time of fall: 10:00 Team USA 5-5 Team Rest of the World William Regal is in the back with his team, sans Nakamura. There is an air of dejection in the room. William Regal: Okay, team. It all comes down to this. We know what we have to do. You’ve all fought hard all night, and whether you won or lost, every blow you struck has inched us closer to victory. I’m proud of you. Shinsuke Nakamura may have walked out on us, but that is only going to bring us closer. I said all along that Team USA is a team of individuals, while we are truly a team, and now it’s time to prove that, and bring home that trophy. Rusev, Owens, Almas, Cesaro, Sheamus; it falls on your shoulders now. Go out there, and do what you do best. Go out there and win. The mood is much different in the Team USA lockerroom. Kurt Angle: Settle down, settle down. We still have a job to do. You know, when I went to the Olympics back in ’96, I went with one goal, one objective, and that was to win the gold medal. And even though I had a broken neck, I didn’t stop until I had achieved my goal. When Bruno Sammartino came to this country, he had one dream, and that was to make a better life for himself. And he didn’t stop until not only had he done that, but he had become an inspiration to others to this very day. Did we come here tonight to compete, or did we come here tonight to win? All: To win. Kurt Angle: Exactly, we came here to win, and we’re not going to stop until we have our hands on that trophy. Now, it’s been hard to decide who is going to compete in the 10-man tag, but I’ve made my decision. Daniel Bryan. Randy Orton. Samoa Joe. John Cena. Roman Reigns. You are the men tasked with making history, and making Team USA the first winners of the Sammartino Cup. Are you ready? All: Yes! Kurt Angle: I said are you ready? All: YES! Kurt Angle: Then let’s go do this! The team files out of the lockerroom, chanting ‘USA’. AJ Styles pulls Angle aside. AJ Styles: Kurt, you’ve gotta put me in this match. Kurt Angle: I’m sorry, AJ. I’ve made my choice. AJ Styles: Come on, Kurt. I’m the WWE champion. I need to be in this match. I’m 0 and 2 tonight, and I have to redeem myself. Roman is hurt. Daniel just competed. Replace one of them with me. Kurt Angle: And you’ve already had two grueling matches tonight. AJ, I know you think you let the team down, but you didn’t. You gave your best, and that’s all I ever asked out of any of you. And anyway, this isn’t about you. It’s about the team. Now come on. We need your support right now. Angle follows the team out the lockerroom, and Styles trudges after him disappointedly. John Cena, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton w/Kurt Angle Vs Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, Rusev, Kevin Owens and The Bar w/William Regal, Lana and Zelina Vega Announcer talking points: Winner takes all. The other members of the two teams are standing at the top of the entranceway watching the match. We start with Orton and Almas renewing their rivalry, and then run through various different combinations, with Team USA using quick tags to control the early portions. Team ROTW eventually get Bryan isolated in their corner, and go to work on him. Bryan fights his way out and makes the hot tag to Cena, who starts clearing house. Rusev pulls him to the outside and delivers a Matchka Kick. Orton comes around and clotheslines Rusev. Sheamus comes over and starts punching Orton. Bryan comes off the apron with a knee on Sheamus. Almas comes over the top with a flipping senton on Bryan. Joe takes Almas out with a suicide dive. Owens bowling balls off the apron onto Joe. As they all stagger to their feet, Reigns comes over the top with a suicide dive to take them all down. Cena rolls back into the ring where Cesaro, the legal man, is waiting for him. Cesaro hits him with a forearm uppercut, and then springboards off the ropes for another. But Cena catches him on his shoulders and goes for an AA. Cesaro lands on his feet and the two knock each other down with a double clothesline. Reigns and Rusev tag in, and Reigns is in control until Rusev counters a spear with a big kick, and now Reigns is being worked over, with the focus on his midsection. After some near misses, Reigns is able to make the hot tag to Bryan, who goes to work. He has Almas, Rusev and the Bar in separate corners, and delivers running dropkicks to them all, before giving Owens the Yes Kicks. He puts Almas in the Yes Lock, but Owens breaks it up, and that signals the start of a big brawl. With the referee distracted by the brawl, Sami Zayn runs down to the ring and hits Bryan with a Helluva Kick. Styles runs down and starts rocking Zayn with punches. Almas hits the double knee strike on a downed Bryan and goes for the cover, but Styles puts Bryan’s foot on the rope. Regal confronts Styles, and that gives Zayn the opportunity to shove Styles into the ring post. Zayn skanks away happy with himself, but turns right into Strowman, who starts destroying him. Angle drops Regal with a punch. Vega and Lana are trying to get involved, and that brings Charlotte and Sasha marching down to the ring, soon followed by The Iconics, Asuka and Ronda. Ronda whips Billie Kay into the armbar and has her tapping out on the floor. Almas tags Sheamus, who sets up for the Brogue Kick on Bryan. He goes to deliver the kick, but Reigns pushes Bryan out of the way, taking the kick himself. Bryan takes Sheamus down into the Yes Lock, and, with Team USA playing blocker around ringside, Sheamus has no choice but to tap out. Time of fall: 26:16 Final score: Team USA 6-5 Team Rest of the World Team USA flood into the ring to celebrate with Bryan, as Team Rest of the World skulk away. Regal climbs into the ring and offers his hand to Angle. They shake hands, Regal gives a little clap to Team USA, and then follows his team out. Triple H’s music hits, and he comes out to present the trophy. Triple H: The winners of the inaugural Sammartino Cup; Team USA! He hands over the trophy to Angle and they all celebrate as the show goes off the air.

The double noggin knocker. And babyface tag team shine in general.

Smackdown Live - 5/29/18 The show starts with Shinsuke Nakamura, The Bar, Rusev and Andrade Almas lined up in the ring. Paige’s music hits, and the GM makes her way out. Paige: You all know why I asked you out here to open the show. Each one of you directly disobeyed me by showing up on Monday Night Raw last night. You showed a total disregard for my authority, and disrespected me on a personal level. It felt like a slap in the face, to be honest. Well, I warned you all that anyone showing up on Raw would be punished, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. I’m going to fine each one of you $10,000. Maybe next time you’ll think twice about crossing me. The five men start to leave. Paige: Woah, woah, woah. I’m not finished yet. No, I’ve got a punishment for you that truly fits the crime. Rusev, Sheamus, Cesaro; you three love to attack people from behind. Like last week on Raw when you attacked Randy Orton in Kurt Angle’s office. Well, tonight, we’ll see if you can be as effective going face to face. The three of you will team up to take on Randy Orton, and his tag team partner, Samoa Joe. Rusev and The Bar act upset by this decision. Tom Philips- “What? How is that a punishment? We know Orton and Joe can’t stand each other.” Paige: And Andrade Almas, you seem to like appearing out of nowhere, striking people when they least expect it. Well, you’re not going to have that opportunity tonight, because I’m going to keep you exactly where I can see you. I’m making you my assistant GM for the night. And that brings me to you, Shinsuke. The King of Strong Style. It seems that you, in particular, think that you’re above the law around here. Well, tonight, you’re going to get a chance to see how it feels to be on the receiving end of that, because you’re going to be the special guest referee for the Daniel Bryan/AJ Styles match. Now, all five of you, get out of my ring. Tom Phillips- “This is a joke. There can be no doubt now that Paige is well and truly doing William Regal’s bidding”. We see William Regal arriving at the arena. Corey Graves- “Speaking of Regal, looks like the captain of Team Rest of the World is here at Smackdown Live tonight”. The announce team hype the show, talking about the Bryan/Styles main event, where if Bryan wins he gets a WWE title shot at Money in the Bank, and the match between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair where the winner will face Carmella for the women’s title at the same show. The Iconics cut a promo in the back. Billie Kay: Hey, Peyton. I have a question for you. Peyton Royce: What is it, Billie? Billie Kay: What on earth is a Ronda Rousey? Peyton Royce: Ew, I don’t know. But I think it was talking about us on Raw last night. Billie Kay: (looking on her phone) Hang on. I’m looking it up on wikipedia. It says here she won an Olympic bronze medal. Peyton Royce: So… she lost? Billie Kay: And she’s a former UFC champion. Peyton Royce: Former? So… she lost. I’m seeing a pattern emerging here, Billie. Billie Kay: She did win her match at WrestleMania. Peyton Royce: WrestleMania? You mean, two nights before we debuted? If it happened before we debuted, it doesn’t count. Billie Kay: Didn’t she ask us to pick an arm? Peyton Royce: Yeah, I think so. Billie Kay: Well, I pick… Both: …this one. They hold their arms up and are holding hands. Billie Kay: Aww, look at that. You see, you’re going to have a hard time taking one of our arms, when we always have each other’s back. They laugh. Peyton Royce: Ooh, what does it say about us on wikipedia? Billie Kay: There’s probably not enough room to list all our accomplishments. We fade out as they continue to search for themselves on the phone. Asuka Vs Sonya Deville The commentators talk about Deville’s MMA background, comparing her stylistically to Ronda Rousey. Asuka taps her out to the Asuka Lock in 5 minutes. As she celebrates the win, Charlotte Flair’s music hits, and Flair makes her way out. They have a stare down in the ring, and we cut to commercial. Charlotte Flair Vs Becky Lynch We come back and William Regal is joining the announce team. Dasha grabs a pre-match interview with Becky in the back. Dasha: Becky, last week we saw you talking with William Regal. What did he say to you? Becky Lynch: William told me something the great Dusty Rhodes once said about Arn Anderson. Dusty called Arn a walk-behinder. Do you know what that means, Dasha? It means that, as great as Arn was, he could have been so much greater had he not dedicated his career to walking behind Ric Flair. William wanted to know if I was going to be content to spend my career being the Arn Anderson to Charlotte’s Ric Flair. Dasha: And what did you say? Becky Lynch: You know, if I have half the career Arn Anderson had, I reckon I’ll have done alright for myself. But I don’t walk behind anyone, Charlotte Flair included. Becky’s music cranks up, and she takes her leave of Dasha and makes her way into the arena. She and Charlotte square up and exchange some words, and Becky slaps Charlotte in the face, signaling the start of the match. It’s a very aggressive performance from Becky, staying within the rules, but showing no mercy to her friend. Regal talks up Becky, and reiterates that he had nothing to do with what happened on Raw, nor with any of Paige’s decisions. Charlotte makes her comeback in the match, and looks ready to apply the figure-8. However, the Iconics’ music hits, and the momentary distraction allows Becky to small package Charlotte and pick up the win, making her the number one contender to the Smackdown women’s title. The Iconics hit the ring and go to work on Charlotte. Becky is walking back up the ramp. She stops to look at the beatdown going on on the TitanTron, and is clearly conflicted. Before she can act, Asuka comes back out, passing Becky on the ramp and jumping in the ring. She pulls the Iconics off Charlotte. It looks like it might get heated, but Regal jumps in the ring and calms things down. The Iconics leave. Randy Orton is in the back, warming up for his match. The door busts open and Samoa Joe walks in. The two stare each other down. Samoa Joe: Maybe after the beating I put on you last week, you’re feeling a little differently about me being on Team USA. Randy Orton: The beating you put on me? What about the beating I put on you? How did that RKO through the announce table feel, Joe? Samoa Joe: Maybe I would have told you after the match, but you were unconscious after I put you to sleep. Just like I’ll put Rusev and the Bar to sleep tonight. Or anyone else who gets in my way for that matter. Including you. Randy Orton: The good thing about me is, I’ve got an RKO for everybody. I don’t care if you’re Irish, Bulgarian, Swiss. Or Samoan. Now they’re right in each other’s faces and you can tell it’s only a matter of time before it gets physical. That’s when Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles enter and get between them. Daniel Bryan: Guys, guys. Don’t you see this is exactly what William Regal wants. This is exactly why Paige put you in this handicap match tonight. They want to see the two of you self-destruct. Just like they want to see AJ and I destroy each other tonight. And you to are playing right into it. AJ Styles: You guys might not be able to stand each other. Hey, all four of us have had issues with each other in the past. But on Saturday night we have a job to do. And no matter how you want to look at it, if we can’t see past our own differences, we’re going to be easy pickings for Team Rest of the World. Now we saw what happened on Raw last night. Strowman, Reigns, Cena, all on the same page. Now it’s up to us. We crumble, and we could blow this whole thing. Daniel Bryan: Now you two have got a handicap match. You’re already at a disadvantage. But if you get on the same page, I know you can win this match. Randy Orton: What do you say, Joe? We work as a team, and turn the odds back in our favour? Samoa Joe: Any team with Samoa Joe on it, has the odds in their favour. Joe walks out. Randy Orton and Samoa Joe Vs The Bar and Rusev Orton and Joe manage to control the early going, reluctantly tagging in and out and playing a game of one-upsmanship. The numbers eventually start to tell, and Orton finds himself getting worked over in the Bar/Rusev corner. Cesaro goes for a springboard uppercut, but is caught by an RKO. Orton goes to tag Joe, but Joe is pulled off the apron by Rusev. Joe chases Rusev around the ring, and walks right into a Brogue kick. With Joe out of the equation, the beatdown recommences on Orton, with all three men teeing off on him in the ring. Finally, the ref decides that he’s had enough and calls for the disqualification. That’s when Andrade Almas’s music hits, and he and Zelina Vega come out. Zelina Vega: Paige has asked that her assistant, Andrade Almas, come out here to announce that this match is now no disqualification. The Bar and Rusev continue to hammer Orton, and Sheamus and Rusev launch Orton into a Cesaro forearm uppercut. However, Joe has grabbed a chair at ringside, and gets into the ring, swinging at everyone in sight. Almas jumps onto the apron and avoids a chair shot from Joe. Joe turns back into the ring and takes another swing at Rusev, who ducks, causing Joe to hit Orton instead. Sheamus gives Joe another Brogue Kick, and Rusev locks the Accolade on Orton, who has no choice but to tap out. Almas gets in the ring and hits the hammerlock DDT on Orton. Renee Young is with Paige in the back. Renee Young: Paige, it would seem with what has happened tonight with Samoa Joe and Randy Orton, as well as what happened to Charlotte Flair, that you got your wish tonight, by significantly weakening Team USA. Paige: Once again, Renee, I’m just trying to give the Smackdown Live fans the best show possible. Did you watch the handicap match? Didn’t you see Joe and Randy working as a cohesive unit for most of that match? I did that. I inspired that to happen. It’s not my fault Joe hit Randy with a chair. And Charlotte and Becky were both given an opportunity tonight. They had a hard fought match and Becky came out on top. I’m not really seeing a problem here. Renee Young: And making Shinsuke Nakamura the guest referee in the main event between Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles? Paige: Yeah, that one doesn’t look good, does it? But this is my show, and I can do what I want. Paige walks off. AJ Styles Vs Daniel Bryan (with special guest referee: Shinsuke Nakamura) Nakamura calls for the bell, but Andrade Almas’s music plays again, and he and Vega come back out. Zelina Vega: Paige has asked that her assistant, Andrade Almas, come out here to announce that this match is now a lumberjack match. The Bar and Rusev walk out, and they, along with Almas, surround the ring. Bryan and Styles lock up, and do their best to keep the action in the ring, trading holds and counters. Nakamura makes a show of calling it down the middle. Bryan gets near the apron and is pulled to the outside by Rusev, but he quickly rolls back in before the lumberjacks can attack. The same thing happens to Styles. The match is getting increasingly competitive, and Bryan goes to the top rope, but Styles dropkicks him, causing Bryan to tumble to the outside. Now the lumberjacks attack, beating down Bryan. Styles hits a dive over the top rope onto all the lumberjacks, and rolls Bryan back into the ring. He is priming up for the phenomenal forearm, but is pulled down to the outside, and now has to take his licks. Bryan leaps from the apron onto all the lumberjacks, and now they are all brawling on the floor. Suddenly, Orton and Joe march down the aisle, and the odds are evened up. Orton immediately drops Almas with an RKO. Bryan and Styles find their way back into the ring, and Bryan gets Styles in the Yes Lock. Styles fights to the ropes, but Nakamura positions himself between Styles and the ropes. Bryan breaks the hold and confronts Nakamura. He goes back to AJ, who catches him with a Pele kick, and goes for a Styles Clash. Bryan counters into a heel hook, but this time Nakamura pulls Styles towards the ropes and forces Bryan to break the hold. Bryan gets right in Nakamura’s face. Nakamura shows him his ref’s shirt, then takes a step back and gives him the “come on” taunt. Styles comes up behind him and drops him with a low blow. Nak crumples to his knees, and Bryan lays into him with the Yes Kicks. The fight is still going on at ringside, but now Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens from Raw jump the barrier and attack Bryan and Styles in the ring. Kurt Angle’s music hits, and Reigns, Strowman and Cena come out with Angle, and now there’s a full-on brawl. The show ends with all the male Sammartino Cup competitors brawling in and around the ring.