[Demko]

****
I liked the commentary style, and Mick getting up mid-match was very reminiscent of the WWE-style where they have a guest commentator somehow interfere in the match (or in this case, leave the announce booth).

One note, though... on commentary, I don't know if the images in place of the announcers' names work all that well... it seems to get a little overwhelming/repetitive. Just one man's opinion, though.

[Batman]

****
Yeah, dialogue and "voice" is a strong suit for me, so I focus on it. But no comments on the angle itself? I'm really happy with how the injury angle and the growing hostility between Foley and George is playing out. Then again, I'm the one person who knows exactly where it's all headed... it may not seem as noteworthy without the big picture around it.

I really like how the pictures "read" as "now imagine this guys voice." And they make it easy indicate the change from "Happy Mick" to "Angry Mick" for instance. But when there's a lot of back-and-forth, rather than long monologues, they do get to be a bit much. Maybe 100x100 is still too big....

[Batman]

****
50x50 just makes me squint, but 60x60 is all right.

I just replaced Foley, Rand, and Gene's headshots with 60x60. Take a look at the part where the three of them are announcing the match. Does the new size improve the back-and-forth--make the images overwhelm the words less?

[Mr. Dashbee]

****
The new pics are much better...I like the angle, too. I haven't been able to comment on the match, but it does work from a heat garnering perspective.

[Batman]

****
There are going to be a lot of updates in the next day or two.

The draft is rapidly winding down and I just mapped out just what I need to do to get from here to the super-show, and there are eleven more promos or angles that are ready to go and just need to be written, given the roster I have now. Some of them will be relatively simple and brief, but some of them will be as major as anything thus far.

So, I'm really going on a writing marathon. Because once those segments are written, and presuming I get the last few picks I want and don't have to replan my bottom card completely, there's another four segments to introduce the last few guys and set up their matches.

I think that will put everything into place for the super-show, and all that will be left is writing that....

I hope that the volume of stuff doesn't turn people off and tune them out. I'm just really excited about this promotion and this card (just a couple of days ago, I figured out what the finish will be for the main, and I just about died of sheer awesome. Bricks will be shat.) and I just want to do it right, you know?

I'm just putting this out there because there will likely be a lot to read soon, but I want to encourage everybody to stick with me, it will all be worth it in the end, and there will be a lot of cool stuff along the way, too. And, it passes the time while we wait for people to PICKPICKPICK!

[Mr. Dashbee]

I'm looking forward to seeing things play out. Eleven? That's awesome! I have a few more things to set-up myself to round out the first supershow.

I agree about tuning people out with updates. I noticed I'm getting less and less responses, but the views are still going up. But everyone is focused on finishing their draft, so I can see why there are less comments. So long as people are reading, I will keep writing!

[Batman]

****
Don't forget, four more for my undercard, presuming the rest of the draft goes as planned for me.

Thanks for the encouragement, Greg. You've been there every step of the way, and I appreciate it.

[Mr. Dashbee]

I can't help it, I do enjoy reading the storylines and seeing our promotions advance.

And the thanks goes right back to you, Serge. Regardless of comments/responses, I always know you (and a few others) are reading all of the OSR stuff, which makes it all that much more fun to keep posting it.

[Batman]

"Free Will"



Hi, I'm John Rand, and I'm here to introduce the latest draft pick acquired by Armageddon Wrestling. But first, allow me to introduce... my guests... A few men whom I invited here specifically, because I felt that they might find tonight's introduction of particular interest. First, the man of a thousand masks, Mil Máscaras!


Mil enters from the back of the auditorium, not from backstage.


: And... the Atomic Two, the legendary Santo and the great Gory Guerrero:



Santo y Gory also enter from the back of the room, and then all three come through the crowd to the front and take their reserved seats in the front row.


: I've called you here today to introduce a man who the three of you already know very well. A man who is more than just a legend, but also a genius, an innovator. A man who was one of the pioneers of the high-flying aerial maneuvers of lucha libre. A man who had an awesome mystique, but did not coast on his fearsome reputation, and had just as much success without his mask as he had with it. A man whose grace and technical skill would be the envy of any técnico, but who has always fought against them. A man with such dexterity and flexibility that he was known as El Hombre de Goma--"the elastic man."

As Rand is speaking, dry-ice fog begins to rise from the floor. The ominous "Oh Fortuna" begins to play.



But he was even better known as...

And a figure rises up out of the floor right beside him....

THE BLACK SHADOW!





: !!!!

Santo stands and angrily points at the Black Shadow while tugging on his own mask.


: Yes, you're absolutely right, Santo. Long ago, you won the Black Shadow's mask in an apuesta. It's an affront he's never forgiven you for.... an injury that could never heal. Until now! Every injury--age, incapacity, even DEATH--has been reversed so that we are all on an even playing field in this great arena. Injuries even including... the loss of anonymity! Think back! You remember the apuestas match when you won the Black Shadow's mask... but do you remember the face that was revealed underneath? Once again, the Black Shadow is not constrained by the face and name he was born with! Once again, the Black Shadow has only the face and name he has chosen for himself! Once again, the Black Shadow is an anonymous figure clouded by mystery and evocative of terror! And he is here to help me rid Armageddon Wrestling of so-called heroes like YOU and Mr. Mascara!!



: !!!!

Mil jumps out of his seat and rushes the stage. Rand and Black Shadow take a few steps back and put their guards up. Mil points and gestures "there are two of you and one of me."

: I can't imagine Santo appreciates being left out of this equation....


: More gestures: "No, this is between you and me. But wait! Look over there on the big screen"

The big screen shows a clip of a mysterious masked man getting out of his cool car, showing off his cool sword for the camera, and entering the building.



More dry-ice fog! This time coming through the cracks in the doors in the back of the auditorium.

: Hi. Ho. Silver!

The William Tell Overture plays, because the cavalry is here!


Finally, entré:

Yes, he is that cool....

:
Hullo! Moi name is Kendo Nagasaki!

Despite the name and appearance, Nagasaki has a Northern English accent...

For decades, I could always be counted on to come to call... when the innocent croy out for help, when the suffering call out for relief, when there are rogues in dire need of some comeuppance!

Lately, those croiz have been originating from this toime and place.

And here I am, to bring moi powers--powers beyond mortal understanding--to bear.... To even up the odds by joining moi new friend Mil Máscaras to form a new team, a new version of Los Campeones Justicieros... And we "Champions of Justice" will put an END... to your reign of terror, John Rand!


Rand and the Black Shadow back out of the auditorium. Rand points and shakes his fist angrily at Máscaras and Nagasaki, yelling--un-"mic"ed...

: You think you can show me up? I'm not finished yet! You'll see!

[Batman]

Foley speaks, but the screen remains black

George Wagner. "Gorgeous" George. From the moment I introduced you as Armageddon Wrestling's fourth-round draft pick, I've been feeling more and more... split.

First, there's the side that introduced you--the rational, reasonable side--that said a lot of nice things about the incredible impact you had on this business, and on American culture in general.

But, then Low-Ki--that naïve, idealistic kid, Low-Ki--asked just WHO IN THE HELL YOU THINK YOU ARE? And I tried to explain just how pivotal--how influential--a figure you are in the history of professional wrestling, how you inspired scores of imitators--many of them all-time greats themselves!--to bleach their hair, and to act like STUCK-UP JACKASSES!

And Low-Ki replied... that if that's the case, well, then YOU SUCK!! AND EVERYTHING YOU INSPIRED... SUCKS!!

And the rational, reasonable side of me knows that Low-Ki was wrong... that he was being incredibly naïve and unsophisticated about this business.

If it weren't for you... and all of the wrestlers inspired by you... convincing the audience... that you are just... so... incredibly... LOATHSOME!!!... that they're willing to put down their hard-earned cash just for the CHANCE!... even a small chance... that they might get to see you GET YOUR ASS KICKED!...we'd all be making a lot... less... money.

If Low-Ki had his way, and every match on a wrestling card was a respectful contest between warriors intent on proving who is truly best... we'd probably have gone out of business a long time ago....

My rational, reasonable side knows all of that.... But there's a little... tiny... voice... buried deep down inside, saying: _{i don't CARE! i don't CARE ABOUT THE MONEY! SCREW!... that guy. SCREW HIM!... and all his ilk. they can all GO TO HELL!}

Y'know, it was one of those bleached-blonde Gorgeous-George-wannabes who told me, "So... you lost your ear? Jack? So? Why should I put you into a revenge match, JACK? Nobody wants to see you get your revenge. Because you're nobody, and you'll never amount to anything. So why should anybody care about your ear?"

It was another of your golden-haired disciples who beat me WITHIN AN INCH OF MY LIFE inside of a giant steel cell and ENDED MY CAREER!

But as I've continued to think LONG AND HARD about all of this, I've come to realize that it goes deeper than that... much deeper. It goes wa-a-ay back to long before I first stepped into a ring... long before I was first told that maybe I don't have the right LOOK for this business. To long before the first time some blonde pretty boy first tried to push me around inside of the squared circle. To long, long before some STRUTTING FOP! tried to tell the WHOLE WORLD that I was no good as a wrestler, and that my legacy in wrestling was WORTHLESS!

<sub>it goes all the way back to when i was just a little kid. a little different, just a funny, different little kid with an unusual sense of humor who only needed a little COMPASSION!... and THOUGHTFULNESS! but instead... i would overhear the other little kids--the perfect little tow-headed kewpie dolls--whispering among themselves: "that foley boy, he's kind of... funny." "i think he's weird." "he's a total spaz! let's ignore him."

children can be so cruel. they don't know how much their cruelty HURTS! but you do. you do....

do you like this johnny cash song we've been listening to? it makes think of what i'm going to do to you... sooner or later.

but it's time for us to put on a different song. do you know this song?</sub>


When I first came to work for McMahon's promotion, he had his music guy Jim Johnston compose this for me. And they decided to call it... SCHIZOPHRENIC!

Which just goes to show you that... Vince McMahon doesn't know the FIRST DAMN THING... about mental illness.

Schizophrenia has nothing to do with split personality. It has nothing to do with childhood traumas and Freudian analysis can't do a thing about it. It's a physical disease that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and causes hallucinations and unusual behavior.

People confuse it with "split personality" because Multiple Personality Disorder long ago used to have a confusingly similar name--"Schizoid Disorder." But they have nothing to do with each-other.

Now an alter-ego is not a mental illness. Everybody has one. It's just the side of you that thinks the thoughts that the restrictions of society don't allow you to think. That does the things... usually only in your imagination, but anyway, would do the things that you're not allowed to do.

But a Multiple Personality Disorder arises when... stresses are placed on a personality... at too young of an age to deal with them, strengthening the alter-ego, until it is no longer under conscious control.

McMahon tried to tell the world that I had Multiple Personality Disorder, and I went along with it, because he was the boss, and because it seemed like a gimmick that could do good business. (With my apologies to those genuinely coping with mental illness....)

"The three faces of Foley," he called it.... Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind. But it was nonsense, of course.

"Cactus Jack" is just a ring name. That's just me... in a particularly violent mood. (Which I've been in lately, by the way....)

"Dude Love" is just a silly character I made up for a student film that some buddies made with me in college.

And "Mankind"? "Mankind" was a character I made up, too. I thought. Made up out of my blood and sweat and LOTS of tears. Made up out of the things I find scary, and so I thought my opponents would find me intimidating, and the fans would find me interesting.

But I've realized that I only thought I was "inventing" him. I didn't "make up" Mankind. I only discovered him. I only unearthed him. I only... UNLEASHED him.

But I'm not mentally ill. I can control my own actions, I just have a particularly STRONG... alter-ego. A very useful, convenient alter-ego for me.

When my rational, reasonable side says: "kids can't help being cruel, they just don't understand the effect that harsh words can have on people yet"... my alter-ego can say: _{I WISH THOSE KIDS HAD GOTTEN HIT BY A BUS!}

When the rational me says: "Gorgeous George is an amazing performer with a pivotal role in the development of the sport I love and an incredibly legacy"... my alter-ego replies: <sub>GORGEOUS GEORGE IS A PIECE OF CRAP! HE'S LOWER THAN CRAP! HE'S WORTHLESS AND HIS STINKING LEGACY IS WORTHLESS!


and don't think i've forgotten about you, nowinski! you've got another "challenge" match coming up! and i don't think you'll be surprised by the challenger this time.

just so that you can sleep even better, i've just got to let you know... the president granted me some concessions on the stipulations, since the "helmet match" rules didn't work out exactly like he had intended last time. this time using the helmet as a weapon will be allowed.

but we'll BOTH be wearing them....

also... gorgeous george? the winner of the "challenge" match can choose any stipulation they want... in their match with YOU... at the big bang.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!




have a nice day... if you can.</sub>

[Batman]

Unlike the usual podium, the press conference stage this time is littered with furniture. Four comfortable armchairs are circled around a low table. Behind all of that is a large screen showing this picture:



nWo B&W:


Eric Bischoff enters from backstage and sits in one of the chairs.

Booo!

: I suppose you're wondering why I've gathered you all here today. The reason is... Bobby Lashley has decided to listen to advice, and get somebody to do his talking for him. And--hearkening back to Randy Savage's debut over twenty years ago--the top managers around are going to vie for the opportunity to represent him. First, of course, is myself, offering Lashley my services, and the services of the *New* nWo.

Next is a young man who has recently acquired a philosophy from somewhere--careful about picking up strange books, kids! YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY'VE BEEN! Ha ha ha! Please welcome "John Rand."


"Free Will":


BOOOOO!

: Gee, thanks, Eric....

: And the last man to throw his name into the hat isn't a manager at all, but a main-event level wrestler himself! I can't imagine that there MIGHT be some conflict of interest there....

I do have to admit though, he's one of the greatest talkers--one of the biggest big-mouths--of all time. Hell, he invented talking. Just ask him!

Of course I'm talking about GORGEOUS GEORGE!

The red carpet is rolled out, the flowers are strewn, Jeffries atomizes unpleasant odors, and the strings begin...

"Pomp and Circumstance":




George does his shtick with checking on the odors of the crowd and tossing "Georgie" pins out to them. But he doesn't need to do much--because of recent events, the crowd already hates him.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Then Jeffries does some business with George's rivals and the atomizer, some dubiousness is expressed about their odor as well, which garners a few laughs. Finally George takes his seat.

: Thank you, Commissioner. I'm sure the good boy will be able to see that the best place in the world for him would be RIGHT by my side!

: Well, we'll soon see, because next is the man we're all here to pitch to, it's the Real Deal, BOBBY LASHLEY!


"Come With Me (Kashmir)":




Lashley takes a seat.

: The order in which we get to make our pitches was determined by drawing lots. And first will be "John Rand"!

: Good afternoon, Bobby! My two rivals today only see a business opportunity, they see a man they can make a deal with that could be mutually beneficial to both parties. But that's not what I see. I see a fellow human being in need, a man clearly crying out for guidance. Join ME!... and I will HELP you leave behind the TRAP of guilt and the straight-jacket of self-DENIAL and self-SACRIFICE! Leave all of the hypocrisy and restrictions of the so-called "hero" behind, and set loose the MONSTER that I know is inside you, and could RAMPAGE all over Armageddon Wrestling.

: ....


: All right, my turn! Normally in a debate, I'm supposed to disagree with the other guy. But, boy not THIS time! If you're looking for somebody to help you "actualize" or some crap like that, Rand's definitely the guy for you! But I figure you're like most people--whatever baggage you've got, you're pretty cool with it, or at least you've got enough self-respect to PRETEND you are. Now I don't GIVE A DAMN about your mommy issues or whatever. And I WON'T lead you on some goofy QUEST to stamp out all super-heroes or something! You've got to watch out for a guy with a philosophy--it's tough to figure what a guy like that's going to do. I'd never turn on you, because it's not in my interest to make such a powerful enemy. A guy with a philosophy might find a reason for ANY damn thing... Joining the nWo is a real simple deal: we work together to GET power, then we share the benefits of that power. My pitch is short 'cause it's just that simple: two easy steps. It's a win-win!... IF you're on the inside. DON'T get stuck on the outside!

: ....


: Finally, my dear boy, I have a chance to counter that nonsense those two are trying to feed you, and tell you the truth. The truth is, those two see you only as a means to an end, a piece of a puzzle, a domino in a row. But when I look at you, I see a man that I'd love to have--that I'd be proud to have--as a team-mate. You see, I'm building a team--not an army or a gang like these two would-be Napoleons! My team already has a coach and a quarterback, but everyone has the role to which they're best suited. You could be the finest linebacker the world has seen. And my coaching--my mentorship--could get you there. If you join me, you put yourself in the position of learning from the greatest wrestler of all time!

: Seriously? That's your PITCH? "I don't see you as a quarterback, but as a linebacker?" Not as the star, but as a role player?

: Ha ha ha! For once, Bischoff's right. Can't you see his potential?

: I'm certainly not going to tell him one thing now, and then go back on it later. Customer complaints come in the form of fisticuffs in this business. Don't listen to these two jackanapes, my dear boy. They say that you'll be the star of their organization, the diamond, but don't you see?... They say the same thing to everyone in their little gangs. Not everyone can be the quarterback, but there's a lot more pride in being a great linebacker on a great team, than the quarterback of a mediocre team. It doesn't matter if they see you as a pawn or as the queen on their chessboard, they'll sacrifice you just as readily if it helps them win their game. But I would never sacrifice a team-mate!

: All right, that's enough! We've all had plenty of opportunity to say our peace! What's the verdict Lashley? What do you say?

: ....





Mae Young:

He's not going to say anything. Because he's already hired ME to do his talking for him. With me by his side, he's headed straight to the top in this promotion.

I think you boys forgot how the original "Great Manager Debate" ended.


: This is just ludicrous! I can't BELIEVE we went to all this trouble just for a charade!

But I'm not going to stomp out of here in a huff, not without pointing out one thing to you, Bobby! What I said about not getting stuck on the outside? I did not mean that as a threat. I've got enough trouble with Inoki and Eddie, I don't need to make an enemy out of you. I'm satisfied with your neutrality on nWo issues, and the door is still open for you to join us later, regardless of what I think of the professionalism of your... "manager."

FOR NOW!

Eventually, though, we won't need you anymore, and won't even need your neutrality. And that door will slam shut and you will be stuck out in the cold. Don't listen to bad advice and let that happen to you.

Bischoff stomps out.


: Well, I'm not going to complain! You put one over on all of us, why shouldn't you hold this fake debate to rub it in and brag on yourself a little. I would have! You are clearly every bit as much of a gem as Lashley here. I'm sure if we tried we could find a way to maybe... work together? To our...mutual benefit?

: That's a mighty tempting offer, Mister Rand. You've got a reeeal purty face. There's just one problem.

: What's that, sweetheart?

Mae reaches up high above both of their heads. (But NOT Lashley's....)

: You must be THIS tall to ride this ride!

HA ha!

Now, Rand stomps and kicks his chair.

: You know, Lashley, I have one little piece of unasked-for advice for you, so I apologize in advance. What Bischoff said about having a philosophy and a mission interfering with doing what's best for your allies, fulfilling your professional obligation to your clients? That's not true of me. My "crusade" and my clients' interests work hand in hand. But he had a point. A soft-hearted person will betray you, secretly work against you twice as often as a hard-hearted person. A hard-hearted person will only turn on you for reasons of self-interest. Those are easy to predict. But a sympathetic person, there are so many ways to use their sympathies to turn them against you. My advice to you, Lashley? Go rent King Kong. There's a lesson in there that I think you should really take to heart.

Rand stomps out.


: What a couple of sore losers! I'll not kick that I've been outfoxed. It's so good to see you again, my dear. Now I understand that your client has his hands full with that pituitary freak, but perhaps if Nowinski and I helped you out a little with that problem... well, then maybe you could find a way for your new client to give us a little back-up. I predict that some muscle like that would be very useful to us in the coming few days....

: After what you and your over-educated lackey did to that poor, sweet girl? You want our help? You... pompous jackass!

: "Poor, sweet girl?" My god, woman, you're NOT referring to that supposedly-female troglodyte who was so unfortunately--and ACCIDENTALLY--injured in that ill-advised match with my charge? You've lost your mind, "poor, sweet girl" indeed! Rand may have had a point about her, my boy!

George exits in as dignified a fashion as he can manage....


: Well. We sure showed them, huh?

: Smiles and nods.


Weeeeeell....


: So, you took my advice, eh, Lashley? I'd say you made a bad choice there... except that anybody who outsmarts and out-talks that bunch?... Obviously a good choice.

But that doesn't matter. Making fun of your voice? Sending you on a wild goose chase to pick a manager? Just a distraction. 'Cause these promo battles? They don't mean anything. Words don't prove anything. Unless you let them. And I think YOU do.

Which is just ONE of the reasons that I'm going to win at the Big Bang and prove that every word that I've been saying has been true.


: Oh, yeah? Well, let's see if these words mean anything to you.... You've got a hell of a lot more to lose at the Big Bang than Lashley does. He hasn't been making brave speeches he might have to live down all over town about being the very best wrestler in the world ever. He doesn't NEED to brag. Everybody knows just how strong he is, and just how good of a grappler he is. And he doesn't have to be perfect either, 'cause everybody knows he's a little green still. And that experience edge might be all you need come the Big Bang. But MAYBE, all that extra pressure you put on yourself will be all the edge Lashley needs....

[Batman]

SIMULCAST!!



"Mean" Gene Okerlund here, sorry to interrupt you boys--er, and lady--again, but we've just received word from Abbot Northwestern Hospital about the condition of Mickie Knuckles.

I hope you've all been following the developing story over at the Armageddon Wrestling site. If not--a brief recap! Knuckles was the surprise challenger to Christopher Nowinski's place facing "Gorgeous" George Wagner on the super-card. Out of consideration for Nowinski's history of career-ending concussions, Nowinski was allowed to wrestle wearing a helmet, with the understanding that head-butts would not be legal moves for him in this match. But while Gorgeous George distracted the referee, Nowinski smashed Knuckles in the shin with a helmeted head-butt, and then went to the top turn-buckle and delivered a flying headbutt to the back of Mickie's head.

Let me tell you folks, IT WAS A BLOOD-BATH!

The hospital assures us that--while Mickie had a severe concussion--she has made a full recovery from that. And the injury to her leg was only a severe sprain.

HOWEVER! she has a hair-line fracture on the back of her skull, and so she positively WILL NOT be medically cleared to wrestle in time for the Big Bang super-show!

I know that there has been a lot of speculation about the possibility of some kind of grudge match or revenge match between Knuckles and Nowinki at the big show, but in the interest of Ms. Knuckles's health, ANY such match will have to wait.

However, Nowinski will be in a match, and a LOT sooner than the super-show. As Mick Foley intimated in an incredibly disturbing piece of footage aired on the Armageddon wrestling site not long ago, Foley (or is it "Mankind"?) will be facing Nowinski in another special "challenge" match. This time using the helmet as a weapon will be legal... But BOTH competitors will be wearing them!

And in a new twist, the winner will not only go on to face "Gorgeous" George at the Big Bang, but will also win the right to choose ANY stipulations for this match he may choose!

Stay tuned to the Armageddon Wrestling site, where we will be bringing you that match--and any other new twists in this compelling drama--as soon as possible!

Thank you!

[Batman]

: Well. Here I am once again, Commissioner Eric Bischoff, leader of the nWo, HERE to... make announcements.

First, we have received any number of requests for luchas apuestas--that's a mask match, folks--from every masked wrestler on the roster. It doesn't matter how many times you ask, guys, nor how loudly. ALL requests for apuestas will be denied--there will be an absolute moratorium on them--for at least one year. This is directly from the President's office, so don't bother trying to appeal! According to the President, it will take at least a year to build up enough heat to warrant the risk to a career inherent in a luchas apuestas, and there is no way a mask will be put on the line in less than a super-show main event. Which none of you guys are even close to yet, so quit bugging us about this!

He goes on to say... some really insulting things about the way that I handled Rey Mysterio Junior's unmasking back in WCW. SCREW YOU, ALDERMAN! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW, ANYWAY?


All right, is there anything else here that's important? Oh, we drafted another tag team. Whoop-te-CRAP! Some old dudes from Mil-WAULK-ee? What the hell are you thinking, Alderman? THIS was worth dragging me into the studio for? I've got IMPORTANT nWo business to attend to....


Oh, wait, there IS one more thing. In addition to the special "challenge" match between Foley and Nowinski already announced, we've also scheduled another "Respect" match--this time between Mil Máscaras and Kendo Nagasaki. Now that actually IS interesting. I wonder who all might show up to watch a match like that....

[Mr. Dashbee]

I'm tired just reading all of that. Really good job. Especially Bischoff. "Screw you Alderman!" Love it. And Mae Young w/Lashley? Good stuff.

Sometimes when people up and change everything (face/heel alignment, names, personas, etc) it can suck. You're able to pull it off.

[Batman]

A message from President/Webmaster Alderman:

I've decided that--while it's a great way to keep track of my progress and history in the draft--my draft chart is not the best way to present my roster to the fans.

So I am taking it off of the top post and putting it here for any who might still be interested....

Roster #	Round #		Name
1	1		Eddie Guerrero, aka Eddy of La Pareja del Terror, aka the Black Tiger
2	2		Mick Foley, aka "Cactus" Jack, aka "Mankind"
3	3		Paul Wight, aka The Big Show
4	4		"Gorgeous" George Wagner
	5		Brandon Silvestri, aka Low Ki (Traded)
	6		"Gentleman" Chris Adams (Traded)
5	7		Antonio Inoki
	7.1		Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas - The World's Greatest Tag Team (Traded)
	7.2		Paul London & Brian "Spanky" Kendrick (Traded)
6	9		The Great Sasuke
7	9.1		Eric Bischoff
8	10		Bobby Lashley
9	10.1		Afa of Excessive Force! fka "The Wild Samoans"
10	10.2		Sika of Excessive Force! fka "The Wild Samoans"
11	12		Mil Máscaras
12	13		Art Barr, aka Love Machine of La Pareja del Terror
13	14		Mister Black Jack, fka Masahiro Chōno
14	14.1		John Rand, fka Matt Striker
15	17		Christopher Nowinski
16	17.1		Mickie Knuckles
17	18		Ricky Morton of the Rock'n'Roll Express
18	18.1		Robert Gibson of the Rock'n'Roll Express
19	19		Santo, el Enmascarado de Plata, of La Pareja Atómica
20	19.1		"Gory" Guerrero of La Pareja Atómica
21	20		"Mean" Gene Okerlund
22	22		Mae Young
23	24		The Black Shadow
24	25		Dick "The Bruiser" of Crusher & Bruiser
25	25.1		"Crusher" Lisowski of Crusher & Bruiser
26	27		Kendo Nagasaki
27	27.1		Kendo Nagasaki II
28	28		Muhammad Ali
29	30		"Leatherface" Kirchner
30	31		"Cavernario" Galindo
31	32		Billy Robinson
32	33		Billy Riley
33	34		Eddie Sharkey
34	35		John Nord
35	35.1		Danny Hodge
36	36		Farmer Burns
37	36.1		Joseph "Toots" Mondt of the Gold Dust Trio
38	36.2		Ed "Strangler" Lewis of the Gold Dust Trio
39	39		Billy Sandow of the Gold Dust Trio

Armageddon Wrestling Entrance Themes:

Black Tiger - "Clubbed To Death" Rob Dougan:


La Pareja del Terror (Eddy and Love Machine) - "Jump" Van Halen:


Mick Foley - "Wreck":


Mankind - "Schizophrenic":


The Big Show - "Weeeell...":


Gorgeous George - "Pomp and Circumstance" Elgar:


Antonio Inoki - "Honno No Fighter" Michael Masser


Mister Black Jack - "Living After Midnight" Judas Priest:


Excessive Force! - "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" The Gap Band:


nWo (the rest of nWo--The Great Sasuke, Eric Bischoff, and Hot Translator Chick) - "nWo B&W":


Bobby Lashley - "Come With Me (Kashmir)" Puff Daddy (Led Zeppelin):


The Champions of Justice (Mil Máscaras and Kendo Nagasaki) - "William Tell Overture" Rossini:


John Rand - "Free Will" Rush:


Christopher Nowinski - "Harvard Fight Song"


Mickie Knuckles - "Shoot to Thrill" AC/DC:


La Pareja Atómica (Santo, el Enmascarado de Plata, y "Gory" Guerrero) - Santo's Theme:
(skip to 1:20)

"Mean" Gene Okerlund - "Soul Twist" King Curtis and the Kingpins:


Mae Young - "The Stripper" David Rose:


The Shadow Brothers (The Black Shadow & Kendo Nagasaki II) - "O Fortuna" Orff:


Muhammad Ali - "ALI BOM-BA-YE!" Michael Masser


The Savage Brothers (Leatherface Kirchner & Cavernario Galindo) - "The Devil Inside" INXS


Team Manchester (Billy Riley & Billy Robinson) - "How Soon is Now" The Smiths


Team Minneapolis (Eddie Sharkey & Jim Nord) - "Funkytown" Lipps Inc


Farmer Burns - "Fig Leaf Rag" Scott Joplin


Danny Hodge - "Pipeline" The Chantays


The Rock & Roll Express - "Hot Blooded" Foreigner


Crusher & Bruiser - "The Crusher" The Novas:


The Gold Dust Trio - "Money Honey" Elvis Presley

[Batman]

Armageddon Wrestling's NEW press packet, hyping the upcoming special attraction matches, and the super-card, to the extent that it's been booked:

PRESENTS!...

Upcoming Special Attraction Matches:

At the Legendary Minneapolis Venue:

First Avenue!

A Special "Respect" Match!
vs.
Mil Máscaras vs. Kendo Nagasaki


A Special "Challenge" Match!
Helmets may be worn. Helmets may be used as weapons.
Winner faces "Gorgeous" George Wagner at The Big Bang and may choose any stipulation for said match.
vs. w/
"Mankind" vs. Chris Nowinski w/ "Gorgeous" George





The Big Bang Super-Show!

At the (not-exactly-Legendary, but) Really-Freakin'-Big...

H.H.H. Metrodome!

Can the Big Show Prove That He's the Best Ever?
vs. w/
The Big Show vs. Bobby Lashley w/ Mae Young

Will a Mask Help Eddie Avenge a Tag-Team Partner's Betrayal?
vs.
Black Tiger vs. the Great Sasuke

Will Eric Bischoff Remain Commissioner?
vs.
Antonio Inoki vs. Mr. Black Jack

Speed?... or POWER?!
vs.
Las Parejas del Terror, the Terror Two (Love Machine & Eddy) vs. EXCESSIVE FORCE! (Afa & Sika)

Will This Match Even Happen? (We Doubt It....)
vs.
"Gorgeous" George vs. Chris Nowinski (Card Very Subject to Change)

Also Appearing...

Mick Foley, Santo & Gory, Okerlund & Rand

Máscaras & Nagasaki, The Black Shadow, Eric Bischoff

Crusher & Bruiser, The Rock & Roll Express
and Many More Still to be Announced...

[Batman]

And the first of those special attraction matches--Mil Máscaras vs. Kendo Nagasaki--will be starting within the hour!


(Shoot! Well, almost.)

[Batman]

: Welcome once again to Armageddon Wrestling at the legendary Minneapolis venue, First Avenue.



: We are here tonight to present to you a very special "Respect" match between Mil Máscaras and Kendo Nagasaki.


On-screen:

A Special "Respect" Match!
vs.
Mil Máscaras vs. Kendo Nagasaki

: My broadcast "partner" John Rand, was a no-show tonight, so I've been assigned a special replacement color commentator, Eric Bischoff!

: Thanks, Gene! It's just so great to be here doing somebody else's job, commentating on a match that has nothing to do with the nWo.

I just... LOVE being a team player.


: The two wrestlers who are facing off here tonight are very different from one another--and yet in some ways very similar. One of them draws off of the traditions of Japan and the other from those of Mexico. One of them is a beloved folk hero in his native country, and the other is a hated pariah in his native land. One of them removes a second mask before beginning to wrestle, while the other puts a second mask on!

: Is there a point to any of this? Besides killing time?

: (I'm getting to it.)

But they have so much in common, as well....

They are both masked wrestlers, each with an amazing mystique and an elaborate pre-match ceremony. (Which ceremonies we will get the rare opportunity to see side-by-side tonight.)

And they are two men who have evidently developed a deep respect for one another. While they are competing against one another tonight, at the Super-Show it is rumored that they will be working together as a tag team!


: Man, I am so SICK of "mystique." What a ridiculous concept! I swear, half the wrestlers Alderman has drafted so far, it's been because of their so-called "mystique," and in my opinion that's going to end up putting us out of business.

It's star-power and charisma that matter in this business, and a mask won't give you that--it just gets in the way. No masked wrestler will ever be a real draw in the US--that's why I got rid of Mysterio's mask. It was really for his own good!


: But didn't Mysterio have much more success after he put the mask back on?

: Quit confusing me with the facts, Gene! That was just a fluke. Just because McMahon somehow manages to turn crap into gold doesn't invalidate the point. It's just the exception that proves the rule!

: What about Kane?

: I'm actually DONE talking about this, Gene.

: That's all right, it sounds like we're just about ready to get this show on the road, anyhow. I think I hear Máscaras's music now!

Hi ho, Silver!

Entré:



: And here we see the reason this man is called "the man of a thousand masks." Before every match he always wears a different mask--something unique and special as a treat for all of his fans. But before he begins to wrestle he removes that mask, to reveal a traditional "Mil Máscaras" mask underneath.

: So, the mask he actually wrestles in is always the same?

: Well, not exactly. There may be some variations, but it's always the same color scheme and design elements. Whereas the outer mask varies widely.

: You're just a treasure-trove of fascinating information, Gene!

: I do my research. And here we go, the traditional unmasking ritual!



Mil enters the ring and awaits his opponent...


: I've just been advised of reports that there is some commotion backstage. We have a camera crew rushing to the scene, we're going to send you back to them now.

Cut to a camera that is clearly being rushed towards something. Once they arrive on the scene they only find:



...Kendo Nagasaki, walking toward the ringside area.

: So? What was that all about? Don't you have any idea? Sorry, folks whatever it was, we missed it. It must not have been that important.

: That's some hard-hitting reporting, there, Gene.

: Shut up, you.




: All right, now here comes Kendo Nagasaki. From all I have heard, his pre-match ceremony is just fascinating. First, he removes the ceremonial cape. And then... yes, look there! He throws a pinch of ceremonial salt over each shoulder. Next he will draw his sword and make a short demonstration of his skill with it. Amazing isn't it?

: Yeah. It's a real humdinger.

: All right, next he will... wait, what's going on?

: What's wrong, Gene? Is Kendo not standing on ceremony?

: Kendo takes his first name from the Japanese art of fencing. He wears the protective gear used in that sport as entrance attire, but he always removes the faceguard before he enters the ring, revealing his black mask. Then he puts his red mask on over his black mask, indicating his readiness to fight. He ALWAYS does this!

: Evidently, not tonight!


Mil looks as befuddled as Gene, as he watches Kendo enter the ring wearing his fencing gear. But then Kendo faces Mil and makes a Japanese bow of respect. When Mil returns it, Kendo goes for the cheap shot with a karate chop to the top of Mil's head!

: What in the world is going on here? This is a respect match! There's no place for that kind of chicanery here!

The two wrestlers run the ropes, and then Kendo catches Mil in an attempted crossbody, and bodyslams him out of the ring. Kendo rolls out and is messing with something at ringside with his back to Mil. When Mil recovers and spins him around to face him, HE TOSSES SALT IN HIS EYES!

: OH MY GOD, Kendo used the supposedly "ceremonial" salt on Mil's already-injured eyes! What is the meaning of all of these dirty tricks!

: I'm really starting to like this guy! The nWo could use a guy like this!

: Oh, be quiet! The use of a foreign substance was in plain view of the referee, so he calls for the bell. Máscaras has won this bout by disqualification.

But Kendo isn't finished yet! He's pulling away the protective matting near the ring, and exposing the cold, hard concrete below. MY GOD, he's going to do the Kamikaze Crush onto concrete!

: What in the hell is the "Kamikaze Crush"?

: Well, you'll see it in a second!

Or maybe not! LOOK!




: It's La Pareja Atómica--the Atomic Two! They're coming out through the crowd! They were in attendance just to watch these two masked legends mix it up, but they're not going to just stand by and allow any post-match shenanigans!

: They should mind their own business!

: And you should never speak again, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it! Now Santo is helping Mil clear out his eyes!


Santo is pouring a bottle of water out over Mil's eyes. Mil gets his bearings back and now he sees that Kendo is on the opposite side of the ring from himself now, and walking away. He charges back into the ring!

: It's not over yet, folks! What is Máscaras doing?

Máscaras does a suicide dive onto Kendo. They roll and Máscaras winds up on top and wails on Kendo with fists. He starts clawing at Kendo's faceguard and he pulls it away, to reveal:



: My God, it was the Japanese version of Kendo Nagasaki all along, with his distinctive face paint! Has he been drafted, too? Are they working together, or?...


Suddenly, an image appears on the Big Screen!



I suppose you're all wondering, where is the real Kendo Nagasaki? The answer is simple: that is the real Kendo Nagasaki, right before your eyes. Look at him! The name certainly suits him better than that Brit wandering around claiming it.

Now that I have your attention, I'd like to begin the first edition of a segment I'm going to call the Object Lesson! Where--if you're not careful--you just might learn something! Don't say I didn't warn you!

Today's lesson is on the subject of Kendo Nagasaki! Is he truly the great hero of Britain he claims to be? Well, I've got some footage for us to watch together that might shed a little light on that:




: Gosh that didn't seem particularly sporting! And it didn't sound like the crowd was behind him at all. As it turns out, "Big Daddy" Crabtree was the great hero of British wrestling. YOU were their greatest villain, Kendo Nagasaki!

He certainly seems like quite the mysterious enigma! But it's amazing how much you can learn about him with just a little bit of research! For example, take a look at this bit of footage:




: Like Santo, our Kendo was a little bit of a movie star! He only dabbled in acting once, wearing his usual costume but playing a made-up wrestler called "the Angel of Death."

Why is this important? Because this was a speaking role. And until yesterday, this acting role was the only time he had ever spoken in public! Now, you'd practically have to gag the guy to shut him up!

Isn't that right, "Kendo"?

The camera swings around to show Kendo Nagasaki (the British one) with duct tape over his mouth and tied to a chair. Like this...

...except tied to a chair with duct tape over his mouth.


: So, tell me Kendo... why have you broken your silence? Why are you trying to pass yourself off as a "hero"? Did you know?...it was my idea to draft you... for MY side! Whatever possessed you to join up with Mil?

Why not join us? A Kendo Nagasaki tag team would cut a hell of a swath through this place.... Come and fight the good fight--for "evil". Rand uses finger-quotes there. Reason enough to hate him...

Rand RIIIIIPS the duct tape off!


: Máscaras knows moi PAST! What, do you think he's a fool whom I could hoodwink? I never claimed to have been a fan favorite before now. I was reviled in Britain... but also respected. You forget, there's one thing--just one!--that you and Máscaras agree about. Neither of you believes that whom the crowd happens to cheer... determines good and evil.

In Máscaras's eyes I was unjustly reviled. I'm a bit more forgiving myself. They had good reason for their feelings. I've always been a styudent of the ways of Japan, but when I first started out, World War II was still a very fresh memory. And I'm a fierce competitor when I put on the red mask and the bell rings, and I brought a number of their beloved heroes--like Crabtree--down a peg or two.

Most importantly, I've always known that no matter how fiercely they booed and hissed--deep down there was a great deal of respect there.

As for the talking, well, for a long time I had a companion who I delegated all of that to. He was a good talker, and I have a thick accent. Since he passed, I've tried to replace him, but... Besides, in Britain I was the only silent masked man. This place is thick as thieves with them. Here, it doesn't help me stand out, so I dropped it.

Now, as for joining you... I do understand where you're coming from, Rand. People can be ingrates, or make unreasonable demands for gratitude or admiration. But nothing you say is anything more than half-right. The other half is pernicious, malignant nonsense. As stiff-necked as he is, I'll stick with Máscaras, thank you.

So, did you learn all you wanted from me? 'Cause I learned all I needed from you.


: You'll REGRET this!


: Perhaps. But now I think it's about time for you and your shadowy accomplice to flee.


: What are you talking about?


: Among my many powers--(beyond mortal understanding)--one of them is incredibly sharp hearing....


From outside: BANG BANG BANG! "Open up in there!"


Rand runs off through the backstage, with Black Shadow coming out from behind the camera to follow him.



The Atomic Two finally get the doors open and run over to Kendo....


Who is now standing and unraveling rope from around one last wrist....


: Hey! I thought you were all tied up!


: I? Trapped by mere ropes? I'll have you know that I was trained in the Arts of Escape by Houdini himself!


: What, when you were two years old?


: Oh no, this was long after he had faked his death.


: But...? Then why didn't you escape sooner?


: After he went to all that trouble? I wanted to hear what he had to say.

Come on, fellows. Let's head back!

[Batman]

: BRING IT BACK TO THE ARENA! BRING IT BACK TO THE... I know it's not actually an arena, the "venue," whatever. Put us back on!

Oh! Hello, folks. Sorry to pull you away from the ongoing drama, but there are further developments right back here at First Avenue!

: Aren't you required to say "legendary Minneapolis venue"?

: I already said that once in this broadcast, Bischoff!

While you viewers at home were engrossed by the kidnapping of Kendo Nagasaki, we here in the arena--I mean, at the venue!--were equally transfixed by watching it all go down on the Big Screen.

Most of the roster is sitting here in the stands tonight as well--to see the unique match-up we were all expecting--and they were captivated by it as well. The Great Sasuke and Mister Black Jack took advantage of this situation with a sneak attack on Mr. Inoki and the Terror Two. They would have been outnumbered in this attack, except that they started out by waffling the Love Machine with a wicked chair shot, and he's still down. So at the moment, the fight is even.

Black Jack is trading blows with Inoki, and Sasuke with Eddie. Neither side is gaining an advantage.


: That's what you think, Gene! Bischoff takes off his headset and picks up a microphone. You see, when it looks like the nWo is facing even odds, that's when the situation call for some EXCESSIVE FORCE!

They're going to drop a bomb on us....

Here comes... EXCESSIVE FORCE!!



The Samoans' running power attack --on two wrestlers who are each already occupied by an opponent-- is devastating. After a couple of Samoan drops and powerslams, Eddie and Inoki are toast. A very sharp-eyed viewer might notice the Love Machine opening one eye, glancing around, and shutting it again--evidently deciding that it's in his best interest to just play dead.

: MY GOD, IT'S A SCENE OF CARNAGE HERE AT FIRST AVENUE!

: [Back on headset...] That's kind of hyperbole, wouldn't you say, Gene? I mean, nobody's actually bleeding....

: I suspect that your hand is behind all of this, Bischoff!


: You SUSPECT? The nWo attacks and you suspect Eric Bischoff might be behind it? Of course I was behind it! As a matter of fact...

Bischoff goes back from the headset to the mic again, and walks over to the scene of the massacre.

: THESE THREE! Eddie! Inoki! um... Guy-I-Don't-Know. The nWo is making an EXAMPLE of these three because they defied us from the start. But we're not making any ultimatums to the rest of you... YET! But sooner than you think, the time will come when you ALL must choose... are you IN? Or are you OUT?

You want a preview of what OUT looks like, just look here at the floor!

Bischoff makes a broad gesture towards his fallen foes.

Exit nWo. Fade.

[Lucky]

****
For the life of me I can't tell if you're doing Mean Gene wrong or if he really was a bigger prick than I remember. Because every time I start to think "Wow, he just sounds like an ass the way you right him" I remember him asking Madusa what she thought of losing a career match seconds after being pinned and suffering a horrible injury... or asking Rick Steiner for comments after Scott turns on him to join the nWo. And I start to wonder if Gene really was just an insufferable prick who would scream and curse at heels for no good reason.

For the life of me I also can't tell if Kendo is supposed to be goofy as fuck or if I'm supposed to be channeling some '50s idea of "cool." Since you started using him I've felt like Gory was kind of the voice of the fans that I can actually relate to as he is befuddled by Kendo's act or calls Art Barr out on his natural untrustworthiness.

I don't think that's an actual word.

[Tommy]

****
I will say that Bischoff not saying "I, Eric Bischoff" everytime he refers to himself in any way is a little off-putting.

[Batman]

****

Re Gene:
Hard to say, as I think we are basing our view point on Gene from a different point in life. I'm thinking of the 80s Gene, who was very much the voice of the fans and the babyfaces in that very black-and-white era.

re Nagasaki:
Can't he be both? From everything I've read about him or watched on the youtubes, he was (and is, he's still active) both incredibly over-the-top goofy, and awesome cool. And yeah, I mean for Gory to be sort of down-to-earth, kind of an island of sanity.

[Batman]

:

Hey, everybody! We here at Armageddon Wrestling just got a hold of some surprising and... just HILARIOUS footage. And I just had to share it with everybody....

It seems that your-friend-and-mine "Gorgeous George" has started to slowly get with the times. He has acquired a few "new-fangled doohickies"--prominent among which is his new cell phone... which he now seems to be on twenty-four seven.

When he's on it, he kind of blocks out the world around him (as you do) and a little bit ago, one of our camera crews came upon him backstage at First Avenue (legendary yadah yadah) where he is waiting and preparing with his protégé for Nowinski's death later this evening. Match! I mean match! Heheh. Little slip, there.

It was a conversation he would probably have preferred not to have had recorded, but he was so engrossed in it that he never noticed the cameras were there.

It's just classic, you've gotta see it.

ROLL IT, MONKEYS!


:

You can't be serious, putting a wrestler with all of that potential into a barbaric match like this one. It will be legal to use the helmet, in any way you choose? The potential for injury!

...

Don't take that tone with me, my good man. That was an accident! You put my protégé into a dangerous situation, and he used the means at his disposal to extricate himself. It's not his fault she was injured so severely! He never should have been put in that position!

FORFEIT?! Forfeit? If he forfeits, then I just have to deal with the maniac! And--because of your inexplicable decree, he would then be able to choose any stipulation he likes!

Yes, yes, I'm perfectly aware of just what sort of barbaric stipulations a savage such as he is likely to choose. Yes, I'm aware that that is his signature match, and I'm telling you right now, I'll never enter such a structure!

...

I don't give a DAMN about the contract! You had better hope I figure out a way for Nowinski here to beat him, so it doesn't come to that!

Otherwise? Otherwise, I recommend that you lay down the law to him. Convince him to DROP this vendetta! Because that is a match that will NEVER happen!

...

Have you lost your mind? Are you telling me that you are hoping for that wild beast to win tonight so that he can face me at the Super-Show?

You're COUNTING on it?

I am perfectly aware that such a match would be a good draw. The hoi polloi must have their blood. WELL THEY CAN GET IT IN SOME OTHER MATCH! A Gorgeous George match is always a great draw, regardless of opponent or stipulation.

...

Fine, I will concede to you that the match that Nowinski and I were hoping to have against each-other lacks heat. We could pretend to have a falling out?

...

All right, I will take that off the table. Book us together, then--as a tag team. Put us up against Crusher & Bruiser--the contrast of personalities there would be a sure draw!

...

Well, it's hardly my fault that the other feuds haven't heated up like you had hoped.

I realize that you need a main event, but you will have to be resourceful and find another way, because I flat refuse!

...

Are you threatening me?! I'd be snapped up for some other promotion's main event so fast it would make your HEAD spin!

...

...

That's not possible. I am a fourth-round draft pick! I should have been picked FIRST, but nevertheless.... There are TWENTY of you, you can't possibly be the only one who understands how valuable I am....

They're lying to you. They're all KICKING themselves for failing to take me in the first three rounds! They're trying to STAMPEDE you into making some foolish ultimatum, so they can SNAP me up!

...

No, no, that's true.

...

But this is my HEALTH we're talking about. I could be CRIPPLED!

...

No, I don't consider jerking the curtain "healthy." But that's...

...

You can't be serious, I'm the greatest wrestling draw in HISTORY! They can't possibly....

I WILL call them and find out, you just WATCH!


George finally looks up and notices the camera-man.


: What the hell? What is this, a Newhart routine? Get that camera the hell out of here!

Fade


:


Wasn't that GREAT?! There is just nothing funnier than the misfortune of others!

Thanks for joining us. Keep checking back, that Nowinski match should be starting any time now!

[Batman]

Eddie's voice, audio only, black screen:

Sasuke. I've heard you... questioning me. "Where IS... the Black Tiger? I don't see him!? If he wants some of me, where is he? I'm right here!"

"I see Eddie Guerrero! I see Eddie Guerrero all over the place! I just KICKED HIS ASS last night.... My buddies and I..."

"But I don't see any Black Tiger anyplace."

What did you expect Sasuke? Did you really expect to see a tiger... while it is stalking its prey? When you are its prey? Did you really expect to see a tiger before... it POUNCES?!

Don't worry, Sasuke. Your wait...



...it's almost over.

[Mr. Dashbee]

Gene works for me. Old school Gene was very much a mark for the faces, and was quick to call shenanigans on the heels.

I'd need to do some more research on Kendo to see what I think. I probably won't. But I do like it how it is, so I'm cool with it.