NRWL Medical Staff has updated us on the condition of Mark Blood following a vicious attack by John Fraust and Killer Malone.
During an altercation in the ring, Mark Blood was held by John Fraust while Killer Malone drove a metal toolbox into his face. Mark was left in the middle of the ring in a pool of his own blood. Mark received immediate medical attention and was taken to a local hospital. Mark received several stitches near his left eye which is swollen shut. While there is no fractures to the skull, there is tissue damage which will take time to heal. Despite these injuries, Mark Blood should be medically cleared to wrestle by the next event.
Mark Blood has told us that he will address the NRWL fans about this situation in the ring as soon as possible.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
NRWL Releases Balance
NRWL has announced that Balance has been released from the company following the last event. Balance has worked with NRWL on and off since its inception and we hope to work with him again in the future.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Why Fraust Came Back
*John Fraust's music starts playing and he walks out with Killer Malone at his side. Both men ignore fans as they walk down to the ring. They step through the ropes and look around. Fraust motions for a microphone.*
John Fraust: Nine years ago, I joined the NRWL. By the time I joined, I had already put myself through some terribly violent matches with other wrestling companies. I knew that I had shortened my career quite a bit so I set out to make an impact in the NRWL while I could. By the time the third season was starting up, I was in pretty rough shape so I walked away. The NRWL inducted me into the Hall of Fame shortly afterward.
*A mix of cheers and boos fill the arena.*
JF: I am a Hall of Fame wrestler. In this ring, there is nothing else I need to prove. Having the distinction of being a Hall of Famer is a bigger accomplishment than any championship belt. No one would deny that. People have been asking why I came back and the general consensus is that I came back to win the NRWL Championship that I never held. Well, all of those people are wrong. I came back for one reason. When I came to this company, Mike Blood, the greatest wrestler in the history of the sport, came to me and offered to take me under his wing.
*The crowd cheers at hearing Mike Blood's name. Fraust waits a moment for the crowd to quiet down. He doesn't seem to mind the interruption from the fans.*
JF: He saw something in me and out of all the new talent in the NRWL he picked me. It was an honor to work with him and he made me a better wrestler. The most important lesson he taught me was not a move in the ring, not a tactic to rile up all of you fans, no, he taught me how important it was to pass the torch. That, is the reason I came back. I am here to do what Mike Blood did for me. There was one guy who really impressed me above all. He reminded me of myself. He had all the skills he just needed some guidance. That man is standing right next to me. That man is Killer Malone!
*The crowd begins to boo loudly as Killer Malone takes the microphone from Fraust. He looks around and sneers at the crowd.*
Killer Malone: You can boo me all you want. You should know by now that I have never cared for your approval. I've always done things my way. Sometimes you like it, sometimes you don't. Makes no difference to me. Unlike the rest of those pukes in the back, I'm going places. When John Fraust pulled me aside and offered his help, I couldn't turn him down. It was good to see that someone saw me for who I really was. I am a fighter, a competitor, and I'll do whatever I have to do to get to the top. When I turned my back on Marty Anderson, it wasn't because I hated the guy. I needed to make a statement and move on for my own sake. I'd be a fool not to make the most of an opportunity. Fraust understands that. You should too.
*The crowd boos even more loudly. Fraust laughs and takes the microphone back. He smirks and says something in Killer Malone's ear. Both men laugh at some inside joke.*
JF: When you get this much heat from the crowd, you know you are doing something right. There is something else I need to address. I helped Mike Blood train his son, Mark Blood. Unlike Killer here, Mark Blood has not impressed me. I've watched every single match in his career. He shows so much potential but somehow, he just falls short. He seems unfocused, unsure of himself. I've been hard on him since I came back. Mark, I know you are back there. I want to talk to you face to face. Get out here.
*Fraust and Malone stand there waiting until Mark Blood's music starts playing. He comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He climbs into the ring and walks right up to Fraust, staring him in the face. Fraust gives him a cold stare.*
JF: You --
*Mark Blood rips the microphone out of Fraust's hand.*
Mark Blood: You shut your mouth. No one wants to hear you talk anymore. You come out here trying to be like my father and shepherd someone to greatness. That's fine and good luck to you. Here's what I don't get. What does this have to do with me? If you are so unhappy with me, why even bother to put your energy into beating me down backstage? Sicking your protege on me? What's the point of it all?
*Fraust motions for another microphone and takes a new one for himself.*
JF: If you'd let me talk, maybe you'd learn something. You've got the fire. You've got the skills. I just don't know why you can't pull it together. It's a shame really. You want to know why I am singling you out? It's pretty simple. I am here to stand in Killer Malone's corner, and, I'd like to stand in yours as well. I'm not about hugs and pats on the back. No, I show my disapproval. If I'm not on your case, you are doing something right. In your case, you're doing something wrong but I am going to fix that. Stand alongside us.
*Killer Malone leans into Fraust's microphone.*
KM: Come on, man. It's going to be a great run, you know that.
*Mark Blood turns and looks out to the crowd with his brow lowered. He tilts his head to each side and then finally nods. He drops his microphone and turns to shake John Fraust's hand. Fraust smiles and Killer Malone raises his fists in the air. Malone turns around to look out to the crowd. Mark Blood looks over at him, smirks, and then pulls Fraust's arm and drops him with a DDT. Blood jumps up quickly as Malone turns around. Before Malone can react, Blood hammers fists into his face and then kicks him out of the ring. As Mark Blood turns around to look for Fraust, Fraust clotheslines him. Fraust jumps on top of Blood and starts slugging him in the head. Malone slides into the ring with a toolbox he found under the apron. Fraust looks up at him and then pulls Blood up on his knees. He locks Mark Blood in a full nelson. Malone wraps his hands around the toolbox and drives it hard into Blood's brow and face. The toolbox bursts open and tools spills over the ring mat. Fraust releases Mark Blood who falls motionless on the tools. Face down, a pool of blood forms.*
*Killer Malone and John Fraust look down at Mark Blood for a moment and then turn and walk backstage. The crowd boos them at deafening levels. NRWL medical staff rushes past them to help Mark Blood in the ring.*
John Fraust: Nine years ago, I joined the NRWL. By the time I joined, I had already put myself through some terribly violent matches with other wrestling companies. I knew that I had shortened my career quite a bit so I set out to make an impact in the NRWL while I could. By the time the third season was starting up, I was in pretty rough shape so I walked away. The NRWL inducted me into the Hall of Fame shortly afterward.
*A mix of cheers and boos fill the arena.*
JF: I am a Hall of Fame wrestler. In this ring, there is nothing else I need to prove. Having the distinction of being a Hall of Famer is a bigger accomplishment than any championship belt. No one would deny that. People have been asking why I came back and the general consensus is that I came back to win the NRWL Championship that I never held. Well, all of those people are wrong. I came back for one reason. When I came to this company, Mike Blood, the greatest wrestler in the history of the sport, came to me and offered to take me under his wing.
*The crowd cheers at hearing Mike Blood's name. Fraust waits a moment for the crowd to quiet down. He doesn't seem to mind the interruption from the fans.*
JF: He saw something in me and out of all the new talent in the NRWL he picked me. It was an honor to work with him and he made me a better wrestler. The most important lesson he taught me was not a move in the ring, not a tactic to rile up all of you fans, no, he taught me how important it was to pass the torch. That, is the reason I came back. I am here to do what Mike Blood did for me. There was one guy who really impressed me above all. He reminded me of myself. He had all the skills he just needed some guidance. That man is standing right next to me. That man is Killer Malone!
*The crowd begins to boo loudly as Killer Malone takes the microphone from Fraust. He looks around and sneers at the crowd.*
Killer Malone: You can boo me all you want. You should know by now that I have never cared for your approval. I've always done things my way. Sometimes you like it, sometimes you don't. Makes no difference to me. Unlike the rest of those pukes in the back, I'm going places. When John Fraust pulled me aside and offered his help, I couldn't turn him down. It was good to see that someone saw me for who I really was. I am a fighter, a competitor, and I'll do whatever I have to do to get to the top. When I turned my back on Marty Anderson, it wasn't because I hated the guy. I needed to make a statement and move on for my own sake. I'd be a fool not to make the most of an opportunity. Fraust understands that. You should too.
*The crowd boos even more loudly. Fraust laughs and takes the microphone back. He smirks and says something in Killer Malone's ear. Both men laugh at some inside joke.*
JF: When you get this much heat from the crowd, you know you are doing something right. There is something else I need to address. I helped Mike Blood train his son, Mark Blood. Unlike Killer here, Mark Blood has not impressed me. I've watched every single match in his career. He shows so much potential but somehow, he just falls short. He seems unfocused, unsure of himself. I've been hard on him since I came back. Mark, I know you are back there. I want to talk to you face to face. Get out here.
*Fraust and Malone stand there waiting until Mark Blood's music starts playing. He comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He climbs into the ring and walks right up to Fraust, staring him in the face. Fraust gives him a cold stare.*
JF: You --
*Mark Blood rips the microphone out of Fraust's hand.*
Mark Blood: You shut your mouth. No one wants to hear you talk anymore. You come out here trying to be like my father and shepherd someone to greatness. That's fine and good luck to you. Here's what I don't get. What does this have to do with me? If you are so unhappy with me, why even bother to put your energy into beating me down backstage? Sicking your protege on me? What's the point of it all?
*Fraust motions for another microphone and takes a new one for himself.*
JF: If you'd let me talk, maybe you'd learn something. You've got the fire. You've got the skills. I just don't know why you can't pull it together. It's a shame really. You want to know why I am singling you out? It's pretty simple. I am here to stand in Killer Malone's corner, and, I'd like to stand in yours as well. I'm not about hugs and pats on the back. No, I show my disapproval. If I'm not on your case, you are doing something right. In your case, you're doing something wrong but I am going to fix that. Stand alongside us.
*Killer Malone leans into Fraust's microphone.*
KM: Come on, man. It's going to be a great run, you know that.
*Mark Blood turns and looks out to the crowd with his brow lowered. He tilts his head to each side and then finally nods. He drops his microphone and turns to shake John Fraust's hand. Fraust smiles and Killer Malone raises his fists in the air. Malone turns around to look out to the crowd. Mark Blood looks over at him, smirks, and then pulls Fraust's arm and drops him with a DDT. Blood jumps up quickly as Malone turns around. Before Malone can react, Blood hammers fists into his face and then kicks him out of the ring. As Mark Blood turns around to look for Fraust, Fraust clotheslines him. Fraust jumps on top of Blood and starts slugging him in the head. Malone slides into the ring with a toolbox he found under the apron. Fraust looks up at him and then pulls Blood up on his knees. He locks Mark Blood in a full nelson. Malone wraps his hands around the toolbox and drives it hard into Blood's brow and face. The toolbox bursts open and tools spills over the ring mat. Fraust releases Mark Blood who falls motionless on the tools. Face down, a pool of blood forms.*
*Killer Malone and John Fraust look down at Mark Blood for a moment and then turn and walk backstage. The crowd boos them at deafening levels. NRWL medical staff rushes past them to help Mark Blood in the ring.*
Storm Watch with NRWL Champion Ash
Announcer: It's time for Storm Watch with Storm Harrison! Our guest tonight, the current NRWL Champion, Ash! Music by Tony Raine and the Tornadoes! And your host, STORRRRRRMM HARRRRRIIISSSOOONN!!!
*Storm Harrison comes out to the stage as Tony Raine and the Tornadoes play entrance music for him. He smiles and points to the band nodding his head in approval. He stands by his desk and nods to the crowd who boo him heavily. He smiles and then takes a seat behind his desk.*
Storm Harrison: As always, good to see you Mr. Tony Raine. How are you today?
Tony Raine: I am doing just fine, thank you. Pretty crazy stuff going on around the ol' NRWL, wouldn't you say?
SH: I know it! It's really quite exciting. You know, I've been around since the beginning of last season and I have to say, things have really evolved between then and now. Have you noticed how brutal it is getting out there in the ring?
TR: Really. It's a warzone out there!
SH: Yeah, you know, speaking of wars, we had Tiger Johnson on the show last time. He was preparing for his match against Ash for the NRWL Championship. Tiger Johnson has been through his share of battles but he didn't make it through this last one. Fans, Tiger Johnson was put down for the count, possibly forever. Ash put ol' TJ out of commission. The latest I heard is that he's not coming back to the ring. Not not, not ever.
TR: Well, you never know, Storm. He could make a comeback!
*Both men stare at each other for a moment and burst out laughing.*
SH: Ah, that was a good one. That was good! Well, enough about last week's guest. This week's guest is a real crippler. He's ruined Tiger Johnson's hopes, dreams, maybe his whole life! Give a round of applause for the current NRWL Champion, ASH!
*Ash comes out from behind the curtain to thunderous applause. he walks over to the Storm Watch set and stands in front of the desk and holds the title overhead triumphantly. The crowd cheers again enthusiastically. Ash takes a seat.*
SH: Ash, good to see you and welcome to Storm Watch.
Ash: Thank you Storm. Hold on one second....
*Ash stands up again and raises his fists in the air, riling up the crowd. Ash sits back down*
Ash: Sorry about that. Thanks for having me, Mr. Harrison. It's good to be out here.
SH: I bet it is. Being on Storm Watch is a true accomplishment. You might say that you've finally arrived in the business! You have been the NRWL champion since the start of Season Five, beating that thug Johnny Young. Since becoming champion, you've been quite impressive. You are the first champion since Season Three to successfully defend the title! You just successfully defended the title against Tiger Johnson. How confident were you that you would win and break the championship curse?
Ash: Well, Storm, I was fairly confident that I would retain the title, but I knew it wasn't a sure bet. Tiger Johnson is a fierce competitor. I knew I had to bring my A-game and knew I had to execute my game plan flawlessly. If I didn't, Tiger would've definitely capitalized, and he'd be the one on your show right now, telling you about how he won the title.
SH: Thankfully that didn't happen. I had him on my show last time and he was a real bore. He was so confident. He was so sure he would win! But I knew better. I was certain that you would be sitting here right now.... but I didn't expect you to do it so brutally. Ash, the NRWL fans and the wrestling world at large want to know. Just how GOOD did it feel to not only win your match, but do it so definitively! You didn't just win the match, you crippled that old geezer right in the middle of the ring!
Ash: Well, geeze, Storm, that's kinda a harsh way to put it. I didn't intend on injuring him so severely. I really hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Winning felt good. Putting Tiger on the PUP list...not so much.
SH: Not so severely but there's no doubt you meant to do him in. You need only look at your actions. You dropped him in your finisher twice in a row. It was great, really it was. This is a rough business and you showed the world that you are a champion who is here to leave his mark and his legacy. You're off to a fantastic start.
Ash: Well, Storm. It IS a rough business and everyone on the roster knows that when you step in the ring, it's a risk. I did put Tiger in my finisher twice in a row. But I felt I had to in order to best him. Of course, when I saw the medical staff tending to him afterwards, I felt sick to my stomach. Tiger is a stand up guy and a fighter. He should be actively wrestling because he adds so much the NRWL talent pool, and not on IR.
SH: You'll be pleased to hear that Tiger is home from the hospital. Doctors say he's going to make a recovery. He can soon resume a normal life but he won't be adding much to the NRWL anymore. As for you, you'll be moving on to your next opponent. It could be anyone. Tiger Johnson was so loved that I can't imagine you have any friends left backstage.
Ash: You might need to ask for your money back from your sources, Storm, because I still have plenty of friends backstage and out in the crowd here. But, I also understand that as NRWL champion, every man on the roster has me in their crosshairs. But if anyone has a problem with me, they can say it to my face or take it up with me in the ring.
*Storm looks down at his desk and shakes his head.*
SH: I have to admit, Ash. I really expected more from you in this interview. You make a name for yourself as champion and you aren't even proud of it. I'm not sure why the fans find you interesting at all. I really need to get better guests on this show.
*Storm Harrison comes out to the stage as Tony Raine and the Tornadoes play entrance music for him. He smiles and points to the band nodding his head in approval. He stands by his desk and nods to the crowd who boo him heavily. He smiles and then takes a seat behind his desk.*
Storm Harrison: As always, good to see you Mr. Tony Raine. How are you today?
Tony Raine: I am doing just fine, thank you. Pretty crazy stuff going on around the ol' NRWL, wouldn't you say?
SH: I know it! It's really quite exciting. You know, I've been around since the beginning of last season and I have to say, things have really evolved between then and now. Have you noticed how brutal it is getting out there in the ring?
TR: Really. It's a warzone out there!
SH: Yeah, you know, speaking of wars, we had Tiger Johnson on the show last time. He was preparing for his match against Ash for the NRWL Championship. Tiger Johnson has been through his share of battles but he didn't make it through this last one. Fans, Tiger Johnson was put down for the count, possibly forever. Ash put ol' TJ out of commission. The latest I heard is that he's not coming back to the ring. Not not, not ever.
TR: Well, you never know, Storm. He could make a comeback!
*Both men stare at each other for a moment and burst out laughing.*
SH: Ah, that was a good one. That was good! Well, enough about last week's guest. This week's guest is a real crippler. He's ruined Tiger Johnson's hopes, dreams, maybe his whole life! Give a round of applause for the current NRWL Champion, ASH!
*Ash comes out from behind the curtain to thunderous applause. he walks over to the Storm Watch set and stands in front of the desk and holds the title overhead triumphantly. The crowd cheers again enthusiastically. Ash takes a seat.*
SH: Ash, good to see you and welcome to Storm Watch.
Ash: Thank you Storm. Hold on one second....
*Ash stands up again and raises his fists in the air, riling up the crowd. Ash sits back down*
SH: I bet it is. Being on Storm Watch is a true accomplishment. You might say that you've finally arrived in the business! You have been the NRWL champion since the start of Season Five, beating that thug Johnny Young. Since becoming champion, you've been quite impressive. You are the first champion since Season Three to successfully defend the title! You just successfully defended the title against Tiger Johnson. How confident were you that you would win and break the championship curse?
Ash: Well, Storm, I was fairly confident that I would retain the title, but I knew it wasn't a sure bet. Tiger Johnson is a fierce competitor. I knew I had to bring my A-game and knew I had to execute my game plan flawlessly. If I didn't, Tiger would've definitely capitalized, and he'd be the one on your show right now, telling you about how he won the title.
SH: Thankfully that didn't happen. I had him on my show last time and he was a real bore. He was so confident. He was so sure he would win! But I knew better. I was certain that you would be sitting here right now.... but I didn't expect you to do it so brutally. Ash, the NRWL fans and the wrestling world at large want to know. Just how GOOD did it feel to not only win your match, but do it so definitively! You didn't just win the match, you crippled that old geezer right in the middle of the ring!
Ash: Well, geeze, Storm, that's kinda a harsh way to put it. I didn't intend on injuring him so severely. I really hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Winning felt good. Putting Tiger on the PUP list...not so much.
SH: Not so severely but there's no doubt you meant to do him in. You need only look at your actions. You dropped him in your finisher twice in a row. It was great, really it was. This is a rough business and you showed the world that you are a champion who is here to leave his mark and his legacy. You're off to a fantastic start.
Ash: Well, Storm. It IS a rough business and everyone on the roster knows that when you step in the ring, it's a risk. I did put Tiger in my finisher twice in a row. But I felt I had to in order to best him. Of course, when I saw the medical staff tending to him afterwards, I felt sick to my stomach. Tiger is a stand up guy and a fighter. He should be actively wrestling because he adds so much the NRWL talent pool, and not on IR.
SH: You'll be pleased to hear that Tiger is home from the hospital. Doctors say he's going to make a recovery. He can soon resume a normal life but he won't be adding much to the NRWL anymore. As for you, you'll be moving on to your next opponent. It could be anyone. Tiger Johnson was so loved that I can't imagine you have any friends left backstage.
Ash: You might need to ask for your money back from your sources, Storm, because I still have plenty of friends backstage and out in the crowd here. But, I also understand that as NRWL champion, every man on the roster has me in their crosshairs. But if anyone has a problem with me, they can say it to my face or take it up with me in the ring.
*Storm looks down at his desk and shakes his head.*
SH: I have to admit, Ash. I really expected more from you in this interview. You make a name for yourself as champion and you aren't even proud of it. I'm not sure why the fans find you interesting at all. I really need to get better guests on this show.
Ash: You expect more from me?? I'm the NRWL champion! I am proud of my accomplishment. And really, you're the last person to critique someone on how interesting they are. Didn't you get fire last season or something for being forgettable?
SH: I'll have you know I was badly injured by Johnny Young! You and Johnny aren't so different, you know. The only difference between you two is that Johnny knows that the NRWL is getting meaner, darker, and the days of heroes are over. The fans will turn on you and move on. Mark my words. You're a leftover from a time we're leaving behind!
Ash: Johnny and I are aren't so different, you're right - we're championship material. And Tiger Johnson is going to come back from his injury and compete again and in all likelihood challenge for the NRWL Championship belt again. What I don't think Tiger is going to do when he comes back is create a lame "talk show" where he tries to make build himself up in his mind to make up for a lackluster run as a wrestler in the NRWL.
SH: Lame? Tiger can only hope to have such a classy show like this. If you don't want to be here, you can leave. We can have a good time without you. I only had you on as a guest because the NRWL made me.
Ash: And I'm only on here because I owed my agent a favor. But if you won't want me out here, I'll happily leave. You can have your "classy show" if it makes you feel good. Somehow, I will have to cope with only being *stands up and yells to crowd* NRWL CHAMPION!!! YEAH!!!!
*Ash holds the belt overhead and pumps his fist the air. He turns and faces Storm, and dangles the belt in front of Storm's face for a few seconds and walks off the set.*
SH: Yeah, get lost, and... and take your flannel shirt with you!
*Storm frowns and looks to the camera for a moment before recomposing himself.*
SH: Thanks for watching. Next time, I'm going to see to it that I get to pick my own guest. What a terrible choice. Doesn't look like a champion at all. I'd easily mistake him for an audience member. What a .. *The scene fades out while Storm is still grumbling.*
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thoughts on Tiger Johnson
The following is a message from NRWL President Mr. Sunderland.
Last night was one of the most terrifying moments in my life. At the conclusion of the event Tiger Johnson was left in the ring with a horrible injury. We've had injuries in the NRWL before. It is part of the sport. We even had some career ending injuries. This one felt different. I knew as soon as I saw him wheeled backstage on a stretcher that Tiger Johnson was hurt badly. I could read it on the faces of our medical staff. It was bad. Mr. Charles and I rode with Tiger in the ambulance and stayed at his side throughout the night. We were relieved to learn that the injury was not life threatening and it sounds like Tiger has narrowly avoided paralysis. From a wrestling standpoint, however, it doesn't look so good. I have worked with Tiger Johnson throughout his entire wrestling career and I am flooded with memories of that career today.
Tiger Johnson came to me shortly after he was discharged from the military. He was a big man with a lot of fighting spirit and I knew he would be a great fit for Masters of Wrestling, the company I was running at the time. Tiger was a dominating force in MoW. I saw the potential and knew that someday he would be champion. Unfortunately, Tiger suffered a horrible knee injury during a match. It completely changed his career path. While recovering from the injury, Tiger refused to sit back and rest. He pushed on, wrestling with his leg encased in a large metal covered cast. He had to change his style. He adapted well, even using the cast as a weapon, but
Around this time, Mr. Charles' Super Century Strong Fighter had seen the rise of an unstoppable force named "The Mob". The Mob recruited mostly SCSF wrestlers but Tiger Johnson was one of the few crossovers. As part of The Mob, he was renamed "The Leg" and continued to wear the big metal cast though by that point his knee had mostly healed. Eventually, MoW and SCSF shut down. A handful of my wrestlers had joined Tex's Hardcore Wrestling Company and The Druid's Darkside Wrestling. Tiger Johnson was one of those men and he had reverted to his old, dominating self. Both of those companies didn't last long however. After that, Tiger Johnson stepped away from the ring completely.
When we started the second season of the NRWL, we really loaded up the roster and I hired Tiger Johnson. Unfortunately, most fans know that Season Two was too ambitious and it came and went very quickly. It wasn't until Season Five that I was able to get Tiger back into the fold. Despite being the elder statesman of the locker room, Tiger Johnson was just as impressive as he was when he debuted for MoW so many years ago. Again, I saw him dominate and knew he would be NRWL Champion. But history has a way of repeating itself and a serious injury has once again diverted his path. It is heartbreaking for me to see.
Tiger, I've seen you bounce back from the impossible. I never gave up on you before and I won't now. The NRWL will always have a spot open on the roster for you. I hope to see you fulfill your dream of being world champion someday. Get well soon.
Last night was one of the most terrifying moments in my life. At the conclusion of the event Tiger Johnson was left in the ring with a horrible injury. We've had injuries in the NRWL before. It is part of the sport. We even had some career ending injuries. This one felt different. I knew as soon as I saw him wheeled backstage on a stretcher that Tiger Johnson was hurt badly. I could read it on the faces of our medical staff. It was bad. Mr. Charles and I rode with Tiger in the ambulance and stayed at his side throughout the night. We were relieved to learn that the injury was not life threatening and it sounds like Tiger has narrowly avoided paralysis. From a wrestling standpoint, however, it doesn't look so good. I have worked with Tiger Johnson throughout his entire wrestling career and I am flooded with memories of that career today.
Tiger Johnson came to me shortly after he was discharged from the military. He was a big man with a lot of fighting spirit and I knew he would be a great fit for Masters of Wrestling, the company I was running at the time. Tiger was a dominating force in MoW. I saw the potential and knew that someday he would be champion. Unfortunately, Tiger suffered a horrible knee injury during a match. It completely changed his career path. While recovering from the injury, Tiger refused to sit back and rest. He pushed on, wrestling with his leg encased in a large metal covered cast. He had to change his style. He adapted well, even using the cast as a weapon, but
Around this time, Mr. Charles' Super Century Strong Fighter had seen the rise of an unstoppable force named "The Mob". The Mob recruited mostly SCSF wrestlers but Tiger Johnson was one of the few crossovers. As part of The Mob, he was renamed "The Leg" and continued to wear the big metal cast though by that point his knee had mostly healed. Eventually, MoW and SCSF shut down. A handful of my wrestlers had joined Tex's Hardcore Wrestling Company and The Druid's Darkside Wrestling. Tiger Johnson was one of those men and he had reverted to his old, dominating self. Both of those companies didn't last long however. After that, Tiger Johnson stepped away from the ring completely.
When we started the second season of the NRWL, we really loaded up the roster and I hired Tiger Johnson. Unfortunately, most fans know that Season Two was too ambitious and it came and went very quickly. It wasn't until Season Five that I was able to get Tiger back into the fold. Despite being the elder statesman of the locker room, Tiger Johnson was just as impressive as he was when he debuted for MoW so many years ago. Again, I saw him dominate and knew he would be NRWL Champion. But history has a way of repeating itself and a serious injury has once again diverted his path. It is heartbreaking for me to see.
Tiger, I've seen you bounce back from the impossible. I never gave up on you before and I won't now. The NRWL will always have a spot open on the roster for you. I hope to see you fulfill your dream of being world champion someday. Get well soon.
Tiger Johnson Suffers Career Threatening Injury
During the main event of the December 1st event, Tiger Johnson was defeated by Ash in an unsuccessful bid for the NRWL Championship. Following the match, Tiger Johnson was motionless in the ring. NRWL medical staff rushed to the ring when they realized something had gone horribly wrong.
We now have an update on Tiger Johnson's condition. Johnson's face bounced off the mat after a second facebuster slam. That impact jerked his neck in such a way that major damage was done to several vertebrae. While we are happy to report that there is no paralysis, doctors are not confident that Tiger will be able to recover for in-ring competition again.
As we get more news we will update you here on the NRWL website. All of us at NRWL wish Tiger Johnson a speedy recovery.
We now have an update on Tiger Johnson's condition. Johnson's face bounced off the mat after a second facebuster slam. That impact jerked his neck in such a way that major damage was done to several vertebrae. While we are happy to report that there is no paralysis, doctors are not confident that Tiger will be able to recover for in-ring competition again.
As we get more news we will update you here on the NRWL website. All of us at NRWL wish Tiger Johnson a speedy recovery.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
December 1st 2012 Results
NRWL's December 1st Event was a special lottery style event. This event has proved popular in the past with fans for its unpredictability. Three matches were already set for the night but the rest were determined by random drawings of wrestlers and match types.
The first match saw Mark Blood and Hardcore Adam face off in a 15 minute Ironman Match. The match was highly anticipated as soon as it was announced and both men walked down to the ring. Mark Blood and Hardcore Adam both showed impressive wrestling skills but it was Adam who got an early upper hand when the fight went to fisticuffs. Adam won the first three pinfalls. It was looking dire for Mark Blood but he started to make a comeback late in the match winning the next two pinfalls. Time had run too short for Blood as the bell rang giving Hardcore Adam a victory with a score of 3 to 2.
The next match drawn brought Killer Malone into a singles match with Apollyon of the Sons of Darkness in an Inferno Match. The only other Inferno Match in NRWL history involved Killer Malone in a losing effort against Ingoyama. Malone refused to let history repeat itself by taking the assault to Apollyon early, catching him off guard. Although Apollyon nearly threw Malone through the fire during the match, it was Malone who won the match, tossing his larger opponent through the flames and walking away with a huge victory.
Paul Priest and Johnny Young were pitted against each other in a Last Man Standing match. Both men fought hard. Paul Priest used his speed advantage against Johnny Young but Young had a strength advantage. The fans were on their feet wondering if either man could get up from the abuse they were taking. Johnny Young proved that strength beat out speed on this night as he slammed Priest to the mat with a devastating suplex that he could not recover from. Johnny Young felt the ring the winner but it would not be the last we would see of Paul Priest.
Marcus and John Fraust were pitted against each other in a KO Match. Before the match began, Tommy Violence came down to ringside to cheer on Marcus though he didn't stay for long. Marcus took an early lead in the match, making it look easy against his legendary opponent. Fraust turned the match around in his favor but Marcus didn't stay down for long. As the match went on, it appeared like Fraust didn't even care about the match. Marcus delivered an impressive Double Arm DDT that knocked Fraust out giving him a win.
Abbadon met Balance in a Backstage Brawl. Balance knew that he needed to work quickly to weaken his giant opponent and came out strong. His assault on Abbadon only lasted a minute as one slip up sent him crashing into some metal boxes. Abbadon used this to his advantage and slammed Balance into the boxes several times. In one of the most brutal finishes in NRWL history, Balance's head was crushed between a box and Abbadon's knee. Abbadon walked away as NRWL medical staff tended to Balance who was left motionless on the floor.
Jacob Washington and Scotty Paris were picked to face each other in a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match. On his way to the ring, Scotty Paris was attacked from behind by Paul Priest. Both men have had bad blood since the beginning of the season. The dazed Scotty managed to enter the ring but Jacob Washington showed no mercy. Scotty Paris held his own but was unable to fully recover from Paul Priest's assault. Washington won the match. As he walked out of the ring he watched as Paul Priest returned again. Priest climbed into the ring and attacked Scotty. Jacob Washington returned to the ring and chased Priest away. Scotty stood up and regarded Washington. Both men walked away on friendly terms.
The final lottery match of the evening was a normal singles match between Mikey Armstrong and Marty Anderson. Both men put on a wrestling clinic. Fans watched with excitement as the match went back and forth. Marty Anderson won the match by hitting a surprise Spinebuster on Mikey.
The final matches of the evening were already scheduled. Max Destruction challenged Tommy Violence to a No DQ "Fight" because he saw Tommy V and his new found friends as trouble for the NRWL. Tommy V had no intention to back down and both men hit each other with everything they had in a match that found little outside action but hard and heavy blows. Tommy V eventually pinned Max D for the win.
Bruno Kowalski and Katsutoshi found themselves in a war of words prior to the event culminating in a KO Match. Bruno found himself at a disadvantage as Katsutoshi's valet, Leiko, inserted herself in the match frequently by attacking anytime Bruno was near the ropes. It looked like the interference and Katsutoshi's speed was getting the best of Bruno, however, Bruno ultimately was able to overcome the odds and knock Katsutoshi out cold to win the match.
After winning a Fatal Four Way Number One Contender's Match at the last event, Tiger Johnson vowed to be the next NRWL Champion. Ash, the NRWL Champion, welcomed the challenge and both men fought in the main event of the evening with the title on the line. Ash maintained control of the match early on. Johnson made a comeback but not for long. Ash, determined to defend his title, continued to get the best of Tiger Johnson. Ash, in an attempt to guarantee victory, hit two devastating facebuster slams in a row. Ash pinned Johnson and successfully defended the NRWL Championship. After leaving the ring, fans and NRWL staff realized something was wrong. Tiger Johnson lay motionless in the middle of the ring. NRWL medical staff rushed to the ring as the show closed. The fate of Tiger Johnson loomed heavy over the NRWL.
The first match saw Mark Blood and Hardcore Adam face off in a 15 minute Ironman Match. The match was highly anticipated as soon as it was announced and both men walked down to the ring. Mark Blood and Hardcore Adam both showed impressive wrestling skills but it was Adam who got an early upper hand when the fight went to fisticuffs. Adam won the first three pinfalls. It was looking dire for Mark Blood but he started to make a comeback late in the match winning the next two pinfalls. Time had run too short for Blood as the bell rang giving Hardcore Adam a victory with a score of 3 to 2.
The next match drawn brought Killer Malone into a singles match with Apollyon of the Sons of Darkness in an Inferno Match. The only other Inferno Match in NRWL history involved Killer Malone in a losing effort against Ingoyama. Malone refused to let history repeat itself by taking the assault to Apollyon early, catching him off guard. Although Apollyon nearly threw Malone through the fire during the match, it was Malone who won the match, tossing his larger opponent through the flames and walking away with a huge victory.
Paul Priest and Johnny Young were pitted against each other in a Last Man Standing match. Both men fought hard. Paul Priest used his speed advantage against Johnny Young but Young had a strength advantage. The fans were on their feet wondering if either man could get up from the abuse they were taking. Johnny Young proved that strength beat out speed on this night as he slammed Priest to the mat with a devastating suplex that he could not recover from. Johnny Young felt the ring the winner but it would not be the last we would see of Paul Priest.
Marcus and John Fraust were pitted against each other in a KO Match. Before the match began, Tommy Violence came down to ringside to cheer on Marcus though he didn't stay for long. Marcus took an early lead in the match, making it look easy against his legendary opponent. Fraust turned the match around in his favor but Marcus didn't stay down for long. As the match went on, it appeared like Fraust didn't even care about the match. Marcus delivered an impressive Double Arm DDT that knocked Fraust out giving him a win.
Abbadon met Balance in a Backstage Brawl. Balance knew that he needed to work quickly to weaken his giant opponent and came out strong. His assault on Abbadon only lasted a minute as one slip up sent him crashing into some metal boxes. Abbadon used this to his advantage and slammed Balance into the boxes several times. In one of the most brutal finishes in NRWL history, Balance's head was crushed between a box and Abbadon's knee. Abbadon walked away as NRWL medical staff tended to Balance who was left motionless on the floor.
Jacob Washington and Scotty Paris were picked to face each other in a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match. On his way to the ring, Scotty Paris was attacked from behind by Paul Priest. Both men have had bad blood since the beginning of the season. The dazed Scotty managed to enter the ring but Jacob Washington showed no mercy. Scotty Paris held his own but was unable to fully recover from Paul Priest's assault. Washington won the match. As he walked out of the ring he watched as Paul Priest returned again. Priest climbed into the ring and attacked Scotty. Jacob Washington returned to the ring and chased Priest away. Scotty stood up and regarded Washington. Both men walked away on friendly terms.
The final lottery match of the evening was a normal singles match between Mikey Armstrong and Marty Anderson. Both men put on a wrestling clinic. Fans watched with excitement as the match went back and forth. Marty Anderson won the match by hitting a surprise Spinebuster on Mikey.
The final matches of the evening were already scheduled. Max Destruction challenged Tommy Violence to a No DQ "Fight" because he saw Tommy V and his new found friends as trouble for the NRWL. Tommy V had no intention to back down and both men hit each other with everything they had in a match that found little outside action but hard and heavy blows. Tommy V eventually pinned Max D for the win.
Bruno Kowalski and Katsutoshi found themselves in a war of words prior to the event culminating in a KO Match. Bruno found himself at a disadvantage as Katsutoshi's valet, Leiko, inserted herself in the match frequently by attacking anytime Bruno was near the ropes. It looked like the interference and Katsutoshi's speed was getting the best of Bruno, however, Bruno ultimately was able to overcome the odds and knock Katsutoshi out cold to win the match.
After winning a Fatal Four Way Number One Contender's Match at the last event, Tiger Johnson vowed to be the next NRWL Champion. Ash, the NRWL Champion, welcomed the challenge and both men fought in the main event of the evening with the title on the line. Ash maintained control of the match early on. Johnson made a comeback but not for long. Ash, determined to defend his title, continued to get the best of Tiger Johnson. Ash, in an attempt to guarantee victory, hit two devastating facebuster slams in a row. Ash pinned Johnson and successfully defended the NRWL Championship. After leaving the ring, fans and NRWL staff realized something was wrong. Tiger Johnson lay motionless in the middle of the ring. NRWL medical staff rushed to the ring as the show closed. The fate of Tiger Johnson loomed heavy over the NRWL.
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