[“Hardcore Adam” is walking through the back hallways of the arena. He turns a corner and almost runs into a large man.]
Adam: Whoa! Oh, hey Tiger.
Tiger Johnson: How’s it going, Adam?
[The two give a manly forearm handshake]
Adam: Hey, I wanted to tell you thank you for having my back in that tag team match.
Tiger: No problem, boss.
Adam: I hope Mark, Tornado, and Warlock come to an understanding soon. I don’t think anyone wants them to succeed more than I do.
Tiger: Yeah, they’re all good kids with good hearts, but a little too impatient at the moment. Once they calm down and get their footing, they’ll be fine.
Adam: Yeah. I think the real people who expected them to be the second-comings of their fathers were the media talking-heads.
Tiger: I think all of us in this business have gone through what they’re feeling, and have made some reckless and not-so-wise decisions.
Adam: I hear that. My first few years in the SCSF weren’t that spectacular. I lost a LOT. And I used to get so furious that I was essentially treated as a joke and ostracized. It wasn’t until that I was able to pull-off that unlikely title victory before I started getting recognized and respected.
Tiger: Yeah. And I’ve made a bad choice or two early in my career. Remember after my leg injury the stint with the first iteration of The Mob?
Adam: Yeah, who can forget. But anyway, thanks again for watching out for me during the match.
Tiger: No problem, boss.
Adam: You know, not to sound too cliche’, but I think we make a pretty good tag team. I think we could probably make a run for the tag belts. Not looking for a decision now, but mull it over and let--
Tiger: No need to mull. I think we can do it.
Adam: Nice! Alright, let’s show everyone there’s still some fight left in these old dogs! Let’s start by taking out the Sons of Darkness. If we can top them, it can vault us into title contention.
Tiger: Let’s do it.
[Tiger and Adam walk away discussing strategy as the scene fades out.]
Showing posts with label Tiger Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tiger Johnson. Show all posts
Friday, May 9, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A Common Bond
[Tornado's music plays and he walks down to the ring with none of the usual emotion.]
WarHead: This kid's got something on his mind. I can see it on his face.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Well, he's had a rough go of it lately.
[As Tornado is about to step into the ring his music stops and Warlock's music begins to play. Warlock appears and walks to the ring with a straight face.]
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'm checking my notes. I'm not aware of these guys having a match. I'm not sure what's going on here.
[Warlock climbs into the ring and shakes hands with Tornado. They both look around the arena. Tornado walks over to the corner of the ring and retrieves microphones for himself and Warlock.]
WarHead: This is definitely unusual. What is going on here?
Tornado: There are a lot of guys in the NRWL locker room these days. None of them have it any harder than guys like Warlock and myself. Other wrestlers come in and make a name for themselves with a clean slate. The climb to the top isn't scrutinized from the start. They are given time to grow. Not us. We are both second generation wrestlers. My father, Cyclone, is one of the greatest fighters in SCSF history. Warlock's father, The Druid, was an iconic member of the MoW roster. For those reasons alone, we are held to a higher standard.
Warlock: We came here to make names for ourselves, not to cater to people who just want to see more of their retired heroes. We aren't here so people can use us to latch onto their memories of the past. We have our own legacies to build.
Tornado: Even in the locker room, we don't quite fit in back there. The boys in the back don't give us the same amount of respect they give each other. It's like they don't believe we earned our spots in this company the same way they did. It's gotten old fast. So, we decided that it's time to stick together. If everyone is against us, then we might as well have each others' backs.
Warlock: But... two isn't enough.
[Nirvana's "Scentless Apprentice" begins to play through the arena. The crowd looks to the stage, waiting for someone to come out. A section of fans start to make noise. As attention shifts to them, a man in a hoodie and faded jeans comes walking toward the ring from the crowd.]
WarHead: Hey! Is that Mark Blood?
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: We haven't seen him lately. Where has he been?
[Mark Blood jumps the barricade and climbs into the ring. Warlock hands him his microphone. Mark Blood waits for the audience to settle before speaking.]
Mark Blood: If there is anyone who knows the difficulty of being given the shaft by the NRWL for being a second generation wrestler, it's me. Ever since I came here it's been an uphill battle. All I ever wanted to do was work my way to the top and become the champion, just like my friends in the ring here. But right from the start, I've been treated like a black sheep.
[The crowd begins to get noisy again with mixed emotions. Some supportive, others negative.]
Mark Blood: OK, so you want proof? Where do I begin? Right from the start, the office decreed me as a disappointment because I didn't win the NRWL Championship tournament when this company relaunched. Somehow, the second generation guy should have picked up the torch right off the bat. Remember the Colors Tournament? Johnny Young's team won that tournament. Ash's team lost. One of his excuses for losing? That I was on his team. I never forgot that. Last season, these two [Mark points to the announcer's table] continued to say "if he loses this match, he's done", "he's hasn't won a match in quite a while", while ignoring the fact that a lot of guys had lackluster showings all season long. I'm still here. Some of those other guys aren't. Let's not forget that I was involved in some of the more interesting, long running feuds with some of this industries biggest names. Johnny Young and I brawled many times. I took John Fraust to the absolute limits. Bruno, Slam Jackson, I could go on. Despite what I've done for this company I've never gotten respect... except from you fans.
[Mark Blood points to the people in the audience.]
Mark Blood: The reason I am still here is because you people always saw me for who I was. A fighter. One who kept getting into the ring no matter what. How many guys stayed out of the ring last season with injuries? I was almost blinded, and yet, I came back week after week and competed while other guys hosted awful talk shows or pretended to be injured worse than they were for sympathy. NRWL never cared that I kept going. You people did. That is why I came to this ring through the crowd tonight. The NRWL offices and locker room gave me the cold shoulder but you always stuck by me. Thank you.
[The crowd cheers for themselves.]
Mark Blood: I also noticed your appreciation for Tornado and Warlock. You cheer for them. You hold up signs in support of them despite the company ignoring them. These guys deserve better than the way this company perceives them. So we got together, the three of us, and decided that working together to fight the system is the way to succeed.
Tornado: This company wants us to stand in for our fathers, not be ourselves. The only way to prove them wrong is to fight back. This is your official notice. We're taking over and we're doing it our own way.
[Suddenly, Hardcore Adam's music begins to play and he steps out onto the stage with Tiger Johnson. Both men walk down to the ring and climb in.]
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Adam and Tiger? What is this about?
WarHead: Who cares! I'm still stinging from Mark Blood critiquing my announcing!
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: He jabbed both of us.
WarHead: Yeah, but I can't totally fault him for taking a jab at you, Amp.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Funny.
[Adam and Tiger both have microphones in hand.]
Hardcore Adam: Whoa, whoa. Guys. What is this about? Mark, Tornado, I've been tag team partners with both of you. Warlock, we've traveled together between shows. We're all friends here. You never told me you were this upset. I have to be honest. I think you're making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be.
Tiger Johnson: Hey, I get it. I mean, we are both good friends of all of your fathers and we--
Tornado: And that's the problem! You don't get it! It's not about our fathers. This is about what's best for us and only us.
Mark Blood: We aren't asking for much. We just want to be put against the same measuring stick as everyone else. We respect our families' legacies. We respect those who came before us. We just don't want to be treated like disappointments because we haven't been the replacements. We've only tried to be ourselves.
Tiger Johnson: We don't see you that way. We don't. We just think this tirade on the NRWL is a little extreme.
Hardcore Adam: Why didn't you talk to us about this? You know you can trust us.
Tornado: We're doing this alone.
Mark Blood: And let's not kid ourselves here, Adam. What are you going to do about it?
Hardcore Adam: We could work together to figure something out.
[Mark shakes his head and starts to turn around to walk away in frustration. Tiger grabs his shoulder.]
Tiger Johnson: Come on. Just listen to the man.
[Mark throws Tiger's hand off of his shoulder. He gets in Tiger's face.]
Mark Blood: We made it clear the three of us are doing this together. If you want to get in our way, fine. You two against Tornado and me.
[Hardcore Adam takes off his sunglasses and steps toe to toe with Tornado. Warlock steps up behind Mark Blood and Tornado. All five men hold a tense stare down before Adam and Tiger step out of the ring.]
WarHead: I think it's safe to say we have a match.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: These kids have a huge chip on their shoulder. I hope Hardcore Adam and Tiger Johnson know what they've gotten themselves in the middle of. This could get ugly.
WarHead: This kid's got something on his mind. I can see it on his face.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Well, he's had a rough go of it lately.
[As Tornado is about to step into the ring his music stops and Warlock's music begins to play. Warlock appears and walks to the ring with a straight face.]
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'm checking my notes. I'm not aware of these guys having a match. I'm not sure what's going on here.
[Warlock climbs into the ring and shakes hands with Tornado. They both look around the arena. Tornado walks over to the corner of the ring and retrieves microphones for himself and Warlock.]
WarHead: This is definitely unusual. What is going on here?
Tornado: There are a lot of guys in the NRWL locker room these days. None of them have it any harder than guys like Warlock and myself. Other wrestlers come in and make a name for themselves with a clean slate. The climb to the top isn't scrutinized from the start. They are given time to grow. Not us. We are both second generation wrestlers. My father, Cyclone, is one of the greatest fighters in SCSF history. Warlock's father, The Druid, was an iconic member of the MoW roster. For those reasons alone, we are held to a higher standard.
Warlock: We came here to make names for ourselves, not to cater to people who just want to see more of their retired heroes. We aren't here so people can use us to latch onto their memories of the past. We have our own legacies to build.
Tornado: Even in the locker room, we don't quite fit in back there. The boys in the back don't give us the same amount of respect they give each other. It's like they don't believe we earned our spots in this company the same way they did. It's gotten old fast. So, we decided that it's time to stick together. If everyone is against us, then we might as well have each others' backs.
Warlock: But... two isn't enough.
[Nirvana's "Scentless Apprentice" begins to play through the arena. The crowd looks to the stage, waiting for someone to come out. A section of fans start to make noise. As attention shifts to them, a man in a hoodie and faded jeans comes walking toward the ring from the crowd.]
WarHead: Hey! Is that Mark Blood?
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: We haven't seen him lately. Where has he been?
[Mark Blood jumps the barricade and climbs into the ring. Warlock hands him his microphone. Mark Blood waits for the audience to settle before speaking.]
Mark Blood: If there is anyone who knows the difficulty of being given the shaft by the NRWL for being a second generation wrestler, it's me. Ever since I came here it's been an uphill battle. All I ever wanted to do was work my way to the top and become the champion, just like my friends in the ring here. But right from the start, I've been treated like a black sheep.
[The crowd begins to get noisy again with mixed emotions. Some supportive, others negative.]
Mark Blood: OK, so you want proof? Where do I begin? Right from the start, the office decreed me as a disappointment because I didn't win the NRWL Championship tournament when this company relaunched. Somehow, the second generation guy should have picked up the torch right off the bat. Remember the Colors Tournament? Johnny Young's team won that tournament. Ash's team lost. One of his excuses for losing? That I was on his team. I never forgot that. Last season, these two [Mark points to the announcer's table] continued to say "if he loses this match, he's done", "he's hasn't won a match in quite a while", while ignoring the fact that a lot of guys had lackluster showings all season long. I'm still here. Some of those other guys aren't. Let's not forget that I was involved in some of the more interesting, long running feuds with some of this industries biggest names. Johnny Young and I brawled many times. I took John Fraust to the absolute limits. Bruno, Slam Jackson, I could go on. Despite what I've done for this company I've never gotten respect... except from you fans.
[Mark Blood points to the people in the audience.]
Mark Blood: The reason I am still here is because you people always saw me for who I was. A fighter. One who kept getting into the ring no matter what. How many guys stayed out of the ring last season with injuries? I was almost blinded, and yet, I came back week after week and competed while other guys hosted awful talk shows or pretended to be injured worse than they were for sympathy. NRWL never cared that I kept going. You people did. That is why I came to this ring through the crowd tonight. The NRWL offices and locker room gave me the cold shoulder but you always stuck by me. Thank you.
[The crowd cheers for themselves.]
Mark Blood: I also noticed your appreciation for Tornado and Warlock. You cheer for them. You hold up signs in support of them despite the company ignoring them. These guys deserve better than the way this company perceives them. So we got together, the three of us, and decided that working together to fight the system is the way to succeed.
Tornado: This company wants us to stand in for our fathers, not be ourselves. The only way to prove them wrong is to fight back. This is your official notice. We're taking over and we're doing it our own way.
[Suddenly, Hardcore Adam's music begins to play and he steps out onto the stage with Tiger Johnson. Both men walk down to the ring and climb in.]
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Adam and Tiger? What is this about?
WarHead: Who cares! I'm still stinging from Mark Blood critiquing my announcing!
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: He jabbed both of us.
WarHead: Yeah, but I can't totally fault him for taking a jab at you, Amp.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Funny.
[Adam and Tiger both have microphones in hand.]
Hardcore Adam: Whoa, whoa. Guys. What is this about? Mark, Tornado, I've been tag team partners with both of you. Warlock, we've traveled together between shows. We're all friends here. You never told me you were this upset. I have to be honest. I think you're making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be.
Tiger Johnson: Hey, I get it. I mean, we are both good friends of all of your fathers and we--
Tornado: And that's the problem! You don't get it! It's not about our fathers. This is about what's best for us and only us.
Mark Blood: We aren't asking for much. We just want to be put against the same measuring stick as everyone else. We respect our families' legacies. We respect those who came before us. We just don't want to be treated like disappointments because we haven't been the replacements. We've only tried to be ourselves.
Tiger Johnson: We don't see you that way. We don't. We just think this tirade on the NRWL is a little extreme.
Hardcore Adam: Why didn't you talk to us about this? You know you can trust us.
Tornado: We're doing this alone.
Mark Blood: And let's not kid ourselves here, Adam. What are you going to do about it?
Hardcore Adam: We could work together to figure something out.
[Mark shakes his head and starts to turn around to walk away in frustration. Tiger grabs his shoulder.]
Tiger Johnson: Come on. Just listen to the man.
[Mark throws Tiger's hand off of his shoulder. He gets in Tiger's face.]
Mark Blood: We made it clear the three of us are doing this together. If you want to get in our way, fine. You two against Tornado and me.
[Hardcore Adam takes off his sunglasses and steps toe to toe with Tornado. Warlock steps up behind Mark Blood and Tornado. All five men hold a tense stare down before Adam and Tiger step out of the ring.]
WarHead: I think it's safe to say we have a match.
Jim "The Amp" Johnson: These kids have a huge chip on their shoulder. I hope Hardcore Adam and Tiger Johnson know what they've gotten themselves in the middle of. This could get ugly.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The Line Is Long
[Jay Phillips is in a backstage interview area with Johnny Young. Johnny is looking at his wrist and adjusting his wrist tape.]
Jay Phillips: Johnny Young, we are starting another great season here in the NRWL. I wanted to get your thoughts on this season and where you think it will take you?
[Johnny looks up from the wrist tape and slides his sunglasses down over his nose a bit to look at Jay.]
Johnny Young: Jay, the last two seasons have been pretty big for The Star Player. I had another championship run, I was involved in some very memorable fights with some great opponents, and I lived up to the title of The Star Player. This season, I have one thing in mind, and that's getting the NRWL Championship around my waist yet again. Bruno Kowalski, you've been a great champion but all title reigns must come to an end. The Star Player is coming to get his belt back.
Jay Phillips: Well, I think the message is quite clear. The Star Player is looking for a shot at the NRWL Championship and --
[Suddenly, Max Destruction steps in to interrupt the interview.]
Max Destruction: Not so fast, Johnny. If there's one guy who should have a title shot, it's me. Bruno can't keep hiding from me forever. He's danced around the issue long enough. That title is mine. Not yours.
[Max looks over at someone else coming into the interview area. John Fraust steps into view and stares down Max and Johnny.]
John Fraust: Both of you will have to wait. I earned my title shot and closed out last season with a hell of a match against Bruno. It took everything he had to stop me. I'm not done with him yet. I've been in this game a long time and I've more than earned another crack at the title.
[Tiger Johnson walks in and looks at Fraust, Johnny, and Max.]
Tiger Johnson: Fraust, I can't disagree. You've earned everyone's respect and I am sure another title opportunity will come your way, but not yet. I've been in this business a lot longer than you and I've overcome every obstacle that has been in my way. No one thought I would be back in the NRWL but here I am. A champion is a man who perseveres. I'm back and I'm here for the NRWL Championship.
[Johnny Young steps in the middle of everyone.]
Johnny Young: Boys, the line to the top is a long one and we aren't the only ones in it. One thing is for certain. There can only be one top dog in this company. Today, it's Bruno Kowalski. I'm telling you right now, I'm going to be back on top. I don't care if I have to go through all of you and the rest of the NRWL locker room. The Star Player is reclaiming his spot. This is my season.
[Johnny walks off, leaving the other three standing there. Jay Phillips appears to be at a loss for words. Max, Tiger, and Fraust are staring at each other.]
Jay Phillips: Well... if nothing else, it's going to be an interesting season.
John Fraust: Yeah. Real interesting...
[Fraust, Tiger and Max walk away in separate directions. Jay adjusts his collar and looks at the camera as the scene fades out.]
Jay Phillips: Johnny Young, we are starting another great season here in the NRWL. I wanted to get your thoughts on this season and where you think it will take you?
[Johnny looks up from the wrist tape and slides his sunglasses down over his nose a bit to look at Jay.]
Johnny Young: Jay, the last two seasons have been pretty big for The Star Player. I had another championship run, I was involved in some very memorable fights with some great opponents, and I lived up to the title of The Star Player. This season, I have one thing in mind, and that's getting the NRWL Championship around my waist yet again. Bruno Kowalski, you've been a great champion but all title reigns must come to an end. The Star Player is coming to get his belt back.
Jay Phillips: Well, I think the message is quite clear. The Star Player is looking for a shot at the NRWL Championship and --
[Suddenly, Max Destruction steps in to interrupt the interview.]
Max Destruction: Not so fast, Johnny. If there's one guy who should have a title shot, it's me. Bruno can't keep hiding from me forever. He's danced around the issue long enough. That title is mine. Not yours.
[Max looks over at someone else coming into the interview area. John Fraust steps into view and stares down Max and Johnny.]
John Fraust: Both of you will have to wait. I earned my title shot and closed out last season with a hell of a match against Bruno. It took everything he had to stop me. I'm not done with him yet. I've been in this game a long time and I've more than earned another crack at the title.
[Tiger Johnson walks in and looks at Fraust, Johnny, and Max.]
Tiger Johnson: Fraust, I can't disagree. You've earned everyone's respect and I am sure another title opportunity will come your way, but not yet. I've been in this business a lot longer than you and I've overcome every obstacle that has been in my way. No one thought I would be back in the NRWL but here I am. A champion is a man who perseveres. I'm back and I'm here for the NRWL Championship.
[Johnny Young steps in the middle of everyone.]
Johnny Young: Boys, the line to the top is a long one and we aren't the only ones in it. One thing is for certain. There can only be one top dog in this company. Today, it's Bruno Kowalski. I'm telling you right now, I'm going to be back on top. I don't care if I have to go through all of you and the rest of the NRWL locker room. The Star Player is reclaiming his spot. This is my season.
[Johnny walks off, leaving the other three standing there. Jay Phillips appears to be at a loss for words. Max, Tiger, and Fraust are staring at each other.]
Jay Phillips: Well... if nothing else, it's going to be an interesting season.
John Fraust: Yeah. Real interesting...
[Fraust, Tiger and Max walk away in separate directions. Jay adjusts his collar and looks at the camera as the scene fades out.]
Friday, November 15, 2013
A Veteran Returns
Early in Season Five, wrestling veteran Tiger Johnson was injured in a NRWL Championship title match against then-champion, Ash. Tiger's injury appeared to be career threatening at the time. The NRWL moved forward, keeping a place for Tiger in the event he could return to action. We are pleased to announce that Tiger Johnson has been cleared to return to the ring and will be a part of the Season Six roster.
Speaking of his return, Tiger wanted to thank the fans and the NRWL for continuing to believe in him.
Tiger Johnson suffered a neck injury after Ash dropped him with two consecutive Fan's Favorite Finishers. Initially, NRWL doctors believed that it could be career threatening, however, within a few weeks, the prognosis had changed and with proper rehabilitation Tiger could return to action. Despite the injury coming at the hands of Ash, Tiger says he holds no ill will for the popular wrestling star.
NRWL and its fans are pleased to welcome Tiger Johnson back. Tiger, see you soon in Season Six!
Speaking of his return, Tiger wanted to thank the fans and the NRWL for continuing to believe in him.
"It was hard to sit at home and watch this incredible season go by and knowing I couldn't be a part of it. As I watched the audience throughout the season, it meant so much to me to see the fans still holding signs for me. Whenever I was out in public, a fan would always come up to me and ask when I was coming back. Mr. Charles and Mr. Sunderland, as well as everyone at NRWL, was so supportive of me throughout my recovery. It was that support and my love for the wrestling business that drove me to get back into ring shape and come back better than ever. I am eager to get back in the ring."
Tiger Johnson suffered a neck injury after Ash dropped him with two consecutive Fan's Favorite Finishers. Initially, NRWL doctors believed that it could be career threatening, however, within a few weeks, the prognosis had changed and with proper rehabilitation Tiger could return to action. Despite the injury coming at the hands of Ash, Tiger says he holds no ill will for the popular wrestling star.
"Ash was defending the NRWL Championship and gave it his all. What happened to me is what could happen anytime we step into that ring. I'm just happy to be back. I had an opportunity to capture the NRWL Championship. I wasn't successful but I feel the hunger for gold now more than ever. I will climb back up the ranks and I get an opportunity once again."
NRWL and its fans are pleased to welcome Tiger Johnson back. Tiger, see you soon in Season Six!
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, November 24, 2012
A Hungry Tiger Stalks His Prey
*Jay Phillips is in the ring with a microphone.*
Jay Phillips: Ladies and gentleman, my guest at this time is the current number one contender for the NRWL Championship. He will be facing Ash at the next event in an attempt to win it all. Please give a warm welcome to Tiger Johnson!
*The crowd cheers and Tiger Johnson walks out from backstage. He is smiling and slapping hands with the fans on his way to the ring. He stands in the ring, saltines the crowd and then shakes Jay's hand.*
JP: Tiger Johnson, it has been a long road for you. You started in Masters of Wrestling, built a long legacy that has extended to the NRWL. But now you are preparing for what is arguably the biggest match in your career. At the next event you will face Ash for the NRWL Championship. How does it feel to have this opportunity?
Tiger Johnson: Jay, no argument at all. This is the biggest match of my career. I've done a lot. I've been around a long time. I could have hung up the boots and enjoyed retirement. I would have been happy with the legacy I already had. But the truth is, I would always know in the back of my mind that I could have done more. The NRWL graciously gave me that opportunity to come back and give it another go and I am making the most of it. I'm feeling great. I'm feeling hungry for gold and I will become NRWL Champion!
*The crowd cheers but it is a somewhat muted response. Despite Tiger Johnson's popularity, the current champion, Ash, is extremely popular with the fans as well.*
JP: Tiger, you sound ready to go but do you have any words for your opponent the NRWL Champion, Ash?
*The crowd cheers when Ash's name is mentioned. Tiger smiles and addresses the crowd.*
TJ: Hey, I feel you! I'm a fan of Ash too. I think he's a great wrestler and is worthy of the NRWL Championship but when the bell rings, he is competition to me. Ash, you are an incredible talent and its obvious why these fans respect you. I am honored to have the opportunity to step into the ring with you. But you have something I want and you had better understand that failure is not an option here. I want to be the next NRWL Champion. You are in for the fight of your life. When it's over, I will shake your hand in respect but that gold strap? It's going to be around my waist. Ash, I'll see you in the ring.
*Tiger Johnson shakes Jay's hand again and steps out of the ring, shaking hands with fans on the outside. He walks to the top of the ramp, salutes the crowd, and walks backstage.*
JP: Well there you have it, fans. Tiger Johnson sounds ready to battle Ash for the NRWL Championship. I am sure we'll get a response from Ash soon. What will the NRWL Champion have to say?
Jay Phillips: Ladies and gentleman, my guest at this time is the current number one contender for the NRWL Championship. He will be facing Ash at the next event in an attempt to win it all. Please give a warm welcome to Tiger Johnson!
*The crowd cheers and Tiger Johnson walks out from backstage. He is smiling and slapping hands with the fans on his way to the ring. He stands in the ring, saltines the crowd and then shakes Jay's hand.*
JP: Tiger Johnson, it has been a long road for you. You started in Masters of Wrestling, built a long legacy that has extended to the NRWL. But now you are preparing for what is arguably the biggest match in your career. At the next event you will face Ash for the NRWL Championship. How does it feel to have this opportunity?
Tiger Johnson: Jay, no argument at all. This is the biggest match of my career. I've done a lot. I've been around a long time. I could have hung up the boots and enjoyed retirement. I would have been happy with the legacy I already had. But the truth is, I would always know in the back of my mind that I could have done more. The NRWL graciously gave me that opportunity to come back and give it another go and I am making the most of it. I'm feeling great. I'm feeling hungry for gold and I will become NRWL Champion!
*The crowd cheers but it is a somewhat muted response. Despite Tiger Johnson's popularity, the current champion, Ash, is extremely popular with the fans as well.*
JP: Tiger, you sound ready to go but do you have any words for your opponent the NRWL Champion, Ash?
*The crowd cheers when Ash's name is mentioned. Tiger smiles and addresses the crowd.*
TJ: Hey, I feel you! I'm a fan of Ash too. I think he's a great wrestler and is worthy of the NRWL Championship but when the bell rings, he is competition to me. Ash, you are an incredible talent and its obvious why these fans respect you. I am honored to have the opportunity to step into the ring with you. But you have something I want and you had better understand that failure is not an option here. I want to be the next NRWL Champion. You are in for the fight of your life. When it's over, I will shake your hand in respect but that gold strap? It's going to be around my waist. Ash, I'll see you in the ring.
*Tiger Johnson shakes Jay's hand again and steps out of the ring, shaking hands with fans on the outside. He walks to the top of the ramp, salutes the crowd, and walks backstage.*
JP: Well there you have it, fans. Tiger Johnson sounds ready to battle Ash for the NRWL Championship. I am sure we'll get a response from Ash soon. What will the NRWL Champion have to say?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Storm Watch with Guest Tiger Johnson
*An announcer's voice comes on throughout the NRWL Arena. At the top of the entrance ramp, a desk, a couch, and a live band are setup*
Announcer: It's time for Storm Watch with Storm Harrison! Our guest tonight, Tiger Johnson! Music by Tony Raine and the Tornadoes! And now, your host, SSSTTTOOORRRM!!! HARRRRIIIISSSOONN!!!!
*Storm Harrison walks out to the stage smiling and clapping as Tony Raine and the Tornadoes play music for him. He points out to the crowd who gives him a warm response. He bows and stands at the top of the ramp waiting for the crowd to die down. He then takes a seat at his desk.*
Storm Harrison: Wow. Yes! Thank you! It's great to be here. Let's give it up for my band, the ever talented Tony Raine and the Tornadoes! Yeah!
*The crowd cheers and Storm claps along with them.*
SH: Tony. How ya doing?
Tony Raine: Great as always, Storm. Ready for the show?
SH: You bet and what a show we have. Folks tonight is a big deal. Tonight the second event of the NRWL's fifth season is happening and there are some really great matches on this card. Arguably, the biggest match of the night is the Fatal Four Way match to determine the number one contender for the NRWL Championship. Well we've got one of the competitors here on this very show tonight. Without further adieu, I'd like to bring him out. Ladies and gentleman, lets get some noise going for Tiger Johnson!!! Tony, play him in!
*The Tornadoes begin playing "Loser" by Beck instead of Tiger's own music. Tiger steps out from backstage and gives a confused look to Tony Raine and his band. He shakes his head and then walks over to meet Storm Harrison. Both men shake hands. Storm sits back down behind his desk and Tiger sits down on the couch next to the desk. Once the fans quiet down, both men begin to interact.*
SH: Tiger Johnson, welcome to Storm Watch. How are you?
Tiger Johnson: Glad to be here, Storm. Big night tonight and I'm happy to be here to promote the big match.
SH: Ah yes, the Fatal Four Way match. We are going to get to that but I'd like to ask you about how you got to this point. It seems like everyone knows you from your history in Masters of Wrestling but before that you were in the military. Is that right?
TJ: I was, yes. Proud member of the United States Army.
SH: And we thank you for serving our proud country. Isn't that right?
*The crowd cheers.*
TJ: Well thank you. So I finished up my military career and didn't really know what to do next. Because of my size, someone suggested I step into the wrestling ring. Mr. Sunderland was running MoW at the time and hired me.
SH: And you've had a mediocre career ever since. No one who was a fan of MoW could ever forget the terrible knee injury you suffered. It really transformed your career.
TJ: Excuse me. What did you say?
SH: You became known as The Leg. You even joined the Mob for a time. It will probably go down as your legacy that you were a broken man who did what he could to scrape by ever since. Wouldn't you agree?
TJ: Now listen here. You've got it wrong.
SH: Hey, I've been there. I suffered an even more tragic injury that saddened wrestling fans worldwide. Johnny Young pushed me down the stairs. I broke my leg, badly damaged my knee, broke ribs. I was confined to a wheelchair for months while I endured surgeries and painful rehabilitation. It was terrible. Unlike you though, I will be remembered for everything I do going forward! My best days are ahead!
*The fans boo Storm.*
TJ: Being a talk show host? Let me tell you a little something about me since you seem to be completely uninformed. The doctors told me I would never wrestle again. I couldn't walk, let alone wrestle but I still showed up at the MoW shows every week. I spent every minute of everyday working to prove everyone wrong. I did everything I could to get back in that ring. I came back and I persevered. I fought tooth and nail to get back from my injury. If anything, people remember me for being a dominating force in MoW, Tex's Hardcore Wrestling, Darkside Wrestling, and now the NRWL. They told me I wouldn't wrestle again. That was 1995. It's now 2012 and I'm still here and I feel great. What did you do? You sat at home for months doing nothing. You came back, pretending to be crippled, and then attacked someone in the ring. Now, you're sitting behind a desk. Real memorable.
*Fans begin cheering. Storm bites his lower lip and closes his eyes for a moment and then just shakes his head until the fans quiet down.*
SH: You're a terrible guest, Tiger Johnson. I'm going to cut this short but before I do, we need to talk about this match of yours tonight. We have Hardcore Adam, Jacob Washington, that brute Johnny Young, and yourself. No one really believes that you have a chance in this thing. Why are you even bothering?
TJ: You son of a.... You know what? I shouldn't even take anymore of this. I should just walk out but I'm not gonna. I'm going to tell you why I am in this match. I've had a career I'm proud of. Yes, I could just enjoy retirement but I don't want to. I feel damn good, Storm. I can still hang with the boys. I'm feeling hungry for action. More importantly, I'm feeling hungry for some gold. I'm going into this match to win. Adam, Johnny, Jacob, you're going home disappointed tonight. And Ash? Get ready because after tonight, Tiger Johnson is coming for that NRWL Championship!
*The fans cheer for Tiger Johnson. Storm rolls his eyes.*
SH: Oh please. Well, that's our show for tonight. Thanks again to Tiger Johnson for showing up and providing some laughs. Thanks to Tony Raine and The Tornadoes! Next time, we've got Marty Anderson on the show. Yeah, I know, but hopefully you'll tune in anyway. Until then, good night everybody!
*Fans begin to boo. Tony Raine and The Tornadoes start play music and the microphones mute while Tiger points his finger at Storm and appears to be scolding him. Storm sits there with his eyebrow raised and smirking as the screen fades out.*
Announcer: It's time for Storm Watch with Storm Harrison! Our guest tonight, Tiger Johnson! Music by Tony Raine and the Tornadoes! And now, your host, SSSTTTOOORRRM!!! HARRRRIIIISSSOONN!!!!
*Storm Harrison walks out to the stage smiling and clapping as Tony Raine and the Tornadoes play music for him. He points out to the crowd who gives him a warm response. He bows and stands at the top of the ramp waiting for the crowd to die down. He then takes a seat at his desk.*
Storm Harrison: Wow. Yes! Thank you! It's great to be here. Let's give it up for my band, the ever talented Tony Raine and the Tornadoes! Yeah!
*The crowd cheers and Storm claps along with them.*
SH: Tony. How ya doing?
Tony Raine: Great as always, Storm. Ready for the show?
SH: You bet and what a show we have. Folks tonight is a big deal. Tonight the second event of the NRWL's fifth season is happening and there are some really great matches on this card. Arguably, the biggest match of the night is the Fatal Four Way match to determine the number one contender for the NRWL Championship. Well we've got one of the competitors here on this very show tonight. Without further adieu, I'd like to bring him out. Ladies and gentleman, lets get some noise going for Tiger Johnson!!! Tony, play him in!
*The Tornadoes begin playing "Loser" by Beck instead of Tiger's own music. Tiger steps out from backstage and gives a confused look to Tony Raine and his band. He shakes his head and then walks over to meet Storm Harrison. Both men shake hands. Storm sits back down behind his desk and Tiger sits down on the couch next to the desk. Once the fans quiet down, both men begin to interact.*
SH: Tiger Johnson, welcome to Storm Watch. How are you?
Tiger Johnson: Glad to be here, Storm. Big night tonight and I'm happy to be here to promote the big match.
SH: Ah yes, the Fatal Four Way match. We are going to get to that but I'd like to ask you about how you got to this point. It seems like everyone knows you from your history in Masters of Wrestling but before that you were in the military. Is that right?
TJ: I was, yes. Proud member of the United States Army.
SH: And we thank you for serving our proud country. Isn't that right?
*The crowd cheers.*
TJ: Well thank you. So I finished up my military career and didn't really know what to do next. Because of my size, someone suggested I step into the wrestling ring. Mr. Sunderland was running MoW at the time and hired me.
SH: And you've had a mediocre career ever since. No one who was a fan of MoW could ever forget the terrible knee injury you suffered. It really transformed your career.
TJ: Excuse me. What did you say?
SH: You became known as The Leg. You even joined the Mob for a time. It will probably go down as your legacy that you were a broken man who did what he could to scrape by ever since. Wouldn't you agree?
TJ: Now listen here. You've got it wrong.
SH: Hey, I've been there. I suffered an even more tragic injury that saddened wrestling fans worldwide. Johnny Young pushed me down the stairs. I broke my leg, badly damaged my knee, broke ribs. I was confined to a wheelchair for months while I endured surgeries and painful rehabilitation. It was terrible. Unlike you though, I will be remembered for everything I do going forward! My best days are ahead!
*The fans boo Storm.*
TJ: Being a talk show host? Let me tell you a little something about me since you seem to be completely uninformed. The doctors told me I would never wrestle again. I couldn't walk, let alone wrestle but I still showed up at the MoW shows every week. I spent every minute of everyday working to prove everyone wrong. I did everything I could to get back in that ring. I came back and I persevered. I fought tooth and nail to get back from my injury. If anything, people remember me for being a dominating force in MoW, Tex's Hardcore Wrestling, Darkside Wrestling, and now the NRWL. They told me I wouldn't wrestle again. That was 1995. It's now 2012 and I'm still here and I feel great. What did you do? You sat at home for months doing nothing. You came back, pretending to be crippled, and then attacked someone in the ring. Now, you're sitting behind a desk. Real memorable.
*Fans begin cheering. Storm bites his lower lip and closes his eyes for a moment and then just shakes his head until the fans quiet down.*
SH: You're a terrible guest, Tiger Johnson. I'm going to cut this short but before I do, we need to talk about this match of yours tonight. We have Hardcore Adam, Jacob Washington, that brute Johnny Young, and yourself. No one really believes that you have a chance in this thing. Why are you even bothering?
TJ: You son of a.... You know what? I shouldn't even take anymore of this. I should just walk out but I'm not gonna. I'm going to tell you why I am in this match. I've had a career I'm proud of. Yes, I could just enjoy retirement but I don't want to. I feel damn good, Storm. I can still hang with the boys. I'm feeling hungry for action. More importantly, I'm feeling hungry for some gold. I'm going into this match to win. Adam, Johnny, Jacob, you're going home disappointed tonight. And Ash? Get ready because after tonight, Tiger Johnson is coming for that NRWL Championship!
*The fans cheer for Tiger Johnson. Storm rolls his eyes.*
SH: Oh please. Well, that's our show for tonight. Thanks again to Tiger Johnson for showing up and providing some laughs. Thanks to Tony Raine and The Tornadoes! Next time, we've got Marty Anderson on the show. Yeah, I know, but hopefully you'll tune in anyway. Until then, good night everybody!
*Fans begin to boo. Tony Raine and The Tornadoes start play music and the microphones mute while Tiger points his finger at Storm and appears to be scolding him. Storm sits there with his eyebrow raised and smirking as the screen fades out.*
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Matchmaker
*"What You Got" by Reveille blasts over the speakers and the crowd is
instantly on its feet. Ash emerges backstage with the NRWL Championship
belt held overhead. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping fans'
hands and pumping up the crowd on his way. He climbs into the ring and
continues riling up the crowd. After a minute, he puts the belt around
his waist, takes the mic and the cheers quell...*
Ash: Hey everyone. Guess what? The fans' favorite wrestler....IS THE NRWL CHAMPION!!!
*crowd explodes with cheers*
Ash: Boy, does this feel good! A guy can get used to this *shines belt around his waist with the sleeve of his hoodie* My hat, if I had one, goes off to Johnny Young. He gave me a tough fight. But I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park because--
*"Breathe Into Me" by Red starts playing and Jacob Washingtong steps out to the stage. He walks down to the ring and stops on the mat outside of the ring. He takes a mic.*
Jacob: I'm really sorry to interrupt your celebration here, Ash, but I just can't stand by idly and let you make an idiot out of yourself. Listen to you! It's embarrassing! You're doing everything in your power to squeeze every last bit of approval from these people out here. Are you really that insecure? Just stop it already.
Ash: Who.....*who* are you? I'm sorry sir, but you must be lost. It's a big arena so it's understandable. Please see an usher and they will help you locate your seat.
*crowd laughs at Jacob*
Jacob: *smiling* Oh ho ho! Aren't you a clever boy? Cracking jokes and dishing out fourth-grade level digs. Way to act the champion. What exactly did you do to earn that title shot? I'll answer that for you. Nothing. And now you're out here parading it around like you're great or something.
Ash: I am great! Just like these fans here! You're not bad yourself. You did quite well in your match. But...you're a rookie, and that's all I got for you.
Jacob: So you beat Johnny Young! Big whoop! He hasn't done anything worth anything his entire NRWL career. And actually, neither have you! In fact, I'll go a step further and say that EVERYONE who has ever held the best since Season 3, is a complete and total joke! As of now, that belt really has no value, if any dork can hold it and it's not offered to deserving talent!
Ash: Let's cut to the chase, Jacob, cause I'm done wasting time with you. Your out here because you want a crack at this I'll bet. Am I right?
Jacob: Yeah!
Ash: Why do you deserve a title shot?
Jacob: I--
Ash: I'll answer for you. You don't!
*crowd cheers with approval. Jacob smiles and rolls his eyes. He walks over to the steps and climbs them slowly and steps into the ring. He steps toe-to-toe with Ash and looks him in the eye, still smiling wily. Just then, "Stain" by Full Devil Jackets plays. Ash and Jacob turn their gaze towards the top of the ramp, and Johnny Young steps out to a thunderous applause from the crowd. He walks down to the ring, grabs a mic, and steps in and leans back against the turnbuckle.*
Johnny: Aaawww yeeeaahh...how about we start talking about how the Star Player fits into all this? Ash, who is this guy you let into the ring?
Ash: Jared Wilkenson.
*Jacob turns to Johnny and stands right in his face*
Jacob: My name is Jacob Washington. You got something to say to me?
Johnny: Jacob....Jacob...? Oh! You're the guy who said a minutes ago that I never accomplished anything in the NRWL. Interesting...I didn't think being a 2-time NRWL Champion qualified as "not accomplishing anything." Congratulations on your incredible display of ignorance. I'm wondering when I'm going to get a rematch, because Jacob, you clearly aren't next in line for anything! You are irrelevant.
Jacob: Might I point out, that you lost your title....to THIS guy? *Jacob points at Ash* That's all the proof anyone needs to know that you are a bigger joke than he is. But me, I'm the real deal! I'm gonna--
*"Wake Up* by myDownfall starts blasting and "Hardcore" Adam comes out to cheers. He also climbs into the ring with a mic.*
Adam: All this talk about "rookies" and "deserving" and "next in line,"....you know, I'm usually pretty low key. I don't ask for a lot. I go out, I do my job, and I go home. But it certainly seems that the only way you get cracks at the belt is by coming out here, beating your chest, and crying for a shot. That's not my style, but if that's what it takes, then here we go. Ash, congratulations on your first title win, but I'm better than you. Johnny, you're the star player, but I'm better than you. Jacob, you're tough as nails, but I'm better than you. I want a shot at that belt.
*Tiger Johnson's theme hits and Tiger walks down to the ring. He climbs in with a mic*
Tiger: Ok, listen up everybody. Everyone in this ring can might have a valid claim for a title shot. But here's another way to look at who should get a title shot. I've been in the business for a long time. "Hardcore" Adam can attest to that. Hell, I remember when he was just called "Adam" and was known as the "Master of Submissions." But besides that, I'm the biggest man in the NRWL, I'm the toughest man in the NRWL, and I have the most devastating moves in the NRWL. I'm sure Adam can vouch for the power of the leg. So that belt should belong to the toughest guy in the federation, and that's me!
*Jacob, Johnny, Adam, and Tiger all get in each others' faces and start quarreling*
Ash: Guys! Guys! Cool it! I'm the champion, and not only am I the champion, but I'm also the fans favorite! *crowd cheers* I have my finger on the vein of what the fans want because I'm on the same page as they are! And rather than listen to you guys all talk about how great you are, we want to see you show us how great you are! So, I propose a Fatal 4-Way match between you, with the winner getting #1 contender and a shot at the belt the following show!
*crowd cheers are prospective match*
Ash: But remember, once one of you proves that you're better than the other three, you still have the hard part after that - ME! *Ash hold the belt overhead to a loud cheer* Good luck, gentlemen. I'll see one of you at the following show!
*"What You Got" blasts and Ash exits the ring, holding the belt up in one hand the his fist up in the other, pumping up the crowd as he walks backwards up the ramp. The four men in the ring stare at him as he walks away, and then they all turn and face each other silently as the scene fades*
Ash: Hey everyone. Guess what? The fans' favorite wrestler....IS THE NRWL CHAMPION!!!
*crowd explodes with cheers*
Ash: Boy, does this feel good! A guy can get used to this *shines belt around his waist with the sleeve of his hoodie* My hat, if I had one, goes off to Johnny Young. He gave me a tough fight. But I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park because--
*"Breathe Into Me" by Red starts playing and Jacob Washingtong steps out to the stage. He walks down to the ring and stops on the mat outside of the ring. He takes a mic.*
Jacob: I'm really sorry to interrupt your celebration here, Ash, but I just can't stand by idly and let you make an idiot out of yourself. Listen to you! It's embarrassing! You're doing everything in your power to squeeze every last bit of approval from these people out here. Are you really that insecure? Just stop it already.
Ash: Who.....*who* are you? I'm sorry sir, but you must be lost. It's a big arena so it's understandable. Please see an usher and they will help you locate your seat.
*crowd laughs at Jacob*
Jacob: *smiling* Oh ho ho! Aren't you a clever boy? Cracking jokes and dishing out fourth-grade level digs. Way to act the champion. What exactly did you do to earn that title shot? I'll answer that for you. Nothing. And now you're out here parading it around like you're great or something.
Ash: I am great! Just like these fans here! You're not bad yourself. You did quite well in your match. But...you're a rookie, and that's all I got for you.
Jacob: So you beat Johnny Young! Big whoop! He hasn't done anything worth anything his entire NRWL career. And actually, neither have you! In fact, I'll go a step further and say that EVERYONE who has ever held the best since Season 3, is a complete and total joke! As of now, that belt really has no value, if any dork can hold it and it's not offered to deserving talent!
Ash: Let's cut to the chase, Jacob, cause I'm done wasting time with you. Your out here because you want a crack at this I'll bet. Am I right?
Jacob: Yeah!
Ash: Why do you deserve a title shot?
Jacob: I--
Ash: I'll answer for you. You don't!
*crowd cheers with approval. Jacob smiles and rolls his eyes. He walks over to the steps and climbs them slowly and steps into the ring. He steps toe-to-toe with Ash and looks him in the eye, still smiling wily. Just then, "Stain" by Full Devil Jackets plays. Ash and Jacob turn their gaze towards the top of the ramp, and Johnny Young steps out to a thunderous applause from the crowd. He walks down to the ring, grabs a mic, and steps in and leans back against the turnbuckle.*
Johnny: Aaawww yeeeaahh...how about we start talking about how the Star Player fits into all this? Ash, who is this guy you let into the ring?
Ash: Jared Wilkenson.
*Jacob turns to Johnny and stands right in his face*
Jacob: My name is Jacob Washington. You got something to say to me?
Johnny: Jacob....Jacob...? Oh! You're the guy who said a minutes ago that I never accomplished anything in the NRWL. Interesting...I didn't think being a 2-time NRWL Champion qualified as "not accomplishing anything." Congratulations on your incredible display of ignorance. I'm wondering when I'm going to get a rematch, because Jacob, you clearly aren't next in line for anything! You are irrelevant.
Jacob: Might I point out, that you lost your title....to THIS guy? *Jacob points at Ash* That's all the proof anyone needs to know that you are a bigger joke than he is. But me, I'm the real deal! I'm gonna--
*"Wake Up* by myDownfall starts blasting and "Hardcore" Adam comes out to cheers. He also climbs into the ring with a mic.*
Adam: All this talk about "rookies" and "deserving" and "next in line,"....you know, I'm usually pretty low key. I don't ask for a lot. I go out, I do my job, and I go home. But it certainly seems that the only way you get cracks at the belt is by coming out here, beating your chest, and crying for a shot. That's not my style, but if that's what it takes, then here we go. Ash, congratulations on your first title win, but I'm better than you. Johnny, you're the star player, but I'm better than you. Jacob, you're tough as nails, but I'm better than you. I want a shot at that belt.
*Tiger Johnson's theme hits and Tiger walks down to the ring. He climbs in with a mic*
Tiger: Ok, listen up everybody. Everyone in this ring can might have a valid claim for a title shot. But here's another way to look at who should get a title shot. I've been in the business for a long time. "Hardcore" Adam can attest to that. Hell, I remember when he was just called "Adam" and was known as the "Master of Submissions." But besides that, I'm the biggest man in the NRWL, I'm the toughest man in the NRWL, and I have the most devastating moves in the NRWL. I'm sure Adam can vouch for the power of the leg. So that belt should belong to the toughest guy in the federation, and that's me!
*Jacob, Johnny, Adam, and Tiger all get in each others' faces and start quarreling*
Ash: Guys! Guys! Cool it! I'm the champion, and not only am I the champion, but I'm also the fans favorite! *crowd cheers* I have my finger on the vein of what the fans want because I'm on the same page as they are! And rather than listen to you guys all talk about how great you are, we want to see you show us how great you are! So, I propose a Fatal 4-Way match between you, with the winner getting #1 contender and a shot at the belt the following show!
*crowd cheers are prospective match*
Ash: But remember, once one of you proves that you're better than the other three, you still have the hard part after that - ME! *Ash hold the belt overhead to a loud cheer* Good luck, gentlemen. I'll see one of you at the following show!
*"What You Got" blasts and Ash exits the ring, holding the belt up in one hand the his fist up in the other, pumping up the crowd as he walks backwards up the ramp. The four men in the ring stare at him as he walks away, and then they all turn and face each other silently as the scene fades*
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