Rock n' Roll Throughout the Ages

[Mr. Europa]

Hi!

I've been lurking and mostly wish-posting my way through this lovely pandemic year on these boards, and I'm feeling the itch to be creative. With that in mind, let's run a fed.

The idea: 

Simply put, I want to run a history of the storied Rock n' Roll Wrestling federation, from 1980 - 2000 and 2020 - 2040. To do this, I'll run concurrent playthroughs on 80MW and MMW. I'm leaving a gap between 2000 and 2020 because pretending that MMW picks up in 2001 just doesn't feel right, given both the parodies available in MMW and the massive roster overhaul that would take place seemingly overnight. Instead of simply plowing through 20 years in 80MW, skipping 20, and then picking up with MMW in 2020, I'll focus this story on MMW and use the events of the 80MW playthrough for creative flashbacks, hoping some fun parallels get drawn between past and present. Did you like Lost? Me neither. This'll be that, but better executed on a fraction of the budget. 

The execution:

This will be played using the "Monthly" booking format for each game, for reasons that will become clear. Now, I've e-fedded before to varying degrees of success, and something about being in total control of outcomes made the whole experience boring. So instead of using this game's built-in mechanisms of control (i.e. "Commissioner's Decision"), I'm going to rely on the game's decisions to propel the narrative. I'm not consciously booking as much as I'm using a poorly-booked card to force my hand as a storyteller. I'm less like Vince, and more like JR on commentary wondering what the hell he's gonna do to polish this steaming turd of a card. Fun!

While I am not booking in any specific way, I will fill matches either according to available rankings or tried-and-true coin flips. Frankly, coin flips will determine a lot of this fed behind the scenes. When in doubt, just remember I'm trying to keep things as random as possible, while applying as much creative polish as possible. If I do decide that a certain feud needs to play out, I'll find a way to mention that out of context. As much fun as Wally Saratoga's surprise run with the Cruiserweight title in my most recent MMW playthrough was, I also wish I spent less time watching Black Plague destroy him before and after the run. A real feud would've been nice there, and I may step out of the creative shadows to affect an outcome here or there in the future.

This will count as my third playthrough for each game, and I have not yet collected every card for either game. As of the start of this experiment, I have 1122/1623 cards for 80MW and 389/631 cards for MMW. I mention this here because - beyond the aforementioned chaos of flipping coins - I use the un-maxed qualities of cards to determine the pool of talent I draw from for certain matches. I still want to complete collections for each game, so I tend to focus on those cards whose stats are not yet maxed, in an effort to lock up merch cards for all members of the roster. I will indeed continue this practice in this fed, and it will mostly affect the 80MW roster, considering how wide it is compared to MMW. To further shave the available roster in 80MW, I'll randomly select five un-maxed cards to loan out to other companies every time I have the chance to do so. TL;DR - The cards I prioritize for this fed will be those who need experience in matches, mic spots, and skits to max out. Maxed out cards can still be played, for sure, but they will not be first choice.

I'll try to have a Mic Spot and Skit on each card, again in the interest of chasing down my whole collection. Instead of just telling you that Carolina Strutter and Grifter had an "On the Rocks" spot for the fifteenth time this year, I'll use those spots on the card to get into the story behind feuds, and maybe even some long-term rivalry stuff. They'll be a skin for the people who are really populating those spots otherwise. 

Also, I've been using a specific method to turn the March Madness tournament into something like a MITB contract, but there are really only three spots where I typically "cash in" for the winner: before the Tournament of Queens in December during a Mic Spot, during the main event of the February PPV (triple threat), and once more before March Madness itself, during a Mic Spot. I'd like to find ways to make more cash-in opportunities over the course of the year, but I'm drawing blanks outside of scheduling No. 1 Contender matches between the contract holder and a jobber, which veers too much into controlling territory for my taste. I'm definitely going to incorporate the idea of a contract into this fed, but I'm not quite sure exactly how it will work yet.

The Presentation:

This fed will trace the current era in MMW, using flashbacks to the RnR of the 80s and 90s as flavor. I'll post each week of the MMW events separately, inserting an episode dedicated to the 80MW between each month's third show and PPV. This special show will be an interview, where the host has a guest on to talk about the corresponding month 40 years ago. For example: January 2020's show will be about the entire month of January 1980, and the guest will be someone who factored heavily into that month's action. Perhaps the first Battle Royal winner, hmm? This show's purpose is to provide an oral history of the first televised era of RnR Wrestling, and maybe some of the guests will be unreliable (read: contradictory) narrators. Who knows?

The Rules:

These are mainly for me, but here ya go.

1.) No cards that influence push may be applied to a wrestler in a match, except for relevant tag team managers or legitimate managers who make sense for the story (80MW). Not wanting to control outcomes, I'm not going to use Commissioner's Decision, its equivalent, or other event cards that influence push. I'm okay if Hammerhead goes on a run with Brit Buckingham or Mother Russia helping him. That makes sense. On the other hand, I'm not going to pair Drool with Party Animal as a manager just because the slot is open on the card.

2.) The coin is all-knowing. I will respect all flips of the coin, even those that book the same match on multiple shows in a row. I haven't done this one before in my other coin-op playthroughs, but I'm going to let bad show results happen as a result of the underlying chaos of this fed. If you're reading between the lines, you'll see that this will also allow for simultaneous champions. The updates made to booking in both games over the last month have amounted to more instances of triple champions in each of my most recent playthroughs. If this gets out of hand, I may step in. But I would prefer not to. The ratings may suffer, but my job is to tell a story around the events I'm given. 

2A.) The coin can only do so much. (booking specifics) In 80MW, the first wrestlers I choose for matches are those without maxed stats (I use the hearts system to organize them). If there comes a time when all such wrestlers have been used on a given show, the pool of wrestlers I choose from defaults to the "Legendary" tier, where I will flip a coin to determine who gets used. It continues down from Main Event to Opener in this fashion to fill the card. Has this previously resulted in a lot of matches between Zombie Skater and HFK? Yes, too many. Too bad.

In MMW, since stats and maxing work to a slightly different end, I will totally randomly fill the card, generally not paying attention to the tiers I fill from (unless a match is specified for Midcarders or Openers). For PPVs, this will change to the above-mentioned method (moving from Legendary on down) except for low carders who I deem to be involved in important stories. I've messed around with the tiered system I used in 80MW, and MMW's progression system just gives me too much Monstro vs. Gunslinger. Again, I want to minimize my control, but sometimes things just have to make sense.

3.) Every time I can, I will send five wrestlers out to other companies (80MW). These will also be decided by coin flips, and the available pool to be chosen from is everyone who is already maxed out. You're right to worry about the randomness here; it is theoretically possible that a champion loses their belt and - before they get a chance at a rematch - they leave the company. It'll be up to me to make a story that sells the disappearance. Wish me luck.

4.) Cards that influence Mic and Pop may be played in those respective spots without limit. Since Mic Spots and Skits will be "skinned over" by stories anyway, what is happening under the surface doesn't matter all that much. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain and all that.

5.) No cheats. No real explanation here. I'm just not using them.

6.) Creation of tag teams: Tags can either be created by coin flip when determining seeding for the Tag Team Invitational (both games) or in normal matches (80MW). New teams may only be created from wrestlers who do not currently belong to a team or faction or who have otherwise lost access to a previous/future partner. This could be because of gimmick changes in MMW or changes to the roster over time in 80MW. It should be noted that in MMW, ladies' tag teams can be created at any time.

Tag teams must either have the same alignment or be a mix of Tweener/specific alignment. No created teams can consist of a face and a heel. In MMW, an example of Honorable and Heroic is okay, as is Pure Evil and Tweener.

7.) Money. Money earned will be used to purchase new talent or upgrade existing talent, first and foremost. I have not yet purchased all available match slots in either game, so that will become a secondary concern, should no new talent be available at a given time. Third will be the newer stipulation cards that I haven't bought yet. Always something to spend on!

7.) There are probably more that I'm forgetting here, so if you take a wrong turn in life and find yourself reading through this thread, just presume "there's a rule for that!" if you encounter a weird thing I've done.

The Champs:

And finally, here are the champs that will start out each era. They are *mostly* based on each respective previous playthrough, but I totally ran out of money in 80MW and only changed the World Champion. 

80MW:

World - Max Attack
Television - Star Boy
Cruiserweight - Red Pirate Rogers
Tag - Neon Express
Ladies - Princess Starbright

MMW:

World - Alexei Monstro
Television - Black Plague
Cruiserweight - The Deviant
Tag - Pathos and Domingo (blame the Tag Team Invitational)
Ladies - Andromeda Prime
Ladies Tag - Girl Power

With that, I'm going to take a step back and look in horror at what I've wasted my time with this evening. I'll look to get the first episode up over the next few days, for anyone actually interested in this manic nonsense. What matters is that I never follow through on anything, so in all reality, you'll maybe get/have to read three of these at most. And big ups to the 130Chance; their work here is A.) unbelievably impressive and engaging and B.) exclusively responsible for me wanting to throw my hat in the ring. Blame them!

[Thumper Moore III]

Blame away bro. Plenty of room for more feds here! And thanks for the shout out!

[Mr. Europa]

January 2020 - Week Four

Current Rock n' Roll Wrestling Champions

RnR World Champion - Alexei Monstro
RnR Television Champion - Black Plague
RnR Cruiserweight Champion - Black Plague
RnR Ladies Champion - Sweet Jane
RnR Tag Team Champions - Pathos and Domingo
RnR Ladies Tag Team Champions - Girl Power


Rock n' Roll Wrestling - All-Time Top Ten

Ranking	Name	Power Points	Record	Win Pct.
1.)	Hairy	33	1-1-0	.500
2.)	Emperor Enyu	31	1-1-0	.500
3.)	Black Plague	30	3-0-0	1.000
3.)	Alexei Monstro	30	1-0-0	1.000
3.)	Max Attack	30	1-0-0	1.000
6.)	Andromeda Prime	25	0-1-0	.000
7.)	Starboy	23	1-1-0	.500
8.)	Lyndi Harker	22	2-0-0	1.000
8.)	Sweet Jane	22	2-0-0	1.000
10.)	Domingo/Pathos	15	1-0-0	1.000

Rock n' Roll Wrestling - 2020 Top Ten

Ranking	Name	Power Points	Record	Win Pct.
1.)	Emperor Enyu	33	1-1-0	.500
2.)	Black Plague	30	3-0-0	1.000
2.)	Alexei Monstro	30	1-0-0	1.000
4.)	Andromeda Prime	25	0-1-0	.000
5.)	Sweet Jane	22	2-0-0	1.000
6.)	Domingo	15	1-0-0	1.000
6.)	Pathos	15	1-0-0	1.000
8.)	Ego Stevens	6	0-2-0	.000
8.)	The Buzzard	6	0-2-0	.000
10.)	Concrete Charlie / Icepick Dominic	5	1-1-0	.500

This space will be updated after each show. Faces are blue, Heels are red, and Tweeners are black. Current champions are Gold. Power rankings are determined by a system of points related to match outcomes, specific event victories, and career achievements. Record is drawn from Wins - Losses - Draws/DQs.

[Mr. Europa]

January 2020 - Week One

The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, comes to life as the first Moshpit Monday of 2020 kicks off. The fans in the arena scream and brandish signs - an alarming number of which make mention of Wally Saratoga. After panning around the audience, the cameras focus on the announcers' table, where RnR veteran and aged grappler Cabb is joined by his partner, Stan Gardner.

Stan: "Hello everyone, and hello to you, Cabb! Welcome back to Moshpit Monday, where all of us here at RnR Wrestling want to wish you a very happy 2020.

It sure feels good, doesn't it? The promise of a new year, no imminent calamities on the horizon... Just you, us, and all of the men and women of the world's best roster ready to take each other to hell and back for your entertainment."

Cabb:  "Do you know somethin' I don't know, Stan?"

Stan: "Only that this wonderful company is officially celebrating its fortieth birthday this year! But of course, you do know that, Cabb. You were here in 1980!"

Cabb: "Yeah..."

The camera remains fixed on the commentary table as Stan smiles vacuously. Cabb seems noticeably uncomfortable with his partner's behavior to start the show. Luckily, the cameras cut away as he reviews the evening's card.

Cabb: "Well, while we're givin' Stan a chance to shake off his New Year's Eve hangovuh, let's talk about some matches, eh?

Up first, well, this is sort of like a prove-it match for these two. I still don't know how I feel about intergender wrestlin' or whatever, but Molly Oliver and Sherman Turk are gonna dance the dance and try to forget that they haven't really done anythin' between 'em lately.

After that, we got Flint Deckuh and Nevuhmore mixin' it up in one-on-one fashion. You just know Nevuhmore's gonna have The Deviant with him. That's good strategy, if you ask me. Does Flint even bothuh bringin' out Cyber Blue? I wouldn't.

Match numbuh three will see Revivuh takin' on a debuting supuhstah, a guy named "The Silence-uh." I don't know anythin' about him, but Revivuh's got a couple a screws loose upstairs, so who knows. Maybe the new guy gets a win.

Aftuh that, we get anothuh debut when Krait takes on Liberty to one fall. You don't know her yet, but Liberty is RnR royalty; her daddy is the man we call Hammuhhead. Okay guy, kinda stiff...

Finally, we're givin' you a title match to open the new year. Chugguh - yes, Chugguh - is gonna try not to die in a one fall match for Black Plague's TV Title. I've seen Chugguh in action, and all I'm doin' is prayin' for him."

The camera returns to the commentary table, where Stan is still staring ahead and smiling blankly. Cabb looks around, asking for help with his eyes. Before the situation can be brought under control, the Satin Jackets' music jolts the arena to life anew as Pink Satin, Sir Fauntleroy, and the RnR Wrestling World Champion Alexei Monstro appear onstage.

1.) "New Year, Same Old"

The trio makes its way to the ring. Alexei wears his championship around his waist and carries a microphone. As most of the arena boos the arrogant-yet-undeniably-accomplished team, Monstro himself smirks, seeming to relish the negativity. Once in the ring, Fauntleroy and Pink Satin stand back, letting Alexei do the talking.

Alexei Monstro: "Yes, yes, I see it on your faces. 'New year, new me,' yes? Is the saying?

This makes sense for you. You wake up in underfurnished house. You drink mediocre coffee and eat eggs scrambled in unsatisfactory manner. You spend day being reminded that everything you do is perfectly average.

Now me? Us?

We are bigger than that. Our houses are numerous, and they contain too many chairs for us to ever sit on! The coffee we drink is indescribable. Our eggs are scrambled only in the most satisfactory manner!"

The crowd roars with boos as Alexei merely smirks again, Pink Satin and Sir Fauntleroy doing the same in different directions, blanketing the arena in an aura of smug confidence.

Alexei Monstro: Truthfully, this is okay. You know that you are average at best, and we know that "average" is a concept that we do not consider. This is why I am your champion, and why we are the most unbeatable group in this company. Is okay this way.

But because of this, I cannot say the "New year, new me" that you say. I do not fear the things you fear, the things that make you lie about changing yourself every year. I am the champion, and I say more of the same."

Before Monstro can go on any further, Flint Decker's music hits, and the fan favorite arrives onstage. With no mic in hand, he yells inaudibly at the Satin Jackets in the ring, specifically pointing at the belt adorning Alexei Monstro's waist. Alexei pantomimes that he can't hear Decker, and as Decker takes two steps down the ramp, he is bum-rushed by The Delinquents, Nevermore and The Deviant. The Satin Jackets laugh in the ring as ringside security rushes to separate the brawlers on the ramp, and the scene fades to black.

2.) Molly Oliver vs. Sherman Turk - One Fall

The first match of the year leaves a lot to be desired. It isn't bad as much as it's "safe." After a lot of rest holds and some lapses in timing, Sherman Turk hits his version of a Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory. (1/2 *)

3.) Flint Decker vs. Nevermore (w/ The Deviant) - One Fall

The second match of the year is certainly better, picking up from the show's frenzied opening. There was some worry on commentary (mostly from Cabb) that Flint Decker might not be able to compete after the sneak attack from The Delinquents earlier on. Nevertheless, Flint shows up, and he is apparently still very angry. Even with the expected interference from The Deviant, Flint Decker manages to hit Nevermore with the Bladerunner and cover him for the win. Decker has to be thinking of a way into the Battle Royal, right? (2 1/2 *)

4.) The Silencer vs. Reviver - One Fall

The Silencer, making his debut, goes right after Reviver, who seems legitimately surprised by the offensive onslaught. The crowd falls in behind the energetic newcomer, until he starts to take things a little too far. At one point, with referee Teddy Kiriodis having been taken out by an "errant" forearm, The Silencer even chokes Reviver out with his white necktie for an uncomfortable amount of time. Ultimately, when Kiriodis recovers, The Silencer unveils his Critical Hit finisher - a modified springboard cutter - and makes the cover for his first RnR victory. (2 1/2 *)

5.) Krait vs. Liberty - One Fall

In the evening's second debut, RnR legacy Liberty squares off with the quiet and brooding Krait. Though Liberty's youth shines through with some lapses in ring awareness over the course of the match, her pedigree also finds its way out. Liberty finishes things off quickly with Swift Justice and picks up the win by pinfall. (2 *)

6.) Chugger vs. Black Plague (Champion) - One Fall for the RnR Television Championship

In the first main event of 2020, Black Plague shows the RnR Universe that - like Alexei Monstro - nothing has changed for him with the coming of the new year. Relative newcomer Chugger puts in a valiant effort, and the crowd gets behind him, but he - and they - are simply outmatched from the opening bell. Black Plague hits three consecutive Plaguebringers to emphasize his dominance, and he secures his first victory of 2020. (2 1/2 *)


This Week: Two Stars
Next Week: Another title defense, a rift out west, and more satin jackets!

[Mr. Europa]

January 2020 - Week Two - Slamdance

The exterior of an arena in a metropolitan area graces the screen, people lining up to enter as the sound of the cheering crowd within is superimposed over the image. The perspective shifts indoors, where the cheering intensifies as a series of blue and purple fireworks outline a stage area, marking the beginning of yet another episode of RnR Wrestling programming.

Stan Gardner: "Hello everyone, and welcome to Phoenix, Arizona! I'm Stan Gardner and I'm joined by my partner in wrestling-related crime, the one, the only, Cabb!"

Cabb: "Thanks, Stan, and lemme just say how nice it is to see you recovuhd from last week."

Stan: "What ever do you mean, Cabb?"

Stan laughs heartily and slaps the top of the commentators' table as Cabb looks on, clearly confused if not a little worried.

Cabb: "Did I miss a joke or somethin'?"

Stan: "So anyway, we and 18,000 screaming RnR Wrestling fans are coming to you tonight from the Talking Stick Resort arena, the home of the Rattlers, the Suns, the Mercury, and - tonight - five big-time wrestling matches. What do we have to look forward to tonight, Cabb?"

Cabb: "Yeah, matches. Good job, Stan!"

Stan stares ahead, seemingly peering through the image's frame, smiling from ear to ear while apparently unaware of what Cabb is saying just next to him.

Cabb: "Freaky. But whatevuh. Here's tonight's card.

First up, we get a mixed triple threat match between Sweet Jane, Massive Gaines of tha Over Knights, and Chugguh, who I'm pretty sure is actually dead aftuh what Black Plague did to him last week."

Stan: "Massive Gaines, a massive man!"

Cabb: "Sure, Stan, sure. Next, we'll get Officuh Foo against Zed. Match of tha year candidate, I'm sure."

Stan: "Can't wait to see that one, Cabb. Pow!"

Cabb: "Hey man, are you on meds or somethin'? You're not actin' like yourself.

Anywho, we got ladies tag action in tha third match tonight, with Desert Storm of the Nomad Gang takin' on a mystery team. Why a mystery team, Stan?"

Stan: "Desert Storm, in the desert? What an amazing coincidence!"

Cabb: "Alright, so we're clearly still not a hundred percent. I'm just gonna go ahead and speed this up.

We got anothuh tag match up fourth tonight, and this one's a mixed tag match between Pink Satin and Sir Fauntleroy of the Satin Jackets and Jimmy Florez and Sheba. Looks like they took a little umbrage wit' big Alexei's braggin' last week, huh?"

Stan nods vigorously, still smiling and staring ahead.

Cabb: "Alright, and tonight's main event is a championship match. RnR Cruiserweight Champion Tha Deviant chirped earliuh that he's taking on all challenguhs in tha new year, and the powuhs that be decided to honor that challenge wit' a surprise numbuh one contenduh. 

Now, it looks like my partner is fundamentally broken, so let's get into tha matches while I try to find his reset button, or whatevuh."

1.) Sweet Jane vs. Massive Gaines (w/ Jackson Good) vs. Chugger 0-1-0 (w/ Amber Hardbody) - Mixed Triple Threat

This is a high-energy opener, for sure. Chugger looks fine after the brutalism that was his Television Championship challenge against Black Plague a week ago, but unfortunately for him, Sweet Jane and Massive Gaines are nothing but rested and energized for their first matches of 2020. The match remains relatively even until a point where Jane and Chugger are double-teaming Gaines. Gaines ducks out of the ring to regroup with his partner Jackson Good, when Amber Hardbody sidles over and distracts the two of them with her defined... assets. Chugger looks on for a moment - perhaps confused by his girlfriend's intent - giving Sweet Jane the window she needs to hit her Femme Fatality for the win. (2 1/2*)

2.) Officer Foo vs. Zed - One Fall

There isn't much noteworthy about this match, except for the very interesting fact that Officer Foo is accompanied to the ring by the RnR Television Champion Black Plague. Throughout the match, Plague stands at ringside with his arms crossed and his title around his waist, not coaching Foo so much as watching the match silently. Ultimately, Officer Foo gets Zed to the mat and heads to the second rope, finishing things off with his Nuclear Warhead. (1 1/2*)

3.) Desert Storm (Paradise and Warhawk) vs. ? ? ? - One Fall Ladies Tag

The Westernized entrance theme of the Nomad gang floods the arena as Paradise and Warhawk make their way to the ring. Paradise carries a microphone.

Paradise: "Warhawk and I were more than a little concerned by the presence of a mystery team in our path tonight, but I'll speak for my partner when I assure everyone here that this obstacle is only temporary. If our time together in the Nomad Gang has taught us anything, it's that all obstacles are temporary, and all that matters to us now is taking the RnR Ladies Tag Team Championships from Girl Power as soon as possible. 

Whoever you are, hiding back there, you're only helping us along our path. So how about we get this over with?"

Paradise and Warhawk nod to each other and pace around the ring, waiting for their opponents to make themselves apparent. Suddenly, the Nomad Gang's music plays anew as Tempest appears onstage with Tarah Thompson, of all people. Tempest carries a microphone, and both she and Tarah are indeed dressed to wrestle. 

Tempest: "Par, Hawk... I know this looks weird, but I know you get it. You two can't be the only Nomads out here making names for themselves, right? I want that gold, too! 

So listen, nothing personal, but Tarah and I are gonna take care of business with you two tonight, and I'll let you hold my belt when I win it later. Sound good?"

Desert Storm (Paradise and Warhawk) vs. Tempest and Tarah Thompson - One Fall Ladies Tag

Not sure if they're seeing an actual turn or mere opportunism, the Phoenix crowd comes alive nonetheless. Tempest and Paradise start off, and the women are surprisingly willing to dig into each other. Paradise in particular is a bit rough with her Nomad Gang sister, pulling hair and working in the corner as much as head referee Teddy Kiriodis will allow. When Paradise tags Warhawk in, the younger member of Desert Storm is more hesitant to attack Tempest. Tempest takes advantage with her own onslaught, before tagging Tarah Thompson in to continue working over Warhawk. Warhawk eventually makes a hot tag to Paradise, but only just in time for Tarah to do the same, leaving Tempest open for a momentum-assisted Headshot and pinfall victory. Paradise is left stunned in the ring as Tarah and Tempest help each other up the ramp. (2*)

4.) "A New Way to Look at Things"

Backstage, Rod Codger is seen with a slightly-sweaty Officer Foo and a decidedly silent Black Plague, still wearing his RnR Television Championship with his arms crossed over his chest. 

Rod: "I'm here with Officer Foo and Black Plague, and I need to start off by congratulating you, Officer Foo, on what was a nice victory tonight over Zed. How are you feeling?"

Officer Foo: "Thank you, Mr. Codger. I am... indebted to your kindness. As always, the... thrill of victory is a feeling that... fades slowly."

Rod: "And what about the stone-silent elephant in the room? Black Plague, what were you doing in Foo's corner tonight?"

Black Plague doesn't so much as flinch, making no effort to answer Rod Codger's question. Instead, Officer Foo physically steps in front of Black Plague and Codger's microphone, answering the question himself.

Officer Foo: "Mr. Plague is offering his services as... something of an advisor to me, you see. Who better to advise someone such as myself than... a reigning champion here in Rock n' Roll Wrestling?"

Rod: "So Black Plague is now managing you, Foo?"

Officer Foo: "I... said advisor, Mr. Codger.

You see, history shows that in times of... great conflict, the view of the battlefield is sometimes shifted to... a different axis, allowing for a tactical advantage. You, Mr. Codger, can think of Black Plague and I as... a different axis."

Rod: "So... there's a conflict... and... who are you fighting, Foo?"

Rod Codger is clearly confused by Officer Foo's strained explanation, and Foo himself appears to be sweating more, despite the fact that he's been out of the ring for fifteen minutes.

Officer Foo: "It's Officer Foo, good sir. And I think the more... operative question, Mr. Codger, is who are we not fighting. For Black Plague is on a... mission, you see, a mission to take every championship Rock n' Roll Wrestling... has to offer. And where the battlefield is currently arranged as... all-against-one, we see our partnership as a way to...level the playing field."

Rod Codger: "So you're partners, then?"

Officer Foo: "YOU SIMPLE AMERICAN BUFFOON! WE ARE NOT A PARTNERSHIP, OR A TEAM. WE ARE AN AXIS! AN AXIS OF EVIL! THROUGH OUR HANDS, YOUR BLOOD WILL FLOW. THROUGH OUR FINGERTIPS, WHAT PRECIOUS LITTLE INFLUENCE YOU HOLD IN THIS COMPANY - IN THIS WORLD - WILL DRAIN! THROUGH OUR-"

Black Plague places a hand on Officer Foo's shoulder, visibly squeezing hard enough to stop his worked-up protege mid-rant. Officer Foo turns ghost white, relaxes, and wipes the sweat from his face. Only after he has composed himself does Black Plague let go.

Officer Foo: "My apologies, Mr. Codger. You may think of Officer Foo and Black Plague as... a new way to look at things."

Saying no more, Officer Foo and Black Plague leave the interview area, with a very surprised Rod Codger shrugging his shoulders and sending the feed back to the ring.

5.) The Satin Jackets (Pink Satin and Sir Fauntleroy) (w/ RnR World Champion Alexei Monstro) vs. Sheba and Jimmy Florez - One Fall Mixed Tag

Since Alexei Monstro's introduction to 2020 a week ago, Jimmy Florez has been chirping up a storm regarding shutting the big man up. Alexei has responded by opening the door to a match between them, but only if he and the de facto manager of the Florez Brothers - Sheba - can defeat Pink Satin and Sir Fauntleroy on Slamdance. So here we are. No promise of a match against the RnR World Champion at all, but the possibility alone is enough to get the hothead Jimmy Florez into the ring, especially with his brother Mick on the shelf indefinitely.

Alexei sits at commentary for the match, talking with Cabb and Stan Gardner about his plans for the future beyond the Battle Royal Pay-Per-View at the end of the month. He assures the commentary team that there is nobody - nobody - in RnR who stands a chance at winning the Battle Royal itself and then going toe-to-toe with him in the main event. He jokes that winning the Battle Royal sounds more like a punishment in that light. When Cabb asks him about possibly having to face Jimmy Florez for the championship as a result of this match, Monstro assures the world that Jimmy and Sheba will not win tonight, and even if they do, Monstro would have to agree to a future match that has not been guaranteed, and even if he did, Jimmy cannot win such a match. Alexei likes the comfort provided by three degrees of hypothetical protection, apparently.

In the ring, Pink Satin and Sheba lead off. They are evenly matched, and they are each evidently very good at what they do. Alexei comments on how RnR Ladies Champion Andromeda Prime needs to watch her back with the training he's been giving Pink Satin. True to this point, the fans love the action in the ring when the ladies are in. However, the energy shifts whenever Sir Fauntleroy and Jimmy Florez enter the fray. Things slow down, they become less frenetic and more psychological. It's almost as if Jimmy is still logged in to Chirpy, and Fauntleroy takes advantage on a couple of key occasions, forcing Sheba back into the match when she is not optimally rested. 

At the thirteen minute mark, Sir Fauntleroy whips Jimmy Florez into the corner closest to Alexei Monstro's perch at commentary as Sheba and Pink Satin are both collapsed and exhausted outside the ring.. Jimmy catches himself on the ropes and glares at Alexei, who rips off his headset and returns the favor from behind the table. Sir Fauntleroy seizes the opportunity and runs at Jimmy, but the Florez Brother senses danger and just manages to slide out of the way. He grabs a handful of Fauntleroy's hair and - using the man's momentum against him - slams his face into the top turnbuckle pad. On the rebound, Jimmy Florez hits a surprise Bolo Punch, knocking Fauntleroy out cold and covering him for the quick 1-2-3 victory for he and Sheba. (2 1/2*)

6.) "Our World is Changing"

Before Jimmy Florez can properly celebrate the win, the surprisingly agile Alexei Monstro is in the ring, plowing through him with a positively brutal Russian Interference. Pink Satin drags Sheba into the ring by her hair as Alexei pulls Sir Fauntleroy to his feet. The trio stands in something of a moral victory pose over their fallen foes, but before more damage can be done, a sudden explosion of dubstep signals the arrival of Blue Steel. Flint Decker, Cyber Blue, and Electronica sprint down the ramp as the Phoenix crowd cheers their appearance. The Satin Jackets roll out of the ring just as Blue Steel slides in, and they make their escape up the ramp as the heroes protect the fallen figures of Jimmy Florez and Sheba. Flint Decker asks for a microphone, and Alexei Monstro stops on the stage to glare.

Flint Decker: "Is this it, Alexei? Is this where we are? You just kind of, sort of, maybe offer potential shots at that title over Chirpy?

I mean, we all heard you last week in Cleveland. We get that you don't feel like you need to change anything. And that's right, because all you're doing is hiding. You're not the best in RnR, Alexei; you're just the most afraid."

Alexei looks positively incensed onstage, pacing back and forth as Pink Satin and Sir Fauntleroy struggle to hold him back from charging the ring again. 

Flint Decker: "But you're only part of the problem, right? You're only one part of a much... bigger... problem."

Flint lowers his gaze to Jimmy Florez, who is wincing and holding his side as Sheba props him up. 

Flint Decker: "What are you even doing out here, Jimmy? I mean, I get it. He pissed me off last week, too. He pissed everyone off; that's what he wants. 

But what the hell are you doing out here tonight? Even now that you won, do you think that liar is going to volunteer to give you a title shot?"

Jimmy avoids Flint's gaze and makes eye contact with Alexei, who is still pacing onstage, but now sneering back at the scene in the ring.

Flint Decker: "Better yet, do you think you'd actually beat him? Like, on his terms, you think you have a shot? Come on, man."

Jimmy jumps to his feet and gets in Flint's face before Sheba, Electronica, and Cyber Blue can get in between them.

Flint Decker: "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Jimmy. Come on. You're outnumbered, and this is exactly what I mean. What's that line about the dog chasing cars? Think, man.

How long has Alexei Monstro been this company's World Champion? How many people have tried to change that, tried to stop him? How many bodies are piled up at his feet, right now?

Jimmy... how's Mick?"

At the mention of his injured brother, Jimmy begins pacing across the ring as Alexei pantomimes breaking something over his knee on the stage, laughing loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd.

Flint Decker: "The fact of the matter is that our world is changing. Rock n' Roll wrestling is changing, Jimmy. This can't be like it was, even a few short years ago. It's not just you versus Alexei Monstro, right? It's you against him, her, and that other d-bag up there. 

And it's not just someone challenging for the Television Championship on Moshpit Monday anymore. No, now it's that person damn near getting his back broken on live TV by a sociopathic mute who may or may not have declared literal war on the company earlier tonight. 

Jimmy, it isn't you versus the guy with the belt. It's us versus them, and until more of us realize that, they'll keep on winning, and this company won't have a place for you, me, or your brother anymore.

Now with that in mind..."

Flint turns his attention to the Satin Jackets onstage once again.

Flint Decker: "... I'm not an idiot, and you all better believe that I'm going to do what I can to be the one person in this company facing Alexei Monstro for the World Championship at Battle Royal 2020."

The crowd pops for the implied challenge, even as Alexei and the rest of the Satin Jackets shake their heads in obvious disagreement.

Flint Decker: "But beyond that? The problems in this company aren't just going away, Jimmy. I'm telling you, I could use your help in this fight. What do you say?"

Flint extends his hand to Jimmy in peace as Sheba and the rest of Blue Steel look on in anticipation. Jimmy contemplates as the crowd continues cheering. Even the Satin Jackets seem invested in Jimmy Florez' response to Flint's offer of apparent partnership. Jimmy steps up to Flint's hand, looks Decker in the eyes, and slaps his hand away. He thumps his chest a few times before turning and leaving the ring. The Satin Jackets disappear amidst a renewed roar of Alexei Monstro's laughter, and Jimmy Florez follows them at a distance. Sheba hovers in the ring for a few seconds, perhaps weighing the gravity of what just happened, before leaving and catching up to Jimmy onstage. The scene fades around a disappointed Flint Decker and crew. 

7.) ? ? ? vs. The Deviant (Champion) (w/ Nevermore) - One Fall for the RnR Cruiserweight Championship

Given the surprise element of his number one contender this evening, The Deviant makes his entrance first. Nevermore accompanies him to the ring, and the Delinquents eat up the verbal barrage offered them by the live Phoenix audience. They preen in the ring as The Deviant holds his championship skyward. He hands the belt to Teddy Kiriodis and he and Nevermore await the surprise challenger.

All lights in the arena go off, and they stay off for an uncomfortable amount of time. In the darkness, it becomes apparent that two figures are indeed making their way down the ramp and toward the ring, albeit slowly and without music of any kind. The crowd begins booing vociferously at the realization of who this entrance - or lack of an entrance - belongs to. After another eternity trapped in a few moments, a single spotlight shines into the ring and focuses on none other than the RnR Television Champion, Black Plague.

Black Plague 1-0-0 (RnR Television Champion) (w/ Officer Foo) vs. The Deviant (RnR Cruiserweight Champion) (w/ Nevermore)
One Fall for the RnR Cruiserweight Championship

The lights in the arena return to their normal settings, revealing that Officer Foo has returned the favor from earlier and accompanied Black Plague to the ring. Black Plague remains motionless as Officer Foo unfastens the RnR Television Championship from his waist, cradling it in his arms and leaving the ring. Nevermore offers some parting advice to The Deviant as he leaves the ring, and The Deviant slicks his hair back while focusing on his silent opponent. 

The match is exactly what this sort of main event should be. The Deviant is a much better match for Black Plague than Chugger was last week. Their styles are each on display, with The Deviant's penchant for up-close brawling countered expertly by Black Plague's ability to create separation and simply fly. Near the fifteen minute mark, Nevermore - as he's done countless times over The Deviant's reign as Cruiserweight Champion - hops up onto the apron to argue balls and strikes with Teddy Kiriodis. Before he can properly distract the official, however, Officer Foo pulls Nevermore's legs out from under him, dropping the Delinquent to the floor and causing him to hit his chin on the apron. Incensed by what he perceives as outside interference that does not benefit him, The Deviant attempts to appeal to Kiriodis, entirely missing Black Plague setting up a Plaguebringer behind him. Three seconds later, and Black Plague has won the RnR Cruiserweight Championship. As Slamdance goes off the air, Black Plague stands in the center of the ring holding both championships, Officer Foo inciting the crowd from a corner of the ring. (3*)

This Week: Two-and-a-Half Stars
Next Week: Two triple threat matches, a number one contender's match, and maybe - just maybe - some old fashioned good-guy-versus-bad-guy action.

[Mr. Europa]

January 2020 - Week Three - Rock and Wrestle

The scene onscreen focuses on the peaks of the San Gabriel mountains in southern California, snow-capped peaks in the background and tall, lanky palm trees in the fore. A compilation of shots of the city of Anaheim, California, by day plays out over the well-known theme song of RnR Rock and Wrestle: "I Wanna Rock" by Twisted Sister, a song that cannot be worth its royalty fee anymore in 2020.

The scene shifts to a live shot of the Honda Center at night, as RnR Wrestling fans hurry through the lines to get into the arena. The cameras inside begin recording just as the expected blue and purple pyrotechnics officially initiate the evening's entertainment. As the lights in the arena brighten the view of audience and staff alike, a cameraman on the floor focuses on one fan holding a sign that reads "Scramble my Eggs, Alexei!"

Cabb: "Hey. Hi. Yeah. Welcome to Rock n' Wrestle. I'm, uh, Cabb, and my partnuh Stan here is still not feeling like himself."

Stan Gardner: "I sure do love wrestling!"

Cabb: "That's great, man. That's really... great.

Wit' that in mind, I'm just gonna breeze through everythin' I have and get this here show on tha road. So, uh, yeah, welcome to tha Honda Center, in Anaheim. There's a lotta people here, and boy are they excited."

Cabb appears to hear something in his headset.

Cabb: "Oh, yeah. Tha Honda Center: home of tha NHL's Mighty Ducks. You, uh... you a hockey fan, Stan?"

Stan: "A hockey team and a Disney franchise? What a concept!"

Cabb: "Great. Great stuff, Stan.

So, I'm gonna update my resume shortly after this. But in tha meantime, here's tonight's card.

First up, we got a triple threat between three dudes making their 2020 debuts. Timmy Tough is gonna have to find a way to survive in tha ring against an actual tag team, as tha Wild Things - Kongo Kid and Komodo - will do what they can to not implode in tha ring, seekin' that all important W.

Our second match tonight really heats things up. We got a numbah one contenders' match for tha RnR Tag Team Championships between tha Dreamweavuhs and tha Hatchetmen. You know Ego and Yugen already, but - somehow - tha Hatchetmen are a new team here in RnR and they already got a shot at tha gold. Winnuh goes on to Battle Royal to face Pathos and Domingo, so yeah: don't miss it!"

Stan: "One partner in the ring, one waiting in the corner. Who doesn't love a tag team match?"

Cabb: "A reguluh wrestlin' dictionary ovuh here, great.

Anyway, third tonight is a barnburnuh for sure. Son of Samoa gets to square off against Revivuh, who's lookin' to make up for a loss against tha newcomuh Tha Silenceuh. Wait a minute... isn't he rollin' wit' tha Hatchetmen? They're all ovuh this card. Weird. Eithuh way, shouldn't a guy like "Tha Silenceuh" be thinkin' of a name change at this point? Just my two cents and all.

I'm gettin' the wrap it up signal in my ear, so for tonight's main event, you're gettin' anothuh triple threat match between debutin' superstars. Bayonet, Tha Buzzahd, and King Solomon, who we've been hearing about a lot online this week. I don't know how the physical freak that is King Solomon doesn't win that match, and you gotta believe he'll use that momentum headin' into Battle Royal next weekend.

Eithuh way, sit back, strap in, and get ready to rock.

Was that... was that too cheesy?"

Stan: "American cheese melts evenly, Cabb!"

Cabb: "Alright, cut... cut to the ring! Do somethin'!"

1.) Timmy Tough vs. Kongo Kid vs. Komodo - Triple Threat

It's more than a little strange seeing the team of Wild Things - Kongo Kid and Komodo - competing against each other. This strangeness overshadows Timmy Tough's presence in the match, which is a shame, because the veteran has never really gained traction in RnR, and this match is unfortunately not the start of something new. Tough mainly functions as a tool of comparison for the respective retinues of Kongo Kid and Komodo, each using Timmy to demonstrate how deep their moveset truly goes. The friendly competition between friends and teammates gets something of a response from the Anaheim crowd, but Kongo Kid gets a little too caught up in the "friendly" part of the affair. Komodo takes advantage by throwing Kongo Kid over the ropes before hitting a devastating Deadly Venom on Timmy Tough for the victory. (1 1/2*)

2.) The Dreamweavers (Ego Stevens and Yugen) vs. The Hatchetmen (Concrete Charlie and Icepick Dominic) (w/ The Silencer)

One Fall Tag Number One Contenders' Match

The Dreamweavers enter first, chewing the scenery of the Honda Center all the way to the ring. Though their past has been something of a mixed bag in RnR Wrestling, Ego Stevens and Yugen have been on the upswing as of late, and the crowd in Anaheim is apparently happy to see them in a contenders' match. On the other hand, the debuting Hatchetmen are a less known commodity. Concrete Charlie and Icepick Dominic are accompanied by The Silencer, who debuted in RnR Wrestling by soundly defeating Reviver two weeks ago. The three men are each clad in attire that can only be referred to as "intimidating business casual," and they pay no mind to the crowd around them; their attention is focused solely on Ego and Yugen, and I wouldn't bet money that it is positive attention.

As the trio arrives at the ring area, Charlie and Dominic roll into the ring for an intense stare-down with the Dreamweavers as The Silencer walks to the commentary table and holds a finger to his lips, catching Cabb in mid-rant and intimidating him into, well, silence. Ego and Dominic start the match for their respective teams. More direct than the opener, the title-based implications of this match really do bring out the best in each of the four men in the ring. Ego and Yugen employ an expected gameplan: move fast, and fly often. It's been their modus operandi for at least the last year, and it's arguably what got them into this match in the first place. To be frank, it works. That is, until the first time Concrete Charlie spears Yugen right out of the sky off an attempted springboard crossbody.

From that point forward, The Hatchetmen redefine brutality. Icepick Dominic can actually match the aerial tactics of The Dreamweavers, and Charlie is nothing short of a wrecking ball between the ropes. The new team attempts a pin on either of the Dreamweavers seemingly once a minute, but the save is always made at the last possible second. As far as coming-out parties go, The Hatchetmen have definitely demonstrated their talent and ability to this point, and the crowd is silenced by the power on display. At around the eleven-minute mark, The Silencer breaks his intense glaring at Cabb long enough to get head referee Teddy Kiriodis' attention. While this happens, Icepick Dominic has Ego Stevens isolated outside of the ring. He dislodges the steel ring stairs and slams the top half down on the fallen Dreamweaver, effectively trapping him. The Silencer throws his hands up and leaves the apron, his job done. Kiriodis turns around just in time to see Concrete Charlie nail a beaten-down Yugen with his Mugshot. Charlie covers Yugen for the pin, and thanks to Dominic's extracurricular handiwork, nobody is there for the save this time. The crowd hates it, but the debuting Hatchetmen are victorious and officially on their way to a title match next week at Battle Royal. (3*)

3.) "Everyone Wins, And Everyone Loses"

The scene opens in a dark room, lit dimly by what appear to be dozens of candles in floor-standing holders, giving off the ambiance of a pre-modern cathedral. As the camera's shot comes into focus, the candles are seen surrounding a dingy and moth-eaten wrestling ring. Three shadowy figures inhabit the ring itself, and one sits by themself in a steel chair in the foreground of the shot. The foreground figure is clearly one half of the RnR Wrestling Tag Team Champions, Domingo. Coupled with that context clue, a shrill scream from the ring that can only belong to Keziah indicates that we are viewing the goings-on of the private training facility of Faces of Death, buried deep in the belly of the Honda Center in Anaheim.

Domingo sits with his championship slung over his shoulder, slow-clapping and smirking as he begins to speak.

Domingo: "Congratulations to you, Hatchetmen. That's a hell of a way to debut as a team, let alone debuting at all in RnR. I wish I had a title shot so early in my tenure here, but whatever. I guess they'll give anyone a shot at these belts.

But you know, that speaks to something. When Pathos and I first teamed up back at last year's Tag Team Invitational, everyone was writing us off from the jump. I mean, sure, they all ignored the fact that we won the tournament. I guess it's fair to call three decisive - and I mean decisive - victories a 'flash in the pan' if it means your little website gets a few more clicks. I feel that."

Behind Domingo, Keziah shrieks as a large figure - presumably Zed - appears to have gotten stuck in the ropes while sparring with Pathos.

Domingo: "What I don't feel is all the jokes that just kept coming. Like, we proved ourselves, right? We didn't take down 'local talent' in any of those matches. Hell, we beat the OverKnights in the finals! But wrestling - the business, the fans, the backstage politics - is fickle. The whole next month, I read so much horsecrap about how 'Pathos and Domingo just don't make sense' or 'Why is Domingo wasting everyone's time with this stunt?'

Even as we barreled through everyone in our path, we were a laughingstock. Even when we won these championships from Gridiron and Swish, nobody took us seriously. Hell, we are single-handedly responsible for breaking up Max Contract! We did that! But do the bloggers give us credit? No. Do the fans give us credit? No. Does this damn company give us credit? Of course not! We continue to be the biggest joke running, champions or not."

Domingo takes a second to bask in the gleam of his championship as Keziah and Pathos struggle to free their training partner from his cabled prison. 

Domingo: "And this is interesting to me, because we're 'such a joke' that we're literally out of talent to challenge for our titles. That's a joke. The fact that the powers that be had to comb through the extras of failed straight-to-VHS mob movies to find something of a challenge for us is truly laughable. And that's really it. I get the blog posts, now: this whole tag division is just a joke.

So Hatchetmen: you'll get your shot next week. You will. And we'll beat you within five minutes. And then we'll go back to getting made fun of for being too successful, and too dominant. Everyone wins, and everyone loses. 

You know I thought it would be weird coming down here. But being here is fine. The weird thing - the truly weird thing - is noticing how quickly everyone can stop perceiving reality when they really want to. Good luck next week, new guys."

Domingo smirks and stares off into the middle distance as Zed topples from the ropes to the concrete floor of the training room. Keziah shrieks and Pathos leaves the ring to retrieve his stablemate, their sparring session ongoing.

4.) Son of Samoa vs. Reviver 0-1-0 - One Fall

In the third match of the evening, we get another 2020 debut. Son of Samoa performs a traditional manu siva tau onstage, and the RnR universe goes crazy for it, clearly hoping the heavyweight is in line for good things this year. On the other hand, his opponent - Reviver - is met with a chorus of boos from the Anaheim crowd, albeit fewer than would be expected. It almost feels like the crowd feels sorry for Reviver after his own lackluster 2020 debut against The Silencer two weeks ago on Moshpit Monday. Unfortunately for RnR's erratic propagandist, the sorry feeling will continue. In what ends up as one of the early year's better matches, Son of Samoa and Reviver fight a back-and-forth contest, demonstrating their respective ring prowess from bell to bell. In the end, though, Son of Samoa and his Warmonger are simply too much for Reviver to handle. Son of Samoa glances at a banner advertising next week's Battle Royal event before walking out of the ring, leaving Reviver as battered and confused as he was in Cleveland. (3 *)

5.) "Family Values"

In the locker room of the Nomad Gang, we see Gunslinger going over strategy with The Buzzard for the latter's main event battle occurring in just a few moments' time. As Gunslinger bobs and weaves while offering technical advice, the door to the room swings open and in walk Paradise, Warhawk, and Tempest. Paradise and Tempest are clearly in the middle of an argument.

Tempest: "I honestly can't believe we're still talking about this. You would've done the same thing! You can't even pretend you wouldn't have. Also, it was a week ago! Get over it."

Paradise: "What you did was dishonest and totally uncalled for. I can't believe we even consider ourselves sisters, you lying piece of -"

Tempest: "Don't you dare finish that sentence. I've killed for less."

Warhawk pleads with her eyes, so Gunslinger sighs and turns to the argument.

Gunslinger: "Are you two really still goin' on with this thing? It's been a week, and my damn head hurts. Can't you just quit it long enough ta let yer brother Vulture get ready for his match tonight? He's main eventin' and you two are squealin' worse than pigs gettin' tagged."

Paradise: "I'll let it go once my opportunist of a sister admits that what she did was wrong."

Tempest: "Oh please. You would have done worse to me. Hell, you have. You're just steamed that Tarah and I are in line for a title shot now."

Paradise: "She's not even in this family!"

Tempest: "So what, the only way I get a shot at the tag titles is by teaming with someone in this family? Who's left, genius? You got the only partner!

Besides, I didn't see any official company rules that say I couldn't find a partner and try to compete for Girl Power's titles. Did any of you?"

Tempest points at each member of the Nomad Gang, mocking waiting for a reply. Incensed, Paradise lunges at her. As if he's used to this, Gunslinger instinctively jumps between them as Warhawk sidles closer to The Vulture.

Gunslinger: "Now that is enough, god damn it. I mean it!

All week long with this bickerin' and belly-achin'. I'm tired of it, and I'm beginnin' ta think this headache's never goin' away. Now you two need ta remember that yer sisters. That this is a family. We're not here to go to war with each other; we're here to be a family when the rest of the world is at war with itself. You know this, and I'm disappointed I have ta tell ya again and again. What's rule number one around here?"

The Buzzard: "Protect. This. House."

Gunslinger: "Absolutely, Buzz. We look out for each other, for this group, first. So Tempest, next time you want a little advancement, why don't you go ahead and bring it up here first, like we always do. Goin' behind yer sisters' backs is never gonna make them feel good, no matter how bad you want a title shot.

And Paradise, you're mad at Tempest for pullin' the wool over yer eyes a little. But have you stopped ta think about the simple fact that you lost to yer sister? Maybe work on the holes in yer ring game before you start blamin' people for skatin' around normal procedure.

Can we agree to bury this thing? Please? This year's gonna kill us otherwise."

Paradise rolls her eyes and Tempest looks across the room, but both nod slightly and Gunslinger reveals the palms of his hands while letting out an exasperated sigh.

Gunslinger: "Fantastic. Paradise, go take a walk and cool down. Warhawk, walk yer brother down to the ring. Support him. Tempest, you hang back. I need a word."

Paradise mutters "Playing favorites again..." under her breath as she leaves the room, followed closely by Warhawk and The Buzzard. Gunslinger waits for the door to close, and he locks it, returning his gaze to Tempest.

Gunslinger: "I know what yer doin', and I don't approve of it."

Tempest: "I'm telling you, Gun, she's bad news. I've been saying it since we picked her up."

Gunslinger: "I'm not deaf, and I've taken yer concerns inta consideration. As far as I see it, she needs us, and she makes us stronger."

Tempest: "I mean it, you haven't seen who she truly is. The things she says when you're not around... I don't trust her with Warhawk. Hawk's too... impressionable."

Gunslinger: "Listen, I know she's a wildcard. I knew it before we picked her up, before we welcomed her inta the gang. Frankly, that's why I wanted her here. We need a little chaos in this outfit. But you and I agreed then that you'd keep an eye on her..."

Tempest: "I am!"

Gunslinger: "Not like this, yer not. This is like droppin' a nuke on her. The idea is to bring her along, gently but firmly, right? You sneakin' around like this... you can't lie to me and tell me you weren't tryin' ta instigate somethin'."

Tempest: "I am not a liar, Gun."

Gunslinger: "No, but you are an instigator. A damn good one, too, when need be. The problem is this is the last thing we need right now. You know as well as I do that she's more dangerous ta us from outside than in; why can't you just realize that and not stir the damn pot?"

Tempest: "Because I care about this, about us. I don't feel right about her being here, Gun."

Gunslinger: "Well I do. So please, fer the sake of me and this family, just leave it alone. We need her here."

Tempest sighs and nods, unenthusiastically. Gunslinger grips her left shoulder gently before nodding toward the door. As she begins to make her exit, Gunslinger calls out to her one final time.

Gunslinger: "And Tempest, fer god's sake, you and yer new friend better damn well win those titles after all this."

6.) Bayonet (w/ Claymore) vs. The Buzzard (w/ Warhawk) vs. King Solomon - Triple Threat

In the evening's main event and second triple threat match, the RnR universe gets three more 2020 debuts of familiar faces. First, Bayonet hits the stage with his partner Claymore. Though the two have mostly worked in the tag division as of late, both appear enthusiastic over Bayonet's chances as a singles competitor, and the crowd seems intrigued as well. When the Redcoats stand in the center of the ring and cross their forearms as they are wont to do, the Nomad Gang's music hits the Honda Center's public address system and The Buzzard and Warhawk appear together on stage. The Buzzard makes his way down the ramp, flapping his costumed wings, as his adopted sister follows behind, clapping and trying to get the crowd behind her chronically underappreciated brother. In the ring, The Buzzard climbs to the top of a turnbuckle and audibly squawks at the Anaheim crowd, perhaps indicating why he continues to be "underappreciated."

The match's third entrant causes the greatest stir. The man once known as Swish has not been seen in some time. After losing the RnR Tag Team Championships to Pathos and Domingo, Swish let the world know that he needed to "get back to his roots." For the last few weeks, his Chirpy page has been alight with vignettes and music videos of a decidedly tropical theme. Now, in Anaheim, a tribal drum beat overlaid with sounds of the jungle announces the arrival of the technically-debuting-but-all-too-familiar King Solomon, ready to make his mark on RnR in the aftermath of the dissolution of Max Contract. The crowd explodes, and there is really no other way to describe this entrance. It is clear that they see big things for King Solomon.

To be frank, the match itself belongs to Solomon. Despite the best managerial efforts of Claymore and Warhawk, it is evident from the outset that their respective partners are simply outmatched by the athletic prowess of the freak that is King Solomon. The would-be king of the jungle even finds a way to isolate his opponents, pummeling The Buzzard into a state of semi-consciousness just as Bayonet clambers back to his feet for more, and vice versa. Everything is well in hand for Solomon, that is until Gridiron's music stuns the crowd. 

King Solomon turns his attention to the stage and walks to the ramp-adjacent ropes, staring in disbelief as his estranged ex-partner appears, looking nothing but menacing as he glares back in Solomon's direction. The crowd roars again as Gridiron begins stomping down the ramp, anticipating both the brutal confrontation to come an whatever the hell Bayonet has planned, as he's silently gotten to his feet behind King Solomon. Bayonet propels himself off the ropes and aims a pinpoint dropkick in the small of King Solomon's back, sending him over the ropes to the floor, where Gridiron meets him with a flurry of noticeably stiff punches and forearms. Staggering, Bayonet leaps to the top of the nearest turnbuckle and takes aim at a prone Buzzard. Bayonet leaps with his Air Raid maneuver, lands clean, and covers The Buzzard for the three-count victory. The crowd is stunned as King Solomon gets the tar kicked out of him at ringside and Claymore storms the ring to celebrate. In the aftermath of the last match before Battle Royale, it looks like Bayonet may very well have a singles career in the cards after all. (2 1/2*)

This Week: Two-and-a-Half Stars
Next Week: Title shots, a battle royal, and our first honest-to-goodness pay-per-view event. But first, an interlude from January 1980.

[Mr. Europa]

RnR Forever - January 2020

The scene opens in what appears to be a television studio. Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Night" - outdated and out of place - plays the scene in as the lights go up and the space comes into focus. In the center of a well-lit, well-decorated room, Rod Codger sits with one leg crossed over the knee of the other in a comfortable looking arm chair. A similar chair faces the camera a couple of feet away from Codger's, and in between them a small coffee table holds two mugs with the RnR branding prominently facing the camera. The second chair remains empty as Codger begins to address the camera.

Rod Codger: "Hello to all of you in the RnR Universe joining me from the comfort of your own homes. I'm Rod Codger, and tonight - on the eve of the 2020 Battle Royal - I'm pleased to bring you the debut of a new project here on the RnR Network. RnR Forever, as we've come to call it, is set to be your one-stop shop for current events, stats, and rankings.

But even more specifically, this little show has one important mission: to document - and celebrate - the last forty years of Rock n' Roll Wrestling programming. From Lazer, to The Hunk, to Alexei Monstro... RnR Forever is the number one source for all things RnR history.

So before we begin, let's talk a little bit about what you can expect from this show. Once a month, before each pay-for-view event here in 2020, we'll use an episode of RnR Forever to travel back in time and see what was going on in this universe during that month forty years ago. For instance, tonight, we're going to talk about the month it all began: January 1980.

But before we get to that, we need to talk stats. I'm sure you've seen them on RnR.com by now, but this year, Rock n' Roll Wrestling has decided to begin keeping track of and publishing the win/loss records of everyone who competes in the ring. These will allow us to determine weekly Power Rankings, which give you a nice, tidy distillation of the goings-on of RnR each and every week.

But why stop there? Considering that we're going back into the record books already for this show, why not compile the wins and losses of the 1980s and 1990s as well, to see what an all-time Power Ranking for RnR might look like? Well, that's exactly what we'll be doing! As soon as we go off the air tonight, you can navigate yourself over to RnR.com to see how the Power Rankings of January 1980 affect our all-time Power Rankings. And form this point forward, those 1980 rankings will be factored into the current all-time rankings every week. It's going to be a lot of work, but it's worth it for the RnR Universe.

So we've got a lot to get through tonight, for sure! We'll hear about some of the matches on tomorrow's card, and we'll hear from a very special guest about the first ever Battle Royal event in 1980. But first, we're going to take a look back at the month of January 1980. Where were we? Where were we going? How would we get there. Sit back; here we go!"

A cheesy screen effect warps and discolors the studio, Rod and all, simulating a retro take on time travel. When the vision normalizes again, the quality of the picture has dropped, either on purpose to reflect the technology available four decades ago or accidentally as a statement on the generally half-baked nature of this show. A soundtrack begins to play, faintly, just loud enough for melodic synthesizers to be heard. Rod Codger is now wearing a party hat, tilting off the right side of his head. His right hand is balled in a fist in his lap.

Rod Codger: "It's 1980! Happy New Year!"

He shoots his fist forward and releases its payload: far too much confetti for the camera to effectively take in. As it flutters through the shot, Codger provides exposition.

Rod Codger: "Specifically, it's January first, 1980. Disco is eternal, the economy is in freefall, and John Travolta's star will never lose its shine. It was against this backdrop that William Z. Fantasy - Bill, as he'd come to be known - decided to strike out on his own and open his very own wrestling federation. Of course, that federation was - and is - Rock n' Roll Wrestling. We know how the story ends; it doesn't! RnR is forever!

But what if there was more to the story's beginning than most of you know? What if there was more about this company's inception that the dirt sheets haven't gotten to yet? Strap in, friends, because this story is about to get real. We all know that Bill Fantasy started this company and officially opened it on January first, 1980. But that date has always stuck out as a little odd, hasn't it? I mean, how often do businesses incorporate on the first day of the year? It's almost as if this was planned, isn't it?

Well, it was! Before opening RnR, Bill Fantasy booked his father's federation, Wrestle World. While Mr. Fantasy has adopted Fantasy Isle as his permanent residence, he and his father - William X. Fantasy - originally hail from the Windy City of Chicago, as did Wrestle World. Wrestle World is where Bill really got his hands dirty in the happenings of this wonderful sport. His father made sure he got the experience he needed, because one day, Bill was of course expected to succeed William as the chairman of the company.

However, toward the end of the 1970s, the two began drifting apart. Some speculate that William X. didn't really want to leave the business to his son, instead looking toward Wrestle World's chief commentary guru, Jackie Greenhorn. Others believe that Bill Fantasy wanted to break away from his father on spiritual grounds, yearning to flap his wings on his own for the first time ever. The truth, as it always seems to be, is more practical than either of these: Bill Fantasy wanted to be on TV."

A montage of talking heads and newspersons on television plays at an increased speed, signifying the growth of the prominence of the TV in the average American home.

Rod Codger: "More specifically, he wanted to put Wrestle World on TV, but William X. didn't agree as to the importance of beaming his product directly into the homes of countless fans. William X. Fantasy lived and breathed the 'old school.' He ran a tight ship in Chicago, and Wrestle World's live shows were well-attended. Of course, those Chicago winters killed attendance every year, and Bill saw an opportunity to make consistent profits, year-round, by reaching out to local stations and putting the product right in the proverbial living room of the country.

So let's think about this: an old school, heavy-handed father wants one thing, and his modernist, free-thinking son wants another. We know how this plays out, right?

If you guessed 'Bill conspires against his father for the better part of three years, planning to open his own federation on January first, 1980, complete with a local TV deal,' you're exactly right. Bill Fantasy believed so much in the idea that would become RnR Wrestling that he basically stabbed his own father in the back over it. I can say this; Bill approved this script.

So all throughout the year 1979, Bill Fantasy is continuing to work for his father's company by day, all the while sketching his own and working out coverage deals by night. He burned both ends of the candle for a year, all so that January first 1980 could go off without a hitch. And to be honest, it did. I mean, Bill would have plenty of time to explain the betrayal to his father. And he'd have plenty of time to explain why so much of the Wrestle World roster jumped ship to accompany him on his departure. The one thing he would have trouble explaining to William X. Fantasy long-term was the fact that - somehow - the only TV deal Bill could negotiate at the time was local to Chicago and parts of Canada. The father and the son enter the new decade embroiled in a previously unforeseen rivalry over the eyeballs of a metropolitan area. We'll be back with more on January 1980 in a minute."

"Less Embarrassing than the Alternative"

The Wild Things - Komodo and Kongo Kid - are shown walking through a hallway lit well by fluorescent bulbs. Komodo strides confidently while Kongo Kid looks perturbed by something, and much less bounce-off-the-walls energetic than normal. Considering that Komodo is covered in body paint and Kongo Kid is wearing only a loin cloth, the whole scene is absurd.

Kongo Kid: "I'm just saying that it's weird to me, is all. It doesn't feel like what partners do."

Komodo: "I hear you, friend. But what wass I to do? We were booked ass opponentss in that match, no? Would it have been better to let Timmy Tough beat uss both? Hmm?"

Kongo Kid: "I mean, maybe?"

Komodo: "Lissten, I undersstand your hurt, friend. I do. But ssomeone had to win that match. We are ssuppossed to be warriorss, no? We fight with our heartss, and we fight to the end. That iss our code, no?"

Kongo Kid: "I mean, yeah, but we've never, like, factored a match against each other into the code. I mean, you totally embarrassed me out there, Komodo."

Komodo: "Trusst me, throwing you out of the ring to issolate Timmy Tough for the Deadly Venom wass much lesss embarrasssing than the alternative."

Kongo Kid: "I'll give you that, but I can't help but feel that this is what our companionship boils down to. We've never been tag champs, and neither one of us has ever held a singles belt. Were we tag team partners just to launch you into this match?"

Komodo: "I am offended by that inssinuation. You musst know that neither of uss had any control over that booking descision. That we were forsced to fasce each other iss pure happensstance."

Kongo Kid: "That may be the case, but you're fighting Black Plague for the RnR Television Championship tomorrow. Like, out of nowhere. You threw me over the ropes to get to be the number one contender."

Komodo: "I cannot argue that that iss indeed the ssituation we find oursselvess in, ass regrettable ass it iss.

However, you and I are sstill the Wild Thingss. And Black Plague iss a veritable lunatic. I sstand little chansce without you in my corner, friend. I undersstand that you feel misslead, and even betrayed, by all of thiss. But we can work that out in time. What iss important right now iss that I am lesss than twenty-four hourss from the mosst demanding match of my career. I need your help. Can I count on it?"

Kongo Kid sighs and looks at his bare feet on the cold, linoleum floor.

Kongo Kid: "I mean, yeah, of course you can. But I want to talk about this more after you win the belt tomorrow. Okay?"

Komodo: "Indeed. Now, I musst urinate, and it iss a proscesss in thiss cosstume. I will ssee you tomorrow."

Kongo Kid watches as Komodo leaves the frame. He still looks dissatisfied by the fact that he does not get a chance at the Television Championship tomorrow, but this dissatisfaction is quickly interrupted by the appearance of a larger-than-life form standing right behind him. The camera actually has to pan up to get to the face of the interloper, and it is none other than King Solomon.

King Solomon: "Partner's jerking you around, huh? I can relate to that. We should talk."

RnR Forever - January 2020 - Continued

Rod Codger: "Well, there you have it: confirmed for tomorrow, we now have the RnR Television Champion Black Plague defending his title against Komodo. This is interesting to me, because the main event of RnR Wrestling's first ever show - Superstar Saturday - was also the company's first-ever Television Championship defense.

Starboy - a darling of William X. Fantasy's Wrestle World - jumped ship and was awarded the RnR Television Championship overnight. His challenger was hand-picked to really sell the first episode of the new project. Gepetto Rocco was already well-known across the globe for his work in New York in the 1960s and 1970s. Bill Fantasy had enough money from those first TV contracts that he could sign Rocco to a big deal. That first night, he beat Starboy in a two-star match that set the tone for the future of RnR to come. Of course, as the story always goes, Starboy got his revenge at the first-ever Battle Royal P4V later that month, winning his title back in a match that - honestly - took the air out of the room after the Battle Royal itself."

Grainy footage plays onscreen, showing the masked Starboy using his Flying Cross Chop to put Gepetto Rocco down at the 1980 Battle Royal, reclaiming the RnR Television Championship in the process.

Rod Codger: "But good match or no, this is how Bill Fantasy's RnR Wrestling intended to introduce itself to the world: matches with heavy implications from the starting gun. No cinematic development of rivalries, no overblown and under-scripted appearances on local talk shows. This was wrestling, and January 1980 really showcased that.

Beyond the emerging rivalry between the old-school Gepetto Rocco and the new-school Starboy, January of 1980 was also noteworthy for a few other things. The first that comes to mind for me after what we've already spoken about is the emergence of Devin van Winkle. Devin was the youngest of the Fightin' van Winkles, a Texan trio that requires no introduction in 2020. In much the same manner that he lured Gepetto Rocco to Chicago in 1980, Bill Fantasy somehow convinced Franz van Winkle that the opportunity that RnR presented for his sons was too good to pass up. Only time would tell if this was true, but at least for Devin, that first month seemed like he'd really found a home in RnR.

The same night that Gepetto Rocco put RnR on the map, Devin van Winkle beat the nefarious Mercenary in RnR's first-ever four-star match, a match that most fans look back at as the 'true' beginning of this company. Of course, the next week on Sunday Night Slam, van Winkle - accompanied to the ring by his father Franz - beat the Wrestle World original Red Pirate Rogers - accompanied by his long-time partner Arizona Chance - to become the second-ever Cruiserweight Champion of Rock n' Roll Wrestling, and the first man to win the belt in the ring. Despite a loss the next week on Weekend Wrasslin' to Hammerhead, Devin van Winkle would retain that championship - and begin cementing the van Winkle legacy - into February.

The tag team division also got its start here in January. The Neon Express - Chet Skye and Jessie Wild - were local to Chicago but had never worked for William X. Fantasy. For a bit of interesting trivia, they were the only champions at the beginning of RnR who were not previously employed in Wrestle World. For some reason, Bill saw something in them that convinced him to ward them with the belts on January first. With this in mind, Chet and Jessie got to just sit back and watch things develop, knowing they would have to defend their belts at Battle Royal no matter what.

The team of Warhawk - yes, that Warhawk's dad! - and Dangerzone - otherwise known as the American Heroes - jumped into a fast feud with The Executers, Mercenary and Spazz. America versus Canada played out all across Chicago that January, and the teams were deadlocked heading into Weekend Wrasslin'. The Executers managed to score the win in RnR's first number one contenders' match, and they also ended up defeating the Neon Express at Battle Royal to become the new Tag Team Champions heading into February.

In the women's division, national sensation Lyndi Harker defeated Countess on the debut episode of Superstar Saturday to become the de facto number one contender for Princess Starbright's RnR Ladies Championship, a title she would go on to win at a P4V notorious for championships switching hands. This did not bode well for the first-ever World Champion of Rock n' Roll Wrestling and the most well-known Wrestle World refugee, Max Attack. But to properly tell his story and that of his first title defense, we have to speak a little more about that first Battle Royal match. We'll do that after this."

"Times are Always Changing"

In the Code of Combat private training room, Shaolin Hero and Shadow spar as Jin Kinji nails a swinging punching bag with shin kicks. Zeta Quade wears oversized waffle pads on his hands, and Sweet Jane is using them to practice her own fist-work. The spirit of the fight is alive and well in this pugilist's paradise. Jane's phone rings from her gym bag, and Zeta nods at her to take a break to take the call.

Sweet Jane: "Hello?

Yes, this is her. Oh, hey Strongarm. How are you?

That's good to... that's good to hear. Is everything okay?

No, no, it's just that you don't usually call me like this and I'm in the middle of a training session and -

Oh. Because of that? I mean, I'm not arguing. I'm just surprised.

Do I need to sign a contract or anything? No? Okay, so then I'll just be there tomorrow.

Great. See you then."

She hangs up and puts the phone back in her bag. She cocks her head in confusion and looks up at Zeta Quade, who is himself evidently confused by the one-sided call he just overheard.

Sweet Jane: "That was Strongarm Thompson. You remember that throwaway match I had against Gaines and Chugger a couple of weeks ago?"

Zeta Quade: "Of course. You made them look like fools."

Sweet Jane: "The front office agrees. They're giving me a shot at Andromeda's title tomorrow night. No contract, no contender's match... I'm in."

Zeta Quade: "You seem... less than enthused by this."

Sweet Jane: "It's just, I don't know... shouldn't I have to beat a lady to get a shot at the Ladies Championship?"

Zeta Quade: "Hey listen, it's 2020, right? You just beat two of the biggest guys in this company. A few decades ago, and Otto would've been arrested for even putting you in that match. Times are always changing, Jane, so I'd advise that you stay sharp and stay in front of them."

Zeta slides his padded gloves back on and assumes a defensive position.

Zeta Quade: "Besides, we don't question the fight around here. We meet it head on. Now get your hands back up, champ."

RnR Forever - January 2020 - Concluded

Rod Codger: "Sometimes you get a match to determine who gets to challenge for a title, and sometimes the head of booking makes a phone call. Politics, ladies and gentlemen! Either way, it is now officially confirmed that we will see four epic matches tomorrow, and it all starts off with the most epic one of all. Twenty men enter, but only one gets to challenge for the World Championship in the main event. The 2020 Battle Royal is on, folks. As usual, we have no idea who will be taking part in the match. It's a complete surprise, but I would be shocked if names like Flint Decker and Bayonet and even Jimmy Florez weren't hear at some point tomorrow.

After the Battle Royal, the RnR Television Champion Black Plague will make his second defense of the title this month against Komodo, who has already asked his partner Kongo Kid to accompany him to the ring. It's anybody's match once the action gets going in the ring, but it is truly hard to see anyone but Black Plague walking away from that match with the gold.

The third match of the evening will see the 2020 debut of the RnR Ladies Champion Andromeda Prime. As we all just found out, she'll be defending against Code of Combat's own Sweet Jane. This will be a tough one for the fans to decide on, but these two favorites are sure to bring the roof down with their combined skillsets.

Finally, of course, the evening ends with the defense of the World Championship. Alexei Monstro will defend his long-tenured title against the unfortunate soul who happens to win the Battle Royal. Considering just how effective a champion Monstro has been to this point, there really are only a few names that I could see taking him down tomorrow night. Flint Decker definitely comes to mind, and so does Gunslinger. But my prediction? My honest-to-goodness prediction? I say Son of Samoa walks out of the arena as RnR World Champion tomorrow. Did you see him against Reviver last week? Man...

And that's what makes this event so much fun, right? The sheer unpredictability of it all, the fact that anyone really could win. Well, that is exactly the vision that Bill Fantasy had for the Battle Royal when he conceived of it and made it his infant company's first-ever pay-for-view event in 1980. But instead of me just telling you about it, why don't we ask someone who was there? Ladies and gentlemen at home, please join me in welcoming a very special guest to RnR Forever, a true RnR original... please welcome, Hairy!"

Hairy's old entrance theme plays, a disco-fied sort of sci-fi epic that is simultaneously cheesy and delightfully nostalgic. Hairy himself trudges across the set, waving at the cameras and nonexistent studio office. While he is as tall as the Hairy of 1980 was, he is also noticeably rounder; the hairy Hairy suit does not fit the man beneath it anywhere near as well as it did forty years ago. Hairy walks with a stoop, now into his seventies, and the fur of his suit is patchwork. It has not been maintained all that well over the years. The suited big man approaches the vacant armchair, pauses, and flops into it with all the poise of a falling safe. He shakes Rod Codger's hand, and Rod begins to interview him.

Rod Codger: "Hairy! It is an absolute pleasure to speak to you today."

Hairy: "The pleasure is mine, even if I'm a little less hairy these days."

Both men laugh for the camera for a beat too long, and Hairy begins to wheeze slightly. He waves away Rod's concern, sips some coffee, and nods.

Rod Codger: "It's good to see that you're in... good health."

Hairy: "Eh, don't b-s me, kid. And don't get old, either. It's hell."

Rod Codger: "Fair enough.

Well, we've been talking about the state of Rock n' Roll Wrestling in January of 1980, you know, the beginning and all. A big topic of discussion has been how Bill Fantasy started the company, and to that end, how he obtained the talent that populated his roster. So far, we've heard about people like Starboy and Red Pirate Rogers who came over from Wrestle World, and people like Gepetto Rocco and the van Winkles who were well-known elsewhere and were effectively wooed to RnR by Mr. Fantasy.

You were different, though. You weren't from Wrestle World, and you weren't big elsewhere. What was it like for you in the locker room that first month?"

Hairy: "It was weird, kid. I mean, think about it. It's 1980, and you're a 6'10" kid from Eureka. Ya bale hay on a farm, ya like movies, and otherwise ya stick out like a sore thumb anywhere ya go. Your knees are shot from high school ball, but you're making no money in the hay racket. Whaddya do?

I tell ya, I went up to Chicago and saw an ad for what I thought was a sports tryout, like amateur wrestling or whatever. I was plenty strong, so I thought I'd give it a shot. And if my knees gave out on me, so be it. I'll tell ya the truth, I didn't know pro wrestling from the back of my hand back in '78. But I could tell from the fact that the ad mentioned no names and the fact that there was a kind of hush-hush about the whole thing that whatever was happening in that auditorium was being taken seriously, much more than the hay.

I can't say I impressed anyone with my athleticism right away, but I could see the look in Billy's eye when he saw me that first time. I swear, his pupils were dollar signs. I had a contract within the hour, and then came the arduous task of turning an Illinois oaf into a big-time draw. Bill brought Hammerhead over from WW - in secret and all - to get me training right away. It wasn't easy, but over the course of two years, we really turned this big sonofagun into a wrestler. The suit was a necessity; mine isn't a face made for TV. But damn if it wasn't fun to play off my favorite movies every time I stepped between those ropes.

But yeah... I don't know how Billy did it, but he managed to combine just a mess of people from this industry under one roof, and no real conflicts arose. I think it has to do with how tight his plan was heading into all this. Everyone could feel the seriousness of it, ya know? Nobody wanted to be the bad egg who ruined breakfast. We were all hungry, and we all knew we were there for a reason. I should've been getting the crud kicked out of me every day in training, but those boys took care of me. There was a, I dunno, a higher purpose to it all, I guess."

Rod Codger: "Alright, so it's 1980. You're running shows all through that first month, competing with Wrestle World for the first time, and everyone is just kind of flying by the seat of their pants, right? So -"

Hairy: "No, no. I'm trying to tell ya: it was all planned to a T. It might've felt at times like we didn't know what was going to happen next, but what mattered is that Billy did. I swear, Billy knew how 1980 was gonna go for us in 1975. His brain, it operates outside of time and space. He's got a gift."

Rod Codger: "Fair enough! Well, speaking to his plan, the man famously had twelve pay-for-view events drawn up in his head well before signing any of the contracts that would spawn Rock n' Roll Wrestling. Some claim that these ideas are what motivated him to chase the TV dream all the way to the end of betraying his own father. Heck, this company still calls one of its championships the 'TV Title.' What was the mood backstage heading into that first big invention of his, the Battle Royal?"

Hairy: "Well, like ya say, we all knew heading into that first month that this was about TV. If we could find a way to justify putting wrestling on TV in the first place, we knew we could stick around for a bit. It all really came down to that first Battle Royal.

With that kind of pressure, the mood was definitely a little tense, ya know? I mean, you already said it, we had three types of people in that locker room: cats from Wrestle World who'd never been on TV, much less left Chicago, cats who wrestled elsewhere, but not really on TV fr a major market like Chicago, or cats like me, who had no business being on TV ever. And it was up to us to make this a "compelling watch," as Billy used to say.

We were lucky to get to run those three shows before Battle Royal; it let a lot of us work out those big-stage jitters. Because that stuff was all local access, but the P4Vs? Billy had them contracted to the local network affiliates. Ya could watch your primetime lineup, call a number on your phone, and finish the night watching a hairy alien in a suit trip over his own feet. This was big TV for a new promotion, right?

So imagine my shock when I didn't make the card for any of those "warmup" shows. The guy with the least experience, the least coordination... that's the guy who debuts at your first big event? I mean, I wasn't the only one to debut like that for Battle Royal, but I damn well was the only me to debt like that. That was either a terrible bit of oversight, or I really did make an impression early on."

Rod Codger: "Well, Hairy, I'm inclined to go with the latter there and say you made an impression, because I asked you to be on tonight's show for a very specific reason. Any idea what that reason is?"

Hairy: "Sure thing, kid. I'm here because I went out and won the first Battle Royal, which was technically my pro wrestling debut. Kinda weird, huh? But that's what we were doing back then: "subverting expectations," another Billy phrase.

Rod Codger: "That's right. You are forever immortalized as the first great survivor in this company. So now, why don't we talk about that match.

You knew the winner would take on the World Champion - Max Attack - in the main event, per Billy Fantasy's idea. That seemed to favor those who would enter later in the match, obviously, a little closer to number twenty. So what number did you draw, Hairy?"

Hairy: "Lucky number three."

Rod Codger: "That's right. Let's go to some footage we have of that entrance."

A projector screen drops from the vicinity of the ceiling and hangs above the coffee table. Rod and Hairy shift toward it as grainy footage from the 1980 Battle Royal begins to play. Slammer Johnson - who drew number one and entered first - is in a collar-and-elbow predicament with Cobalt Commander. The two vie for purchase, shifting back and forth across the ring, until Slammer gets Cobalt into a rear waistlock. As he struggles to remain in control over his hooded foe, Hairy's entrance music hits. The crowd is surprised and delighted by the hairy beast making his debut, cheering him down to the ring once they collectively realize just what he is a parody of.

Hairy steps over all three ropes and surveys the scene. Slammer instinctively grabs Cobalt's arm and Irish whips him toward Hairy. Hairy's first maneuver in a wrestling ring is a jaw-jacking big boot that sends Cobalt Commander somersaulting through the air before he crashes to the mat. In an instant, Hairy is on Slammer Johnson, hoisting him skyward in a gorilla press that results in a slam over the top rope. 

Rod Codger: "And there it is, the first elimination in the forty-year history of RnR's Battle Royal. That might be the hardest one to watch, Hairy."

Hairy: "Well, yeah, kid. That's about a twelve foot drop for poor old Slammer. Took it like a champ, though. Made me look great."

Rod Codger: "Eh, some would argue you made you look great, Hairy. And that wasn't your only elimination that we can use as evidence. Let's look at some more."

Onscreen, a few minutes later in the inaugural Battle Royal, Hairy is seen attempting to coexist with Pat Cabbage and Warhawk against Cobalt Commander and Big Thuggee. Cobalt and Thuggee appear to be on the ropes, both literally and figuratively, when Cobalt's tag partner - Skullgore - makes his entrance at number seven. He sprints into the ring and stands proudly next to his partner. The ring is divided, three versus three, good versus bad. As the countdown begins for the next entrant, it looks as though we're about to see a good old fashioned wall of death. However, before we really know what's happening, Cobalt Commander grabs Skullgore by the back of the head and throws him over the ropes. Across the ring, Hairy shrugs and does the same to Warhawk, amounting to the second and third eliminations in the battle, and Hairy's second in a short amount of time.

Rod Codger: "It's amazing to think that RnR's first ever P4V may very well have one of the funniest moments of all time. What was that like for you?"

Hairy: "A major pressure release valve, I tell ya. Hearing the crowd react when I threw poor Hawk over the ropes... that was it. That was when I knew I could win that damn match."

Rod Codger: "And what about Warhawk? Do you think he holds a grudge?"

Hairy: "Eh, he got his down the road. We all knew that match was every man for himself. I had to show Chicago that I could be funny, ya know? I think I got that point across."

Rod Codger: "I'm inclined to agree. Hairy's got the comedy chops! What about this one?"

In this scene from the match, Teeny Norman is making his entrance. He slides into the ring and runs at Michael T. Wolf, who is gassed against the ropes. One dropkick later, and Wolf is the seventh person eliminated. Across the ring, Hairy and Chief Buffalo have been waging an epic war of chops to chests. Hairy pushes Chief Buffalo to the ropes and attempts to force him over by lifting his legs. Using only his brute strength, Hairy manages to get Chief Buffalo entirely onto the top rope, only for Teeny Norman to sneak in, stomp on Hairy's foot, and take control of Chief Buffalo. Teeny finishes what Hairy started and eliminates Chief Buffalo, surprisingly. Not impressed, Hairy grabs Teeny by the armpits and tosses him out of the ring like he would a child. Hairy's third elimination is the match's ninth, and the crowd is actively watching him now.

Rod Codger: "What do you think, Hairy? Did Teeny Norman ever come back down from orbit?"

Hairy: "Oh, sure. It just took him a little while."

Hairy laughs hoarsely, wheezing again, before sipping some coffee and chuckling to himself.

Rod Codger: "So almost right away, you've score three eliminations in the first Battle Royal. There is a veritable buzz surrounding Hairy at this point. But you're not the only one turning heads out there. As the match wears on, we see Jet Set Strutter and Arizona Chance enter the fray. Each of them puts together three of their own eliminations in short order. What do you think, Hairy? Do you have one more in you?"

Hairy: "Oh, of course. I mean, I won."

Rod Codger: "That you did, Hairy. Here's the end of the first Battle Royal."

In the ring, Jet Set Strutter, Zombie Punk, and Pelvis Pressly are working together to clear the ring. In no time, they are responsible for eliminating Robolectro 2000, Pat Cabbage, and Haka Tonga. Arizona Chance and Hairy stand with Mandonna against the duo just as the twentieth entrant appears: the one and only Dr. B barrels into the ring for a frenzied finale. Dr. B and Hairy go to work on each other almost immediately as Mandonna and Zombie Punk lock up, leaving Arizona Chance to deal with both Jet Set Strutter and Pelvis Pressly. The duo whips Arizona Chance into the ropes, but on the rebound, he hits them with a double clothesline that eliminates them both simultaneously.

Dr. B has Hairy isolated in the corner as Mandonna sends Zombie Punk flying over the ropes. Mandonna celebrates remaining into the final four, but Dr. B puts an end to that by sending them over, right on top of Zombie Punk. In an instant, only three competitors remain: an exhausted Hairy, an exhausted Arizona Chance, and a fresh-as-a-fiddle Dr. B. The good doctor heads right for Hairy again, but Arizona Chance hits him with a surprise dropkick. He nods to Hairy, and the two seem to agree to work together to take down Dr. B. After a few moments of these uneven tactics, Hairy whips Dr. B toward the ropes. He hooks his elbows around the ropes, but Arizona Chance takes a risk and runs at him with a big clothesline. Dr. B tumbles to the floor, and Arizona Chance manages to catch the ropes, hanging from the outside and dangling over the arena floor. Running on fumes, Hairy sprints across the ring and hurls himself into the ropes, breaking Chance's grasp and officially scoring his fourth elimination of the night. Hairy collapses near the ropes to an explosion from the crowd; he's on his way to the main event.

Rod Codger: "I swear, goosebumps every time. You became a legend in that moment, Hairy. What was going through your head?"

Hairy: "The fact that I never wanted a nap as bad as I did in that moment, I tell ya."

Rod Codger: "I can imagine. And truth be told, you gave the RnR universe the prototype that night. You showed us all what it would take to win this match in the years to come. From the third spot, you used your strength, athleticism, and willingness to improvise to really overcome it all. That in itself is an accomplishment, and I hope including you here tonight has maybe introduced you - and the beginning of RnR Wrestling writ large - to a new generation of fans.

Of course, you took part in one more match that night in January."

On the screen, a sweaty Max Attack ascends the turnbuckle in slow motion, hoisting the RnR World Championship sky-high. The video continues to play slowly. Hairy sighs and turns to face the camera again, staring down at his costumed feet.

Rod Codger: "What happened?"

Hairy: "What do you think happened, kid? I ran a marathon and tripped at the damn finish line.

Seriously, entering at number three? In my debut match? I was in that ring for over thirty-five minutes. I was physically exhausted, and I barely knew what I was doing to begin with. I should've beat Max. I should've won the title that night. But I didn't and I've never forgotten it."

Rod Codger: "Well, hey, let's not dwell on the bad parts of the night. As I've already said: you became a legend by winning RnR's first Battle Royal. Nobody can ever take that away from you.

Do you have any parting words of advice for the competitors in tomorrow night's Battle Royal?"

Hairy: "Yeah, uh, don't trust anyone. And for the love of it all, if you see the finish line, don't look down."

Rod Codger: "That's great. And do you have any predictions for a winner tomorrow?"

Hairy: "I'm in it, right?"

Hairy and Rod Codger laugh together, even as Hairy devolves into another fit of wheezing. Rod reaches over and gently pats him on the back.

Rod Codger: "Alright everyone, we're out of time for tonight. On behalf of the RnR universe, I'd like to heartily thank the one and only Hairy for his time tonight. And to you, fans and friends, make sure you come back tomorrow night.

Another legend, is about to be made."

[Mr. Europa]

Please excuse our extended commercial break. We'll have more RnR action in a moment!

[Mr. Europa]

January 2020 - Week Four - Battle Royale

Purple and gold spotlights flood the interior of the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, as the Rock n' Roll Wrestling live feed jolts to life. The building is packed to the rafters with screaming fans, many of whom have come dressed as *much* scrawnier versions of the RnR World Champion Alexei Monstro. A series of pyrotechnical explosions runs in sequence up the entrance ramp before encircling the Rockin' Tron entirely with a resounding BOOM. The lights in the arena cut to black for an instant before coming back up, revealing a near-capacity crowd going bonkers for the fortieth installment of one of their favorite marquee events.

Cabb: "Ladies n' gentlemen, boys n' girls, RnR Wrestlin' is back in SoCal once again with tha craziest show out theah: Battle Royale!"

The camera cuts to the commentary table, where Cabb is seated between his longtime commentary partner Stan and RnR's resident interview specialist Rod Codger. While Rod and Cabb look toward the camera's lens, Stan is staring straight up at the ceiling of the Honda Center, showing only his throat to the camera as he keeps his hands folded on the tabletop before him. Cabb looks to his left, notices Stan, and shakes his head glumly.

Cabb: "I'm heah with my partnuh Stan..."

Stan continues to stare straight up, but he speaks as if he's looking right at the camera.

Stan: "The clock counts down, the music plays, and the spectacle unfolds!"

Cabb squeezes his eyes shut and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Cabb: "Yeah, so that's, uh, Stan. But tonight, considerin' tha impoahtance, tha gravity of tonight's event, we also got the one n' only Rod Codguh out of his swanky set backstage. That might also be because we're functionally a man down ovuh heah on commentary, but who's askin', right? Rod, whaddya say?"

Rod Codger: "Cabb! It's great to see you, and it's great to be here in Anaheim calling the action during the fortieth-ever RnR Battle Royale. What a night we're about to have!

We'll get a TV Title match between Black Plague and Komodo, a Ladies Title match between the champion Andromeda Prime and her challenger Sweet Jane, and a Tag Team Title match between the odd couple of Domingo and Pathos and their challengers, the RnR newcomers Concrete Charlie and Icepick Dominic, otherwise known as the Hatchetmen."

Stan: "A spectacular spectacle!"

Cabb: "I'll tell ya, Rod, it's good to have someone wit' a brain between his eahs out heah. But even more than that, it's good to get to call such a stacked cahd. I think Black Plague is gonna straight up murdah Komodo tonight. It's gonna be a bloodbath. And I like that Jane got the title shot, but I don't think she has a chance against tha dominant force of Andromeda. Furthahmoah, I don't know who these mobbed up Axemen or whatevah are, but I think they have a chance. Domingo and Pathos make no sense together. They have no chemistry!"

1.) 20-Man Battle Royale - Over-the-Top Elimination for the Number One Contendership for the RnR World Title

Rod Codger: "Either way, Cabb, I think we're forgetting the biggest match in the world tonight. Our main event this evening will see the untouchable Alexei Monstro defend his RnR World Title against a new number one contender, to be determined by the craziest match Bill Fantasy ever came up with - the Battle Royale! One by one, twenty superstars will make their way into the ring and struggle to not be thrown over the ropes, until only one winner remains. Then all that man has to do is rest, stretch, and recuperate to the best of their abilities before challenging Alexei later on. Totally fair!"

Cabb: "Yeah, right, totally fair. You know, I said from day one that this match type unfairly favuhs tha reignin' champion."

Rod Codger: "I believe that, Cabb, because I seem to recall that you took part in the first ever Battle Royale in 1980. And I seem to also remember that you failed to eliminate anyone at all that night."

Cabb: "It was a new concept, Rod! What tha hell, man? I liked it better when I was stuck out heah wit' tha headcase to my left."

As Cabb mutters to himself about the unfairness of it all, a squealing electric guitar slide overtakes the arena's PA system. Chugger appears on stage, the bell rings, and the 2020 Battle Royale has officically begun. The crowd reaction indicates that Chugger is indeed a favorite, despite his early struggles in 2020. And in the interest of honesty, it appears as though Chugger is unaffected by either his win/loss record or his terrible luck at drawing the number one spot in this year's Battle Royale. The man just looks happy to be here.

As Chugger waits in the ring, the sound of glass shattering resonates throughout the arena before the bassy intro of the Florez Brothers' entrance song plays, and Jimmy Florez appears onstage accompanied by Sheba. He wears a muscle shirt with his brother's name - Mick - airbrushed across its chest. He makes a two-handed gesture signifying the fastening of a belt - clearly still focused on his one-man crusade against the Monstro that broke his brother's back - and he sprints down the ramp to the ring. Sheba shakes her head and casually walks down the ramp after her client. In the ring, Jimmy wastes no time charging at Chugger, and the match begins in earnest.

The two lock up, and although Jimmy's determination to win the whole damn thing is evident in a non-stop flurry of punches and kicks, the resilient Chugger absorbs them and stands his ground. The crowd begins counting down from ten, a horn sounds, and a crescendo followed by an epic orchestral song indicate the arrival of Mystic. He emerges from a cloud of smoke on stage to a mild wave of cheers from the Anaheim crowd, and he jogs down the ramp to enter the match. Once in the ring, Mystic chooses to offer help to Chugger, creating a double-team situation against Jimmy Florez. Jimmy does hold his own against both foes, but he quickly finds himself beaten into a corner, holding onto the ropes for dear life.

A traditional American Western-styled song plays across the PA system after another countdown, and the crowd explodes as the fourth entrant in the 2020 Battle Royale is revealed to be none other than Gunslinger. The explosion from the crowd distracts Chugger and Mystic enough to allow Jimmy Florez enough space to hit each with a surprise superkick, dropping them to the mat and causing them to roll under the ropes. Gunslinger rolls into the ring and stares down Jimmy. Jimmy once again motions to suggest a title belt around his waste. Gunslinger shakes his head, laughs, and charges. The two fall into a back-and-forth flurry of stiff punches, and the crowd goes wild.

As Gunslinger and Jimmy Florez duel, the countdown begins anew, and the fifth entrant is revealed to be King Solomon. The crowd again explodes, clearly looking forward to the King and Gunslinger tearing into each other in what constitutes a dream match for many in attendance. Solomon takes his time getting to the ring, and when he does roll in, he steps into a triangle of tension between himself, Gunslinger, and Jimmy. Jimmy takes the initiative and runs at King Solomon, who simply lifts one large leg and hits the Florez brother in the jaw with a devastating big boot. Jimmy rolls out of the ring to recover, and Gunslinger and King Solomon fall into a brand new flurry of punches and forearms, to the absolute delight of the crowd.

At the end of yet another countdown, a fast-paced punk song rings loud and clear, signalling the arrival of The Deviant at number six. As expected, he does not arrive alone; his partner in crime Nevermore joins him on stage. The two preen for the crowd, and the crowd in turn voices its displeasure. The Delinquents make their way to the ring area before splitting in different directions. The Deviant heads left while Nevermore heads right, and their intent quickly becomes apparent as Sheba gets out of the way. On one side of the ring, Chugger has just managed to get to his feet on the apron, while Mystic has done the same on the other side. The Deviant grabs Chugger's legs while Nevermore grabs Mystic's, and in near-perfect synchronicity, the two recovering combatants fall from the apron, each hitting their head on the way down. The crowd boos as The Delinquents each bow theatrically, and The Deviant rolls into the ring to join the fray. Nevermore remains on the outside and gives the boots to Mystic, who is really hurting at this point.

Before The Deviant can officially get involved in the fight between King Solomon and Gunslinger in the ring, the countdown begins again. As it ends, an all-too-familiar Western song plays, signifying the entrance of another member of Gunslinger's Nomad Gang. The Buzzard appears on stage, flapping his black-feathered arms in a somehow stoic fashion. He quickly enters the ring, going right after The Deviant and giving a numbers advantage to the Nomad Gang. As Nevermore continues stomping a mudhole in Mystic, Chugger is beginning to get to his feet on the floor and Jimmy Florez is using the ropes to get back to his feet on the ring apron. With four men going ham on each other in the ring, the countdown sounds again, this time ending with a dark, dramatic metal guitar riff the crowd associates with the Code of Combat faction. The energetic Jin Kinji emerges as the eighth entrant in the 2020 Battle Royale, and he sprints to the ring, wasting no time in inserting himself between Gunslinger and King Solomon. Meanwhile, Jimmy Florez gets back into the ring and double-teams The Buzzard with The Deviant.

The countdown begins again, the crowd chants with it, and at its end, a stereotypical Italian-esque song plays. Concrete Charlie, Icepick Dominic, and The Silencer appear on stage with a mysterious newcomer who can only be described as a human refrigerator.

Cabb: "Aw, man, not these mobbed up dudes again. Don't they already have a tag title match tonight?"

Rod Codger: "They do indeed Cabb. The Hatchetmen will take on Domingo and Pathos later on tonight, but I think this is something different. That really big guy up there? I'm getting word in my ear that he's an 'associate' of theirs who goes by the name Tony the Tank. Cabb, I think this is our ninth man in!"

Proving Codger's point, The Hatchetmen and The Silencer simply stand on stage and watch as the debuting Tony the Tank menaces his way down the ramp and toward the ring. Apparently supremely confident in their associate, the rest of the group leaves the stage area before Tony makes it into the ring. As he does step between the ropes and the RnR universe writ large takes in his size and stature, the other seven men in the ring stop what they're doing and size up their new unknown enemy. Even Nevermore seems taken back by Tony's arrival, and Mystic uses the distraction to get up and roll into the ring again. Tony glares at each other man in the ring, and with a suddenness that such a large man should not possess, he punches Jimmy Florez in the face. All hell breaks loose in the ring.

Chugger steps between the ropes, and The Buzzard immediately clotheslines him right back over them. Chugger falls to the floor, landing on Nevermore in the process. Almost at the same time, Mystic steps into the ring looking for a fight. Tony the Tank steps up, presses Mystic high overhead, and simply tosses him to the arena floor. Just like that, the first two men have been eliminated from the 2020 Battle Royale.

In the midst of the commotion brought on by Tony the Tank's debut, the countdown sounds once again, and an overtly militaristic theme plays, signalling the entrance of none other than Officer Foo. He marches onto the stage in his military drab gear, hoisting a solid black flag high overhead, no doubt drumming up support for his non-client Black Plague in his TV Title defense later in the show. Officer Foo takes his time marching down the ramp, playing to the crowd and eliciting a raucous chorus of boos the whole way down. He takes so long, in fact, that The Buzzard notices his impending arrival and takes a dangerous perch atop a turnbuckle. When Foo finally does place his flag down and carefully step through the ropes, The Buzzard has already taken flight, nailing Officer Foo in the chest with a well-planned missile dropkick. Officer Foo immediately tumbles back over the ropes and to the arena floor, and his elimination is much quicker than his entrance. The crowd goes crazy.

Meanwhile, near the opposite corner of the ring, Jimmy Florez is wobbly on his feet. He's been taking a beating since entering this match at number two, and now he's squaring off with Tony the Tank. Tony effectively has his way with Jimmy, pummeling him in one corner before whipping him to another and flying in with a body splash. Jimmy has to hold the ropes to stay on his feet, and he uses the top rope to escape the corner to his right. Tony smells blood in the water, sizes up his target, and nails Jimmy with a stiff clothesline. Jimmy Florez flips over the ropes and tumbles to the floor, landing in an exhausted heap for the match's fourth elimination. Sheba shakes her head and gathers her client, looking up at King Solomon and shrugging. Meanwhile, the countdown sounds again, a driving rock song plays, and perennial underdog Pete Sinclair becomes the eleventh man to enter the 2020 RnR Wrestling Battle Royale.

From here, the ring swells with talent and nobody is eliminated from the match for nearly ten minutes. Gunslinger and King Solomon are still focused on each other. The Buzzard and The Deviant are paired off, and Tony the Tank and Jin Kinji trade blows while Pete Sinclair rests on the apron after rolling under the ropes. During this period, Rex Harmony, Ego Stevens, and Reviver enter the match, in that order. Soon after, The Buzzard has The Deviant reeling near the ropes as Reviver and Jin Kinji battle nearby. The Buzzard pushes The Deviant into the ropes and backs off to size up a clothesline. Meanwhile, Reviver attempts to Irish Whip Jin Kinji from one corner to another. He sends Kinji barreling into The Deviant, who falls over. As The Buzzard charges in for a clothesline, he connects with Jin Kinji, sending him over the ropes as the fifth elimination tonight, and The Buzzard's third personal elimination so far. Sensing big things for The Buzzard, the Anaheim crowd gets loud and rowdy. Even Gunslinger takes note with an approving nod before dodging King Solomon's massive fists.

As the countdown sounds anew and Jin Kinji makes his way up the ramp, Reviver senses opportunity with The Deviant trying to crawl into a corner for safety. Reviver - still reeling himself from his slow start to the year in the ring - grabs a fistful of The Deviant's hair and lifts him to a resting position against the turnbuckle. He then grabs The Deviant in a tight hug, forcibly reverses positions with him so that Reviver is against the turnbuckle, and tosses him over the corner with an insane releasing German suplex to the floor. The Deviant is the sixth man eliminated from this match, and he hits the floor at the same instant that the countdown timer hits zero and Code of Combat's music plays once again. Jin Kinji clutches his neck as he shuffles up the ramp, and he's greeted by his long-time friend and traveling partner Zeta Quade, who is this Battle Royale's fifteenth entrant. Quade collects Kinji in a strong hug. Kinji nods, points at the ring, and claps his friend's shoulder. Quade nods, returns the shoulder clap, and marches down the ramp, staring straight ahead the whole way.

In the ring, Gunslinger and The Buzzard have officially teamed up to menace King Solomon and Ego Stevens. Pete Sinclair is trading blows with Rex Harmony, and Reviver tries to hold off Tony the Tank. Zeta Quade enters the ring and immediately throws himself at Tony the Tank with a running knee, before turning around and doing the same to Reviver. With both men on the ground, Zeta Quade gestures to the crowd, and it explodes. This is the leader of Code of Combat's first appearance this year, and the sellout crowd lets him know that they missed him. Meanwhile, the countdown begins again. As it ends, an intense metal song screeches across the arena's PA system as an unknown man in a combat vest explodes onto the stage, hitting himself in the face to psyche himself up before sprinting to the ring.

Cabb: "Who's this jokuh?"

Stan: "More meat for the woodchipper. Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!"

Stan now has his head flat on the commentary desktop, so that the camera can only see the top of his head. Cabb and Rod Codger look at each other uneasily before quickly ignoring him.

Rod Codger: "Good question, Cabb. I'm getting word that this is Pendragon. He's been training with RnR for the last few months, and he's making his official debut right here, right now!"

Cabb: "Oh, yeah! I've huhd of dis guy befaw. He used ta work out in LA. He's a pretty violent dude, isn't he?"

Rod Codger: "That's the scouting report on him, Cabb: violent, determined, certifiably sociopathic. This'll be fun!"

Pendragon rolls into the ring and immediately spears the crowd's newest darling, Zeta Quade. On the mat, he begins raining fists down on him relentlessly. While this happens, Ego Stevens has perched himself atop the turnbuckle. Tony the Tank sees this and charges toward him. Half calculating, and half simply surviving, Ego leaps from the top turnbuckle and hits Pete Sinclair with a surprise shotgun dropkick as he rests against the ropes. Pete Sinclair falls backward over the ropes. He tries to grab the ropes and land on the apron, but he misses and hits the floor of the arena that much harder. Ego Stevens somersaults into a corner, gets up, and looks at Pete Sinclair in disbelief. Tony the Tank immediately charges after him, and the match carries on.

As Tony continues chasing the much more nimble Ego Stevens around the ring, The Buzzard sees Zeta Quade being savaged by Pendragon. He gestures toward him, and Gunslinger nods. The Buzzard pulls Pendragon off of Zeta Quade, and Pendragon immediately latches onto The Buzzard's arm. Pendragon grins as he whips The Buzzard into the nearby ropes, the force of which carries him right over them and onto the floor. The Buzzard is the eighth man eliminated from the 2020 Battle Royale, and Gunslinger looks on in anguish as his protege sits in a stunned heap. 

The countdown begins again, and the Code of Combat theme again overtakes the arena. This time, it's Shaolin Hero who appears onstage and sprints down to the ring. He drops Gunslinger and Rex Harmony with well-timed kicks, and he helps Zeta Quade to his feet. Meanwhile, Tony the Tank is still chasing Ego Stevens around the ring. Ego dodges a punch and rolls backwards. Tony steps into another big punch, over-commits, and leaves himself wide open for a surprise big boot from King Solomon. Tony the Tank clutches his jaw and falls over the ropes to the floor for the evening's ninth elimination. Ego Stevens seizes the opportunity and lifts King Solomon's legs, pushing the march larger man over the top rope and sending him tumbling right next to Tony the Tank for the tenth elimination. Gunslinger sees the commotion and charges Ego Stevens, who ducks and pulls the top rope down with him. Gunslinger flies over the ropes and crashes into the wall, landing atop both King Solomon and Tony the Tank for the eleventh elimination. Again, Ego Stevens is in shock, now having scored three eliminations in this match. At the commentary table, Stan has fallen to the floor.

The countdown sounds again, this time ending with the sound of screeching tires as Clutch of the Wheelmen makes his entrance at number eighteen. As Clutch enters the ring, Zeta Quade and Shaolin Hero are keeping the center of the ring clear, repeatedly repelling offensive advances from Reviver and Pendragon while Rex Harmony and Ego Stevens clash in a corner. Clutch slides into the ring and runs right at Pendragon. The newcomer instinctively grabs Clutch's wrist, reverses his momentum, and sends him flying back toward Zeta Quade. Clutch collides with Zeta, who is totally unprepared for this outcome. Zeta Quade tumbles backward over the ropes, and Clutch scores a surprise elimination.

While the crowd (and Shaolin Hero) react to this turn of events, the countdown timer sounds off again, and the uber-popular Massive Gaines enters the match at number nineteen. A solid cohort of RnR fans have been clamoring for this tag specialist to seize the brass ring and make a run at the world title, and they evidently see his entrance at this late stage in the match as confirmation of their desire. As Massive Gaines incorporates himself in the match, Reviver and Rex Harmony are trading blows. Rex gains a degree of separation and readies a superkick, but Reviver has it well-scouted. He ducks the kick, catches Rex's leg, and squat-thrusts the Harmony Brother up and over the ropes for the thirteenth elimination of the night. Ego Stevens runs up behind Reviver to attempt to take advantage again, but he is caught by Shaolin Hero on the way. He grabs Ego Steven by the back of the neck and trunks, redirects his momentum, and throws the eccentric superstar over the ropes for the fourteenth elimination.

The countdown begins again. As it reaches zero, a gong sounds loudly throughout the arena. It sounds again, and again, every few seconds, until a crescendo of guitars and chimes builds to an explosion of sound and a man in a brilliant robe stands onstage. The crowd goes berserk.

Cabb: "Now who tha hell is dis?"

Rod Codger: "Oh... oh my! Cabb, this is the twentieth and final entrant in this year's Battle Royale, and it's none other than Emperor Enyu! This man has been a dominant force in Japan for the better part of a decade, and now he's signed a contract with RnR Wrestling. Emperor Enyu is here in Anaheim; Emperor Enyu is in the Battle Royale!"

As Rod Codger introduces Emperor Enyu to the viewers at home, the remaining combatants in the ring all take notice. They each sense a new threat to their claim to Alexei Monstro's gold, and they peel away from their individual fights to watch Enyu ditch his robe and slowly ascend the stairs to the ring. The newcomer enters the ring, and the ring of superstars around him prepares for a new fight. Reviver is the first to charge, and Enyu steps out of the way at the last second, using Reviver's own momentum to "guide" him over the ropes and out of the ring. Clutch tries next. He swings at Emperor Enyu, but Enyu sidesteps the blow, headbutts Clutch right in the bridge of the nose, and whips the stunned grappler over the ropes for the match's sixteenth elimination. Massive Gaines and Shaolin Hero look unsure of what to do in the face of this new threat, but Pendragon is nothing if not totally decisive. He surprises Massive Gaines with an assault of stiff forearms that back the big man to the ropes. One rapid clothesline later, and Massive Gaines has been eliminated to the dismay of the audience. 

Shaolin Hero, Pendragon, and Emperor Enyu form an uneasy triangle. Two debuting superstars and a fan favorite remain, and one of these three will main event the evening's festivities in an effort to separate Alexei Monstro from the RnR Wrestling World Title. Pendragon makes the first move, desperately wanting to make a name for himself. For all of Pendragon's intensity and drive, Shaolin Hero has a quicker hand. He parries a punch and twists Pendragon's arm behind his back. Using this torque, Shaolin Hero presses Pendragon slightly up over the ring, lowers him again, and then violently suplexes him over the ropes. The effort leaves Shaolin Hero reaching for his lower back, and this perceived weakness is exactly what Emperor Enyu has made a career out of preying upon. He deftly clutches Shaolin Hero around the waist, lifts him, and drops him over the ropes. Pyrotechnics encircle the area directly above the ring as the newest newcome to RnR surveys the crowd around him. Emperor Enyu has won the 2020 RnR Wrestling Battle Royale, and he will face Alexei Monstro for the RnR Wrestling World Title in tonight's main event! (2 *)
 

2.) Komodo 1-0-0 vs. Black Plague 2-0-0 (Champion) - One Fall for the RnR Wrestling TV Title

Before the dust can even settle, and only as Emperor Enyu has just walked back up the ramp and backstage, the next match gets underway. The challenger, Komodo, makes his entrance first. Although he enters with his Wild Things partner Kongo Kid, Komodo focuses only on the ring as he makes his way down the ramp, leaving Kongo Kid behind. Soon after, Black Plague makes his entrance, as quiet and foreboding as ever. Though he is without his associate Officer Foo, Black Plague seems as though he has come to handle business.

In the ring, he lives up to this. Frankly, he dominates this match against Komodo, outworking the challenger from the opening bell. Roughly ten minutes into the match, he has Komodo set up for the Plaguebringer when Kongo Kid steps through the ropes, pleading with the silent man in black for his partner's well-being. Black Plague cocks his head slightly, (presumably) stares at Kongo Kid, and hits him with the Plaguebringer instead. Surveying the damage done, Black Plague then lifts Komodo to his feet by his jaw, and hits the Plaguebringer to end the match via pinfall and retain his title. (2 1/2 *)

3.) "Imperial Dynasty"

The camera focuses on Rod Codger and Cabb at the commentary table. The seat between them is unoccupied.

Rod Codger: "Wow, wow, WOW. Ladies and gentlemen, what a start to tonight's show we've had! A few debuts, a surprise number one contender for the World Title, and a not-all-that-surprising reigning TV Champion retaining his belt. Incredible stuff so far."

Cabb: "Yeah, and Stan totally passed out. That was weahd."

Rod Codger: "That's right, Cabb. Our partner Stan fell and hit his head. He's been taken to our medical area for further evaluation, and we sincerely hope he's okay.

In the meantime, we've got much more show to get through. And after that Battle Royale, I'm sure the RnR Universe - like me - has a lot of questions for the new number one contender to Alexei Monstro's World Title. Luckily, our very own Cutie Pie is backstage, and she's caught up with the winner of the 2020 Battle Royale, Emperor Enyu!"

The camera cuts to Rock n' Roll Wrestling's interviewer Cutie Pie standing backstage. Emperor Enyu looms over her, wiping the sweat from his face with a white towel emblazoned with a red circle in the center. 

Cutie Pie: "Thanks, Rod! I'm here with Emperor Enyu, who just dominated the back end of the Battle Royale. Emperor, one minute you're debuting, and the next you're standing amidst a sea of fireworks en route to challenging Alexei Monstro for the RnR Wrestling World Title. How do you like your chances tonight?"

Emperor Enyu nods contemplatively before taking the microphone from Cutie Pie and addressing the camera directly in surprisingly sufficient English. 

Emperor Enyu: "My chances? 

I believe that they are quite good, considering how little I have exerted myself tonight. I understand that Alexei Monstro is an unstoppable force here, but if I learned anything in the Battle Royale, it's that the rest of the roster here is quite... diminutive."

The crowd can be heard booing the newcomer.

Emperor Enyu: "I have watched many Rock n' Roll programs recently in preparation for my debut, and I now understand that I am... over-prepared in comparison to the rest of the competition here. This is no problem, because my intent is not simply to win the World Title this evening.

Nor is it to simply defeat Alexei Monstro.

No, no, instead, I intend to initiate a dynasty here in Rock n' Roll Wrestling, a true Imperial Dynasty. The wrestling traditions of Japan are far superior to those here in North America; my goal is to make RnR Wrestling the best traditionally Japanese wrestling promotion in the Western Hemisphere!

Now, I know that change causes apprehension, especially in the mind of the average American fan. Fear not though, loyal viewer: this change will be good for you. The master class that you saw as I won the Battle Royale earlier? Get ready for more of that, both in tonight's main event and in the limitless future."

Emperor Enyu finishes toweling off his face. He takes his towel and drapes it over Cutie Pie's head before walking out of the frame. The towel sinks slightly and hangs in full view of the camera, a Japanese flag flying proudly in the Honda Center's basement.

4.) Sweet Jane 1-0-0 vs. Andromeda Prime (Champion) - One Fall for the RnR Wrestling Ladies Title

Since the announcement last night that Sweet Jane had been named the number one contender for Andromeda Prime's championship, the RnR Universe has been abuzz over this matchup between two fan favorites. Andromeda won the title early in 2019, and she has not been tasked with defending it all that often. The fans are clearly interested in seeing a quality title defense for the super heroine.

The match does not disappoint. The two shake hands before the bell rings, and the opening salvo is a series of amateur holds, takedowns, and athletic counters. In fact, from the opening collar-and-elbow complex, the first two minutes of the match are little more than a series of waistlocks and counters, resulting in a surprising amount of fan interest. The entire Honda Center applauds when Andromeda and Jane break their hold and retreat to separate corners to regroup. The match carries on in this fashion, a back-and-forth affair that highlights each combatant's individual strengths. At the eleven-minute mark, Andromeda Prime attempts to land her Star Gazer, but she mistimes it. Sweet Jane capitalizes, reversing into her Femme Fatality and scoring a well-earned pinfall victory to become the new Ladies Champion of RnR Wrestling. The crowd adores this outcome, and it is apparent that RnR fans around the world will follow Jane's reign very closely. (3 *)

5.) "Unforeseen Circumstances"

The camera comes to life to depict a scene in a softly lit room full of warm wooden embellishments. A polished wooden bar forms the focal point of the shot, and a monster of a man in an overcoat slumps over two stools, pouring something brown out of an ornate crystal decanter into a small glass before downing the drink and refilling his glass. A man recognizable as The Silencer enters the shot behind the bar, offering the bigger man what appears to be a huge ice pack. The big man swipes it from The Silencer, and suddenly the ice pack looks impossibly small as he applies it to his head.

The camera zooms out a little, and two more men are seen sitting on stool to the right of the big man, facing the camera. Each holds his own drink. They sip, look over at the big man, and then turn their attention to the camera itself.

Concrete Charlie: "There ain't enough ice in this building for Tony the Tank's head. Ain't that right, Dom?"

Icepick Dominic: "No there ain't, Cholly. And I bet a lot of people out there think we're pretty disappointed in our new associate's performance, huh?"

Concrete Charlie: "I bet you're right, Dom. But I happen ta think that Tony did great. He looked like a monster out there. If he goes one-on-one against any of those fools, he wins. And that's the message we intended to send by entering him in the Battle Royale."

Icepick Dominic: "That's right, Cholly. This big lug'll convalesce a little, and he'll start banging heads around here sooner than you know."

Concrete Charlie: "But that's not all we had on our dance card tonight, is it, Dom?"

Icepick Dominic: "No, Cholly, it ain't. Because you and I still need to rough up Pathos and Domingo for the RnR Tag Team Titles. Which, of course, is something we intend on doing."

Concrete Charlie: "That's right, Dom. We're leaving sunny SoCal with those titles. You know how I know that, Dom?" 

Icepick Dominic: "Why Cholly, how can you be so confident?"

Concrete Charlie: "Because that big gorilla Domingo has a point: on a long enough timeline, everyone loses. But I know something he doesn't know about the concept of 'inevitability.'"

Icepick Dominic: "What's that, Cholly?"

Concrete Charlie: "Well, some people lose because their luck runs out, right? And others lose because they just get too old to keep up. And still others, well, they lose due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'"

Icepick Dominic: "That's right, Cholly. And if there's one thing you and I know, it's unforeseen circumstances."

The Hatchetmen suddenly knock back their drinks, slam their glasses down on the bartop, and exit the frame to the left, clapping Tony the Tank on the back as they pass. The camera slowly zooms in on the face of The Silencer, who narrows his eyes and glares back until everything fades to black.

6.) The Hatchetmen (Concrete Charlie 1-0-0 and Icepick Dominic 1-0-0) w/ The Silencer vs. Pathos and Domingo (Champions) w/ Keziah - One Fall for the RnR Tag Titles

The challengers enter first, appearing onstage as a unit. The Hatchetmen feign stealing signs and taking swings at front-row fans the whole way down the ramp, while The Silencer simply remains, well, silent. As Concrete Charlie and Icepick Dominic roll into the ring and lose their business casual vests, The Silencer migrates to the commentary table, where he sits backwards on a spare steel chair and glares at Cabb.

Next, the RnR Tag Team Champions make their entrance. Appearing to the haunting theme associated with the Faces of Death Faction, Domingo, Pathos, and Keziah appear onstage. Domingo flexes his massive frame for the crowd, while the masked Pathos walks slowly, methodically toward the ring, arm in arm with the constantly-shrieking Keziah.

Cabb: "There is no odduh odd couple going today in RnR than Pathos and Domingo. Look at this mismatch!"

Rod Codger: "They certainly are a mismatch, Cabb, but who can argue with the sheer dominance they've exhibited since initially pairing up at last year's Tag Team Invitational? You have to wonder if The Hatchetmen are in over their heads here."

The Silencer repositions his chair slightly, putting himself directly in front of Rod Codger. He menacingly lifts his index finger to his lips and glares at the interviewer, who does as he's told. From here, the match goes as one would expect. The Hatchetmen are a more cohesive unit, but they are also much smaller than the combined force of Pathos and Domingo. Whenever the action in the ring is fairly contested between two individuals, the advantage clearly goes to either Pathos or Domingo. However, in the chaos that ensues every time a tag is made, The Hatchetmen seem always ready to take a 2-1 advantage, fully testing the patience of senior referee Teddy Kiriodis.

Near the fifteen-minute mark of the match, Keziah is on the apron, arguing with Kiriodis about the tactics being used by The Hatchetmen. As if they anticipated such an occurrence, The Hatchetmen use the distraction to ensnare each of Pathos' hands in the ropes like in a stockade, all while Domingo is incapacitated on the outside. Suddenly, The Silencer leaps up from his seat near commentary, folds his chair, and runs toward the side of the ring where Pathos is caught in the ropes. He jumps onto the apron while Kiriodis continues to argue with Keziah and The Hatchetmen. As The Silencer reaches the chair high overhead and prepares to crown Pathos with it, the crowd goes wild. Zed crawls out from under the ring and grabs hold of The Silencer's waist. He lifts the man wielding a chair high overhead, and slams him down through the announcers' table with a high-angle powerbomb, sending Rod Codger and Cabb running. To add insult to injury, The Silencer hits himself in the face with the steel chair when he lands, knocking himself unconscious. Zed simply looms over the destruction and breathes heavily.

In the ring, The Hatchetmen are unaware of what has transpired. Expecting Pathos to be taken care of, they are predictably shocked when they turn around from their argument with Teddy and Keziah and are greeted by Pathos' large hands around each of their throats. The masked menace lifts each of The Hatchetmen overhead and slams them down via double chokeslam. With no unforeseen circumstances left for either team, Pathos kneels and places a hand on the chest of each opponent, pinning both of The Hatchetmen to retain the RnR Tag Titles for he and his partner Domingo. (2 1/2 *)

7.) Emperor Enyu 1-0-0 vs. Alexei Monstro (Champion) w/ Sir Fauntleroy and Pink Satin - One Fall for the RnR World Title

The sound of a gong reintroduces Emperor Enyu to the Anaheim crowd. The winner of the 2020 Battle Royale meets a mixed reaction as the smarter fans in the crowd cheer for an international superstar who could legitimately beat Alexei Monstro here, while the homers of the RnR Universe boo the man who threatened to revolutionize their favorite company not one hour ago. Regardless of the reaction he receives, Enyu appears confident in his ability to win gold tonight. He walks the ramp in his ornate, flowing robe as if he already is the world champion.

The Satin Jackets appear onstage together. The RnR World Champion - Alexei Monstro - is flanked by Sir Fauntleroy to his left and Pink Satin to his right. Here, the RnR Universe is unambiguous in its reaction: they hate the big man. Monstro smirks as the fans rain boos down upon he and his lackeys, clearly content to trade adulation for a fifteen-month-and-counting run as champion. Some fans in the front row along the ramp throw their drinks at The Satin Jackets as they pass; security guards swarm them as Sir Fauntleroy sprints over to the railing to jaw with the offenders. The scene is madness. As the trio enters the ring and Alexei Monstro hoists his title high overhead, the wave of boos that follows is tremendous. Rod Codger and Cabb can barely be heard on the live feed as they attempt to contextualize the greatness of Monstro's reign.

The bell rings, and the match is immediately what everyone expected: two larger-than-life superstars sharing a ring and brutalizing each other with more athleticism than either man should possess. And when the match is contested as such, Emperor Enyu and Alexei Monstro are indeed evenly matched. However, Monstro has not remained champion for over a year by fighting matches evenly. Throughout the match, Fauntleroy and Pink Satin play their parts in irritating and confusing Teddy Kiriodis, leaving Alexei free to resort to illegal holds and "environmental" hazards to wear down Enyu. 

Near the twenty-minute mark, Alexei Monstro is clearly in control of the match. He appears to be close to putting his challenger away when an explosion of dubstep sounds over the PA system and Flint Decker, Cyber Blue, and Electronica - Blue Steel - appear onstage. The crowd explodes, seeing that the tide could turn in favor of the jerk in the ring not named Alexei Monstro. As Sir Fauntleroy and Pink Satin run to the base of the ramp to intercept the interlopers, Emperor Enyu wheels around in the ring and starts yelling up the ramp at Flint Decker, who himself is no stranger to wrestling in Japan. Enyu tries to wave Blue Steel off, indicating that he does not want or need their help, that this is his victory. Unfortunately, the champion has an opinion. With Enyu distracted, Alexei Monstro launches himself off the ropes and hits the challenger in the back with a blindside Russian Interference, rendering Emperor Enyu lifeless in the ring and pinning him to retain the Rock n' Roll Wrestling World Title. As The Satin Jackets celebrate Monstro's victory in the ring, the crowd boos the result vociferously. Flint Decker stands at the midway point of the ramp, arms crossed over his chest, shaking his head in disbelief at what has just transpired. (3 1/2 *)

Amidst the commotion, Stan walks casually down the ramp, around the ring, and back to the announcers' table. He takes his middle chair at the now-destroyed table, dons a headset, and - ignoring the looks of alarm given him by Cabb and Rod Codger from the Spanish-language announcers' table a few feet away - gets to work.

Stan: "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! My name is Stan, and I am proud to present yet another Rock n' Roll Wrestling Battle Royale. We're here in front of a sellout crowd of 18,900 people at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and boy are we ready for a great show. Let's rock!"

This Week: Two-and-a-Half Stars
Next Week: A new month, a new competitor, and trios action!

[Mr. Europa]

[[[Out of Context Update:

Hey all! Sorry for the disappearing act. School got pretty heavy late last year, and I've been on that train pretty much ever since. Regardless, I've been looking forward to taking the time to *finally* get my Battle Royale results posted, and I'm happy with how they turned out. Hope you enjoy!

So now what? Well, my plan is to keep going with this playthrough, but maybe more consistently than posting once every year. I'm going to shoot for something like a show a week, but I'm allowing myself to take my time with PPVs and the 80s recap shows. They take a good bit longer to write, but I'm always happy with how they turn out. I hope you'll keep reading.

Now, for some nuts and bolts stuff. Taking so much time away from this thread showed me that I left some juicy mistakes hanging in my last post before the Battle Royale. For some reason, I called The Buzzard "The Vulture" a lot. I'm going to go ahead and edit that now. Also, not really a mistake as much as a bad guess, I had Sweet Jane refer to "Otto" as the booker for RnR in 2020, when in reality we got a Strongarm Thompson icon card. I'm going to edit that so that - when I can actually afford Strongarm - I'll get to actually make him an official in the company.

Finally, let's talk about Top Ten rankings. I like the start I'm off to so far, but ranking everything solely according to win percentage won't paint the true picture of the power rankings in this fed. What about Battle Royale winners? And shouldn't title defenses and title victories weigh more than standard wins? And what about Tag Team rankings? Considering that Sherman Turk is currently showing up on the leaderboard, I'd like to re-jigger some of the math to better emphasize feats beyond simple wins. The good news is that I've done this before for another e-fed. The bad news is that I've lost the formula I created for that. I'm going to attempt to re-create it this week, so keep an eye out for an updated leaderboard sometime soon. Otherwise, be well. Cheers!]]]

[Mr. Europa]

[[[Double Update day! I just reworked the ranking system and based it around points that are earned in a variety of ways. The simplest way to earn points is winning a normal match for 2 points. Beyond this, performers earn points by winning and defending titles, by losing title matches, and even by completing specific career achievements, like becoming a grand slam champion or winning the Battle Royale. This should paint a more nuanced picture of the all-timers in this fed as the years progress, instead of just showcasing those people who have been booked most favorably.

I will also definitely be adding Tag Team rankings for both the current year and all-time, but I'm tired. That'll come later this week. Cheers!]]]

[Mr. Europa]

Hey all, I kind of want to do this again and maybe actually get through a few months before quitting. I just finishes up my 80s and MMGM playthroughs and can restart them simultaneously. Would people be interested in reading a reboot of this?

[TeenyNorman]

Aug 8, 2023 7:10:08 GMT -5 Mr. Europa said:

Hey all, I kind of want to do this again and maybe actually get through a few months before quitting. I just finishes up my 80s and MMGM playthroughs and can restart them simultaneously. Would people be interested in reading a reboot of this?

Always good to have more feds to read on here. Right now Daisy Turner kinda carrying this section of the boards.