The year of our lord: 1987. Former professional wrestler//trainer and now promoter -- "Money" Max Vander -- is fresh off the ceremonial ribbon cutting as he prepares to debut his new promotion: "Championship All-Star Wrestling" or "C.A.W." for short. Based in Miami, Florida, Mr. Vander looks to change the pro wrestling landscape in America and the world abroad forever, as the age old territory system is suddenly beginning to crumble beneath its hefty weight. With larger sums of cash than pesky questions to be asked, Mr. Vander has somehow managed to acquire a network cable deal with WTVJ Channel 4, to air locally in sunny Miami while also broadcasting nationally on syndication via the network's affiliation with CBS.

Vander has already cashed in with two big chips -- America's favorite hero, Eagle Mask -- and a foe whom  represents the embodiment of everything he is not, the mysterious lone fighter -- The Nighthawk. Surprisingly these two titans of the squared circle have yet to clash within the confines of a ring, but Money Max has his eyes set upon the biggest prize of them all: the hearts, souls and minds of the average American family & child. Will Mr. Vander manage to tow the line between wholesome family entertainment and edge-of-your-seat adult-filling thrills, or will the pressure of overtaking the business prove to be the beginning of this aging mogul's demise? There's only one way to find out....

[Advisory: Any potential racial/gender role stereotypes you may encounter while reading were not written with the intent to mock, insult or offend, but rather to serve as an accurate representation of the era itself!!!]

[Note: All wrestlers contained within this project are works of my own creation; Any likenesses or similarities to the names//gimmicks of real-life wrestlers is either nothing more than a coincidence, or just implicit inspiration; Roster is subject to change. The promotional logos used in this project however were not made by me.]

---

[Singles Roster]

• "The Soviet Angel" Aleksandr Velikiy
• Bash
• "Caveman" Bongo Barbara
  
• Bruise
• Coco "The Quickness" Thunder
  
• "Delicious" Diego Dominguez
• "Dirty" Dick Dallas
• "Mr. USA" Eagle Mask
  
• Flyin' Hawaiian Koi
  
• Flyin' Hawaiian Kona
• "The Prestigious" James Esquire III 
• Jason Devastation
• "Magnificent" Mark Mallet
  
• Mason Revelation
  
• "The Sun King" Matsumoto
  
• "The Urban Gladiator" Maximus
  
• The Nighthawk
  
• "Sterling" Smithfield Beamish
• "Big" Tex Strickland
  
• "Vicious" Vance Holton
  

[Teams//Factions]

• The Dynasty (Mallet//Dallas//Strickland)
• The Flyin' Hawaiians (Kona//Koi)
  
• Highspot Society (Esquire//Beamish)
• Manpower (Bash//Bruise)
• The Sinsations (Devastation//Revelation)
• Vicious & Delicious (Holton//Dominguez)
  
  

[Managers//Valets]

• Bobby Doll (Vicious & Delicious)
  
• Frankie Fortune (Highspot Society)
• Lady Luck (Mark Mallet)
• Misty Misery (The Sinsations)
• The Vice Lord (Aleksandr Velikiy)
  
  

[Staff]

• Marvin Dart (Interviewer//Ring Announcer)
• Max Vander (CEO)
  
• Lenny Legend (Color Commentator)
• Scoop Duncan (Play-by-Play)

[Titles]

• CAW World Heavyweight Championship
  
• CAW All-Star Championship
  
• CAW World Tag Team Championship
  
  

[Shows]

• CAW On Saturday Night (WTVJ Channel 4//CBS)

[PPV Events]

• Opening Fight (January)
• Slammathon (April)
• American Classic (June)
• Beach Battle (August)
• Fall Frenzy (October)
• Last Man Standing (December)

***Placeholder***

Literally, the promotion I work for had a Tag Team called Viscous and Delicious (JT Energy and Frontman Jah-C, look them up) and a wrestler named Bobby Dahl. Look forward to checking this out, boss.

Oct 31, 2021 14:37:09 GMT 1RealSmartAlex said:

Literally, the promotion I work for had a Tag Team called Viscous and Delicious (JT Energy and Frontman Jah-C, look them up) and a wrestler named Bobby Dahl. Look forward to checking this out, boss.

Damn I knew that was bound to happen but shocked at how coincidental that is lol. I was always surprised that no one used that name. Bobby Doll was definitely inspired by Baby Doll/Adrian Street/Wippleman.

Awesome buddy, thanks for checking it out. I need to return the favor later!

Episode #1

02//07//1987

@ The Hollywood Sportatorium in Pembroke Pines, FL

---

Moments after the fading of the WTVJ Channel 4 logo and some relaxing albeit funky smooth jazz, an introductory video package plays with a simple synth theme calmly rising and falling in the background. Stock images of photo-edited wrestlers dazzle against a fuzzy neon backdrop of palm trees amid the gaze of a boiling fuchsia sun. Then just as quickly as it began, the music slightly drops down and the images quickly cut to a transitionary scene as we're now live in Pembroke Pines! The air is electric at the Hollywood Sportatorium as the inaugural episode of "CAW on Saturday Night" sits ready to make its debut. Moments after the WTVJ Channel 4 logo fades away, we're greeted at the desk by none other than Scoop Duncan and "the Man of Many Myths" himself -- Lenny Legend!

Scoop: "It's time, Miami! Gear up, Fort Lauderdale! Let's GOOOO, Florida! Championship All-Star Wrestling is here for YOU on SATURDAY NIGHT! I'm your host Scoop Duncan, and beside me is seated one of the greatest grapplers to ever don the singlet: Lenny Legend! Lenny, it's truly a pleasure to be joining you!"

Legend: "Y'know Scoops, th'ladies always tell me the same damn thing... Th'only difference being: they actually give me something that's worth it in the end!"

*Cue the obnoxious laughter* We then cut over to the ring where announcer Marvin "The Mouth" Dart introduces our opponents for the night's first contest. A local enhancement talent, "Graham Bevins" is very briefly announced before the camera begins to feature much more prominently on his opponent, a monster of a man with a greying devilish goatee in tow with a sharp military haircut to match. The man starts to crack his knuckles with a cold scowl on his face before who we can only assume to be his manager quickly rips away the microphone from Dart in the ring. Looking like the quintessential image of a Miami cocaine kingpin, the manager introduces himself as "The Vice Lord", tipping down his Ray-Ban shades as he puffs on what he claims to be a Cuban cigar. Vice then introduces his client as "The Soviet Angel" Aleksandr Velikiy, claiming that he boasts a 100+ undefeated win record in bare knuckle boxing over in his home country of the Soviet Union -- and that poor "whatever his name was" is about to be the first many in his client's newfound pro wrestling career!

---

#1.) - Aleksandr Velikiy [w/The Vice Lord] vs. Graham Bevins
 Bevins hesitantly moves forward and foolishly goes for a collar-elbow tie-up after an attempted handshake is swiftly swatted away. Velikiy then nearly sends the jobber soaring past the top rope with an absolutely brutal forearm smash right to the head! Instead, Bevins' thin shoulders bounce off the top rope as he lands almost awkwardly on his neck when falling to the mat; his curly mullet now a heaping mess across his forehead. The Russian then makes short work of the local talent. causing him to fall completely limp via the Soviet Sleep Experiment (Torture Rack) submission! The ref then quickly calls the match once he sees both hands lifelessly draping over Velikily's shoulders.
[Winner - Aleksandr Velikiy via the Soviet Sleep Experiment, TKO submission // 00:47]

---

Legend: "Hotttt dogggg, wutt-a-whoopin'! Gimme s'more, Scoops -- just gimme more! I can watch these wimps get their tail ends kicked any day of the week, h-HAH!"

Scoop: "I can assure you folks, he's usually not this wound up. And by the way, Lenny...."

Legend: "--Yuh-huh??"

Scoop: "It's time for a word from our sponsors, we'll be RIGHT BACK after this break!"

---

We return to our scheduled programming to the sights and sounds of Marvin Dart once more. Dart's bad toupee has certainly seen better days, but his rose-colored glasses are certainly holding their own as the sweet velvet tones that gave way to his nickname "The Mouth" now welcome us back to the Sportatorium in true style...

Dart: "To the fine folks in attendance... and the equally fine families watching comfortably at home, sippin' up all that chardonnay... I introduce to you -- the one, the onnnllllyyyyy -- EAAAAGGGLLLLEEEE MASSSSKKKK!!!"

Legend: "Hot dog! Th'man sure knows how to give an introduction, unlike you, Scoops!"

Scoop: "--As you can hear from this raucous crowd in attendance here at the Sportarium, the one they call "Eagle Mask" is a man of the people, a true crusader for all stands right and just!"

Legend: "Oh, give me a break! I bet th'guy dodged th'draft in his mama's womb and didn't even have the common courtesy to stay inside!"

---

#2.) Eagle Mask vs. Eugenio Rosaro Jr.
 Rosaro Jr. gets a very brief introduction as the camera pans over to show he's been standing in-ring this entire time. In spite of all the brevity, Eagle Mask proves the polar opposite to the winner of the last contest, shaking hands with the young man before the sound of the bell. In spite of the blue chipper's best attempts, the man in the feather-shape mask proves too much of a challenge, as after taking a lot of damage from both a running big boot and barely escaping a headlock before reaching the ropes, Rosaro Jr.'s only successful maneuver is a clothesline that fails to even put "Mr. USA"'s back on the mat. In fact, the move only manages to knock himself down in the process. Eagle then bends down to powerlift his competitor into the air and connects with his patented Eagle's Wings (Razor's Edge) to finally seal the deal.
[Winner - Eagle Mask via the Eagle's Wings, pin fall // 06:14]

---

After the bell rings and the referee releases his wrist, the victorious Eagle Mask has a microphone pointed in his direction by Marvin Dart, who now seamlessly transitions from ring announcer to in-ring interviewer:

Dart: "--That was a fine match, a real fine match! For the folks at home who somehow still don't know what Eagle Mask is all about, would you like to take the time we have here to tell them???"

Eagle: "Better than that -- I'll illustrate it for 'em, Marv!"

"Mr. USA" then flexes into an impressive bodybuilder pose, his sheer charisma somehow able to shine behind the mask. He then grabs the mic from the Dart while giving him an encouraging tap on the shoulder in the process.

Eagle: "But don't get it twisted! There's more to the man than meets this mask! There's more to this Eagle than just my wings! Because the moment I signed that C.A.W. contract, I knew I didn't need 'em to fly to the TOP of the Sportatorium! I knew and still know in my heart that I don't need the mask to hide from myself, because at the end of the day!? I KNOW who I am... and every guy in that locker room...every Tom, Mitch and Dilly-Dally who just so happens to be watchin' at home -- I hope you're ready to FIND OUT!"

---

Following this intermission, we return to see the beginning of the pomp and pageantry that is "Magnificent" Mark Mallet's entrance as Beethoven's infamous "9th Symphony" now crescendos brightly through the building's loud speakers. A luxurious silver cape covers Double M's back, highlighting his pristine all-white attire in golden trim.

Legend: "This is what we've alll been waitin' for, Scoops! Just look at that man's moustache! That's a moustache that just  screams: 'I'm not only a better wrestler than you, I'm a better MAN, too!'"

Scoop: "No, I'm pretty sure it's saying 'my van is white, too!'"

Arms outstretched, Mallet slowly prods his way up the steel staircase before turning around once more upon the apron. He then takes a bow which surely no one in the audience had been asking for. Slowly but surely, the camera then catches Lady Luck herself reaching the apron as Mallet now bends down to one knee in order to assist his valet up. Once this task has been completed, Double M motions for his valet to return the favor by now opening up the ropes for him. As almost as if on command, the Lady now dutifully complies. Once the two reach the center of the canvas, Mallet bends back down to one knee before grabbing Lady Luck by the right hand, almost looking as if he's about to propose to her. Instead, she shyly smiles and as Mallet reaches into his boots and pulls out a pair of dice, placing it in the palms of his valet's hand. Lady Luck then blows upon the dice and just as she does, Mallet whips back up to his feet and knocks these tiny objects over the ropes and feasibly into the crowd, finally concluding their in-ring ritual.

Scoop: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd just like to remind you that we here at C-A-W do not condone the behavior of Mr. Mallet. In fact, I'd be at liberty to say that we outright denounce it."

Legend: "Pssshft -- Speak for yourself, whydontchya! Mark is a man of championship stock! His old man was a champion, and I'm tellin' ya right now, this golden apple fell the nearest to "Majestic" Mike Mallet's tree!"

Scoop: "Mallet has yet to win a single Heavyweight Championship during his entire career, and what makes you think he'll star-- nevermind, herrreee he is, folks! He's the "Lone Warrior", the "Last Outlaw", the "Shadow Behind You" -- it's THE NIGGGHHHHTHAWWWWKKK!!!"

The beautiful opening chords of Metallica's "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" send shivers down the spine and entice this passionate Miami crowd in attendance to lift up their liters in unison with the dimming of the flood lights, a tradition among wrestling fans that has been building since The Nighthawk first made a name for himself earlier in the decade. The cheers then grow louder like the rumbling of thunder, and just as Nighthawk slowly approaches, the first lead solo of his entrance song hits right on cue. Nighthawk now slightly picks up his pace, his war paint gleaming amid the spotlight. Donning a long brown duster and holding his signature steel chair, he finally stops once reaching the front of the ring, the smallest twinge of a smirk breaking his expression as the hard camera catches him taking in the first glance of his opponent.

Legend: "Who th'hell's this freak again, Scoops?"

Scoop: "You know darn well who Nighthawk is, Lenny! And for the millionth time -- it's 'Scoop', not 'SCOOPS'."

Nighthawk then climbs the apron, which Lady Luck uses as the perfect excuse for departing herself. Then, just as he crosses his leg through the ropes, Mallet quickly jumps to the offensive by targeting both the hamstrings of his opponent with quick, striking kicks, including fists to the back and shoulders for good measure.

---

#3.) Mark Mallet (w/Lady Luck) vs. The Nighthawk
Mallet then quickly brings Nighthawk into the ring to continue his assault. He sets his opponent up for an irish whip off the ropes, but the Lone Warrior reverses and pulls Mallet into a quick and devastating Lariat! As almost as if by muscle memory, 'Hawk goes to make the cover following his finisher before changing his mind and deciding to unleash a barrage of mounted fists in revenge for the impromptu assault. Lady Luck meanwhile looks on with a mix of concern and apprehension on her face. Nighthawk continues to rally on with the momentum for a minute or so with an exchange of strikes, knees and eventually a sequence of suplexes. Mallet manages to turn the tables though, avoiding a german whip, landing on both feet and kicking 'Hawk into the post with a dropkick to the back. Double M then nearly secures the win with a dirty roll-up pin in succession. The two then motion for a square off which gives way to an applause from the crowd. Right at this moment, the feed unexpectedly cuts over to another advertised break....

We return just in time to see Mark Mallet with the advantage as he tires out Nighthawk with a grounded headlock. Some twenty seconds later, the momentum of the audience wills Nighthawk back up to his feet as he begins smashing Mallet in the stomach with some repeated elbows until eventually breaking free. 'Hawk charges the ropes, bounces off and attempts the Lariat once more. Mallet ducks beneath the arm, turns around for the kick but the "Last Outlaw" catches him by the leg, lifting Mallet up and delivering his signature spinebuster. He then stations himself in the corner, pounds the mat and motions for Mallet to stand back up in preparation for the Spear. Just as Mallet finds his way to one knee though, Lady Luck comes up from behind, clutching Nighthawk by the leg and trapping him from moving. Seconds later Nighthawk wriggles free, turning himself around to confront her. Just as the camera swings back, we see Mallet slowly making over - Magnificent Finish! (Reverse Scoop Slam) Mallet then rests his foot onto the chest of his opponent for the disrespectful three-count. 
[Winner - Mark Mallet via the Magnificent Finish, pin fall// 11:43]

---

Scoop: "What a disgrace... Despite its name, I can assure you folks that there's nothing "magnificent" about the finish that we all just had the misfortune of witnessing."

Legend: "Speak for yourself Scoops, that's the stuff that only LEGENDS are made of!"

Scoop: "No, that's just your catchphrase..."

Legend: "And I'll stop sayin' it when they stop payin' for it!"

After the match, Lady Luck enters the ring to raise the fist of her client, but Mallet quickly shews her away, his attention clearly still fixed on his fallen opponent as the camera cuts over to a close-up shot of the smirk spread out beneath his boisterous moustache. He then motions for her to do something that is inaudible to hear, but moments later we realize that Mallet had demanded for the Lady to grab him Nighthawk's steel chair. Just as she retrieves it and hands it over, we hear a voice yelling over the microphone:

"I wouldn't do that if I were you..."

The fans let out a brief pop as we turn around to see none other than the C.E.O. of CAW himself, "Money" Max Vander, clad in a three-piece pinstripe suit with gaudy gold chains around his neck, a thick patch of chest hair sticking out and a head as shiny and bald as Mr. Clean. In one hand Vander holds the mic, the other -- a single sheet of paper. Between his mouth rests a cigar that looks like its on the verge of falling over at any second and we can't help but notice that Vander is carrying himself with an unteachable sense of bravado. 

Vander: "In your hand is another man's weapon, but resting here in mine is a weapon of my own. It's called "power", something you, Mr. Mallet, seem to think you have more of than you really do. You see, what I hold here just happens to be your contract *removes his cigar* and if you have any desire about keeping it, well then I suggest you start by dropping that chair..."

Despite his initial hesitation, Mallet eventually hands Nighthawk's signature chair to his valet. The camera cuts to a closer view where we see that Mr. Vander is now reaching the near edge of the apron at the front of the ring. Money Max then climbs his way up the apron before confidently crossing through the ropes, standing toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye with the Magnificent One.

Vander: "Good, that's a start. Now.... though I may not agree with the tactics you so wantonly used to obtain your victory, I have no choice but to acknowledge that it's still a victory all the same. But what kind of owner  would I be if I didn't give your opponent another opportunity? What kind of promoter would I be if I didn't give these fans their money's worth? I wouldn't be nothing more than some guy kicking back and counting cash. And though I do enjoy that, what I enjoy even more is coming out here to tell guys like you what they're gonna do... And what you're gonna do is have a rematch with The Nighthawk, one week from now!"

The audience responds with an even louder pop than before....

Vander: "And tell ya what, I'll even sweeten the pot: if you can manage to win without the assistance of your lovely, mistreated valet over here, I'll even give the winner the first spot in the CAW World Heavyweight Title tournament. That doesn't require a "yes sir" or a "no sir" because I'm not asking you -- I'm telling you that's what's going to happen, just like you should turn around for what's about to happen right now!"

The camera then cuts over to Nighthawk ripping away the steel chair from Lady Luck's grasp and smacking Mallet across the head just as he turns around! Vander rolls out of the ring and a distraught Lady Luck reluctantly soon does the same, as Nighthawk doesn't seem like he plans on going anywhere else soon, motioning for Mallet to get back up after chucking his chair to the mat. Moments later Mark does just that and right after extending to stand from his right knee, 'Hawk executes a devastating Spear! The crowd erupts with enthusiasm before "Sanitarium" sounds over the PA once more. 

Scoop: "Thank you for joining us ladies and gentlemen, that's sadly all the time we have for tonight, but what a night it was! Nighthawk! Mallet! Part 2! One week from tonight for a chance to compete in what's sure to be the most iconic tournament in this company's history! You won't wanna miss it!"

The smell of sweat and cigarettes permeated all throughout his office when, all of the sudden, the front door swung open. Max Vander's bald head now shone through the doorway like a spotlight aimed directly in his line of vision, nearly blinding him in the dimly lit room.

"So... did you even watch the damn show!?"

"No? I have to write the damn thing -- I don't need to torture myself even more by watching it."

"Fuckin' smartass. I took a lot of risks placing you in this position. You're a fuckin' mark, not Shakesphere, and I expect you to at least look like you give a flying fuck."

"Is that why you named me Mark? I always assumed that was just divine irony, I hadn't the slightest idea that you did that deliberately."

"I didn't, but this certainly is...," Max made sure to give his son both middle fingers, "First, go fuck yourself, then go congratulate the boys after you clean yourself up... it's the least they deserve seeing as they make your shit come to life, ya ungrateful little cunt!!!"

Max slammed the very door he had first busted through. Mark budged a little but continued to scribble little notes on his college ruled notepad, sighing to himself here and there. "Fucking asshole...," he muttered to himself before tossing his notes to the desk and slipping into his boat shoes. He nearly left the office before remembering to retrieve his suit jacket. "No matter where you seek to impress, dress like you're ready for death" the mantra that his father had instilled him since childhood now began playing like auto-pilot in his head. Mark then remembered to dig into his coat pocket in order to retrieve himself just a little bump for the road.

Then almost on cue and just mere seconds after he had begun to depart from the office, a familiar face bombarded him just as Mark was wiping away any potential debris from his right nostril.

"Don't let the old man get to you..."

Marvin Dart then said with all the gleam of his signature grin:

"I think you've got a mind for this business... and better yet, a name to put behind it!"

"Thanks, Marv. You seen the boys? Dad wants me to thank the--"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. The boys are long gone by now, they're probably halfway up their asses en route to Kokomo by now! But while they're gone, I thought maybe I could pick your brain apart about something that's been bothering me, son..."

Marvin Dart had been a family friend long before his father had acquired money or Dart himself had even become a ring announcer. The two had grown up childhood friends who had shared a passion for both partying and going to wrestling shows. That same friendship had somehow managed to not only survive but thrive throughout their growth in an industry that retains a whole lot of titles but not many "friends".

"Sure Marv, what's up?" 

"Well, I see you've been snowboarding recently, but don't have the goddamn common decency to offer your old friend Marv a ride! I may be gettin' old motherfucker, but I AIN'T BORING!"

Mark chuckled in relief before moving his arm to retrieve the vial of cocaine from his coat pocket once more, as well as his set of keys...

"'Atta boy!"

System’s Semantics

(Wow I don’t think I’ve done one of these on the new board)

- I’m just imagining max Vander as a balding dude in a garish suit and a cigar in his mouth
- Yeah it’s a real awkward moment when truly beloved characters are considered offensive stereotypes now.
- Think I’ll be a nighthawk mark thus far
- Misty Misery should manage Mindy Mayhem
- Aside from what AlexM already mentioned, that name sounds super familiar even spelt the way AM did. Maybe a wrestler tweeted it out?

NVM it was Wendy’s 😅

- You’ve really captured the 80s Miami vibe so far
- Lenny Legend, what a name
- Not liking that I’ve already been told Graham Bevins is a job guy so I already know what to expect from the first match
- Aleksandr needs to use the spinning pile driver Zangief style, seriously though.. What a beast
- Pictures of 80s commercials would work better IMO, I’m not clicking every video
- Eagle Mask in the 2nd match? I thought he was THE GUY. I know TV was a lot of job matches back then but 2 squash matches back to back I’m not feeling.
- Promo was good, hyping up all the Eaglemaniacs!
- He should have a gimmick where he rolls his same lucky number every time, and when he doesn’t roll it finally..loses
- Now you’re playing with POWER? Now you’re playing with SHIT!


- I thought Nighthawk was heel judging from the intro?
- Didn’t see Mallet getting the win coming, so genuine surprise there.
- Isn’t Nighthawk meant to be the #2 guy behind eagle mask and he’s getting pinned like that? Quick Roll up would have protected him more IMO
- Hahaha Max is exactly as I imagined, good stuff.
- Ah, only a 3 match card so #2 spot for eagle mask is understandable
- I really enjoyed Floral Shoppe even if it became a meme
- Good hook to end the show, I must have misread the start as it’s clear Nighthawk is a face.

I personally would have had Mallet get DQ’d via Lady Luck interference, have Max come out and send her to the back for the tried and true pop. Then announce the restarted match the winner is entered in to the tournament, that way people already known 1 competitor to hype them up for the tournament.

All in all I really enjoyed it and you did a fantastic job of describing the 80s studio era. Reminds me of NWA Powerrr (before they took it off YouTube 😒)

=====

Oh I almost missed this entirely! behind the scenes storylines as well, loving it. Really hope these tie in to the show and questionable decisions are made. (IE a popular wrestler getting held back due to politics etc)
Definitely has increased my interest now.

Two Thumbs Up!
👍🏻 👍🏻