TEW IX: January 3, 2022 – Checking Emails & Owner Goals

After simulating to Monday, January 3, 2022, I received some emails and decisions waiting for me, which brought a new layer of excitement to the management side of running New York City Wrestling (NYCW).

Emails Awaiting Me

One of the first things I noticed was an email from Larry Vessey, the owner of NYCW and a member of my booking team. He let me know that I have some new Owner Goals to focus on, so I better go check those out.

Owner Goals

Here are the goals Larry laid out for me, which I have to work toward over the next few years:

Company Ranking: I have 718 days to improve our current ranking, which is #21 in the world.
Company Funds: Our funds must stay above $20,000 for the next 718 days.
Hiring Restrictions: For the next 478 days, I can’t hire any wrestler with a psychopathic wrestling style.
More Hiring Restrictions: For 538 days, I’m prohibited from hiring wrestlers with impactful styles.
Comedy Style Ban: Lastly, for 658 days, I can’t hire wrestlers who work the comedy style.

All of these goals seem pretty manageable, though I’ll need to keep an eye on our finances and be cautious when scouting for new talent. The restrictions on hiring certain wrestling styles will make roster building a bit more strategic.

Contract Negotiations: Papa Swoll

Now onto one of the more exciting developments—contract negotiations with Papa Swoll. As I mentioned in my previous post, Papa Swoll is a promising powerhouse, and it’s time to lock him into a deal with NYCW.

Here’s a look at the terms of the contract:

Appearance Fee: $30 per appearance.
Travel Costs: Covered by NYCW.
Contract Type: Handshake deal.
Availability: Expected to be available for shows when we need him.
Alignment: Babyface.

With these terms, Papa Swoll is a steal, and he’ll be a crucial addition to the roster as I work on building up a new top babyface to rival Axel Brown down the line. Everything looks good so far—let’s finalize this and keep moving forward!

Preparing for NYCW Rush Hour – Saturday, January 8, 2022

After continuing the simulation, it’s now Saturday, January 8, 2022, and NYCW Rush Hour is happening tonight! As I prepare for the event, there are several decisions to make and an important email to address.

Current Status

We’ve managed to build our funds up to $44,625, so financially, we’re in decent shape heading into tonight’s event.

Email from BHOTWG

In the afternoon, I received an email from BHOTWG, informing me that they’ve made a contract offer to Masked Stranger for an upcoming tour. Since Masked Stranger is involved in one of our ongoing storylines, I need to keep this in mind moving forward. I may have to adjust plans depending on how long he’ll be gone.

With that out of the way, it’s time to prepare for tonight’s event. Let’s dive into the pre-show decisions.

Pre-Event Preparations

The simulation progressed into the evening, and I’m now faced with several pre-show options. Here’s a look at the screen before I proceed:

I see give the night off as the first option, but I chose to keep all talent available for the show. With storylines still unfolding and the need to make the most of the card, I didn’t see a reason to rest anyone. We’ll see if this decision impacts the overall show cost, but it shouldn’t.

Venue Selection

Next up was selecting the venue. I went with "Use the Best Venue", and the system chose Yonkers, NY, as the location for tonight’s event.

Booking Meeting: NYCW Rush Hour

It’s now time for the booking meeting. Here’s a look at the meeting screen:

We generated 170 Creative Energy, and 40 Creative Energy was automatically allocated to tonight’s event, leaving me with 130 Creative Energy to spend on crafting finishes and angles for the show. Here’s a look at the creative energy market screen:

With 130 energy to work with, I decided to invest in:

1 Creative Finish Idea (50 energy)
2 Creative Angle Ideas (40 energy each)

Creative Finish Idea: Tennessee William’s Win

The finish I selected is a near certainty for success, and it’s set for Tennessee William to win the match. This is a key moment for him, and here’s the creative finish we came up with:

Creative Finish Idea: Tennessee William will score a controversial victory by using a concealed weapon (perhaps a hidden guitar shot, referencing his musician gimmick) while the referee is distracted. This finish would allow Tennessee to retain heat as a heel, while still showing his cunning and willingness to bend the rules for a win. It’s also a perfect way to continue escalating his rivalry with Riley McManus, who could demand a rematch after the underhanded tactics.

Creative Angle Idea #1: The Wild Brawl

The first creative angle idea is a bit of a gamble, but we think it could work to heighten the drama:

Creative Angle Idea: A wild backstage brawl breaks out between the Casey Brothers and the DiMeo Family. Tensions have been boiling over between these two teams, and this brawl can take place in the locker room or even in the parking lot, making it feel raw and unplanned. The angle will show the DiMeos seeking revenge for their tag team loss, reinforcing their villainous persona as they attack the champions in a chaotic setting.

Creative Angle Idea #2: The Showdown Tease

The second creative angle idea is another risk, but it could plant the seeds for a future major storyline:

Creative Angle Idea: A tense face-off between Axel Brown and Papa Swoll. This will be the first time the audience sees these two powerhouses in the same ring. Though they won’t fight just yet, the tension will be palpable, and this angle will set the stage for a future showdown between the two rising stars. Papa Swoll’s charisma and Axel’s menacing presence will make this a must-watch segment as they size each other up.

With these ideas in place, I’m ready to see how the night unfolds. Once I approve everything, it’s time to book the show and watch the action unfold!

Locker Room Incidents: Tensions Boil Over

Before the event kicks off, I received a report that there was a locker room incident. Time to see what’s been going on behind the scenes.

It turns out that Masked Stranger and Super Massive Destroyer, both masked wrestlers, had a blazing argument behind the venue. According to Larry Vessey, who witnessed the situation firsthand, the exchange was heated.

Larry pulls me aside and says:

"Boss, you won’t believe what just happened. Masked Stranger and Super Massive Destroyer got into it behind the venue. I overheard them yelling about who the 'true masked legend' of NYCW is. Masked Stranger threw out something like, 'You may hide behind a mask, but everyone knows you're all muscle and no skill!' To which Super Massive Destroyer shot back, 'At least I don't hide behind tricks and cheap stunts!' Things were getting pretty intense before we managed to separate them."

Backstage Fun: Hawkeye Calhoun's Karaoke Surprise

Not everything behind the scenes is tension, though. In a surprising twist, Hawkeye Calhoun managed to turn the backstage area into a relaxed and fun space before the event.

Steve Flash came up to me, grinning ear to ear.

"You’re gonna love this, boss. Hawkeye just found some old karaoke machine backstage and decided to kick off a pre-show competition. Next thing you know, the entire locker room is gathered around, and the guy absolutely kills it with a medley of power ballads. I'm talking total show-stealer vibes. He’s got the boys laughing and cheering. Even the newer guys who are usually tense before a show were joining in. It’s like all the pressure just melted away."

Corey Underwood Incident: Kayfabe Breakdown

Unfortunately, not all the news from backstage was positive. I received word of an incident involving Corey Underwood, our young babyface who only has a year of experience, but it seems like he forgot what side of the fence he's on.

Larry Vessey pulled me aside, looking frustrated.

"Axel, we’ve got a situation with Corey Underwood. He got into it with a fan outside the arena. It started with some heated words about his performance, and the next thing we know, Corey’s shouting back like a heel, totally out of character for the face he's supposed to be. It almost got physical before security had to step in and restrain him."

I called Corey in to address the situation.

"Corey, I heard about what happened with the fan. Listen, you’re portraying a babyface in front of our audience, and that means you need to keep that same energy outside the ring. What you did hurts your image, and worse, it makes the company look bad. I'm fining you for this because kayfabe is important, and I expect you to uphold that moving forward."

Corey looked down, clearly understanding the gravity of his mistake.

"I’m sorry, boss. It won’t happen again," he said, accepting the fine.

Ray Snow Incident: Breaking Locker Room Rules

As the night continued, another situation cropped up, this time involving Ray Snow, a veteran of the locker room who has been with us since early 2019. He showed up very late to the event, breaking our established locker room rules. Given his long tenure and experience, I knew this would need to be handled differently.

Steve Flash came to me, clearly not pleased.

"Hey Axel, we’ve got an issue with Ray Snow. He showed up late again—way past call time—and it's not the first time. He’s been with us for a while now, so I figured I'd give you the heads up before it gets any worse."

After hearing this, I called Ray into my office for a conversation.

"Ray, I’ve heard from the team that you showed up really late today, and that’s not something we can let slide, especially given your experience. You’ve been with us a long time, and we respect that, but you know better than anyone how important it is to follow locker room rules."

Ray nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"I’m giving you a stern warning this time, but we can’t keep letting this happen. I need you to set an example for the younger guys on the roster. This company counts on you to be a leader, and that starts with showing up on time," I added.

Ray was apologetic.

"You’re right, Boss. I messed up, and it won’t happen again. I appreciate the warning."

Wrestlers' Court: Rory Brookes Faces Justice

It looks like the latest drama in the locker room is a bit more lighthearted but still serious enough to warrant wrestlers' court. This time, the spotlight is on Rory Brookes, a notorious party animal, who found himself in trouble for making a mess backstage and not cleaning it up.

Steve Flash, our locker room judge, called everyone together. Rory stood in the middle, clearly knowing what was coming.

"Rory, you've been accused of leaving a disaster zone backstage after your little party antics. You didn't clean up, and the boys aren’t happy about it. So now, it's time to face the music," Steve said, laying down the charge with a smirk.

Rory shrugged, but everyone could tell he was ready to own up. After all, this wasn't his first time pulling something like this.

Steve Flash delivered the verdict:

"Rory, you're guilty. Here’s your sentence: you’re cleaning up that mess, and after the show, you’re buying drinks for everyone. Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before leaving the place looking like a bomb went off."

Rory nodded, laughing it off.

"Alright, alright, I’ll clean up. But drinks are on me later!" he said, getting a cheer from the rest of the locker room.

Wrestlers' Court: Devastating Don’s Negative Vibes

Not long after Rory Brookes' trial, another incident brought the locker room together for a second session of wrestlers' court. This time, it was Devastating Don in the hot seat, facing accusations of constantly moaning and bumming everyone out with his negative attitude. Given his loner personality, this wasn’t too surprising, but the locker room had clearly had enough.

Once again, Steve Flash called the court to order, looking more than ready to dish out justice for the second time that night.

"Alright, Don,"

Steve started, his tone light but with a serious undertone,

"we’ve had some complaints. You’re always moaning about one thing or another, and honestly, it’s bringing everyone down. The boys need to keep the energy up, especially with a show coming up. We can’t have you being the black cloud backstage."

The rest of the locker room murmured in agreement. Even after Hawkeye Calhoun’s impromptu karaoke session, it seemed like Don’s attitude had been dragging the vibe back down.

Don, true to his loner persona, just stood there, arms crossed, not saying much. He looked like he’d rather be anywhere but there, but Steve wasn’t letting him off easy.

"Don, here’s the deal. You’ve got two options: shut up or cheer up. If you can’t do either, then you’re buying drinks for the whole crew tonight. That’s the sentence."

The locker room, knowing Steve had nailed it, let out a few chuckles, but Don stayed silent, as expected. After a pause, he shrugged and muttered,

"Fine. Drinks it is."

Addressing the Locker Room: Time to Inspire

With the backstage incidents handled and the energy in the locker room fluctuating from heated tensions to moments of fun, it was time for me to gather the entire roster and make sure everyone was on the same page. Tonight was important—not just for the event, but for setting the tone moving forward.

Standing in front of the locker room, I locked eyes with my top stars—Tennessee William, Riley McManus, and Masked Stranger—and then scanned the rest of the room, from the veterans like Ray Snow to newer faces like Papa Swoll.

"Listen up, everyone,"

I began, letting my voice carry across the room.

"Tonight’s not just another show. It’s another step toward building something bigger. This is NYCW, and we might be small right now, but every match, every promo, every angle we run brings us closer to moving up the ranks. That’s why I need each and every one of you to bring your best, not just tonight but every time you walk through these doors."

I pointed toward Tennessee William.

"Tennessee, you’ve got a big moment tonight. You’re going out there to prove why you’re one of the most hated heels in this business. I want the crowd on their feet, jeering you. Don’t give them a reason to sit down, make them hate you for everything you stand for, and give them a reason to come back for more."

Turning to Riley McManus, I nodded.

"Riley, you’re the champ, and you’re out there to show them why no one can touch you in that ring. You’ve got the skills, the presence, and the heart of a champion. Lead by example, not just for the fans but for everyone in this room. Show them what it means to be the best worker in the business."

Finally, my eyes landed on Masked Stranger.

"Masked Stranger, you’ve got heat building with Hawkeye Calhoun, and tonight’s your chance to take it to the next level. The stakes are high, and I want to see you escalate this feud until the fans are clamoring for the payoff. Keep that momentum going, because we’re in the business of storytelling, and I know you’ve got more to give."

I took a breath, addressing the entire roster.

"I want everyone here to understand something: whether you’re in the main event or working the undercard, your contribution matters. We’re in this together, and every match tonight should be treated like it’s the most important match of your career. No half measures, no phoning it in. I expect intensity, passion, and creativity from all of you. We’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to rise up the ranks, but I believe in this locker room. I believe in what we’re building. Let’s show the world what NYCW is made of. Tonight, we prove that we’re not just another small promotion. We’re the future of wrestling."

The room was quiet for a moment, but I could see the determination in their faces. They were ready.

Pre-Show Checklist Complete: Time to Book the Event

With the locker room address and pre-show checklist complete, it’s time to move forward with the actual booking of NYCW Rush Hour. All the groundwork has been laid, and now the real work begins—putting together a show that will captivate the fans and build momentum for our storylines.

As I look at the blank booking screen, it’s clear that every decision tonight will be crucial in shaping how our storylines unfold and how the crowd reacts. Here's what I'm looking to do tonight, and how I plan to use the creative energy we generated during the booking meeting.

Using Creative Energy for Maximum Impact

We’ve spent a solid amount of creative energy to ensure that tonight’s show delivers in key areas. Here’s how I’m thinking about using the resources:

The Creative Finish: We spent 50 energy on a creative finish for Tennessee William to secure a victory. This finish will not only give him a strong win but also reinforce his cunning heel persona. By using a controversial move, like a concealed guitar shot, we can have him secure a tainted win that keeps the fans riled up. This finish is crucial for continuing his storyline with Riley McManus, pushing their rivalry to new heights.
Creative Angle Idea #1 – The Wild Brawl: With 40 energy, we’ve set up a backstage brawl between the Casey Brothers and the DiMeo Family. This angle will be raw, chaotic, and show the DiMeos are out for revenge. We’ll stage the brawl to feel as real and intense as possible, making it clear that these teams are ready to tear each other apart. The goal is to escalate the feud to the point where the fans are begging for the eventual tag team title showdown.
Creative Angle Idea #2 – The Showdown Tease: Another 40 energy is invested in a face-off between Axel Brown and Papa Swoll. This will be the first major tease of a future battle between these two powerhouses. While there won’t be a physical confrontation yet, the tension between them needs to be electric. This is about planting the seeds for a future main event feud—one that will pit two of NYCW’s strongest stars against each other when the time is right.

These are the key creative decisions I’m focusing on tonight. Everything else on the card will work to complement these storylines and build up the momentum for the next event. Each match, angle, and promo needs to serve the bigger picture—raising the stakes for everyone involved and keeping the fans hooked.

Now it’s time to start booking the show and see how it all plays out.

Booking For Tonight

Main Event: Tennessee Williams vs. Riley McManus (NYCW Empire Championship)

Match Length: 20 minutes
Match Focus: Storytelling
Result: Tennessee Williams wins with a tainted victory, using the creative finish we devised—a concealed weapon shot (guitar, in line with his gimmick) while the referee is distracted. This allows him to take the title, but more importantly, it sets up the next chapter in the rivalry. Riley McManus now has an excuse for a rematch since the win wasn’t clean, and Tennessee can use his heel tactics to dodge that challenge for a while.

Pre-Match Promo: A 5-minute unscripted backstage promo, where Tennessee Williams cuts a scathing promo about how he will stop at nothing to be the one true champion. This will further establish his character as a ruthless, win-at-all-costs heel.

Papa Swoll vs. Vito Pirelli (DiMeo Family)

Match Length: 15 minutes
Result: Papa Swoll wins his singles debut after Chuck Casey distracts Vito Pirelli. This match accomplishes two things: it gives Papa Swoll a strong debut win, showing that he’s a new babyface force to be reckoned with, and it also furthers the Casey Brothers vs. DiMeo Family feud, which is central to the tag team division.

Axel Brown vs. Chuck Casey

Match Length: 15 minutes
Result: Axel Brown (me) wins after interference from Vito Pirelli, continuing the feud between the Casey Brothers and the DiMeo Family. This match builds Axel’s momentum while also setting up why Chuck would later distract Vito in the Papa Swoll match.

Opening Match: Masked Stranger vs. Hawkeye Calhoun

Match Length: 27 minutes
Focus: Crowd-working, letting both wrestlers decide the winner in-ring. The goal here is to work the audience into a frenzy, setting the tone for the show while solidifying their feud. Whether it’s a heel win or babyface triumph, the feud between Masked Stranger and Hawkeye will be further cemented as one of the major rivalries in NYCW.

Booking Strategy

The overall approach to this show is about establishing new talent with strong wins while continuing to drive existing storylines forward:

Tennessee Williams gets a crucial, dirty win that keeps him hated while building anticipation for a rematch with Riley McManus.
Papa Swoll debuts with a win, instantly becoming involved in the DiMeo vs. Casey Brothers feud, which adds layers to his character and gets him into a significant storyline right from the start.
Axel Brown wins, further showcasing his potential as a dominant heel in the company, while advancing the feud with Chuck Casey and the DiMeo Family.
The opening match between Masked Stranger and Hawkeye Calhoun serves to engage the crowd early and build their rivalry organically.

Booking Analysis

The booking analysis is flagged that Axel Brown and Papa Swoll were being used too much in the show. While that’s noted, I believe it’s necessary to give both new talents exposure. They’re unknowns in the company right now, and this show is a great opportunity to showcase them to the NYCW audience, building the foundation for future storylines and matches.

It also shows we are spending $3,360 on talent for this show. This seems like it is a decent amount of money spent. Let's hope our boys can put asses in seats and we break even on what the show costs us.

Now, onto tonight's entertainment!

1. Opening Match: Masked Stranger vs. Hawkeye Calhoun

Match Length: 27:16
Finish: Masked Stranger wins via Cobra Clutch
Wrestling Rating: 46/100
Crowd Rating: 26/100
Segment Rating: 47/100
Performance: Masked Stranger 44, Hawkeye 47
Storyline Advancement: Yes, gained heat

This match was the perfect opener, designed to get the crowd invested right from the start. With the Masked Stranger and Hawkeye Calhoun having such contrasting styles, the energy in the ring was palpable from the opening bell. The technical, sinister approach of Masked Stranger was the perfect foil to Hawkeye’s more traditional, baseball-inspired offense. Every strike from Hawkeye had the crowd buzzing, while every underhanded tactic from Masked Stranger drew a cascade of boos.

As the match wore on, it became clear that both men were working the crowd expertly. Hawkeye had the crowd on their feet as he mounted his comebacks, nailing a series of rapid-fire moves that had the audience fully behind him. But every time, Masked Stranger found a way to cut him off, slowing the pace back down to his methodical, calculated approach.

The climax of the match came when Masked Stranger locked in his deadly Cobra Clutch. The arena fell into stunned silence as Hawkeye struggled to break free, but there was no escape. With the crowd urging him on, Hawkeye fought valiantly, but his efforts were in vain as the referee called for the bell. The heat was simmering, the crowd torn between admiration for the fight Hawkeye had put up and disdain for the way Masked Stranger claimed victory.

After the match, Masked Stranger stood over his fallen opponent, adjusting his mask as he soaked in the boos from the crowd. This feud was far from over, and the match had done its job in escalating the tension between these two rivals.

2. Axel Brown vs. Chuck Casey

Match Length: 14:52
Finish: Axel Brown wins via Shoulder Breaker after interference by Vito Pirelli
Wrestling Rating: 26/100
Crowd Rating: 10/100
Segment Rating: 31/100
Performance: Axel Brown 12, Chuck Casey 41
Storyline Advancement: Yes, furthered NYCW Family Matters
Axel’s Juggernaut Gimmick: Debut rating of Poor

In this match, it was all about furthering the NYCW Family Matters storyline. While Axel Brown is still finding his footing in the ring, the heat of the feud between the DiMeo Family and Casey Brothers was enough to carry this match. Chuck Casey, the more experienced of the two, was able to lead the match and keep the crowd engaged, but it was clear from the beginning that Vito Pirelli’s interference would be the deciding factor.

The match started slowly, with Axel Brown trying to impose his will with his size and strength. His new Juggernaut gimmick was on full display, but it didn’t resonate with the crowd as expected. Chuck Casey, meanwhile, played the underdog babyface role perfectly, slowly chipping away at Axel with quick strikes and counters.

When the match hit its peak, Vito Pirelli appeared at ringside, hitting Chuck from behind with a club just as he was setting up for his finishing sequence. The interference was all Axel needed, as he hoisted Chuck into the air and delivered a thunderous Shoulder Breaker, securing the pinfall.

The crowd wasn’t entirely thrilled with the finish, but the heat between the Casey Brothers and the DiMeo Family was undeniable. Axel Brown stood tall, albeit with Vito’s help, and the Family Matters feud was furthered. Axel may have some work to do in finding his character, but the storyline did its job in keeping the audience’s attention. Hopefully the boys in the back aren't too mad that I'm pushing myself and giving myself wins with such lack of wrestling skill.

3. Papa Swoll vs. Vito Pirelli

Match Length: 14:42
Finish: Papa Swoll wins via Boom Shakalaka after Chuck Casey distracts Vito
Wrestling Rating: 33/100
Crowd Rating: 9/100
Segment Rating: 36/100
Performance: Papa Swoll 36, Vito Pirelli 30
Storyline Advancement: Yes, gained heat
Papa Swoll’s Gimmick: Debut rating of Very Good

Papa Swoll’s debut was one of the highlights of the night. The crowd had been eagerly awaiting his first NYCW appearance, and while the match didn’t have the heat we were hoping for, it served its purpose in giving Papa Swoll a strong debut win. The fact that Chuck Casey interfered to return the favor from the earlier match only added to the intensity of the Casey vs. DiMeo storyline.

From the start, Papa Swoll showcased his incredible strength and charisma. His Boom Shakalaka finisher, a devastating slam that left the crowd in awe, was the perfect exclamation point on his performance. Though the match wasn’t filled with flashy moves, it was a showcase of Papa Swoll’s power and potential as a major player in NYCW.

The crowd was hot by the end, and the distraction from Chuck Casey provided a nice bit of symmetry with the earlier interference from Vito. With his Very Good gimmick rating, Papa Swoll has already won over the fans, and this debut match solidified him as one to watch.

4. Tennessee Williams Backstage Promo

Length: 5 minutes
Segment Rating: 40/100
Storyline Advancement: Yes

Tennessee Williams stepped into the spotlight for his 5-minute backstage promo, and he did not disappoint. Standing in front of the camera in a dimly lit corridor, his face a mixture of arrogance and focus, Tennessee delivered one of the most scathing promos of his career.

"Tonight, Riley McManus, tonight is the night you fall. The NYCW Empire Championship is mine. And I will do whatever it takes to make sure of that."

His voice was dripping with venom as he continued:

"You see, everyone thinks Riley is this pure technical wrestler. But none of that matters when you’re standing across from a man who will stop at nothing to win. I don’t care how hard you’ve trained, I don’t care how much heart you think you have. Tonight, Riley, I’m taking back my title, and I’m taking it by any means necessary. There is no room in NYCW for weakness, and you, McManus, are nothing but weak!"

Tennessee paced back and forth, the intensity growing with every word.

"By the end of tonight, everyone will know that there is only one true champion in NYCW, and it’s me, Tennessee Williams! And I’ll tell you this: If you think you’re going to get that belt back, think again, because I’ll go through anyone—ANYONE—to stay at the top!"

He finished the promo by staring dead into the camera, holding up a single finger:

"One. One champion. And that’s me."

The promo left no doubt about his intentions. The segment advanced his storyline, setting the stage perfectly for the main event later in the night.

5. Main Event: Tennessee Williams vs. Riley McManus (NYCW Empire Championship)

Match Length: 20:08
Finish: Tennessee Williams wins using the ropes for leverage and the creative finish
Wrestling Rating: 44/100
Crowd Rating: 32/100
Segment Rating: 47/100
Performance: Riley McManus 44, Tennessee Williams 43
Storyline Advancement: Yes, gained heat

The main event was the culmination of everything the night had built toward. Tennessee Williams, fresh off his intense promo, stepped into the ring with Riley McManus, determined to reclaim the NYCW Empire Championship by any means necessary. Despite the storyline tension, it was clear from the start that these two had bad chemistry in the ring, with neither wrestler quite able to click with the other.

Despite this, the match had plenty of drama. Tennessee immediately resorted to his underhanded tactics, doing whatever he could to slow down Riley, who tried to keep the match technical. The crowd was fully invested in the outcome, even as the wrestling itself struggled at times. Every time Riley mounted a comeback, Tennessee would find a way to cheat, whether it was grabbing the ropes during a hold or faking an injury to buy time.

The match’s pivotal moment came when Tennessee used the creative finish we planned—smashing Riley with a concealed object, followed by using the ropes for extra leverage during the pin. The crowd was livid as the referee counted the three, handing Tennessee Williams the NYCW Empire Championship.

Riley McManus lay in the ring, holding his head in disbelief as Tennessee celebrated, sneering at the crowd. Despite the lack of chemistry between the two wrestlers, the storyline gained heat, and the creative finish was a success.

It was clear now that Riley would need to go in a different direction if this feud was to continue—perhaps relying more on his manager, Fern Hathaway, who proved to have great chemistry with him throughout the night. The chemistry between Riley and Fern will be the key moving forward, as we adjust the focus of the storyline to keep the audience engaged.

Event Conclusion

Overall Event Rating: 46/100
NYCW Popularity: Increased in one region

Despite some ups and downs, the event was a success overall and drew 328 people. We will have to wait and see how the internet and fans at large see the event. We managed to advance our key storylines, debut new talent, and keep the audience engaged throughout the show. The chemistry issues between Tennessee Williams and Riley McManus will need to be addressed going forward, but the show did its job in pushing our major feuds forward and giving the fans something to talk about.

Addressing The Locker Room

After the crowd cleared out and the dust had settled from NYCW Rush Hour, it was time to address the locker room. Everyone gathered, some still riding the adrenaline from their matches, others deep in thought about their performances. Tennessee Williams, fresh off his championship victory, leaned casually against the wall, the NYCW Empire Championship draped over his shoulder, while Papa Swoll stood with his arms crossed, a grin of satisfaction on his face after his successful debut.

I stepped forward, addressing the room with a calm but authoritative tone.

"First off, great job tonight, everyone. We had some big moments, and I think the crowd really connected with what we’re building here. But there are two people I want to call out specifically for their work tonight."

The room grew quiet, all eyes turning to me.

"Tennessee."

I turned towards him, letting the weight of my words sink in.

"What you did tonight was exactly what I expect from a top heel in this company. You did what had to be done. The crowd hated you, and you loved every second of it. You walked out with the Empire Championship, and you made it clear to everyone in that building that you’re not just playing a role—you are the champion, and you’ll stop at nothing to keep it. That’s what we need. Keep that fire, because you’re at the top now, and I expect nothing less moving forward."

Tennessee gave a slow, smug nod, adjusting the title on his shoulder. The locker room acknowledged his achievement with a few respectful nods.

I then turned to Papa Swoll, whose grin widened.

"And Papa Swoll... tonight you showed why you’re a future star in this company. That debut was exactly what we needed—strong, confident, and you got the job done. The crowd may not have known what to expect, but by the end of that match, they knew exactly who you are. You’ve got something special, and if you keep that up, you’ll be right there in the mix with the best."

The room stirred as I made eye contact with the rest of the roster.

"These are the moments we build on. Every time you step in that ring, you have the chance to make an impact. Tennessee and Papa Swoll are examples of what we need moving forward—consistency, energy, and a connection with the crowd. That’s how we keep NYCW moving up the ranks. That’s how we show the world that we’re not just another promotion."

The room nodded in understanding. Tennessee smirked, clearly reveling in the praise, while Papa Swoll gave a respectful nod, his confidence swelling.

"Alright, that’s it for tonight. Let’s build on this and keep pushing forward."

With that, the roster began to disperse, the energy in the room buzzing with anticipation for what was to come. Tennessee Williams, with his championship, and Papa Swoll, with the momentum of his debut, left with a sense of purpose, knowing they were now central to NYCW’s future.

Before everyone could fully disperse, I paused, feeling the weight of the room’s attention back on me. I knew I had to address something that had been on my mind since my match.

"Before we wrap things up, I need to talk about something else—my performance tonight."

The room shifted slightly, wrestlers exchanging glances. I could feel the tension rise as everyone wondered where this was going.

"Look, I know my match wasn’t what it should have been. The gimmick didn’t hit the way I hoped, and the in-ring work? I know it wasn’t at the level this company deserves. I didn’t get the crowd where I wanted them. That’s on me."

A few wrestlers nodded, appreciating the honesty. I could feel the respect in the air as I continued.

"But let me make one thing clear." My voice grew firmer. "I’m not booking myself to win matches because I want to look tough, or because I need the spotlight. I’m the booker, and every decision I make is about what’s best for this company. Tonight? Tonight was about driving the Family Matters storyline forward. That’s why Vito was involved, that’s why Chuck lost, and that’s why I’m here talking to you now."

I took a deep breath, making sure everyone was following.

"I don’t need to be in the spotlight, but I’m not going to step back either. I’m here to prove that the decisions we make—I* make—are the right ones. I’m building something bigger than just me. Bigger than just one match. NYCW is about all of us, every wrestler in this room, every fan out there. We are the future of professional wrestling, and with hard work, we’re going to prove it to the world."*

The room buzzed with energy, the roster nodding in agreement. This was a moment of accountability, but it was also a moment to rally the troops.

"So, I’m going to work harder, and I expect the same from all of you. We’re not perfect, but we’re getting better every show. We’re learning, growing, and proving that NYCW is a force to be reckoned with. Let’s keep pushing forward, let’s keep proving that we belong at the top. You are the future of this company, and together, we’re going to show everyone what we’re made of."

The locker room erupted in applause, the sense of unity stronger than before. This wasn’t just about one person or one match—it was about the future of NYCW, and every single wrestler in that room was a part of it.

Post-Event Financial Report

After a successful night of action, I decided to review the financial report for NYCW Rush Hour. This is where we get a clearer picture of how well the event did in terms of revenue and expenses.

Here’s the breakdown:

Ticket Sales: $3,608 – With 328 fans in attendance, it was a solid turnout for the event. We’re continuing to build momentum in the tri-state area.
Merchandise Sales: $655 – The fans are starting to pick up more NYCW merchandise, which is a good sign that they’re connecting with our brand.
Workers' Costs: $3,360 – A fair payout for our roster, especially considering the key storylines we advanced tonight.
Show Costs: $723 – Keeping things simple in terms of production worked well for this show.
Marketing: $100 – A small investment in advertising, which we’ll look to ramp up as our popularity grows.
Overall Profit: $80 – It wasn’t a huge financial gain, but breaking even and making a profit, no matter how small, is a win for us right now.
Post-show Finances: $44,955 – We’re in a solid financial position after the event.

Overall, it wasn’t a massive financial haul, but we’re staying above water, and that’s what matters at this stage. Each event will keep building our base.

Popularity Recap

Next up, I reviewed the Popularity Recap for the event. The results were encouraging: our popularity in the tri-state area went up, hitting 28. Every event is helping us grow in the region, and that’s key to expanding NYCW’s reach.

With the post-event objectives complete, it’s clear we’re on the right path. The storylines are heating up, new stars like Papa Swoll are gaining momentum, and our financials are stable. The next step will be capitalizing on the success of Rush Hour and continuing to push NYCW higher.

In Conclusion

The feedback from the overall wrestling community for my first event booking for NYCW Rush Hour has been very positive. They are in agreement it was a good show. Let's see if I can keep this up. I don't see any angry emails from the owner or anyone else. I have 34 days until my next event which is NYCW Empire State. I'll see you for my next post where I'll make more administrative decisions, pre-book, and get ready for the event!

My Journey in TEW IX - Episode 2