Later that night, after the arena had cleared out, Jim Cornette was packing his stuff and preparing to leave. Vince McMahon walked into the room.
"Hello Jim", Vince smiled.
"Vince", Cornette acknowledged him.
"That was a great show tonight. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but you did a fantastic job of putting together a show that hit all the right spots and paid homage to WCW. I'm expecting the ratings to be excellent."
"I don't give a damn about your ratings", Cornette said as he looked up. "I just wanted to put together a good show for my friends and to maybe help WCW go out on a high note rather than the pile of crap it was at the end."
"I think you did that", Vince admitted. "And those were some interesting surprises. Where the hell did you find Savage?"
"I called him up", Cornette said. "And he was happy to show up."
"I should have been informed about that", Vince noted.
"When I agreed to book this show, I was told I'd have 100% total control, right?", Cornette snapped.
"Yes, but...", Vince started to say, but Cornette cut him off.
"No buts, Vince", Cornette said. "I promised we wouldn't trash you or the WWE and we didn't."
"My lawyer, Jerry, is having a fit over that stunt you pulled with Flair calling in", Vince said, changing the subject.
"We found a loophole", Cornette said. "Jerry can handle it. You just wish you had thought of it."
"Well yeah, it was kind of clever", Vince admitted. "If I had known in advance, I wouldn't have allowed it."
"That's why you didn't know", Cornette said. "About the phone call, about Savage or about Ole."
"Or about all the blood that was spilled in the tag match with Mick and Funk", Vince said. "We're a PG product now."
"WCW wasn't PG and I wanted to keep it as close to WCW, without totally sucking ass, as possible."
"I don't like being kept in the dark", Vince replied.
"And I don't like working with you because you're a two-faced, lying, hypocritical asshole", Cornette shot back.
Vince smiled.
"Anyways, it was a great show and you did an excellent job", he said.
"It was fun", Cornette admitted.
"So should we start making plans for another WCW special in say... how about six months?", Vince said.
"You can do whatever the hell you want", Cornette said. "I did my part and I'm through."
"At least think about it", Vince said. "If this did the ratings I think it did, we could make a whole lot of money on a revived version of WCW."
"I saw what you did with ECW", Cornette answered. "And leave it alone."
"But the money...", Vince started to say, but again, Cornette cut him off.
"Give these people some dignity, Vince. The money doesn't matter. We just gave WCW a proper ending, even though it's ten years too late to do any real good. Leave it the hell alone."
"Just think about it, Jim", Vince said.
"Just kiss my ass, Vince", Cornette said as he picked up his bag and walked towards the exit.
"I'll call you in six months", Vince said.
"Go to hell", Cornette said as he closed the door behind him and vanished.
"Yeah, he's in", Vince thought to himself and smiled. "Yeah, he's in!"
THE END!
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Gathering (Part 3)
The cameras panned the arena, showing a sold out crowd at the BiLo Center in Greenville, SC. Gary Michael Cappetta took the mic in the center of the ring and spoke to the capacity crowd.
"Welcome to WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering!, live on the USA Network. And now, let's go to down to ringside with 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko, Tony Schiavone and Good old JR, Jim Ross."
"Welcome to WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering", Tony Schiavone started off. "It's been ten years in the making and I honestly didn't think we'd ever have this night. How about you, Larry?"
"It was inevitiable", Zbyszko replied. "The true legends always return and although WCW ended on a down note ten long years ago, just like the phoenix rises from the dead, so do the stars and legends that were World Championship Wrestling."
"I know I'm glad to be here", Jim Ross added. "I spent a long time working for WCW before I left to go to the WWE and I've got a lot of memories from those days. Truly some of the most memorable and history making moments in our great sport."
"Right you are, Jim", Schiavone remarked. "And now, let's head to the ring with Mean Gene Okerlund."
"Thank you, gentlemen", Gene said. "And please allow me to introduce my guests at this time... please welcome The Horsemen!"
The crowd goes crazy as the Horsemen's theme plays out and here comes the Horsemen. Arn Anderson, Tully Blancard, Dean Malenko, Barry Windham, James J. Dillon, Steve "Mongo" McMichael and "The Perfect 10" Baby Doll.
Arn takes the mic from Mean Gene and starts to talk...
"When you talk about World Championship Wrestling, you have to talk about this", he said as he held four fingers in the air. "No matter who was part of our group, we walked the walk, talked the talk and made sure that you got the best we had to offer, each and every night."
The fans started cheering and chanting "We Want Flair"....
Arm gave them a second to calm down and started speaking again.
"I wish he was here too", Arn said. "But legalities and contractual matters prevent Ric from being here and being part of all this."
Some of the fans started booing. Arn raised up a hand to silence them. "Legalities prevent Ric from physically being here", Arn said with a smile, but there's nothing that prevents me from calling Ric on the phone while I'm here in this ring."
The fans cheered as Arn pulled out his cellphone and hit a button. A few seconds later, Ric Flair's voice echoed throughout the arena.
"Woooooo!", Ric cut loose. "Double A and the Horsemen! Styling and profiling like the good old days and paying tribute to Jim Crockett, Ted Turner and WCW. Wooooo!"
"Ric, I know you've got something to say to the WCW fans watching tonight", Arn said into his phone.
"Wooooo! WCW was the evolution of professional wrestling. Every night, we walked that walk, we bled, we sweat and we payed the price. And partied harder than anyone. And so many greats came along. I see Mongo and Malenko in the ring, Tully, the Perfect Ten, Baby Doll, looking so fine. Wooo! Barry Windham, James J. Dillon, and Double A, the Enforcer. And there was Ole, Sid, Luger, Liz, wooooo!, Woman oh Woman won't you marry me now, Hennig, Pillman and Benoit."
Some boos started at the mention of Benoit's name.
Flair ignored them as he continued with a long, rambling promo, as only Ric Flair can do, before finally finishing up with a big "Woooooo!"
After finishing his rant, Ric wished Arn and the other Horsemen the best of luck and ended his call with a loud "Wooooooo!"
Arn was just smirking as Gene Okerlund went on about what a coup that was and how legal was going to have a fit. And then the music hit and here comes Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman and Vincent... the nWo.
The nWo climbs into the ring and gets some mics. Nash talks about how cute it was for Arn to have Ric Flair call in. Arn agreed with a nod. Then Nash started getting nasty about how the Horsemen was what was wrong with WCW and jokes about how Arn raided the old folks home to get all of the former Horsemen together.
Arn let Nash ramble for a bit and then finally cut him off.
"The Horsemen were the dominant force for the NWA, WCW and wresling in general for a long time. Yeah, we took a lot from this business,but we gave back too and helped men become stars and stars become legends. What the hell did the nWo ever do except for kiss up to Bischoff and Hogan and destroy WCW with political games and ass-kissing."
More words exchanged and it's started to get heated when finally, Scott Hall speaks...
"Hey yo! Listen, the Horsemen were big names and legends in WCW. And the nWo... hey, we were just too sweet. So how about a match tonight? The three of us, The Bad Guy, Big Sexy and Syxx-Pac against any three of you Horsemen. That is, if you have three of you that can still climb into the ring without breaking a hip?"
The Horsemen gather over in the far side of the ring and agree - it's on for later tonight. Nash, Hall and Waltman versus Tully Blancard, Barry Windham and Dean Malenko.
Nash starts to talk more junk, but Gene Okerlund tells them that we have to go to commerical and to wait until later in the night.
As we go to commercial, we see a tribute, played to the song "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, in recognition of some of the former WCW stars that are no longer with us such as The Public Enemy, Rick Rude, Road Warrior Hawk, Louie Spicolli, The Wall, Miss Elizabeth, Curt Hennig, Bobby Duncum Jr., Wahoo McDaniel, Gordon Solie, Chris Candido, Mike Awesome, The Renegade, Woman, Referee Mark Curtis, Brian Pillman, Joey Maggs, El Gigante, John Tenta, Bam Bam Bigelow and Eddie Guerrero.
We come back from commerical and Fabulous Freebird Michael P.S. Hayes & Missy Hyatt are standing by the ring with a microphone. They're going to introduce the participants for a special "Battle Bowl Battle Royal"... it's an 21 man over-the top rope event.
Twenty-One Man Over The Top Rope Battle Bowl Battle Royal - Winner Gets Special WCW Battle Bowl Trophy...
Sgt. Craig Pittman, Kurasawa, Billy Kidman, Konnan, Brad Armstrong, Bill Mulkey, Randy Mulkey, Stevie Ray, Rick Steiner, Lord Steven Regal, Van Hammer, The Artist, Hacksaw Duggan, Maestro. Lash Leroux, Chavo Guerrero. Glacier, Jamie Noble, Psicosis, Ernest "The Cat" Miller & The Giant (Big Show)
Craziness and chaos reign as all the men first go after the Big Show, who is being billed as "The Giant". He fights off the crowd and manages to eliminate Glacier and The Artist in the process. Konnan is the next to go as Hacksaw Duggan takes him out with a clothesline. Van Hammer tosses out Brad Armstrong, only to be tossed out by Lord Steven Regal. Kurasawa is the next to go as The Giant tosses him out to the floor. Sgt. Craig Pittman is eliminated by Stevie Ray and Chavo Guerrero, who then turn on each other and end up both getting knocked out to the floor as Jame Noble charges into the two of them. The Mulkey Brothers and Lash Leroux eliminate the Giant, much to the delight of the Mulkeymaniacs in the audience. Rick Steiner is eliminated by Psicosis. Kidman nails Steve Regal with a dropkick that sends him to the floor. Regal grabs Ernest Miller on the way out and both men are eliminated. Hacksaw Duggan is the next to be tossed by the Mulkey Brothers. Jamie Noble tosses out Lash Leroux, but in turn, is tossed out by Psicosis. We're down to four people with the Mulkeys, Billy Kidman and Psicosis. Kidman tries to flip Randy Mulkey out of the ring, but Bill Mulkey saves his brother and they turn the tide, eliminating Kidman. Now it's two versus one as Psicosis weaves and dodges the two cult icons from WCW Saturday Night legend. In an amazing mood, Psicosis manages to get both Mulkey's up against the rope and with a flying crossbody, takes both of the Mulkey Brothers, as well as himself to the floor. And all three men's feet touch the floor at the same time, so there is no winner. Confusion reigns as we go to commercial..
We come back from commerical and "Mean" Gene has a guest who can help rectify this confusing situation.
Here comes Juventud Guerrera from the back. "The Juice" saw what happened and why not have a tag match right now between Mulkeys versus Juvi and Psicosis for the possession of the Battle Bowl Ring and to decide who wins the Battle Royal. The Mulkeys agree and we go straight into another match - an inpromptu tag match.
Bill & Randy Mulkey versus Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis
Fast paced action quickly became the rule of the day as both teams squared off and traded move for move with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The fans were cheering "Mulkeys" and it was obvious that the two jobbers from the glory days of WCW had quite a cult-like following. Finally, Juvi managed to get Randy up for the Juvi-Driver and covered him for the pin, but the referee was distracted by Bill Mulkey and didn't see the pin attempt until it was two late. The Mulkeys fought back and managed to get the advantage and it looked like they were prepared to put Juvi away for the pin, but Psicosis grabbed the referee from the outside of the ring, distracting him from seeing what was going on. Here comes La Parka with a chair and from the outside of the ring, he blasts Randy Mulkey with the chair across the head. Psicosis releases the referee, who turns around to see Juvi grab up Randy with a Juvi-Driver and cover for the pin.
Winners: Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis w/ La Parka
We go backstage where "Mean" Gene is with "Cactus Jack" Mick Foley. Foley starts to talk about his memories of WCW and how Cactus Jack got his start on the way to becoming a hardcore legend in WCW. Kevin Sullivan interrupts and yells at Foley for being a coward and for "running away" from WCW. Words are exchanged and Sullivan says that he's not the only one to feel that way. Another man feels that way. Here comes Abdullah the Butcher attacking Cactus Jack. We see a vicious beatdown on Cactus by Sullivan and Abdullah. Referees and wrestling officials come in to break up the brawl as we head to a commercial.
We come back from the commercial and "Mean" Gene is with Mick Foley, who's face is covered with the crimson mask. Mick says that he wasn't planning on wrestling tonight, but if Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah the Butcher want to pick a fight with Cactus Jack, then so be it. Later tonight, it'll be a South Carolina Street Fight with Sullivan and Abby versus Cactus Jack and a partner of his choice. And the streets will run red. Bang Bang!.
We go back to Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko who tell us that later tonight, it'll be the Horsemen versus The nWo. And in the main event, it'll be the man called Vader talking on Goldberg. And Diamond Dallas Page, the phenom of WCW, has issued an open challenge and will take on any WCW star who wants to "feel the bang!" And now, we're headed to the ring for a "Four Corners" tag match.
The Boogie Knights (Alex Wright & Disco Inferno) w/ Tokoyo Magnum vs The Powers of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Three Count (Shane Helms & Evan Karagias) w/ Tank Abbott vs The West Hollywood Blondes (Lenny Lane & Lodi)
All the teams did their seperate entrances and Disco Inferno got on the mic and talked about how everyone only showed up to see the Disco Inferno and Alex Wright dance. Shane Helms took exception and said that the reason everyone was here was because of Three Count and he, along with Karagias, did their dance routine, along with Tank Abbott. Lenny and Lodi applauded both teams efforts and threw out a little innuendo about how everyone was going to have a "gay old time", Barbarian and Warlord just stayed quiet until Jimmy Hart gave them a signal and then they just attacked and the match was on. More chaos and craziness because with eight wrestlers, plus three men on the outside, it was definitely OINGO BOINGO time. Finally, Disco manages to catch Shane Helms with the Chart Buster to get the pin and pick up the win for his team.
Winners: Boogie Knights (Disco Inferno & Alex Wright) w/ Tokyo Magnum
As Disco, Alex and Tokyo danced in the ring to celebrate their victory,we go backstage where Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) were standing with Bob Caudle for a special interview. Jim Cornette started off with a rant and a ramble as only Jim Cornette can do - about the history of WCW, the history of the Midnight Express, and what it took to pull this show together and what WCW means to him personally. And here comes "Above Average" Mike Sanders, accompanied by Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli, Sean O'Haire, Shawn Stasiak, Chuck Palumbo and Mark Jindrak, the group known as "The Natural Born Thrillers".
"What the hell do you want?", Cornette snapped at the newcomers.
Sanders laughed at Cornette and started to talk about how he was just an old, outdated idiot and the Midnight Express were jokes. No one cares about them anymore. When poeple think about great teams and excellence in WCW, they think about the Natural Born Thrillers.
Cornette grabbed the mic from Sanders and told him to shut the hell up. If they want to say something, they need to earn the right to do it and the Thrillers haven't earned anything except for an ass-beating. Sanders looked at his guys and smiled. "There's six of us and four of you, old man. You wanna do this?" Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, the Rock & Roll Express, stepped into the picture. "Looks like six on six", Ricky said firmly. Sanders backed off a bit and said, "we'll see you clowns in the ring", as The Thrillers exited the area.
We go to the ring and the Nitro Girls are dancing to take us into commercial.
(Commerical time)
We come back and Scott "Flash" Norton and Buff Bagwell are in the ring. "It's time for Vicious & Delicious", Bagwell gloated. "Anyone in the back want to step up and face us and have a career defining moment?"
Music hits and here comes Lance Storm walking to the ring. He gets the mic and introduces himself. He's from "Calgary (dramatic pause) Alberta, Canada", and if they want a match, he's here to give them one. And then he introduces his partner, "Lion Heart" Chris Jericho. The crowd erupts as Jericho comes to the ring. The ref calls for the bell and we have a match.
"Vicious & Delicious" Scott Norton & Buff Bagwell versus Chris Jericho & Lance Storm
Lots of good tag team wrestling, Buff is on his game and plays to the crowd as he works over Storm, but Jericho tags in and takes control. Norton gets in and uses the power moves to just toss Jericho and Storm around the ring. Lance manages to duck a clothesline by Norton and snags an ankle lock on the bigger man. Buff breaks up the potential submission, but gets hit by Jericho with a bulldog. More great action, and in the end, Buff attempts his "Buff-Buster" neckbreaker, but gets caught by Jericho who locks in the "Walls of Jericho". Buff taps out to end a great tag team match.
Winners: Chris Jericho & Lance Storm
(We go to commercial)
We come back and the Nitro Girls are in the ring dancing. Here comes Booker T to the ring. He heard that Diamond Dallas Page is claiming to be the "phenom" of WCW and has issued an open challenge. Well, Booker was the last "real" WCW Champion and is a five time WCW Champion. And if Page wants to get it on, he's more than ready. Now, can you dig that, sucka!
The music hits as "Self High Five" echoes throughout the arena. Here comes Diamond Dallas Page, accompanied by Kimberly. He gets in the ring and walks up to Booker. "Don't sing it... bring it!", Dallas says. "He didn't say that! Tell me he didn't say that", Booker sighed loudly. And the fists start flying as a referee jumps in the ring and calls for a bell.
"Diamond" Dallas Page w/ Kimberly Page versus Booker T
Both men are primed and in great wrestling shape and start off with some great wrestling, mixed with brawling and punches. Booker manages to catch DDP with a spin-kick, but rather than pinning him, goes for the spineroonie, to a great pop. But that allows Page time to recover and he levels Booker with a jawbreaker that sends Booker reeling to the outside. Page goes after Booker, but gets slammed into the ringpost. Booker tries to go after Page, but Kimberly gets in the way. Here comes Sharmell from the back and she pulls Kimberly out of the way. Booker rolls DDP into the ring, but is slow to get back in the ring as he's distracted by the two women cat-fighting. He finally gets back into the ring, where DDP is playing possum and catches him with the Diamond Cutter. DDP covers and gets the pin.
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page
DDP celebrates in the ring as we take a video package look at the history of the WCW World Championship with all of the Champions noted.
(commerical)
We come back from commerical and see Cactus Jack in the back and grinning that toothless grin of his. Cactus says that he found a partner and Sullivan and Abdullah are in for a bloody & crazy good time. Bang Bang! And we head to the ring.
Ten Man Tag Team Match
The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) and The Midnight Express (Stan Lane, Dennis Condrey, Bobby Eaton) w/ Jim Cornette
versus
The Natural Born Thrillers (Johnny Stamboli, Sean O'Haire, Mark Jindrak, Shawn Stasiak, Chuck Palumbo) w/ "Above Average" Mike Sanders
As one might expect, it's total chaos and confusion as the referee loses control early in the match and it's OINGO BOINGO time. The Midnights and Rock & Rollers work well together and keep the early advantage with speed and wrestling moves, but the strength and power of the Thrillers and the huge size advantge eventually takes over. O'Haire & Stasiak manage to catch Dennis Condrey with a double-team move and O'Haire covers to get the pin.
Winners: The Natural Born Thrillers w/ Mike Sanders
The Thrillers are in the ring celebrating, but Mike Sanders gets the mic and starts bad-mouthing Cornette and Midnights and Rock & Rollers, calling them old men and talking more trash. Robert Gibson grabs a chair, and the others follow suit as the Midnight Express and Rock & Roll Express head back in the ring, chairs in hand, and clear the ring of the Natural Born Thrillers, with the exception of Mike Sanders, who is surrounded in the center of the ring. Jimmy Cornette takes the tennis racket he always carries and slams Sanders across the head and back. Sanders goes down and Stan Lane tosses him to the outside and waiting arms of his fellow Thrillers. A special mixed mash of the Midnight Express theme and The Rock & Roll Express's theme fills the arena as the two teams and Cornette embrace and celebrate in the ring.
(commercial)
The Nitro Girls are dancing in the ring as we go to former WCW announcer Chris Cruise, who conducts a brief interview with "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and his son, Dustin "The Natural" Rhodes. As Cruise talks to the Rhodes family, we see David Flair, Krowbar and Dafney run by in the background, laughing and screaming and it looks like they're playing tag. We go to the ring for the next match and here come The Horsemen...
Tully Blancard, Barry Windham & Dean Malenko w/ Arn Anderson & Baby Doll (The Horsemen) versus Kevin Nash, Scott Hall & Syxx-Pac w/ Vincent (nWo)
It's chaos and pandemonium as Windham and Hall immediately start things off by brawling and it goes down from there. Great team work and lots of tags from both sides of the ring. The nWo just concentrates on pounding away at anyone they can get close too, while Windham, Malenko and Blancard are using the classic "Anderson" strategy of concentrating on the left arm of their opponents and trying to wear their opponents down. A flying clothesline by Windham takes Hall to the floor as we go for a commerical break.
(commerical)
Back from commercial and former nWo members Masa Chono, Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton have joined Vincent at ringside. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Arn Anderson and Baby Doll have been joined by Steve "Mongo" McMichael, James J. Dillon & "The Total Package" Lex Luger. The chaos in the ring continues as both teams struggle to gain an advantage and hold on to it. Men on both sides are taking shots from outside the ring as well. It finally breaks down as Mongo & Norton get to brawling outside the ring and the referee is trying to break it up.
From the back, here comes Sid Vicious running and sliding into the ring. Nash has Malenko in the corner and is working him over. Vicious grabs Nash from behind and lifts him high into the air for a huge powerbomb. Sid then places Malenko on top of Nash and exits the ring as the referee slides back into the ring. He sees Dean covering Nash and makes the three count.
Winners: The Horsemen
The Horsemen gather in the ring and clear the ring of the nWo members and start to celebrate. Arn Anderson, Mongo McMichael, Barry Windham, Lex Luger, Dean Malenko, Tully Blancard, James J. Dillon, Baby Doll and Sid Vicious are all in the ring. Arn and Sid eye each other for a second and Sid whispers something to Double-A. Arn says something back and they shake hands. All of the Horsemen and their associates raise their hands in the air with the classic "Four Finger" salute of excellence.
And a voice comes from the huge Nitron screen at the top of the ramp. It's Ole Anderson, liva via satellite. He congratulates the Horsemen for maintaining the standard of excellence that he and Gene started with the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and then comments that of all his accomplishments in this buisness, his two most proud moments are teaming with Gene and when he, Tully, Arn, Ric and JJ founded the Horsemen. Ole apologizes for not being there, but he didn't want to get arrested for busting Vince McMahon in his damn mouth. But he's proud of Arn, WCW and the Horsemen and he's thankful he was such a part of it all. Ole holds up four fingers and gives that evil smile and laugh he was so famous for as we go to commercial.
(commercial)
Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah the Butcher are in the ring and they've got plunder. They're pacing and waiting for Cactus Jack to come out. Mick Foley comes out on the ramp and he has a mic. He didn't come to fight tonight, but they want to do it old-school and see if Cactus Jack still has what it takes, then so be it. It's no rules and anything goes in an South Caroliona Street Fight... and Cactus Jack's partner is... here comes Terry Funk running down the ramp-way and we've got a brawl.
Atlanta Street Fight
Cactus Jack & Terry Funk vs. Kevin Sullivan & Abdullah The Butcher
It's exactly what you expect. Lots of plunder and weapons and lots of blood everywhere. A total pier-six brawl. Cactus & Funk win when Cactus blasts Sullivan over the head with a kitchen sink to get the pin.
Winners: Cactus Jack & Terry Funk
(commercial)
We come back and Schiavone, Zbyszko and Jim Ross review the craziness that has been happening all night. And it's not over yet. Still to come is The Man they call Vader taking on Goldberg. The sound of glass shattering fills the arena and here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin to the ring. He grabs the mic and starts to cut a classic "Stone Cold" promo, but stops... His time in WCW wasn't about kicking ass and drinking beer. It was about being one of the most stunning up & up & coming superstars in wrestling and making a name. And he had a helluva start in WCW, teaming with Pillman, being part of the 'Dangerous Alliance' and having Col. Parker as his manager.
And here comes Col. Parker and his "Stud Stable" of Bunkhouse Buck & Dick Slater to the ring. Parker is really up his character and goes into a rant about how he made Steve Austin into a superstar and molded him into a legend and then when Austin went to the WWE, he forgot his friends and mentor. Austin listens to Parker ranting and raving, with Buck & Slater noding in agreement. Austin just listens and you can tell he's getting annoyed. More music hits - the sounds of 'Pomp & Circumstance' and here comes Macho Man Randy Savage to the ring. The place goes nuts!
Macho cuts a promo about how it's the first time he's been back on national TV in a long time and how it's the first time he's been in the ring with Steve Austin. The two men go eye to eye and have the staredown. Macho backs off - it's cool. He's the Macho Man and Austin is Stone Cold and Col. Parker looks like he should be selling friend chicken. Parker orders Slater and Buck to attack Austin and the Macho Man. Not a good move as Macho sends Slater flying to the floor outside the ring. Austin gives Buck a stunner. And Col. Parker is left alone with Steve Austin & Randy Savage.
Col. Parker starts to beg off, but Austin gives him a big stunner in the center of the ring. Macho goes to the top and here comes the flying elbow on Col. Parker. Slater is back in and rolls Parker to the outside where he crumbles to the floor. Macho and Austin are in the ring and stare each other down again. Austin signals for a beer. He gives one to Macho and they drink beer in the ring and do a toast and salute to Brian Pillman and Miss Elizabeth.
(commercial)
Back from commercial and Bret "The Hitman" Hart is in the ring. He's only spent a couple of years in WCW, but those were some times that he'll never forget, for both bad and good reasons, but mainly the good. He (surprisingly) sends a shout out to Ric Flair and Sting and wishes that they could be here. Hart is going to introduce the next match.
Vader w/ Harley Race versus Bill Goldberg
Vader has slimmed down from his last time on national tv and is a solid 440lbs of hard muscle and attitude. Goldberg looks pumped up and intense as he comes to the ring with his vintage entrance, complete with security and fireworks. Vader charges Goldberg immediately at the bell and it's on. Vader takes the early advantage by just tryng to power and bully his way over Goldberg, but Goldberg covers up and keeps trying to pick his spot and wear Vader down. Just total power moves and brawling by both men. Goldberg manages to hit a spear from out of the corner. Vader is stunned, so Goldberg strains, but manages to lift him up for a jackhammer suplex. Cover for a very close two count as Vader manages to roll a shoulder up.
Goldberg is frustrated and pulls Vader up to attempt another jackhammer suplex. Vader blocks it and scores with a suplex of his own. Vader drags Goldberg to the corner and then mounts the ropes. Splash time. Cover for a two count. Vader slams Goldberg again and goes up to the top for a huge 450 splash. Goldberg moves at the last second and Vader eats canvas. Both men are down.
As both men slowly rise, they start throwing punches and fists. A kick by Goldberg and he scores with the spear. A cover and another two count. Goldberg is frustrated and goes to pick up Vader and set him up for another jackhammer suplex. Vader grabs the legs and uses, of all things, a small package roll-up. The referee is there and drops down to count three. Vader wins.
Winner: Vader w/ Harley Race
As Harley raises Vader's arm in victory, Goldberg walks over and glares at Vader and Race. They shake hands in a show of sportsmanship and Race gets on the mic. This whole night has been about the legends and history that was... is WCW. I want everyone from the back to get their asses out here to this ring now. Race points at the announcers and tells them to come to the ring. The locker rooms empty as all of the wrestlers and officials - The Horsemen, The nWo, Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express, The Rock & Roll Express, The Natural Born Thrillers, The Luchadores, The Cruiserweights, Cactus Jack & Terry Funk, Steve Austin, Macho Man, The Nitro Girls, etc. all fill the ring. Austin gets on the mic and starts calling for beer. We have a giant, major league WCW Beer Bash as the credits start to roll and the show ends.
(Not) The End... (See the Epilogue in Part 4)
"Welcome to WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering!, live on the USA Network. And now, let's go to down to ringside with 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko, Tony Schiavone and Good old JR, Jim Ross."
"Welcome to WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering", Tony Schiavone started off. "It's been ten years in the making and I honestly didn't think we'd ever have this night. How about you, Larry?"
"It was inevitiable", Zbyszko replied. "The true legends always return and although WCW ended on a down note ten long years ago, just like the phoenix rises from the dead, so do the stars and legends that were World Championship Wrestling."
"I know I'm glad to be here", Jim Ross added. "I spent a long time working for WCW before I left to go to the WWE and I've got a lot of memories from those days. Truly some of the most memorable and history making moments in our great sport."
"Right you are, Jim", Schiavone remarked. "And now, let's head to the ring with Mean Gene Okerlund."
"Thank you, gentlemen", Gene said. "And please allow me to introduce my guests at this time... please welcome The Horsemen!"
The crowd goes crazy as the Horsemen's theme plays out and here comes the Horsemen. Arn Anderson, Tully Blancard, Dean Malenko, Barry Windham, James J. Dillon, Steve "Mongo" McMichael and "The Perfect 10" Baby Doll.
Arn takes the mic from Mean Gene and starts to talk...
"When you talk about World Championship Wrestling, you have to talk about this", he said as he held four fingers in the air. "No matter who was part of our group, we walked the walk, talked the talk and made sure that you got the best we had to offer, each and every night."
The fans started cheering and chanting "We Want Flair"....
Arm gave them a second to calm down and started speaking again.
"I wish he was here too", Arn said. "But legalities and contractual matters prevent Ric from being here and being part of all this."
Some of the fans started booing. Arn raised up a hand to silence them. "Legalities prevent Ric from physically being here", Arn said with a smile, but there's nothing that prevents me from calling Ric on the phone while I'm here in this ring."
The fans cheered as Arn pulled out his cellphone and hit a button. A few seconds later, Ric Flair's voice echoed throughout the arena.
"Woooooo!", Ric cut loose. "Double A and the Horsemen! Styling and profiling like the good old days and paying tribute to Jim Crockett, Ted Turner and WCW. Wooooo!"
"Ric, I know you've got something to say to the WCW fans watching tonight", Arn said into his phone.
"Wooooo! WCW was the evolution of professional wrestling. Every night, we walked that walk, we bled, we sweat and we payed the price. And partied harder than anyone. And so many greats came along. I see Mongo and Malenko in the ring, Tully, the Perfect Ten, Baby Doll, looking so fine. Wooo! Barry Windham, James J. Dillon, and Double A, the Enforcer. And there was Ole, Sid, Luger, Liz, wooooo!, Woman oh Woman won't you marry me now, Hennig, Pillman and Benoit."
Some boos started at the mention of Benoit's name.
Flair ignored them as he continued with a long, rambling promo, as only Ric Flair can do, before finally finishing up with a big "Woooooo!"
After finishing his rant, Ric wished Arn and the other Horsemen the best of luck and ended his call with a loud "Wooooooo!"
Arn was just smirking as Gene Okerlund went on about what a coup that was and how legal was going to have a fit. And then the music hit and here comes Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman and Vincent... the nWo.
The nWo climbs into the ring and gets some mics. Nash talks about how cute it was for Arn to have Ric Flair call in. Arn agreed with a nod. Then Nash started getting nasty about how the Horsemen was what was wrong with WCW and jokes about how Arn raided the old folks home to get all of the former Horsemen together.
Arn let Nash ramble for a bit and then finally cut him off.
"The Horsemen were the dominant force for the NWA, WCW and wresling in general for a long time. Yeah, we took a lot from this business,but we gave back too and helped men become stars and stars become legends. What the hell did the nWo ever do except for kiss up to Bischoff and Hogan and destroy WCW with political games and ass-kissing."
More words exchanged and it's started to get heated when finally, Scott Hall speaks...
"Hey yo! Listen, the Horsemen were big names and legends in WCW. And the nWo... hey, we were just too sweet. So how about a match tonight? The three of us, The Bad Guy, Big Sexy and Syxx-Pac against any three of you Horsemen. That is, if you have three of you that can still climb into the ring without breaking a hip?"
The Horsemen gather over in the far side of the ring and agree - it's on for later tonight. Nash, Hall and Waltman versus Tully Blancard, Barry Windham and Dean Malenko.
Nash starts to talk more junk, but Gene Okerlund tells them that we have to go to commerical and to wait until later in the night.
As we go to commercial, we see a tribute, played to the song "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, in recognition of some of the former WCW stars that are no longer with us such as The Public Enemy, Rick Rude, Road Warrior Hawk, Louie Spicolli, The Wall, Miss Elizabeth, Curt Hennig, Bobby Duncum Jr., Wahoo McDaniel, Gordon Solie, Chris Candido, Mike Awesome, The Renegade, Woman, Referee Mark Curtis, Brian Pillman, Joey Maggs, El Gigante, John Tenta, Bam Bam Bigelow and Eddie Guerrero.
We come back from commerical and Fabulous Freebird Michael P.S. Hayes & Missy Hyatt are standing by the ring with a microphone. They're going to introduce the participants for a special "Battle Bowl Battle Royal"... it's an 21 man over-the top rope event.
Twenty-One Man Over The Top Rope Battle Bowl Battle Royal - Winner Gets Special WCW Battle Bowl Trophy...
Sgt. Craig Pittman, Kurasawa, Billy Kidman, Konnan, Brad Armstrong, Bill Mulkey, Randy Mulkey, Stevie Ray, Rick Steiner, Lord Steven Regal, Van Hammer, The Artist, Hacksaw Duggan, Maestro. Lash Leroux, Chavo Guerrero. Glacier, Jamie Noble, Psicosis, Ernest "The Cat" Miller & The Giant (Big Show)
Craziness and chaos reign as all the men first go after the Big Show, who is being billed as "The Giant". He fights off the crowd and manages to eliminate Glacier and The Artist in the process. Konnan is the next to go as Hacksaw Duggan takes him out with a clothesline. Van Hammer tosses out Brad Armstrong, only to be tossed out by Lord Steven Regal. Kurasawa is the next to go as The Giant tosses him out to the floor. Sgt. Craig Pittman is eliminated by Stevie Ray and Chavo Guerrero, who then turn on each other and end up both getting knocked out to the floor as Jame Noble charges into the two of them. The Mulkey Brothers and Lash Leroux eliminate the Giant, much to the delight of the Mulkeymaniacs in the audience. Rick Steiner is eliminated by Psicosis. Kidman nails Steve Regal with a dropkick that sends him to the floor. Regal grabs Ernest Miller on the way out and both men are eliminated. Hacksaw Duggan is the next to be tossed by the Mulkey Brothers. Jamie Noble tosses out Lash Leroux, but in turn, is tossed out by Psicosis. We're down to four people with the Mulkeys, Billy Kidman and Psicosis. Kidman tries to flip Randy Mulkey out of the ring, but Bill Mulkey saves his brother and they turn the tide, eliminating Kidman. Now it's two versus one as Psicosis weaves and dodges the two cult icons from WCW Saturday Night legend. In an amazing mood, Psicosis manages to get both Mulkey's up against the rope and with a flying crossbody, takes both of the Mulkey Brothers, as well as himself to the floor. And all three men's feet touch the floor at the same time, so there is no winner. Confusion reigns as we go to commercial..
We come back from commerical and "Mean" Gene has a guest who can help rectify this confusing situation.
Here comes Juventud Guerrera from the back. "The Juice" saw what happened and why not have a tag match right now between Mulkeys versus Juvi and Psicosis for the possession of the Battle Bowl Ring and to decide who wins the Battle Royal. The Mulkeys agree and we go straight into another match - an inpromptu tag match.
Bill & Randy Mulkey versus Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis
Fast paced action quickly became the rule of the day as both teams squared off and traded move for move with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The fans were cheering "Mulkeys" and it was obvious that the two jobbers from the glory days of WCW had quite a cult-like following. Finally, Juvi managed to get Randy up for the Juvi-Driver and covered him for the pin, but the referee was distracted by Bill Mulkey and didn't see the pin attempt until it was two late. The Mulkeys fought back and managed to get the advantage and it looked like they were prepared to put Juvi away for the pin, but Psicosis grabbed the referee from the outside of the ring, distracting him from seeing what was going on. Here comes La Parka with a chair and from the outside of the ring, he blasts Randy Mulkey with the chair across the head. Psicosis releases the referee, who turns around to see Juvi grab up Randy with a Juvi-Driver and cover for the pin.
Winners: Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis w/ La Parka
We go backstage where "Mean" Gene is with "Cactus Jack" Mick Foley. Foley starts to talk about his memories of WCW and how Cactus Jack got his start on the way to becoming a hardcore legend in WCW. Kevin Sullivan interrupts and yells at Foley for being a coward and for "running away" from WCW. Words are exchanged and Sullivan says that he's not the only one to feel that way. Another man feels that way. Here comes Abdullah the Butcher attacking Cactus Jack. We see a vicious beatdown on Cactus by Sullivan and Abdullah. Referees and wrestling officials come in to break up the brawl as we head to a commercial.
We come back from the commercial and "Mean" Gene is with Mick Foley, who's face is covered with the crimson mask. Mick says that he wasn't planning on wrestling tonight, but if Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah the Butcher want to pick a fight with Cactus Jack, then so be it. Later tonight, it'll be a South Carolina Street Fight with Sullivan and Abby versus Cactus Jack and a partner of his choice. And the streets will run red. Bang Bang!.
We go back to Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko who tell us that later tonight, it'll be the Horsemen versus The nWo. And in the main event, it'll be the man called Vader talking on Goldberg. And Diamond Dallas Page, the phenom of WCW, has issued an open challenge and will take on any WCW star who wants to "feel the bang!" And now, we're headed to the ring for a "Four Corners" tag match.
The Boogie Knights (Alex Wright & Disco Inferno) w/ Tokoyo Magnum vs The Powers of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Three Count (Shane Helms & Evan Karagias) w/ Tank Abbott vs The West Hollywood Blondes (Lenny Lane & Lodi)
All the teams did their seperate entrances and Disco Inferno got on the mic and talked about how everyone only showed up to see the Disco Inferno and Alex Wright dance. Shane Helms took exception and said that the reason everyone was here was because of Three Count and he, along with Karagias, did their dance routine, along with Tank Abbott. Lenny and Lodi applauded both teams efforts and threw out a little innuendo about how everyone was going to have a "gay old time", Barbarian and Warlord just stayed quiet until Jimmy Hart gave them a signal and then they just attacked and the match was on. More chaos and craziness because with eight wrestlers, plus three men on the outside, it was definitely OINGO BOINGO time. Finally, Disco manages to catch Shane Helms with the Chart Buster to get the pin and pick up the win for his team.
Winners: Boogie Knights (Disco Inferno & Alex Wright) w/ Tokyo Magnum
As Disco, Alex and Tokyo danced in the ring to celebrate their victory,we go backstage where Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) were standing with Bob Caudle for a special interview. Jim Cornette started off with a rant and a ramble as only Jim Cornette can do - about the history of WCW, the history of the Midnight Express, and what it took to pull this show together and what WCW means to him personally. And here comes "Above Average" Mike Sanders, accompanied by Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli, Sean O'Haire, Shawn Stasiak, Chuck Palumbo and Mark Jindrak, the group known as "The Natural Born Thrillers".
"What the hell do you want?", Cornette snapped at the newcomers.
Sanders laughed at Cornette and started to talk about how he was just an old, outdated idiot and the Midnight Express were jokes. No one cares about them anymore. When poeple think about great teams and excellence in WCW, they think about the Natural Born Thrillers.
Cornette grabbed the mic from Sanders and told him to shut the hell up. If they want to say something, they need to earn the right to do it and the Thrillers haven't earned anything except for an ass-beating. Sanders looked at his guys and smiled. "There's six of us and four of you, old man. You wanna do this?" Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, the Rock & Roll Express, stepped into the picture. "Looks like six on six", Ricky said firmly. Sanders backed off a bit and said, "we'll see you clowns in the ring", as The Thrillers exited the area.
We go to the ring and the Nitro Girls are dancing to take us into commercial.
(Commerical time)
We come back and Scott "Flash" Norton and Buff Bagwell are in the ring. "It's time for Vicious & Delicious", Bagwell gloated. "Anyone in the back want to step up and face us and have a career defining moment?"
Music hits and here comes Lance Storm walking to the ring. He gets the mic and introduces himself. He's from "Calgary (dramatic pause) Alberta, Canada", and if they want a match, he's here to give them one. And then he introduces his partner, "Lion Heart" Chris Jericho. The crowd erupts as Jericho comes to the ring. The ref calls for the bell and we have a match.
"Vicious & Delicious" Scott Norton & Buff Bagwell versus Chris Jericho & Lance Storm
Lots of good tag team wrestling, Buff is on his game and plays to the crowd as he works over Storm, but Jericho tags in and takes control. Norton gets in and uses the power moves to just toss Jericho and Storm around the ring. Lance manages to duck a clothesline by Norton and snags an ankle lock on the bigger man. Buff breaks up the potential submission, but gets hit by Jericho with a bulldog. More great action, and in the end, Buff attempts his "Buff-Buster" neckbreaker, but gets caught by Jericho who locks in the "Walls of Jericho". Buff taps out to end a great tag team match.
Winners: Chris Jericho & Lance Storm
(We go to commercial)
We come back and the Nitro Girls are in the ring dancing. Here comes Booker T to the ring. He heard that Diamond Dallas Page is claiming to be the "phenom" of WCW and has issued an open challenge. Well, Booker was the last "real" WCW Champion and is a five time WCW Champion. And if Page wants to get it on, he's more than ready. Now, can you dig that, sucka!
The music hits as "Self High Five" echoes throughout the arena. Here comes Diamond Dallas Page, accompanied by Kimberly. He gets in the ring and walks up to Booker. "Don't sing it... bring it!", Dallas says. "He didn't say that! Tell me he didn't say that", Booker sighed loudly. And the fists start flying as a referee jumps in the ring and calls for a bell.
"Diamond" Dallas Page w/ Kimberly Page versus Booker T
Both men are primed and in great wrestling shape and start off with some great wrestling, mixed with brawling and punches. Booker manages to catch DDP with a spin-kick, but rather than pinning him, goes for the spineroonie, to a great pop. But that allows Page time to recover and he levels Booker with a jawbreaker that sends Booker reeling to the outside. Page goes after Booker, but gets slammed into the ringpost. Booker tries to go after Page, but Kimberly gets in the way. Here comes Sharmell from the back and she pulls Kimberly out of the way. Booker rolls DDP into the ring, but is slow to get back in the ring as he's distracted by the two women cat-fighting. He finally gets back into the ring, where DDP is playing possum and catches him with the Diamond Cutter. DDP covers and gets the pin.
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page
DDP celebrates in the ring as we take a video package look at the history of the WCW World Championship with all of the Champions noted.
(commerical)
We come back from commerical and see Cactus Jack in the back and grinning that toothless grin of his. Cactus says that he found a partner and Sullivan and Abdullah are in for a bloody & crazy good time. Bang Bang! And we head to the ring.
Ten Man Tag Team Match
The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) and The Midnight Express (Stan Lane, Dennis Condrey, Bobby Eaton) w/ Jim Cornette
versus
The Natural Born Thrillers (Johnny Stamboli, Sean O'Haire, Mark Jindrak, Shawn Stasiak, Chuck Palumbo) w/ "Above Average" Mike Sanders
As one might expect, it's total chaos and confusion as the referee loses control early in the match and it's OINGO BOINGO time. The Midnights and Rock & Rollers work well together and keep the early advantage with speed and wrestling moves, but the strength and power of the Thrillers and the huge size advantge eventually takes over. O'Haire & Stasiak manage to catch Dennis Condrey with a double-team move and O'Haire covers to get the pin.
Winners: The Natural Born Thrillers w/ Mike Sanders
The Thrillers are in the ring celebrating, but Mike Sanders gets the mic and starts bad-mouthing Cornette and Midnights and Rock & Rollers, calling them old men and talking more trash. Robert Gibson grabs a chair, and the others follow suit as the Midnight Express and Rock & Roll Express head back in the ring, chairs in hand, and clear the ring of the Natural Born Thrillers, with the exception of Mike Sanders, who is surrounded in the center of the ring. Jimmy Cornette takes the tennis racket he always carries and slams Sanders across the head and back. Sanders goes down and Stan Lane tosses him to the outside and waiting arms of his fellow Thrillers. A special mixed mash of the Midnight Express theme and The Rock & Roll Express's theme fills the arena as the two teams and Cornette embrace and celebrate in the ring.
(commercial)
The Nitro Girls are dancing in the ring as we go to former WCW announcer Chris Cruise, who conducts a brief interview with "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and his son, Dustin "The Natural" Rhodes. As Cruise talks to the Rhodes family, we see David Flair, Krowbar and Dafney run by in the background, laughing and screaming and it looks like they're playing tag. We go to the ring for the next match and here come The Horsemen...
Tully Blancard, Barry Windham & Dean Malenko w/ Arn Anderson & Baby Doll (The Horsemen) versus Kevin Nash, Scott Hall & Syxx-Pac w/ Vincent (nWo)
It's chaos and pandemonium as Windham and Hall immediately start things off by brawling and it goes down from there. Great team work and lots of tags from both sides of the ring. The nWo just concentrates on pounding away at anyone they can get close too, while Windham, Malenko and Blancard are using the classic "Anderson" strategy of concentrating on the left arm of their opponents and trying to wear their opponents down. A flying clothesline by Windham takes Hall to the floor as we go for a commerical break.
(commerical)
Back from commercial and former nWo members Masa Chono, Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton have joined Vincent at ringside. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Arn Anderson and Baby Doll have been joined by Steve "Mongo" McMichael, James J. Dillon & "The Total Package" Lex Luger. The chaos in the ring continues as both teams struggle to gain an advantage and hold on to it. Men on both sides are taking shots from outside the ring as well. It finally breaks down as Mongo & Norton get to brawling outside the ring and the referee is trying to break it up.
From the back, here comes Sid Vicious running and sliding into the ring. Nash has Malenko in the corner and is working him over. Vicious grabs Nash from behind and lifts him high into the air for a huge powerbomb. Sid then places Malenko on top of Nash and exits the ring as the referee slides back into the ring. He sees Dean covering Nash and makes the three count.
Winners: The Horsemen
The Horsemen gather in the ring and clear the ring of the nWo members and start to celebrate. Arn Anderson, Mongo McMichael, Barry Windham, Lex Luger, Dean Malenko, Tully Blancard, James J. Dillon, Baby Doll and Sid Vicious are all in the ring. Arn and Sid eye each other for a second and Sid whispers something to Double-A. Arn says something back and they shake hands. All of the Horsemen and their associates raise their hands in the air with the classic "Four Finger" salute of excellence.
And a voice comes from the huge Nitron screen at the top of the ramp. It's Ole Anderson, liva via satellite. He congratulates the Horsemen for maintaining the standard of excellence that he and Gene started with the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and then comments that of all his accomplishments in this buisness, his two most proud moments are teaming with Gene and when he, Tully, Arn, Ric and JJ founded the Horsemen. Ole apologizes for not being there, but he didn't want to get arrested for busting Vince McMahon in his damn mouth. But he's proud of Arn, WCW and the Horsemen and he's thankful he was such a part of it all. Ole holds up four fingers and gives that evil smile and laugh he was so famous for as we go to commercial.
(commercial)
Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah the Butcher are in the ring and they've got plunder. They're pacing and waiting for Cactus Jack to come out. Mick Foley comes out on the ramp and he has a mic. He didn't come to fight tonight, but they want to do it old-school and see if Cactus Jack still has what it takes, then so be it. It's no rules and anything goes in an South Caroliona Street Fight... and Cactus Jack's partner is... here comes Terry Funk running down the ramp-way and we've got a brawl.
Atlanta Street Fight
Cactus Jack & Terry Funk vs. Kevin Sullivan & Abdullah The Butcher
It's exactly what you expect. Lots of plunder and weapons and lots of blood everywhere. A total pier-six brawl. Cactus & Funk win when Cactus blasts Sullivan over the head with a kitchen sink to get the pin.
Winners: Cactus Jack & Terry Funk
(commercial)
We come back and Schiavone, Zbyszko and Jim Ross review the craziness that has been happening all night. And it's not over yet. Still to come is The Man they call Vader taking on Goldberg. The sound of glass shattering fills the arena and here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin to the ring. He grabs the mic and starts to cut a classic "Stone Cold" promo, but stops... His time in WCW wasn't about kicking ass and drinking beer. It was about being one of the most stunning up & up & coming superstars in wrestling and making a name. And he had a helluva start in WCW, teaming with Pillman, being part of the 'Dangerous Alliance' and having Col. Parker as his manager.
And here comes Col. Parker and his "Stud Stable" of Bunkhouse Buck & Dick Slater to the ring. Parker is really up his character and goes into a rant about how he made Steve Austin into a superstar and molded him into a legend and then when Austin went to the WWE, he forgot his friends and mentor. Austin listens to Parker ranting and raving, with Buck & Slater noding in agreement. Austin just listens and you can tell he's getting annoyed. More music hits - the sounds of 'Pomp & Circumstance' and here comes Macho Man Randy Savage to the ring. The place goes nuts!
Macho cuts a promo about how it's the first time he's been back on national TV in a long time and how it's the first time he's been in the ring with Steve Austin. The two men go eye to eye and have the staredown. Macho backs off - it's cool. He's the Macho Man and Austin is Stone Cold and Col. Parker looks like he should be selling friend chicken. Parker orders Slater and Buck to attack Austin and the Macho Man. Not a good move as Macho sends Slater flying to the floor outside the ring. Austin gives Buck a stunner. And Col. Parker is left alone with Steve Austin & Randy Savage.
Col. Parker starts to beg off, but Austin gives him a big stunner in the center of the ring. Macho goes to the top and here comes the flying elbow on Col. Parker. Slater is back in and rolls Parker to the outside where he crumbles to the floor. Macho and Austin are in the ring and stare each other down again. Austin signals for a beer. He gives one to Macho and they drink beer in the ring and do a toast and salute to Brian Pillman and Miss Elizabeth.
(commercial)
Back from commercial and Bret "The Hitman" Hart is in the ring. He's only spent a couple of years in WCW, but those were some times that he'll never forget, for both bad and good reasons, but mainly the good. He (surprisingly) sends a shout out to Ric Flair and Sting and wishes that they could be here. Hart is going to introduce the next match.
Vader w/ Harley Race versus Bill Goldberg
Vader has slimmed down from his last time on national tv and is a solid 440lbs of hard muscle and attitude. Goldberg looks pumped up and intense as he comes to the ring with his vintage entrance, complete with security and fireworks. Vader charges Goldberg immediately at the bell and it's on. Vader takes the early advantage by just tryng to power and bully his way over Goldberg, but Goldberg covers up and keeps trying to pick his spot and wear Vader down. Just total power moves and brawling by both men. Goldberg manages to hit a spear from out of the corner. Vader is stunned, so Goldberg strains, but manages to lift him up for a jackhammer suplex. Cover for a very close two count as Vader manages to roll a shoulder up.
Goldberg is frustrated and pulls Vader up to attempt another jackhammer suplex. Vader blocks it and scores with a suplex of his own. Vader drags Goldberg to the corner and then mounts the ropes. Splash time. Cover for a two count. Vader slams Goldberg again and goes up to the top for a huge 450 splash. Goldberg moves at the last second and Vader eats canvas. Both men are down.
As both men slowly rise, they start throwing punches and fists. A kick by Goldberg and he scores with the spear. A cover and another two count. Goldberg is frustrated and goes to pick up Vader and set him up for another jackhammer suplex. Vader grabs the legs and uses, of all things, a small package roll-up. The referee is there and drops down to count three. Vader wins.
Winner: Vader w/ Harley Race
As Harley raises Vader's arm in victory, Goldberg walks over and glares at Vader and Race. They shake hands in a show of sportsmanship and Race gets on the mic. This whole night has been about the legends and history that was... is WCW. I want everyone from the back to get their asses out here to this ring now. Race points at the announcers and tells them to come to the ring. The locker rooms empty as all of the wrestlers and officials - The Horsemen, The nWo, Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express, The Rock & Roll Express, The Natural Born Thrillers, The Luchadores, The Cruiserweights, Cactus Jack & Terry Funk, Steve Austin, Macho Man, The Nitro Girls, etc. all fill the ring. Austin gets on the mic and starts calling for beer. We have a giant, major league WCW Beer Bash as the credits start to roll and the show ends.
(Not) The End... (See the Epilogue in Part 4)
The Gathering (Part 2)
Jim Cornette is sitting in his home-office, going over his schedule for the next few weeks.
"ROH on Friday and Saturday in Philadelpia. Then down to Dayton on Sunday night. And then off to the OVW studios on Thursday and Friday", he read on his computer.
The phone rings. Cornette looks at the caller ID.
"Stamford, CT?", he thinks. "Who would be calling me from there."
"Hello", Cornette answered.
"Jim, it's Arn.... How are you?", a voice on the other side of the line answered.
"Double A, how the hell are you", Cornette replied. "It's been a long time, Arn. What can I do for you?"
"Well, Jim... this is kind of awkward, but it's about Vince...", Arn said.
"That sorry son-of-a-bitch", Cornette replied. "Whatever Vince is selling, I'm not interested!"
"I told Vince you'd say that, but hear me out, OK?", Arn asked.
"I'm not doing any work for WWE or VInce. I don't give a damn what he wants!", Cornette replied.
"I know you and Vince have some bad blood between you", Arn started to say, but Cornette cut him off...
"Bad blood? That son-of-a-bitch fired me from my own company. He blacklisted me and the wrestlers I helped train. He's an ego-driven, parasitic piece of trash who's destroyed everything good about our business and turned it into his own sports-entertainment playground.", Cornette ranted. And continued to rant for almost twenty-five straight minutes before Arn could get a word in.
"Listen Jimmy, everything you say is true", Arn said, "but Vince owns the WWE and he's still Vince McMahon. We have to give him some credit for making our business grow to new heights and being bigger than ever."
"Damn it, what do you want Arn?", Cornette sighed.
"Vince wants to do a WCW-style tribute show", Arn said.
"Then why are you calling me", Cornette said. "Just pile a bunch of goofs in the ring that don't belong there and break out some barf bags and that's all they need to make it one-hundred percent WCW!"
"WCW wasn't that bad", Arn said defensively.
"DId you watch that crap", Cornette said. "You and Ric and the Horsemen were awesome. My team of the Midnights against Ricky and Robert was damn good too. But after Bischoff took over and Hogan came aboard, it was a disgrace and embarassment. It's better off dead and forgotten."
"There was a lot of crap, especially with Hogan and the NWO", Arn agreed, "but we want to forget that part and just focus on the positives."
"That'll take about ten minutes... maybe fifteen", Cornette said. "But what about the rest of the show?"
"Just think about it, OK?", Arn said. "Vince wants to do a WCW One Night Stand type show, like the original ECW One Night Stand show, with all WCW stars and performers and a WCW style of wrestling being highlighted."
"Well, get Dusty to do it", Cornette said. "He was the booker for most of the Turner shows. He can main event and put himself over, just like old times."
"Vince doesn't want Dusty", Arn said. "He wants you to handle it all."
"Me?", Cornette exclaimed. "That sorry piece of crap knows I can't stand him and would love to kick him repeatedly in the nuts. I can't believe he'd ask for me to do this... or anything for that matter."
"Well, he would prefer you, but he also told me to ask Ole.", Arn admitted.
"Ole Anderson", Cornette laughed. "That's the one person who hates Vince worse that I do. There is no way in hell that Ole would agree to do anything for the WWE and Vince."
"Well, probably not, but he told me to call him back after I spoke with you", Arn said. "I talked to him a little while ago."
"Why me and Ole?", Cornette said. "What's the catch?"
"No catch", Arn said. "It's all about ego. Vince wants to prove once and for all that WWE is better than WCW ever was... and Steamboat and Michael Hayes have been in his ears about a WCW reunion show."
"But how does this involve me and Ole", Cornette wanted to know.
"Well, you and Ole were the only real bookers who had success with the company when it was a territory and really made Vince sweat. He knew that Bischoff's success would eventually implode upon itself and fizzle out once the money ran out and Turner got tired of paying the bills with no return. Dusty is an idea man, but not good with the day-to-day booking of shows, and Vince hates his style of booking anyhow. Believe it or not, Vince has a tremendous amount of respect for both you and Ole", Arn said.
"We're the only two that didn't come crawling to him in the end", Cornette agreed.
"Vince respects the both of you tremendously", Arn continued. "He just thinks you're both tremendously out-dated in your booking and storyline styles."
"Vince is an arrogant bastard", Cornette said. "I'd like to take my outdated tennis racket and shove it straight up his ass!"
"OK! Anyhow, but we've had a running argument around the company about how well a show, booked old-school style, would go over with today's audience", Arn said. "And finally, we got Vince to agree to put it to a test."
"What kind of test?", Cornette said.
"An old-school pay-per-view", Arn said. "We use the idea of a WCW reunion as the reason for the show and Vince wanted us to find the most old-school, bookers we can."
"Which are me and Ole?", Cornette said.
"Well, either one of you guys or else he'll just hire Sullivan to do it.", Arn said.
"Sullivan is a whack-job and insane", Cornette barked. "Every match would be some sort of stupid-ass gimmick with screw-job finishes and fans walking out in droves!"
"Kevin isn't that bad", Arn said, "but he does get a little over the top sometimes."
"A little over the top? That's like saying Micheal Jackson was a fair dancer and J-Lo has a tiny ass", Cornette exclaimed.
"Well, maybe...", Arn admitted.
"I'm surprised Sullivan isn't already up there in Stamford, with his head up Vince's ass!", Cornette continued. "They're both freakin' crazy!"
"So what do you think about the idea of a WCW show... one more time?", Arn asked.
"So how much control would we have over this?", Cornette said. "Will Vince be throwing his ideas into the show and tweaking it, as he likes to do?"
"You mean you'll do it?", Arn asked.
"Nope, I didn't say that", Cornette said. "I'm just wondering... if we did do this... would we have full and absolute control?"
"Yes", Arn said.
"Over everything", Cornette asked. "The matches, the participants, the promos, and everything else?"
"Well, you can't trash Vince or the WWE", Arn said. "But you'd have full control over the wrestlers used, the matches, and such."
"Hmmmmm!", Cornette said.
"So are you interested?", Arn asked.
"What about the wrestlers? Anyone we can't use?", Cornette asked.
"The guys who are under contract to TNA are off limits", Arn admitted.
"So that rules out Flair, Scotty Steiner and Hogan", Cornette said. "And does anyone know what Sting's status is?"
"Not sure about that", Arn said.
"I'll call him and find out", Cornette said. "So I could use anyone I want?"
"Yeah! Anyone not under contract to TNA who's available would be usable.", Arn said. "So what do you think?"
"Let me call Ole and then I'll get back to you", Cornette said.
"So I should tell Vince what?", Arn asked.
"I'll think about it", Cornette said. "I want to listen to Ole piss and moan first, but I'm definitely interested."
"I'll tell him that you'll get back to him after you talk to Ole", Arn said.
"Also tell him that I still think he's an arrogant, smart-assed, son-of-a-bitch", Cornette said.
"I think he knows that, but I'll tell him", Arn said, feeling Cornette's smirk over the phone. "Oh yeah, and Jimmy..."
"Yeah", Cornette asked.
"Thanks!", Arn said.
"I haven't agreed to anything yet!", Cornette said.
"I know", Arn admitted, "but if anyone can do this and make it damn good, you're the one. And speaking for myself, I'd love to see WCW... our WCW have one last show and have some closure."
"I know what you mean, Arn", Cornette agreed. "I'll get back to you, one way or the other in a couple of days."
"Talk at you later", Arn said, hanging up the phone.
"See ya!", Cornette replied.
"A WCW reunion show... with no Hogan or Bischoff involved and me handling the booking. I can see Vince's toupee spinning in the wind already. Damn it, what did I do with Ole's number. Let me call that cantankerous old bastard and see what he thinks!", Cornette smiled. "This could be kind of fun!"
**
A few minutes later, Cornette was on the phone with Ole Anderson.
"Ole, this is Jim Cornette. Have you talked to Arn recently? Yeah, isn't that the craziest idea? A WCW show. And Vince wants us to book it."
And that was all it took to get Ole started as he cut loose with a 30 minute rambling tirade about Vince McMahon and his entire WWE.
"So I take it that means you're not interested", Cornette said into the phone after Ole finally stopped screaming and cursing about Vince and the WWE.
"I think it's a good idea and it'll make money", Ole said. "But there is no way in hell I could go up there and do anything to help out McMahon. He'd come strutting up with that cocky attitude of his and I'd be forced to bust him in the mouth."
"So that means you're not interested", Cornette asked once more.
"If you want to do it, then do it", Ole said. "But so far as I'm concerned, Vince and his entire family go straight to...."
"OK, Ole", Cornette said, cutting Ole off. "I just wanted to get your opinion on this. I can't stand McMahon either, but it sure would be to make this a success and be able to rub it in his face that despite everything he's said and done, WCW could still make money and be a success."
"Good luck with that", Ole said. "I'd be just as happy to kick his gloating, arrogant ass and be done with it."
"Sooner or later, someone is going to do it", Cornette said. "I just hope I get to see it."
"Me too", Ole agreed.
After a few more minutes of small talk, Cornette bid Ole farewell and hung up the phone.
"So if I do this, it's just me", Cornette thought to himself. "Oh what the hell?"
Cornette picked the phone back up and dialed a number.
"Hey Arn, this is Jim Cornette. Tell that toupee wearing weasal that if he wants a WCW One Night Stand show, to give me a call tonight. I'll do it!"
**
A few nights later, Cornette traveled to a WWE show in Cleveland, OH to have a meeting with Vince McMahon and the WWE officials to work out details about the prospective WCW event. Dusty Rhodes was assigned to be the assistant booker for Cornette, which made Cornette roll his eyes repeatedly, but the meeting went well and Cornette gave Vince an outline of the show and what he wanted to do.
"This is all well and good, Jim", Vince started to say after Cornette finished his summary, but Cornette cut him off.
"The deal is total control and no tweaking from you", Cornette smiled at Vince. "So there's the proposal. Take it or I can just walk out of here right now and we can forget this whole idea ever happened."
Vince muttered a few words under his breath, but quickly composed himself and smiled.
"You're right, Jim. I did agree to that and I'm a man of my word. Your show all the way. I'll just sign the checks."
Cornette just smiled a big grin for a moment before getting serious again.
"So are we looking at a pay-per-view or maybe a Monday night, doing a live Nitro instead of RAW?", Cornette asked.
"I don't want to ruin RAW or Smackdown by missing a week", Vince said. "And our PPV calendar is already booked up for the next three years."
"So it'll be a special then", Cornette asked.
"That would probably work the best", Vince said. "We can arrange for a live three hour block on the USA Network and do it on a Wednesday or Thursday night."
"That makes sense since you tape Smackdown and the NXT show on Tuesday and Friday is when Smackdown airs. Probably a Wednesday night is best", Cornette agreed.
"And what are we going to call this event? One Night Stand is pretty much identified with ECW now", Vince said.
"Actually, that's pretty simple", Cornette smiled. "Clash of the Champions."
"I agree with that", Vince said, "but how about the sub-title for the event?"
"I've already thought about that too", Cornette said. "And I have two possibilities for you. The first would be 'Clash of Champions: Starcade', which would give homage to what was easily WCW's premiere event for so many years."
"Hmmmmm!", Vince thought to himself. "And what's the other possibility?"
"It was the sub-title for the second Starcade... 'The Gathering', how's that sound to you?"
"WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering", Vince repeated several times to himself. "I like it!"
"Great", Cornette said. "Now we just need to get a date set so you can begin promoting the event and I can start getting people together to make up the show."
"Excellent, JIm", VInce said as he stood up. "But please... don't pull any surprises on me and make me regret this."
"Now Vince, would I do something like that", Cornette said as he shook Vince's hand with a big grin. "Don't worry, I want this to work too. No surprises."
"Great", Vince said. "And by the way Jim, it's great to be working with you again."
"I'd still like to slap you across the head with my tennis racket a few thousand times", Cornette smirked, "but yeah, this is good."
**
Things moved quickly from that point. A date was set and an arena was secured in Greenville, SC, which had been the home to many memorable WCW events in the past. Air-time was secured on the USA Network. People were contacted and flown in. And it was a few minutes before airtime.
"Wow!", Tony Schiavone said as he looked over his notes. "This is a night I never thought would happen."
"I don't think any of us did, Tony", Cornette smiled. "Damn it, where is Dusty? He's supposed to be working the gorilla position."
"I think he's in the Gorilla position already", Larry Zbyszko said as he walked into the room. "I thought Dusty was going to do commentary with me and Schiavone?"
"I changed that", Cornette said. "Jim Ross will be the third man for most of the show."
"Why?", Tony Schiavone asked. "Ross is a WWE guy and you know how he and I get along."
"J.R. was WCW before he was WWE", Cornette explained. "And I don't give a damn how you get along. Just be professional and call the matches."
"Boy, this should be fun", Zbyszko laughed as he took one last look at his notes for the show. "Chill out, Tony. At leasr we can understand what Ross says. If Dusty was out there, we'd need someone to work as a translator."
Schiavone gave his broadcast partner a dirty look and prepared to head out to the announce position.
"Are we getting introductions before the show goes on the air", Schiavone asked.
"Of course you are, Tony", Cornette said. "You'll be first, followed by Larry and then J.R."
Just then, a young lady came up and whispered something in Cornette's ear.
"I've gotta go", Cornette said with a big smile on his face. "This is going to be great!"
As Jim Cornette rushed out of sight, Tony turned to Zbyszko.
"You ready to do this, Legend?", he asked.
"I'm always ready", Larry said.
"And here comes Ross, so I guess it's time to go", Schiavone said as Jim Ross joined them.
"Jim", Tony said coldly.
"Hey Tony", JR replied. "And hey, Larry", Ross said as he shook Zbyszko's hand. "Just like old times, right?"
"Yeah, just like old times", Schiavone sneered.
"I love it", Zbyszko smirked as the three announcers moved to the gorilla position directly behind the ramp to the arena.
The WCW Nitro theme starts and Tony Schiavone heads out to the announce position, followed by Zbyszko and then Jim Ross. The crowd screams and
goes crazy.
Gary Michael Capetta is in the ring and gives a pre-show pep talk to the fans and introduces Schiavone, Zbyszko and Ross. He gets a "WCW" chant going as the lights go on and the cameras start. We're on the air...
And the show begins...
(Continued in Part 3)
"ROH on Friday and Saturday in Philadelpia. Then down to Dayton on Sunday night. And then off to the OVW studios on Thursday and Friday", he read on his computer.
The phone rings. Cornette looks at the caller ID.
"Stamford, CT?", he thinks. "Who would be calling me from there."
"Hello", Cornette answered.
"Jim, it's Arn.... How are you?", a voice on the other side of the line answered.
"Double A, how the hell are you", Cornette replied. "It's been a long time, Arn. What can I do for you?"
"Well, Jim... this is kind of awkward, but it's about Vince...", Arn said.
"That sorry son-of-a-bitch", Cornette replied. "Whatever Vince is selling, I'm not interested!"
"I told Vince you'd say that, but hear me out, OK?", Arn asked.
"I'm not doing any work for WWE or VInce. I don't give a damn what he wants!", Cornette replied.
"I know you and Vince have some bad blood between you", Arn started to say, but Cornette cut him off...
"Bad blood? That son-of-a-bitch fired me from my own company. He blacklisted me and the wrestlers I helped train. He's an ego-driven, parasitic piece of trash who's destroyed everything good about our business and turned it into his own sports-entertainment playground.", Cornette ranted. And continued to rant for almost twenty-five straight minutes before Arn could get a word in.
"Listen Jimmy, everything you say is true", Arn said, "but Vince owns the WWE and he's still Vince McMahon. We have to give him some credit for making our business grow to new heights and being bigger than ever."
"Damn it, what do you want Arn?", Cornette sighed.
"Vince wants to do a WCW-style tribute show", Arn said.
"Then why are you calling me", Cornette said. "Just pile a bunch of goofs in the ring that don't belong there and break out some barf bags and that's all they need to make it one-hundred percent WCW!"
"WCW wasn't that bad", Arn said defensively.
"DId you watch that crap", Cornette said. "You and Ric and the Horsemen were awesome. My team of the Midnights against Ricky and Robert was damn good too. But after Bischoff took over and Hogan came aboard, it was a disgrace and embarassment. It's better off dead and forgotten."
"There was a lot of crap, especially with Hogan and the NWO", Arn agreed, "but we want to forget that part and just focus on the positives."
"That'll take about ten minutes... maybe fifteen", Cornette said. "But what about the rest of the show?"
"Just think about it, OK?", Arn said. "Vince wants to do a WCW One Night Stand type show, like the original ECW One Night Stand show, with all WCW stars and performers and a WCW style of wrestling being highlighted."
"Well, get Dusty to do it", Cornette said. "He was the booker for most of the Turner shows. He can main event and put himself over, just like old times."
"Vince doesn't want Dusty", Arn said. "He wants you to handle it all."
"Me?", Cornette exclaimed. "That sorry piece of crap knows I can't stand him and would love to kick him repeatedly in the nuts. I can't believe he'd ask for me to do this... or anything for that matter."
"Well, he would prefer you, but he also told me to ask Ole.", Arn admitted.
"Ole Anderson", Cornette laughed. "That's the one person who hates Vince worse that I do. There is no way in hell that Ole would agree to do anything for the WWE and Vince."
"Well, probably not, but he told me to call him back after I spoke with you", Arn said. "I talked to him a little while ago."
"Why me and Ole?", Cornette said. "What's the catch?"
"No catch", Arn said. "It's all about ego. Vince wants to prove once and for all that WWE is better than WCW ever was... and Steamboat and Michael Hayes have been in his ears about a WCW reunion show."
"But how does this involve me and Ole", Cornette wanted to know.
"Well, you and Ole were the only real bookers who had success with the company when it was a territory and really made Vince sweat. He knew that Bischoff's success would eventually implode upon itself and fizzle out once the money ran out and Turner got tired of paying the bills with no return. Dusty is an idea man, but not good with the day-to-day booking of shows, and Vince hates his style of booking anyhow. Believe it or not, Vince has a tremendous amount of respect for both you and Ole", Arn said.
"We're the only two that didn't come crawling to him in the end", Cornette agreed.
"Vince respects the both of you tremendously", Arn continued. "He just thinks you're both tremendously out-dated in your booking and storyline styles."
"Vince is an arrogant bastard", Cornette said. "I'd like to take my outdated tennis racket and shove it straight up his ass!"
"OK! Anyhow, but we've had a running argument around the company about how well a show, booked old-school style, would go over with today's audience", Arn said. "And finally, we got Vince to agree to put it to a test."
"What kind of test?", Cornette said.
"An old-school pay-per-view", Arn said. "We use the idea of a WCW reunion as the reason for the show and Vince wanted us to find the most old-school, bookers we can."
"Which are me and Ole?", Cornette said.
"Well, either one of you guys or else he'll just hire Sullivan to do it.", Arn said.
"Sullivan is a whack-job and insane", Cornette barked. "Every match would be some sort of stupid-ass gimmick with screw-job finishes and fans walking out in droves!"
"Kevin isn't that bad", Arn said, "but he does get a little over the top sometimes."
"A little over the top? That's like saying Micheal Jackson was a fair dancer and J-Lo has a tiny ass", Cornette exclaimed.
"Well, maybe...", Arn admitted.
"I'm surprised Sullivan isn't already up there in Stamford, with his head up Vince's ass!", Cornette continued. "They're both freakin' crazy!"
"So what do you think about the idea of a WCW show... one more time?", Arn asked.
"So how much control would we have over this?", Cornette said. "Will Vince be throwing his ideas into the show and tweaking it, as he likes to do?"
"You mean you'll do it?", Arn asked.
"Nope, I didn't say that", Cornette said. "I'm just wondering... if we did do this... would we have full and absolute control?"
"Yes", Arn said.
"Over everything", Cornette asked. "The matches, the participants, the promos, and everything else?"
"Well, you can't trash Vince or the WWE", Arn said. "But you'd have full control over the wrestlers used, the matches, and such."
"Hmmmmm!", Cornette said.
"So are you interested?", Arn asked.
"What about the wrestlers? Anyone we can't use?", Cornette asked.
"The guys who are under contract to TNA are off limits", Arn admitted.
"So that rules out Flair, Scotty Steiner and Hogan", Cornette said. "And does anyone know what Sting's status is?"
"Not sure about that", Arn said.
"I'll call him and find out", Cornette said. "So I could use anyone I want?"
"Yeah! Anyone not under contract to TNA who's available would be usable.", Arn said. "So what do you think?"
"Let me call Ole and then I'll get back to you", Cornette said.
"So I should tell Vince what?", Arn asked.
"I'll think about it", Cornette said. "I want to listen to Ole piss and moan first, but I'm definitely interested."
"I'll tell him that you'll get back to him after you talk to Ole", Arn said.
"Also tell him that I still think he's an arrogant, smart-assed, son-of-a-bitch", Cornette said.
"I think he knows that, but I'll tell him", Arn said, feeling Cornette's smirk over the phone. "Oh yeah, and Jimmy..."
"Yeah", Cornette asked.
"Thanks!", Arn said.
"I haven't agreed to anything yet!", Cornette said.
"I know", Arn admitted, "but if anyone can do this and make it damn good, you're the one. And speaking for myself, I'd love to see WCW... our WCW have one last show and have some closure."
"I know what you mean, Arn", Cornette agreed. "I'll get back to you, one way or the other in a couple of days."
"Talk at you later", Arn said, hanging up the phone.
"See ya!", Cornette replied.
"A WCW reunion show... with no Hogan or Bischoff involved and me handling the booking. I can see Vince's toupee spinning in the wind already. Damn it, what did I do with Ole's number. Let me call that cantankerous old bastard and see what he thinks!", Cornette smiled. "This could be kind of fun!"
**
A few minutes later, Cornette was on the phone with Ole Anderson.
"Ole, this is Jim Cornette. Have you talked to Arn recently? Yeah, isn't that the craziest idea? A WCW show. And Vince wants us to book it."
And that was all it took to get Ole started as he cut loose with a 30 minute rambling tirade about Vince McMahon and his entire WWE.
"So I take it that means you're not interested", Cornette said into the phone after Ole finally stopped screaming and cursing about Vince and the WWE.
"I think it's a good idea and it'll make money", Ole said. "But there is no way in hell I could go up there and do anything to help out McMahon. He'd come strutting up with that cocky attitude of his and I'd be forced to bust him in the mouth."
"So that means you're not interested", Cornette asked once more.
"If you want to do it, then do it", Ole said. "But so far as I'm concerned, Vince and his entire family go straight to...."
"OK, Ole", Cornette said, cutting Ole off. "I just wanted to get your opinion on this. I can't stand McMahon either, but it sure would be to make this a success and be able to rub it in his face that despite everything he's said and done, WCW could still make money and be a success."
"Good luck with that", Ole said. "I'd be just as happy to kick his gloating, arrogant ass and be done with it."
"Sooner or later, someone is going to do it", Cornette said. "I just hope I get to see it."
"Me too", Ole agreed.
After a few more minutes of small talk, Cornette bid Ole farewell and hung up the phone.
"So if I do this, it's just me", Cornette thought to himself. "Oh what the hell?"
Cornette picked the phone back up and dialed a number.
"Hey Arn, this is Jim Cornette. Tell that toupee wearing weasal that if he wants a WCW One Night Stand show, to give me a call tonight. I'll do it!"
**
A few nights later, Cornette traveled to a WWE show in Cleveland, OH to have a meeting with Vince McMahon and the WWE officials to work out details about the prospective WCW event. Dusty Rhodes was assigned to be the assistant booker for Cornette, which made Cornette roll his eyes repeatedly, but the meeting went well and Cornette gave Vince an outline of the show and what he wanted to do.
"This is all well and good, Jim", Vince started to say after Cornette finished his summary, but Cornette cut him off.
"The deal is total control and no tweaking from you", Cornette smiled at Vince. "So there's the proposal. Take it or I can just walk out of here right now and we can forget this whole idea ever happened."
Vince muttered a few words under his breath, but quickly composed himself and smiled.
"You're right, Jim. I did agree to that and I'm a man of my word. Your show all the way. I'll just sign the checks."
Cornette just smiled a big grin for a moment before getting serious again.
"So are we looking at a pay-per-view or maybe a Monday night, doing a live Nitro instead of RAW?", Cornette asked.
"I don't want to ruin RAW or Smackdown by missing a week", Vince said. "And our PPV calendar is already booked up for the next three years."
"So it'll be a special then", Cornette asked.
"That would probably work the best", Vince said. "We can arrange for a live three hour block on the USA Network and do it on a Wednesday or Thursday night."
"That makes sense since you tape Smackdown and the NXT show on Tuesday and Friday is when Smackdown airs. Probably a Wednesday night is best", Cornette agreed.
"And what are we going to call this event? One Night Stand is pretty much identified with ECW now", Vince said.
"Actually, that's pretty simple", Cornette smiled. "Clash of the Champions."
"I agree with that", Vince said, "but how about the sub-title for the event?"
"I've already thought about that too", Cornette said. "And I have two possibilities for you. The first would be 'Clash of Champions: Starcade', which would give homage to what was easily WCW's premiere event for so many years."
"Hmmmmm!", Vince thought to himself. "And what's the other possibility?"
"It was the sub-title for the second Starcade... 'The Gathering', how's that sound to you?"
"WCW Clash of Champions: The Gathering", Vince repeated several times to himself. "I like it!"
"Great", Cornette said. "Now we just need to get a date set so you can begin promoting the event and I can start getting people together to make up the show."
"Excellent, JIm", VInce said as he stood up. "But please... don't pull any surprises on me and make me regret this."
"Now Vince, would I do something like that", Cornette said as he shook Vince's hand with a big grin. "Don't worry, I want this to work too. No surprises."
"Great", Vince said. "And by the way Jim, it's great to be working with you again."
"I'd still like to slap you across the head with my tennis racket a few thousand times", Cornette smirked, "but yeah, this is good."
**
Things moved quickly from that point. A date was set and an arena was secured in Greenville, SC, which had been the home to many memorable WCW events in the past. Air-time was secured on the USA Network. People were contacted and flown in. And it was a few minutes before airtime.
"Wow!", Tony Schiavone said as he looked over his notes. "This is a night I never thought would happen."
"I don't think any of us did, Tony", Cornette smiled. "Damn it, where is Dusty? He's supposed to be working the gorilla position."
"I think he's in the Gorilla position already", Larry Zbyszko said as he walked into the room. "I thought Dusty was going to do commentary with me and Schiavone?"
"I changed that", Cornette said. "Jim Ross will be the third man for most of the show."
"Why?", Tony Schiavone asked. "Ross is a WWE guy and you know how he and I get along."
"J.R. was WCW before he was WWE", Cornette explained. "And I don't give a damn how you get along. Just be professional and call the matches."
"Boy, this should be fun", Zbyszko laughed as he took one last look at his notes for the show. "Chill out, Tony. At leasr we can understand what Ross says. If Dusty was out there, we'd need someone to work as a translator."
Schiavone gave his broadcast partner a dirty look and prepared to head out to the announce position.
"Are we getting introductions before the show goes on the air", Schiavone asked.
"Of course you are, Tony", Cornette said. "You'll be first, followed by Larry and then J.R."
Just then, a young lady came up and whispered something in Cornette's ear.
"I've gotta go", Cornette said with a big smile on his face. "This is going to be great!"
As Jim Cornette rushed out of sight, Tony turned to Zbyszko.
"You ready to do this, Legend?", he asked.
"I'm always ready", Larry said.
"And here comes Ross, so I guess it's time to go", Schiavone said as Jim Ross joined them.
"Jim", Tony said coldly.
"Hey Tony", JR replied. "And hey, Larry", Ross said as he shook Zbyszko's hand. "Just like old times, right?"
"Yeah, just like old times", Schiavone sneered.
"I love it", Zbyszko smirked as the three announcers moved to the gorilla position directly behind the ramp to the arena.
The WCW Nitro theme starts and Tony Schiavone heads out to the announce position, followed by Zbyszko and then Jim Ross. The crowd screams and
goes crazy.
Gary Michael Capetta is in the ring and gives a pre-show pep talk to the fans and introduces Schiavone, Zbyszko and Ross. He gets a "WCW" chant going as the lights go on and the cameras start. We're on the air...
And the show begins...
(Continued in Part 3)
The Gathering (Part 1)
(Several months ago in the offices of WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon)
**
Vince McMahon is sitting in his office talking to a few of his associates having an informal meeting over a few beers. Sitting around his desk are Arn Anderson, Michael P.S. Hayes, Rick Steamboat, and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho.
"So I've got the shows with Fozzy lined up and a few more tapings of the game show", Chris Jericho was explaining, "and then we'll wait and see if the network picks up the show for next season."
"But you'll still be available for tapings and shows with us, right Chris?", Hayes asked.
"As the schedule permits", Jericho admitted, "but I should be good for Monday nights and the pay-per-view shows at least."
"Just do your best Chris", Vince McMahon smiled. "Normally, I don't really care for the WWE Superstars branching out as you're doing, but you've been such a valuable employee and have done so much for this company when we needed you that I'm willing to make an exception."
"You just want backstage passes to the Fozzy shows", Steamboat teased his boss with a smile.
"Yes, well...", Vince blushed. "Cross promotion with a successful rock band and game show on network tv can be really good for the company."
"Don't worry, Vinnie Mac", Jericho laughed. "I'll be here for the WWE and help out whenever I can. For am I not the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla?"
"In your dreams, Chris", Michael Hayes retorted. "In your dreams!"
"So what's up, Vince", Arn Anderson said to their esteemed chairman. "You didn't ask for us to stop by to go over Jericho's schedule, did you?"
"No", Vince said as he took a sip of his beer. "I want some imput from four of the most creative persons I know."
"Then where's Steph?", Hayes asked. "Shouldn't she be here if this is a creative meeting?"
"This isn't an official meeting, per say", Vince admitted. "I just want to drink a few beers with you guys and maybe bounce some ideas around."
"What kind of ideas", Steamboat asked.
"Just ideas for possible future storylines. Things that we can do to screw with the fans and keep everyone on their toes.", Vince smiled.
"How about we put the World title on Santino", Hayes belted out.
The entire room broke up in laughter on that suggestion.
"My God!', Vince exclaimed. "That would really piss all of the hardcore fans off. That would even be worse than what Russo did with the actor that time."
"That did create quite a stir", Arn admitted, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.
"We want to surprise the fans and not scare them all off", Jericho said. "However, if you want to put the World or WWE title around the waist of a truly sexy rock god and idol to millions, I'm willing to volunteer."
"Maybe, Chris", Vince said, "but I think the title belts are pretty secure where they're at right now."
"Speaking of Idol, I saw in the news that American Idol is looking for some new judges", Steamboat said.
"I saw that", Vince said. "What about it?"
"How about some vignettes with Jillian and maybe Santino trying to crash American Idol to become the new judges. Some comedy stuff to use as filler on RAW", Steamboat explained.
"I like it", Vince said. "Maybe we can even get some of the former Idol contestants to help out as well."
"We could play it like it's serious", Hayes said. "And have Jillian showing up at the tapings. It would make for some great press with TMZ and the entertainment media."
"And with Santino as her spokesman. We can even give her an entourage with Hornswoggle and a couple of the lower-card talents that we're not using much anyhow", Steamboat added.
"I like that idea", Vince smiled. "Michael, write up an outline when you get the chance and run it by Gerwitz and Steph. It sounds like something that could be fun and get us some face-time with the media. Any other ideas?"
And so it went for a couple of hours... Five fertile and creative minds, embellished by the spirits of cold beer, bouncing ideas and storylines off each other, to help the WWE continue to lead the way in the world of sports-entertainment. And finally as things started to wind down...
"What do you think about the ECW show that TNA is putting on?", Hayes asked Vince.
"My attorney is watching it very closely", Vince said. "And I think it's a cheap ploy to make some easy money, cashing in on the nostalgia factor."
"Just like we did with the One Night Stand shows", Hayes remarked.
"We had Heyman here to book the shows. It was RVD's idea and was right for the time. It gave the original ECW closure", Vince said.
"And what about the ECW series on Scy-Fi?", Arn asked.
"That was just to piss off the fans and re-write ECW the way that it should have been... my way", Vince smirked.
"Does anyone think that the TNA show will do anything in the buyrates", Steamboat asked.
"It might", Arn said, "but it won't hold. TNA has all that talent and potential, but they can't maintain a rating!"
"They'll get a slight push and then blow it... as usual", Vince said. "Dixie and Russo and Jarrett are just throwing everything they can against the wall, hoping that something will stick, but it's not working."
"They need to get one person in there to handle the booking and writing and just stick with that person. Too bad Heyman turned them down", Hayes said.
"Bad for them. Good for us", Vince admitted. "If Heyman was to take over as the creative force for TNA, I might have to worry a little bit."
"But Paul won't do it", Arn said. "Not with Hogan and Eric and Russo all in the mix."
"And don't forget Jeff and Dixie", Steamboat added. "Too many chefs in the kitchen."
"Hey boss", Hayes said to Vince. "I just had an idea. When you mentioned the One Night Stand show and wanting to screw with the fans, how about a WCW One Night Stand show?"
"WCW One Night Stand?", Vince asked. "Why?"
"That would be kind of cool", Arn admitted.
"It would give the WCW fans some closure for their company", Steamboat admitted.
"Do you really think that there are any WCW fans left out there", Vince asked. "The product was awful at the end and the terrible ratings and lack of fans was the main reason I was able to buy the company so cheaply",
"There are always a few die-hards", Jericho said. ""And WCW wasn't all bad... in the beginning."
"It was Eric and Hogan that really screwed things up", Hayes said. "While it was still Crockett's show and later when Ole and Cornette and Flair were booking, there were some good things going on."
"Like what?", Vince said.
"The Horsemen", Arn reminded him. "And Sting, Vader, The Midnight Express, The Rock & Roll Express..."
"The Freebirds", Hayes added.
"Don't forget my feud with RIc and then later on, Ric's feud with Terry Funk", Steamboat included.
"And even when Eric was the boss, we had the Cruiserweights", Jericho said. "The guys from Japan and Mexico were pretty amazing."
"Ok, so there were a few good things", Vince admitted. "But who would appear on such a show. Who would book it?"
"We couldn't have Eric or Hulk or any of the TNA guys", Hayes said, "but who wants them anyhow?"
"Unfortunately, we couldn't have Ric either", Arn said, "since he's under contract with TNA. So is Sting."
"Not having RIc or Sting would hurt", Steamboat said, "but I'm sure we could put together a pretty good show if we wanted to."
"Dusty could book it", Arn said.
"No", Vince interjected. "I've never liked Dusty's style of booking very much. He could help out, but I'd rather have someone more distinct and old school booking such an event. Someone who lived, breathed and crapped WCW... like Heyman and Dreamer did with the ECW show."
"The best bookers for WCW so far as drawing ratings and keeping the fans happy were always Ric, Cornette and Ole Anderson.", Steamboat said.
"Ric is out for now", Vince said, "but I wonder if Cornette or Ole would be interested?"
"Cornette hates you", Hayes said to Vince. "And Ole... that grouchy old bastard would never do it. He hates you even more than Cornette does."
"Well, it is an idea", Vince smiled. "And it would stir up the fans quite a bit and attract back a few of the older audience."
"It could be big", Arn agreed. "But we'd have to run it seperate from the current WWE storylines and programs."
"We could set it up on RAW and Smackdown, but run it seperately, like we did the ECW show.", Hayes agreed.
"Do you think we could even get enough wrestlers interested in this type of show? And how many former WCW stars are even in good enough condition after all these yers to undertake such an event and maintain a good quality of matches?", Vince asked.
"I'd be willing to wrestle", Jericho said. "And I still keep in touch with quite a few of the boys from the old days. I could put some feelers out there and see what kind of response we get."
"I can't wrestle", Arn said, "but I know Malenko can. And I talked to Tully and Barry a few weeks ago. They're in good wrestling shape and would probably participate."
"You could always be there as a manager or do a run-in with a spinebuster on someone", Hayes said to Arn.
"I'm willing to wrestle", Steamboat said, "if you want me."
"Tell you what", Vince said. "I like this idea. Why don't we have someone call Ole and Cornette and see if they'd be interested in booking a WCW reunion style show for us... to give the WCW fans and wrestlers some closure."
"I'll call them", Arn said. "But I can already tell you what Ole will say. And probably Corny too."
"What's that?", Steamboat asked with a smile.
"Fuck Vince!", Arn smirked. "We all know that Ole has that certain way with words."
"Well, try them anyhow", Vince said. "Tell them if they're interested, they'll have total control over the wrestlers and the show. Within reason of course."
"It could really be something big", Jericho added. "Throw in that they can use Vince's own stage to show him up. That should get a reaction."
"Whatever it takes", Vince said. "I'm seeing some big dollar signs here."
"And a chance to give back to the WCW fans too... a chance for them to say goodbye and have some closure", Arn said.
"Uhhh.. yeah!", Vince stammered. "That too!"
(Continued In Part 2)
**
Vince McMahon is sitting in his office talking to a few of his associates having an informal meeting over a few beers. Sitting around his desk are Arn Anderson, Michael P.S. Hayes, Rick Steamboat, and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho.
"So I've got the shows with Fozzy lined up and a few more tapings of the game show", Chris Jericho was explaining, "and then we'll wait and see if the network picks up the show for next season."
"But you'll still be available for tapings and shows with us, right Chris?", Hayes asked.
"As the schedule permits", Jericho admitted, "but I should be good for Monday nights and the pay-per-view shows at least."
"Just do your best Chris", Vince McMahon smiled. "Normally, I don't really care for the WWE Superstars branching out as you're doing, but you've been such a valuable employee and have done so much for this company when we needed you that I'm willing to make an exception."
"You just want backstage passes to the Fozzy shows", Steamboat teased his boss with a smile.
"Yes, well...", Vince blushed. "Cross promotion with a successful rock band and game show on network tv can be really good for the company."
"Don't worry, Vinnie Mac", Jericho laughed. "I'll be here for the WWE and help out whenever I can. For am I not the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla?"
"In your dreams, Chris", Michael Hayes retorted. "In your dreams!"
"So what's up, Vince", Arn Anderson said to their esteemed chairman. "You didn't ask for us to stop by to go over Jericho's schedule, did you?"
"No", Vince said as he took a sip of his beer. "I want some imput from four of the most creative persons I know."
"Then where's Steph?", Hayes asked. "Shouldn't she be here if this is a creative meeting?"
"This isn't an official meeting, per say", Vince admitted. "I just want to drink a few beers with you guys and maybe bounce some ideas around."
"What kind of ideas", Steamboat asked.
"Just ideas for possible future storylines. Things that we can do to screw with the fans and keep everyone on their toes.", Vince smiled.
"How about we put the World title on Santino", Hayes belted out.
The entire room broke up in laughter on that suggestion.
"My God!', Vince exclaimed. "That would really piss all of the hardcore fans off. That would even be worse than what Russo did with the actor that time."
"That did create quite a stir", Arn admitted, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.
"We want to surprise the fans and not scare them all off", Jericho said. "However, if you want to put the World or WWE title around the waist of a truly sexy rock god and idol to millions, I'm willing to volunteer."
"Maybe, Chris", Vince said, "but I think the title belts are pretty secure where they're at right now."
"Speaking of Idol, I saw in the news that American Idol is looking for some new judges", Steamboat said.
"I saw that", Vince said. "What about it?"
"How about some vignettes with Jillian and maybe Santino trying to crash American Idol to become the new judges. Some comedy stuff to use as filler on RAW", Steamboat explained.
"I like it", Vince said. "Maybe we can even get some of the former Idol contestants to help out as well."
"We could play it like it's serious", Hayes said. "And have Jillian showing up at the tapings. It would make for some great press with TMZ and the entertainment media."
"And with Santino as her spokesman. We can even give her an entourage with Hornswoggle and a couple of the lower-card talents that we're not using much anyhow", Steamboat added.
"I like that idea", Vince smiled. "Michael, write up an outline when you get the chance and run it by Gerwitz and Steph. It sounds like something that could be fun and get us some face-time with the media. Any other ideas?"
And so it went for a couple of hours... Five fertile and creative minds, embellished by the spirits of cold beer, bouncing ideas and storylines off each other, to help the WWE continue to lead the way in the world of sports-entertainment. And finally as things started to wind down...
"What do you think about the ECW show that TNA is putting on?", Hayes asked Vince.
"My attorney is watching it very closely", Vince said. "And I think it's a cheap ploy to make some easy money, cashing in on the nostalgia factor."
"Just like we did with the One Night Stand shows", Hayes remarked.
"We had Heyman here to book the shows. It was RVD's idea and was right for the time. It gave the original ECW closure", Vince said.
"And what about the ECW series on Scy-Fi?", Arn asked.
"That was just to piss off the fans and re-write ECW the way that it should have been... my way", Vince smirked.
"Does anyone think that the TNA show will do anything in the buyrates", Steamboat asked.
"It might", Arn said, "but it won't hold. TNA has all that talent and potential, but they can't maintain a rating!"
"They'll get a slight push and then blow it... as usual", Vince said. "Dixie and Russo and Jarrett are just throwing everything they can against the wall, hoping that something will stick, but it's not working."
"They need to get one person in there to handle the booking and writing and just stick with that person. Too bad Heyman turned them down", Hayes said.
"Bad for them. Good for us", Vince admitted. "If Heyman was to take over as the creative force for TNA, I might have to worry a little bit."
"But Paul won't do it", Arn said. "Not with Hogan and Eric and Russo all in the mix."
"And don't forget Jeff and Dixie", Steamboat added. "Too many chefs in the kitchen."
"Hey boss", Hayes said to Vince. "I just had an idea. When you mentioned the One Night Stand show and wanting to screw with the fans, how about a WCW One Night Stand show?"
"WCW One Night Stand?", Vince asked. "Why?"
"That would be kind of cool", Arn admitted.
"It would give the WCW fans some closure for their company", Steamboat admitted.
"Do you really think that there are any WCW fans left out there", Vince asked. "The product was awful at the end and the terrible ratings and lack of fans was the main reason I was able to buy the company so cheaply",
"There are always a few die-hards", Jericho said. ""And WCW wasn't all bad... in the beginning."
"It was Eric and Hogan that really screwed things up", Hayes said. "While it was still Crockett's show and later when Ole and Cornette and Flair were booking, there were some good things going on."
"Like what?", Vince said.
"The Horsemen", Arn reminded him. "And Sting, Vader, The Midnight Express, The Rock & Roll Express..."
"The Freebirds", Hayes added.
"Don't forget my feud with RIc and then later on, Ric's feud with Terry Funk", Steamboat included.
"And even when Eric was the boss, we had the Cruiserweights", Jericho said. "The guys from Japan and Mexico were pretty amazing."
"Ok, so there were a few good things", Vince admitted. "But who would appear on such a show. Who would book it?"
"We couldn't have Eric or Hulk or any of the TNA guys", Hayes said, "but who wants them anyhow?"
"Unfortunately, we couldn't have Ric either", Arn said, "since he's under contract with TNA. So is Sting."
"Not having RIc or Sting would hurt", Steamboat said, "but I'm sure we could put together a pretty good show if we wanted to."
"Dusty could book it", Arn said.
"No", Vince interjected. "I've never liked Dusty's style of booking very much. He could help out, but I'd rather have someone more distinct and old school booking such an event. Someone who lived, breathed and crapped WCW... like Heyman and Dreamer did with the ECW show."
"The best bookers for WCW so far as drawing ratings and keeping the fans happy were always Ric, Cornette and Ole Anderson.", Steamboat said.
"Ric is out for now", Vince said, "but I wonder if Cornette or Ole would be interested?"
"Cornette hates you", Hayes said to Vince. "And Ole... that grouchy old bastard would never do it. He hates you even more than Cornette does."
"Well, it is an idea", Vince smiled. "And it would stir up the fans quite a bit and attract back a few of the older audience."
"It could be big", Arn agreed. "But we'd have to run it seperate from the current WWE storylines and programs."
"We could set it up on RAW and Smackdown, but run it seperately, like we did the ECW show.", Hayes agreed.
"Do you think we could even get enough wrestlers interested in this type of show? And how many former WCW stars are even in good enough condition after all these yers to undertake such an event and maintain a good quality of matches?", Vince asked.
"I'd be willing to wrestle", Jericho said. "And I still keep in touch with quite a few of the boys from the old days. I could put some feelers out there and see what kind of response we get."
"I can't wrestle", Arn said, "but I know Malenko can. And I talked to Tully and Barry a few weeks ago. They're in good wrestling shape and would probably participate."
"You could always be there as a manager or do a run-in with a spinebuster on someone", Hayes said to Arn.
"I'm willing to wrestle", Steamboat said, "if you want me."
"Tell you what", Vince said. "I like this idea. Why don't we have someone call Ole and Cornette and see if they'd be interested in booking a WCW reunion style show for us... to give the WCW fans and wrestlers some closure."
"I'll call them", Arn said. "But I can already tell you what Ole will say. And probably Corny too."
"What's that?", Steamboat asked with a smile.
"Fuck Vince!", Arn smirked. "We all know that Ole has that certain way with words."
"Well, try them anyhow", Vince said. "Tell them if they're interested, they'll have total control over the wrestlers and the show. Within reason of course."
"It could really be something big", Jericho added. "Throw in that they can use Vince's own stage to show him up. That should get a reaction."
"Whatever it takes", Vince said. "I'm seeing some big dollar signs here."
"And a chance to give back to the WCW fans too... a chance for them to say goodbye and have some closure", Arn said.
"Uhhh.. yeah!", Vince stammered. "That too!"
(Continued In Part 2)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
European Vacation (Fiction - Updated)
A/N: The following is a short story with several characters from several different genres. Abby is from NCIS, as is Gibbs. Robert Scorpio is an old favorite from General Hospital. Seth Voelker is better known as the masked super-criminal from Marvel Comics known as Sidewinder. And Spring Heel Jack is straight from unsolved mysteries in England, as is Jack the Ripper. And Emma Peel is from the British TV show, The Avengers. And now that we know all the players, here's the story. Abby takes a European vacation.
*********
Abby walked into her lab and pouted.
"I do not need a vacation, Gibbs!", she said.
"Yes, Abs, you do", Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs said to the young goth as he rubbed her shoulders. "How long has it been since you took some time off for yourself?"
"I... do things", Abby said quickly. "I don't need time off. I need to work. We have cases to solve and foresnics to examine."
"You're taking the vacation, Abs", Gibbs said bluntly as he turned her around to face him. "Orders from Leon."
"But why?", Abby said sadly. "I can't leave my team. You need me!"
"Leon says that you have three weeks of unused vacation time and you have to use it. It'll be good for you.", Gibbs countered.
"But what if you need me", Abby asked again.
"I have McGee and Ducky", Gibbs replied. "They can hold things down until you get back."
"But Ducky has so much other stuff to do and McGee is just a probie", Abby said. "You need me!"
"You're going, Abs", Gibbs said.
"But, Gibbs...?", Abby started to say, but Gibbs cut her off.
"You're going. When you leave here today, I don't want you back in this lab or here at the office for any reason for three weeks!"
"But...", Abby started to object again, but once again, Gibbs cut her off.
"I mean it!", he said bluntly.
"Okay", Abby said sadly.
"And don't be going out to L.A. to volunteer either. No work! Do you hear me!"
Abby sulked. "How did you know that I was thinking about....?
Gibbs just looked at her.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry Gibbs", she said quietly. "Am I still your favorite?"
"Take the vacation and have fun, Abs", Gibbs said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Three weeks! Remember!"
"All right", Abby pounted and nodded her head.
"Good girl", Gibbs said as he walked out of the room.
Abby turned and began to do some DNA analysis on her computer, muttering to herself.
"What am I going to do for three weeks?", she said herself.
Letting out a big sigh, she turned her attention to the work in front of her.
**
Two days later, Abby was boarding a plane, headed for London, England. She had decided to spend her vacation retracing the steps of the legendary serial killer, Jack the Ripper.
"Too bad I couldn't talk Eric into taking his vacation from the L.A. team and coming with me", she said. "But this should be fun... and maybe I can solve the mystery of who Jack the Ripper really was."
The flight went smoothly and several hours later, Abby was securely comfortable in the small motel that she had decided to stay in. After eating dinner and using her resources to discover a British market that sold Caff Pow, Abby decided to take a stroll and check out some of the sites where Jack the Ripper had slain some of his victims.
After looking at the sites where the first three victims of the infamous madman had slain his victims, Mary Ann Nicholls, Annie Chapman and Long Liz Stride, so many years ago, Abby moved on to the site where prostitute Kate Eddowes had met her end.
"I wish I could get a look at the records and the evidence collected", Abby said her herself. "I'll bet I could solve these murders and determine who Jack the Ripper was."
"Excuse me", a man walking by spoke up. "Did you say something?"
"Was I talking out loud", Abby said. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking to myself and it slipped out of my mouth as I was thinking", she babbled. "Do I know you?"
"My apologies", the man said as he gave her a slight bow. "My name is Seth Voelker."
"And I'm Abby", Abby smiled as she shook the man's hand. "You're not a local, are you? I mean, not British because you don't sound English. I mean, you speak perfectly good english, but you're from the states, right?"
The man laughed as he answered.
"No, I'm not from around here. I'm from the States, as you deduced. New York, actually. Now, what was it that you were saying about solving the Jack the Ripper case?"
"Oh, I work for NC... an investigative firm in New York", Abby said, deciding that it would be better to keep her identity as an NCIS agent secret. "I do... stuff. And if I could get a look at the evidence collected, I'd love to take a crack at solving the mystery of Jack the Ripper."
"People have been trying to do that for over a hundred years", Voelker laughed.
But then, noticing the look that Abby was giving him, he added, "but if anyone could do it, I'm sure you'd be quite capable."
Abby smiled at the man.
"I like you!", she said.
"Well, thank you... Abby, was it?", the man smiled back. "Could I interest you in a cup of coffee or something", he asked.
"Thanks, but no", Abby said. "I've got to get going."
"Actually, I do too. I'm due for an appointment", Voelker said. "It's nice meeting you, Abby."
"You too, Mr. Voelker", Abby smiled.
"Call me Seth... please", Raymond said.
"Seth? That's an interesting name", Abby smiled. "Is that your real name?"
"It is", Voelker replied.
"It's very refined and dignified", Abby remarked. "It fits."
"Thank you", Voelker said. "And yours is short for Abigail?"
"Blah", Abby said with a smile.
"It's a beautiful name for a beautiful young lady", Voelker said.
"Flatterer", Abby smiled. "And thanks!"
"Well, I must be off before I'm late. It's a pleasure to meet you... Abby.", Voelker smiled.
"And nice meeting you too, Seth", Abby smiled back.
And with a handshake and a nod, Seth Voelker smiled and walked off down the road.
Abby watched as the man walked away and then turned back to the scene in front of her, where Jack the Ripper had claimed his fourth victim back on September 30, 1888.
"If I can just find a way to get a look at the evidence at Scotland Yard", Abby thought to herself.
Suddenly, the sound of a scream ripped through the air.
Without a thought for her own safety, Abby began running towards the sound of the scream and seconds later, came across a elderly woman laying on the sidewalk, her clothes ripped and her face bruised and burned, crying.
"Are you okay?", Abby asked as she helped the lady to her feet.
"It was awful", the lady cried. "I was just walking down the street and this man jumped out of nowhere and just grabbed me."
"Did you recognize him? Can you describe him?", Abby asked.
"He was wearing a helmet", the woman said, choking back her tears. "And a tight fitting costume. His face was hideous and his eyes were like balls of fire."
"Anything else", Abby asked as she helped the lady get to her feet.
"His hands were like claws", the woman cried. "And he was vomiting fire... blue and white flames."
Abby continued to help the lady as the police arrived and took the woman for medical attention.
One of the detectives, an older gentleman with brown hair and an Australian accent, looked at Abby, who had given her statement and waited around to make sure the elderly woman was going to be ok.
"Thanks for your help,", the officer said. "The lady should be all right. She was just shaken up."
"I'm glad to hear that", Abby said. "But what was up with that description she gave? Vomiting fire?"
"Just forget about that", the man said, trying to change the subject. "She is old and was probably just imagining things."
"She had claw marks on her arms... and there were some burns as well", Abby spoke up. "So something did burn her."
"Don't worry about it", the officer told Abby. "Leave the police work to the professionals. We've got it under control."
Holding back the urge to smack the officer for his condescending tone, Abby reached into her purse and pulled out some ID.
"I am a professional. I'm with NCIS. Now, once more, what is with that description she gave. And I want the truth."
The man studied her identification for a moment and let out a heavy sigh.
"Well, Miss...Scuito, is it? Maybe we can't hide this any longer. Have you ever heard of the legend of Springheel Jack?"
"Call me Abby", Abby said. "And you are...??"
"My name is Scorpio. Robert Scorpio", the man smiled.
"And now", Abby said, "Who or what is Springheel Jack?"
"Come with me back to the office for a cup of coffee", Scorpio said quietly. "And I'll tell you."
**
Abby went back to the police headquarters with the officer, who turned out to be an agent on loan from the W.S.B. (World Security Bureau), by the name of Robert Scorpio.
"I've heard of you", Abby told the man. "An affair about something called 'The Ice Princess' back in the eighties. You're a legend in the spook world. I thought you had retired and become the Police Commissioner of a small town called Port Charles in New York."
"That was a long time ago", Scorpio said. "I left that job and got back in the spy business. Now, we came here to talk about the legend of Springheel Jack."
"Yeah, you mentioned that name after the lady was attacked. Why? And who is Springheel Jack?"
"Springheel Jack is a legend from the early 1800's", Scorpio explained. "A bogeyman of sorts that attacked women, his eyes burning and spitting flames, dressed in a weird sort of outfit, and he always escaped by leaping away in an inhuman manner, much like the description of the assailant today. Here, look at this."
Scorpio reached over and handed Abby a folder to look at.
Abby quickly glanced through the files, while Scorpio watched her. Then, closing the folder, Abby spoke.
"Surely you don't believe that this guy from the 1800's is the same one that attacked that woman today, do you?"
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore", Scorpio said. "The description fits and the M.O. fits, but it can't possibly be the same person."
"I can see why the local authorities want to keep this under wraps", Abby admitted. "But why did you decide to confide in me?"
"Well, after you presented your credentials as a member of NCIS, I decided to trust my instincts", Scorpio admitted. "I'm at a dead end here and no closer to solving this case or finding this person, if that's what it is, than I was before. I need someone with a fresh prespective to look at things and maybe they can see what I'm missing. And you came across to me as a very intelligent young lady with a unique way of looking at things. So I decided to take a chance and invite you here to speak of this case."
"Well, I was told by Gibbs, my boss, to stay out of the office for the rest of my vacation and I'm twitchy and need something to do. So I'll help you if I can. But you can't tell Gibbs", Abby said. "But first, where is the nearest store that sells Caff-Pow and secondly, where is the forensics evidence that you've gathered and your lab."
"What is Caff-Pow?", Scorpio asked with a bemused look on his face.
"The essence of life", Abby smiled. "Now let's take a look at that forensics material. I also want police reports, coroner reports if any and the latest CD from the band Metal Church."
"I can have all of that here in an hour", Scorpio said. "But Metal Church?"
"A new CD is out and I haven't had time to get it yet. Music helps me think. Just do it!", she smiled.
Scorpio smiled back at her. He had discreetly ran a quick background search on Abby and her reputation as one of the very best forensics and research experts at NCIS preceded her, as did her reputation for being slightly eccentric. This was definitely going to be interesting.
**
Seth Voelker sat at a small cafe in London and sipped at his coffee. His meeting had gone well and he was cheerfully celebrating a great business deal.
"It's such a pleasure to deal with AIM", he thought to himself. "They're so much more professional and rational than most of the other mercenary groups."
After ordering his dinner, Voelker sat back and relaxed.
"That didn't take as long as I expected", he thought to himself. "Maybe I should just stay over here in London for a few days and just enjoy myself before I head back to New York. That was an attractive young lady I met earlier today. I should have gotten her phone number or at least the name of her motel."
As Voelker ate his dinner, he noticed a couple of young ladies walking by the cafe. He watched for a moment as they walked past and out of sight, entering an alley down towards the end of the block. Going back to enjoying his dinner, Voelker took a bite of his steak when the sounds of screaming echoed out through the night air. Leaping up, Voelker laid money on the table to cover his bill and hurried out to see exactly what was happening. Another scream carried through the night air and Voelker realized that the screams were coming from the alley where he had witnessed the ladies entering moments earlier.
Moving quickly, Voelker ran to the opening of the alley and saw the body of one of the ladies, badly burned, laying upon the ground and still smoldering.
"Dear God", Voelker said with a gasp. And he peered farther down the alley and saw the other woman fighting off a tall, lanky man with tight fitting clothing and a strange helmet.
"Hey", Voelker yelled as he rushed down the alley.
The strange man, clawing at the woman, slammed her hard into the wall and turned towards the approaching man and with a hideous cackling noise, lept towards Voelker as his eyes blazed and flames seemed to vomit forth from his mouth.
Moving with a speed that defied his age, Voelker quickly activated the special uniform that he wore beneath his suit and with a loud swooshing sound filling the air, vanished from sight as the crazed assailant flew past him. Reappearing at the end of the alley, Voelker, now in full costume as his alter-ego, the super villian, Sidewinder, was crouched and ready for action. But the assailant was gone.
Voelker quickly surveyed the situation and noted that the woman at the front of the alley was burned and beyond help. He also noted that the second woman was still alive, but in need of medical assistance immediately. Torn between pursuing the assailant and helping the woman, Voelker used his teleportation ability to vanish once more and change back into his civilian clothes. He then went to lend aid to the injured woman as the police and onlookers began to arrive.
**
Back at the police headquarters, Abby had essentially taken over the police lab and was examining some of the evidence gathered at the scenes of Springheel Jack's attacks.
"I've accessed the video footage from local security cameras and am looking for an electronic image of this guy", Abby explained to Scorpio. "Then I can run the image through the system and attempt to get a match. Also, I found a small trace of some unknown chemicals in the bloodwork of one of the victims. It appears to be some kind of poison, but I can't identify it yet. I"m running some tests."
Scorpio sat back and smiled. Abby was certainly living up to her reputation in finding out information from the most obscure of objects. She was definitely in her element, even if she did listen to the most awful sounding music. Suddenly, Scorpio's cell phone rang.
"Scorpio here", he answered.
After listening for a few moments, he closed the phone and stood up. "Another attack by Springheel Jack", he told Abby. "And this time, we have a survivor and a witness."
Scorpio headed out the door, with Abby right on his heels.
"You", she said to one of the officers who was standing nearby, "Don't let anyone into that lab and don't touch anything. We'll be back!"
As the man nodded, Abby said to Scorpio, "I'm coming with you."
It didn't take long for Abby and Scorpio to reach the site, which was just a few blocks from the last attack. After talking to several of the officers and getting some details, Scorpio and Abby went to speak to the witness. One woman was dead and the surviving victim had been transported to a local medical facility and Scorpio was determined to get some answers.
"Mr. Voelker, I'm Robert Scorpio", Scorpio introduced himself as he approached Voelker, who was talking with one of the officers. As Robert spoke to the man and got more details of what had happened, something in the back of his mind kept telling him that there was something mysterious about Mr. Voelker.
Abby, who had been supervising the collection of evidence by the officers, came up to join the conversation.
"Hey Scorpio, I got them taking footprint and fingerprint samples and told the coroner that I want blood samples and chemical tests on those burns, asap", Abby said and then she stopped as she recognized Seth Voelker.
"Seth, you're the witness?", she asked.
"Hello Abby", Seth smiled. "So we meet again."
"You two know each other", Scorpio asked.
"We met earlier today", Abby said. "How did your meeting go?"
"It went well", Seth replied. "I didn't know you were a police officer."
"No, I mean yes", Abby said. "I am part of a unit in the states, but I'm not here. I'm just helping out while I'm on vacation."
"Abby is just helping us out with this investigation", Scorpio said. "So would you mind repeating what you told me for Abby?"
"Not at all", Voelker said. Voelker repeated his account of what had transpired earlier and his attempts to help the two women, leaving out of course, his use of super-powers.
As the three talked, suddenly Scorpio realized where he knew the name of Seth Voelker from.
"Sidewinder", he muttered.
"What was that?", Abby asked as Voelker jerked around and stared at Scorpio.
"You're the super criminal, Sidewinder", Scorpio said as he reached for his gun.
"Oh please", Voelker sighed.
"You're a super criminal?", Abby asked to Voelker as Scorpio held his gun on the man.
"Retired super criminal", Voelker said. "I've been retired for quite some time and by the way, Mr. Scorpio, do you really think that gun will do you any good if I decide to leave?"
Scorpio thought about it for a second and put the gun away.
"So what's your game, Voelker. Why are you here?", he asked
"Just as I told you earlier", Voelker replied. "I am here in London for a business meeting."
"Dirty business, no doubt", Scorpio said.
"Not at all", Voelker said. "Perfectly legitimate, I assure you. And after my business was concluded, I was having dinner, heard screams and attempted to save those two women who were being attacked by this Springheel Jack character."
"So we're supposed to believe that your appearance here is purely coincidental?", Scorpio asked.
"I don't care what you believe", Voelker said. "But if I was up to no good as you believe, or if I was behind the attacks on these women, as you're seeming to imply, would I have stayed here to answer your questions?"
"He's got a point", Abby said. "So you can teleport?", she asked Voelker.
"I can", Voelker said.
"Way cool", Abby smiled.
Scorpio looked at Voelker and then at Abby.
"Well, since you've decided to get involved, would you care to give us a hand?", he asked Voelker.
"Well, I don't normally work with your side of the law", Voelker said. "But that thing... whatever it was, is dangerous and needs to be stopped. Despite some of my past activities, I've never been a fan of injuring or slaughtering of innocents and this... creature, seems to thrive on such activities. I'll help you if I can."
"Great", Abby said. "I knew that I liked you", she laughed.
"Yeah, great", Scorpio said sarcastically. "Well, let's finish up here and get to work."
"I'll meet you at your office later", Voelker said.
"We're not finished questioning you yet", Scorpio said.
"You've gotten my statement about the attack on the ladies", Voelker said. "But if I'm going to help you, we need to find out who and what this creature is and where he is. I have sources that may know."
"Will you keep us informed of what you find out?", Scorpio asked.
"I said I would", Voelker replied. "I'll be at your office in four hours."
"We'll be waiting", Scorpio said.
"Until then", Voelker said as he nodded towards Abby before vanishing with a swooshing sound filling the air.
Abby and Scorpio looked at each other.
"That is so cool", Abby said.
Scorpio glared at her. Abby just shrugged her shoulders and gave a small grin as the two went back to work.
**
A few hours later, after returning to the police headquarters, Abby resumed her labwork. She had managed to find one image from a street camera of Spring Heel Jack and was now running it through the machines, hoping for an ID. Sitting at a small desk in the next room, Scorpio was looking through the statements of the victims and the witnesses of Spring Heel Jack's attacks, trying to find anything that he may have overlooked earlier.
Suddenly, there was a swoosh of air as Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder, appeared in the middle of the room, startling Scorpio from his chair.
"I really wish you wouldn't do that", Scorpio said as he stood up. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"I didn't really think you'd want me to come in through the front door and make my presence known to the officers outside", Voelker said. "It probably wouldn't do your reputation well to be known to associate with a known criminal."
"I don't give a damn about my reputation", Scorpio said. "I just don't like you popping in like that. It isn't natural and is liable to give a man a heart attack."
"You'll get used to it", Voelker smiled.
"So did you find out anything", Scorpio asked.
"I think so", Voelker said. "Where is Abby?"
Suddenly Abby came walking into the room.
"Hey, I just managed to get an ID on the picture from the street security camera", Abby said. "Oh, hi Seth", she smiled at Voelker.
"Hello Abby", Seth said.
"Say your hello's later", Scorpio said. "What did you find out?"
Both Abby and Seth started to speak at the same time, but then quit as they looked at each other and laughed. Scorpio just sighed.
"You first", he said as he pointed at Voelker.
"Well, this Spring Heel Jack, as you call him, is quite the topic of conversation in the London underworld. Speculation runs that he's everything from a failed lab experiment, an alien, a mutant, or just a plain and simple crazy person."
"Tell us something we don't already know", Scorpio said.
"One of my sources had more information. A few years ago, the super-terrorist group known as Hydra, discovered a strange person frozen in some kind of stasis chamber in a small lab in Newcastle."
"And you think that person and this person is the same person?", Abby asked.
"It seems so", Voelker said. "This particular division of Hydra was under the leadership of a man by the name of Count Otto Vermis, who was your typical would-be world conquerer. He was extremely interested in having his own super-powered assassins and created and mutated several beings to act in such a manner. SHIELD ended up shutting him down and Vermis was killed."
"So Vermis possibly created the crazy that's been going around attacking people?", Abby asked.
"Possible, but it seems more likely that Vermis just discovered our friend already created, but in some sort of stasis and tried to use him for his own means", Scorpio said.
"And after Vermis died and his branch of Hydra was shut down, the creature either escaped in the confusion or was dormant until recently", Voelker said.
"And is this creature the same one that roamed the streets causing havok in the 1800's and why is he attacking people. And what's the deal with the fire from the mouth. Uuugh!", Abby said.
"We don't know, but we will find out", Scorpio said. "Now what were you saying about an ID from the security cameras?"
"Well, I managed to find a picture of Spring Heel Jack from one of the street security cameras. It wasn't easy because something about this guy... he gives off a weird type of energy that distorts pictures and electronic images and..."
"Abby?", Scorpio interupted.
"Oh yeah, well, one of the cameras managed to get a shot of him, probably because the camera was too far away for his weird energy to affect. And by the way, your local people totally missed this."
"I'll be sure to let them know", Scorpio said quietly.
"I ran the image through the NCIS system and managed to score a hit, an Indian, from India, with terrorist ties as an assassin and hitman by the name of Jack Dempsey. Dempsey used an area in Newcastle, England as a base of operations, but vanished from the radar roughly about eighteen months ago."
"Which was just about the time that these attacks began", Scorpio said.
"So Spring Heel Jack's real name is Jack Dempsey", Voelker added.
"And there's more", Abby said. "I spoke with your coroner and there some small, almost microscopic punctures on the bodies of the victims. It was hard to notice them because of the cuts and bruises and also because most of the victims had been charbroiled."
"And...?", Scorpio asked.
"Don't be impatient", Abby smiled. "I remembered a case similar to this from a few years ago at NCIS. It was never officially closed, but several bodies were found with almost microscopic bite marks, drained of blood."
"So you're saying that Jack is a vampire?", Scorpio asked.
"No", Abby said. "But there are similarities. I e-mailed Ducky and had him send me the reports from that case. And then I had your coroners check for any missing body fluids or abnormalities. I just got the report back."
"What is a 'Ducky'?", Scorpio asked. "And what did they find out?"
"Ducky is the Chief Medical Examiner at NCIS", Abby said. "And one of the smartest men I know. As for what they found out, there was something missing from all of the bodies examined that was odd."
"And that was...?", Voelker asked.
"Look at this", Abby said as she turned on a video screen and a picture appeared. "This is an example of a regular human DNA system. You'll remember from high school that when someone gets sick, the body produces antiodies that fight disease and intruding viruses, and hel to regulate the body's health system."
"In english please, Abby", Scorpio sighed.
"Well, the people who were attacked by Spring Heel Jack, didn't have any antibodies in their body to fight off diseases. Someone or something sucked 'em out of their system."
"And you think it's Spring Heel Jack that did that", Voelker asked.
"Or a very nitpicky vampire with some tiny fangs", Abby said.
"Do we have an address for this Dempsey?", Scorpio asked.
"Of course", Abby said. "This is the last known address. Should we go check it out?"
"Let's go check it out", Scorpio said. "Are you coming Voelker?", he asked.
"Yes", Voelker remarked. "What about you, Abby?"
"As soon as I take this phone call", Abby said.
"What phone call?", Scorpio asked.
And then Abby's cell phone began ringing and she smiled.
"Gotta take this. Be right back!"
Abby walked over to the far end of the room and answered her phone.
"Yes Gibbs?", she said.
"Abby, I just received word that several requests for information were made using your password and ID. You're on vacation. So what's up?", Gibbs asked.
Abby told Gibbs about her encounter with Spring Heel Jack and everything that had happened from then on and how she was assisting Robert Scorpio in the case. And then she stood quietly and listened for close to fifteen minutes as Gibbs spoke to her. Finally, Abby hung up her phone.
"Was that Gibbs?", Scorpio asked.
"Yes", Abby said. "And if I get hurt, he'll kill you. He told me to tell you that."
"Gibbs must really care about you", Scorpio said. "I'm surprised that he didn't order you to come home."
"He did", Abby said. "But then, when he realized that I was determined to see this through, and when I mentioned that I was working with you and Seth, he told me I could stay."
"You told your boss, Gibbs, that I was involved?", Seth asked.
"I did", Abby said. "And he wanted to know if you still have the snake suit."
"We had an encounter a few years ago when I was first starting out", Voelker explained. "He's very good at what he does."
"And he also told me to tell you that if I get hurt, he'll find you and skin you alive", Abby said to Seth.
"And I have no doubt that he'd try", Seth said. "So I guess that means we can't let you get hurt."
"Actually", Scorpio said, "I'm surprised that he's not sendng his entire group here to take over the investigation."
"Gibbs isn't that bad", Abby said. "Okay, maybe he is, but that's my Gibbs and I'm his favorite."
"Shall we head on and go check out this address", Scorpio said, "I would really like to get a lead on this guy."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Scorpio, Abby and Voelker all looked at each other.
"Come in", Scorpio said.
The door opened and in stepped a dark haired woman.
"Hello, Emma", Scorpio said..
"Hello Robert", the woman said. "Mr. Voelker, Miss Scuito. My name is Peel. Emma Peel. Gibbs sent me."
Abby just sighed and shrugged as both Voelker and Scorpio gave her amused looks.
"He called me up and told me to come here", Emma Peel explained. "She's his favorite!"
Scorpio just sighed.
"Let's get Emma up to date before anyone else shows up", he said.
A short time later, after filling Emma in, the now four people went and traveled down to Newcastle to check out where the man they'd identified as Jack Dempsey once lived.
**
A few hours later, the odd foursome were investigating the small cottage that was once home to Jack Dempsey.
"It doesn't look like anyone has been here for years", Abby said as she looked at some dust covered pictures on the wall.
"At least not since Spring Heel Jack first showed back up", Scorpio said.
"We can give this place a search, but I doubt that we'll find anything important", Emma Peel added.
"I'm not sure", Voelker said. "I'm getting a weird feeling from this place, like we're missing something."
Voelker was feeling along the wall as if searching for something.
"What are you doing, Seth?", Abby asked.
"If this guy had Hydra training, as we expect, I'm sure that there is a hidden compartment somewhere in here", Voelker replied. "The key is finding it."
Voelker scanned the wall with his eyes, as Peel and Scorpio did the same. Suddenly, all of them shouted at the same time, "the shower".
Abby jumped, startled when they all three shouted, and said quickly, "Don't do that! What? The shower?"
The four quickly moved towards the bathroom and after checking for any booby-traps, Scorpio and Voelker examined the wall of the step-in shower.
"If there's a latch or switch, it should be right about....here", Voelker said as he examined the top of the wall.
And with a click, the back wall slid away, revealing a hidden opening.
"And there you go", Voelker said.
"Let's go check it out", Abby said, but Voelker put a hand on her shoulder.
"Myself and Scorpio will check it out. You're staying out here with Emma where it's safe."
"He's right luv", Scorpio agreed. "You and Emma continue to look for clues out here while myself and Voelker see where this leads."
Abby pounted for a moment before finally agreeing. Emma and Abby went to check out more of the house, while Voelker and Scorpio entered the dark opening.
"I've got infra-red sensors in my costume", Voelker said. "Can you see, Scorpio?"
"I'm fine", Scorpio said as he pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket. "Part of being a WSB Agent is always be prepared."
Voelker and Scorpio headed through the darkness, following a narrow tunnel into a big, open area.
"I think this might be where our friend lives", Scorpio said as he shined the light around. "Look at these machines. I've never seen anything like them before,"
"Nor have I", Voelker admitted. "This is some high tech stuff, but it's so old."
"And look at that", Scorpio said as he shined a light over at a set of clear tubes, large enough to hold a large man.
"Do you think that might be his bed?", Voelker asked.
"I'm not sure, but someone has been here recently", Scorpio said as he continued to look around.
Examining some computers, Voelker spoke up.
"I think we should go get Abby and Emma", he said. "I have no idea about these computers. Maybe Abby can figure them out."
"Are you going to do that teleport thing you do?", Scorpio asked.
"It's the quickest way to get them and probably the safest", Voelker remarked.
"Well.... hurry", Scorpio said.
"Yeah, this place gives me the creeps too", Voelker admitted. "I'll be back in a minute,"
And with that, Voelker activated his suit and teleported away with a loud swooshing noise filling the air.
Scorpio continued to look around and came to a closet. He opened the closet door slowly and jumped back as he found himself looking straight into the burning eyes of Spring Heel Jack.
Scorpio pulled his gun and attempted to fire, but Jack was too fast and reached out with his long arms, swatting at Scorpio, knocking the gun from his hand, and sending him flying into the wall. With a loud shriek, Jack spat fire at Scorpio, who just barely managed to roll out of the way.
A swooshing noise filled the air as Voelker reappeared, with Emma Peel and Abby beside him.
"Wow, that was cool", Abby said.
"Duck", Emma said quickly as she pushed Abby to the ground just as Spring Heel Jack cut loose with another blast of the burning vomit.
"Get Abby to safety", Voelker said as he activated his "Side Effect" stings that emmited forth from his outfit and blasted away at Spring Heel Jack. Jack managed to dodge the blasts and was too fast even for Voelker as he lept over and slammed a hard fist against Voelker's head.
There was a large crash as Emma Peel smashed a board that she had picked up against the back of Jack, who then spun and slapped her across the room. Abby was in the corner watching the chaos unfold before her and spotted Scorpio's gun laying on the ground.
"If I can get to that gun", she muttered to herself as she tried to crawl across the floor.
Meanwhile, Spring Heel Jack was still going after Emma, when Scorpio jumped over and tackled the larger, strange looking man. Jack reeled from the attack and shot forth a blast of flame that would mean certain doom for Scorpio, but Voelker used his teleporting powers to appear in front of Scorpio and block most of the flame with the cape of his Sidewinder outfit.
He still screamed in pain as his arms and face were burned...
Spring Heel Jack looked around at the fallen people and started to head for the door, looking to escape. The sounds of shots rang out as several bullets ripped through the helmet and skull of the tall, odd creature of a man, who fell to the ground.
And there stood Abby, gun in hand, still smoking from where she had shot the creature, using Scorpio's gun.
Emma Peel came up from the other side and crashed a large steel pole across the head of the creature, which finally stopped moving. Scorpio reached over and took the smoking pistol away from Abby before checking the vital signs of the creature. It was dead.
"I wasn't aware you were such a marksman", Scorpio said quietly to Abby.
"Gibbs taught me. He said I needed to know how to use a gun."
"I'm glad he did", Scorpio said as he gave Abby a hug. "You saved us all!"
Meanwhile, Emma Peel tended to the wounds and burns suffered by Seth Voelker.
"I'll call for an ambulance", Emma started to say, but Voelker stopped her.
"These wounds are not serious", Voelker said. "Just painful. I know where I can get medical aide quickly and discreetly. Tell Scorpio and Abby I'll be in touch."
And with those words and a groan of pain, Voelker used the powers of his suit to teleport away.
"Where did Seth go?", Abby asked as she walked over.
"He went to get some medical attention", Emma said. "And he assumed, probably correctly, that it wouldn't be wise for him to be here when we summon aid from local authorities."
"He's probably right", Abby said.
"Look at this place and this equipment", Emma said. "What was he?", she asked as she stared down at the body of Spring Heel Jack.
"If I"m reading this correctly", Scorpio said from the other side of the room where he was examining a small globe, "he was an alien who got stranded on this world a long time ago."
Abby started looking around and came across what appeared to be a journal.
"I found something, but it's some sort of encrypted code", she said.
"Let's seal this place up and get out of here", Scorpio said. "We can translate that journal back at the office."
"What about him?", Emma asked.
"Let him rest in peace", Scorpio said. "We can place the body in one of those stasis tubes and then seal this place up. I don't think the world is ready to know about aliens. If we need to come back, we can."
"Won't that get you in trouble with your superiors?", Emma asked.
"I work with total autonomy", Scorpio said. "I don't have any superiors. If I decide that it's in the best interests of national security to cover this up, I can and will."
"That's why you can work with people like Voelker and get away with it", Emma asked.
"I do what I have to do, with whoever I have to do", Scorpio said.
"He's actually a pretty good guy and he volunteered to help us", Abby explained about Voelker. "Not bad for a so-called super-villian."
"Retired super villian", Scorpio corrected her. "And no, that's not bad at all. Now, let's get out of here."
**
A few days later, Abby and Robert Scorpio were sitting and drinking coffee.
"Are you sure you have to go back to Washington?", Scorpio asked. "I'd love to have you come work for me at the WSB."
"No, I have to go back. I miss my group", Abby said.
"Too bad this wasn't really a vacation for you", Scorpio said. "And you never did get to tackle the Jack the Ripper case."
"I think this vacation was exciting enough", Abby smiled. "Jack the Ripper can wait until next vacation. So have you heard anything from Seth?"
"Sidewinder", Scorpio said. "No, but I really didn't expect to. He helped us out, but it really wasn't in his best interests or ours to be together too much in public."
"Yeah, that whole super-villian thing is a bit of a problem", Abby agreed. "So what was in the journal we found."
"Well, we managed to break the encryptions and we were right. He was an alien who was stranded on this planet in the early 1800's. And though I don't understand it exactly, his body needed human anti-bodies to survive... a certain type found only in certain people."
"And he could sense the proper DNA in people?", Abby asked.
"So it seems", Scorpio said. "That's what kept him alive."
"And why he attacked those people over the years", Abby added.
"So he got stranded on earth and struggled to survive while he rebuilt his equipment to keep him in stasis and alive until he could be rescued. That was the first time that Spring Heel Jack was active. He managed to go into stasis and was there until Hydra discovered him and tried to use him as a super-soldier and weapon."
"That accounts for the attacks he performed twenty some odd years ago", Abby said. "And after Hydra was shut down, he only wanted to go back into his stasis and survive."
"Exactly", Scorpio said. "He was attacking people for food and burning them up to destroy the evidence."
"That's kind of creepy", Abby said. "But understandable. Nobody likes their food raw... unless it's sushi."
Scorpio gave Abby a strange look.
"What?", she said.
So now he's back in his stasis tube", Scorpio said. "And the hidden lab has been sealed and the files stricken."
"Good", Abby said. "I know he killed and hurt a lot of people, but he wasn't really evil. He was just hungry."
"He's dead now, and evil or not, I think it's better for everyone that way", Scorpio said. "So when's your flight?"
"In about two hours", Abby said.
"I'll give you a ride to the airport if you'd like", Scorpio said, but then his phone rang.
Quickly, Scorpio answered the phone and listened for a second.
"Abby, about that ride. I've got to....", he started to say, but Abby cut him off.
"I understand. You have a job to do. Call me when you're in Washington. We'll have dinner."
"Thanks", Scorpio said as he gave her a hug. "Gibbs and NCIS is very lucky to have you. You're amazing!"
"I know", Abby smiled. "And I'm lucky to have them. See you later, Scorpio."
Another quick hug and Robert Scorpio rushed out the door. Abby started to leave, but noticed a small package with her name on it.
"Oooh, a present", she said as she picked it up. She quickly read the note.
"Abby, here is all the information that Scotland Yard and the WSB have on Jack The Ripper. Go ahead and get a head start and when you come back to England, we're going to solve this mystery once and for all. Take care. Scorpio."
Abby smiled and opened the small box to find a flash drive.
"Thank you, Robert", she smiled as she tucked the flash drive and the note into her purse and headed off towards the airport.
A short time later, Abby was sititng in her seat, preparing for the flight home when she heard a voice.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Abby looked up and there was Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder.
"You didn't think I'd let you go home without saying goodbye, did you?", Seth smiled at her.
"I knew I liked you for a reason", Abby smiled. "How are the injuries?"
"Practically healed", Seth smiled. "And how did Scorpio settle things?"
"Jack is dead and his body is in stasis, the hidden lab is sealed and the files do not exist."
"Sounds good", Voelker admitted. "And I suppose that you're going back to your Gibbs and NCIS?"
"Of course", Abby smiled. "They need me!"
"Well, if you ever decide to leave them, give me a call", Voelker said. "I could always use a person of your skills."
"I thought you were retired from being a super-villian", Abby asked.
"I am", Voelker said. "But I'm still a businessman and I know a remarkable and extremely valuable asset when I see one."
"Thanks", Abby said, "but I'm happy where I am."
"I expected you'd say that", Voelker smiled. "Even so, if you ever need anything, even if it's just a dinner companion, please keep me in mind."
"I will", Abby smiled.
"And now, I'd bettter go", Voelker smiled. He gave Abby a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Until the next time, Abigail!"
And with that, Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder, vanished as he teleported away.
"Wow, this was a good vacation", Abby said. "And to think, I didn't want to go. I can't wait to tell McGee and Tony about this trip."
And then, sitting back with a sigh, Abby smiled to herself. "Yeah, maybe I can."
Epilogue: Six months later, back in the hidden lab, the dead body of Spring Heel Jack laid at peace in the stasis tube, alone and in the dark. The lab had been sealed off by Scorpio and had remained undisturbed. Suddenly, in the tube, two blazing red eyes pop open. The body of Spring Heel Jack, long dead, suddenly pops up and opens it's mouth, spitting firey vomit across the room.
It moans and the lips move, the mouth slowly opens as it attempts to speak.
"Abby", it creaks out. "Abby!"
THE END (?)
*********
Abby walked into her lab and pouted.
"I do not need a vacation, Gibbs!", she said.
"Yes, Abs, you do", Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs said to the young goth as he rubbed her shoulders. "How long has it been since you took some time off for yourself?"
"I... do things", Abby said quickly. "I don't need time off. I need to work. We have cases to solve and foresnics to examine."
"You're taking the vacation, Abs", Gibbs said bluntly as he turned her around to face him. "Orders from Leon."
"But why?", Abby said sadly. "I can't leave my team. You need me!"
"Leon says that you have three weeks of unused vacation time and you have to use it. It'll be good for you.", Gibbs countered.
"But what if you need me", Abby asked again.
"I have McGee and Ducky", Gibbs replied. "They can hold things down until you get back."
"But Ducky has so much other stuff to do and McGee is just a probie", Abby said. "You need me!"
"You're going, Abs", Gibbs said.
"But, Gibbs...?", Abby started to say, but Gibbs cut her off.
"You're going. When you leave here today, I don't want you back in this lab or here at the office for any reason for three weeks!"
"But...", Abby started to object again, but once again, Gibbs cut her off.
"I mean it!", he said bluntly.
"Okay", Abby said sadly.
"And don't be going out to L.A. to volunteer either. No work! Do you hear me!"
Abby sulked. "How did you know that I was thinking about....?
Gibbs just looked at her.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry Gibbs", she said quietly. "Am I still your favorite?"
"Take the vacation and have fun, Abs", Gibbs said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Three weeks! Remember!"
"All right", Abby pounted and nodded her head.
"Good girl", Gibbs said as he walked out of the room.
Abby turned and began to do some DNA analysis on her computer, muttering to herself.
"What am I going to do for three weeks?", she said herself.
Letting out a big sigh, she turned her attention to the work in front of her.
**
Two days later, Abby was boarding a plane, headed for London, England. She had decided to spend her vacation retracing the steps of the legendary serial killer, Jack the Ripper.
"Too bad I couldn't talk Eric into taking his vacation from the L.A. team and coming with me", she said. "But this should be fun... and maybe I can solve the mystery of who Jack the Ripper really was."
The flight went smoothly and several hours later, Abby was securely comfortable in the small motel that she had decided to stay in. After eating dinner and using her resources to discover a British market that sold Caff Pow, Abby decided to take a stroll and check out some of the sites where Jack the Ripper had slain some of his victims.
After looking at the sites where the first three victims of the infamous madman had slain his victims, Mary Ann Nicholls, Annie Chapman and Long Liz Stride, so many years ago, Abby moved on to the site where prostitute Kate Eddowes had met her end.
"I wish I could get a look at the records and the evidence collected", Abby said her herself. "I'll bet I could solve these murders and determine who Jack the Ripper was."
"Excuse me", a man walking by spoke up. "Did you say something?"
"Was I talking out loud", Abby said. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking to myself and it slipped out of my mouth as I was thinking", she babbled. "Do I know you?"
"My apologies", the man said as he gave her a slight bow. "My name is Seth Voelker."
"And I'm Abby", Abby smiled as she shook the man's hand. "You're not a local, are you? I mean, not British because you don't sound English. I mean, you speak perfectly good english, but you're from the states, right?"
The man laughed as he answered.
"No, I'm not from around here. I'm from the States, as you deduced. New York, actually. Now, what was it that you were saying about solving the Jack the Ripper case?"
"Oh, I work for NC... an investigative firm in New York", Abby said, deciding that it would be better to keep her identity as an NCIS agent secret. "I do... stuff. And if I could get a look at the evidence collected, I'd love to take a crack at solving the mystery of Jack the Ripper."
"People have been trying to do that for over a hundred years", Voelker laughed.
But then, noticing the look that Abby was giving him, he added, "but if anyone could do it, I'm sure you'd be quite capable."
Abby smiled at the man.
"I like you!", she said.
"Well, thank you... Abby, was it?", the man smiled back. "Could I interest you in a cup of coffee or something", he asked.
"Thanks, but no", Abby said. "I've got to get going."
"Actually, I do too. I'm due for an appointment", Voelker said. "It's nice meeting you, Abby."
"You too, Mr. Voelker", Abby smiled.
"Call me Seth... please", Raymond said.
"Seth? That's an interesting name", Abby smiled. "Is that your real name?"
"It is", Voelker replied.
"It's very refined and dignified", Abby remarked. "It fits."
"Thank you", Voelker said. "And yours is short for Abigail?"
"Blah", Abby said with a smile.
"It's a beautiful name for a beautiful young lady", Voelker said.
"Flatterer", Abby smiled. "And thanks!"
"Well, I must be off before I'm late. It's a pleasure to meet you... Abby.", Voelker smiled.
"And nice meeting you too, Seth", Abby smiled back.
And with a handshake and a nod, Seth Voelker smiled and walked off down the road.
Abby watched as the man walked away and then turned back to the scene in front of her, where Jack the Ripper had claimed his fourth victim back on September 30, 1888.
"If I can just find a way to get a look at the evidence at Scotland Yard", Abby thought to herself.
Suddenly, the sound of a scream ripped through the air.
Without a thought for her own safety, Abby began running towards the sound of the scream and seconds later, came across a elderly woman laying on the sidewalk, her clothes ripped and her face bruised and burned, crying.
"Are you okay?", Abby asked as she helped the lady to her feet.
"It was awful", the lady cried. "I was just walking down the street and this man jumped out of nowhere and just grabbed me."
"Did you recognize him? Can you describe him?", Abby asked.
"He was wearing a helmet", the woman said, choking back her tears. "And a tight fitting costume. His face was hideous and his eyes were like balls of fire."
"Anything else", Abby asked as she helped the lady get to her feet.
"His hands were like claws", the woman cried. "And he was vomiting fire... blue and white flames."
Abby continued to help the lady as the police arrived and took the woman for medical attention.
One of the detectives, an older gentleman with brown hair and an Australian accent, looked at Abby, who had given her statement and waited around to make sure the elderly woman was going to be ok.
"Thanks for your help,", the officer said. "The lady should be all right. She was just shaken up."
"I'm glad to hear that", Abby said. "But what was up with that description she gave? Vomiting fire?"
"Just forget about that", the man said, trying to change the subject. "She is old and was probably just imagining things."
"She had claw marks on her arms... and there were some burns as well", Abby spoke up. "So something did burn her."
"Don't worry about it", the officer told Abby. "Leave the police work to the professionals. We've got it under control."
Holding back the urge to smack the officer for his condescending tone, Abby reached into her purse and pulled out some ID.
"I am a professional. I'm with NCIS. Now, once more, what is with that description she gave. And I want the truth."
The man studied her identification for a moment and let out a heavy sigh.
"Well, Miss...Scuito, is it? Maybe we can't hide this any longer. Have you ever heard of the legend of Springheel Jack?"
"Call me Abby", Abby said. "And you are...??"
"My name is Scorpio. Robert Scorpio", the man smiled.
"And now", Abby said, "Who or what is Springheel Jack?"
"Come with me back to the office for a cup of coffee", Scorpio said quietly. "And I'll tell you."
**
Abby went back to the police headquarters with the officer, who turned out to be an agent on loan from the W.S.B. (World Security Bureau), by the name of Robert Scorpio.
"I've heard of you", Abby told the man. "An affair about something called 'The Ice Princess' back in the eighties. You're a legend in the spook world. I thought you had retired and become the Police Commissioner of a small town called Port Charles in New York."
"That was a long time ago", Scorpio said. "I left that job and got back in the spy business. Now, we came here to talk about the legend of Springheel Jack."
"Yeah, you mentioned that name after the lady was attacked. Why? And who is Springheel Jack?"
"Springheel Jack is a legend from the early 1800's", Scorpio explained. "A bogeyman of sorts that attacked women, his eyes burning and spitting flames, dressed in a weird sort of outfit, and he always escaped by leaping away in an inhuman manner, much like the description of the assailant today. Here, look at this."
Scorpio reached over and handed Abby a folder to look at.
Abby quickly glanced through the files, while Scorpio watched her. Then, closing the folder, Abby spoke.
"Surely you don't believe that this guy from the 1800's is the same one that attacked that woman today, do you?"
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore", Scorpio said. "The description fits and the M.O. fits, but it can't possibly be the same person."
"I can see why the local authorities want to keep this under wraps", Abby admitted. "But why did you decide to confide in me?"
"Well, after you presented your credentials as a member of NCIS, I decided to trust my instincts", Scorpio admitted. "I'm at a dead end here and no closer to solving this case or finding this person, if that's what it is, than I was before. I need someone with a fresh prespective to look at things and maybe they can see what I'm missing. And you came across to me as a very intelligent young lady with a unique way of looking at things. So I decided to take a chance and invite you here to speak of this case."
"Well, I was told by Gibbs, my boss, to stay out of the office for the rest of my vacation and I'm twitchy and need something to do. So I'll help you if I can. But you can't tell Gibbs", Abby said. "But first, where is the nearest store that sells Caff-Pow and secondly, where is the forensics evidence that you've gathered and your lab."
"What is Caff-Pow?", Scorpio asked with a bemused look on his face.
"The essence of life", Abby smiled. "Now let's take a look at that forensics material. I also want police reports, coroner reports if any and the latest CD from the band Metal Church."
"I can have all of that here in an hour", Scorpio said. "But Metal Church?"
"A new CD is out and I haven't had time to get it yet. Music helps me think. Just do it!", she smiled.
Scorpio smiled back at her. He had discreetly ran a quick background search on Abby and her reputation as one of the very best forensics and research experts at NCIS preceded her, as did her reputation for being slightly eccentric. This was definitely going to be interesting.
**
Seth Voelker sat at a small cafe in London and sipped at his coffee. His meeting had gone well and he was cheerfully celebrating a great business deal.
"It's such a pleasure to deal with AIM", he thought to himself. "They're so much more professional and rational than most of the other mercenary groups."
After ordering his dinner, Voelker sat back and relaxed.
"That didn't take as long as I expected", he thought to himself. "Maybe I should just stay over here in London for a few days and just enjoy myself before I head back to New York. That was an attractive young lady I met earlier today. I should have gotten her phone number or at least the name of her motel."
As Voelker ate his dinner, he noticed a couple of young ladies walking by the cafe. He watched for a moment as they walked past and out of sight, entering an alley down towards the end of the block. Going back to enjoying his dinner, Voelker took a bite of his steak when the sounds of screaming echoed out through the night air. Leaping up, Voelker laid money on the table to cover his bill and hurried out to see exactly what was happening. Another scream carried through the night air and Voelker realized that the screams were coming from the alley where he had witnessed the ladies entering moments earlier.
Moving quickly, Voelker ran to the opening of the alley and saw the body of one of the ladies, badly burned, laying upon the ground and still smoldering.
"Dear God", Voelker said with a gasp. And he peered farther down the alley and saw the other woman fighting off a tall, lanky man with tight fitting clothing and a strange helmet.
"Hey", Voelker yelled as he rushed down the alley.
The strange man, clawing at the woman, slammed her hard into the wall and turned towards the approaching man and with a hideous cackling noise, lept towards Voelker as his eyes blazed and flames seemed to vomit forth from his mouth.
Moving with a speed that defied his age, Voelker quickly activated the special uniform that he wore beneath his suit and with a loud swooshing sound filling the air, vanished from sight as the crazed assailant flew past him. Reappearing at the end of the alley, Voelker, now in full costume as his alter-ego, the super villian, Sidewinder, was crouched and ready for action. But the assailant was gone.
Voelker quickly surveyed the situation and noted that the woman at the front of the alley was burned and beyond help. He also noted that the second woman was still alive, but in need of medical assistance immediately. Torn between pursuing the assailant and helping the woman, Voelker used his teleportation ability to vanish once more and change back into his civilian clothes. He then went to lend aid to the injured woman as the police and onlookers began to arrive.
**
Back at the police headquarters, Abby had essentially taken over the police lab and was examining some of the evidence gathered at the scenes of Springheel Jack's attacks.
"I've accessed the video footage from local security cameras and am looking for an electronic image of this guy", Abby explained to Scorpio. "Then I can run the image through the system and attempt to get a match. Also, I found a small trace of some unknown chemicals in the bloodwork of one of the victims. It appears to be some kind of poison, but I can't identify it yet. I"m running some tests."
Scorpio sat back and smiled. Abby was certainly living up to her reputation in finding out information from the most obscure of objects. She was definitely in her element, even if she did listen to the most awful sounding music. Suddenly, Scorpio's cell phone rang.
"Scorpio here", he answered.
After listening for a few moments, he closed the phone and stood up. "Another attack by Springheel Jack", he told Abby. "And this time, we have a survivor and a witness."
Scorpio headed out the door, with Abby right on his heels.
"You", she said to one of the officers who was standing nearby, "Don't let anyone into that lab and don't touch anything. We'll be back!"
As the man nodded, Abby said to Scorpio, "I'm coming with you."
It didn't take long for Abby and Scorpio to reach the site, which was just a few blocks from the last attack. After talking to several of the officers and getting some details, Scorpio and Abby went to speak to the witness. One woman was dead and the surviving victim had been transported to a local medical facility and Scorpio was determined to get some answers.
"Mr. Voelker, I'm Robert Scorpio", Scorpio introduced himself as he approached Voelker, who was talking with one of the officers. As Robert spoke to the man and got more details of what had happened, something in the back of his mind kept telling him that there was something mysterious about Mr. Voelker.
Abby, who had been supervising the collection of evidence by the officers, came up to join the conversation.
"Hey Scorpio, I got them taking footprint and fingerprint samples and told the coroner that I want blood samples and chemical tests on those burns, asap", Abby said and then she stopped as she recognized Seth Voelker.
"Seth, you're the witness?", she asked.
"Hello Abby", Seth smiled. "So we meet again."
"You two know each other", Scorpio asked.
"We met earlier today", Abby said. "How did your meeting go?"
"It went well", Seth replied. "I didn't know you were a police officer."
"No, I mean yes", Abby said. "I am part of a unit in the states, but I'm not here. I'm just helping out while I'm on vacation."
"Abby is just helping us out with this investigation", Scorpio said. "So would you mind repeating what you told me for Abby?"
"Not at all", Voelker said. Voelker repeated his account of what had transpired earlier and his attempts to help the two women, leaving out of course, his use of super-powers.
As the three talked, suddenly Scorpio realized where he knew the name of Seth Voelker from.
"Sidewinder", he muttered.
"What was that?", Abby asked as Voelker jerked around and stared at Scorpio.
"You're the super criminal, Sidewinder", Scorpio said as he reached for his gun.
"Oh please", Voelker sighed.
"You're a super criminal?", Abby asked to Voelker as Scorpio held his gun on the man.
"Retired super criminal", Voelker said. "I've been retired for quite some time and by the way, Mr. Scorpio, do you really think that gun will do you any good if I decide to leave?"
Scorpio thought about it for a second and put the gun away.
"So what's your game, Voelker. Why are you here?", he asked
"Just as I told you earlier", Voelker replied. "I am here in London for a business meeting."
"Dirty business, no doubt", Scorpio said.
"Not at all", Voelker said. "Perfectly legitimate, I assure you. And after my business was concluded, I was having dinner, heard screams and attempted to save those two women who were being attacked by this Springheel Jack character."
"So we're supposed to believe that your appearance here is purely coincidental?", Scorpio asked.
"I don't care what you believe", Voelker said. "But if I was up to no good as you believe, or if I was behind the attacks on these women, as you're seeming to imply, would I have stayed here to answer your questions?"
"He's got a point", Abby said. "So you can teleport?", she asked Voelker.
"I can", Voelker said.
"Way cool", Abby smiled.
Scorpio looked at Voelker and then at Abby.
"Well, since you've decided to get involved, would you care to give us a hand?", he asked Voelker.
"Well, I don't normally work with your side of the law", Voelker said. "But that thing... whatever it was, is dangerous and needs to be stopped. Despite some of my past activities, I've never been a fan of injuring or slaughtering of innocents and this... creature, seems to thrive on such activities. I'll help you if I can."
"Great", Abby said. "I knew that I liked you", she laughed.
"Yeah, great", Scorpio said sarcastically. "Well, let's finish up here and get to work."
"I'll meet you at your office later", Voelker said.
"We're not finished questioning you yet", Scorpio said.
"You've gotten my statement about the attack on the ladies", Voelker said. "But if I'm going to help you, we need to find out who and what this creature is and where he is. I have sources that may know."
"Will you keep us informed of what you find out?", Scorpio asked.
"I said I would", Voelker replied. "I'll be at your office in four hours."
"We'll be waiting", Scorpio said.
"Until then", Voelker said as he nodded towards Abby before vanishing with a swooshing sound filling the air.
Abby and Scorpio looked at each other.
"That is so cool", Abby said.
Scorpio glared at her. Abby just shrugged her shoulders and gave a small grin as the two went back to work.
**
A few hours later, after returning to the police headquarters, Abby resumed her labwork. She had managed to find one image from a street camera of Spring Heel Jack and was now running it through the machines, hoping for an ID. Sitting at a small desk in the next room, Scorpio was looking through the statements of the victims and the witnesses of Spring Heel Jack's attacks, trying to find anything that he may have overlooked earlier.
Suddenly, there was a swoosh of air as Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder, appeared in the middle of the room, startling Scorpio from his chair.
"I really wish you wouldn't do that", Scorpio said as he stood up. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"I didn't really think you'd want me to come in through the front door and make my presence known to the officers outside", Voelker said. "It probably wouldn't do your reputation well to be known to associate with a known criminal."
"I don't give a damn about my reputation", Scorpio said. "I just don't like you popping in like that. It isn't natural and is liable to give a man a heart attack."
"You'll get used to it", Voelker smiled.
"So did you find out anything", Scorpio asked.
"I think so", Voelker said. "Where is Abby?"
Suddenly Abby came walking into the room.
"Hey, I just managed to get an ID on the picture from the street security camera", Abby said. "Oh, hi Seth", she smiled at Voelker.
"Hello Abby", Seth said.
"Say your hello's later", Scorpio said. "What did you find out?"
Both Abby and Seth started to speak at the same time, but then quit as they looked at each other and laughed. Scorpio just sighed.
"You first", he said as he pointed at Voelker.
"Well, this Spring Heel Jack, as you call him, is quite the topic of conversation in the London underworld. Speculation runs that he's everything from a failed lab experiment, an alien, a mutant, or just a plain and simple crazy person."
"Tell us something we don't already know", Scorpio said.
"One of my sources had more information. A few years ago, the super-terrorist group known as Hydra, discovered a strange person frozen in some kind of stasis chamber in a small lab in Newcastle."
"And you think that person and this person is the same person?", Abby asked.
"It seems so", Voelker said. "This particular division of Hydra was under the leadership of a man by the name of Count Otto Vermis, who was your typical would-be world conquerer. He was extremely interested in having his own super-powered assassins and created and mutated several beings to act in such a manner. SHIELD ended up shutting him down and Vermis was killed."
"So Vermis possibly created the crazy that's been going around attacking people?", Abby asked.
"Possible, but it seems more likely that Vermis just discovered our friend already created, but in some sort of stasis and tried to use him for his own means", Scorpio said.
"And after Vermis died and his branch of Hydra was shut down, the creature either escaped in the confusion or was dormant until recently", Voelker said.
"And is this creature the same one that roamed the streets causing havok in the 1800's and why is he attacking people. And what's the deal with the fire from the mouth. Uuugh!", Abby said.
"We don't know, but we will find out", Scorpio said. "Now what were you saying about an ID from the security cameras?"
"Well, I managed to find a picture of Spring Heel Jack from one of the street security cameras. It wasn't easy because something about this guy... he gives off a weird type of energy that distorts pictures and electronic images and..."
"Abby?", Scorpio interupted.
"Oh yeah, well, one of the cameras managed to get a shot of him, probably because the camera was too far away for his weird energy to affect. And by the way, your local people totally missed this."
"I'll be sure to let them know", Scorpio said quietly.
"I ran the image through the NCIS system and managed to score a hit, an Indian, from India, with terrorist ties as an assassin and hitman by the name of Jack Dempsey. Dempsey used an area in Newcastle, England as a base of operations, but vanished from the radar roughly about eighteen months ago."
"Which was just about the time that these attacks began", Scorpio said.
"So Spring Heel Jack's real name is Jack Dempsey", Voelker added.
"And there's more", Abby said. "I spoke with your coroner and there some small, almost microscopic punctures on the bodies of the victims. It was hard to notice them because of the cuts and bruises and also because most of the victims had been charbroiled."
"And...?", Scorpio asked.
"Don't be impatient", Abby smiled. "I remembered a case similar to this from a few years ago at NCIS. It was never officially closed, but several bodies were found with almost microscopic bite marks, drained of blood."
"So you're saying that Jack is a vampire?", Scorpio asked.
"No", Abby said. "But there are similarities. I e-mailed Ducky and had him send me the reports from that case. And then I had your coroners check for any missing body fluids or abnormalities. I just got the report back."
"What is a 'Ducky'?", Scorpio asked. "And what did they find out?"
"Ducky is the Chief Medical Examiner at NCIS", Abby said. "And one of the smartest men I know. As for what they found out, there was something missing from all of the bodies examined that was odd."
"And that was...?", Voelker asked.
"Look at this", Abby said as she turned on a video screen and a picture appeared. "This is an example of a regular human DNA system. You'll remember from high school that when someone gets sick, the body produces antiodies that fight disease and intruding viruses, and hel to regulate the body's health system."
"In english please, Abby", Scorpio sighed.
"Well, the people who were attacked by Spring Heel Jack, didn't have any antibodies in their body to fight off diseases. Someone or something sucked 'em out of their system."
"And you think it's Spring Heel Jack that did that", Voelker asked.
"Or a very nitpicky vampire with some tiny fangs", Abby said.
"Do we have an address for this Dempsey?", Scorpio asked.
"Of course", Abby said. "This is the last known address. Should we go check it out?"
"Let's go check it out", Scorpio said. "Are you coming Voelker?", he asked.
"Yes", Voelker remarked. "What about you, Abby?"
"As soon as I take this phone call", Abby said.
"What phone call?", Scorpio asked.
And then Abby's cell phone began ringing and she smiled.
"Gotta take this. Be right back!"
Abby walked over to the far end of the room and answered her phone.
"Yes Gibbs?", she said.
"Abby, I just received word that several requests for information were made using your password and ID. You're on vacation. So what's up?", Gibbs asked.
Abby told Gibbs about her encounter with Spring Heel Jack and everything that had happened from then on and how she was assisting Robert Scorpio in the case. And then she stood quietly and listened for close to fifteen minutes as Gibbs spoke to her. Finally, Abby hung up her phone.
"Was that Gibbs?", Scorpio asked.
"Yes", Abby said. "And if I get hurt, he'll kill you. He told me to tell you that."
"Gibbs must really care about you", Scorpio said. "I'm surprised that he didn't order you to come home."
"He did", Abby said. "But then, when he realized that I was determined to see this through, and when I mentioned that I was working with you and Seth, he told me I could stay."
"You told your boss, Gibbs, that I was involved?", Seth asked.
"I did", Abby said. "And he wanted to know if you still have the snake suit."
"We had an encounter a few years ago when I was first starting out", Voelker explained. "He's very good at what he does."
"And he also told me to tell you that if I get hurt, he'll find you and skin you alive", Abby said to Seth.
"And I have no doubt that he'd try", Seth said. "So I guess that means we can't let you get hurt."
"Actually", Scorpio said, "I'm surprised that he's not sendng his entire group here to take over the investigation."
"Gibbs isn't that bad", Abby said. "Okay, maybe he is, but that's my Gibbs and I'm his favorite."
"Shall we head on and go check out this address", Scorpio said, "I would really like to get a lead on this guy."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Scorpio, Abby and Voelker all looked at each other.
"Come in", Scorpio said.
The door opened and in stepped a dark haired woman.
"Hello, Emma", Scorpio said..
"Hello Robert", the woman said. "Mr. Voelker, Miss Scuito. My name is Peel. Emma Peel. Gibbs sent me."
Abby just sighed and shrugged as both Voelker and Scorpio gave her amused looks.
"He called me up and told me to come here", Emma Peel explained. "She's his favorite!"
Scorpio just sighed.
"Let's get Emma up to date before anyone else shows up", he said.
A short time later, after filling Emma in, the now four people went and traveled down to Newcastle to check out where the man they'd identified as Jack Dempsey once lived.
**
A few hours later, the odd foursome were investigating the small cottage that was once home to Jack Dempsey.
"It doesn't look like anyone has been here for years", Abby said as she looked at some dust covered pictures on the wall.
"At least not since Spring Heel Jack first showed back up", Scorpio said.
"We can give this place a search, but I doubt that we'll find anything important", Emma Peel added.
"I'm not sure", Voelker said. "I'm getting a weird feeling from this place, like we're missing something."
Voelker was feeling along the wall as if searching for something.
"What are you doing, Seth?", Abby asked.
"If this guy had Hydra training, as we expect, I'm sure that there is a hidden compartment somewhere in here", Voelker replied. "The key is finding it."
Voelker scanned the wall with his eyes, as Peel and Scorpio did the same. Suddenly, all of them shouted at the same time, "the shower".
Abby jumped, startled when they all three shouted, and said quickly, "Don't do that! What? The shower?"
The four quickly moved towards the bathroom and after checking for any booby-traps, Scorpio and Voelker examined the wall of the step-in shower.
"If there's a latch or switch, it should be right about....here", Voelker said as he examined the top of the wall.
And with a click, the back wall slid away, revealing a hidden opening.
"And there you go", Voelker said.
"Let's go check it out", Abby said, but Voelker put a hand on her shoulder.
"Myself and Scorpio will check it out. You're staying out here with Emma where it's safe."
"He's right luv", Scorpio agreed. "You and Emma continue to look for clues out here while myself and Voelker see where this leads."
Abby pounted for a moment before finally agreeing. Emma and Abby went to check out more of the house, while Voelker and Scorpio entered the dark opening.
"I've got infra-red sensors in my costume", Voelker said. "Can you see, Scorpio?"
"I'm fine", Scorpio said as he pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket. "Part of being a WSB Agent is always be prepared."
Voelker and Scorpio headed through the darkness, following a narrow tunnel into a big, open area.
"I think this might be where our friend lives", Scorpio said as he shined the light around. "Look at these machines. I've never seen anything like them before,"
"Nor have I", Voelker admitted. "This is some high tech stuff, but it's so old."
"And look at that", Scorpio said as he shined a light over at a set of clear tubes, large enough to hold a large man.
"Do you think that might be his bed?", Voelker asked.
"I'm not sure, but someone has been here recently", Scorpio said as he continued to look around.
Examining some computers, Voelker spoke up.
"I think we should go get Abby and Emma", he said. "I have no idea about these computers. Maybe Abby can figure them out."
"Are you going to do that teleport thing you do?", Scorpio asked.
"It's the quickest way to get them and probably the safest", Voelker remarked.
"Well.... hurry", Scorpio said.
"Yeah, this place gives me the creeps too", Voelker admitted. "I'll be back in a minute,"
And with that, Voelker activated his suit and teleported away with a loud swooshing noise filling the air.
Scorpio continued to look around and came to a closet. He opened the closet door slowly and jumped back as he found himself looking straight into the burning eyes of Spring Heel Jack.
Scorpio pulled his gun and attempted to fire, but Jack was too fast and reached out with his long arms, swatting at Scorpio, knocking the gun from his hand, and sending him flying into the wall. With a loud shriek, Jack spat fire at Scorpio, who just barely managed to roll out of the way.
A swooshing noise filled the air as Voelker reappeared, with Emma Peel and Abby beside him.
"Wow, that was cool", Abby said.
"Duck", Emma said quickly as she pushed Abby to the ground just as Spring Heel Jack cut loose with another blast of the burning vomit.
"Get Abby to safety", Voelker said as he activated his "Side Effect" stings that emmited forth from his outfit and blasted away at Spring Heel Jack. Jack managed to dodge the blasts and was too fast even for Voelker as he lept over and slammed a hard fist against Voelker's head.
There was a large crash as Emma Peel smashed a board that she had picked up against the back of Jack, who then spun and slapped her across the room. Abby was in the corner watching the chaos unfold before her and spotted Scorpio's gun laying on the ground.
"If I can get to that gun", she muttered to herself as she tried to crawl across the floor.
Meanwhile, Spring Heel Jack was still going after Emma, when Scorpio jumped over and tackled the larger, strange looking man. Jack reeled from the attack and shot forth a blast of flame that would mean certain doom for Scorpio, but Voelker used his teleporting powers to appear in front of Scorpio and block most of the flame with the cape of his Sidewinder outfit.
He still screamed in pain as his arms and face were burned...
Spring Heel Jack looked around at the fallen people and started to head for the door, looking to escape. The sounds of shots rang out as several bullets ripped through the helmet and skull of the tall, odd creature of a man, who fell to the ground.
And there stood Abby, gun in hand, still smoking from where she had shot the creature, using Scorpio's gun.
Emma Peel came up from the other side and crashed a large steel pole across the head of the creature, which finally stopped moving. Scorpio reached over and took the smoking pistol away from Abby before checking the vital signs of the creature. It was dead.
"I wasn't aware you were such a marksman", Scorpio said quietly to Abby.
"Gibbs taught me. He said I needed to know how to use a gun."
"I'm glad he did", Scorpio said as he gave Abby a hug. "You saved us all!"
Meanwhile, Emma Peel tended to the wounds and burns suffered by Seth Voelker.
"I'll call for an ambulance", Emma started to say, but Voelker stopped her.
"These wounds are not serious", Voelker said. "Just painful. I know where I can get medical aide quickly and discreetly. Tell Scorpio and Abby I'll be in touch."
And with those words and a groan of pain, Voelker used the powers of his suit to teleport away.
"Where did Seth go?", Abby asked as she walked over.
"He went to get some medical attention", Emma said. "And he assumed, probably correctly, that it wouldn't be wise for him to be here when we summon aid from local authorities."
"He's probably right", Abby said.
"Look at this place and this equipment", Emma said. "What was he?", she asked as she stared down at the body of Spring Heel Jack.
"If I"m reading this correctly", Scorpio said from the other side of the room where he was examining a small globe, "he was an alien who got stranded on this world a long time ago."
Abby started looking around and came across what appeared to be a journal.
"I found something, but it's some sort of encrypted code", she said.
"Let's seal this place up and get out of here", Scorpio said. "We can translate that journal back at the office."
"What about him?", Emma asked.
"Let him rest in peace", Scorpio said. "We can place the body in one of those stasis tubes and then seal this place up. I don't think the world is ready to know about aliens. If we need to come back, we can."
"Won't that get you in trouble with your superiors?", Emma asked.
"I work with total autonomy", Scorpio said. "I don't have any superiors. If I decide that it's in the best interests of national security to cover this up, I can and will."
"That's why you can work with people like Voelker and get away with it", Emma asked.
"I do what I have to do, with whoever I have to do", Scorpio said.
"He's actually a pretty good guy and he volunteered to help us", Abby explained about Voelker. "Not bad for a so-called super-villian."
"Retired super villian", Scorpio corrected her. "And no, that's not bad at all. Now, let's get out of here."
**
A few days later, Abby and Robert Scorpio were sitting and drinking coffee.
"Are you sure you have to go back to Washington?", Scorpio asked. "I'd love to have you come work for me at the WSB."
"No, I have to go back. I miss my group", Abby said.
"Too bad this wasn't really a vacation for you", Scorpio said. "And you never did get to tackle the Jack the Ripper case."
"I think this vacation was exciting enough", Abby smiled. "Jack the Ripper can wait until next vacation. So have you heard anything from Seth?"
"Sidewinder", Scorpio said. "No, but I really didn't expect to. He helped us out, but it really wasn't in his best interests or ours to be together too much in public."
"Yeah, that whole super-villian thing is a bit of a problem", Abby agreed. "So what was in the journal we found."
"Well, we managed to break the encryptions and we were right. He was an alien who was stranded on this planet in the early 1800's. And though I don't understand it exactly, his body needed human anti-bodies to survive... a certain type found only in certain people."
"And he could sense the proper DNA in people?", Abby asked.
"So it seems", Scorpio said. "That's what kept him alive."
"And why he attacked those people over the years", Abby added.
"So he got stranded on earth and struggled to survive while he rebuilt his equipment to keep him in stasis and alive until he could be rescued. That was the first time that Spring Heel Jack was active. He managed to go into stasis and was there until Hydra discovered him and tried to use him as a super-soldier and weapon."
"That accounts for the attacks he performed twenty some odd years ago", Abby said. "And after Hydra was shut down, he only wanted to go back into his stasis and survive."
"Exactly", Scorpio said. "He was attacking people for food and burning them up to destroy the evidence."
"That's kind of creepy", Abby said. "But understandable. Nobody likes their food raw... unless it's sushi."
Scorpio gave Abby a strange look.
"What?", she said.
So now he's back in his stasis tube", Scorpio said. "And the hidden lab has been sealed and the files stricken."
"Good", Abby said. "I know he killed and hurt a lot of people, but he wasn't really evil. He was just hungry."
"He's dead now, and evil or not, I think it's better for everyone that way", Scorpio said. "So when's your flight?"
"In about two hours", Abby said.
"I'll give you a ride to the airport if you'd like", Scorpio said, but then his phone rang.
Quickly, Scorpio answered the phone and listened for a second.
"Abby, about that ride. I've got to....", he started to say, but Abby cut him off.
"I understand. You have a job to do. Call me when you're in Washington. We'll have dinner."
"Thanks", Scorpio said as he gave her a hug. "Gibbs and NCIS is very lucky to have you. You're amazing!"
"I know", Abby smiled. "And I'm lucky to have them. See you later, Scorpio."
Another quick hug and Robert Scorpio rushed out the door. Abby started to leave, but noticed a small package with her name on it.
"Oooh, a present", she said as she picked it up. She quickly read the note.
"Abby, here is all the information that Scotland Yard and the WSB have on Jack The Ripper. Go ahead and get a head start and when you come back to England, we're going to solve this mystery once and for all. Take care. Scorpio."
Abby smiled and opened the small box to find a flash drive.
"Thank you, Robert", she smiled as she tucked the flash drive and the note into her purse and headed off towards the airport.
A short time later, Abby was sititng in her seat, preparing for the flight home when she heard a voice.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Abby looked up and there was Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder.
"You didn't think I'd let you go home without saying goodbye, did you?", Seth smiled at her.
"I knew I liked you for a reason", Abby smiled. "How are the injuries?"
"Practically healed", Seth smiled. "And how did Scorpio settle things?"
"Jack is dead and his body is in stasis, the hidden lab is sealed and the files do not exist."
"Sounds good", Voelker admitted. "And I suppose that you're going back to your Gibbs and NCIS?"
"Of course", Abby smiled. "They need me!"
"Well, if you ever decide to leave them, give me a call", Voelker said. "I could always use a person of your skills."
"I thought you were retired from being a super-villian", Abby asked.
"I am", Voelker said. "But I'm still a businessman and I know a remarkable and extremely valuable asset when I see one."
"Thanks", Abby said, "but I'm happy where I am."
"I expected you'd say that", Voelker smiled. "Even so, if you ever need anything, even if it's just a dinner companion, please keep me in mind."
"I will", Abby smiled.
"And now, I'd bettter go", Voelker smiled. He gave Abby a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Until the next time, Abigail!"
And with that, Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder, vanished as he teleported away.
"Wow, this was a good vacation", Abby said. "And to think, I didn't want to go. I can't wait to tell McGee and Tony about this trip."
And then, sitting back with a sigh, Abby smiled to herself. "Yeah, maybe I can."
Epilogue: Six months later, back in the hidden lab, the dead body of Spring Heel Jack laid at peace in the stasis tube, alone and in the dark. The lab had been sealed off by Scorpio and had remained undisturbed. Suddenly, in the tube, two blazing red eyes pop open. The body of Spring Heel Jack, long dead, suddenly pops up and opens it's mouth, spitting firey vomit across the room.
It moans and the lips move, the mouth slowly opens as it attempts to speak.
"Abby", it creaks out. "Abby!"
THE END (?)
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